From the entrance, they approached towards the front prayer-site, while they noticed that on both sides of the walkway, there were a series of rectangular black stone slabs. Each slab had been taken over by an indigenous woman decorating it with flowers. After lighting candles and igniting incense sticks she began praying in her native language. A friendly English-speaking local youth appeared next to the couple. He explained that, even after religious conversions, natives were allowed by the local church authority to pray in their original way inside the church. And the tradition has been continuing since then. “What a wonderful way to preserve old traditions,” Beth whispered to Paul.
They came out of the church along with the friendly gentleman who introduced himself as Morris. He wanted to practice his English by speaking to them. Right across the church, there was a small café whose outer wall was adorned with local murals, offering the history of the region. But, someone defaced a section of the art spraying M13. Being from California, both Beth and Paul recognized the sign immediately: a hallmark signature of a violent street gang made up of first generation of Hispanic-American youths whose parents had migrated from several Central American countries. “But, who painted the sign here,” both inquired simultaneously.
While joining Paul and Beth for a cup of coffee inside the café, Morris, in a low voice, explained that under political atmosphere at the time, everyday, plane-full of these gang-members (without bringing them to justice) have been getting quietly deported to various capitals of the neighboring poor nations. Once there, they are getting back to the street immediately just to survive, thus bringing their turf-war even in a small place like Sula. So far, Morris, fortunate enough never to leave the town, was able to keep himself away from them.
Stunned pair realized how much their own country deviated from its founding principles in the current atmosphere of xenophobia and bigotry.