The other day I was blessed with the opportunity to go in the mountains to teach English to an indigenous tribe. Before I spoke English to the 12-18 year olds, I was able to play with some of the children! We set out a blanket underneath an awning and all the children came and sat down. A little girl named Aira grabbed a whiteboard and sat down right in my lap and began drawing. Another little boy about 7 came up to me with a math workbook wanting to learn math.
Then, my host heather, brought a little girl to me and I what I saw was incredibly upsetting and disturbing. The little girl (only about 5 or 6) opened up her hand and there was a cut so deep it looked like it was centimeters from going through her whole hand. But it wasn’t fresh. It looked black. Dirty. It looked like it was supposed to get stitches about 2 weeks ago. It looked infected. She said that she accidentally cut herself with a knife. The little girl just held a cloth over her hand and picked up a childrens book And began reading. The reality of it is, hospitals here in Panama look at indigenous people like they are nothing. They won’t treat them. They could care less about their state or their well-being. It’s sad.
Sounds similar to how we used to treat Native Americans in our country.
These children can’t even go to a hospital to get help. They don’t even have the proper tools to clean an injury. And it made me really want to thank God for the things in my life that I take for granted. So here’s a list of the things I’m really thankful for in life:
1. Hospitals and Health
2. Cars
3. A family that cares about my well being
4. Friendships with people who care about me
5. Working arms and legs
6. Job Opportunities
7. Food on the table every day
8. Running water
9. CLEAN TAP WATER
10. Clean clothes
11. A roof over my head
12. My freedom
The list could go on and on. But I’m really thankful for my life. I’m really thankful that if I cut my hand open I can get the proper medical care I need. I’m thankful for my life and everyone in it. I’m thankful for all of you being in my life and supporting me through this journey. I love you.
