
Lately we have been reminded that we’re not in Kansas anymore.
Here are a few things we have been told, and learned for ourselves, during our first month in Guatemala:
1.
Don’t get lost.
There are several places you should never go, some of which are very
close to the main areas and easy to accidentally end up in.
2.
Lock your car doors and travel in groups.
Car jackings are every day occurrences here. Men with guns force you
from your car, stealing it as well as all your belongings. This happens
in broad daylight and on main public roads.
3.
Tint your windows.
There is an assumption that North Americans have money, so the chances
of being robbed go up dramatically once the thief sees you are not
Guatemalan.
4.
When you get robbed, do not resist. Typically when people are injured or killed in a robbery it is because they fought back.
5.
Do not trust the police. They are corrupt, involved in criminal activities, and in cahoots with the criminals and banking institutions.
6.
Do not trust the banks. Don’t withdraw or deposit large amounts of money.
7.
Do not us the same ATMs frequently or develop any predictable patterns.
8.
Don’t wear jewelry, watches, Ipods, expensive shoes, or high-end clothing. All of these items help the criminals make assumptions.
9. You can do everything right, and
still get nabbed.
10.
Don't live in fear. (Gee, thanks!)
In addition, here are some recent happenings familiar to us:
~Our
neighbor was recently car-jacked on the major road leading into San
Cristobal, a road we travel on each day. She was forced from the car by
4 men with guns.
~A teacher at CAG (where the kids go to school)
was recently robbed by a man with a gun. She was walking directly in
front of the school last Saturday when it happened. She was alone and
carrying a purse.
~Last weekend, one of the security guards
protecting our neighborhood was intoxicated, entered a residence and
threatened the mother and children with his gun. The owner put out
notices to all of us warning us not to trust the guards.
~UPDATE:
3 days ago (now 9/25) the father of some classmates of our kid's (one
3rd grader and one middle schooler) was kidnapped while shopping at
Cemaco (a hardware store we shop at regularly). We don't know a lot of
details regarding the reason, and can only speculate that in some way he
appeared to be (financially) worth kidnapping. The missionary
community has been praying for his return and PRAISE GOD he was returned
today. We don't know any other details at this time, except that his
family is leaving the country today for a 2 week break.
Unfortunately
these stories continue. My intention is not to scare/worry anyone
regarding our safety (or discourage anyone from visiting us!). Nor did I
write this to falsely pat ourselves on the back for “living
dangerously” or “suffering for Jesus.” I am only trying to be honest
about the reality we are in, and ultimately bring glory to God as he
uses us to accomplish his work in Guatemala.
This is where we
are. This is where God wants us to be. This is our reality. Sometimes
we get scared, and other times we are brave. Sometimes we are
paranoid, and other times we are too carefree. But most importantly, we
are learning to seek HIM in balancing and discerning these feelings.
There are times I consider whether or not living here is worth the risk.
Anytime I (or we, as a family) seek Jesus on this topic we come away
with an overwhelming YES...it
is worth the risk, without question, absolutely.
A
couple nights ago I was tucking Brooke in, and she told me that
sometimes she wants to move back to the states. When I asked why, she
said, “because we never had to worry about being safe.” In the quiet of
her room, her comment echoed loudly and I heard it over and over again.
Because we never had to worry about being safe.Interestingly,
I am realizing how naive I am to think we are any safer in north
Florida than we are here. To believe so would be to presume that my
worldly-wise decision making can trump God's control. I know this
perspective annoys the common sense, practical thinker. But it's
frustrating to me when Christians are quick to make (or point out) the
"smart choice", or the safe decision - while unintentionally
discouraging others who have been called by God to throw some caution to
the wind. My bible speaks of few who chose this safe, practical route,
yet is littered with radicals who took jesus literally, and even
followed him to the death. The "decision making process" of such heroes
would today be considered mentally unstable and require treatment and
meds.
To be clear, I am not saying that, statistically, living
in the 10/40 window is no more dangerous than living in Harvey, North
Dakota. What I am declaring is that when following Jesus, it is
necessary to reevaluate the concept of safety. Because if everything
the bible says is true, a reckless, unstable life devoted to bringing
the hope of jesus to the ends of the earth, and even a premature death,
is actually much "safer" than a long, healthy, prosperous life of
spiritual idleness.
...keep away
from any brother who is walking in idleness...we hear that some among
you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies... 2 Thess
3:6-15
...I know you're works, that you are neither hot or
cold... because you are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth. For
you say I am rich, I have prospered, I need nothing - not realizing you
are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked... Rev 3:15-22
So, what is safety? I have drafted my own personal definition.
Safety:
To realize my life on earth is but a vapor; to be willing to give it
fully (not partially) to the cause of bringing the hope & love of
jesus to all, even at the "risk" of all things worldly including
comfort, wealth, success, personal safety, and reputation; to pursue
bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth with every thing I have, in
anticipation of hearing the words "well done faithful servant." And In
doing this, securing a place in eternity with my heavenly father,
creator, lord, and king.
For me, this is the safest bet.
Regarding
Brooke's comments in bed the other night, I assured her that I
understood her feelings, and at times feel exactly the same way. But it
has lead to some great conversation within our family about why we're
here. Not just why we're here in Guatemala, but here
in this life.
We concluded, collectively, that we have never felt closer to God than we do now, and that is a beautiful place to be.
If
not certain this is exactly where God called us, I’d probably have my
family on the next plane. But he has been clear in showing me that he
is ahead of us, and our job is to keep following. He has our back. He
is God, and he deserves our willingness to do anything for his glory!
Thank
you to all of our partners – prayer partners, financial partners,
friends and family. Always know that we pray for all of you and love
you very much. If I could ask for a specific prayer for me, pray that I
can remain steady with the passion that I have on this day. I realize
how weak and sinful I am, and fear that my perspective today can slip
and weaken tomorrow. Please God, give me steadfastness.
https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=80860