Poverty and there is no quit.

I'm currently away in central latin America and things have changed so much since I was down here two years ago.  The pandemic has hit the world hard but I think some of the poorest countries of the world have had it hit the hardest.

Poverty is rampant everywhere down here.  The value of the local currency had dropped and inflation is out of control.  Basic necessities that we take for granted such as toothbrushes, soap, razor blades are so expensive that the everyday person has to decide on purchasing them or eating.  I've traveled and visisted some of these countries in the past.  I've witnessed the hardships but this is on a totally different level.

During times like these it's difficult to see people have to live like this.  But they seem to take it in stride and keep moving forward.  I haven't met anyone that's given up and quit.  They seem to keep a smile on thier face and are genuinely happy to have met you and just talk with you.  The hospitality is next level when your invited to visit them in thier homes.  They'll share everything with you eventhough they can't afford to just to have you be in thier home.  This is what I love so much about the poeple that live in this part of the word.  I love learing about thier lives, thier family.  My Spanish is getting better eventhough we may not speak each others languages fluently, their is undestanding and a mutal happiness that our paths crossed.

What I'm taking way from the people that I've met is thier immense sense of perseverance and overall happiness for the simmplier things in life. There is no quit.

Mr. Ian Repay