05-05-2008

It is true, the Tico culture and American culture is very different. I have been spending the last two months or more trying to figure exactly what these differences are. A real cultural understanding is essential while trying to help those whom I have been sent her to help. One day spent in this country trying to accomplish a task where you need another’s compliance or help will quickly reveal some of the most prominent differences. There is no sense of urgency as far as accomplishing tasks, and many Americans are resented because of their normal, pragmatic, goal-oriented mentality (this is not said to excuse those Americans who are guilty of exploiting this country or the people, but to note that I too can be frustrated not by sinful actions but no more than cultural differences). All that said, the slower pace life often times is a welcome respite from our very fast American culture.

While working with the men, I have had to deal with this in many different aspects. I have had to ask for special discernment regarding the difference between laziness and cultural variances. Over time, I understand more and am able to address these differences. Of course I have been taken advantage of many times under the guise of, “it’s our culture” when it comes to physical labor, and now, am taking a harder stand against some of these falsely labeled differences. If there is one thing that characterizes most people coming out of addiction, it is self-centeredness, which often shows itself in laziness.

I also know that I am extreme by nature, and that this extreme nature shows itself in my work ethic. Therefore, I must also consider this, that I have very high expectations. Jimmy, the director of the program here, has recently been looking to me to set a more obedient tone in the house. I use the word obedient because often the men in the center are the ones that determine when, where or how they work. It just so happens that I am a part of Christ’s body that has been more equipped in the ways of confrontation. Prior, one could easily say, “I don’t feel well today, ask Jose to go clean instead,” and there would be little that was appropriate for me to do; or, “It’s supposed to rain later, and these are the only shoes I have, and I don’t want to get them wet”. Recently, after prayer and communication with Jimmy, we are raising the standards of those living in the house.

The response would be what you expect, some have left immediately after being given the choice between doing what they are asked and leaving the house (revealing that their hearts wanted nothing to do with change, but just wanted a place to get some food and rest so they could continue smoking crack; which was already known but now confronted), some have reluctantly adhered, and some have been glad, knowing that these changes were necessary.
One man in particular, known for his violent and sporadic behavior threatened my life, promising revenge in the streets. This is not the first time I have been threatened, but I usually dismiss these threats as just words spoken by someone with a bad temper. This time is different; others warned me that with this particular man, this could possibly be a potentially serious issue and to watch my back. I pray all the harder, and am all the more alert while walking by myself, especially at night.

These changes have given opportunities for biblical instruction. Religion runs rampant down here. Everyone knows of Christ, in fact most everyone has accepted Christ, at least verbally. Everywhere you look, you see pictures of Jesus or religious sayings. However, what is written in the Bible is not known. This is where sharing specific verses for a specific attitude has been very effective and helpful. That in the end, a love for God and others moves us to a willingness to be obedient, and more than that, a desire to be obedient, not because the law alone tells us to, but that we come to an understanding that the law was written by the creator of ourselves. That the law was fulfilled in Christ, and a true understanding of that grace allows us to be obedient for the right reason, love, and that the Bible is a loving guideline not to keep us from having fun, but quite the opposite, to teach us how to run the human machine properly. That, God knows better than any what will fulfill us and bring us peace and joy, and that all of our own efforts to find those things on our own always come up vain. I have much enjoyed my own spiritual journey since being here, and the lessons and understanding God has taught me in my time here.

I look forward to coming back to the states three weeks from today to visit with friends and family. I also look forward to returning to this place with my wife.