Though I often find myself asking “Is this real life?” on the Race, this post is not about me living the dream. It’s about John and the boys of Kedesh.
I’m going to attempt to paint a picture that cannot be justified by a photo.
It was a typical day at Kedesh. We rose with the sun, enjoyed oatmeal for breakfast and John brought a devotional while we sat outside eating. We played Frisbee and climbed trees, ate mangoes and hung in hammocks. We inhaled our rice and beans and continued playing with the boys, just like every kid should do on summer vacation. As dinnertime approached, a rumor spread among the boys that lead to a buzz of excitement.
Fernando Lucas was coming to perform.
Fernando is a first generation Kedesh boy. He’s in his mid-30’s, lives and works in the area and is a phenomenal guitarist. When his white truck pulled into the driveway, the boys shouted and ran to greet him. He’s a bit of a local celebrity, at least in the Kedesh community.
After dinner was eaten and the dishes were washed, we gathered every picnic table, bench and chair into a semicircle. The sun had set and the stars filled the night sky. The gigantic pot full of buttery popcorn (that is made every night) was placed in the center and we all had our fill.
Fernando took his place in the middle and started strumming. I passed a bowl of popcorn back and forth with a few boys as we listened to his voice fill the air. Joao didn’t have a place to sit, so he scooted his bottom onto my lap; our skin stuck to one another due to the humidity. The electricity cut in and out, often leaving us under a blanket of stars.
After an hour of pure entertainment, Fernando finished and asked for any other performers. Luis and Kitty, two high school boys, took their place in the center and continued with worship and original songs. After awhile, Fernando rejoined them and the trio jammed out, much to our delight.
Cisco, one of the boys sitting next to me, tapped me on the arm.
“They’re good aren’t they? Do you like the music?”
“Absolutely.”
And how could you not like the music? It’s original; it’s from the heart.
During the concert, I couldn’t help but wonder what was going through John’s mind, what he was feeling in his heart. He sat in the circle with a smile on his face the entire time. After 18 years of investing in Kedesh, the first generation is giving back to the next. The little guys look up to high school boys; the high school boys look up to the men who are living abundant lives. He’s watching the vision God gave him come true- he’s living the dream.
Blessed. That’s my overwhelming sentiment this month. I feel blessed to be invited in to the work God is already doing here. I’ve entered into a dream that has become reality and it’s my joy to tell you about it.
A picture of Fernando performing at Kedesh Sanctuario. John is sitting far right, behind Fernando.
