Enchanted

At the Christmas Eve mass at the church here in Yataity, Paraguay, we had a simple service with sweet music. With the voices of just three people along with the violin, I believe we made perfect, beautiful sounds for the Lord, while many candles shed a soft glow on the faces of everyone, and the fragrance of fresh flowers surrounded us.

Alfredo, 30, is immensely talented with a voice that melts hearts, and our very gifted Isabel, 21, along with 9 year-old Carlitos, (who has the face and voice of an angel) all sang one touching song after another, lifting their lovely voices to fill the big church.

As I played my violin, I looked over at each of them, watching as Alfredo would give an encouraging wink to Carlitos to move closer to the microphone and sing out. At appropriate spots, Alfredo would stop singing – he wanted just their two sweet voices to be heard throughout the church – and would give a nod to Isabel and Carlitos to take over. With anxious smiles they would continue, and I’d see Isabel put her arm around Carlitos, pulling him close to provide support.

I still do not know the Lord’s Prayer in Spanish, so I always simply speak it in English. Carlitos finds that to be very interesting so we say it as a duo and he turns to watch my mouth speak in another tongue, saying the words of a prayer we each know so well. “Our Father, Who art in Heaven, hallowed be Thy name” “Padre nuestro que estas en los cielos, Santificado sea tu Nombre.” We smile at each other, and I know we’ve joined two nations together in prayer in one short moment.

These occasions reaffirm in me the desire to work among these gentle people, to share everyday occurrences that at many times take on a very special meaning.

And once, not too long ago, Carlitos walked along with me down the corridor after mass, looked up and said in Spanish, “Yeni, may I tell you something?” (Always well`mannered) “Of course,” I said. “I like the way it sounds when you say the Lord’s Prayer in English,” he said, “and something else… you look prettier with your hair down.” I said thank you as I released the clip, my hair fell to my shoulders, and he smiled.

I am very grateful to have these poignant moments. I am continuously enchanted by the people of Yataity.