Family Stay Mr. Grumpy

When I was dropped off by the bus, it was 9pm, I was tired and inquired about the main street. Everyone said it was just a few blocks up.  This is where I met a barber and his wife and son. They were happily sitting in the shop and we were sitting and talking and talking. My backpack was on and I was smiling, but I wanted to find a place to stay first. It’s okay I’m always on day and night. These people were trying to be helpful and they were as they helped carry two of my bags.  They put me right in the place with all the hotels. It was a small area as this was a small town. Most of them were just simple a bed, fan, and lamp for $10 a night. It just was not appealing to me as there was no interpersonal connection.  God guided me to the one right across the street with the fresh yellow paint and the two rocking chairs in front. The front door looked just identical to a prison cell gate. This guy was serious about safety.  As I stand there ringing the bell, this grumpy old man comes up with high pants, a button down shirt, and loafers. He said with no enthusiasm, “I have one room $12 with TV, wifi, hot water.” “And the door shuts at 10pm sharp.”

Most people would move to the tourist friendly place, but there were limited rooms and the truth is I liked this guy. He was clearly just a challenge for me. Those people going through the motions of life and not feeling. This was my chance to get a smile out of him and make him feel alive again.


I told him I would take it and he looked quite surprised. My room was adorable with a crystal clean bathroom for how much? Oh yeah $12 a night. The beauty of traveling through Central America. He said that his son would help me with my bags, but I carried them for 30 minutes, I could carry them to my room.

His son came out, clean cut and an adorable 28. He was an architect who lived in Leon, but he was visiting his parents for the weekend. We were talking and I missed my opportunity to get some food before my 10pm curfew. Mr. Grumpy came to close the gate and walked away saying nothing. Oh this man was a great project for me. His son, Ber, kindly offered me some of his food, but it looked covered in some meat. I guess it was going to be an animal cracker night.  His mom came out and said "hello." She was kind and welcoming, but something was off with her energy.....