World Cup Final

The day of my departure happened to be the same day of the World Cup.  While I was waiting for the bus to leave the cultural center. There were a group of guys that zoomed right towards me on motor bikes.  While observing their mannerisms and behaviors and listening to their innocent conversations,  I decided to chat them up a bit.  The World Cup was a good icebreaker, which lead into some questions regarding their lifestyle. I was interested in learning about negative behaviors happening in the community. They don't drink or smoke and said the would be in trouble if they did. Their age range was 17-20. All I received was a big dose of innocence from them. It was refreshing and sincere. They loved futbol and sports like and normal kids. 

It confirms my theory that materialism leads to more trouble and those in poverty only lead into the negative behavior to reach material. It's really just a catch 22. You have money, your being loses.  You chase money, your being loses. 

With our conversation, they enjoyed my company and invited me to go watch the final game with them. It was in my direction and they had space for one more on their bike, even with the backpack. 

They were raving up their engines all three of them ready to go and one on a bicycle! This was so cute that this guy was going to follow motor bikes by bicycle. 

With the time and the game, i has 2 hours to make it to Placencia to watch the game. I decided to wait for the bus and they waited with me to make sure I got on okay. They picked up my bag for me and told the bus driver where I was going. 

(These random "strangers" perform random acts of kindness all the time). I said my farewells and watched the bikes drive in the distance. 

Sense And Act on Loneliness

Sometimes you can just sense a person's loneliness. It's just a glimpse in their eye or a moment of stillness.  A moment of stillness, which makes you wonder.  It's written all over their presence. These moments may seem just like a chance encounter, but someone up above wants you to be present for these.  We are expected to give some extra time or effort with these individuals.  Why? Because that time could make their day, their week, their hour, or maybe even a lifetime.  

When I was bike riding down the main street, I decided to stop for a water. I was completely parched and would not take a chance drinking tap water. I walked into "Cheers" to buy a bottled water. I opened my bag and realized I did not have my main wallet. I threw together the change and $1 bill-it did not cut it.  I sighed and thought about leaving my wallet behind. 

A man stood next to me near his pickup truck.  He was carrying a Coca-cola and a water. 

Mr. J- "Would you like a water?" 
Pris- "Oh, thank you, but I'm fine." 
Mr. J-"Please, you must be really thirsty." 
He hands the bottle towards me
Pris-"Thanks" "Are you from around here?"
Mr.J- I'm just doing some construction work here. I'm from Mexico
Pris-That would explain the perfect English. 
Mr.J- Thanks. You are from Mexico too? 
Pris-No. States. Just doing some social work here
Mr. J- That's great. Nice to meet you. You seem like a nice person
Pris- Thank you. You as well. Have you always been doing construction work? 
Mr. J- Too long.  
Pris-You must be good at with all your experience
How do you like it?
Mr J.- It's okay I guess. 
Pris-What do you enjoy? 
Mr. J- Not much lately..
Pris- Lately? 
Mr. J- Not feeling any excitement lately 
Pris- I sense that
Mr. J- You're a smart girl.
Pris- You're smart too. Your life may benefit from a bit more purpose or direction. 
Mr. J- Like what are you referring to?
Pris- Purpose in life and/or career. Doing something for yourself rather than just material profit. 
Mr. J.- I love painting. I haven't painted in over 20 years though. 
Pris- Wonderful. I love painting too except I never quite get the time. Do you have a paint brush?
Mr. J- Somewhere. 
Pris- Could you try picking it up?
Mr. J- That's it?
Pris- Yes, Just one step at at time. No rush. Let yourself, your senses slowly get connected.
Mr. J- I could try
Pris-That's all I could ask you to do

The conversation went on for about 15 minutes, but he spoke about not having family or a significant other. His work here in Belize did not serve much of a purpose in his life other than paying his bills. His presence was shouting that he needed a friend or something new to brighten up his life, actually, his spirit.  With identifying his interest of painting, he could slowly step by step working this  back into his life. For most people, it is helpful having a supporter, a therapist, or life coach working on this step by step.  Many can't find the motivation within themselves or they have anxiety, sadness, feeling overwhelmed, or hopeless.  

Everyone deserves to feel that their presence is noticed, loved, respected, acknowledged, and cared about PRIS  ...

Bus and Purpose

Matias is a 18 year old Belizian. He looks like a cute Spanish soap opera star. I realize that there are many Spanish and Belizian "mixed breeds."  He lives in Belmopan and we meet on the bus heading towards Belize City. He shares his parent's interest in him becoming a lawyer, but he is more interested in science. He is clearly a bit conflicted on what to do with his life, which is normal for someone his age.  He is very curious about my work and how I figured out my passion. He looks up at me with his brown eyes 
saying,



"How did you know that is what you wanted to do for the rest of your life?"

Wow, what a loaded question. I explained to him my feelings associated with my purpose, my experiences, and  I shared with him my work and feelings associated with my purpose.  He seemed to be a Belizian who had opportunity, which was great to witness. His father was an Army general and his mother worked for the embassy. He was such a nice boy and our chat was meaningful for the both of us. He gave me a big hug when he left, it was so cute. Bus therapy session number 1000 accomplished. CBC