The earthquake which devastated Chile on February 27 changed our lives. Cobquecura, the epicenter of this nine-pointer, is only a few miles from our little town of Coelemu. Most of the adobe homes were destroyed, and many wooden ones in need of repairs.

One side of Rebecca Salas’ home sank some inches into the ground, the tiles on the roof danced here and there to doom, some window panes were broken, and just about everything breakable in her home, broke.

Rebecca has Parkinson’s disease and lives alone, so I knew she needed help. At every visit, she greeted me with smiles and laughter, always so positive, it was hard to grasp how much she was suffering.

After two months of anxious waiting, the last of the urgent building materials arrived in Coelemu. The Maryknoll Sisters and my niece, nephew and grandnephew sent me money enabling me to purchase lumber, cement and zinc.

Two carpenters are hard at work. They first lifted and secured the sunken side of her house and now are working on the roof. For now, the cardboard covered windows will have to do. Glass is not available, as the factories and machinery were damaged, and the glass ready for sale is useless. We are told not to hold our breaths, but glass for the windows will arrive some day.

Saint Francis said that in giving, one receives. How true. I am receiving more than I’ve given. Rebecca and I have become close friends. Each time I went to visit, to inform her that the lumber would be delivered that day, that the cement, not yet, but soon, and be patient on the zinc’s arrival, Rebecca served me tea, her homemade bread and jelly. As we sat in her falling-apart kitchen, I prayed it would not collapse on us. Soon, please God, all will be well.

Rebecca wishes to thank each person who is helping repair her humble home. Me, too. And we know that God rewards the cheerful giver.