The humid, warm air hit our faces as the sliding doors opened and our chariot awaited: a completely open truck lined with seats. It was very similar to ones landscapers use in Arizona to tote around their lawn mowers or the ones people use to go garage sale hopping. It had a thin frame, no roof and two rows of seats on the edges beckoning to us. We all squealed in excitement and hopped in putting our heavy packs in the middle at our feet. It was our first adventure.
What a way to first experience a country. The breeze rustled our hair, the sun blared down and we basked in it thankful for the warmth after many cold days in Georgia. We drove through Nica– exposed and vulnerable. Our skin susceptible to the sun’s intense rays, to the potential for rain or birds pooping on us. Vulnerable to it all. This form of transportation forced us to embrace the sights sounds and smells in a way that an enclosed charter bus would never allow.
This 3 hour bus ride was a wonderful reminder of embracing life. In being truly vulnerable so as to get the most out of the experience and give the most to it. How much would I have missed sitting cozy in a charter bus, that’s raised, cushy, foot rest, cup holder, and wonderful suspension. How often do I trade comfort and security for the real deal. How often have I been a spectator in my own life, watching through the window as the moving still images pass by. Separated physically by glass and neck pillows and emotionally, spiritually, mentally with glazed over spectator eyes.
Riding in this open bus removed the barriers. Instead I could see the unobstructed view of the biggest volcano in Nicaragua growing steadily as we edged closer. I could smell the tropical trees, and car exhaust, I could hear the birds overhead and hear the voices speaking rapid Spanish. I felt the ocean breeze as we drove over a mountain and into a costal valley.
There are always barriers in life keeping us from living fully and intentionally. Mine tends to be my more reserved nature. I have learned and am still learning that this isn’t a bad thing about me, but that I can let it take control sometimes. When I feel uncomfortable I tend to hold back, but rather God has taught me that I should seek to fight that urge and instead engage. Its a lesson I am still in need of reminding. And that drive through Nicaragua was a wake up call for me to fully engage in life and choose to be vulnerable. Being vulnerable is immeasurably important to getting the most out of life and being able to give the most to it. Vulnerability breeds vulnerability, and from being vulnerable we can truly give and receive love– both of which I want to be huge parts of my time here in Nica.
This bus will be our consistent transportation in Nica. And I am so thankful that each time we head out to serve and share God’s love I’ll have time in that truck. The bumps in the road and rustling of my hair can help prepare my heart to be real.
I’d like to challenge you too. What are the barriers in your life preventing you from fully embracing life? We all have something, or multiple somethings. We all have hurts that make us recoil, disconnect, disengage. Being real affords room to be hurt. But hurt is part of life. Don’t let that stop you from experiencing life. Be risky. Climb out of the charter bus, leave the comfort, and hop in the exposed truck. Let yourself be exposed and you’ll be amazed at how refreshing it is.
