Hills Are Alive

Hills of poverty in Medellin are ALIVE. They are full of real humans that are living off their basic needs everyday.(Move to bottom). When we went up on the cable car with the three other Colombians in the car, I just kept turning my body. I was looking right, left, behind, and in front. My body was going zig zag and my nose was pushed up against the window


.

 With all the beauty of the wealthy El Poblado, there was extreme poverty in the hills above the city. There was a rush of poverty that just came my way directly in front of my eyes. These hills were filled with hopes and dreams. With real people who deserve a chance and there we were floating above and crushing their dreams. Perhaps these people were closer to god the closer they came to the sky.  As the elevation kept increasing(we continued to go uphill), I continued to see fires to make food, water buckets to do laundry, and people walking up the hill. It was not like there were only villages rather there were also convenient stores, bodegas, and family owned restaurants. They had their own little world up there- a world that the Rich did not know about nor cared to know about. Each and every time I feel empathy when I see these communities.

 It's my responsibility to help them, therefore I feel a sense of sadness or guilt. It's unjust for them to live that way, but society leaves them that away. It's not always a choice for them to live on the other side rather its just handed to them. They just try their best to mark things work for their families day to day, they stick together, they believe in god

Look at the cross

These Hills are Alive because these people have beautiful hearts. Yes there are those who are sick, troubled, and stuck in violence, but their environment can make them sink or swim.


Thousands of people on these cable cars looking down on them like ants and  just saying

"Oh how sad."

That's not an action rather its just a word. The people of Medellin need help that involves volunteering, community outreach, and those who live in abundance giving more. It also needs a government that cares about it's own people


Isn't that what all of these countries I visit need. This population is never cared or believed in the way it should be and this is frustrating. This is constantly frustrating, sad, unfortunate, but those are not the qualities to focus on.  These people are beautiful with good character, spirit, and soul. They have not been tainted by materialism, which makes them humble, kind, and down to earth. Their life is so much different from the other side, but they make a living with what they have. That deserves some acknowledgement and credibility

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????

Feeding Mouths

Serving others never stops. It doesn’t stop because I’m in a place for three days or when I’m too busy.  It continues on day to day and moment to moment and need to need.

On my way to the museum, I came off the train to the church square where, again, the homeless were sitting there near the stairs. There was a man that was laying down and not moving. His friends were next to him.

How do people just leave these people completely unacknowledged? There are street vendors selling juice, tamales, fruit, and no one acknowledges this man behind them?

It starts to rain and he is still just laying there. I buy him a hamburger, a soda, and I tap him-it takes more than one tap.  His friends say he is sleeping.

“Are you sure he’s just sleeping?”

Finally he bobs his head up, his face is cut up and filfthy. I wish I had a hot wash rag to wash it off.  He was missing a shoe and he was not drinking alcohol. He ate the food and slopped it all over his face. When I was watching him eat, I thought he would like some Colombian pastries. I went back in the same place and got some random pastries. When I came back again, all of them were surprised. 

While I always have a need to help, it’s significantly increased in the "giving food" department. When I’m abroad helping others, I feel the most alive. When I am helping these people, it’s me, but it’s not. It is his spirit that comes through with focusing on serving others at times of need.  

Always remember there is someone less fortunate. Do not allow your own personal agenda get in the way of a human life. PRIS

Mr. Shoe Shine

In front of the Gran white cathedral, I sat and watched this man shining shoes.  He persistently worked shining away and he appeared so determined yet so tired and hungry. He did not have teeth, but he smiled through his eyes. This man truly touched me and I can’t say that about just anyone in this park. He was special and with this kind character I wanted to fill his stomach. When I touched his arm and patted his back, he felt like bones. It was clear he just worked, walked back to the village, and ate ver little. 

 When I came once, he was happy. When I came twice, he was surprised. When I came the next day, we sat down and talked. He shared with me that he lives in a village far away in one of the mountains. I told him where I was from and he looked so happy. It was difficult to understand him, but sometimes the spirit speaks louder than words.

I just felt addicted to his spirit and this interaction specifically was confirmation-I’m in the right place doing the right thing.

Unfortunately, this common job had competition as a few other people were also shining shoes. 

 

This man had these bright, beautiful eyes just staring at me. He was part of God’s kingdom and he would be going to heaven one day.  

 

When it comes to food and sharing, I am definitely not an Angel. As mentioned before I have grown with exposure to cultures, suffering, and with God’s spirit driving me to fill stomachs. In Nicaragua, it’s where my changes were eye opening.  I did not want or need to receive some kind of credit for doing this, but I just had to do it. I had to fill these stomachs to the best of my ability.

This did not just include buying food and giving it away. It included giving away my own food. I would purchase things and rather than eat them I would just hand them off. It was completely strange for me and something only one spirit driving this home.

