From the Pastor
During our stay in Nicaragua, we had the “opportunity” to ride public transportation for a few kilometers on the Pan-American Highway. Our bus was an American school bus, which, having been rejected by an American school district, or perhaps the Highway Patrol, had found a new life careening down the roads of Nicaragua.
As the thirteen of us squeezed into an already crowded bus, group member, Jim Dempsey, was wondering if there would be a beverage cart. Well, the words were barely out of his mouth, when a woman came pushing down the aisle with tamales and other treats, along with soft drinks. All this was accompanied by American popular music from the 70’s and 80’s. Some of us sang along with the Bee Gees, although I can’t say the Nicaraguans were particularly impressed. (Somebody get these crazy Gringos off our bus!) Occasionally we would hear someone pound on the back door of the bus, clearly no longer strictly an emergency door. The driver would slow down, the door would open, and people would jump out, as others crowded in. At times, I don’t believe the driver even completely stopped. And so it was as we made our way down the highway. Oh yes, we knew we weren’t in Kansas – or Sonoma County – anymore.
Which was one of the wonderful and memorable aspects of our trip. Nicaragua was a place totally unlike anywhere I have ever spent an extended period of time. The climate, countryside, food, and yes, the poverty, were new to me. And very few people we encountered spoke any English at all. It seemed that every day I saw something I had not seen before. I was stretched, I was challenged, I was constantly moved out of my comfort zone. But I returned home more exhilarated than tired. I think – I know – it was because of the people, the wonderful, courageous, creative, good-humored and resilient people we encountered each and every day.
They kidded me and we laughed together about my Spanish, we shared pictures of our families, we lifted rocks and built walls together, we talked about schools, food and even politics. We live in different worlds. My living room is as big as many of their houses. And yet, we share so very much. I’ll never forget them. And I have been reminded again how that pesky Jesus keeps showing up in the most unlikely places in the most unlikely faces, reminding us how much we truly do need each other.
Gene
