Starting to Tell the Story

After last Wednesday, I was without internet access and so didn't have the chance to post anything else to the blog. So I just want to update things as we concluded last week in El Salvador and traveled home yesterday. First, we finished pouring the footers in the design to limit seismic related building damage. In the earthquakes a few years ago, the collapse of traditional adobe and wood structures in the more rural areas contributed a great deal to injury and death. So our footers were dug to a depth of 90 cms with rebar reinforcements running throughout the footers and then extending up into the block walls. The design is such that seismic related damage should be limited. It was harder to do the project in this fashion but in the long run it offers a better living option. On Friday as we went to Puente Azul to say goodbye and to worship with the community there, the local masons were laying the first two courses of block before backfilling with dirt. That was exciting to see and I hope that we will be able to see pictures at some point of the completed parsonage. As I mentioned above, we worshipped with the community. Pastor Luis asked me to preach and I offered a short meditation/sermon on Jesus' new commandment (John 13:34). It was challenging to preach with a translator since I kept wanting to rush ahead but I had to force myself to stop and wait. Marco did a fantastic job translating and with everything else on the trip. What jewels he, Wilson, and Gus all are. After the short sermon, we presented the church with a guitar and some clothing that Pastor Luis will distribute in the community to those who have need. We also present Pastor Luis with a cot, sheets, pillow, lanterns, and 2 camp showers for his personal use in his ministry. He is sleeping in the church while the parsonage is being built. In a U.S. church that would be no big deal as someone has surely donated a used sofa for about every classroom. But in Puente Azul, that means sleeping on a hard tile floor with no electricity, padding, bedding, or storage space of any kind. So as we finished up, we celebrated with the children of the community by taking turns with pinatas filled with candy. There was a mad rush as each one was broken open.

On Friday evening, we had dinner with Bishop Gomez and his wife at their home and we heard some more of his personal story including his disappearance during the war. It was a great evening that I believe everyone enjoyed. Saturday was a day spent at the artisans' market then at the beach. I went to the market, made a few purchases and then stayed at the synod guest house with a few others who didn't go to the beach. Those who went said it was fantastic with 10-12 waves. Then Sunday, we spent the day traveling. It was good to return home late last evening.

As I told the group on Saturday evening at worship, the trip has offered more than I can process - at least with any expediency. But at the same time it is not too much or overwhelming. I think in the long run that is good that it is more than can be processed quickly. For me that means, I will have to let things cook within me and new connections will be made as I recall and remember different parts and experiences. I'll share what I can in this forum. Also, look for and listen to the reflections of others in the context of worship and beyond over the next several weeks if you happen to be familiar with Central Christian Church.

Will, my son, came running up to me at the airport last night, gave me a big hug and said, "Daddy, I've missed you so much!" We've spent most of today together and it has been great to be with him. I missed him a lot as well as my partner and spouse, Traci. Haley, my daughter, was with me on the trip and I greatly appreciated sharing the experience with her.

For now, I'm off to spend some more time with them.