You are NOT Superior

First of all,  this post does not just refer to one experience. It refers to 5 or 6 experiences just on this trip and many more abroad. 

When I was in Nicaragua, there were these two Israel guys that would walk around the common area in their underwear. The expression on their face was the usual, "I look good and I don't care what you think.

Did they look good? Yes. 

Did I want to see them in their briefs. No 

Of course, they had no regard as to how this would make other people feel. The guy in Guatemala who got denied by me could not deal with it. Most likely this is due to the fact that their egos are so large that they can't accept rejection.  

In Colombia, there were a couple guys and a girl(apparently they like to travel this way) and they were making fun of the man selling balloons. This just broke my heart because this man was the kindest, sweetest person. I had spoke with him before I went into the museum. I could not even understand their Hebrew, but I knew they were referring to him with their behavior.  They had to point and laugh and thankfully he did not see otherwise I would have to have a talk with him.  

This was completely uncalled for and ridiculous when they looked disheveled and filthy. In their minds, they don't need to take a shower because they are God's gift to earth. 


    Lo siento este no es verdad

When I was in Turkey working with my close friend, I recall his long discussion about Israel. Every single sentence expressed the need to define Israel as the best. The sites, the food, the people, the politics, the religion-everything was the best and there was no way to dispute this rather it was fact. It was fact in my friend's eyes that Israel was and always will be the best country in the world. The strong willed ways of giving examples, historical periods, and the beauty/intelligence of people. The military component was always a discussion with all their weapons.  In fact, I admit that I wanted to see this country and sometimes was mesmerized my his stories(and sometimes bored). He sparked in interest in my mind of how great this country could be. But the reality set, there is pride for a country and there is too much pride. This was a pride that was almost sickening to witness, to grow up with in my neighborhood, to see from travelers. This was the kind of pride that indicated a superiority that would not truly appreciate other cultures. How can you appreciate another culture when yours is the ultimate best?


There are so many beautiful cultures ranging from Japanese to India to Thailand to Turkey to Colombia to Ireland. Each culture has it's positive components that make it special. These cultures are just as beautiful as Israel and if their ego is not able to recognize that I feel some real empathy for them.  Israeli's travel the world with backpacks and many with money, but what do they truly gain. Are they gaining something positive or a continuous boost of their ego on how wonderful they are compared to the rest of the world? 


Intelligence is distributed among cultures and it is not given to just one.  News flash Israel you are not superior or the best culture in the world.  No culture is superior or inferior rather each one has its practices, people, and beliefs that make it special. Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianty all lie under one God and one is Not superior to the other.

Crossing Over

El poblado is the Beverly Hills of Medellin, which of course I absolutely love. The adorable French cafes, the hilltops full of beautiful homes, the overpriced restaurants, the hotel this looks like Chateau Marmont in LA, the hikes, the amazing pastries, the stuffy nightlife, nice parks etc. For a person who does love luxury and loves simplicity, I do enjoy this for my personal life. I love human beings, I love my missions, I love my work, but I also like excellent food, great cafes, fashion forward clothing, and upscale lounges/hotels. This is just me and I acknowledge this rather than trying to fight the reality. It's easy for me to spend the night in m hotel and then cross over to the poverty and feed the needy, speak to vendors, spend time in and out of churches, and listen to those looking for a pair of ears to hear their voice. 


This is just something I am used to as I have lived in New York and Los Angeles with a certain lifestyle, but then I would work with my clients-volunteer-keep working with people. That contradiction has always been present for me and I questioned, "Should I be doing something more profitable." My purpose just kept revealing itself that my spirit from people had to continue.


While I enjoyed wearing different outfits out, having the expensive gym, and fancy lounges/hotels/ clubs- this did not hinder me from my work. With the materialism, my purpose did not fall to the wayside rather it kept building and building by learning by experience with people and practicing self improvement and behavioral modification.  Of course, this did not always work, but again the learning experiences of the 20s are the most important to take to the 30s. 




