I am Sister Yadira. I serve as a Mother Sister at Girlstown, Villa de las Niñas in Chalco, Mexico where we care for almost 3,500 girls. I am a proud graduate of this great program and have served as a Sister of Mary since 2009.
I was born to a simple, poor family in Mexico. As a student at Girlstown, I realized that God was calling me to serve him. When coming as a student, I made new friends very quickly and my homesickness passed. The joy of the sisters in their service made me feel good, like in a real family. I liked to study but I really enjoyed the time we had together as a spiritual family because I could clear my mind. I could learn from my fellow students and new friends. I feel very happy to be able to help other young girls feel loved and at home as a Mother Sister for the Sisters of Mary World Villages for Children.
Our Boystowns and Girlstowns are both a home and a school, therefore we Mother Sisters take on the role of a spiritual mother. Above all, we try to give each child direct service based on love because Christ Jesus is in each one of them. It is very nice to live with the children because we share their joy, enthusiasm, and optimism even though many of them have very difficult pasts.
Father Al said, “Serving the poor in the name of Christ is not a joke. It is not playing games. It means constant pain, discomfort, suffering, and sacrifice. In a word, it is the Cross.” But when that Cross is carried with love after the example of Jesus and Father Al, it does not become heavy. I feel very grateful to the Blessed Virgin of the Poor who guided Father Al to dedicate his priesthood to the poor, and for the beautiful vocation that he inspired me to pursue. I am sure that I am on the right path. I feel driven by God to overcome my small daily difficulties and to give more of myself to my spiritual children. Each day I do my best to support the children and reinforce their moral values to guide them to God.
I thank all the people who support us financially because, without your support, we could not serve the poor. You are the reason we can continue to fulfill Father Al’s vision of serving the poor. Thank you!