Things We Learned in Central America (Summer 2000)

This was the content of an email we sent, and of our verbal report to the churches we visited during the summer of 2000. It is a longer article! 

 

As I read it with today’s eyes (2025), I realize it is a bit insensitive in the some of the comments made.  There are generalizations about Honduran “campesino” culture. (Think “rural” lower socioeconomic culture). 

 

I leave it as is, with the hope that no one takes offense but recognizes it for a perceived, and flawed, snapshot in time.

 

 

We had been warned during orientation at The Spanish Language Institute that during our year of school we would learn much more than Spanish.  That was so true!  

 

Over the last two years, we have lived in Central America, the first year in Costa Rica, learning the language and culture, then in our field of service, Honduras, where we continued to learn and adjust.  During this time, we have learned many things, some tangible, many more intangible.

 

This is a sampling of some of the tangible things we continue learning. Some of these we shared as we were traveling in The States this past summer.

 

 

It is not easy to learn another language!

Or, subtitled:

 “A Good Dose of Humility”

 

As we prepared for our year of language school in Costa Rica, I was looking forward to a light year with lots of leisure time.  I packed several books to read and planned several projects to do in preparation for opening the clinic in Honduras.  I figured, with all my experience at studying and surgical residency behind me, certainly a year dedicated to only one subject, Spanish, had to be a piece of cake.  WRONG!

 

The Bible teaches:

 

Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.           1 Cor 10:12 (NAS)

 

It did not take long for me to taste the dirt as I fell on my face.  Spanish was different than anything else I had ever studied.  All my learning skills failed as I struggled to understand Spanish.  Rather than being at the top of my class, as I had been in my premedical years, I brought up the rear.  This was tough for someone who is so competitive!

 

I found myself envying and having less than perfect thoughts about one classmate in particular who seemed to soar in this new language.  I was convicted in my heart of my sinful attitude and struggled through this.  Daily I prayed for God to help me overcome this sin, but daily in class my pride took a beating, which just made the process of learning and gaining victory over my attitude all the more difficult.

 

As God worked in my heart, I had to grapple with my pride and learn humility.  God gave grace to rejoice with others who succeeded, knowing that He was preparing them to accomplish His work in His Body, even as I struggled.  The Lord reassured me that this was not a contest, and that He would prepare me for the task He had called me to.  

 

So, as people ask if I “enjoyed” learning Spanish, I really can’t answer “yes”, but it was a “good” time that we will always remember.

 

 

People are people, no matter where they are!

 

I worked through the issue of racism during my involvement with Promise Keepers, while attending a local church that choose to grapple with this issue, and in the process of adopting our biracial son, Jacob.  I became aware that I had a degree of racism within me.  I confronted that, and sought to correct it, but yet, some of it remained, and probably will always be there because of my cultural background.

 

When we moved to Latin America, I had thoughts of going to “help” those who were in need; those who, for whatever reason, needed someone who knew a little more, had a little more, was capable of more.  Maybe the word that was unspoken, but nevertheless was in my heart was “superior”. 

 

We arrived in Costa Rica, came to know our middle-class language teachers, and attended a middle-class Costa Rican church, which was almost identical to the church we had last attended in The States except for the language.  We learned that the Latinos were intelligent, capable, loveable and essentially equal in every way to us North Americans!

 

We were in our second trimester of language school when the shooting at Littleton, Colorado took place.  As people throughout the United States sought to understand the motivation behind the shooting, so did we in Costa Rica.  One morning, a few days after the shooting I sat in class, but my mind was elsewhere pondering the shooting.  As I looked at our teacher whom I had grown to love and respect, I realized that this wonderful, talented, beautiful person in front of me would have been shot, simply because she looked and spoke differently.  My thoughts also moved to my adopted son, a joyful, exciting, energetic, loveable child, who also would have been shot, simply because of his appearance.  My heart was struck with grief over the reality of racism.

 

Oh how God must be grieved when even His people, who bear His image and His Name, choose to hate one another based on their God given characteristics!

 

But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.

James 2:9 

 

The birds and the bees (horses, cattle, chickens, dogs and pigs)

 

Living in the country in Honduras, with all sorts of plants and animals right outside, and some inside our gate, we have had a wonderful opportunity to study God’s creation.  Colors, which we formerly thought were man made, are part of God’s creation.  Plants, frogs and birds have vibrant fluorescent colors, making them look artificial.

 

Even in our house we have experienced lizards, iguanas, tarantulas and armies of ants.  Right outside we enjoy hummingbirds, parrots, toucans, rhinoceros beetles, scorpions, alligators, jaguarundis, orchids, and fresh fruits of many kinds. 

 

And of course, the close proximity to all the domestic animals has exposed the kids to an early understanding of  “the birds and the bees”.  We have had some interesting discussions!

