La Negrita

Imagine having a festival day where thousands upon thousands of people walk in the streets towards the same destination. Some go as a pilgrimage, others walk for the novelty. Here in Costa Rica, the day is August 2nd. Some people started walking last thursday (depending on how far they came) to arrive in Cartago at the church of Los Angeles to petition the Black Madonna. Some people who come from the coasts, like in Guanacaste, rode in on horseback. Those with serious needs and concerns, after walking the whole way (from San Jose it is 4 hours), enter the church on their knees, and crawl to the front of the church.

This kind of devotion humbles me and breaks my heart. I live with a family who believes in the miracles of La Negrita. My tico mom's daughter Teres) and granddaughter (Michel) walked four hours yesterday to attend the mass today. I see the stress of life on Teres' face and I wish I could help her. It's strange - for being such a relational culture, I feel such a tension to talk to her about Jesus. She thinks there is nothing wrong with her life and her religion. She won't even show me she is hurting, but everyone can see it. Her mother is such a devout catholic, and even though she loves Jesus, she has yet to see that He is the only way to get to God. So, Teres sees her mother, and relies on her religion to save the whole family.

So, I listen to their stories and feel useless. And I wonder why God has brought me here, and what He will bring me through so I can speak the truth with a loving boldness, and not shy away because I am scared of what people will think. In reality, I am scared of what I don't understand - catholism, and a desire to live life in whatever way someone chooses even though he or she is miserable. I know Jesus wants this family. They have had 4 Christians before me, living in their house, sharing in their lives. I pray that they will turn to Him and understand what it means to have a relationship with Him. To serve others, not so they can get to heaven or because it is the right thing to do, but because we have been served by the Son of God. I have much to learn from Margarita and her family, even in the last few weeks. And I pray, God will use me so that they may learn something from me as well.