Reason vs. Coincidence

Sometimes people say it’s ironic how you wind up in a certain place at a certain time. It’s a coincidence.  It’s funny. It’s a small world.  It’s not really any of these- it’s planned.

For example, when the taxi driver is driving around and he can’t find the original accommodation I chose-this is for a reason. It’s pouring rain and then we just pull up to a couple hostels and I step into the one closet to my side of the car. 


At first, I am skeptical and I am questioning the space and I wanted something different. I speak with the owner and I get to know her son. I play games with her son and buy him some cookies and snacks. I have special conversation with the security guard who is working his life away.  The cleaning lady also becomes my buddy. And out of everyone there including Israeli’s, Germans, and a couple from Netherland- I got along with a kind Italian man. He came to Nicaragua, bought a nice motorcycle and he is taking a road trip.  He builds websites so he can work on the road, which that’s what the day and age is coming to.
Does this sound like a coincidence? Meeting all these people, connecting, motivating, listening, helping, and learning from their life. There always seems to be someone, but when it’s a handful of people-you’re just meant to be there. Face the music and appreciate your time rather than doubt people, places, and things.


When a person says something that makes you question, analyze, think, wonder-you switch directions, make a new life choice, inspired to change/learn grow, connecting this to another experience/plan/idea, and having an eye opening experience. Listen with not only your ears, but your heart. Maybe it feels like déjà vu and you try to understand why this happens. The why is something to ponder about and the moment is to be appreciated.
 
Things happen for a reason and accepting this fact will lead your life in a positive direction.   

Spiritual Exploration

When you make a stop at a tourist destination, it may take anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour and a half. There may be a famous statue or landmark, waterfalls, a volcano, a flower garden etc.  When you are just starting to enjoy it, the tour guide will usually say, "Okay guys you got five minutes." Once you take the individual photos and tourist shots, you only have about five minutes to actually take in the beauty of the site and surroundings. You may be in a beautiful Rose garden and there are butterflies in that area you overlooked or did not get time to see.  You are at a waterfall and you just take a shot of the waterfall and some silly photo in front.  You missed the beautiful path that lead to the waterfall. You had no time to truly explore behind it, around, and what's next to it. 

With those tourist stops, I find myself wondering behind and wanting so much more. "Priscilla, come on the bus is leaving." I hear that often if I do take a tour.  It's just not enough to stop at a volcano for 20 minutes at a volcano when I want that time to sit near it and take in my surroundings. It always feels like just when you are starting to enjoy it, you have to leave. This is problematic towards getting to the real part of traveling.  You are missing out on the real beauty of that site or landmark listening to the tour guides words, taking pictures, and then leaving. 

Where is the connection to the site, where is the time spent reading the excerpts, where is the time spent with the nature, and where is the imagination? While this is not true all the time, it is true a majority of the time. There is something that is missing and that missing component is spiritual exploration- truly allowing your body and five senses to take in a site. 

People are getting the talk from the guide, the photos with the site, the time to see what was recommended, but where is the spiritual exploration time? It's there to leave an impact on a human being. That experience can improve their being as it resonates with them.  It's not happening enough with short tourist stops at significant sites. 

19 and Learning

 The young boy working at Banana Republic(Hotel not clothing store) was only 19, but so aware of the meaning to his life. He looked just like a futbol player, tall, lean, and again-the crazy hair-Mohawkesque(just made that up, but sounds cool). He loves futbol and psychology and we had great discussions about materialism and the difference between living in materialism and living in poverty. He does not find importance with materialistic items rather he holds the most importance in his family, friends, and education.  He shares with me how it's not common for Hondurans to study psychology and there are not many professors that teach it. He says that he reads independently most of the time. He reminds me of myself when younger-a love for sports and a love for psychology-reading everything I could get my hands on.

Like the old me, he never purchased an iPhone because he doesn't need something that extravagant.  I told him how I recently got one just last year and I only got one because it was "Free." That would motivate anyone to turn to the updated, must have technology. He seemed like such a strong, responsible boy that he would decline it. 

 When it comes to violence, he explains the gang situation and the crime in each city. La Ceiba is pretty safe and the bottom of the radar for crime, but San Pedro is a whole other story.  There is such strong gang rivalry and the use of weapons is out of control. He said that citizens carry more weapons that police and they use them at each and every opportunity.  Some of the common weapons include: guns and machetes(large knifes that are very sharp. He shared that it's difficult being part of a country that is soley known for it's violence.  There are many cities that are safe including La Ceiba, but people just think of drugs and violence. 

As I noticed and he pointed out, La Ceiba actually has a high population of the wealthy.  Then go around in their Mercedes and BMWs and don't associate themselves with those less fortunate.  This is common of many countries, especially India.  It's a lack of empathy for their own people and own country and an obsession with greed, wealth, and materialism.  It's a very sad life and I come across these people often.  There is such emptiness in their hearts and in the meantime this young boy who is just 19 can look his country and the world in such a kind, caring, realistic, analytical way.  
While I was only there for two days, I made sure to go downstairs and talk with him at night.  Such a doll-wish we took a photo together, but sometimes we just remember moments and words. A photo can't do the same job this post does- something I realize more and more as I travel...

Most people with money live in La Ceiba.

The Religious Experience

Let's just say that I'm the type of person who thrives with different cultures. I love to learn about them intimately through real conversations, real learning of their everyday life, cooking with them, eating with them, attempting to work with them, and most of all: praying with them-learning about the role Christ plays in their lives. How does the church, prayer, religious community, music, gospel- get them through the day. 


There is always a curiosity to learn about how people accept their religion into their life. Whether it's a Hindu temple, a Mosque in Morocco, a Buddhist temple, or a Church- There is full commitment to being present and learning through ritual ceremony. I don't just float into take photos rather I want to be present for their religious experience to feel what it's like. 

When it comes to the Church, it's my number one place and my favorite place to visit.  To see how beautiful God's presence can be in a small space, a big space, a historic space, a fancy space-what matters is how people are interpreting this space.  How are they internalizing the message, the Eucharist, his spirit, the music, the Pastor etc. It's just a beautiful time to feel the moment and internalize what is being said. 

What if you cannot understand what is being said? It does not apply because you are still focusing on what you're feeling, observing, your senses and taking in the surrounding.  If you see the church committee smile and carry in the flower arrangement- you can see the love and the joy in their expressions. When you hear the Pastor's voice elevate and his tone of expression shift higher and lower, you can learn to identify what he is referencing. It just takes active listening and a positive attitude and will to learn. 

Over the years, I have attended services in French, Spanish, Bulgarian, Italian, Russian, and English.  In Morocco, I had an option to attend English services and I decided to attend French to learn and I felt connected to the French choir and my lovely Pastor. It just felt so right even though I only understand bits and pieces of the service. What felt right was the overall religious experience. It does not matter the language or the country rather it is how you connect to the overall experience with your observations, senses, and connecting with people and spirit.  It's not about hearing the historical text and knowing exactly what was said, but in this new experience. 

How Do You Feel?

What Do You Feel?

What is The Feeling?

Why Do You Feel This Way?