Helping others and Paying it forward

Just like anywhere else in the world, we have people begging for money here too. I think I may have become jaded already.

There was a woman at Super Lake who had 2 children with her. She had a sign asking for money for medicine for her children. I gave her a good sum of money. Then I saw her two days later with a different sign and asking for money again, I told her no, I had already given to her. After talking with others it appears that she rents these children and it is her business.

I saw another woman sitting on the ground, making herself look small and helpless and I thought handicapped. But as I was sitting waiting for my grandmother to finish shopping, I saw her stand, shake herself off of crumbs, pack up her blanket and wish everyone around her a good night and see them tomorrow. Obviously this was her job.

So I no longer to give to beggars. What I do instead is help those close to me who I see trying hard to make a difference in their lives. I have two of them but one in particular that I want to do anything and everything to help.

I have given our maids so much clothing and other things that they can use or sell. I have driven them home because I gave them so much they couldn't take it on the bus. I have served them lunch but that was a disaster. They felt so uncomfortable you could tell they couldn't wait to get out of there.

But the one I really want to help is our neighbourhood security guard. He works 6 nights a week from 8pm - 8am guarding us. Then he works all day painting, moving or anything else that he can do to support his family. He is Kristen's tutor and works with her 5 nights a week. He is kind and hard working and really wants to make a difference in his family's life.

I respect and honour him for how hard he works and every opportunity that I have to help or work for and with him, I will do it. I think that is how to make a difference instead of giving to beggars. So many people in my life reached out and helped me when I needed it, without asking for anything in return. The best thing I can do to repay them is to pay it forward.

What a great movie that is.