Two weeks ago, I had to say a different kind of goodbye. A kind of goodbye that, no matter how good of a planner I am, I cannot hope to meet up again, in this world.
When I began working for IJM, Charito (or Ate Cha-- Older sister Cha) sat next to me in the social work section of the office. Ate Cha had an incredible ability to make people feel loved within seconds of meeting them. She was the first to reach out to me and take me under her wing. She translated for me when I could not understand the conversation, she filled me in on background information and inside jokes, she laughed and sang and joked and hugged and shared food with everyone around, most of the day. There wasn't anyone who didn't feel loved by this amazing woman.
Ate Cha had been battling cancer for 5 years. Her husband is a pastor in a village on another island, but she was so dedicated to the work of IJM that none of these things mattered. She poured her heart and soul into her interactions with clients, and many of them loved her like the mother they never had. When I would go on visits with her, I would watch their faces light up when she walked in the room; they also knew what it meant to experience the love of this amazing woman.
A few months ago, Ate Cha left IJM in order to take care of her health. But she didn't really stop working. She volunteered at different organizations and worked in her husbands church. Even though we knew she had cancer, no one really believed she was sick... she just never stopped giving.
However, the cancer that was in her lymph nodes spread to her bone marrow, and although she tried chemo again, her body just couldn't take anymore. She left the world peacefully, just closed her eyes and passed on. A fight well fought.
Please pray for Ate Cha's husband, 3 children, one grandson, and countless friends, as they transition into a life without their loved one.
And may we all fight a fight worth fighting for, and be able to rest peacefully for a job well done.
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