 

 

 

When you look in the Spanish-English dictionary, you find the word “mañana” is translated “tomorrow”.  But we learned that:

 

“Mañana” doesn’t mean “tomorrow”

or

“Is a lie really a lie when everyone knows it is a lie?”

and

How to Make Small Talk

 

 

One of the main differences between our North American and Latin American cultures is in the area of honesty.  We generally operate on a system of honesty in the US.  Verbal contracts can be enforced legally.  We still take people at their word, even though this value has eroded significantly in the US even in my short lifetime.  

 

One of the reasons we value honesty is that we are time oriented.  We live and function by the clock and our daytimers.  When the time is up, we move on to the next appointment, whether we have completed our task or not.

 

In Latin America it is different. The relationship is all-important.  Time is relative.  You would never think of terminating an appointment until you have accomplished your purpose.  And you never jump to the point of your meeting without the proper “warm up” or “small talk”.

 

This is a problem for me.  Usually long before I get to the clinic, my workday has started.  I already have my mental list of things to do, questions to ask, and tasks to assign.  My tendency is to dive right in as soon as our staff has assembled.  When I do this, I come across as very rude and uncaring.

 

When you meet in a Latin culture, there is an expected time of greeting and social exchange that proceeds all else.  It begins with “Hi, how are you?” and a hug between men, and a hug and kiss between women, and men and women.  This is not the quick “How are you?” that we use and really don’t care about the answer.  This is a sincere “How are you?” that expects a detailed answer. Then follows the litany of “How’s your spouse, your kids, your parents, your aunt… all equally detailed in the answer.  Then follows the weather, current events, etc.  Only after this dialogue is finished, which may be accompanied by coffee and a snack, depending on the setting, do you get down to the actual point of the meeting.

 

As I talk about Latinos, I am generalizing a bit.  What I describe is especially true of the country folks we work with, but a bit less so for the city folk.  There are certainly some very westernized Latinos that seem more like us than like the country folk of Balfate.  Living in another culture does require that you “become all things to all people”! (1 Cor 9:22)

 

So, “generally”, there is another cultural difference that stems from the Latino value of relationships, which to us may actually seem to be a contradiction.  This involves honesty.  We value telling the truth, even when it hurts.  The Latino tells you whatever they think you want to hear, to make you feel good, at least for the present.  If you need something done, they will tell you with a smile, with pleasure, “Manana”, which, by the dictionary, means “tomorrow”.  If you don’t understand, you may find yourself disappointed and angry “tomorrow” when the task is not done!

 

What is actually happening is the Latino values you and wants you to be happy today.  He is telling you that you are important, and that he will help you as soon as possible, which may be tomorrow, in a week, or in a month.  For him to say that it will take a week or a month at the outset, would be saying that he has no desire to help you.  For Latinos, understanding this is no problem, since they understand each other, and waiting is part of their culture.  They are really pretty biblical, since “a day may be as a thousand years” for them.  

 

For us, who live by the clock and calendar, this is almost maddening, especially when we are trying to build a hospital, run a clinic, and host visiting work teams from The States.  These things require some reliable planning and scheduling.  But since we live in a culture that does not plan, we are often frustrated if we refuse to be flexible.  

 

Mt 6:34 takes on new meaning:

 

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

 

 

Along this line, we also struggled with learning that: 

 

Things will be done according to God’s timetable, not ours

Or

“Learning Patience”

 

As we lay plans, create schedules and make deadlines, we find ourselves constantly being interrupted by people and situations. This can and does create frustration.

 

For example, frequently people from La Ceiba will stop by for a visit.  Now you need to understand that when someone drops by, it is not just because they were in the neighborhood.  We live an hour and a half from La Ceiba across some rugged terrain and rivers that require driving through.  If someone comes to visit, they have a purpose, and have made an effort. Besides that, since we don’t have a phone, they can’t very well call ahead and ask if we mind a visit.  

 

So, when someone stops by, we usually need to dedicate some time to the visit, which often includes refreshments or a meal.  If the visitor is Latino, add to that the usual informalities.  Often our daily plans need to be set aside on the spur of the moment.  For Type A’s, like us, that is challenging!  

 

But that is not our only source of the unexpected.  Our house is 30 years old and in constant need of repair.  The steady heat, humidity and salt breeze take its toll on everything.  As I am sure you are aware, things never seem to break down at opportune times.  I have had several plumbing and electrical “emergencies" that also tend to ruin a daily schedule.  Wal-Mart is not around the corner! And generally there is no repairman to call!

 

Add to this, the dependence we have on local Hondurans to accomplish some of the work.  To us, the Latino may seem to be lazy and lack initiative.  This is due to many factors, including health, nutrition, and their perceived inability to change their social situation.  Why should they work hard when there is nothing to gain by it?  This often frustrates our plans and timetables.

 

Now God is not caught unaware of who will be visiting, what will breakdown or how much work our Honduran laborers accomplish.  Nothing disrupts His timetable!  The problem is that our schedule and goals for the day may not match His!