This happened throughout Nicaragua until I questioned eating myself. How much do I actually need to eat? The meals I don’t eat can’t I just give them away. It was selfless behavior that was happening and I was thankful for the growth. That selfish component with my food and eating everything for me-it diminished. 

It was an eye opening experience into a whole new way to give. Rather than just thinking about what I was eating, I was much more conscious of filling the stomach.

Hunger Deliveries

Of course, it’s not possible for me to just go into a city and not serve. It may be service of therapy, motivation/inspiration to purpose, assistance to a project, a new opportunity, education, giving a self-esteem boost, watching over children etc. There is always, always, always something for me to do in the path of the Lord. It usually involves the interaction with people (on the street, in the church, selling food, at the café, janitors, security guards-those who are human and not engaged in materialistic lives). It’s just constant, constant interaction and serving others through his spirit.


Another element that had been added this trip was the giving and sharing of food.  This practicing of fasting in Morocco lead me to understand how it feels to have an empty stomach. Discipline was built when it comes to food and participating in Ramadan taking days to fast.  When it comes to the food and this city, this turned out to be my main project in front of the church where the homeless were sitting. It was clear I needed to spend some time here. There were many people to initiate conversation with and there were many mouths to feed. This was my project to feed these mouths.

The vendors were selling some nice tacos and tamales with a salad for $1. The drinks, which consist of bags filled with a juice or an artificial drink of color were just .25 cents. This is very common for everyone is Central America to drink from small plastic bags filled with a juice and some ice.

When it came time of 9am and 12noon, these were the times of delivery. The church bells gave me a reminder as my schedule was a bit disorganized in this city.

When it came to my giving, I tried to give to those who demonstrated real need. Children and their mothers, older men in their 50s and 60s (main population present), and the occasional youth. They discussed their hardships, but I tried to focus on their faith and how far that could take them.  One’s faith can move mountains and it can provide a sense of security when feeling lost and hopeless. It was nice to bring in their faith sitting in front of the church. They truly just loved the attention and the fact that they were talking to someone from America. It’s not common for them to have this interaction. It’s something interesting and new for them, which is great.

Many were thankful and a few took the food and disappeared. I tried to monitor who I gave to as there were some who had plenty of food in their bags or already had eaten. It was about addressing the need of those hungry not randomly giving off food to everyone, smiling, and leaving.  Sometimes I did not get the therapy time or the motivational talk I desired, but one piece was accomplished.

Some people looked at me as if I was doing such a great thing. I will continue to say for a lifetime that….

“I just do what I am called to do-nothing less and everything more." PRIS

 

 

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... 

 

The Last Supper Dos

                      

Overtime, the last day is not necessarily the most difficult.  When you make your presence, time, and commitment crystal clear from the beginning, the final goodbye becomes easier.  It's when you show up, make connections, take some photos and leave. This is problematic and just completely wrong to do.  With people being my ultimate love and purpose in life, I have to make a true commitment to not let them down. Of course, I may disappoint or make people feel sad with my departure, but it's never intentional.  I only want the best for them and I try my best to give them my all in the time I have. 

Not to mention, these people were special. There were connections made in short time, stories exchanged, motivational talks, spiritual guidance, and independence grown. I am truly not the one doing the teaching rather they are teaching me about their life, their choices, their experiences and I am always learning from them.

We are a co-created team of voices that learn from each other. They need the belief in their potential and being to rise to the occasion.  These people didn't feel supported in this church and it was up to them to build their support from the inside.  Just like my church Willow Creek, they have to build their own sections and supporters. It doesn't just come from a sermon or getting meals each week.  In this case here, it was just about the meals each week-a typical occurrence for many churches I have seen in Central America.

At this last meal with my new friends, I arrived ten minutes late, which is not great because they have a tendency to eat and leave. It's always hectic the last day because I am trying to say goodbye to everyone in town-difficult mission.

It was a grand entrance with the royal red carpet in front of the church- no way.   There was the same group sitting in the corner under the tree and a few sitting in the shade eating their food. A few of them waived and I walked in where I was immediately greeted by Rosa. Whenever she saw me, she greeted me for one second and then asked a million questions. There was Jorge sitting at the table with his cowboy hat smiling big and he said he would come to Chicago one day to see me-cute.

My special needs girl was there sitting at the end of the table.  There I sat with all the questions and goodbyes and Dios contigo(may god be with you).  They were interested in knowing where I was going next and why I couldn't stay with them. This splits my heart in half, but there's always going to be people to serve and I can't stay with all of them forever. When you are pretty much the only one acknowledging this population and you leave, it's difficult. We were all smiling and laughing and I walked around giving some motivational speeches, "Keep believing, Keep the faith, Count on each other, talk and support each other, keep singing, utilize your friends as support."  I encouraged them to meet after the meal time in a small group to discuss their week and goals. This worked for the older men and some women joined together, but many just dispersed after they finished eating. 

