The Seredipitous Joy of a Personal Visit

Not many people come here to visit me.

And I don't really blame them.

I mean, where would you rather find yourself? Walking barefoot on the pristine white beaches of Cayman Islands or . . . ummmm . . . navigating potholes in Nicaragua?

So I do understand.

Nevertheless, once in a while it happens. Somebody shows up here for their very first time. A virgin to this land.

And that is just what happened this past week.

The visitor was Mark -- or "Marco" -- as he quickly dubbed himself. A brother-in-law of a dear friend of mine. (The friend showed up too, but let's focus on the virgin for now.)

"Marco" and Becada Kelin García, Masaya, Nicaragua 12-7-11

It still isn't clear to me why Marco came in the first place. But that is besides the point. He came.

And his timing was perfect.

For me, that is.

I have been feeling a little weary. My friend -- the "other guy" on this visit -- noticed it.

2011 has been the most challenging year I have faced here with BECA since I started in Nicaragua three years ago. Things just didn't go the way I wanted. And I was feeling frustrated.

But then here comes Marco.

A bright-eyed capitalist, doubtlessly a maritime adventurer in a previous life, brimming with positive energy.

What a joy it was to watch as members of BECA here in Nicaragua like Urania Montoya, Edgar Castillo and Alba Guillen proudly shepherded him around to visit more than a dozen BECA program participants in three different municipalities.

Urania planning.
Edgar translating.
Alba guiding.
"El Gran Queso" Antonio supervising.
All the student hosts (and their families) engaging.

All of them delighted, thrilled and honored to "show-off" to their new gringo friend what they belong to and what they are about.

I couldn't help but beam.

And Marco went along for the ride, graciously and inquisitively.

All throughout I was reminded of why I do what I do. How fortunate I am to have the opportunity to do this stuff and how deeply blessed I am that all these kind Nicaraguans allow me into their lives so generously.

And to witness how they feel about BECA themselves. Isn't that the ultimate payoff?

Gracias, Marco.

Thanks to the gift of your visit all of my trials and tribulations of 2011 seem so inconsequential.

Photo album here