Mina's Memorial Service

Last week Rinas’s long time neighbor, Mina, passed away. We went to Mina’s house to be with those who were suffering through the pain of losing her. But for me, I wasn’t sure how to act there. I was surrounded by sorrow, tears and crumbling voices that I didn’t understand. Culturally, this memorial service was different than what I have seen. Mina’s mourners were not those of blood but others in their small community and even more who are related to others in the community; a long line and web of a family. Many of them stay for more than one day, sometimes up to three, and I wondered what they do during their time together. Hopefully, I thought, they grieve with their hearts wide open, pouring out pain, but in time, turn and see the light of God that says to let go, everything is ok.

I walked into the tight, small room where the casket was placed in dim light. I looked down at the physical body of Mina and my thoughts changed. I didn’t notice what was going on around me but started to think about Mina. I thought of her spirit soaring high above us all, full of life and love, and telling everyone to celebrate for her. I kept looking down at her and thought of her being born, an innocent child, fragile body of life, and then how all of our lives are delicate and temporary and we live in God’s world. It is His world; He made it and everything on it. So we are all His as well. This made think of one the most moving verses to me, one given by Isaiah 40:6-8. “…And flesh is grass… The grass withers, and the flowers fade, But the word of our God stands forever.” And then I thought about Mina and how her spirit is at home, not a home we can see or touch, but in God’s home in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1).

I stepped back outside into the bright sunlight and saw everyone hugging and shedding tears of what I thought were their memories, some full of happiness and joy and others of hardships and difficult times. I thought how quickly our lives pass and how each day is a blessing. I was sure Mina would agree with me. I walked back to Rina’s house silently praying for everyone behind me, but I also felt excited since I didn’t know what the next day would bring.

Nadar En El Rio De Los Encuentros

A few weeks ago, seven of us explored a new place, where three rivers merge into one, and there are two main pools of water to swim in. The water is like glass since we could see the bottom when standing on a rock above the pool. The water has a mild temperature, and the bottom consists of soft sand, the kind that feels so good when twist in turn and your feet become covered. The pools are surrounded by dark green trees, some of which are bigger than any I have seen so far. We all climbed up rocks and jumped into the river’s water. We kept our eyes open when we dove deep into the pools so we could see colorful fish dart from one rock to another. We all slowed down so we could float and feel the strength of the river pull us. And on the shore we rested.

On a personal note: I walked up stream and sat in a small pool. I sat with my back against a rock so I could watch the clear water rush towards me and see sun’s rays splash on the surface and colorful rocks that surround me. My purpose was to be alone and pray. I prayed to thank God for another day, for the minute in time, the present moment, and for introducing me to a new world, a speck on a map, a remote village filled with friendly people living in quaint houses. I prayed even more and praised Him for all He created. I looked all around and told Him aloud everything is His and the only reason I am there, witnessing the beauty of the outdoors, is because of Him. I thought about a verse I had read recently, Revelation 4:11, “…For You created all things, And by your will they exist and created.” So as I sat there in the swirling tub of water, I prayed and prayed some more, and looked all around me at the vibrant colors of the trees, rocks, clouds, and sky.

Nadar En El Rio De Los Encuentros - Video Maker

Las Flores Video

Las Flores makes known that Cocal Gracias’ goal is to supply Las Flores with electricity. Joel, Brian, and Pastor Juan let thousands of people and organizations know they can help Cocal Gracias provide Las Flores with the power to have light, water pumps, and communication services, which can all be used to advance healthier life styles.

However, what stands out the most to me with Las Flores is that I was there when Joel interviewed and filmed Brian and Pastor Juan. I watched kids run back and forth from the jungle to the church while Pastor Juan was interviewed. I looked up to the roof of the house Brian was interviewed and followed the rain gutter to where it is a few feet above the water tank. I looked into the tank and there was very little water left. (And even as today, it has not rained for over a week.) Everyone can watch this well polished video that uncovers the need of funds to help Las Flores, but what you don’t see is all of Brian’s interview. The video shows Brian stating the main idea in just a few minutes, but what is missing is one brief moment of time when the sound of his voice softens, when pure facial expressions pour out his feeling of hope, when his bright brown eyes, looked like they were glassed over with water. This is was what stopped me right then and there. I took a picture that is stored in me. It displays Brian’s unconditional affection that is pure and embedded deep in his soul. Las Flores doesn’t show this experience, but I know even if it did, no one would feel the blanket of love that warmed all of us around him.

Note: A few nights ago the family whose house Brian and Pastor Juan were interviewed in front of brought Brian and Rina a chicken. They were on their long walk down the mountain to Pastor Juan’s service when they stopped by. I looked at it as if we could let the chicken go and make friends with all the other chickens around here, but Brian and Rina said no. They said it was for lunch the following day. The family didn’t carry the chicken by its legs for two hours just so Brian and Rina could have a pet chicken. This showed me how the love for each other is given: the family gives a chicken to Brian and Rina and Brian puts himself in front of the family’s house and pours out his love for them and all of Las Flores.

Las Flores from Via Pictures (Joel McGinty) on Vimeo.