As I write in this hammock, I am internally happy.
The stringed lights shine down yellow streams of bliss and reflect upon the white ceilings and pillars.
I feel peace at this very moment, knowing that today exhibited success in learning about the beautiful people of Bastimentos and in befriending the children playing in the community center.
The children radiate hope and positivity through their laughter and smiles.
The lively culture here shapes Bastimentos into a welcoming town filled with friendly people.
When walking along the main path, no one shies away from greeting you with either “hola” or “buenas”.
I am inspired by how the community faces small or large adversities and embraces them.
When four-year-old Alina was stung by a bee, teachers and students tried comforting her to take away her tears.
These values of empathy and compassion came from something as simple as a bee sting.
Angel, one of the teachers, recalled back to a few weeks ago when suddenly a fire had broken out at the top of the hill and caused chaos. Buckets of water were brought up and down the hill in a hurry in order to put out the fire before in effort to stop the fire and the community was determined to help one another.
This more complicated story reveals the kind-hearted nature and immediate reaction of the people to turn and depend on each other.
Spending time in Basti has allowed me to view the significance of building strong relationships and staying together through thick and thin.
~Mackensie
