From the Diaspora

This is Paul writing from Honduras--land of bananas, baleadas, big diesel-fuled pick up trucks, loud Spanish music, and watered-down pilsner beer.

I have been here now for just under two weeks on my "long experience." So far so good. Exhausting, confusing, humbling, but good. No, I take that back, it's great.

I came down here thinking I knew Spanish. I was apparently wrong. Spanish here is often a blur to me. Further more, like in English, they like to use words that don't actually mean what they are supposed to. The challenge of learning a new language mixed in with a new culture, ecclesiology, and city all add up. I am tempted to just be lazy and timid, but that would just add to the challenge. It turns out that the best way to live amid the tension is to embrace it for all it can offer. God will show himself in it, whether or not we ever deserve it. Each morning, amid my usual grogginess, I pray a something that goes like this:

"Lord, help me find you in the streets today. Give me courage, dedication, patience, love. Amen."

I guess if I could compare my experience to anything it would be to a boxer (which is very odd/funny for those of you who have actually seen me). Boxers work out all day, most of the time with no one watching. When it comes to the actual match, they get pretty beaten up, uncertain they will actually win. Finally, though they see some money, it's pocket change compared to their managers, sponsors, and supporters. But, beside all the negatives, they keep showing up, still with that bounce in their step and that twinkle in their eyes.

God is everywhere. I think facing the tensions of our day wakes us up to His presence. We face the day with eyes open, on guard for God. We come to the Eucharist hungry, searching for nourishment. We head to bed thankful to have made it through with God leading us onward.

Blessings on you all these next weeks. Please, if you remember, keep the Church in Honduras in your prayers. You remain in mine.