Iphone and Travel

For many years, I watched all my friends strut around with their Iphones in and out of fashion events, parties, and nightclubs in New York and Los Angeles.  It was like the coolest thing to have and if you didn’t have one you were “Out.”

For years, I was “Out” and I refused to conform to the “Apple Iphone World.” For years, I was content with my Ipod shuffle that held 200 songs or so. It was not about having all the expensive gadgets to be in trend. When you have an Iphone, you are making a statement and I was not interested in making the statement.  It was my responsibility to sometimes send text messages or look something up with my friends Iphone. The touchscreen was actually hard for me to use and I didn’t understand how to properly use it-true fact. 

Often when traveling, I saw American’s and travelers with these Iphones. It looked convenient and like something that would be handy for information.

After 5 years of not having an Iphone, I conformed when returning from Morocco and received a Free Iphone 5.  I still did not want to get one when I came back, but it was Free.  It’s not a great excuse as values and morals trump materialism, but not in this case.  I hopped on board to the Iphone world and as I figured-it’s a point of no return.

There is no possible way to say that having an Iphone while traveling is not useful. It is extremely useful for me to write and connect to WIFI to communicate back home.  I am behind with technology as I just started using Whatsapp this year and was not even aware of how you could connect for free with the world.  It would have been great to use on my first trip and preferred over facebook, which I will not use anymore. 

Abroad, it’s not so cool to have one when you are a traveler because practically everyone does.  Although, it is still very cool for one person- the local.  The local who can’t afford one and the local who wants one so badly-it’s a reason for me to not have one. 

The biggest thing I do not like about having one is presenting in front of others.  When I use it for Notes constantly, I have it out and it is always on display.   It is very exciting to a local who sits and stares at it with such envy as if you had a thousand dollars sitting in your hand.  In some countries with the value of the Iphone, it is almost $1,000.  This part of having it is what makes me want to not have one.  The last thing I want to do is present materialism as flashy, cool importance.  That sends the wrong message and I have to provide clarity to children and adults. 

For example, a man singing a trumpet in the middle of the market stared at my phone and asked about if it records.  I told him that it does record, but it has limited space.  This is a Belizian man who is very poor and probably can’t afford to buy groceries for a full week. 

He says to me, “I’m going to get the newest version of that very soon.”

Pris: “Really? How much do you think a new one costs here.”

I don’t know, but I want it. 

Pris: Okay why do you want it?

To record video.

Pris: Don’t you think you could use something else to record? Something less affordable?

Yeah I could

Pris: What if you didn’t record and you just kept playing beautiful music for people? The Iphone holds no importance in your self-expression. If you really have a purpose for a video camera, then you can buy one second hand.  The only reason I have this phone is to voice record and write-that’s it. It’s not important, it’s just an electronic. 

Okay, that’s very nice. Thanks so much young lady. Thank you.

You’re welcome. God Bless and Take care.

These conversations happen frequently with locals who don´t have a smart phone, but they desire it so badly.  While it´s not important, the world of Apple makes it important. At the end of the day, our human values trump the phone because it holds greater importance to our being and growth. The Iphone will never outshine the interpersonal interaction-never, never, and never. 

New Market

It's interesting to compare and contrast between the two markets. The old market is full of history, charm, and tourists strolling around buying souvenirs.  The new market is full of action- horses and carts, kids on motorbikes zooming through, fried foods, fruit carts, men selling watches.

When you come to the new market, you lose the charm and you hit reality.  It's the real life of these locals trying to make a living.  They are selling whatever they can to feed their children, to take the bus, and to buy things that they need. You can see this desperation in their eyes when they are selling.  It's not common for tourists to visit the new market because it's not a place for souvenirs and photographs-it's just the true life of people in Masaya.
 

The sales technique is different between the both where the old market is carefree with their selling. There are those vendors who are glued to your side and offering all sorts of discounts. But there are a majority that are just on their phones or sitting with their kids. They just give you a smile and let you know that they are there if you need them. You are able to have conversations with them and learn about their life. It's common to hear that it's a family business or many are just employees for owners. These employees do not have that urgency to sell because they get paid for their work.  Those working in the new market are working for themselves and their well being is on the line. 
Even though, each was composed of different dynamic qualities, both were fascinating for an outsider's eye.  The amount of vendors and spaces was overwhelming and it demonstrated that Morocco market maze. 

Where do they get all this stuff?
How much do they actually sell in a day?
Were they able to feed their families?

They are questions I did not get answered, but I always wonder about these people working in these markets. They work so hard getting everything there, setting it up, some not even having a car to transport it, working 12 to 15 hours a day-What is it all worth at the end of day? There needs are barely getting met and they are just surviving.   
 
