“Yall are going where?!” “No you don’t want to get on that bus.” Both said with utter shock in local Costa Rican faces when we asked for directions to get back to our bus to La Carpio. One even started joking that we make sure we new karate or carried a weapon. There is this notion that La Carpio is the worst, most dangerous place. Yet is it true?
Our host through Give-Dignity said that maybe 2-3 times per year La Carpio makes the news for something legitimately ‘bad’ Either way, be it from these small moments or simply the prejudice minds towards the nicaraguan immigrants in La Carpio, both seem far out of proportion. It brought to mind how globally we as people label and classify so many circumstance/places/people and are quick to categorize them as yah or nah. Maybe this is a safety mechanism; all I know is that when these standards are set, opportunities to witness for ones self the truth in those circumstances inches further away.
In regards to much around the world, how many opinions are evolved due to its past or the local news cast rather the current day in age? I know personally my mind started setting standards towards La Carpio before I even arrived. When typed into google the first thing that pops up is, “La Carpio, May Be Costa Rica’s Worst Ghetto” A family we befriended left us with such high concerns towards the city, my mind couldn’t help but start becoming prejudice toward the area. A mentality like this-be it prejudice or desensitized-builds walls and when walls are built people and their individual stories aren’t given the time of day. Then while walking around the city my mind was concerned and bothered rather than open and willing to converse. Until a few days ago when we took a walk.
Nothing drastic, just a walk with Anna and Drew. Passing kids we have met at Give-Dignity or played soccer with, the veggie/fruit stands on the side of the road and the constant dodging of trash between steps. Then came the young man, about my age, height and weight, walking the opposite direction of us. His dress was simple, cargo shorts, T-Shirt and shades, walk was casual and body language content. The gap between us drew closer and there on his face laid a seemingly deep, burdened and disgusted look. Imagine the face you would make when you woke up for work, spilled coffee on your clothes, jumped in the car to find out it won’t start; you find a ride into work, not giving a hoot that you are late, and upon arrival you notice you left your wallet, phone and work ID at home. You are numb. That’s the face he wore. Quite intimidating too I bet. Space between us came to only a few steps now and out of no where I get this urge to say with high with a true sense of Joy to back it up with. “Buenos!” I say (hello/good day) and without skipping a beat, this young mans demeanor took a 180 turn. A wonderful life filled smile encompassed his face, his eyes turned brighter and he responded back likewise.
How many people in La Carpio are so quickly viewed as trash and discriminated against? Everyone here faces it at some time or another and are affected by it. This hurt me yet brought me to realize the power of welcoming spirits and acknowledgment. We take for granted and over use the “how’s it going?’’ and ‘’Howdy’s’’ in Texas because everyone says it. But here that may be the best thing we can bring.
Be this with small matters such as people’s character, family dynamics, life choices or bigger; war, countries, and cultures-all this to say, where are you getting your information from and what sets your standards. If it’s not in person or through first hand of another, be careful not to hold such weight on it so on the day it changes you too also can change. From it, we are now planning on taking daily walks around the community to simply say hi to people. Hoping to break some barriers and open doors of opportunities for new friendships/conversations.
(For a great read about our ministry read Drew’s post here: http://drewdahlsten.theworldrace.org/?filename=im-in-costa-rica
