Street Fight

As if my excitement wasn't enough for the day, I had to add to it with a nice dinner out. It always comes down to "the last supper" except this time my supper had a minor interruption. 

It was around 8pm, I had went home, showered and decided to come back out. It was my last night why be boring and go to sleep? Why not make it interesting? Oh it was interesting. 

As I'm walking down the street towards Central Park, there are not many people out and it's a calm and quiet night. At least that's the way it seems. I walk toward the restaurants after the cathedral and hear shouting. I see four to five men fighting. They appear to be young in their early to mid twenties. I decide to get a better view and stand in the doorways to the restaurant. I stand next to a bus boy while they are fighting on the sidewalk in front. As I stand, five to six boys flee the scene. All that is left are these two boys fighting one another and their two friends trying to stop them.

A few seconds later a guy comes running in with a machete( a huge knife that is used in violent fights). Three of them run off and it's just this one guy having a machete swung at his face. When I see this machete, I know I should move, but  I just stand still with my hands covering my face. This guy grabs my arm and says, "Come back, it's not safe for you." 

We stand back and are still watching. He says he is from Chicago and I am too of course. We can't believe what is happening right in front of our eyes and of  All places- the tourist area.  Locals having a fight in a tourist area is highly uncommon and I have never seen it.
Unfortunately, this poor boy was not going to win this battle against a machete. His two friends left are screaming and crying. The fight is coming to the end as this poor guy is losing his strength and the machete comes down onto his shoulder cutting into his arm. 

The guy runs off and now he is left there bleeding to death. There is no ambulance coming and blood is filling the black pavement. His friends pick him up and carry him to the hospital. 

We are in awe of the whole thing just staring at the blood. We decided to take a walk to catch our breath. We are still walking and chatting with people about what happened. This guy is just like me where he talks to strangers with such pleasure and ease.  He is originally from Puerto Rico, but he’s lived in Chicago his whole life. He works in the amazing field of water treatment making water cleaner for schools all throughout Central America.  He is constantly traveling for work and he is passionate about this cause. I just love meeting people who are passionate about something truly important for human beings and in this case-the world. 

The poor quality of water is a huge problem not only in Central America, but all over the world.  He is confident that things will improve overtime as long as people keep working towards a cause. It’s such a hopeful voice that touches my heart deeply.  He was just a breath of fresh air. 

Love and Loss

This Bed and Breakfast I stayed at was perfect for three reasons. One -being the location, two-being clean and peaceful, and three-the family. I truly believe with all my heart that these meetings with people, the accommodation that I choose or do not choose, and the timing is not by coincidence. Everything has a reason. There is meaning behind meeting these people at this time and place. 

This family was fantastic and for 2 weeks, I became a part of their family. Fortunately, there were not many guests other than family members and some business people in for one or two nights. It was the home stay that I wanted and the family which I adored. What's wrong with feeling part of a real family for a couple weeks? Sometimes this is just what the doctor ordered for Priscilla. 

This family was an middle to upper class family with the mother having two sons who were both dentists with their clinic right next door. Her son was single and 26 and her other son had two girls and was divorced and 33.  She also had a daughter who lived near the beach and came on the weekends. She had the cutest, cutest son ever. 

When it came to the lovely Lila-she was the glue that held the family together. I wondered where her husband was, as I was waiting for a funny, kind old man to walk out and spice up the dynamic.  Unfortunately, he was gone.  He passed away last year of a heart attack. It was sudden and Lila was not ready for it. 

When I looked into her eyes, I could see the pain coming right through them.  She told me with tears in her eyes and shrugged her shoulders.  They were together for almost her whole life.  They were two peas in a pod who were companions. They built a business together and a family together. She was strong with our without him, but much stronger together.  She walked around like she was holding things together, but she did not want to be the strong one.  She would stay in her room watching tv or taking naps.  There was such longing that I saw with my concerned eyes. 

It was not immediate, but overtime we had some nighttime conversations about the loss. It was my opportunity to help this woman work through the sadness. In the house, she had three computers and I introduced her to some sites where she could actively share with others who experienced the same thing. Whether she followed through was up to her, but I did my part.  

