popularity, puzzles, paint, and driving here is totally crazy

popularity

Jackie led our team devotion this morning with a beautiful song and a second discussion based on Nouwen's In the Name of Jesus. We reflected on Christ's second temptation (to be spectacular) and the beauty of ministry that is both communal and mutual. It was a blessing to hear how some on our team have experienced such rich community at Emmaus. It was challenging to hear how some still long for more authentic vulnerability and friendship. We decided being in need and sharing those needs with others are necessary ingredients for authentic community.

puzzles

Cathy and Sienna were our primary teachers today. Most of the students made puzzles (They LOVE puzzles here. Most had never experienced working puzzles until a couple years ago when La Vida introduced the concept. Even the adults were captivated). More kids come every day. This afternoon we even offered an over-flow class on the sidewalk outside the Center.

paint

And the painting continues... A few of us worked on the iron outside the windows between kids and rain showers. Mark and Jeff appear willing to do whatever it takes to finish this job!

driving...crazy

Sienna and I are sleeping at her grandparents' house about 1/2 hour from San Juan. Translation: We begin and end each day with a driving experience that reminds us that life is a gift. Lemme 'splain: There are no shoulders. There are lots of pot holes and random speed bumps. Buses, freight trucks, cars, 3-wheeled moto-taxis (which stop in the middle of the road with no notice), motorcycles, bicycles (often with multiple riders), horses, pedestrians, and ox-drawn carts filled with bamboo or bananas (and do I go bananas! - Sienna) occupy the two-lane highways. Lights. They're optional. Some have headlights, few have taillights, there are no streetlights, motorcycles and bikes appear suddenly out of complete darkness. The cautious have attached a CD somewhere in the rear. Horns. Probably the most important feature on a vehicle. A "honk" means, "Passing on the left," "...on the right," and "I got to this intersection before you so I'm going through it no matter what color the light is." When on-coming traffic honks AND flashes their lights you just inhale and hope the three people riding the one bike to your right aren't sticking out their elbows. Traffic lights. (Very few). Green: go. Yellow: go fast. Red: stop...if you feel like it. Tonight I felt like it but the light stayed red - apparently - for too long. People just started pulling around me, honking, and running it! "How was your drive?" asks my father-in-law each evening. "Fine." I say. "Just fine."

- Nathan