There are moments of crystalline clarity in life, the kind that leave indelible impressions, like when my baby’s face popped out of Kelly’s belly. If we are lucky we get maybe a half-dozen of these moments in a lifetime. I’ve been fortunate to have several, and I think I had another one today.

The appreciation expressed by the Nicaraguan pastors has been effusive, enough so that it led me to think that the Nica’s must be naturally an appreciative people. But the mission director said “No.” The Nica’s generally are reserved and do not freely express appreciation. If that’s true, it makes my experience here all the more significant.

Several pastors have wanted to shake hands. They’ll use their few English words and I’ll use my few Spanish ones and then we are done. Occasionally, if my assigned interpreter is not available, they’ll bring someone with them who can interpret because they want to talk. At lunch today one of them came to tell me what a blessing my teaching had been and about how He knew God had a purpose in his life and God was using the teaching to help him discover it. He wanted to express his thanks which I gladly received. Mucho Gusto! I’m delighted to know what I brought to Nicaragua is helpful. That is, in fact, the purpose for which I came.

The crystalline moment today came without an interpreter. There is one pastor who has sat through eight hours of teaching so far. He’s never said a word. He’s never asked a question. The only indication I get that he is engaged is that he nods his head occasionally, and is enthusiastic when we pray. Otherwise, he is the classic Cigar Store Indian.

When our session concluded this afternoon my interpreter had stepped to the restroom and I was left alone, unable to communicate since my Spanish consists of just enough words and phrases to get me into trouble. This Cigar Store Indian pastor who speaks not a word of English, came up to me and grabbed my hand, then he stepped closer, and he laid his head on my chest, and he just stood there cradled in my arms like a child.

In that crystalline moment, no Spanish or English was needed. I knew what he meant, and I knew why I was in Nicaragua.