Es La Vida- a view from Guatemala
“When God wants to teach us something he takes us on a trip.” Bruce Larson taught me that many years ago and it still rings true today. Speaking of today, I’m writing this from my little room in Guatemala, where I am studying Spanish, meeting folks from all over this little world of ours, and discovering how marvelous and wise and kind and faith filled are so many of the Guatemaltecos .
I came thinking I’d learn a language, but have found that in addition I’m learning about faith and life in unexpected ways. Of course the ex pats from here, there and everywhere drift around like lost souls. The cliché is that that the locals are the mission field but in fact the foreign population is even more so. Sitting in on conversations helps me appreciate Jesus’ observation that they are like sheep without a shepherd. There seems to be an empty spot in people’s souls that keeps them looking but not really seeking, much less finding. An almost abiding disrespect of anything Christian seems to permeate the air gringos breath, blinding them to the rich faith experienced and demonstrated by the locals.
Yet they move almost indifferent or blind to the every day men and women of this land who love the Lord, love their families, and are proud of their lives in a genuine open way. Is it possible that so many of us who think we might be helping are actually missing out on friendships with people who are great folks to know?
I know, es la vida- it is still life. There are frustrations and problems and opportunities. I think I may be the first guy to get sexually harassed by a group of Maya women, while walking down the street. Of course with my language skill it took about a block and a half to figure out what they had said to me then another block think of a witty response. But of course by then it was too late. Looking back, I feel a little proud to be considered insultable at my advanced age. So oh well. It made a great story around the dinner table, although it may have lost something in the translation.
Unexpectedly I have had the chance to reconnect with a couple of friends who live here, that I haven’t seen in many years. What a gift to hear the story of their journeys and lives in these moments of reconnection. I also met a new friend, who after a few hours together, mentioned that he lives in Edmonds, Washington (a few blocks from the Westfalls). I guess it really is a small world after all.
I’m reminded of how it does come down to relationships or nothing. That being the choice, I am going to take a chance with relationships: scary, frustrating, energizing, angrifying (did I just make up that word?) Yep. But remember it is the same choice that the Lord made for us. And that makes all the difference. Hasta luego, mis amigos! Es la vida.
