Vaya Pues...

Vaya pues. Two words to end my time here in Honduras. Two words to carry in my mind and my heart. Two words to remember all of the lives I have touched and two words to remind me of all of the lives who have touched me. Two words to sum up all that I have learned. Two words to package all that I have been gifted. Two words to stay connected amid time and distance. Two words to say farewell. Two words to welcome what lies ahead.

***

Depending on the context, the simple expression "vaya pues" has a complex multitude of meanings and uses ranging from "alright" and "sounds good" to "thank you" and "you're welcome" to "see you later" and "go on." Even after more than five months of hearing these words over and over again, I still do not understand the fullness of their unitive significance to the Honduran people. But, in reflecting on the past few months, I recognize how this expression fully signifies how my time in Honduras has blessed me. Witnessing the love I have received from my patients and friends and leaving a piece of my heart in Honduras, I am reminded that we all belong to one another.

"If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other."

~ St. Teresa of Calcutta


I feel overwhelmed with all that I have learned during my short time here. I recognize all of those people that helped me grow as a person, who ironically brought continual healing and meaning to my life while I strived to care for them. All that I have learned and received is a testament to the fact that what we are given in return is always infinitely more than anything we could possibly give to another. As I anticipate the last graduation of my medical training this week, I reflect on the valuable lessons I have learned, I acknowledge the humble teachers who opened my eyes and heart, and I await the future lessons yet to come. (Though the names below are names of actual people that have touched my life, I have mixed them up in regards to their respective stories for the sake of privacy.)

Joy. Alberto taught me that even when one suffers from a progressive, debilitating, incurable disease, there is even that much more to be grateful for- a reason to smile.

Humility. Angela taught me that I cannot do anything alone, that the challenges of this life require others to help us carry the heavy cross that brings us down.

Trust. Lester taught me that a fifty-fifty chance is actually an opportunity for one hundred percent trust and confidence in the Lord.

Faith. Francisco taught me that the human eye is never satisfied- that true satisfaction rests in that which is unseen. It is our mission that leads us to vision.

Kindness. Jonatan taught me that "enough" is fit for a king.

Providence. Fernando taught me that luck is a fickle imagination, but divine providence is a constant reality.

Patience. Dora taught me that time is a gift, and it is our choice to accept it with eager anticipation instead of apprehensive unreadiness.

Compassion. Yesica taught me that when there is great suffering, we too are called to suffer with our brothers and sisters.

Love. Sara taught me that even the smallest things can be done with the greatest love.

Gratitude. Cristina taught me that gratitude is our humble response to the love and service of another and not a deserved exchange for what we have been gifted.

Freedom. Felipe and Laura taught me that true freedom comes when we completely give of ourselves for the sake of others.

Sacrifice. Ana taught me that it is in giving that we receive, dying to self that we are restored to life.

Hope. David taught me that hope is a gift, we need only be willing to receive it.

Light. Julie taught me that even in great darkness we can find a greater light.

Wisdom. Alicia taught me that to best care for another it is equally important to acknowledge that which is unbroken as it is to determine that which is broken.

Dignity. Maria taught me that every human life is worth caring for, no matter his or her ailment.

Justice. Teresa taught me that the power and greed of this world continue to plague the most vulnerable, and we are called to protect them.

Broken. Dominico taught me that we must find healing within ourselves so we can bring healing to others.

Peace. Santiago and Pablo taught me that there are limits to what we as human beings can do, but we can always do something- that there is beauty in incompleteness.

Life. Miguel taught me that even death bears fruit.

Heart. Emmanuel taught me that even when one has lost his ability to speak and write, he can still communicate by looking into another's eyes and touching that person with his heart.

Selflessness. Herminia taught me that those with the least are the ones who give the most.

One. All taught me that though our individual roots are planted in different lands, we are all trees in the same forest, dependent on one another for our living and growing together.

***

This past week I entered the fourth decade of my life, celebrated in a special way by my small church community, a group of wonderful nurses who I also call my friends, and a small group of close friends who gifted me a retreat into the beautiful mountainous jungle of Honduras. The difficulty of good-byes, I feel, does not lie so much in the "leaving behind" so much as it lies in the "carrying with us" moving forward. Whatever plans God has for my future, my heart will always guard the people, memories, lessons, and blessings from this brief but formative moment of my life. As I spend my last day in Honduras this Pentecost Sunday, I am reminded that we belong to one another, a people connected by the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit. Vaya pues.






Comments

  1. Have a very safe trip home Zachary. May God give you a safe trip home. ❤🙏 Love Aunt Renie

    ReplyDelete
  2. Zach we at all do proud of what you have done. Safe travels.

    ReplyDelete

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