The Survival Speech

Kurt and Bethany thought today would provide a wonderful opportunity to immerse our small group in Mexican culture. Little did we know that their idea of immerse was to bodily throw us into the heart and soul of Mexico City.

We left Bethany’s car at a small car park about a quarter mile from the new train station that leads into the city. From there we caught the subway system. I found Kurt’s Personal Safety Speech very interesting. It went something like this.

“Mexico City is known for being a very dangerous place. It is. There are people out there who would love to steal your cameras, steal your money, or even steal you.”

At this point Debbi, Aaron, and I instinctively clutched at our personal possessions and squeezed closer together.

Kurt continued, “There is a thriving business in this city selling people, especially girls, and even selling organs (not the musical type) from visitors who come to the city.”

Now i began to glance around wondering whether every guy with a strange face might try to harvest my kidneys there on the spot. Instead of clutching my camera, which can be easily replaced, I now covered my kidneys, liver, and heart with my hands, as none of those can be easily replaced.

“Just stick together. Girls are to walk in front of the boys at all times so we can see that you are Ok. And last of all, don’t let people bump you to much. Many times when people bump you or touch you they are taking your wallet from you.”

That ended what I would categorize as the least encouraging speech I’ve heard in my life. To start the day I had only hoped God would allow me to take some pictures for the missionaries to use. Now I hoped God would simply allow me to survive.