Hey guys, my name is Landon and I am a freshman. So on every trip there is always that "one guy" who tends to break nearly everything. Turns out...I took the reigns on that one. This morning we took out on the adventure to Tacuba to have Sunday Mass. Little did we know we would be graciously welcomed by the entire community with balloons, flowers, and lots of love. After Mass, we went across the street to a local restaurant to have lunch. Throughout our lunch conversation I decided to try and demonstrate something we had seen before to the table behind me, and somehow managed to snap the leg of the chair landing on the floor in my broken chair and shattered pride. The next step was mustering up the courage to tell the wonderful owner that I was sorry for breaking her plastic chair. With much embarrassment, and after thorough rehearsal I was able to get out the words, "Lo siento por la silla."
As uncomfortable as that situation was, being nearly praised for the work which we haven't even started was way more out comfort zones. Throughout the welcome celebration in Tacuba they kept referring to us as their "padrinos" which translates to "Godfathers" (sponsors). This unmerited title made all of us feel unworthy, because these people were those whom we don't understand, have never seen before, and may never see again and they are treating us like royalty. The issue of discomfort was the main topic of our evening discussions.
After dinner, we gather around in a circle and share the graces we received and the struggles we had throughout the day. Tonight the only thing bothering our minds was this sense of unworthiness. We decided to take a step back and consider why we receive this praise. The returning volunteers stated how here in El Salvador, when missionaries visit, they are seen as representing all the sponsors back in the states. This fact did not ease the minds of everyone, because they felt that personally they've still done nothing.
Pondering this in my head, it sparked a huge remembrance of my New Evangelization class this semester where we focus on mission and the Church. In the class we talked about how Christ is the perfect missionary. I pointed out that as we are here serving in El Salvador, we must remember that we are only able to be on mission because Christ has already died for his bride. His death on the cross is what sends us out in to the world and gives our mission purpose. Relating this to our day, we must remember who these natives are really thanking; Christ. This praise bothers us because we think we are unworthy, and we are unworthy...without Christ. We must remove ourselves from the forefront and place Christ where He belongs; right there to receive all the glory. Our day full of discomfort turned out to be like the roses we now held in our hands; a simple expression of their love and gratitude for us, but a reminder that God loves us enough to allow us to experience the beauty of His church.
Landon, this is as close to words as I've heard that helps you understand what it's like there. As much as I miss it and wish I was there, I get so much joy out of reading your posts! Last year it seemed like we were writing the blog so we could look back on our experience and let our parents know we were still alive, but it's so much more! You are allowing those of us who weren't blessed to return, return! I was talking to Emily Lindeman tonight and we both laughed when we mentioned our excitement for your blog. It's like we had waited all day just to hear about yours. So, thank you from one 'unworthy padrina' to another!
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