Truth About Crime

Lets get the facts out of the way so there is no confusion.  With crime and drug cartels, Medellin did play a big part in all of this. Per Wikitravel, Medellin was considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world for it’s size and highly disproportional homicide and kidnap rates. It was the home of Pablo Escobar and the so-called “Medellin Cartel” who took over the city at that time. Since his demise in the 1990s, the cartel was disbanded and the city changed tremendously. The city went from 6500 murders in 1990 to 2900 in 2009 to 184 in 2002 to 38 in 2013. (Wikitravel). The US did issue a travel warning in 2014 for narcotic trafficking. The paisas(locals) are proud of the cities improvements overtime, but there is still lots that needs to change.

When you look at the homicides going down significantly, this tells you that something is going right. The crime initiatives, the community efforts, the Mental health or jail systems-a city came together for increased safety in their home.  When you compare these homicides to the US, the results are an eye opener for the US Customs who label Medellin and cities of Colombia “dangerous.”

In New York in 2013, there were 333 homicides in comparison to Medellin at 38. In Los Angeles, there were 250 homicides in 2013. In Chicago, there were almost 2400 shooting = more homicides than New York City and Los Angeles (Huffington Post).

When it comes to a city like Medellin, there will probably be many people who don’t visit it because it’s history and current crime.  People needs to realize that their own major cities also have this terrible crime. Chicago is one of the most Gang infested cities with shootings on the news every other day.

When you see that a city used to have terrible crime, but it has significantly improved-it’s time to reevaluate.  If you are coming from New York or Chicago, it’s not much different when it comes to crime. The population is almost 4 million, which is not the same size as Chicago and New York City, but it’s in double digits-38. 

Doesn’t anyone get curious about this improvement and think maybe this city is now doing something good? Perhaps the leadership is different, perhaps the security has become better, perhaps tourism is on the rise, perhaps they care for the Paisas(locals) and want better safety. 

If you ever saw the nice area of this city, you would forget any crime exists. If you crossed over town, you may see a bit more action and real life.  Regardless, this city deserves a pat on the back for their developments within their communities. They should be Proud Paisas and love their people and city without getting discouraged by people labeling or stereotyping what they are.  The locals of Colombia and South America know it’s beautiful.  Do the Americans and Europeans also know this?

Fighting Violence in Faith

This church I helped out at for a few days truly had a wonderful ministry going.  The after school program was successful with good attendance. Not just with my eyes, but inquiring about the regular attendance. These kids were different than my other projects because they had a hard exterior. You could tell in their presentation, behavior, comments, and reaction. 
 
Of course, we were discussing the topics of violence in their neighborhood. These kids have seen so much just within their own neighborhood and community. It’s one big four by four square of gangs and violence-they just sit right in the middle of it.  It feels like there is no way out.  When you make one good decision to quit a gang that can lead to a lot of hurt or potential danger. It’s a violent cycle for someone who is 14 to 17 who just wants to experience the normal teenage years.


There was a 14 year old who watched his 20 year old brother be shot by a gang member. He told me about some positive memories, but he said his neighborhood reminds him of negative. He has to protect his Mom, but he just wants to escape, but he can’t.  This is a common story for the gang violence. It’s completely heart breaking because solutions are slim when these people can’t afford to leave, they are threatened, they have a large family, and in bad scenarios-it’s just too late. 

While I’m usually curious to explore the neighborhood (East LA, Bronx, South side Chicago), this was not a place I wanted to explore. I actually felt scared with the razor sharp tension in the air. These environments can be dangerous to the soul. They can make someone who is a believer an evil being. The stories that sound hopeless are the ones that need a reminder on what faith and prayer can do. They need realistic steps, but they also need God. It was amazing to see how many were involved with the church and they were active members serving. With the sadness came the silver lining.

It was just a short time with these kids, but it only takes a few days to inspire, encourage, give praise verbally and through high fives, bringing some snacks, and be a listener through his spirit.  His spirit can bring such laughter and joy. His spirit can create hope in total sadness.
 

When things appear hopeless, you are not alone. Look above you and smile-keep your faith no matter what happens to you…..no matter what happens.... PRIS

Jesus Driven Day

The Don Bosco church had such a full service and a glorious one. There I stood in this beautiful church for the first time. It was Our birthday and I was so proud of all we accomplished. Having such powerful spiritual moments I weeped tears of joy and thankfulness. No one had been there for me more and loved me more-how could I not give my life and serve him?

The pastor spoke in a clear Spanish I could understand as if he was speaking that way just for me. The church was overcrowded with people standing in the back near the door and on the sides. It was clear that other people were touched by this church and it's meaning. People were friendly with "La paz contigo" and sincere looks(Believers more friendly and kind in Panama).


