Well, I’m now wrapping up 3 weeks of volunteering in what could quite possibly be the most beautiful place on earth. The emotions I am feeling are indescribable but I will do my best.
When I got down here I was scared, anxious, nervous, somewhat annoyed by many things and often felt like I had just made the biggest mistake of my life. Yup, the first week was challenging. It wasn’t all bad, there was some good, but it was all very overwhelming.
Week 2
By week 2, I was settling in nicely. Making some friends, getting comfy in my host house with the family here, appreciating my room and, yes, even the rooster. (I spared him his life and he did not become dinner) I had embarked on a few adventures and completely stepped out of my comfort zone many times. Yes, by week 2, things were falling into place.
Week 3
By week 3, I started really paying attention to the things around me. How simple life is here, how poor my host family was (and many others here) and how I actually was a blessing to them. I bought food for the house many times, even though my room and board was already paid in full, which included meals, and bought a coffee maker for the house when theirs broke down in the middle of week 2.
The first time I bought food I was annoyed. I’ll be totally honest here. I kept thinking “Why the hell should I be buying food when I already paid for 3 meals a day?? This is bullshit!!” Yes. I thought that. Shame on me. It wasn’t until week 3 that it became crystal clear. Crystal clear that the money they actually received didn’t go very far. I had no idea. What I did have an idea of was the fact that they had no money and I had some. A little, but definitely more than them. That’s all that mattered and that’s all that should have mattered. Period. I finally got it.
Angels among us.
One night me and my host mom sat at the kitchen table talking. She told me how she prayed to God to send an Angel of Abundance and He brought me to them. I cried. And cried. And cried. And I was so ashamed of myself for all the horrible thoughts I previously had about “having to buy food”. Shame on me indeed. I was an Angel of Abundance and I had no clue.
I’ve struggled financially most of my life (and all you Law Of Attraction people can just settle down for one minute) and I’ve always worried about money. 3 weeks in Costa Rica has shown me that I’m rich, fortunate and blessed with everything I have in my life which, I’ve always thought, isn’t very much at all. Was I wrong.
Eyes wide open.
What an eye opener. This whole experience has given me more lessons than I bargained for. I had no clue that my whole life, and the way I viewed life, would change after 3 weeks. This very simple, easy and somewhat poor life in Atenas, Costa Rica isn’t so bad after all. In fact, it’s pretty freakin’ awesome. People are happy, loving and kind. And beautiful. So beautiful.
I will return. I will definitely return. Next time I will stay longer. And I will give and share as freely and generously as God will allow me to. From the heart, expecting nothing in return.
Except maybe some mangoes or coconuts.
Please, give from the heart, do not ask questions and expect nothing in return.
You quite possibly could be someone’s Angel of Abundance.
Peace and Love!
Iva ♥
(Note: This blog was written in May of 2015.)
Original source to this article
In 2015 Iva Ursano gave up her materialistic and miserable life in Northern Ontario, Canada sold all her belongings, packed up two suitcases and bought a one way ticket to a country she knew nothing about. Her destination? Guatemala. Her mission? Feed hungry bellies and change the world one person at a time. She works as a freelance writer and social media manager and is currently working towards opening her own NGO in Guatemala to help wipe out poverty. You can find her over on her Facebook page Amazing Me Movement, spreading cheer and love with a touch of badassery.