Someone had the quote if you can positively impact one person or cause them to think different then your job is done for the day.  Of course, I want to help everyone and be superwoman, but that's just not realistic with this population.  The acknowledgement and motivation makes an impact on the being. 

After their meal, I sat outside with people having the inspirational talks, the hugs, the pats on the back, the smiles, and the handshakes. The one husband who had to ride 30 miles to work by bike in the sweltering heat, to make sure his kids were fed each day, said

 "I know Jesus will guide me to a better job, but we just don't know when."

It's priceless to see what faith these people have and some would say that faith is all they need, but I disagree.  These people deserve more human attention and more real caring and support. Al, 

 who sings and plays guitar in restaurants knows his purpose, but it doesn't pay the bills.  He doesn't have a place to live, but he has purpose.  

Does purpose trump "Maslow's Hierarchy of needs?"

Or does he need to keep working, believing, and praying for his growth of his purpose? Eventually, his purpose should align with his needs, but right now he may need to focus on another job to help him.  The problem that everyone has is that the jobs are "not available," which is partially true.

There are so many different environmental factors that go in their current situation, but I hope I shed some light on how important it is to believe in people.  To just let them talk to you, share some things about yourself and show you're human.         That's all I can ask.... That's all I can ask. 

When I leave I just have to pray for God to take care of these people. It's up to him to keep up his love, support, and miracles.

Out of respect their is limited photos with this population.  It's not respectful to take photos inside the church. 

Sometimes it's best to put the camera to the side.

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

Locked out of Heaven

Waiting outside in the 100 degree heat greeting everyone shaking their hand and talking with them about their day. This was the last day and I was so happy to inform everyone that we would be sitting inside and get a table today to say our "Good byes." I'm trying to hold it together, but the
ants crawling on the ground are in my shoe and sweat is coming down my cheek.  It's a moment of clarity where you empathize with what a person has to do to get a meal. It's so hot you could fry an egg on the pavement and people are not allowed to wait inside the church.

As the person who needs to be inside the church before they show up, I don't quite understand why I am locked out of the church. The table set up was a huge headache because people are set in their ways and did not want to change things. With it being the last day, I needed the table set up. 

When they finally opened the doors, people were trampling inside to get food and I saw there was no table. I went looking for Jose and he has already left-go figure. When I went near the food line, there was an unfamiliar older gentlemen standing there with his arms crossed. 

I asked him about the tables and he said, 
"We don't do that here young lady."Man 

"Well Juan is the Director and he told me it was okay. I don't need assistance I can set them up myself." Pris 

"Juan is no one in this church and he does not control the set up." Man 

Clearly, he was an old, grumpy man exercising his authority and I was not going to take it any further.

"That's fine. We will just sit outside...in the heat." Pris 

There I went down the line telling everyone we will be eating outside today after I told them we could eat inside(great). The church won't say it, but they really don't care about this population of people and they just feed them and that's it, but I tried to give them awareness that more is possible. It just requires effort. It requires a familiar face to be there and consistently work with this population each and everyday. 

It just seems like the demand is too high in Leon as there is such a high population of people suffering.  The church does what they can serving food, but what about the soul of these people?
Who is feeding their soul? The Lord can't do everything alone.   

"Systems mess up your plans, make you inconsistent with people, but systems will never destroy the intention of the heart."

PRIS

A Fight She Won't Win

Sometimes the fight feels like a hard one to win. While nothing will be perfection and progress does occur, when will the brick wall come down?  As a human being, I fight hard for people and I believe in their potential to rise despite the way the world perceives them. Sometimes people cross my path and I wonder if they are going to win the battle against a world so cold.  

When it comes to the underprivileged community abroad, there is such disregard for their being by community and governments. The government has little to no consideration about their food, education, and shelter.  Community NGOs, various local organizations, and the church advocate for their rights, but the negative perspective of  the world leaders remains the same.  When it comes to their personal struggles: alcoholism, drug addiction, poverty, and the psychological consequences-people are lost. That person with depression should get out of bed. That personal with Bipolar disorder should control their mood swings. That person with schizophrenia should put on headphones to get rid of the voices. I have to work all day and these people should too.  The hospital is there to treat them if they are sick. While I try my best to educate others by making real analogies, demonstrating internal struggles, and giving them step by step ways to assist. And it's my belief that the change is truly made one human being at a time, which keeps me going within my work. 