    We learn by every experience everyday(PRIS). 




With the nice things, there was always an awareness into this world of poverty. It did impact the decisions I made i.e. trying to stay on  phone that was not a smart phone through 5 generations of IPhone. When I was in New York at 26, things started to change as I truly questioned the city, my lifestyle, and the world. How could I just live this lifestyle continuously and help people? It didn't make sense to me and probably to others.

After I went to Istanbul and I came back, I had a whole new perspective. It was not just this trip, but a large contribution was my education and my social work placement. I grew tired of a broken system. I grew tired of spinning my wheels in different directions to please someone else who didn't appreciate me. I grew tired of inefficiency and incompetency. I knew there was something better out there for me- a direct way to create my own systems, my own programs, and my own expectations. There was a whole world out there with people less fortunate and there was us. The clients I definitely enjoyed, but this spoiled culture began to irritate me.






The people who have everything trying to "help" those who have nothing with money.  These people will live and breathe in their materialism and think that throwing money at a charity will solve a problem.  The Mercedes and apartment on Park Avenue are great, but can they detach from this to truly help someone? To dedicate their life to making someone else's life better other than their own?


Some of these people were my own friends who were so stuck in this "New York state of mind." The fashion, the new restaurant, the Hunter boots, the new purse, the ballet, New York symphony, concerts in the park, the amazing shopping, posh grocery stores, the social rooftop events-fantastic right?  


All of it just disinterested me and I knew I had to make my move out.  I told all my lovely Social work friends that I was going to leave once we graduated.  I was truly on a mission to detach from materialism and that's what I did.  I graduated and I took a radical move to just get rid of everything(oh boy do I question this act of strength at times). I gave everything away to Goodwill including my leather jackets, my boots, shoes, various sweaters, jeans, and tops. I sold my Tiffany's bracelet and my watch. It was my movement to lead my life into simplicity and just let go of these "things." This produced a feeling of relief and freedom. It was so empowering to let go of these things I loved in order to start fresh. 


Starting fresh meant buying a backpack with some travel clothes and necessities and out the door. This started my first world trip and it started the detachment of materialism.  I challenge and test myself and I have learned that from my strike and my travel experiences.



Do I like staying in clean, safe places? Yes


Am I food snob and enjoy the best food? Yes.


Do I still love luxury hotels and name brand clothes? Yes.




Am I able to decipher between what I really "need" and "want."  Yessss!!!!!





What would it be like for the rich to crossover to the poor side for a day without this ability to detach?


Would they complain, would they not agree to do it, would they sneak their IPhone over? 


The crossover requires an awareness with the ability to detach.  If one can temporarily detach then this is a wonderful. If it's for one day a week or on vacations, this is good progress. The problem is that many are addicted and they can't detach or figure out if they are acting with need or want.  The need is something necessary and the want is what triggers the attachment to materialism. The greed builds and they are stuck in the cycle.  The wants are strong desires to possess something. Once one has it, they will go on to the next thing they want, next, next, and next. In New York, it's just a continuous cycle of constant shopping and having to be in trend. It literally gets exhausting with all the trends and keeping up. 


When you detach or move away into a simpler environment, things become a lot better and more hopeful.  

                Could they survive????

Mi Casa Su Casa

My time in Leon was just Oh so relaxing in the sleep department.  My little 7 year old friend went to bed at 9 and woke up at 5, but she was always peeking in to see when I would be up.  It was so cute having that relationship where we both couldn't wait to wake up and see each other.  When I opened the door, she would casually walk by give me a big hug.  She would ask me where I was going and what time I would be back.  The time coming back was never consistent-poor Elizabeth. 

There was little noise and I slept very well going to sleep by 10.  There was just one thing that I was curious about....
One day I asked her, "Elizabeth, why are you always running back in forth in front of my room?
She puts her hand over her mouth.

"I'm suppose to be quiet in the morning. You hear me?"

I respond, "Yes, I hear you little feet slapping against the pavement. Then I know that your up."

