Disclaimer: My intention with this blog post is not to offend anyone or to “bash” Americans or the use of technology. I only wish to highlight the simplistic life I’ve seen of the people of Granada and to encourage us all towards a more full, abundant way of living that includes Christ, fellowship, and the simple joys of life.
Granada, Nicaragua. Simple housing. Mud floors. Dirty clothes. People everywhere. I initially looked at this way of life and saw what these people were lacking. Now I look and wonder, is there an aspect of abundant living here that we, in the U.S., have tapped out of?
Upon entering Granada, it was easy for me to look at the living situations of the natives and hurt for them. They had no running water, dirt floors, and many families had a single-room home. I assumed they shared my perspective and also recognized they were lacking in many practical areas. But being here for only a few short weeks has greatly changed my outlook. Not only have I seen an amazing display of contentment and gratefulness shown by the people of Granada, but I’ve also seen them live life in a way that, I believe, has fallen to the wayside in America.
After a day in town, a few of my squadmates and I piled in a taxi and made our way back to the farm where we were staying. The sun was making an exit and the night life of Granada quickly jumped on the scene. As we flew past the bicyclers and livestock clogging the roadsides, I glanced out my window to see what a typical Tuesday evening in Granada looked like. Countless images ran passed the window in a colorful blur, but in the midst of all the color and movement, some small moments still managed to catch my attention.
A family sitting outside on the patio enjoying a meal.
A group of men people-watching on the roadside, elbowing each other and laughing.
An older woman relaxed on the front of a bike while her husband pedaled.
Children escaping to the sidewalk as our taxi interrupted a game of handball.
A young man trying his best to catch the eye of a pretty girl as they walked.
A heavy game of basketball growing more intense as passer-bys stopped to watch.
Each day, as we went into town for ministry, I kept my eyes peeled for more small moments.
Customers bartering at the farmers market.
Neighbors chatting in lawnchairs.
A game of chase in the front yard.
A mom and daughter holding hands as they walked into town.
A boy kicking a soccer ball down the street.
People enjoying other people.
People living life.
Am I saying we as Americans don’t enjoy other people? No.
Am I saying we don’t live life? No.
I’m saying I’ve noticed more interactions here. More face-to-face conversations. People trading, bartering, selling and buying locally from their neighbors. Children playing in the streets and enjoying the outdoors with friends rather than a game on a tablet. Families taking time to eat dinner together. Young adults hanging out without a phone in their hand or in front of their face. The old enjoying the energy of the young. The young enjoying the wisdom and comfort of the old.
People making time for other people.
No, life is not perfect in Granada. There are plenty of issues that need attention. However, these people know contentment. They know gratefulness. They value human connection more than anything. They do not see themselves as a people in lack. They don’t ask for more. Maybe it’s because they have less tangible distractions, but maybe that’s the key.
I came here wanting to give more to those less fortunate, but as I’ve watched the engagements around me, I think, “I want what they have.” I want more human interaction and less screen time. I want dirty clothes from time spent outside. I want memories that don’t involve my phone. I don’t want the disquieting distractions of life to cloud my view of God’s most prized possession on this earth; humans. I want a lifestyle that invites a grateful, yet hungry, attitude for the simple joys of life that others offer. The life the people of Granada live is not perfect by any means, but they’ve mastered the art of intentionally choosing into the lives around them.
