Here in Cochabamba a majority of the population does not own cars, so there is no shortage of public transportation. There is an abundance of taxis, and because the House of Dreams does not own a car, this is usually our method of travel.
From time to time we’ll get talkative taxi drivers. They love to chat and joke with the Dreamers on our way to our destination, and the Dreamers love it just as much.
Earlier this week we caught a taxi in order to return home from an outing. We piled into the taxi with Dreamers and volunteers alike. While everyone was getting adjusted Fernando noticed a rosary hanging from the rear view mirror.
He spoke up and asked the driver, “Is Jesus on there?” The taxi driver hesitated, then just handed it to Fernando so that he could examine it for himself.
Fernando quickly examined it, looked back at the taxi driver and said, “Oh, yes, Jesus is on there. Do you know why he is on there?”
The man blushed and hesitated, then began to respond when Fernando cut him off. “He got on the cross and died for our sins, for your sins, so that we can have a chance to go to heaven.” The man looked over at me with a ‘Did you tell him to say this?’ look. I understood the look. I chuckled, shrugged my shoulders, and shook my head in response to his non-verbal question.
Fernando continued, “Do you want to go to heaven?”
“Yes,” the man replied, flashing an embarrassed grin.
“Good, because all you have to do is believe in him,” Fernando stated while pointing to the cross.
The man just smiled at Fernando for a moment before saying, “Thank you, preacher.”
“You’re welcome,” Fernando responded with a smile of accomplishment.
The Dreamers are raised on Christian values. They are taught these values at home, but also attend Sunday School every week and go to a Christian school. It is good to know that the message is sticking.
If you are interested in providing bibles or books (bilingual or Spanish) for the Dreamers and the Tias please let us know and we will give you instructions on how.
- Romon