She responds, "I'm sorry it's just that I'm running."
There is no one for her to play with as her sister does not live in the house. 

I ask, "Why are you running?"

She responds, "Well my mom told me that I better run otherwise I'm going to get fat. And I need to watch what I eat because the food is fattening here and not organic."  

She was wearing leggings and pointed to her adorable thighs. 

She says, "These are a problem."

I say, "Ohhh I see. You know there is one thing between being healthy, but worrying about your body at 7 is another."

She says, "Well I can't go outside and play so I have to run around inside."

I agree, "Yes, this is true, but have fun doing it and don't over do it."

I told her she was beautiful just the way she is, but that line doesn't really work when your Mom is drilling you to stay thin at seven years old.
My poor pequena amiga leading her way right to an eating disorder at 7.  Thanks Mom! Oh and thanks Miami for the need for perfection!

Sharing of Food

With my passion for good food, there always was that selfish, greedy, obsessive compulsive element. I didn't want people touching my food, I didn't want to share my cookies, I didn't want people to ask for food-putting me in that uncomfortable situation to give it.  Of course, I would volunteer in soup kitchens, which is just expected for anyone.  When it came to really sharing, I just did not want to share food period.

In Morocco, things seemed to change with the food sharing. I lived in a country where their culture was based on sharing food.  People would not eat until everyone was present. The women spent so much time cooking the food. Sometimes the couscous took 12-14 hours. When prepared it was delicious and it was worth the wait. Even when you were hungry, it was worth it to wait for food and then sit around and share it.  Six or seven people would all sit around and place their spoons into one dish.  When it came to the fruit plate, people would sit around and dip their fork into one large dish.  There was no concern about double dipping, germs, or sickness.  People were sharing the food with one another and it was a beautiful, holy experience. 

Sharing food is not just friendly and kind, but it is holy.  People who are feeling hunger and do not have something should be given food. It's the right thing to do according to your religion.  The religion of Morocco is Islam and people believe in the five pillars. In the fourth pillar, they are asked to give to the needy. Not everyone engages in this, but I remember my friend who cooked food and brought it to the shelter twice a week.  The sharing of a homemade food is quite generous and true sharing.  This holy sharing of food should be experienced by those less fortunate not just amongst family and friends. 

After Morocco, there was something about this experience that changed me. Before Morocco, there were moments traveling buying food and giving it to those who need it. What was different was the convenience eating vs. conscious eating. This time, I found a different meaning for food rather than just eating to satisfy. Most people just eat without even realizing where the food came from and how holy that food truly can be. 

Instead of eating by convenience, I spent time cooking my food.  In Morocco, you have to go to the market, find the spices, cut the vegetables, make the cous cous-everything takes time. Sometimes it felt like, "Is all my time being spent cooking?"

Later, I became appreciative of having this period of waiting for food because I became more appreciative of it.  The longer we have to wait for food, the more likely we are to appreciate it. The holy experience is felt when you give food, not just satisfaction, but appreciation for the time, efforts, and the holy meal. 

Food gives our soul light and lets your true love find it´s way in...PRIS 

Hope for Homeless

One of the biggest problems with the homeless population is that we don't acknowledge or believe in their being.  We don't believe that they have anything to offer the world and they are just wasting resources.  We don't listen to their thoughts, concerns, beliefs, values, or interests.  Instead we just watch them drown in sadness, sorrow, loneliness, and poverty.  We keep throwing money at the problem instead of just throwing a little bit of humanity. 

This population is completely lost in a sea of misery because they are hungry for connection. They are hungry for caring and acknowledgement. Instead of feeding them with food, they need to be fed a cup of love.  They need to feel love, belonging, and security.  Even with food distribution, what about the rest of it? This population is suffering from our continued ignorance and inability to connect with others. Just distributing food with no therapy, activity, discussion-this provides nothing to the soul.  The church is feeding these people, but they are craving love and attention. 