 

As I begin each day, often frustrated from the apparent lack of accomplishment the prior day, I have to remind myself that God is in control, and that His top priority is “People”. The Bible says:

 

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.                                                 (James 1:5) 

 

Therefore, I must begin each day by submitting my plans to God’s Plan, asking Him to use me to accomplish His goals for the day, and to have wisdom in deciding what that might be.

 

And in this process, we are learning patience!

 

Yet another angle on this that we are learning is:

 

How to get along with what you have when you can’t get what you want.

            

In The States, we have the problem of confusing needs and wants.  The media blitzes us via TV, radio, billboards, and now the Internet, convincing us that we “need” this item or that.

 

In Honduras, the distinction between needs and wants is much clearer.  People need food.  People need clothing.  People need a place to live.  People need health care.  If they don’t get these, they die!  That is a need!

 

The Hondurans also want a lot of things, mostly the things they see North Americans have.  They are really no different than us in that respect.  We all seem to want just a bit more, but tend to think that we “need” what we only want.

 

God promises to supply what we really need, considering eternity’s values. Scripture says:

 

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

2 Cor 9:8

 

God wants us, like Paul, to be content with the things He gives us.  Paul said:

 

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Phil 4:12

 

Now those are great verses to read and remember.  It is even better to apply them when the “rubber hits the road”.  God has given us many opportunities to distinguish between needs and wants, and to be creative in getting by when we don’t have what we want.

 

For example, Becky is a master at substituting items in recipes.  My mom frequently sends recipes.  Very often we don’t have what a recipe calls for.  Becky will substitute a little of this, and a little of that and usually the dish turns out better than the original.  Then she will tell my mom that her recipe was good!  I chuckle because many times the recipe no way even resembles the original!

 

One day, during rainy season, stranded in Balfate by the high rivers, I was trying to solve a plumbing problem.  It seemed that everything I tried made the problem worse.  It appeared that I was either going to have to deal with a very big leak, or turn off the water to the kitchen.  Frustrated, I took a break, prayed and thought.  I needed a rubber washer but could not locate a spare in our storage shed.  So, I used a washer from another identical connection, and carefully split it in two with a scalpel, praying for a steady hand, or I would have to deal with two big leaks!  Thank God, it worked!

 

Living in Honduras we have learned the truth that:

 

God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:19

 

How to plan

 

I found out very early that you don’t start a nonessential plumbing project unless you have all the things you need, and then some.  And certainly you don’t start something like that when the rivers are up!  You can’t run around the corner to the hardware store.  There ain’t none!  A trip to town requires most of a day!

 

When we go to town, we have to make our list and prioritize things, since often we run out of day before we have moved down our list very far.  When we leave for town, we have to take the cooler with ice, drinking water, towing equipment, clothing for an overnight in case we get stranded in town, and our laptop to check email.

 

It is also essential to plan out food, fuel and household item needs and keep things stocked.  During a hurricane or heavy rainy season, we could be stranded for four to six weeks.

 

 

Finally, one more thing we have learned is:

 

 

What it means to look forward to the return of Christ

 

 

The majority of us in North America are very comfortable, not in real need materially, and usually in no hurry to change.  We talk about the return of Christ, and how we look forward to it.  But deep down we really don’t want him to come before our next vacation, or until we get to enjoy our new house or car… With a few exceptions, most of us are really in no hurry for Jesus to return.  We enjoy our health, wealth and prosperity, and don’t really want to cut it short.  When we are old and have lost our health, we may be ready for Christ to come, but not while we are young and healthy, and enjoying life!

 

This is generally not the case in Honduras.  The people in the Honduran countryside live a hard life.  They have been oppressed for generations and know very little of the wealth that we consider the norm.  They don’t have insurance, investments, or a retirement plan.  They don’t retire until they die. Each day is a struggle to exist, to get firewood to cook, to obtain food to eat, to have shelter to protect from the elements, to try to supply the basic needs for their children.  They don’t generally see beyond what is necessary for today.  Life is not fun!

 

The Hondurans feel, and for many it is the reality, that they are trapped in this difficult life. They know about Jesus Christ and a future that is far, far brighter than anything they experience for the present, and would gladly trade their current situation for the streets of gold and the banquet of The Lamb.  I suppose this is the same reason the slaves of the US past sang of The Promised Land with such frequency and gusto.  The people in Honduras too, sing in anticipation of heaven and the return of Christ with a longing and groaning that only comes from experiencing the curse of this world in a manner that is inescapable otherwise.

 

I can’t really identify with this desire to the degree that they do, but I have learned as well to long for the return of Christ to establish justice, to meet the needs of the poor, to eliminate disease and death, and to deliver me from myself and that sinful nature that still resides within me.  In a new way, I am looking for that blessed hope and glorious appearing of our Great God and Savior, Jesus Christ!

 

So, these are just a few of the many things we have and continue to learn in Central America!