The Handshake

Our team was playing a friendly game of Uno in the courtyard after a long morning of church and seminary teaching when who should walk by but Zeleya, the president (though some say "ex" they need to read the papers) of Honduras.  

All day long we have been joked about getting a picture with him and the other presidents.  Then, when he actually walks by the table, I froze like a teenage boy when the girl answers the phone.  "Doug.  Why didn't you hop up and introduce yourself?" chided our translator, Norman.  Drats!  I should have.

A few minutes later, Zeleya quickly got out of his car and went back to his room.  This time I was ready and when he walked back by I took the opportunity to stand and stick out my hand.  No one shot.  No one tackled.  He warmly greeted me, "Con mucho gusto," I sputtered.  "Egual" he replied looking me dead in the eyes.  As he turned, his security guys commented on our game of cards.

The group was astonished that I actually did it but they were right; I should have greeted him the first time.

I figured he walked by again to give me another opportunity.  Or perhaps it was God.  Nonetheless, he is just a man such as I, and, right or wrong, he has  been trapped in a hotel for a week.  This morning's devotional was from the creation story of Genesis with a quote from C.S. Lewis, "The Most Holy Sacrament of God is the person sitting right next to you." I would never venture a guess at the politics in Latin America or the specifics of who is right or wrong.  I only know that everyone can use a friendly face in the midst of a storm.

Yes.  It was cool to meet a president.  It is cool to be sitting in the middle of such a public history.  Far more than that, however, I feel for the man.  There is no doubt that he was a catalyst in the storm in which he finds himself.  If he is wrong, someone should be there to provide the Truth he needs.  If he is right, someone needs to be there with empathy.  Is he right?  Is he wrong? I have no idea but it would be great to share some coffee and ask, "How are you holding up?  Can I pray?"  

I have a good mind to invite him to dinner.

PS (Eat your heart out Daniel Gribble!)

Comments

[Paula Strickland]

If you invite him to dinner, all he can say is, "no", right? You'll kick yourself if you don't ask - so will Daniel.