It doesn't take long for people to notice a group of white girls walking down the street in South America. During the last few months it has become normal to hear the whistles, cat calls, looks and people saying "hello" in strong accents because that is probably the only English word they know. Yet despite it being very common and normal, it can still get to you. It is not our culture in the States and so getting used to that on a regular basis can be a challenge. Yet sometimes it is just a nuisance.
We are at debrief in Lima and so a bunch of us were out exploring and trying to find clothes that fit Americans. We happened upon a parade and only a couple seconds after I mentioned to one of the girls that I would love to join the dancing, a local came into the onlookers and grabbed my hand, pulling me into the street! It was such fun! They were in brightly colored traditional garb and were partner dancing similar to an easy contra dance and then would circle up into a larger group. A few more of my companions were dragged in as well. One time I looked over and a group of Peruvians were giving me the thumbs up because apparently I looked like I was dancing like a Peruvian! Haha! Those are the funny things that tend to happen because we stand out like a sore thumb!
Yet the coolest of all happened when we were walking back to the hostel. On the right side of the cobblestone street that was sided with stores and merchandise, a woman was standing with her disabled son who was in a wheelchair. The cardboard sign above them said "I need help. My son is a vegetable….". One of the girls felt the Lord prompting her to pray for them so we all gathered around them, asked his name and the mother said we could pray for them. Placing our hands on Sandy's sweet head and stiff, unused hands we prayed for him and his mom. She continued to share with us her struggle and how expensive it was to take care of Sandy because of all the needed attention and medical help he needed. He had something like muscular dystrophy or spinadyphida. I honestly don't know what he had but I feel like he maybe wasn't diagnosed correctly and definitely didn't get the care that he needs. He has a feeding tube, diapers and his little feet were in braces on the wheel chair. As we touched his hands and caressed his sweet head we quickly realized he was not a vegetable. That little boy had the sweetest smile and his eyes pierced with a sweet gentleness. His little laugh sounded like a cry but he was such a happy kid. It was obvious that his mommy loved him so much and sacrificed so much of her life for him. He had to use inhalers and she gently wiped his face off as he would start to cough or spit up. As we talked to her, all the sudden it went from a street who was ignoring her to a huge crowd surrounding us. We were there for about 15-20mins and her cup of coins began to fill and people came out of the woodwork giving her bills and coins. She had to empty out her cup! We prayed for her again and then read scripture to her. Her face relaxed and she was so blessed. It was beautiful. People kept flocking as they walked by. Even as we left, there was still a large crowd. I believe that God sent us there to bring in that crowd. A bunch of white women can make a scene but God turned it into good! What can feel annoying or frusterating, God used for His purpose! I am so glad I am His kid and can experience Him in that way. The strong, grateful hug and sweet kiss on the cheek by Sandy's mommy as we left is one I will always remember. Never underestimate God.
