Rosa's Ropas

A few months ago, Elaine had the brainstorm to start a thrift store with all the clothes that have been donated. One day, we set up a table under the gazebo in the town square park. Word spread like wild, holy fire and women were swarming in from all directions! In just 2 hours, we made enough money to pay for the dentists to fill up their gas tank to get back home after a day of pulling and cleaning lots of teeth!

The women knew that their purchases helped to make this dental mission possible. I believe that being part of a team gave them a sense of significance, and once again brought value to the services provided. Rosa turned into a shopping guide to all the women that day. Due to her passion shining through, we agreed to open the thrift store in her casa...And so began Rosa's Ropas!

We have had quite a few giggles while pricing the merchandise. It’s interesting to see her preference in styles. Only a few women will where shorts or pants due to their culture. Men rarely wear pants without pockets. “Hotch oots” (its good in Maya), she says as she tugs and pulls on some items. She pointed out the fact that the way they scrub clothes by hand, determines the quality of material. She has been selling quite well out of boxes and piles of clothes on garbage bags. I love to see the people lined up, waiting for us to finish the next batch of inventory so they can shop ‘til they drop just like women know how!! “Compralo” (buy it), Rosa says when she knows they really want it! She has started a lay-away plan for higher priced items. I am pleased with her accounting skills.

One of the highlights of this visit was painting the huacales (vegetable crates in Maya) to provide a way to organize the items. It turned into a family project. Alonzo, her husband; Modesto, her nephew; Pedro, her brother; all came with paintbrushes in hand. Doors opened, and they came out with some interesting questions for me about moral issues. I was surprised at how comfortable they felt to bring up these topics. It turned out to be a great opportunity to share!

Rosa's Ropas has been another confirmation of how well it works to build relationship and watch God move!

Please pray! Elaine will be bringing a group of ladies down next week! Pray for safe travels and lots of open doors!