A Husband in Mexico

The following scene is a true story centered around me and three Mexican Nationals who have recently become my friends and self-appointed matchmakers. The Characters are:

Eraclio-Pastor of Bethel Church here in Monterrey. He’s in his forties and someone whose humor I had to get used to. I was never sure if he was joking, and he often pretends he doesn’t understand my Spanish when I know for sure he does. However, he can be pretty funny and also quite serious.

Amalia- Eraclio’s wife. She’s a sweetheart and she can be just as funny as her husband.

Deliah-Friend of Eraclio and Amalia. They call her their sister.

Daniel-A poor victim of the other characters’ matchmaking schemes.

The scene takes place at a picnic table in a park on top of a Mountain in Monterrey. It’s a casual conversation as we are being lazy after lunch.

Deliah: (to me) Do you have a husband?

Me: No.

Amalia: Boyfriend?

Me: No. I’m single. Very single.

Eraclio: You need a husband. What do you want? A missionary? A pastor?

Me: Sure.

Eraclio: A pastor?

Me: Yeah, that’d be fine.

Eraclio: This is what you do. You work at a church. You be an assistant to a pastor. Then you become his wife.

Me: Perfect.

Eraclio: Mexican or no?

Me: I don’t know. Only God knows.

Eraclio: Okay, how old are you?

Me: 27.

Eraclio: What was your major in college?

Me: Literature

Deliah: What do you want? A boyfriend or a husband?

Me: Both, I guess.

Eraclio: At the same time! Haha!

Deliah: (to Eraclio) No, first one and then the other.

Amaliah: Yes, one leads to another. But friends first.

Me: Exactly, but only one time. I don’t want lots of boyfriends. I’d prefer just one.

Amaliah: That’s good.

Deliah: That’s right. You’re very smart.

Eraclio: No fun at all!

Deliah: Okay, we are going to pray.

Amaliah: Yes, we are going to pray for your husband.

Me: My mom in the States thanks you.

Amaliah: We are going to pray for one year.

Me: Okay, that’s not too fast.

Eraclio: That is fast! Boyfriend and then marriage? This is fast.

Amaliah: You and I were one year.

Eraclio: No, I think a year and a half.

Amaliah: Yes, you’re right, one in a half.

Deliah: Okay, one year. It’s not too fast. It can happen.

Eraclio: So what do we have? A woman. 27 years old. A missionary. A major in literature.

Me: What is this? My resume? For a husband?

Eraclio: Yes. Now let’s see. Who is good for you? You are turning red.

Me: It’s the sun.

Eraclio: No, you’re blushing. (to Daniel) Daniel, hey Daniel. This is what you need to do. Become ordained and then you can marry her. (To me) He is a really good cook and he can wash clothes with his hands.

Me: Well, when is the wedding?!

Eraclio: You name the date; I’ll be there to officiate.

Me: Good plan.

Eraclio: Yes, it’s a good plan.

The rest of the afternoon they spent trying to get me to sit near Daniel or stand near Daniel. Then they got a picture with me that I’m positive will be used for matchmaking purposes.

The story ends on a serious and sweet note, however. Eraclio saw me a couple days later and informed me that he and his wife had prayed for my husband. At first I thought he was just messing around, but then I saw that he was really serious. Turns out he and his wife had prayed together the night before and had specifically prayed for my husband. It was such a sweet feeling to be cared for by these people who I barely know. It also feels so good to know I not only have a prayer team in the States but I also have a prayer team here in Monterrey!