My first day at San Francisco Church, I made sure to make eye contact and smile with each and every person.  Of course, I might of missed a few, but the point should be understood.  These people need some recognition that they are humans.  They were confused with my presence and why I was even there. This shock happens when people give up on them. They have to stop and process why someone is there. Is she a social worker? Is she going to serve food? There were two unfriendly local women that were serving food and did not have any expression on their face. "Take your food and go so we can leave."  
It was not my job to engage in a rookie job when God had clear plans for me. The food that was distributed was rice, beans, and a chicken stew with tortillas. This food was given from a local organization.  They were fed Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Only on Wednesdays they could sit at the table and eat together. The other days they would take the food to go.  I asked Jose if it would be possible to eat inside for all three days to help build connections and engage in activities.  His answer was, "No, we don't do that." A great idea that makes sense can be completely rejected. The reality of this population is that you also work with organizations and other entities like the church who want to do things their own way. 

Fortunately, from Day 1, people were very receptive. Overall, it was the same group of people that were coming each week.  A group of
older men in their 60s who were open and honest about the difficulties of living day to day and not having the support they need. The goal was to build connections between the group members to utilize each others strengths, knowledge, and experience.  

There were different groups that were created- those with families, those elderly, middle age men, and youth.  It seemed that each group or each individual had a different story, but a similar theme-no support.  They would speak of addiction, difficulty finding a job, and not being able to get a job because the kids. There was one woman with such motivation to get a job and I connected her with a man who said he declined a bakery job because the hours.  I paid for them to take the bus and taxi over there and just like that she got the job. Two days later, she tells me that it was too far to commute.  She is then complaining and complaining instead of appreciation.  

Clearly, digging people out of the devaluing they experienced and the loss of their own being is difficult. The motivation, the support is down, and people become comfortable. The thought and positive intention is there, but the following through and staying consistent is the most difficult part. Therefore, this was definitely a challenge with my temporary encouragement and support, but sometimes believing in people makes them believe in themselves.  There was such inspiration and motivation in the air that I even inspired myself.  

-The architect from many years ago thought about putting his designs into action in the church. 
-The single mother thought about selling her specialty cakes in a street cart. 
-The addict who was sober for 49 days was inspired to keep going on. 
-The special needs child smiled more at meal time. 
-The man who always stays in the house thought about taking a 15 minute walk each day with serious motivational talk.  
-The woman who missed her husband shared her loss with another similar woman.
-Johnny demonstrated faith in seeing his children after they had been taken away 3 years ago. Johnny was a special man who played his guitar outside and he always ate right next to the tree.  He would call me "Indian Princess." 

          If you read anything, please read this

Many of these people are strongly holding on to their faith and it's their faith that keeps them alive.  They mention how thankful they are for their religion and the blessings Christ brings forth.  God was making connections and beings were being acknowledged. One person with 60 to 100 people can be just enough to smile, to believe, and to help out.  These positive ideas were moved into their conscious and it's an option to use them. With the work of the Lord, I hope they do.

In hope of educating others, I hope that people would understand why I chose to spend my time at that church. These people needed me in ways that are difficult to digest, but just think. Just think if you did not have those dinners out with friends, the supportive husband, the loyal pet for 5 years, the annoying mother, or the home to keep you safe.  

When we disregard this population, we are saying that these people do not deserve what we do because their choices. Some are veterans, some are victims of domestic abuse, some suffer from addiction, some lost a job, and some suffer from loss.  There are different reasons for their poverty, but we suffer from those same things. The only difference is that we have the tools to deal with the crisis, the break up, the job loss, the mom with cancer, the drug habit, the gambling problem, and the overall stress from society. We have the tools to deal with it and we don't share them with others? We just walk around as superior because materialism puts us on a pedestal?

This is not a religious life rather this is a life of a sad soul.  Those who are conscious of their behavior are worse than those who just have no awareness into their life or being.  It's sad that people can't help others in a real way rather they just help themselves, their family and their friends.

