Three Blocks, but 180 Degrees

His face beaming like he just received the most precious of gifts. Then, as quickly as he had arrived, slowly he walks away with his ‘Candy Corn’ colored balloon hat, sitting upon his head. The sweet three-year old girl, stands patiently, as she waits with joy, the art that is placed onto her precious face.

Their expressions portrait great fear, as they preform a drama that tells the story of the struggles of life, and the answers found in faith. Their eyes were often motionless, but the tears gently sliding down their face spoke of hearts that have been touched … hearts that have been changed.

A crowd slowly gathers. Watching as two guys perform acrobatics on BMX bikes. Most are smiling, some sense the danger, all enjoy the show. Then music begins, with instruments and voices giving way to joy, singing and worship. The gospel is proclaimed, prayers are given … and hearts are listening.

Only a mere three blocks a heavy bass flows through the air. Without intent, though with attempt to overwhelm the festival at hand.

As day gave in to night, the music continues to blare, yet now only yards from our place of lodging. What is this band, who are their followers? A walk requires not a simple exit from Hotel Teresa. No, discovering the passageway would be a journey of several blocks. One last turn, onto Francisco Menéndez, and there, its entrance was found. Passing the obvious spot that was expecting a ‘Cover charge’, I walked a mere thirty feet into the ruckus arena. It was not the sound, only slightly more ear deafening than within my own room, that brought sadness. No, it was what I observed.

Three blocks ~~ broken hearts … and broken lives were found on both Menéndez and at Concordia Park. One, unfortunately continued to further rent those hearts. The other … found many whose desire was to repent. Hearts that heard through song … through prayer … and through preaching of the good news of Jesus Christ … That there’s hope in the midst of the noise ~~ in the midst of the commotion.

The world and its ways will forever endeavor to offer an answer … the solution. And, for a season, this was my life. But now … my heart breaks for those for whom the ruckus, the noise, continues to be their means to satisfy the hunger. The path through life is not without struggle. At times the pain … almost unbearable! Yet, I can’t imagine a greater pain than that of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who took three nails for you … and for me.

Grateful that the answer … at times is but a mere three blocks … yet 180 degrees in the opposite direction. 

 

                                            

                                                    And this ... was my journey in Ahuachapan ... February of 2023                                            

Pictures: Drama and BMX Bikes by Hannah Calkins©