God Gives to Those...

Getting to the Panama airport was a pain because this was the small airport for commercial flights. Finding a taxi had been extremely difficult with people saying they knew where it was and then would ask questions. Finally, one came along- a jolly kind man from Panama. Oh does God send those people at the right times. The times where I feel annoyed or I feel concerned that I won't find a cab in time. I ended up being a whole hour early and while people stood in a huge line, I had my printed pass.


While sitting there eating my avocado, rice/beans, and plantains(I feel like this is the main food I mention-sorry not very exciting). To my left there is a young adult running around smiling and laughing. Immediately, I identify that he has Mental Retardation. He reminds me of a boy I worked with in California. He always had his hands placed up and bent in front of him. This boy was always smiling as well. Do you ever notice those with special needs are always smiling? God makes them smile and present their beautiful souls. Their faces may be disfigured and their bodies and they may have no ability to walk or think like the "normal" mind, but they are smiling. 


When you see these children, it's common to see loving and caring parents.  This boy had two patient, loving parents who accommodated his needs, gave him space, and redirected him as needed. When he ran around, they remained calm and sat him down with a video game. They kept giving him hugs and kisses-all we need is love.  It was evident that these parents were meant to have this child. God gave them this child because he knew they could handle it through his loving spirit and strength. From my experience in social service, special needs parents prove themselves to be the most amazing, loving parents.
 

God gives to those...Who can handle it

This means that God assigns tasks to those he believes in, those who need a challenge, those who need a wake up call, those who are strong yet they do not exercise this strength, those who rely on beauty/image, those who are unaware of purpose, those who can share a greater message, and those who with enough courage and personal values to achieve his goals.

 

Close Proximity to God

Isn’t it interesting how those who are suffering or underprivileged park themselves right in front of the church?

They could be sitting near the grocery store, on a street corner, or near a food stand. Instead most of them stay right in front of the church.

Do they expect a donation from people coming out? Or are they just feeling themselves closer to god?

Those spirits that are selfless, loving, caring-they might be the ones gravitating to a home-to a place they belong.  They may feel a sense of comfort being around the church.  It may protect them and keep them safe.  The presence of it in front of them may make them feel hope. The people coming out make them imagine what their life could be like. A life with church, family, and a job.  A life the can still achieve if they keep the faith and work to their potential whether it’s being a street vendor or shining shoes. They should do something to stay productive instead of being idol. Being productive is the key to success and this is the largest problem with this population being idol.  God keeps them safe, but they need to do their part... 

 

Confession

Church of San Francisco is part of the convent of San Francisco, one of the oldest in Nicaragua, founded in 1639 by Friar Pedro de Zúñiga. In the interior remain two good examples of plateresque altars. However, its main attraction is the outstanding courtyard. Built in pure, Leonese colonial style, this is a grassy expanse with an ashlar fountain at the center from which four radiating walkways, flanked by manicured lemon trees, lead to the surrounding porticoes where some of the columns are covered in red bougainvilleas. Towards the south, a line of Royal palms shade the roof and complete the peaceful ensemble(Wikipedia). 

When I walked into the church on a Monday at 3pm, it was empty. There was only a man cleaning and he pointed me to the back where I found an older woman. I introduced myself and expressed my interest in working with the church.  She informed me of the current meals they are providing four days a week with two meals a day. She advised me that these people are in a high demand of counseling. They never had anyone come into the church to work with them-similar to my Mahogany Heights population-no one cared enough to spend time identifying their problems and how to help. 
This woman was a bit reserved and it was clear from her energy and presence that something was wrong. 

Immediately after this thought, I asked
 asked her about when I could meet the Pastor.  She told me I could come tomorrow in the morning before they come for food.  I agreed and she walked me to the front.  She shared with me that the Pastor is her brother and that she is there to take care of him. 

He had a stroke six months ago and he was still recovering. The doctors said that he would not live, but the church, their family, and the community prayed. They prayed and prayed and prayed until his health was mildly restored enough to just get by. It was his sister that stepped forward to care for him.  He has a highly restrictive diet, difficulty sleeping, extremely low energy levels, migraines, and his sermons have stopped. He is slowly making improvement overtime, but being his private nurse is taking a strain on her life.  She shared that she has to drive over 60 miles away for work and then come back to take care of him.  She has to buy all fresh ingredients from the market and many meals she makes he doesn't like. She is running out of ways to be creative with food and she is unable to be there whenever he needs her.  She has two jobs and children to care for as well.

This lovely woman confessed.  The tears came down her face and all I could do is listen and support her.  She confessed some things that were also selfish, but that's what confession is about-to release the truth.

I praised her for all her work and told her how lucky her brother is to have her. I rubbed her on her back and just let her have that moment. It was her moment to breakdown to someone who she could confide in- a stranger, but a familiar spirit present. 

God bless this woman for her love and commitment to her brother. May the Pastor return to his health and return to church.  His loving community needs him.

Power Couples

Among my travels, I often meet these amazing individuals who are members of a team called love. From this love, there are many things that are built-a happy home, children, and a business together. They have beautiful stories and they seem to recall each and every memory. Their eyes represent endless adoration for one another. They just love sharing their story and it's very inspiring to hear. 

