The queen of papusas.

I love food--I love Mexican food more. Perhaps someone who loves this food group more than I do is my beautifully diverse friend Kristen Frederick. Fortunately for both of us, we lived in Harrisonburg for the past five years (and more), where authentic and delicious latino food reigns supreme. You can find taco trucks nearly anywhere within this small town, and there is never a shortage of avocado, lime, or pico de gallo to be found.

The most unique dish I encountered in my time there was papusas. These are kind of hard to describe to those of us who have never had them--but I would say they are a mix between a pancake and hash brown. Kristen pretty much stumbled upon them one day and immediately convinced me they were a necessary food group....which was true for my taste buds but bad news for my stomach (an unfortunate reality of most mexican food out there). Either way, whenever I craved this or any other taco truck delicacy, I knew I could count on Kristen as a readily available and willing date. She was the queen of papusas, and continues to hold a spot in my heart as one of my very best friends.

However, Kristen's love of latino goes deeper than the comida described above. Her heart explodes for the many populations of people that represent this rich culture. She volunteers regularly for an after-school program that seeks to assist low-income, hispanic families in the community. She has traveled abroad to several spanish speaking countries, recently returning from four months of service to a women's shelter in Peru. She is both a friend and mentor to many of the women and children who live in the neighborhood behind her church, never hesitating to help in any way she can. It is not unusual to see her with a car full of kids on the way to some fun event that she had planned for them, or to find out that she had spent the day with someone who simply needed a ride to the doctor's office or hospital--she  is that gracious with her time.

Indeed, I am constantly amazed at the room in Kristen's heart for others. It seems like there is never a shortage of love for those that are most important to her, and even to those she barely knows. She has to be one of the most empathetic people that I have ever been around. In some of my darkest moments Kristen was there--not only to hold my hand but to cry with me. Her patience and endurance through the trials of life are an incredible blessing to those whose burdens are too heavy to carry alone. She takes on these hardships as her own, asking no questions and demanding no answers. She actively loves no matter what the situation. As Father Boyle (founder of Homeboy Ministries) puts it, she lets the pain of others have a purchase on her life. Her compassion passes no judgement and her arms open wide to those who suffer, offering a place of refuge and protection for the weary. She is the embodiment of a gentle spirit, and I am privileged to have witnessed her gifts first hand.

Kristen is also a Registered Nurse, and while I know the job can be less than gratifying at times, I have no doubt that she is excellent at what she does. Her hope is to eventually serve in those countries which have little or no health care, another example of her selflessness. I know that wherever she ends up she will continue to bring love and light to those around her, for these are natural aspects of who she is that cannot be stifled by her surroundings. Her dedication to caring for others physically, emotionally and spiritually are sure to transform the people she serves--no matter how long the process may take.

As I mentioned before, papusas are hard to describe because they are difficult to define in texture and in taste. They are a little bit of everything--meat, cheese, beans--and are prepared different ways depending on where you go. They are surprising. They are an experience--the truck, the smells, the people and the food. But they are always good. And the reina of papusas? She is the same. You don't know the gem that you have until you are with her and can understand her love for you. It is surprising, and it is an experience straight from the heart of Jesus. And while papusas come and go, this queen will rule the world with her goodness and kindness and extraordinary heart for years to come--and we will all be better off for it.