Now that we're finished with Spanish school and are in Guatemala City full time, we've been blessed to be part of the day to day life at the ministry. One of the tasks that needs to be performed from time to time is going to the local mall to get money out of an ATM machine and then take it to the bank that is also in the mall. This mall would rival the Town Center Mall in Boca Raton in its elegance. Many of the stores are the same as what we would see in the States...Hilfiger, Gap...top names...and now, with its beautiful Christmas decorations. And I'm sure the prices match the surroundings, as well. It's not unusual, during one of our "bank runs" that we say to each other "where are we?" as we walk from one end of the mall to the other.
Not 15 minutes earlier we were washing the grimy hands of the homeless young men who are high on glue fumes, feeding them and the dozens of children and moms who had come for perhaps their only meal that day. As you know, four days each week, The Servant's Heart staff takes food to the people that live around the city dump. The sores on the hands, arms and faces of the men who spend most of their lives in a state of half consciousness are caked with dirt and grime. We barely get the first layer off as they wash their hands before receiving their food. I see Hugo2 taking time to chat with Carmen who is on crutches, probably as a result of MS, and the lady whose arm is still immobilized after I can't remember how many months after being hit by a garbage truck. Victor is there, who always raises his hat , ready for a kiss on the cheek. I see these guys who are high making sure the little ones get ahead of them in the food line. And stooping down to look the little kids in the eyes, asking their names, washing their little hands before they eat...sweet. It's pretty surreal as we sandwich this between two trips to the mall that day.
What is important? What is lasting? What will bring God glory? I can't think of having anything in that mall that would surpass the experience of giggling with one of the children or praying for the young men as we watch them staggering away with their bowl of soup dripping hot liquid on their hands or seeing the relief in the eyes of the mom who knows her kids will have this meal today. But, really, on this day of contrasts, God is at work in both places; in the lives of the people wandering the mall, and in the lives of the people who are covered with layers of garbage grime. We thank Him for the opportunity to serve Him wherever we find our feet each day. May God bless you as you serve Him where your feet travel today!
3 comments:
Hey Auntie G and Unkie K,
What a breath of "fresh air" (or should I say smog?) to hear such a differing point of view than what is shoved in our faces this and every Christmas season. Keep celebrating the opportunities to experience the real reason for the season! Thanks for the challenge to find it here at home too. Love you guys. God bless.
I loved your description of the contrast between the mall and the dump. And best of all, you did not condemn either world. I am always struck by the extreme contrasts in Guatemala and how much in these contrasting worlds is good. Great to hear from you both. Take care and Merry Christmas.
I am so thankful that you are done with school. It sounds like your life there in Guatamala is developing a kind of routine and your community is growing. You are a blessing in the Kingdom of God!
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