At one point in the book, Lydia connects with a friend of her husband's. He and his (American) wife are hosting teenagers from a church in Indiana who have taken a mission trip to Mexico. The wife is hesitant to help Lydia and Luca, as it could put the teens' life in danger. This evolves into a discussion, during which the wife is reminded that Jesus would help those in need, especially those who have been through what Lydia and Luca have been through. There is tension between Lydia and the wife throughout the remainder of their encounters.
This part of the book, albeit a small one, really, really bothered me. I felt the wife had every right to want to protect the lives of those kids. I would feel the same in that situation, and, if I were a mother of one of those kids, I would expect that my child would not be knowingly put in danger. Were they rich American kids who likely only had first world problems? Yes. But, does that mean that there lives aren't as valuable? It really irked me. I realize that some people in developing countries are quite cynical about the work of short term missionaries. I also think that there is validity to some of the arguments I have heard. But was it necessary to vilify the missionaries in this book?
Do you think this part of the book was a reflection of the author's disdain, or a reflection of how missionary work is perceived among those living in Mexico? Thanks for your thoughts... can't seem to let this go.