I asked my host dad and he said he knew of a church in Heredia, which is about a 30-minute bus ride from San Isidro. So he made sure I had everything I needed including shoes, umbrella, jacket, and money, then he drove me to the bus stop. He made sure I got on the bus and sat down before he left and I noticed him still watching the bus as we drove away. I literally felt like my first day of kindergarten and thought maybe I should ask him if he wanted a picture, but was afraid he wouldn´t get my humor. When I arrived in Heredia I was given strict instructions not to leave and wait for his sister to come get me. She arrived and walked me to church, where she picked me up when I was done, took me back to the bus stop, and put me on the bus. Later me dad picked me up in San Isidro and drove me home. Their assistance is greatly appreciated.
The church was a very small one, and I guess they know of it because their mom attends a much larger sister church in a different part of Costa Rica. There was definitely a lot I did not understand but it was really great to be in an actual church and be surrounded by others that were worshiping God. There are some places that are really hard for language learners and church is one of them. I never realized how fast people talk at church until today, and I also never realized how uncomfortable church can be when you do not understand what is happening or the language being spoken around you. They sang from memory I guess, because they had no overhead or songbooks, so I didn't get in on the singing too much. Then they were welcoming guests, but I was having a hard time understanding because of the microphone and how fast they were speaking. I guess she said something about me, cause everyone turned and looked at me. I had no idea what was happening and then she smiled and pointed at me. I smiled and gave a pathetic wave because I had no idea what I was supposed to do. Then everyone clapped, and some people came and greeted me. I have to be honest and say it was probably one of the most awkward moments of my entire life.
While I was still recovering from the introduction scene they had the offering and instead of passing the basket, everyone walked their offering to the ushers in the front of the church. Now remember this church is not very large, so nearly everyone walked to the front and here is the very red, sunburnt white girl who is trying to get a grasp on what is happing sitting in her chair. Ya, it wasn't one of my best moments either.
The church itself was very friendly and expressive. I appreciate how these people live in the moment instead of expectations. People were switching seats and greeting each other throughout the service, the door of the church was open and it is on a town street, fans were blowing, and a young man with a mental handicap was standing up throughout the service, but none of this seemed to bother anyone. Nothing was disruptive and everyone was very attentive as the pastor spoke. A sweet lady behind me would put her hand on my shoulder every once in a while and say something to me, or ask if I understood something. The preacher and the people were pretty interactive and through it was really hard to keep up and listening and try to take it all in, it was also a really neat time. It was a great time for me to think of the customs and things that I take for granted in my own church culture. How do others who have not grown up in my culture, or the church see the things that I view as normal. I have no problem understanding Biblical language and church talk because I grew up with it, but how is it for others who are not familiar with it? I did not get the main points of the sermon or was even able to connect the parts that I did understand, but today did give me a lot to think about and worship God for. I am thankful for the experiences that challenge me because somewhere in them I learn more about myself and more about the God who created each individual, culture, and language.
This morning before church I was reading The Gospel and Racial Reconciliation by Russell Moore and Andrew Walker and this phrase stuck out to me. "Racial reconciliation must begin with the habit of seeing others as made in the image of God; therefore, possessing inestimable, unfathomable dignity and worth. But how do we do that when seeing people is so commonplace? It requires skill and diligent practice. It requires renewing of our minds, especially with regard to racial identity. ....The mind is a relentless stereotyper. In a fallen world it drives you away from the fundamental recognition that everbody you looked at in that room is life you, because everyone is created in the image of God. If we are going to rightly appreciate and practically embrace our common creation in the image of God, then we need a sure foundation: We need to break the habit of automatically stereotyping." pg. 26
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The rest of the day was pretty relaxing and I am thankful because the morning was pretty overwhelming, and I am still pretty uncomfortably sunburnt. Mama Iva served us ceviche for supper tonight and I was pretty excited. I was hoping I would get some while I was here and I did! Ceviche is raw fish cured in citrus juices and it is very tender and delicious! You can only eat a small amount because of the acidity, but I ate it with soda crackers which helped. My host mom offered us ice cream after and my papa Yue and I turned her down as that would not be a great combo, and we actually had ice cream after lunch when she left to visit her mom at the hospital.
My host sister is pretty intrigued by my sunburn, which has actually been helpful. She is very concerned about it and spent time yesterday and today rubbing me down with Aloe and after sun. She is a sweetheart and love to spend time hanging out in my room when she can.
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