Sabor Latino at Jambalaya Park

I spent much of the day yesterday at the Sabor Latino (Latin Flavor) Festival at Jambalaya Park. HPC's Spanish Campus was sponsoring this event as a community outreach and to celebrate Latin culture. I was there because I had been asked to write a piece on the event. I had planned to meet up with Missy (Pastor Fernando's wife), get a translater, get the info and get out. (Not the right attitude, I know, but I try to be honest.) She was busy with preparations, so I told her I would look around and come back.

I spent the next hour wandering around, feeling quite out of place. The people were very nice, but I had no idea what they were saying. I don't speak any Spanish and it was very disconcerting. I started thinking about how immigrants must feel; coming to a new country with strange customs and a new language. I started thinking about the Hispanic family that had lived next door to me. They were gone now, but I wondered how welcome I had made them feel. Oh sure, I had said hello to the kids when I saw them and waved at them across the fence, but I don't know any of their names. I don't even know for sure when they moved. I wish now that I could tell them about the Spanish church, or at least introduce myself. Too little, too late.

The festival was great...loud music, amazing food. It seemed more like a family reunion than a community event. What makes that really cool is that these people are not just from Mexico, they're from Columbia, Peurto Rico, Honduras, Dominican Republic and other places I can't even spell. The kids all played together, dancing and laughing, as parents congregated and made new friends. It was awesome to watch.

I stayed until it was over; not to get the story, but because I was enjoying myself. God's love is not limited by language, nor is His kindness. Even though I didn't speak a word of Spanish, those people were friendly and welcoming to me. I smiled at them, and thanked God for the opportunity to fellowship with His people. Even without words, the love of Christ shines through.

All glory to God!