All the food and clothes could go on for a good mile. All the kids playing underneath tables and running around barefoot. The manicure/pedicure spa(nice, clean with new floor) in the middle of this unclean market? A good $4 pedicure. What? They were both full of pleasant surprises and it was beautiful to witness the authentic local culture.  

            

Keep the Ball Rolling

After my meeting with Maria, I met with the Pastor.  His presence was beautiful and there was definite hope present.  The nice thing was that he did not speak negatively about his condition rather he mentioned feeling better and hoping for a full recovery when God grants it. With his time away from the church, he expresses his appreciation to have someone volunteering and helping out. 

While I discuss some group ideas with him, I also inform him that I will do an assessment giving my feedback after. Due to his health, he told me to continue all communication with Jose who is the director of the church. His interest was there, but I could tell he had difficulty keeping up with the conversation. 

After our meeting, I met Jose and then he introduced me to Sister Mary who had another after school project a few blocks away, which also needed assistance.  She was so kind and I knew that working with her was going to be great. She gave me the freedom to do whatever I wanted and this is exactly what I like to utilize my skills and help students to their maximum potential. An environment for fun and also for opening up.

Within two days, the ball was rolling and the energy was ready to be released in the church, the community, and even in my accommodation.  The ball was rolling fast with being pulled in all directions. There were so many projects and so little time. There were therapy sessions going on all over the place and priceless interactions of God.

While this seems like just enough, it was just the beginning. During the night, I was patrolling the streets for God's spirit to release. After 5 or 6 pm I would walk around and feed the homeless, talk with those who were troubled and willing to speak. There needed to be a friendly face for them to see. 

I was running from one place to the next and one person to the next. Also, I made commitments to the adorable little daughter of the dentist. We had a couple painting dates together.  I was just happy being of service -that's my happiest time in life.  
With a high demand and a great relationship with the culture and community-

Why not stay and keep the ball rolling?

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  ...

Desperate Home Make Over

Mrs. R is not only an incredible woman when it comes to community organizing/outreach, being resourceful, and making things happen.  She is a woman who loves home design and her home is one that is difficult to work with and quite small. She loves the colors purple and red. She loves paintings and bright colored drapes. But most of all....she loves a home that feels like home.  
With her busy days, she would love to just come home and feel relaxed and happy to be home.  Instead, she feels uncomfortable and tired of having no space to breathe between her three kids, herself, and her husband-it is quite a tight squeeze.  She helps so many other people, but she doesn't have her own space to breathe and reboot.  

With this conversation, I could not help, but feel empathy for her.  The times when I stay with my Mom, I feel uncomfortable and completely unwelcome by my brother. "Home" does not feel like "Home." It's a horrible feeling and no one should ever have to feel that way.  While she has a happy family and a good relationship with her husband and kids-it is more of just the exterior that needs to be cleaned up.  I made some suggestions on how to create more space in the house, colors that would brighten up the rooms. Fresh paint and a few nice wall hangings or paintings can make such a difference. 

Unfortunately, Mrs. R feels that her house needs more than just some fresh ideas inside rather she just wants a new one. The house is quite small with a couch hardly fitting in the living room area.  The one she has does not have any springs and has been stained from years and years of use. The children have hole's in their mattresses with little space to walk let alone play.   
It's been 12 years of living in her house and she prays for something new.  

With all her participation in the neighborhood, she should have opportunity to move into another house.  All the houses are given by the government with no payment required.  She is the one running the medical clinic out of her tiny living room. It doesn't even make sense to have a space that small for medical purposes.  Sometimes she has people lining up outside her house at night. It's just such an unfortunate situation.  

When I watch her speak about her dreams of having a new house, I get tears in my eyes with her simple requests. She is not asking to move out of her community, but she just wants some more space. Space to design, space to put a couch, space for her children to sleep, space for her to do her work, and space to raise a family. As for me, I also want this space for her and I think about ways to make it happen. The reality is sitting in the back seat. The reality is tapping me on the shoulder.  As I sit in the front seat, I am reminded that there is only one thing I can do to help her: I can pray.  I dream about having her on one of our American TV home makeover shows. I imagine her face and how happy she would be, how happy the kids would be, but it's just far from reality.  I believe that anything is possible to to the extent of God's grace. 

Is it possible for her to get a new house one day? Yes, it is possible. Prayer is required and constant belief that change out of ones normal circumstances is possible.

Some people in Belize stay in poverty because they believe that is where they belong. They give up their hope and surrender to their culture's negative impact on their being, their strengths, values, and purpose.  They are left behind to wonder and dream about what a life having money would be like. They don't wonder about purpose rather they focus on the materialism-how money would change their life for the better.  

Money or a bigger house would not change Mrs. R's life in materialistic way. It would give her the comfort, the space, and the home that she deserves.  She deserves to come home, sit on the couch, read a book, and feel relaxed.  She deserves it more than anyone I know.  