There are a world of people to help. Open up your eyes and create an opportunity for improving someones life.  PRIS

Unfulfilled Purpose

The reality of Believe in your Purpose is some people never reach their purpose. They may think, wonder, dream, write, or talk about it, but it just never comes true for them.  They are battling an environment that does not allow them to run towards their purpose rather it pushes them away. With those of underprivledged communities, the opportunity, the need, the job position, the economy, the government-it's just not there to support them.  Some people can believe, but the delivery or following through on their purpose may be difficult to obtain.

The beautiful thing is that people make the most of what they're given. People of countries like India, Cambodia, Honduras, Nicaragua, Morocco-they utilize the tools they have been given to live.  The fruits and vegetables are a main way to earn money.  Selling items in the markets such as: electronics, furniture, second hand clothing, etc. People never fail to come up with the most creative ideas to make money.  God provides these ideas for people to survive and to get by.  They have a family to feed and they are just making enough to meet basic needs. For example, Jose may always dream to be a painter, but he sells Icecream everyday on his bike. In his spare time, he has to raise his four kids as his wife also work 60 hours a week. Without a supportive source or a supportive society, Jose will not make the push to try and pursue painting.  The income and supporting his family is what comes first in third world countries.  The variety of jobs available to those without a college education and the ability to speak English is very slim.  These people can believe in their purpose, but living in their purpose is difficult to obtain.  

Being aware of this fact, I am fully aware of my duty to people.  When I travel, it is my job to help people of all ages, colors, and backgrounds to Believe in their Purpose. There are countless moments where I am sitting with a young child who wants to go to college and become a lawyer.  A man with no legs in front of the cathedral who wants have his own shop selling balloons. A woman with five kids who wants to finish up her nursing degree.  A young girl going to medical school when she wants to become a lawyer.  A 7 year old boy who wants to help people in social work.

Everywhere I go the need for purpose surrounds me.  If it is not verbalized to me, their spirit is calling for it.  The guy cleaning floors everyday for 20 years does not want that job, but it realistically fits his needs. He will not leave to explore his purpose because he is afraid he can't find another job OR he is going to end up in the same kind of job because that is where society places him.

Truly I want the best for people, but most of the times these countries do not have the same intentions. The NGOs and the organizations may want the best for people, but government could truly care less about it's people unless they are of high society.

There is no other choice except for me to listen to them and let them share their purpose.  If they want to talk for an hour. I have to listen and be inspirational and motivational and empowering, but always realistic when assessing their potential.  I encourage them to write about it paint about it and still dream about it.

Our dreams should not go unrecognized with an unfulfilled purpose

Real Village Exploration

After church, I was captivated by the neighborhood. With a beautiful day and a love for villages, I was ready to explore it.



What does Explore mean for an Average tourist?
It means go in with a guide, stop with the group to talk to a couple people living in the village, take photos, talk to people in the group, take more photos, and after an hour-leave.

What does Explore mean for Priscilla?


It means to use all five senses to fully take in the environment. This means to examine, analyze, observe with your nose, eyes, ears, and touch. The fruits, the plants, the trees, the grass, the housing, the animals, the front yards, the sky, the sounds-fully immerse yourself into what's in front of you.  Put down the electronic device or limit your use.


When you are walking through the village, let your body take you somewhere else in time.  Let yourself wonder about how this village came about. What was it like 100 years ago? It's a time to use your imagination and creativity and this happens the most when you're alone.  

When you're alone, you are more likely to meet locals and talk with people about their customs and life traditions. It may feel outside of your comfort zone, but once you get past the fear it's a wonderful feeling. Instead of feeling afraid of being in an unknown place or working off false stereotypes-give people a chance and you will be pleasantly surprised. 

Some people truly do not feel comfortable and prefer to explore with the group-this is okay.
Although, there are many who have the desire and need to truly explore and they just don't properly utilize it. 

After I realized that the tourists are given tours through  these villages. My own tour was much more pleasurable, educational, and interesting.  For example, I spoke with a beautiful women and her son about her turkey farm. How many turkeys does she have? What do the turkeys eat? What's her family life like and is she happy living in this village? 