At the end of service, I like to be around and meet people of the church. I enjoy talking and learning about their community and the problems they face and the strengths they hold.

There was a man who worked for the church standing in front handing out flyer's. We got to talking and it turns out he had been helping out with the church. He informed me that the neighborhood behind the church was one of the worst in Panama City. This refers to that previous post where I discussed how those who are suffering, lost, poor, angry, confused-they are place nearby the church. God keeps them safe. This is how he wants it. 

He wanted to introduce me to the pastor who was in the back and he showed me around a bit. The church held an after school program three days per week and I met a few of the kids (age 12-17).

This was not just distribution of food rather I felt the community that was present. They had a futbol field, basketball court, different rooms for activities including an art room with bean bags.  

I was impressed with this and I wanted to participate with the short time I had, which was only a few days with this tight schedule. I was suppose to have more time here, but each country was an extra couple days and that created less time in Panama.   

It turns out the Pastor had to leave-it was pouring I should mention and he had to go across town. It would have been nice to meet him, but I was speaking with someone who had the most hands on work.


Sharing our ideas and sadness among those who die so you, it was refreshing to hear a common voice. The gangs were some of the worst and trying to address this problem is always challenging. In Belize, in East LA, in Chicago-this problem exists larger than ever. For me, the solution is group therapy, building community supports, afterschool activities, increased amounts of community programs, and serious education on gang violence. It’s not a simple problem to fix, but education and community action can save lives. 

The pouring rain was coming down hard and people were starting to leave. I looked at the time and it was almost 3pm. I said my goodbyes and ran out the door. My South American friends were leaving at 3pm and I would feel incomplete without a proper hug and final goodbye.

When I ran back out of breath and soaked, I was asking Popola, “Where is Carlito and Mary?”

“Girl, you went through some serious rain. They are still here.”

Phewww, we said our sad goodbyes and then it was time for me to leave.

I am putting my things together and Popoyla says, “Join me for lunch.”

I look at my watch and he tells me that we can take the bus together. He makes an awesome vegetarian lunch (he’s vegetarian) and very picky with his food- like me. He made a Carrot, tofu, and curry dish with rice. He kept apologizing and I was eating every bite up.  We were discussing the whole hostel situation and how it’s not really for us, but sometimes it just makes sense. If I didn’t go there, I wouldn’t have met him and then what? There is reason not just coincidence.

Off I went and I decided to just take a taxi and he took the bus. It was my arrival at one of my favorite hotels The Hard Rock Hotel. 

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. 

Youth, Gangs, Shots Fired

As for the youth age 14-20, I had individual sessions with them about their life struggles, environmental pressure, handling anger, family situations, social supports, making short term and long term goals, jobs, and independent living skills.  It was difficult to meet with the youth because of the time frame I had allotted for youth. With my  curfew at Monkey Bay, I could only run the youth groups from 2 to 5 and this was not the time the youth were available.  Youth came out after 6 or 6:30 and for my Director, this was past dark and past my curfew.  I did the best that I could with the youth I did meet. I also personally went to the homes to stop by and meet them.  Many times they were not home, but at least I tried. 

As for my youth I did meet, they were all boys with the exception of a few girls.  The one young girl was completely house bound.  She was home schooled and only let out of the house with adult supervision.   She was sixteen and one could imagine how tough this must me for a young girl.  Her mother wanted to protect her from all the trouble going on outside, which there was trouble. Drug use, burglary/theft, and promiscuous behaviors i.e. girls pregnant at 12 years old. We discussed some ways to find her freedom and enjoy herself. I requested to speak with her mother, but her mother was working during the day. 

 One young boy was applying to work at a computer store and we practiced interviewing. Another was just turning his life around from gangs and fighting. He found himself in the same struggle most do-trying to stay away. This was very common territory and it flash backed right to Compton when I worked with those caught in gang wars.  It's truly such an awful thing when you want out of a gang, but you are stuck living right in the middle of it.  

The thing with gangs in Belize is that there is red vs. blue and there is the power of association.  This is present in all gangs, but in Belize it seems like more of a chain effect.  When you are a part of the gang, everyone around you is involved.  Just 2 boys were killed that day at the local store. Shot. Point blank. They had no gang association, but their cousin did so they shot them.  It was so sad what was happening just when I was there. There was one death after the next with gang violence. 

 One of our mentors, Mama Jones, did not show up for her jewelry lesson because her grandson was shot and killed. It was all connected with this person knowing that person and a whole community left completely saddened. How could something like this happen all in just one week? It was complete tragedy hearing one story after the next all due to gang violence.

 Of course nothing is being done by the government to prevent this rather it continues to be problematic in the community.   Even Mama Jones said, there is nothing that we can do rather we just have to pray. And that is what we did. We prayed for those young souls lost due to gang violence.