Becoming a Child - Huancayo

Sodalitium 101: Sodalits never travel alone.

Because of this basic principle of our style, I was blessed with the (last minute) opportunity to travel to Huancayo, located in the Sierra, an overnight bus trip from Lima. Basic geography of Perú: Costa (Coast), then Sierra (highlands), then Selva (Jungle), of course starting from the coast and traveling inland.

The Sodalitium runs a school in Chincha, a little ways south of Lima, and the "mini-bàsquet" (mini-basketball) team, ages 10 to 12, advanced to this regional tournament (pretty much the highest) in Huancayo. So, a Sodalit that teaches at the school accompanied them, and I as well (because Sodalits don't travel alone, a spirit of fraternity).

View of Huancayo (half a million people) from the Zoo

So, there you have the context. On to my experience...

Huancayo. A completely different world. The main reason: no one on the trip spoke English. So really, this was my first full immersion in Perù. So many times I just wanted to turn to someone and say, "Okay, what did he say?" or, "How do I say this?" It was very difficult to accept this reality and not get frustrated. A short reflection I wrote during the trip:

I guess its a matter of humility. I can't just conquer the language (especially in a few weeks). I must humble myself like a child: Following everyone around without ever knowing exactly what's going on, asking really simple questions, always wanting to understand what the grown-ups are talking about, can't go anywhere alone, etc. 

Interestingly enough this Sunday gospel was about children. It moved me to be more proactive in conversing with the chicos (boys). The problem is that they are even harder to understand, so conversing is very tough and requires everything I have. But, if I welcome them, if I seek an encounter with them, I am seeking Christ, I am encountering Christ (as He says). I also felt called to be more attentive to the children of Huancayo. Obviously I need to realize that I too am a child in this city.

It is always difficult to see 6-12 year-olds working in the street. The was one little girl, Rosmery, who was selling snacks during the basketball game. When she got near our crowd, she routinely made her pitch. When we started cheering (for the game), her eyes lit up and she took a seat near us. She seemed very content, like she could be part of the excitement. I mean, it was a fun game, but I can't put my finger on what exactly drew her in. Perhaps she just wanted to be a child. I tried talking to her a bit, in the spirit of the gospel. She was more shy than I expected, although I imagine a 22-year-old gringo speaking bad castellano and asking you to speak slower is not that welcoming. Anyway, she talked with me for a bit and then left. Hope I didn't keep her from enjoying the game with us..

Team Stretches

I also had a cool exchange with one of the players, and the style of coaching showed through. After they won their second game, I approached one of them and said something like, "bien hecho! ganaste!" (well done, you (singular) won). He replied with something I didn't understand, so I said "Ay, despacio". He said to me, "somos equipo. Ganamos." (We are a team. We won.) Ohhhh.. I guess I need to work on my verb conjugations. But indeed, the coach had done a good job of communicating his vision to the team.

Considering my castellano is not very good, I was able to make a pretty good connection with some of the boys. I think they kind of enjoyed that I could not understand or speak very well. With that come man opportunities for small jokes, but I was also able to communicate a little bit about why I'm doing what I'm doing (I think). Ah, and it was cool that my hours of basketball drills in high school paid off as a way to connect as well...

Because they won all three of their games, they advance to national's in Lima sometime in October. One of the coaches (that I could hardly understand ever) told me (very slowly, finally) the last night we were in Huancayo that he saw that his boys were very content with having me around, and that he would like me to accompany them in Lima when the come. The only word I really knew in spanish to say was, "chévere." I really am excited about it, though I wish I could have expressed that a little better. Also, hopefully my spanish will be a little better!

The Chincha Mini-Básquet Team plus parents and me

 A few quick things a learned..

1. The organization in charge of sports in Perú does a very bad job. I experienced this first hand. For example, the tournament took place in the highlands, and half the teams were from much lower elevation. Not only does this give a huge favor to teams from the highlands, but it is dangerous for the kids to be playing this high. There were a few kids collapsing momentarily each game. The first few games they didn't even have EMT's standing by. Every time out kids were getting loaded up on oxygen. You'll notice that a lot of the players still have this band-aid look thing on their nose to help them breath better.
2. All the teams had really nice jersey's and warm up's, but the nets on the hoop were so terrible that sometimes you could tell if they made the shot or they air-balled it. I just thought that was strange...
3. The most noticeable influence of the U.S. in Huancayo is that businesses would randomly have a huge poster of a half-naked American model in front of their store (these were not even clothing stores). 
4. When a hotel in Huancayo says there will be hot water from 7 a.m. - 8 a.m., they don't mean it. 
5. Purina factories are incredibly loud, and they start shipping at 5 a.m. (and there was one right out our window). 
6. Many things about Huancayo are still very mysterious to me because even what I know was explained to me in Spanish, which who knows if I actually understood correctly. This was probably the hardest part. I now empathize better with those fighting a language barrier. 
7. You learn much quicker when you accept your inabilities/what you do not know. 
8. God will provide.

