Crossings

This makes two days in a row now for crossing the border back and forth into Mexico for me. It has been quite an experience…much different it seems from my memory of going back and forth into Canada. Razor wire, armed border patrol on both sides of the border, high fences all surround designed to keep lands separate.

It occurs to me that there are always some borders it is easier to cross than others in relationships as well. The language boundary can be difficult to overcome, and is probably necessary for more than a superficial working relationship. Yet, hand signals and pointing can be helpful in working together. A smile or a laugh can do wonders to bridge the gap. Even overcoming difficult obstacles together can go a long way to establishing a friendship.

Working with Claudia this morning to help bathe 5 of the patients at Casa Bugambilia, she gained my profound respect. I watched her be so gentle with those for whom she was caring, pouring water on wounds and sores as she removed bandages very slowly so as not to cause any pain. She went about her work diligently and carefully doing her best to communicate with me what she needed me to do. She spent time in conversation with the patients, often laughing with them in casual conversation, but also taking care to ask them what they need from us.

Then there was ‘Joe’ who happened to know a bit of English. He has a condition that causes his body to be very rigid. When Claudia and I went to take care of him he was smiling and shared some laughs with us. Joe definitely has personality!
I look forward to crossing more borders during my time here. I hope that maybe when I get home I will cross the easier boundaries more often to build relationships.
Shalom,
Pastor Owen