Reflective Travel

Back from our weekend getaway where we did a whole lotta' nothin'. Just what we were hoping for. In fact, I took hardly any photos. Suppose you need a break from even the joys every now and then.

Today I've been sorting through Honduras photos and trying to upload pictures so I can finally make some photo books. These two stuck out to me. I remember arriving in Copan, a small Mayan city on the border of Guatemala. I can still hear the sounds of the street market and the juxtaposition of the locals and tourists. Here, you would begin to feel like you were on any typical vacation until you really looked into the eyes of the locals. We were the outsiders. With money. Tourist areas in Honduras are isolated little microcosms. And sadly, most tourists never venture out of the bubble.

I think this picture is lovely, but it makes my heart heavy. He was selling these on the streets with his grandmother. Look in his eyes. I wish I had bought his dolls. At the moment I just thought he was beautiful and surely those dolls would be crushed in my backpack. I smiled and wished him a good day. Though small, it was a missed opportunity to bless.

I'm back to the old patterns of being a privileged American. I am glad to be reminded, again, of those He loves across this world. A world that is so big, yet not so very.

You came near when I called you,
and you said, "Do not fear."
O Lord, you took up my case; you redeemed my life.
Lamentations 3:57-58