La Buena Onda

La Buena Onda was my hostel of choice for Matagalpa. It was one that I booked from Leon and boy was I happy with my decision. As I read in reviews, this place was rated as a hotel. It was super clean with a  nice courtyard, a flat screen T.V. with DVd selection, nice food options for breakfast and snacks, decorated rooms/huge bathrooms, hammocks, rocking chairs, and a nice balcony.  All at the whopping $7 a night (the price of a Subway sandwich meal).  This was the happening place for travelers and there were a couple big groups. One from USA and the other  bgroup from France. I didn’t take much interest in the groups, but there were some nice solo travelers to get to know.

The best two girls were working at the front desk.  The one girl was 18 years old and stuck in a shell (Project 1).  She was too afraid to speak with English guests because she had fear they would laugh at her English (common fear).  It was so cute as she would always hang out near me to talk.  Sometimes she would not initiate conversation, but she would just come close to my space-to my spirit.  She loved having someone to talk with about her life and dreams. She loved Math science and dreamed of being an Engineer.  Noone took the time to just hear her speak, to listen, to smile, and let her know her dreams are possible. Many of these travelers have the ability to travel the world, they have the knowledge, the skills, and they don’t share it except with other travelers. How does that make sense when someone local needs much more. They are curious as could be wondering about YOUR life. They love to hear your stories, experiences, passions-share it with them. It’s not just me who has the ability to listen and respond-it’s not.

Tourists are not expected to sit and practice English for realistic situations of the hostel. Priscilla had the duty to help this girl face her fear with English-to give her homework, reading assignments, and suggestions on movies/ videos with lyrics, and to challenge her day by day.  The tourists could just have a few simple questions and listen a bit more, but this is not required of them. I spent time working with her because she demonstrated motivation and a desire to learn English. The one tourist thought I was an employee because I was spending time with her. Why would a tourist spend time with a local teaching her?

When teaching her, she soaked up what I said like a sponge and retained it perfectly.  It’s like she had just been waiting for a good teacher to come along.  She was such a sweet girl who just wanted what every other 18 year old had in life. 

One day, I instructed her go up to the group and ask them “What are your plans for tomorrow?” They were totally nice and friendly (many tourists might be clueless, but most are nice and respectful to staff).  That moment was precious to me and she came back with a confidence. She continued to practice a few more conversations independent of my instruction! 

These moments are the ones that make my purpose worth it.  They light up my spirit and make me thankful I spent this time with her instead of watching a movie, writing, or reading a book.  This is a human life I am impacting. There is nothing better than that-nothing.

Case Number 2

The other girl was around my age and had two children.  She lived in USA for ten years, therefore, her English was absolutely perfect.  She shared with me all her struggles on Day 1(very common for my daily work).  We brainstormed how to make things work as she had no one to babysit her kids and she had enough money for just 3 days a week.  The owners(Netherland and local woman) were not really too accommodating or helpful with her taking off work. They were already pretty patient with her schedule changes. She was just a single mother trying to do everything on her own and my heart went out to her.

One day she mentioned her son was sick and home alone. She was so worried and I could tell she was a good mother. This made me want to help her. Her house was only two blocks from the hostel so I offered to go over there to check on him.  She was so happy and thankful.  For me, it was just something to do of service.

When I hear someone in need, it’s my job to try and help them or assist them in finding a solution.  It’s just the nature of the work from up above. Again, people don’t understand the reasoning, but we do. We get it. 

 

Cinderella Can Dream

                     

At my bed and breakfast, one of my favorite people besides my pequena amiga was the housekeeper, Odilli. I didn't just love her because she made the best Gallo pinto and breakfasts, but I loved her for her kind spirit.  She opened up and shared some personal things about her life. The difficulties she has faced with raising a child all alone. She is just a kind individual who, again, deserves some acknowledgment. When it came to my breakfast in the morning, she gave me the best fruit and coffee that I just couldn't resist drinking.  She always inquired as to what I liked for breakfast and I just loved the fresh fruit and yogurt. From my Honduras grocery visit, I had some oatmeal packets left over.

She asked, "Is that what people eat in America?"
I said, "Yes, some people."
She said, "Is it healthy?"
I said, "Yes, very healthy."
She said, "Well then why are the American people so big?"

It was a cute comment and a real question.   She had a cute innocence besides her exterior that presented as tough with a difficult life seen on her face. Life was not easy for her, but I encouraged her to take time for herself. One day, I was asking her about the beaches and she said, "I've never been to the beach." When I hear these types of things, it absolutely upsets me and appauls me. Of course, it's the typical response for people who are working to live rather than living to work. This woman is working 15-20 miles beach and she has never went once.  It's not the way a human life should be lived-it's wrong, which is why I fight for people like her. 

