I’ve often remarked that we, the people traveling to the colonias to help, are the largest recipients of help. Often, we travel to the poor in the belief that the poor will receive help, valuable information, ideas and hope from us only to discover that we received the help, valuable insight and hope. One of the largest rewards I’ve received because of the founding of Paper Houses Across the Border was the opportunity to meet so many generous and insightful people from the United States as they came together on our missions. Certainly Christine is at the top of that list and so are Pete, Jeff and Elizabeth, Michael and so many ‘frequent’ missioners. However, one person truly stood out even though she only participated in one mission trip and hardly said very much at all. Geri Glasshof is the aunt of Michelle Park, a tremendously warm soul that has joined me on many trips in the colonias and has provided moral and monetary support. In2009, Michelle came with her mother, husband, a few friends, her husband and Aunt Geri. Aunt Geri arrived with an infectious smile that was genuine. She seemed to live in the moment and to savor all that she saw and heard. Aunt Geri is one of those rare souls that is born to serve and she served from her heart.
As she asked questions and beamed her infectious smile at the children and the people, she never mentioned that she was very engaged in her own charity work.
After watching her with the children of Acuña, I was surprised to learn that her daily acts of charity in Arizona involved her love of hospice work for the elderly.
Mission comes in many forms. Sometimes a mission of presence has value beyond measure.
She walked the streets. She watched. She listened. She absorbed the situations and the love.
One of the great moments in life is when we reflect upon the life of another. Since Aunt Geri’s passing, I’ve realized the need to seek answers from others to improve all that we do and double our efforts to remember the importance of simply being with the people. Aunt Geri willingly went beyond her own charity calling to explore and experience what others were doing to change the world. She came to learn and not to teach. Her quiet smile and gentle questions taught us much about ourselves and about real charity.