Humbling is an overused word. I am guilty of overusing it myself sometimes. But witnessing the poverty in Nicaragua over these last few weeks has been a humbling experience. Almost half (48%) of Nicaraguans are living in poverty.
A different way of life
Certain images come to mind when I think about what I have seen during our stay in Granada. A 2 or 3 year old boy in torn clothes, covered in dirt, sitting on a city street corner with his sibling on a recent night (no adult in sight); 6 or 7 year olds (Lia’s age) selling trinkets in the busy city square during the hours when they should have been in school; homes that we have walked by or driven past made of scrap metal, old mattresses, dirt floors and cloth roofs. Latrines instead of toilets, no running water, trash scattered around the neighborhood, etc.
Conversations with our kids about what we see can be tough at times but they are worthwhile conversations to have. There aren’t any easy answers about poverty. And sometimes it just boils down to the fact that life isn’t fair. Some kids are born into poverty. They may be the next Albert Einstein or Bill Gates, but, the fact is, we (and more importantly, they) will never know.
With the kids, we try to talk with them about not “pitying” those in need, but to treat them with the kindness that you hope you will receive from others. And, finally, maybe to focus on finding ways to help (whether it is simply how we treat others or volunteering within an impoverished community or fundraising at home for places in need). We were thankful that during our stay in Granada we were able to do even the tiniest bit more than "observe" and "discuss" with our kids and we were able to volunteer as a family.
Liadan helping to serve lunch at a school in an impoverished neighborhood
"I don't want to live in the kind of world where we don't look out for each other. Not just the people that are close to us, but anybody who needs a helping hand. I can't change the way anyone else thinks or what they do, but I can do my bit." -Author Charles de Lint
Charlie and Ella with kids at school
A different way of life
Conversations with our kids about what we see can be tough at times but they are worthwhile conversations to have. There aren’t any easy answers about poverty. And sometimes it just boils down to the fact that life isn’t fair. Some kids are born into poverty. They may be the next Albert Einstein or Bill Gates, but, the fact is, we (and more importantly, they) will never know.
With the kids, we try to talk with them about not “pitying” those in need, but to treat them with the kindness that you hope you will receive from others. And, finally, maybe to focus on finding ways to help (whether it is simply how we treat others or volunteering within an impoverished community or fundraising at home for places in need). We were thankful that during our stay in Granada we were able to do even the tiniest bit more than "observe" and "discuss" with our kids and we were able to volunteer as a family.
Liadan helping to serve lunch at a school in an impoverished neighborhood
Charlie and Ella with kids at school