It is always wise to stop wishing for things long enough to enjoy the fragrance of those now flowering~ Patrice Gifford
On our recent vacation we found ourselves on a river tour of the Old Belize River and the Mayan Ruins at Altun Ha. During the course of this tour we saw many beautiful and breath taking sites. I was in awe of the spring colors of Belize. Our surroundings looked as if we had stepped into the most beautiful picture one could paint.
However, intertwined with the beauty was great poverty. The longer we were on the river the more impoverished the homes along the banks became. We saw homes made of scrap metal, plastic, and random pieces of wood. We saw homes that had no utilities, or running water. We saw homes that had no gutters to collect the rain water for drinking and were informed that these families use the river for all of their water needs.
We saw children playing with broken toys and other items we would consider trash. We saw a mother and daughter using long thin pieces of tree bark to weave a fish trap. It was a moment in time that caused me to stop wishing for the things I do not have and to be ever mindful and thankful for all that I do have. My family is so blessed with more than we deserve and I am thankful for those blessings. I am also thankful for the reminder that this trip provided of our many blessings.
**Photo of one of the homes along the Old Belize River (April 2012)
Tags: blessings, thankfulness