Flowers

this morning we got up early and went to the flower market.
we bought 2500 sunflowers.
tonight we will walk through the gatch - and give them to the women who work there.
shundor phul, shundor meyer jonno - a beautiful flower for a beautiful woman.

yesterday i went "visiting" in the gatch. we visited a lady who is a long time friend of the community. we used to visit her room when i was on my servant team. and yesterday as we sat and talked, and waited, and drank tea, my heart was broken for her. i just kept thinking over and over, "tormented" she is not a woman at peace. her torment, her brokenness weigh on my heart.

and then we met another lady, who knew some of the women who work at sari bari. she asked what we were doing. we told her we work with a business where women can sew instead of working the line. she said she wanted to come see the business. so we walked to sari bari and showed her around, and she had an interview with our production manager. and we put her on the list of women we will contact next time we start a training group.

and then, i got to see the most beautiful interaction. as she was getting ready to leave, she noticed one of our employees sewing. a friend who she used to work with. and when she saw her, her face lit up...and she said (with a bit of wonder and joy), "you work here?" and my friend said (with pride), "yes, i work here." and then, with expectation, "are you going to work here?" - it was so beautiful. this moment of recognition...and pride...and a practical representation of restoration in progress.

so tonight, we will walk through a dark place...and we smile, and reconnect with old friends, and hopefully make some new ones. we will speak value, and beauty, and truth. we will acknowledge human dignity. we will give respect. a small sign post of the kingdom. heaven coming to earth....through 2500 flowers.

i've been waiting for today for 4 years...