The only traditional tradition I can remember when it comes to the 4th of July is the mini parade of Liberty Township, Ohio. It would start at one school then end at a park with festivities. Some years I would get fireworks and others I would just settle for sparklers on the back porch. Nevertheless, in recent years I can give you a detailed story of eventful Independence Days – each uniquely celebrated or not. This year continued that tradition.
On Friday we were given a day off. My back welcomed the break from working and a chance to see more of Nicaragua. With our host, Glenn, in the driver’s seat and our pastor buddy, Manuel, in shotgun, ten of us girls piled in the 15 passenger van for some shopping and site-seeing after breakfast. The markets were nice. Glenn would park the van and we’d stroll down the streets peaking into each inviting nook of goodies. Most of the shops had similar treasures of hand-made jewelery, pottery, crafts, and hammocks. Though there was always a welcoming “Hola” inside each.
My one job in the market was to find a vase for my parents. Not so daunting until I saw thousands of them in each store. After spending too much money on other gifts I had to decide on the small green one with a weird looking iguana etched in the side. I hope they don’t mind my lack of experience in pottery purchasing. Lack of purchasing all together – I’m not good at spending money but we made one more stop at some markets by Crater Lake…gorgeous, huh?
I walked through the same trinkets just to pass time before we headed back for lunch. I started to think of the vendors. They probably see their fair share of rich, white tourists. What made us any different? Then bang, God hit me: pray for that one! I looked over and saw a woman sitting at her table covered in necklaces and key chains. OK. OK – do I really so this, Lord? Yes! I grabbed Renee. I told her what God asked of me. I asked Renee to talk in Spanish for me and ask her if we could pray for her. We approached her with smiles and introduced ourselves, explaining why we had interrupted her seemingly mundane moment. Her name was Elizabeth. She stood up slowly and talked about her family and son and work. Tears held themselves only for a moment in her eyes before they made their way down her cheeks. She finished her story with a sigh. By that time Jeanette had mad her way into our nook. I pulled her close to us asking if she could pray for Elizabeth’s stomach that she had mentioned hurting. The three of us then covered Elizabeth with prayer for her family, long work days, and spirit to be renewed by the love of God. After the “amen” we had a new sister and friend. She was no longer a nameless face selling just another souvenir. We shared in His joy and waved good-bye. And as we walked Renee thanked me, “I felt the Holy Spirit’s power move there!”
We headed back to our place for lunch. And after a quick bite to eat I got to have a great talk with a friend from the states. She’s a woman with a solid heart and passionate desire to see others moved by His love. She shared with me good things to pray for. I spent some time on our roof then in the afternoon praying and talking with some of my teammates.
(Posing patriotically before the fireworks!)
…We all made our way back to that roof at approximately 9 PM. This was our time to celebrate like the real Americans do it – except we only had some, what looked like, firecrackers on a stick. But Seth had supplied for the festivities and for only fifty cents a pop we thought what the heck. Long story short – and to keep the nameless safe from all legal matters – we shot off fireworks, bang! Whether they went up straight and exploded in bright colors or not-so-straight bursts into not the sky…we ended our 4th of July with cheering and/or hilarious unbelieving laughter after a day well spent.
Getting Ready
Getting Set
…and Bang!
Trust me that it was more fun than it looks – and no one got hurt…badly.