I walked around the village  utilizing all my senses-petting the horse, smelling flowers, eating a fresh mango, and learning children's play games. I helped a lady carry her enormous jug of water, which she said they use for everything including bathing, cooking, cleaning etc. 

A couple men were pulling weeds and I smiled at them, but they were not interested in the tourist-fair game-can't win them all. Baby chicks were following me straight into a coconut tree in the middle of a farm. The sun shined down in between the clouds alternating between

.bright sun and clouds

                                 

While the label of poverty would be mainly associated with these shacks, I do not focus on the label. It's a matter of the person, their lifestyle, and happiness. These people in this "touristic" village were content with their lives. They had the church, support from the Mayan center, a few local made restaurants, and plenty of nature and livestock. It was not a village to feel bad for rather it was one to feel proud for in a real way. Again, religion was sliding these people down a rainbow into a happier tomorrow.  And the best part was that you can see God's presence amongst this divine setting. 

Church Escape

After the last post, this post might not make any sense, but it's a post of honesty. It's also a post that is proving a real point to demonstrate that the feeling you receive from a new, foreign religious experience is not always a positive one.  

When I walked in late, I was not greeted by anyone and I sat in the front to get full view of the service. As I stated, I love to be front and center for everything that's going on. Sometimes it is okay to just sit back and enjoy it from afar. 

As I sat down, I realized they were speaking the local language, which was fine and I found it to be quite cute. They seemed to have one lady and one man take over sharing their testimonies. With their sharing, they were speaking with no passion or sincerity.  Looking up for someone to smile to, but no one was receptive.  That's my favorite part of church-acknowledgement. People acknowledge your being and wish you peace whether they want to or not. It all felt strange because the Mayan culture is usually very friendly, which made this lack of energy odd. This was a small village area and this was a small, simple service, which I usually enjoy the best. 

It seemed that all the woman committed to dressing up and coming, but there presence was confused, lost, or missing.  90 percent of the time, I am not the person who leaves church early unless it is completely and totally necessary.  Yet I was staring at the door, not far away from my curious feet.  Would they notice if I quickly slipped out? Maybe there is another church to attend for night service? 
I'm watching the service and watching the door.  
Some new people came forward, besides those speaking to themselves, and they spoke about Jesus.  
I thought to myself, "I'm going to stay and work it out." It felt like a bad play that you already paid for, but you just want to leave.  There is rarely a time where I feel such a strong desire to leave, but my religious experience was just not good.  The whole thing made me feel uncomfortable and disenchanted. Again, the small services with different rituals are interesting to learn, but this was not an example of cultural learning.

The saddest part was the music. They were singing so loud and so out of tune and off pitch that I wondered if I would walk out with ears. Instead of stopping with all the squeaking, they just continued and I sat and listened. 
I said, "God I know I'm horrible for saying this, but Please make it stop and let me go in peace."

Apparently, someone was listening as a minute later the whole system blew out.  And what did the two men do? In loving and kind spirit, they continued to sing. Bless their heart, but it's not an experience again for Priscilla. 

At that point, my curious aka annoyed feet walked right out the door.  I walked outside feeling disappointed with myself, but now I realize it's okay to not like every service in every country-just human. 

Walking up behind the church, I hear singing and Church music. I slip around the side and peek my head in and "Wow." An unexpected church full of Mayan's with smiling and welcoming faces.  They are singing on a guitar, but everyone is chiming in and smiles are exchanged. Of course, there was the standard, "What's the tourist doing here?" face, but it's always expected, especially in a small village. 

While it looks like a pretty standard church, I did not expect to see this kind in the village. 
Of course, the old village church does not have all the bells and whistles of this one.  However, it's just not about the bells and whistles. It's about the religious experience you have and making it positive, learning experience.  If you are not learning, you don't feel comfortable-then don't force yourself into it rather live and learn from it.