Although, the overall population in the world does not get it and some days traveling make it difficult to believe.  People choose to label this population-those who are underprivileged encountering mental illness as "crazy, sick, or pathetic."
When it comes to Mental Illness, it takes a person who has a personal experience with it or a mental health professional to even begin to understand. These who do have a family member or friend may be blind at first, but the time with individual becomes a learning experience. 

If it's not you're family member or friend, are you willing to take the time to learn or will you choose a label? These people are human beings with feelings, dreams, passions, creativity, love, and curiosity. They want to see the world and be a part of it just as much as the Sally with the Yale degree, the perfect job, and recent engagement. They are not given an equal, fighting chance.  When these people are seen talking to themselves on the streets, standing in line at the church for food, or crying for love and affection.  The light bulb needs to go off that these people are human.  They are human beings who deserve acknowledgment. They deserve a hello, a how are you, a question about their life and interests because they are human.  There is no reason to discard their feelings and give them a dirty look as you are superior.  This mentality will not get the US or the world anywhere.  It's the mentality and the superiority that are true barriers towards reaching significant progress. 

Each day I will keep fighting for this population because I believe in them... I always have and I always will....

                      Think before Judgment

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

Inside Out Car

After my speed boat adventure, I had to catch the bus to Punta Gorda, which would then be an overnight stay and a morning ferry to Honduras border(again emphasizing the never ending journey). 

When I arrived to the other side of Placencia, there were no buses or taxis there. This is a rare occurrence because usually there is a taxi waiting around to make some money off a tourist.  The area was highly questionable to walk with all my stuff.  It was a good 3 or 4 miles away and I did not have time to walk because I could end up missing the bus and that would have a domino effect. 

This kind man who was answering my questions offered me a ride over to the bus station. I did not want to inconvenience him or waste his gas, but he insisted it was on his way. 

We walked out to his car and it was the typical Belizean car with the cracked windshield, missing rims, and paint chipping off in all different areas.  The exterior did not matter, but stepping inside was a whole new experience.  The seat was collapsed and the whole front consisted of just wires.  There was no dashboard or center consul or turn signal or place to put a KEY.  We had discussed the bus departing at either 4:00 or 4:15. It was 3:50, which left me focused on the time and just getting there.

To start the car, he made two wires spark together and did not some other maneuvers.
It is possible that a smart person would have maybe not stayed in the car due to, well what's that word, "Safety."  That thought did not even cross my mind as I was focused on catching the bus. Also, I trusted that he knew what he was doing. He did apologize for his car and I told him to not worry about it and just expressed my appreciation. He was so sweet that he truly melted my heart.

My biggest thought going through my mind, "This poor man has to drive around  with a car that functions like this. This is so unfortunate. People who offer rides driving cars like this can barely put gas in their car, but they care about giving someone a ride? Isn´t that the most beautiful way a being can give? He also had three children at home to feed.

As we drove down the streets, it was an impoverished area and small town with kids running down the streets playing and mothers hanging laundry.  It was just a transitional stop and not a touristic city of Belize.  It was the reality of Belize-just like MH community. 

When we parted ways, he said again he is sorry for his car and he showed me the bus to catch(bus present because he got me there on time). 

The reality that people have to try and keep their car together in their most creative ways possible. 

The reality that some of the nicest people have completely nothing.

The reality that we don't appreciate our transportation enough whether a car or a subway. 

The reality that altruism has nothing to do with money
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

Continued San Ignacio Explore

                 

 Wondering around the streets, I spoke with an older gentlemen who sells cupcakes, an adorable young girl selling ice cream, and this friend below. He lives on the streets and asks me for some money.  Usually when I'm staying in an area, I get to know the homeless and they get to know me. They know that I will sit and have long talks with them and I will give them food-I will not give money. It defeats the purpose of my work and my beliefs. 

After my chat with Henderson, I sense he is being dishonest with me about his life choices.  It's quite common and understandable in his predicament. I part leaving him my favorite fruit-the dragon fruit. I could not believe I gave away my favorite fruit, but this happened to be a trip trend..just giving it all away and sacrificing my own wants for another-fantastic.

Along my walk towards the Mayan ancient ruin, I came across another bakery. There were three great bakeries I found where I ate a carrot cake cupcake in one of them. It was so tempting to get something else, but I had to have some self control.  The bakeries and homemade goods in Belize are just so delicious! 

I made it to the Mayan ruin, stopped in, and then walked to the top of the hill where I found a gorgeous hotel. It was game time and this was the perfect place to watch it right at the pool bar. 

To be continued.....

Homeless But Fashion Forward Henderson

                  Lots of Fried Chicken 

                                                                                       Belizian ice cream

                 

                                     World Cup

  

                   Ready for the game 

 

       

Lunch and World Cup at fab hotel