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I sit in a home which most Costa Ricans would think was that of a very wealthy North American. It was once only a cabina that my wife and I built with the last of our savings. I am almost ashamed when I invite my "Tico" {Costa Rican} friends into my home as they see the vast land, nice home and swimming pool. You must understand that a nice "Tico" home is on average of 600 to 800 square feet. Many times it is just a wood frame or sheet metal home with no insulation, possibly no floor, and hopefully with a good door and a few windows. But I always let them know that "Mi casa es su Casa!" (My home is your home!). If there is anything we have to share, we do.
When we moved here, we brought decent furnishings with us. After a couple of years, the pains of my age were creeping in, and I had needed something I could stretch out on: a new couch, new bed, and accessories to match. I was simply spoiled! We did, however, give our other items to neighborhood “Tico” friends who had nothing but maybe a bench in their home to sit on and a blanket on the floor to sleep on. Their gratitude was overwhelming, but was not necessary as we felt naturally blessed in doing so. We have always had a good relationship with all. We are still learning the "Tico" language which is a variation of Español, but this has never stopped the exposure of the Love within our hearts with the introduction of a smile, handshake or hug. Something recently made it possible for them turn the tides on us.
During the night, we had 300 feet of underground copper cable stolen from our property. As a result, we had no lights, refrigeration, or hot water, let alone a television or computer (and not many Tico's have these amenities). Not only did we feel victimized; we were devastated knowing that we did not have the financial or physical means to install a new cable. The next morning, after hearing the news, a neighbor, Victor, assisted us in reporting the theft to the police. Additionally, his previous work history provided him with the knowledge necessary to properly install a new cable and he volunteered to accompany my wife to town to purchase materials.
My wife withdrew all our money from the bank, hoping it would be enough but not sure how we would pay our bills or even eat for the next 2 weeks. When the total cost of the materials exceeded the amount of money she had, she was near tears. Victor told my wife to wait, and left the store. He returned in 15 minutes and handed her the cash necessary for the materials. He never once mentioned that it was a loan or discussed terms of repayment.
When we arrived home, our other neighbors rallied around us. They dug holes for posts and wheel barrowed cement, concrete and rock from a mile away, by foot, filling the holes in which the posts had to be installed. They came back for the next 2 days to make sure we had electrical power. I only wish I had taken pictures. But, pictures or not, these thoughts will forever remain in our tears of extreme happiness at having received their blessings from something they volunteered and produced from their own alliances and from their loving concern. We have paid back the money, but have learned that giving and volunteering is a very common way here. One hand does truly wash the other. I have taken this point to heart. Giving is about more than sharing "tangibles".
Within one month of our experience, some new “Ticos” were building their home on the road, about 1/2 mile from our home. I stopped to talk and we became good friends. I have a vast background in the line of construction and tools that supercedes any tools sold here. I am also taller than most “Tico” people, an advantage for ceiling and soffit work that abolishes the precarious use of their home-made wooden ladder. I worked with them over the next few days. Their work went faster and our hearts were melded.
My "Tico" tongue has improved. The home is complete. The pain I suffer from doing it, is the pain of love that has brought me happiness and the friendship that comes from expanding our "Tico" family.
Volunteering is not just saying that you will volunteer. It is every action that you take in life to help others without any second thought. If you keep it going, it becomes a natural unconscious act, as if an act for and from your Lord. It is the deepest sense of giving all you can, whenever you can. Keep within each others hearts forever.
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Timothy G. Branfalt Sr.
We are all within each other. When that is realized, our prejudice and communication interference will be that of telepathic communication. We will be one with each other and one with the world. These bodies are only temporary forms that keep us restricted from our own heavenly place.
It is only a temporary restriction, especially upon those who intend to use their "physical attributes" with just the selfish, social advancement of themselves.
If this world had started to gain acceptance and understanding of all problematic errors within, we may have been able to share these "advancements" with our brothers and sisters, who are NOW--not later--in danger, not from the immediate natural disasters, but of those that will not surrender the help they need to overcome their immediate handicaps.
The ones of unshared power with food, shelter, clothing, and then to add the militia.
The militia could have been justified, if its intentions were there for the less fortunate, not to take more from the unfortunate.
I live on my lifelong work of gathering a pension, which is paid back to me only due to many years of work. Others work hard, and see nothing. All I have to Always say is "Me casa, es Su casa!", Mucho Amore e "Pura Vida!"
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Comments
Health is wealth. James Emehige | Jan 6th, 2010
Look to your health; value it next to a good conscience; health is the second blessing that we mortals are capable of; We need to help and serve those in need.
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