Sweet and Sour

I wrote a good portion of this post last weekend but didn't have the time to finish it. Take it in consideration as I speak in present terms.

WASHINGTON DC  I was able to spend Friday in Washington DC! With my roommate and another intern, we were able to explore the Holocaust Museum and the African American History and Culture Museum. Although you need to reserve a ticket for both of these museums, the Lord was good and provided ways for us to enjoy the time there.

At the Holocaust Museum, we were able to take a guided tour through "Some Were Neighbors: Collaboration and Complicity in the Holocaust", hearing the stories of people in the same career or situation, one who reacted to the wrong that was happening, another contributing or ignoring the horrors.

It was interesting to see that people in different parts and in places of power, said "no" and helped Jewish friends escape.

We were also able to go to other exhibitions, sharing of the different genocides that have occurred in various countries or exploring the history of the World Court and its need in bringing justice to victims and survivors of these atrocities.

After spending some time at the Holocaust Museum, we went to get lunch and returned to visit the African American Museum. This is one of the newest museums at the National Mall, opening its doors September of last year.

As we approached the entrance, there was a line of visitors waiting to enter. We had heard that this was one of the museums requiring tickets, but we thought that just like the Holocaust Museum, it would only apply to the permanent exhibition and that other exhibitions would be open anyways.

We soon realized we were wrong. The tickets were needed to enter the museum. We were asked for our tickets and when we said we didn't have any, we were told to step aside.

My friends began to look for other museums nearby, but I sat and looked at the line, as well as the museum's website, hoping to reserve 3 tickets.

Once the line died down, I saw two ladies approach the entrance. Unlike the rest of the visitors, they didn't have a paper proving they had tickets. The front lady let them in anyways. I took that as an opportunity and told my friends to wait for me.

I went to the lady and asked her: "Are you sure there are no walk-ins left? My friends and I were really excited to visit the museum and we didn't know we needed tickets." She looked at me and asked, "How many are you?". Knowing that was close to letting us in, I looked to my back and called my friends over, "Just 3 of us!". She later nodded and indicated with her chin that she was letting us in.

"What did you say to her?!", "How are we in the museum with no tickets?", I could hear my friends asking. "Sometimes you just have to be persistent!" We later learned from friends in DC and Lancaster, that what we had was a miracle.

Some people have planned their trip months in advance and were not able to reserve tickets for that day. Some shared that they live a few minutes away and have never been able to go inside because the tickets are nearly impossible to reserve.

Once inside, one of the guards checking bags got excited when she saw my FIU hat, since she had graduated just a few years ago. We were officially buddies!

As we tried to figure the dynamics of the museum, we realized how amazing it was that we had this opportunity. The museum starts from the bottom up to the ground floor. The exhibitions are divided in chronological order, sharing the history of slavery and moving all the way until today.

It was interesting to see how the slave trade began with the Portuguese and the African empire. Initially, it was a trade among partners, with the African empire selling tribes that were conquered and lost in wars. However, the demand grew so that the Portuguese began selling anyone they captured.

Within the early days of the slave trade in the United States, the practice of indentured servant was still common. As the fight for independence was in the air, indentured servants and slaves joined forces to fight for their freedom too. Many were willing to help either side with the promise of freedom.

After this, the practice of indentured servants became a thing of the past, and the unity once seen with white indentured servants and black slaves became a black only issue.

It was interesting to see the unity amongst the minority groups and how through their differences, were able to come together for a common good.

What impacted me the most was the power of the spoken word among African Americans. Harriet Tubman, one of the leading abolitionist and a former slave herself, did not read or write. But this was no impediment. She would regularly speak in conferences and churches about the abolition of slavery, and became known for being a good orator.

Amongst the pain lived by slaves, the practice of singing and of poems uplifted their spirits and carried their history. The power of the spoken word is something that I continue to admire in my black friends and can see its effects with calling out injustices and proclaiming truth.

If you haven't noticed yet, that was my favorite part of the day. There was so much to learn and along with the pain, there was hope that change is possible. If you ever have the opportunity to visit this museum, you will not be disappointed.

SUNDAY  Sunday was a much needed day. Unlike the other Sunday's, this Sunday LSMC was having a day retreat at Black Rock. It was wonderful to have service in nature.

Apart from having great weather, Sunday provided for a great opportunity to talk and meet the families and pastors of LSMC. We were able to have breakfast together, have service, eat lunch, and then spend the day in the swings, walk around the park, or go in the swimming pool.

The message was very interactive and creative. It was great to hear of the different ways families and single people can worship God in the day-to-day activities. It reminded me of my family and how we have been intentional in doing things differently and making time with God a custom for all ages.

For example, we sometimes sing our prayers for mealtime. We do devotionals as a family every morning. Sometimes, we gather together and worship God and have a time of silence to hear from him.

It was great to see that God delights in creativity and the different perspectives we come to depending on the way we worship.

Although I didn't go in the pool, I was able to rest and have great conversations and moments of laughter among the members. Overall, a much needed retreat.

HARDSHIPS  Although I have shared all the awesome things that have happened, this weekend hasn't been an easy one.

On Friday, as I was driving to Washington DC, my car slid and crashed against the guard rail. It was a rainy morning and as I exited one highway and entered another, I didn't allow the steering wheel to straighten up and slid onto the guard rail. Although the exterior front looks bad, the lights work and there was no leaking or issues mechanically with the car.

Although I am grateful that it wasn't with another car and that I am still able to be mobile, it has been embarrassing to have the car look like that. It has brought me a sense of shame to be suddenly labeled as irresponsible or a distracted driver.

I know that it isn't supposed to matter what others may think, yet the idea makes me uncomfortable.

Apart from that, there are just a few personal things that I've been reflecting on, making the end of this week a heavy one.

THANKFUL  This is pretty hard for me to do but I will make an effort and thank God amidst the questions I am currently facing. Because although things have been hard, God has been good.

I'm  thankful that no one got hurt from the crash, and that my car is still functioning.

I'm thankful for the experience of being in Washington DC and learning so much in one day.

I'm thankful to have gone to a day retreat with Laurel Street Mennonite Church. It was refreshing and a great opportunity to meet the different families that attend church.

I'm thankful that my family is doing good and to see the ways the Lord continues to bless them in Miami.

Links to the museums:

https://www.ushmm.org/

https://nmaahc.si.edu/

CONCLUSION  I want to end by sharing this verse, which has been very relevant.

Psalm 13:3-6

Consider and answer me, O Lord my God;

    light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,

4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”

    lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.

5 But I have trusted in your steadfast love;

    my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.

6 I will sing to the Lord,

    because he has dealt bountifully with me.