What does paradise look like? What do we as Americans consider paradise to be??
……
Most of us would define paradise as a tropical place with palm trees, exoctic flowers, cabannas, fruit platters everywhere, hot weather, exoctic birds/animals…you hear me clucking big chicken??
So, break out the imagination & come on a little journey with me. You get off a 5 hour plane ride from LAX to Guatemala City at 6am. Upon exiting the airport you are shuffled into vans, and the interesting ride begins. The roads are surrounded with exotic flowers, big, vibrant green trees of all different species. As you climb & decend the mountain, the view of the breath taking volcano appears and quickly vanishes from your sight. As you strain to get a better look, the driver announces you have arrived in Antigua, Guatemala.
As you enter the city, the van bounces along the cobbelstone streets. Your gaze is fixed upon the eclectic colors of the shops & buildings along the way. There are gorgeous old churches, artisitic fountains, & beautiful foilage everywhere! The van stops in front of a gorgeous hostel. As you enter, you realize this hostel looks like its from a movie. There are courtyards everywhere, and to say there really is no roof wouldn't be an exaggeration. Along with the open air & sunshine, there are plants, fountains, and amazing pieces of artwork everywhere you look.
According to the American version of Paradise…I'm in it baby!
but……take a closer look
Did you notice the buildings made of tin? the smell of exhaust that filled the roads? The poor areas of town directly under that breath taking view of the volcano? The huge cracks in the cobble stone street? The people approaching you to attempt to make a buck (or a quetal here)? The homeless man sleeping in the doorway of a shop, or on the stoop?
No? Don't feel bad I almost missed it too. It is so easy to get caught up in how beautiful it can be here, how exotic it is. But the cold hard truth is that poverty is everywhere……and if we only see our version of paradise then who are we?
True paradise is an eternal life with our Father in Heaven. So, here's the plan….you ready? Go ahead enjoy the beauty, take it alllll in! But don't forget to bring the beauty of Christ in with you!
Let's make the people who live in our "paradise" have the ability to join us in the true, eternal paradise!!!
(For my Family & friends, I made it safe, haven't drank the water yet, haven't gotten sick in anyway yet! Staying in a safe place, and the men on my team will do everything they can to keep us safe! We are going on a technology black out tomorrow for a few days! I will let you know allll I can really soon!!! Love you allll!!! God Bless!!! MISS YOUR FACES!)