The prayer will continue for this lovely, amazing woman. PRIS

Food shortage

When it comes to the MH community, food was hard to come by for many families. Many children would come to camp with empty stomachs. There was a sponsor for the camp who was going to provide money, but it never came through in time. 

Mrs.Ravel was so resourceful and amazing with getting snacks. She worked out a borrow back system for the  chips with the local market and we bought a juice concentrate to mix.  Some days we would look at each other like, " What are we going to do tomorrow?" 

One day we had no snacks and it was depressing seeing the kids facial expression when I said, "Sorry dear not today."

As far as my contribution, I worked on Monkey bay a bit each day. At first. There was watermelon and bananas offered. When I asked again, I got a different answer. Also, I had asked the founder and he needed to know a week in advance. With all the food we cook, I asked if there were any leftovers I could bring. I ended up getting a big lecture on where the food goes and the kitchen budget. 

Anything I requested was coming from good intention and MB knew this fact.  Whether it be apple sauce, fruit, or Plantain chips. I just wanted them to have something each day and I know MB had it, but it was a struggle trying to get it.
It was difficult trying to prove how high the needs actually were and how something so little could provide so much.  They had the belief that Mrs. Ravel was over there making requests, but she never once asked me to request or bring food.  She always made the best of what they already had and I loved her for that.  

It's a shame having that belief that the MH community is always "asking for money." The belief that "money" will just solve the problem is completely false.  While they do need food to meet their basic needs, they truly need education, religion,  acknowledgement to their being, and a cultural exchange.  

Money can only go so far, but contribution towards a human's existence means the world. PRIS

Electronic Overload

Just yesterday in the local cafe, I saw an American guy about 24 and he was sitting with his Mac Book, his Ipad, Iphone, and an professional Canon camera. I sat and looked at him and shook my head thinking, "Really?  We are in a developing country and you have thousands of dollars of electronics sitting in front of you. It is just mind boggling to me to think that people have little awareness into their physical location and how they impact others.  Of course, these are his personal items that he is allowed to carry, but he is in a local cafe in Guatemala not in a 5 star hotel in Switzerland. 

One has to access their environment before exposing all these electronics to the world.  In posh cities like New York, Miami, LA-flashing all these electronics looks cool, but in a developing country you are just making local's mouths drool. They would love to have all those electronics and they may just have one or two of those items.   Although, if they do it took them time to save up and buy them.  People with Iphones have to work for them and they hold such high value to their phone because if it ever disappears , they are back to their $20 Samsung.  

Many times, I observe the expression of people who are staring intently at an electronic.  When I see this face, it just confirms my theory and at the same time it makes me feel bad.  Many believe that having this electronic will take them to a different status, but in reality it just depreciates ones real value.  A person is just fine with their interpersonal interaction and they do not need this item to boost their self worth.  It is a false belief and that is what makes it the most sad is those who believe it will change them or make them a better person.  It's just a materialistic thing and it serves a purpose. There are so man amazing electronics for travel, but when do we decide enough is enough?

As for myself, on my last trip, I had a cheap camera, mini laptop, and an Ipod shuffle.  This trip, I have a mini laptop, an Iphone, and a cheap camera.  It was something I debated frequently before leaving whether I should bring an expensive camera or a nice video camera.  I received a nice gift of a brand new professional Canon, but I just couldn't take it because the thought of it being damaged, but mainly it would be an "electronic overload." To bring a cheap camera, a good camera, an Iphone, and a computer. There is not a true necessity for each one of these items and in reality just one would suffice for the whole trip.  While one of the main purposes of this trip was to record my travels and interactions with people, it clearly became less important with this trip. The blessed interaction is present and that cannot be denied.  The video camera would assist at confirming this connection and skill, but it's saved  for another trip.  

As far as this traveling generation, it just seems like a big "electronic overload" to me.  With the kindles, the Iphones, the Ipads, the cameras, the underwater cameras, the action recorders, and the computers. It's just too much technology for an average human being to have to take in.  How can a local person even comprehend having all this when they have to work 2 jobs just to support their family?  While these electronics are advertised and becoming popular in developing countries, we are communicating to people that they are important to have when health, education, proper nutrition, and good interpersonal relationships are more important.  They are not important rather the human being is important. One  may think, "Well that is easy for you to say when you have an  Iphone and a computer." The ability to detach from these materialistic items is what is truly important for growth. 

 For me, it's not about the electronic rather it's about the interaction.  Of course not everyone is an extrovert and wants to go sit and talk to locals all day, but putting in more effort with locals and less effort into technology can make a difference.   That tourist sitting  with their 5 electronics should be out having a real conversation with a local.  Many tourists sit all day with their electronics without spending one minute with a local.  It's the nature of tourism and electronic obsession does not help the matter.  

Get out of the Apple world and into people world!