From a distance

Enroute to Peru, the Andes mountain ranges...



Flying above our beautiful and suffering planet, in a plane that continues to pollute it, I pondered upon how perfect it appears to be as we fly some 30,000 feet above it all. From a distance, the surface view appears different from the reality, often, at least until our eyes are opened and we get closer to a situation, a person, or a suffering planet. Upon closer inspection, the reality is disturbing and perhaps this why we would rather look from a distance. And perhaps this is why I can finally agree with the many friends, family and supporters who called me courageous for venturing so far from home. They are correct, I concede, but not for the reasons they gave....but because I am willing to have my eyes opened to harsh realities that many would rather not witness. This is most surely bravery. But it is not my own strength, rather I can only move to this part of the world, to be a witness to the real issues and struggles, at people, not from a distance but up close and personal, because it is God who has given me the will, the heart,the strength, and supporters like all of you(!)... to do this through Jesus Christ!




Above Lake Titicaca, located in Bolivia and Peru

From a distance, with tourist's eyes, parts of Lima are very beautiful and strongly resemble a cosmopolitan city which could be anywhere in the world. But now, having lived here for only one week, the reality of this incredible growth signifies a colonization of another sort. In the areas closest to the ocean, like Mira Flores and wealthier areas like San Isidro, the parks are beautiful, lush, and green, with palm trees and flowers of every variety. These areas are also populated by very expensive condominiums, hotels, casinos, North American restaurants (including Starbucks!), and all kinds of new construction. From a distance, perhaps this development is good for the economy. But to my eyes, at least, it marks another kind of colonization which is perhaps not so different from that of the Spanish conquistadors. This invasion of North American culture threatens to transform the Peruvian culture and way of life. From my perspective anyways, it offers cultural judgements about "normal" standards, it offers growth with strings attached. This invasion makes life difficult for those whose lives are already a struggle, as prices are driven higher due to the increase of tourism and seasonal residents who are able to pay higher prices.

It is interesting to contemplate all of these issues in the process of apartment hunting. Many would prefer me to live in a high-rise, expensive, and secure building in one of these areas. And while I would prefer to live in a manner similar to those I will serve during my time here, safety and security can be an issue. The exploration in this apartment-hunting has been difficult and, at other times, fun as it has taken me into several parts of the city.

And so, we continue to comtemplate the issues and struggles in this city of over 9 million people, not from a distance, but up close and personal. For the Gospel calls us to walk with, journey with, pray for,and be in intimate relationships even with our enemy, for this is the relationship that Jesus has with each of us. Jesus is with us in our struggles, in the messy parts of our lives, in our doubts and fears, the nights when we can't stop crying. We are given this model for our relationships and we are called out of our safe and secure places, to journey with others, to be aware of the issues in our world, not from a distance, but close to the realities and ugliness, for to be disciples is to follow this difficult path out of ourselves to really be with and for our neighbours, for we are all one body in Jesus Christ.

For as Paul has written in Romans:

"I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another." Romans 12: 1-5

Wishing you peace, love, and blessings as we prepare in this Advent season for the birth of our Savior!

Fran.