When one church door closes, another one opens up wide.  PRIS 

Taxicab Confessions 1

It's amazing how people can confess so much.  They act or look a certain way, but they speak with such honesty and awareness into their life and community.  Our favorite taxicab friend contributed significantly to some of our best conversations. 

Instead of sitting back and accepting his culture or accepting his community, he questioned it. This is one of the hardest things for people do as it's easier to conform rather than question.  But...he questioned.

He questioned why people were constantly voting in the same political leaders
He questioned why kids were being shot at the age of 16
He questioned who was a good role model for his daughter in a community of violence
He questioned why I came to his community to learn and help them
He questioned how people can be so naive in his country

It was always him against the world questioning someone or something. Although, he is aware of his own self being someone who conforms as well. He has lived in the same place, experiencing the same hardships, but he doesn't move or something new or different.  He continues to live in this lifestyle and promote a culture that accepts. 

A culture that accepts corruption
A culture that does not benefit from it's political leaders
A culture that financially suffers
A culture that promotes repetition
A culture that does not love it's people

It's all true no matter who you ask. The pressure for a student to become a doctor or lawyer, but limited resources to obtain it. The government not creating safe housing for it's people.  The government pocketing money from tourism.  With all the beauty in the natural land, the people are not benefiting from the profit. 
The cost of groceries for a family and the limited jobs. 

The culture of Belize promotes this laziness, this fighting against change, and inability to see the light.  Just like my taxicab driver, there are people who will live and die in the same exact house or same neighborhood.  They don't love their community or have a huge reason to stay rather they feel stuck in their place. They feel so stuck they can't discover something else. 

The culture consists of all different races as Belize is not just a race of Afro-Caribbeans, but there are Europeans and Asians. It's a complete mix of people living under the same sun.  They don't see how their culture is stifling them from their purpose.  They are just going with the flow day by day.

While this is true for many countries, there is something different about Belize.  It's something that any psychoanalyst or cultural analyst can easily pick up on.  For me, it's like Cambodia where there is something bad going on with the government. There is corruption for reasons that just don't need to be.  It doesn't make sense and with feedback from Belizians- they confirm that many things are not functioning right.

The only thing one can do unless living there to help out is...to pray

To pray for a better tomorrow for them.

First Encounter

The first encounter with everyone at Mayan Families was really positive. I was introduced to everyone and within a few days, it was like I had been part of the family. One of the Family Coordinators even commented on how she thought I was an Employee as I had the "Aura" of someone working there for sometime. 

While I am not too fond in taking lunch hours, I enjoyed taking this lunch hour to go speak with locals.  I went to the local restaurant behind the pre-school to have some soup with tortillas.  They have this amazing soup with avocado, noodles, carrots, vegetables, and a light broth.  It costs $1 and its amazing.  As I sit and chat it up with a mother and her daughter, I notice they are sharing a plate of food.  I offer my tortillas and some salad.  The mother is so appreciative and takes the tortillas and puts them in her purse.  In restaurants in Guatemala, they will give you 8 to 12 tortillas for one simple meal.  It does not make any sense to me why one person would need that much unless they are serving a family that would make more sense. 



The woman is asking me about my life in US and how I like Guatemala,.  I told her the truth that I don't love US, but I love new cultures and I love Guatemala.  While I look around, I notice that there are all locals around me.  Not one of the staff from Mayan would ever eat there as they are sticking to their American diet and the tourist restaurants.  It's too bad most of them miss out on some great local food, but its my tradition to sit with the locals and learn about their customs and ways of living-Reason for Traveling Not Overpriced Tourist Restaurants. In their defense, you might get tired of eating the same Guatemalan food everyday.  

After my lunch, I saw a boy playing soccer by himself against the wall. I started playing and he was actually really good.  We had a nice little game going back and forth and I could tell he enjoyed it. After that I picked up some cantaloupe slices for .20 cents each and went on my way.

Back in the office, there were children to meet with who were having behavioral problems and I worked on my plan for the teachers and classroom.

Most things kept confidential for the organization.