Shadae!

As I made my 7 1/2 hour trek last weekend to visit Roger in Benque, I had to change buses in Belmopan. The James Bus Line that runs between Punta Gorda and Belize City always carries a load but there is usually a seat for everyone. But the bus lines that run from Belmopan to Benque are ALWAYS crowded. Everyone pushes and shoves jockeying for position to try to secure themselves a seat.

So I arrive in Belmopan and get in line for the next 'Benque' bus. I was feeling fairly confident that I would make it on as I was only the fourth or fifth person in line. The bus arrives and some passengers get off in Belmopan and I make my way to the door of the bus. It's just a part of life with the pushing and shoving. A year ago, I would let everyone go ahead of me. Not today! If I didn't make this bus, I would be late for a dinner engagement with Roger and a customs officer that we had befriended. So without being overly physical, I forged ahead and only let about 15 get in front of me.

I get on the bus and quickly see that all the seats are taken. Shucks! I'm feeling pretty dejected as this was the ONE time that I minded being shut out! (They let people stand in the aisle of the bus but only after it has left from the terminal). I'm sure the disappointment showed on my face as I dejectedly turned around and headed toward the door. Then I hear, "Miss! Miss!" I turn around and see this young Garifuna girl had climbed on her mother's lap to make room for me. She said, "Come here and sit"...

This young girl's name is Shadae. Shadae is only 8 years old...has two older sisters and an older brother. There is no dad as mom tells me that he was killed 7 years ago in a boating accident right off the shore of Belize City (hadn't I heard??) where he was 'chopped up' by the prop of the boat after he had fallen in the water. The mom (Alma) and Shadae were about as pleasant and upbeat as two people could be. Mom commutes all the way from San Ignacio to Belize City (3 hour bus ride each way) everyday but Sunday to run her business. She sells used clothing, shoes, anything... We talk, share stories, but mostly I'm just loving Shadae. Shadae tells me how she is doing in school (great!) and what she has learned that day... very animated. Mom has seen to it that all four children have remained in school...the oldest boy is to graduate from high school this year. I know we take graduating from high school as a minor achievement back home but here...it is HUGE!! (My village of San Miguel BOASTS of THREE graduates last year!! It's a big deal!!)

So you know me...I instantly think of all the clothing that we 'toss' back home in the States...stuff we don't even bother to take to Goodwill... So, I would like you to consider saving discarded and old (but clean) clothes and I will pay for postage and we will start helping this widow and her four children!! (No one would WANT my clothes right now ...you would all laugh if you saw me this very minute!) But I'm thinking of Aubrey, Cristina, Joann, Lina, Betty, ANY of you that might have something no longer useful or you're tired of!! What a nice (and EASY) way to help this family?? When I get back, I will happily pick up your stuff twice a year and mail to Alma (and Shadae)!!

Many of you have written at various times asking what you can do to help me better serve? I have GOT to have the nicest bunch of friends on the planet!! I feel like you have ALL been doing Peace Corps service right alongside of me. I certainly couldn't have managed this without your love and support. And here is another fairly simple way that WE can make a difference in this lovely family's life.

A little girl makes room for a stranger and now we can help her family... 'pay it forward' for sure...

God bless us all...love, tracy