Back in the Sham

Just over 24 hours ago, we landed in the ATL after seven days in Nicaragua. Strange feeling, being gone for a week, living in an absolutely unusual environment and then coming home to luxuries that mattered not in Matagalpa. There are mixed emotions of guilt, gladness, shame, appreciation, joy and sadness.

The most important remnants from the mission field likely vary depending upon which team member is asked. Memories are sweet and very personal. As always, I still see the faces of innocent children that do not yet know what "poverty" means. Most Nicaraguan children are small for their ages due to chronic malnutrition. Yet they love and trust us, returning our smiles and laughter.

As these children age, they are not always as loving. Trust me, 13-years-old appears to be the same regardless of the culture. Teenage boys can have an attitude, as did the young man who flashed a finger my way that did not translate to "you're number one." These kids can be harder to love. But they need it the most. Their world of hardship and deprivation is now obvious. These are the difficult times when youth make decisions that will impact adulthood - including whether or not to trust and follow our God.

Life can improve in Nicaragua. Leadership may develop that will transform this lush, tropical paradise to compete with the tourist-friendly Costa Rica. Outside forces such as the small group from FBC Cornelia and parts thereabout will continue to fight disease through clean water systems and health care. The majority of believers in Nicaragua are now Evangelicals. We all know what the Lord may do through His believers.

All of the possibilities lie in the future, and the future is in the hands of today's youth and very young children - although most don't even realize the responsibility that is upon them. We must continue to forge a close and permanent relationship with this group of Nicaraguans above all others. Teach them that we love Jesus, too, and that He is the same Jesus that lives in the hearts of Central Americans. Show them compassion by sharing lovingly everything from money to medical attention. Personally visit their country so that a face can be attached to the notion of the United States of America - and when the media or some opportunistic national politician attempts to denigrate our nation, there will be Nicaraguans who will openly disagree because they personally know Americans.

String together several of these relationships between Americans, Nicaraguans and the good Lord and we could witness some real change in our lifetime.

Personally, the nation to our south and its people has altered me beyond repair. I am unable to blindly disregard third world nations which are absent the many opportunities we in the U.S. barely consider. Jesus said the poor will always be among us. It's hard to understand why this must be so. There is a lot about poverty that's hard to grasp. But when a toddler has hold of your finger while she waddles along the dirt floor of a open-air structure that serves a church, you pray one such as this might escape to a better life and take others with her. At least, that is my prayer.