January 22, 2014

Hand-Me-Down Society
The other day I found myself sitting on a park bench during my favorite time of the day. It was about 5 PM Sunday evening and the church across from me was getting ready for Mass. The light and the clouds were just right and I was wishing I had my “real” camera with me. I like this time of day wherever I am, but it seems like in this country it is even sweeter. The day has cooled a bit, people are out enjoying each other, smiling and greeting each other.
Across the street at the park, the fire truck pulled up and prepared to douse the open field, which was not being watered effectively with two broken spigots. What struck me was the 1960’s vintage truck from Salt Springs Utah, the mismatched firemen gear, and yet they used it proudly, evening knowing that the firemen don’t get paid for their job.
Right down by the bank we use, is Estrella Boutique. This is one of the many second hand stores in town; many with items that have Goodwill tags on them. What makes Estrella Boutique stand out is that they have a DJ. Everything in this country is loud, and this DJ is no exception. It seems that what they are lacking in “stuff” they are covering with noise.
Almost every day we hear a band with used instruments, we see stores of second hand appliances, and we see people wearing T-shirts that are clearly from the US; Pink shirts saying Save the Tatas, shirts from sporting events that have long passed, Old Navy Fourth of July shirts, and shirts what English phrases like “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow”.
Even food that some people eat is what is tossed out from wealthier homes.
This is a Hand-Me-Down society.
What struck me though is that they do not face relationships as hand-me-down-seeing them as something that is substandard or second rate. As people were walking into the church, they were joyfully greeting each other. The people sitting around in the park were engaging with each other- some were kissing in the bushes, but most of them were not allowing distractions to keep them from conversations and interacting. Even the drunk guys on the church steps were enjoying each other’s company.
Today, the internet was down at our house, and it was kind of a blessing that I did not feel the pressure to have to do the many things that require internet- school, correspondence, mindless checking of Facebook, and other distractions.
There are some things I need to be handed from this Hand-Me-Down culture.
Love, Natalie