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.

Spirit of Flowers Bay

Oh the Coconuts 

Oh this beautiful, beautiful spirit selling coconuts and avocados across from the beach in Flowers Bay. He wore a Yankees cap and a neon green tank top.  He didn't wear shoes nor did most people on this side of the island.  As far as his inner appearance, his soul shined like the sun and he was so spiritually happy.  This kind of happy is the kind of true happiness pastor's preach about, authors write about, Dalai Lama speaks about, and people dream of reaching.  He was happy without material goods to make him happy.  He reached a positive, enlightened place.  Yes, he reached that place living in a poor area without a Range Rover, an Iphone, and a house. 

I sat with him on his tool bench as he was showing me his different shapes of avocados. It's a human trying to impress with what they have. It's not much, but it's something for them to share and be proud of, which is important for human sense of responsibility and creation.  He went back to get a knife in his shack without a roof or room rather it just had a bunch of tools and machine parts and pieces inside. He began to speak of his younger days where he visited Chicago, New Orleans, Tampa Florida, and Jacksonville.   With his great memories of the past, he feels content with his current life and work. "It's not much, but I get by," he says.  He doesn't speak with sadness rather he speaks with acceptance, faith, and love in God.  These are the people that lift up my spirit. 

Of course, I bought some avocados from him and he gave my friends and I all coconuts.  It was sad to part ways from him because I always meet these people and want to do more, but I know that God is taking care of him.

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