When it came to cleaning, this woman cleaned. As I see with hired help, they keep cleaning obsessively.  Nevertheless, I have never seen someone clean the floors as much as her. It's common for Nicaraguans to always be cleaning the floor, but this woman was always, always cleaning the floor. The whole place was spotless at all times including my room. She came at 6 am and she rarely sat down to take a break. Odilli had a very professional relationship with the owner and it was not much more than that, which is a shame after working for her for seven years. If it came to a family event, I'm sure she would not be included.

Many relationships with the housekeeper are kept professional and separate.  I remember when I visited India and all my family members had a housekeeper. Instead of just treating them as hired help, I would like to talk to them, learn about their life, and make them laugh.  When I was at my cousins' wedding, I took a few pictures with them and someone commented on this. It was funny and strange that I was taking pictures with real human beings who also had beating hearts. 

The housekeeper can dream. She can dream of a life where she had her own nice home and business. She can dream of not having to cater to someone's family rather than just focusing on her own. She can dream about meeting a nice man and being happy. She can dream.....She can dream.....PRIS

Power, Human Life and Church

When I sit in this church, I must wonder how much impact does the actual church have on these people? The church is a strong, powerful entity, which represents our faith in Jesus and his father. There are feelings of belonging associated with the church and it's community. A well-liked pastor can move mountains for people, inspire them, and make them believe in a better tomorrow. 

Is that enough participation for those underprivileged who need so much more?

There is that individual relationship with the pastor, but what about the support from others.  Some churches have this down perfectly where they are connecting people together.  This church in Leon, Nicaragua is completely missing that supportive community that these people need. The sad part is that many churches are not focusing on connecting and supporting this population. It's the reality of their ever existing lives.  They are fed a few times a week, but what about their other needs for support and belonging. These people just need someone to get them organized in a group each week, a person to smile and encourage them, and someone to teach independent living skills. Even in the US, churches usually address the need for food, but skip out on the need for belonging. 

Abroad, food is presented as the main thing to give, but what about time? 

What about a conversation with these people about their day, their interests, and how they are impacted my God?

The underprivileged population of Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Guatemala- they are hungry for the attention rather than just the food that is given. Their eyes light up from this human attention, which all human beings crave.  They have a tendency to crave it more because their low support systems. Those coming into the church with a full family, a regular schedule, a secure place to live, and the ability to feed and cloth themselves-they may just connect with the Pastor's message, go discuss it with family, and go on their way. This is not the case for those suffering from poverty, addiction, abuse, no job, and lost purpose. These people need the church to give them a little bit something more.  Something to make them grow and thrive in their community. Someone to share their opinions, to connect with the message presented in church, to treat them to a coffee, and just.....

Someone to acknowledge them.  Please open up your eyes and give this population more that food. Give them something refreshing, an interesting story, a funny joke, a new job idea, a new friend...

Stimulate their brains and empower them to believe that they can achieve. God has been on their side, but they always need a new supporter on their side.  Add them to your team.  PRIS

They Crave YOU

Sometimes Volunteers are completely unaware of how much they are craved. They are desired by those less fortunate who truly need their attention. Within their basic needs, there is a high need for acknowledgement and attention. There are so many people who are hungry for a simple exchange that can be done in just 15 minutes or less.  The elderly in my first organization craved attention- just a smile or short exchange could make their day. When I sat and had lunch with them, they were so thankful verbally and by expression.












With all the volunteers there on a daily basis not one person could go sit with them? 



In Guatemala, it is often the kids who get the benefits, assistance, and attention from volunteers.There is a respect for the elderly in the culture, but the NGOs are not focused on serving elderly rather adults take priority. All they can really provide is food to meet that need, but what about the acknowledgement of their being? They get lonely and often need a friend or just someone to sit with them.  



In Belize, the MH community is another population who is desiring that attention. The children and the youth especially crave someone to come and spend time with them. With Monkey Bay, they have so many volunteers coming in on a regular basis from the US, Europe, and even South America. Unfortunately, everything has its structure to follow with non-profits and there is a conflict in interest.





















Most kids don't have an interest in community projects with social work so you can't force them, but it's a shame that so many people come in and not one can just go play a game with them or read a story. If they could just take a walk over to the other side... They would see children who just want your time.  Children who want to get to know you and learn about where you are from. They are human beings, just like you, on the other side.  They are living in poverty, but receiving a financial donation is not what they need. .

Give your time and love tourists- not your photo shots and your wallets. They don't bite they are just humans....

At the end of they day they just Crave You.
 PRIS