Being a Bridge

Recently during a meeting of the Franciscan missioners, someone mentioned how we must BE A BRIDGE. I have been reflecting on what this means for me...

I have crossed many bridges in my time here in El Salvador, both literally and figuratively. Everyday on my walk to church I cross two bridges, one over a river where generally there are people below doing their laundry or bathing, the other a foot bridge, a pasarela, over a very busy highway. When I visit folks in their homes I generally have to cross swinging or log bridges. The swinging bridges are about 75 yards long and hang 40 some feet above a rushing river with large boulders below. The log bridges are generally short, but require balance to get across. Each of them provides a safe means to get to the other side.

Bridges are constructed in different shapes, sizes, and materials depending on the need. Because there are so many needs in the world, there are many different kinds of missioners to respond in their own way. Each one must find their way of connecting, of reaching out, of caring. There is no formula….bummer huh? I must BE ElizaBETH. I cannot be Francis, Clare or any other person. They, like my uncle Brother Ralph, a Glenmary Missioner, my parents and others have served as great role models and have had a big impact on my life. But they have had to find their own way, just as I have had to find mine.

When I first arrived in El Salvador I knew very little Spanish, but found out very quickly that Salvadorans enjoy playing, and that they too know the game “charades”. Despite my problems with the language, oftentimes through gestures we were able to bridge the gap of communication. Looking back my transition into their culture went smoother then I had anticipated. Perhaps it was their openness to allow me to enter into their lives and/or my willingness to be vulnerable and ask for help. There were definitely times of confusion as two cultures came together, moments where I simply did not understand, where I felt like a new born child, helpless and naked because I was stripped from my knowings and comforts. Little did I realize how profound my relationships would become by letting go and trusting. I now know that acknowledging a need for help and being gracious when others respond, helps to empower others, especially when they come from an impoverished background. EVERYONE needs to know that they have something to give. The Salvadorans had provided a bridge for me, a safe passage into their culture.

When someone asks me about my ministry in the church, I struggle with knowing what to say, because it cannot be easily named. One day as I was cleaning out an old closet space to use as an office, the parish priest stopped by to see how things were going. He said that a young man was making name plaques for each office that describe the type of work done there. When they got to my office they were stumped and did not know what to call it. They began to name aloud the things that I do: she takes pictures, teaches cooperative games, visits the homebound, helps with the soy program, teaches aerobics, sings in the choir, organizes donations, helps with the Friday meals for the elderly, makes popcorn, etc. In the end they decided to call it ‘Elizabeth’s Office.’ Perhaps I am being ElizaBETH.

I suppose my way of being a bridge right now is trying to be present while living in the chaos, seeking to understand the people with whom I come into contact, listening to them, holding them, laughing, crying and praying with them. Sometimes it is giving voice through affirmations, other times it is asking challenging questions both of them and of those who are oppressing them. My intent is to help them to realize that they have options and to empower them to make decisions that they believe will help their lives.

Many of the Salvadorans have crossed bridges much more difficult then I could ever imagine, taken serious risks, and at times were left hanging or worse. There are many bridges they will never have the opportunity or ability to cross because they are poor and Latino. Thinking about this, I realize that probably I will never know what I have actually accomplished, how I genuinely have affected the people. I hope that I am negating some of the (very common) ideas that we North Americans are so much smarter and usually know better ways of doing things. I definitely give them some things to question or laugh about. (One would only need to watch me do my laundry by hand, try to walk with a bowl of fruits or vegetables on my head, dance Latino, or make tortillas to realize how uncoordinated I can be. It’s not a pretty site!)

Maintaining one’s bridge is so important. Like many of the insecure, cross-on-a-prayer bridges here, my bridge has felt very shaky and off-balance at times. Strained and stressed from not knowing what my part is in walking with these people. Taking time for rest, prayer and reflection are needed. I am so grateful for the support, encouragement and insights of my family, friends and fellow missioners, but most especially the Salvadorans who through their endless faith and continuous trust in our Creator have taught me the importance of sustaining the most essential bridge – My connection to God.

My day generally ends with more questions then answers, but I hope that as I reflect on my mission I will notice those times in which my presence assisted others to cross to a better place—emotionally, intellectually, or spiritually—and their presence assisted me.
Pictured above is a games training for adults that work with children. They had a ball playing with them. Thanks to my brother Chris and friends Steve and Stacy for donating the parachutes.

Yes, I am the tall, pale skinned one in the top left hand corner.

The people love to have their pictures taken especially when they can see themselves right away. Most of them do not have cameras. Taking and developing pictures has become one of my favorite ministries.

Some of the cooperative games facilitators stop to pose before a games training. Thanks Sr. Norma for the donation of T-shirts. I am still promoting Marian College.

One of my aerobics classes.

When the people here found out that my family grows popcorn, I was asked to make it for every festival. Thankfully my brother Eric and sister-in -law Lisa sent this popcorn popper. The people love it; eating it and watching it pop. If you want to find out more about the best tasting popcorn in the world, go to http://www.selectpopcorn.com/