"The only petition I would have you put forward on my behalf is that I may be given sufficient inward and outward strength to be as resolute in will as in words, and a Christian in reality instead of only in repute." 
-St. Ignatius of Antioch, martyr, 107 A.D. 

Reevaluating

Gringos on top of the bell tower: Ian, Greg, Carl, David, & Me

As I said previously, the first few days here have been rich with discovery on multiple levels for me: culturally, linguistically, spiritually and personally. There is something about removing ourselves from a familiar environment and into something foreign. What I have found is that it fosters a reevaluation of everything we previously knew almost instinctively, and a realization of what is merely superficial and does not belong in our understanding of our core identity. While it's difficult for me to put into words, I wanted to share a few examples that flow from my experience only in the first week of being here, though certainly I myself have not made very definite conclusions. 

The first tendency I noticed is "calculating". While learning the ropes of the combi system with the other 2 gringos, we had several discussions about our culture. One was sparked due to the fact that it is much more efficient to pay for combi's, and even lunch, if just one person pays. Well naturally, when the first person payed for our first combi ride, the other 2 of us were already calculating that this would mean another one of us would pay the next, and the other the next, so that everything even out. Well, Ian also offered to pay for drinks at place along the coast we stopped at. Once again, I carefully took note of how much my drink cost so that I could find another time (perhaps lunch) to cover something of about the same value. But, as agreed on in our discussion, it was simply that Ian wanted to offer a gift to us. A gift, that is, something that does not require "calculating" or "justice", it's simply charity. 

While this is not necessarily evil, I found that it does tend to make my relationships more utilitarian. So, we agreed as a group that we would simply try to accept one another's charity without calculating. Sure, we would try to give our part, but we would not add up the bill at the end of the day to make sure everyone paid their fair share. This was really pretty relieving, and I think that it greatly helped the dynamic of our friendship. There was no worry of someone "having something on you" because they paid for you, and that you would be in debt to them until you paid back every last penny. But, you cannot pay one penny extra (which is also a tendency), because otherwise you will "have something" on the other person. And, I think once I was able to see these things as simply gift, the gratitude flowed more naturally as well. 

Don't get me wrong, my tendency did not just disappear like some fairy tail, but at least I have a new awareness. It is as every conversion starts and continues. It was still painful for me to let go of at the end of the day, but hey, pain is just weakness leaving the body right? 

The other big realization I have had came through my discussions with Patrick, and is something that reveals itself through any dialogue we have. That is, how we identify ourselves. Often times we claim something superficial as a cornerstone of our identity, and it hardens us to dialogue. You notice with people who have sought out and understand their identity only in light of what they have found to be true, there is no tension in dialogue. They do not fall to one side out of fear, that is, a sort of insecurity because their identity is in something superficial. Rather, they can calmly confront the issue, because they do not fear what truth could come from the dialogue. 

During the Marian Procession

For example, if we are talking about Catholic Social Teaching, often times (in the U.S.) the two party system hardens us to dialogue. The problem is that we are claiming our party as our identity, rather than our catholicity, or simply our common desire for the good. When we understand our identity as something deeper than Democrat or Republican, we can engage in inter-party dialogue with little fear.

Well why do we even claim an identity? Wouldn't it make sense to simply surrender our identity all together so that we do not become hardened, set in our ways? Well, I don't think you can ignore our fundamental longing to know ourselves. It is that desire that moves us to insecurity when we don't know ourselves, that if not understood we will claim something superficial as our identity. Because we need this; it does not seem wise to ignore it. 

Perhaps I am rambling at this point, but I did want to share that I believe shifting to another culture has given me an awareness of some things that I identify with that are superficial, simply a product of the culture. It has also reignited in me a desire to know myself on a deeper level. I encourage you, as is inscribed in the Greek temple in Delphi, to "gnōthi seautón," that is, "know thyself." Thus far I have found that I am a beloved child of God, and that, well, so are you :) 

Primeros Dìas

In the first few days here.. wow. So much to talk about. In short, I have learned more, and quicker than I ever have, about culture, language, life, myself, people, etc. I am reminded of when I moved to college. Its a completely new life, and it is a period of self-discovery. Well, of course, all of life is self-discovery, but there are a density of discoveries during this time of transition. 

This is due to a few things. One, it is due to the amazing hospitality that I have been shown by the community. Everyone has helped me get settled in practical ways, as well as encouraging me to share my worries and ask many questions. I give special thanks to my fellow gringo aspirant David, from Pennsylvania, who has been generous in sharing all he has learned about the area as well as some experiences he had upon arrival. Also special thanks to Patrick, who has not only taken much time to show me around the area and discuss different opportunities, but whom I have also experienced a freedom in conversation. He has helped me to learn things ranging from the style and spirituality of the Sodalitium, to politics, to my own identity and life in general. Of course, as I said, all in the community have been very generous. 

