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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