donrock - Egg Sandwich | Sandwich De Huevo

Living
across from Tambo in Bolivia, now Monte Blanco, lives a woman who has
impacted
many missionary kids through her egg sandwiches. Long
before my brother and I began attending Tambo in the early 80's, Doña Antonia's
place was "the" spot to go. We'd
often "go off prop" to enjoy her company, egg sandwiches, and papas
fritas. This woman cared for each
of us...and was dearly loved.

So
when I returned to set up our Ambassador trip, I made it a priority to visit
her. The first time we headed over
to her place I was nervous. Would she be alive? Does she still live here? Will
she remember me? I was excited
when I recognized her tienda/store. I walked up to the window and yelled "Doña
Antonia!". My friend Kristen was ready to capture the reunion with her camera
while Don and David stood waiting. It was a beautiful moment. She came to the
window and stared at me--and I at her. Then I asked,"Do you remember me?"
"Connie Lengkeek. I went to school here through the 80's."

She
smiled and reached through the bars. "Si", she said. Within seconds she was
outside and we were hugging, crying, and laughing.

We
only had a few moments before we had to leave for our next appointment, but we
followed her into her humble home and reminisced. It was fun to introduce her
to my husband, my friend and to tell her my brother still talks about her... as do many
others! I was able to tell her she had a huge impact us.

We
hugged good-bye with the agreement that we'd come back the next morning on our
way out for breakfast - sandwich de huevo. She wanted to wait for the fresh
bread and eggs to arrive.

I
could hardly wait. It felt like Christmas! When we walked in, she was chopping
the onions and tomatoes. She shoved a spoon of them in my mouth and asked if
they needed more salt. I explained that there has several times when I've tried
to make these...but always fall short. I told her the difference is the love she
makes them with. It was joy to watch her work her magic in her little kitchen.
Some things never changed! Thank God!

We
sat at the table chatting with her while drinking her coffee. All was well. I
began to ask about her husband, her kids. Her husband died 6 years ago, her
children are all spread out. One is in Spain. I asked how business was. Since Tambo
is no longer, she doesn't have the customers. She had to sell her freezer that
housed all the soda that we kept in business with our missionary kid
addictions. David had the opportunity to tell her about the new ministry that
bought Tambo and the people being impacted by it...and promised to introduce the
Monte Blanco staff and teams to her little business.

The
sandwiches were ready and we all sat together. In many ways it was a worship
service. We spoke of God... Actually she spoke of God! I love how she teaches
about God. It's in her actions, in her humility, in her eyes. I ate and ate. I took pictures after
every other bite. Yes, these were made with love...and can't be duplicated.

We
had to hit the road before it was too late. I asked to pray for her... we held
each other and cried. Tears of joy...I'm so grateful for that moment.

While
the others slipped out, I gave her money to pay for the food...plus some. I knew
she didn't have much. She adamantly refused it. It was her gift. I couldn't leave her without something.
I took off my scarf and wrapped it around her. Beautiful! She made my scarf
beautiful!