These teams are constantly building and working on improving themselves, their lives, and their businesses.  Their businesses include: a restaurant, guesthouse, market, a local craft or tradition, food stand, and many more. Their  lists are endless and their potential is huge because they have that base of love, dedication, and teamwork.  They collaborate their ideas with one another and appreciate one anothers' characteristic traits.  After years of communication and collaboration, they develop their own pattern to respond to one another specifically learning by experience.

With disagreement, they create solutions and they actively work through the problem. They work off each others strengths, which creates the most effective relationship.  For example, one person is very good at working with people and the other is good with finance. Another example, a woman cooks and the man helps the customers. Perhaps the man is more extroverted and the women is more introverted- she is in the kitchen and he is out talking with the customers.

Also, there are real sacrifices that are made for love. For example, one person gets sick and they have to sell the house. One person gets a job in a different city and they have to pack up and start over. The main provider loses their job and they have financial difficulties for a couple years. Sacrifices are made in the name of love and they are supported.  I have seen it so many times with these power couples that this is what makes me believe in real love.

Two people working together making a life together and being engaged in their community. They may engage with other couples, attend community events, be involved with the church, get involved with a local organization, or create something that positively impacts the community. This is what it's all about community, teamwork, and true love.

Where is the other member of my team? 

Do I already have him in my life or is he still out there?

While I can do so much on my own can't I do even more with that other team member?

Two heads are always better than one especially two intelligent, well traveled, and educated heads.

     

        Un dia en el futuro Cuando el tiempo Es correcto

One day in the future when the time is right

Sun, Moon, and Stars

There was something oh so special about the sun, moon, and stars in Belize. Every night felt like a full moon for a whole week. The stars were so bright am the moon as well. It was like the sky was staring at me rather than vice versa. I would look up and the sky was looking down at me. Spiritual moments of beauty with the sun as well. 

My room was on the second level overlooking the veranda. I used to open up my door at 530am for the sunrise. With my door open, I would just lay there in bed watching it come up. 

The sunrise is one of the most peaceful times of day. There was nothing, but pure nature. The sounds of nature are all coming from thy higher power plus the sun rising. It's truly a spiritual experience and a great time to meditate or at least take in the moment

My Everything

                 

People are my everything.  There is no question about it rather it is complete fact.  People touch my heart in ways that God could only touch.  It is usually the simply happy, which really leave a mark.  Those who are bus drivers, janitors, restaurant workers, farmers, or villagers. They just have meaningful spirits that light up my heart. Truly they are the good people of the world, which we pay the least amount attention to-it's unfortunate. 

Usually I would like to take a few people from each country home with me.  Just take them into my care and put them all in a nice big house together, feed them, and let them enjoy the luxuries of life, teach them social skills, dance and sing with them. In reality, they don’t need to go anywhere because they are perfectly content right where they are-they are happy.  It is these beautiful people and their shining heart, which makes my world so much brighter and my heart so much more content. 

Thank you Lord for this deep connection. 

Driving Miss Pris

There was a movie of the 90 s called, "Driving Miss Daisy." Well in 2014, there is small documentary called, "Driving Miss Pris." She gets dropped off in the American made car with the blonde lady driving. People are walking the streets and stand back as the car pulls in down the windy, dirt road. She feels this sense of US vs them. This feeling that she is Better or different than them. She strongly dislikes that feeling that she is someone better than them. The perception that she has a wonderful, perfect life while they encounter daily struggles-it's false so false.

She decides that she does not need a car between such a short distance. She just needs the transportation that everyone else uses. She needs a bike. She asks Mrs. Ravel for an extra bike and she rides this bike in and out of the community. She makes stops checking in with local residents, mothers, and families. She makes visits to the house and to businesses. She inquires about peoples daily routine, job opportunities, sources of support. She makes herself available to people who want a professional who is not superficial but a real person. She still has all the experience and skills along with a smile and human quality. 

She loves all the waives and attention when she is riding a bike. She also receives those with a big question mark.With no volunteers in the community- they wonder why she is there in their community?

She loves the bike, she loves the freedom, she loves to ride- just ride... Lana Del Rey

Believers Saved Me

Went for a run and walked through the market and felt some negative energy coming on. I was talking to local people and being nice, but feeling a bit annoyed and disturbed. I knew that it was one of those days- a bad day where clouds gloom over your head and the only thing you have in the darkness is....your faith.

God knows the times when I need him and he comes through beautifully with people....



Walking back down to my hotel, I hear a group of people singing in Spanish and I can hear that's its worship music. I stand next to them just observing them and taking in the music. It was a moment of confirmation, "Don't worry I am with you."



They all appeared very happy with my presence and invited me to sit down. I sat with them and listened to the believers read scripture. In Spanish countries, it is common for people to pray out loud, which is what they did. While I sat along with them and read my prayers, I felt like the prayers were becoming more intense, louder and faster. 

After about 45 minutes, it was my time to go home. I said my prayers and I heard the scripture and I received the message. The message that God loves me and whenever I am feeling down, keep my faith and he will come through.

Rainy days can also bring sunshine if you let in the light.(PRIS)

Sometimes I feel like throwing my hands in the air

But I know I can count on you

Sometimes I feel like saying Lord I just don't care

You've got the love I need to see me  through

When food is gone you are my daily meat

When friends are gone I know my Saviors love is real

You've got the Love

You'e got the Love

YOU'VE got the love

-Florence and the Machine-