Sompopos Are here!!
Sompopos are giant winged ants of Guatemala. Their appearance every year in May marks the beginning of the rainy season. Therefore, their arrival is eagerly awaited and celebrated.
Guatemalan children will often catch the Sompopos and take them to school to fight other Sompopos.
But even more frequently these “Mayan Caviar” are collected and fried up with butter and lime and eaten as a delicacy. When cooked, their wings fall off and their egg-filled bodies get nice and crispy. I know it sounds gross, but I would describe them as tasting like seasoned popped-corn.
After eating bugs and actually liking the taste of them, I was reminded once again the “One man’s trash” truly is “another man’s treasure.”
While most of us in America try to kill ants, especially ants that are over an inch in length and accessorized with wings; others collect them, eat them, and thoroughly enjoy them.
As I pondered this I drew a rather meaningful parallel to Los Gozosos, The home for children with disabilities, where I am living and working this month.
There are currently 9 children between the ages of 6 and 17 living here. Only one of them speaks with any sensibility, 4 of them can walk without any assistance, and 5 can feed themselves successfully.
These children have been discarded by their families and shunned by society. People are afraid of them, embarrassed by them, and unwilling to help them. Waste. Worthless. Unwanted.
But the few who are willing to look beyond the disabilities of these precious children are rewarded with the love and laughter of a lifetime.
No, they can’t walk and talk and behave like “normal” children, but the awe and wonderment that they exhibit over simple things is exhilarating. The pride they take in accomplishing small tasks is outstanding. The joy they have and spread to others is incomparable.
While some, in their ignorance, may believe these children are a waste of space, time, food, money, and resources, I have come to realize they are a treasure worth far more than gold.
Whatever you have done for the “least of these” you have also done for me.
Matthew 25:40
