My first year here I was told by some ladies that we had angels protecting our house. I like to think of it from time to time and often wondered if we have them as our protectors especially while here. Tonight, I can't help but to be sure of it.
Bowen and I were outside of her gate at about 8:40. Dark, but by no means late. When a scrawny man on a bike kind of veered over toward us. Honestly the first second or two didn't take me by surprise. I figured he would ask for some lempiras... we would say no and ask him if he wants some food. But, that isn't what went down.
Instead with his unsteady hand he began shaking a small black hand gun at us. The situation I'm sure lasted 10 seconds tops... but time seemed to stand still. Bowen threw her baleada at him (which was interesting... she wanted one and we accidentally ended up buying two... in my head I thought a drunk man on the street would end up with it before we got home... but it was still in her hand when we got to her gate). I yelled a probably extremely gringa-sounding "Que necesita" and a look of terror came over his face. Back on his bike he got. And quickly pedaled away.
After banging on the door to get Jenna to open it... saying some faint, but explicative words... we were inside and talking about how incredibly scary and enormous the angel(s) around us had to have been.
Shew, sometimes this country is exhausting on the heart, soul, and mind. On a much brighter note... I had a great Thanksgiving (lots of food, games, and fellowship). My students did some performances at church and were extremely cute. And I am heading home in two weeks for Christmas!!
God,
Help me to be an expression of your love and grace. My heart aches for the statistics of this country. I pray for change.
I am thankful and humble for all that You are teaching me and doing inside of me ("it feels like chaos...but some how there's peace"). I feel like I screw up all the time... thankful for grace, mercy, and forgiveness.Amen
