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Global Urban Trek 2008
Coming HomeJuly 4, 2008
The end of one journey is always the beginning of another.
Here in the urban slums of Colonial Nueva Suyapa, our time might be nearing its end, but for as much as we can’t help but anticipate that plane home, a large part of each of us longs for more. More time. Another chance. Greater opportunities. New resources.
Far from the uber-rich capital of the world we call home, things here among the oppressed and poor have left imprints on our hearts and minds. When time slowed, and relationships took shape in our houses, God chose to send people, not property. We know now to look to prosper not only our spirits, but in the spirits of others as well. Sometimes comfort must be abandoned in the name of love.
I’ve learned a lot more about the people here than I initially thought I would, like the façade of their monetary wealth. Behind all the plush appliances, toys and home décor, there is nothing – no insurance or safe banking. In a moment it could all be for naught.
I’ve also seen that racism against other black Hondurans (Garifunas) exists within even the most devout, spiritual circles here. And I’ve watched the homeless, and even those with places of rest, sort through the trash dump as I hesitantly throw soiled black bags into their occupied space.
We are laughed at and made fun of by all the ages here. Young and old alike call us “gringos” and openly mock our symbolic American values. If they only knew how far we’ve traveled just to be with them and say good morning in the streets.
Cally’s community was built by the hands of the very people who live there, yet who are still forced to tend to the discarded waste of an entire city that could not care less where their trash goes.
The guys work at a daycare school where most of the children belong to single mothers with no choice but to work night and day to pay for minimal necessities like food and shelter.
These are the realities we face as we walk the streets and beg God for miracles – or at least that’s what we used to do. We’ve since learned of a new kind of prayer where we stop pleading for Him to make all the difference and finally open our hearts to accept His offer: to be the ones who make a change in His name and to confront injustice wherever it might take form.
Thank God for the Trek and these new friends. See you soon!
Ephesians 2:17-22
- Dylan
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