I always tend to blog the best while I sit at my front desk. Its quiet and have so much time to think, but its a good thing. The reason why the silence of my workplace isn't like the silence of my room is because, well, the people. I work at a Parish Office as the receptionist on the weekends. It will be almost 3 years now working at the parish I have been apart of since I was baptized.
Its a very small community and everyone knows who you are. In some ways, it can be quite suffocating, but not for me. I see it as a family. So, working here has only enriched me even more. The people that come in the office regularly have become my friends and many even mentors. I always receive sincere compliments, prayers, and best wishes, even if I had just met them twice.
I remember the day I first applied here. It was the middle of my first semester of my freshman year in college. I was having a hard time with the stress and well, with the recent death of someone very, very close to me, my niece. So, I would drive myself just after class to the church and sit there. Well, one day I was having a very hard time so I headed over. I parked farther so I had to walk past the main office. Without even thinking or prior planning, I propped my head in and asked if they were hiring. Just like that! I have never worked for anyone else but my parents, in which they even "fired" me ( ha ha funny story). And, to much surprise, they were! So, without any expectations I filled out the application and walked out. A day later, they wanted me to go in for the interview and was hired that same day! It happened so fast, but it was so exciting! And here I am, 3 years down, waving down the people that walk by. I love it here. Every time that I am here, I am surrounded with so much kindness, its refreshing. Sure, there is a good diversity, but unlike the other receptionists, I haven't had to deal with rude or "not fully there" persons till this day, well in person that is. There are a few people in particular that I have built a very nice friendship with, and they are all older than me, way older.
Two people that I have in mind in particular, and the inspiration for this blog, are a Spanish speaking older couple that come in every Sunday. Very respectful and filled with faith. They remind me alot of my parents, just a bit more open and outgoing. We have built a very special bond. We talk about religion, their kids, my studies, and love. Well, about everything. Sometimes its just 10 minutes, but my conversation with them is the one I remember the most that day. Today, we spoke about perseverance and the drive to study and become someone. Then it geared to choosing the right partner, a part of the conversation where I felt very vulnerable to everything they were saying. " You are a woman, not a chair or servant, you must find someone that truly values you as the woman that you are and the mother of their children" says Mrs. De La Torre. " You should depend on no one, but your strength to move forward, but if you find a true man, you will learn to rely on each other, not to be stepped all over on" Mr. De La Toree quickly added.
I almost teared up. I hear this all the time from my parents over the table ever since I can remember, but its different when others say it to you, especially when they have not seen you grow up. I just stood there and thought to myself, how is it that they have only known me for such a short time, that they see how much I am worth and how much I truly value?? HOW IS IT?! And how is it that someone that has known you more intimately, gave up on that completely? Or did not see it at all?!?
It boggles me.
Well, to much further ado, I welcome you all to read my hopefully weekly updates during my working hours. Its not just about what they came in the office for or where I work, its the quality of the conversation from people that learned to care for me and remind me who I truly am all along.
Until next time,
Andreina :]
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