Even though the loss is difficult, God left her with wonderful children who take care of her. Her younger son moved back in to help her out and her older son lived outside, but was constantly around the house. They also had a family Chicken business that they had to help her out with and they did. Everyday they started at 630 and finished at 800pm. They loved their mother and they stepped up to keep the family business together- dentists and chicken distributors.  They were always surrounding their mother at each opportunity. They had lunch and dinner together and checked on her. Her sister comes on the weekends to spend time with her as well. It's just a loving, supporting family dynamic where their grief is shared, but conquered together. With her being a strong woman and the strong family dynamic-it gives me faith that she will feel a bit happier as time goes on. Her ability to smile and laugh will come back, but she will always have the loss of the beautiful man she loved.  

Don't cry for me Argentina

It was time for the game and I was ready to sit in a nice outdoor place order a cold club soda and some food. I found the cutest place full of bright colors with guy a good size TV. I didn't really have a choice to go find something on the beach because the weather was its usual rainy self. 

I got the perfect solo seat in front next to some nice girls from Israel and a local guy who owns a travel agency. He was full of personality, sharp and up to date with current events and the world. His company was fantastic and we were both rooting for Argentina- of course.

 Who wants a European team to win the World Cup? 

At least Colombia and Costa Rica were close, but really everyone was rooting for Costa Rica in Central America. I kept complaining, throwing my hands up in the air, and he was amused with attitude. 

The most interesting part about this game was making the bet. Bets always make games just a bit more interesting. 

My bet was my future fate-if Argentina wins, I move to Argentina. With Argentina and Chile on my mind, this was a good bet to make and better yet a serious one. When I was living in LA, I flipped a coin to move to New York or San Francisco. It landed 2 out of 3 on New York and then after that I received all the confirmations to go-so I did. This made me a lot more upset when Germany would score because I do want to live in Argentina. 

During half time I walked over to see the beach- it looked beautiful and clear water. I passed in and out of bars and restaurants checking on the game and asking which team was going to win. I never cease to amaze myself with the entertainment factor.

Nevertheless, what was more interesting were the unique shops and creative food places serving Amazing creole food all over. Expats, foreigners, and Americans open up their own restaurants and stores Ex. Candy store, cafe, clothing boutique, jewelry store etc. 

Overall, It seemed kind of dead and everything was closed, therefore I thought the best decision would be to take the boat right after the game. 

Everyone knows the story. Argentina lost and Germany one and Priscilla didn't move to Argentina. Que triste! 

People were very sad about Argentina not winning it and South America was even more bummed I'm sure. 

My friend,Sam, had to go back to work and advised me to take the last boat or I would have to wait til tomorrow morning uhhh no gracias!

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  ...

Cycle of Abuse

My first day working in the MH community, I watched a Mom tease her child on the bus and smack her a few times. She had such anger in her eyes and she kept teasing the girl when she was not even misbehaving. I saw it coming as I know the culture I had signed up to work with- Afro Carribean. 

It is common for abuse to occur within this culture and its a battle for therapists who are trying to encourage more positive methods. The clients at working based off their experience with discipline and punishment. 

The cultural impacts on parenting can have a huge influence leaving a therapist at a loss. Working with a few mothers, It took some time to get them comfortable, but when they were I had them just where I wanted them. We had an open discussion about hitting. One parent said she learned better ways to handle her kids. The other offered positive solutions, but it's clear she was going to go right back to her old ways. Getting through to the one parent is progress with this population.

As far as the other parents, I did not get a chance to work with them because their work schedule. It was clear that abuse was a central part of the community, which I had to work through. One day I was teaching a lesson and through the aisle comes my volunteer chasing her granddaughter with a tree branch. I watch them pass by as she follows her out the door. I understand they are going to keep their abusive ways, but can you please keep it out of my camp and out of the church. I don't think that is asking too much.

As far as witnessing the abuse, I never get myself involved with a parents discipline as that is their own situation to handle. You never interrupt a parent and tell them the right way to parent their children. There are different ways to bring up the conversation to effectively address the topic. 

What is truly important is to establish a rapport and put yourself in their shoes. Think about a cousin, a family member, a time you were baby sitting, a movie you watched, and let yourself think about how difficult the job must be. When you empathize, it makes the door a lot easier to open to discuss deeper things.  You can make suggestions based off your experience, but in a kind, gentle, non-confrontational, and non-superior manner.  

There may be many cultural barriers, but one has to keep that in mind.  It's a lot of work to teach someone something completely foreign to them. They were given this job of motherhood and they are just doing it the only way they know how.  A way that is taught by the culture to use verbal and physical abuse.  If we teach them something new, there is a chance they might try it.  

Keep smiling kids and believe in a better tomorrow!