Two, I have found most of my conversations to be very refreshing. Now of course, the challenge of communicating in Castellano has drained me entirely at times, but there are many people who also speak some English. I have found ease in connecting with other Sodalits, and especially other aspirants, and it has been very life-giving. 

Three, my castellano is not as bad as I thought. In case you don't know, most of latin america refers to spanish as "castellano", not español (which is of Spain). Anyways, though many conversations around the table I am completely lost, I have also been able to participate in several conversations. And, though painful by the end of the day, most of the learning process I have enjoyed. 

Los Tres Gringos

Four, the style of learning for the Sodalitium is generally throw you in the water and see if you can swim. So, me and two other gringos went around Lima yesterday (Wednesday) learning the combi system (like little buses crammed with people). We also learn to take the metro (a bigger bus) and taxi's. This was basically our assignment. We went to mistura, a peruvian food festival, wear I ended up eating "a different type of ceviche" on television. Yeah, not what I was going for. But this guy and his camera man asked me (Pry because gringos are a show) to eat some ceviche (raw fish usually with lime and onions). After we ate it, he pulled out from behind the counter a giant bull testicle and said, "Guess what you ate!" Yeah well, it tasted pretty good I can't deny it. Anyways, I got to know Carl and Ian who are staying until December, and I guess you could say we got around successfully. Some of the locals were very helpful as well. 

Fifth, the community dynamic is amazing. Everything that I could have hoped to have achieved while living in a Catholic formation house in college, and a little more (which overwhelms me a bit). Then again, we do have a few things already going for us, like the same style and spirituality and discipline :) But, The community life has been very life-giving as well. Meals are always together (well, there are exceptions), and there is always time together at the end of the day. Furthermore, usually there is companionship throughout the day. 

Sixth, very much a surprise for me, is that there is a Sodalit in Lima that runs an architectural firm. I met with him (Mike) today and learned so much. Basically he expresses the Sodalit spirituality in architecture, of which he developed much of. For me, it will be a good opportunity to explore what this kind of apostolate would look like as a Sodalit. They have projects ranging from chapels to houses to pastoral centers to solidarity centers (social services). This is a very unsettled area for me, for many reasons. For one, I used to identify as "one that thinks the Church should sell the Vatican and end world hunger." That was when I thought if I was an engineer, it would be to give people access to basic shelter. I have never really wanted to sit in an office and make bank the rest of my life, so I was also unsure about my major (as an architectural engineer). So, I feel that by accompanying Mike (maybe once a week) I might come to see the beauty of architecture without a hint of Judas (the calculator) in me, and of course not forget our call to the most needy, and thus be more free to discern the calling. Like I said, not something I expected before coming down, but our God likes to surprise us and I feel it would be wise to take advantage of the opportunity.

Lastly, well, I think it would be expected when you are removed from everything that is familiar to you and placed in a new environment. I am loved, and loving it! 

Beinvenida

Well, as you can see I have decided to communicate my experience in Perù (at least for the time being) through this blog. I will try to illustrate my life on a day-to-day basis, and also try express some of my interior life: what moves me, my joys, my struggles, my growth, etc. This is the first time I have blogged, so hopefully I will get the hang of it over time. If you are following, I thank you and you are welcome to ask further questions. I may ask for your prayers from time to time as well... 

Well, I encountered my first trial in the airport in Fort Lauderdale, FL when I attempted to check-in. The man informed me casually that I would not be boarding because I did not have proof I was leaving the country within 160 days (or something). I attempted to explain that I was quite sure it is perfectly legal to enter as tourist and begin apply for a religious visa when I arrive. Well, apparently the rules are "black and white", so I had to buy a return flight in hopes that I would be able to cancel it with a refund (or my family gets a surprise visit). This was Saturday, Sept. 8. Well, we called on Sunday and were able to get a refund without too much trouble. We are still not sure which rules they were looking at, but I can't complain. 

My flights were quite pleasant, other than one flight in which my ears were plugged, my nose was plugged, and it seemed as though my head would explode. When I entered the airport a healthy sneeze solved this problem. I met some cool people on all three flights. My last flight with Spirit airlines, which was super-cheap and thus expected to be a uncomfortable flight, was the most comfortable flight I had ever had. I sat by two moms from Perù and was able to practice my castellano quite a bit. We also were having fun with the flight attendent, who provided us with free snacks and beverages. 

I had a warm greeting from Patrick (who is in charge of the aspirants) and from the rest of the community in Camacho. Then I crashed.