It was one of those regular days at the Collegium Café. I was still in my office when three little kids walked in. They came to me and asked for “Abraham”. I was quite surprised as these kids were very little and specifically asked for me. I smiled at them and said, “That’s me!” And I then asked for their names. The eldest of them introduced herself as Areli. She studies in grade 4 and is 9 years old. Rodrigo and Danny are friends and are both 6 years old and studying in grade 1.
I asked Areli how she came to the Collegium Café and specifically asked for me. I told her that I did not know her at all and do not recall meeting her in the past. Areli said that a few months back she was at the Collegium with her friend. She told me that both of them were bored and I had approached them and greeted them warmly and introduced myself. She added that I then offered them a few board games and I also taught them how to play some of them. She said that I made them feel welcomed, and they had enjoyed their time at the Collegium Café playing games with me. Areli said that although it has been a few months since this incident had happened she still remembers me and thought that she should bring her brother and his friend to the Collegium Café as she knew that they would have a good time. So, I again taught them a new game which they really enjoyed. Looking back and thinking about how I met Areli and her friend a few months ago made me happy and content.
It does not take a lot of effort to show some love and kindness to our neighbors, which can make them feel like family. What is amazing is how a simple act of kindness can impact an individual with positive thoughts, no matter their age, culture or class. Our actions can change lives for the better. At the Center for Sharing we teach and try to practice the value of loving one another. As community workers our task is simple and clear and that is to serve. And as we practice simple daily acts of sharing our lives with others, we feel fortunate to witness the change around us.
ABRAHAM REGUNTA