Are You Grateful for What You Have?

This year we took our son, who is a senior in high school, and his best friend and his parents, on a cruise for spring break. We have cruised in the past and yes, we enjoy the beauty of the islands, the relaxation, the fun and the food. However, I always make it a point to get to know a little bit about the folks that are doing all the hard work to make our trip so enjoyable. This year, probably more than others, I was reminded again how much I take for granted being born and living in the U.S.A. It was even more evident as we talked to those on staff and on the islands about the opportunities for their children's education and future.

Raja was our head waiter from New Delhi, India. He also had a son about to take his exams for college. He must score a 95% or better in order to be accepted to college. A lower score means no college in India or retaking the exam later. Raja would not be able to be there to help or support his son because he was working on the ship and does not get to go home until his contract ends (usually an eight or nine month contract). He also told us of the conditions in New Delhi. They get to have water for one hour in the morning and one hour in the evening. That is because there is so many people living in the city that need the water. He is trying to convince his wife to move to a less populated area, but she has family there and does not want to move. Raja came to our table to visit every evening and told us many stories of India.

Natalia was our room steward. I believe she is from the Ukraine. She also had a daughter getting ready to take exams for college. She told me that they only get one chance to take the exam and they must do it right out of high school. She said, "American kids get to take a year off if they don't know what they want to do, but my daughter can't do that. She either takes the test now or doesn't get another chance." Again, Natalia will be on the ship for nine months and will miss most of this very important time for her daughter.

We met Jeanie on the island of St. Lucia. She is 29 years old and has two children with her boyfriend. Her boyfriend is a carpenter but can't find work (unemployment is over 20%) so she supplies all the income for her family. Jeanie can earn pretty well during the tourist season, but that is not the case during the off season (summer). Jeanie has never been off the island of St. Lucia and would love to but has to fly to Barbados to apply for a visa and does not have the money to do that.  She has a wonderful, cheerful personality and we really enjoyed getting to know her.

While on the Island of Grenada, Pappy was our taxi driver and took us for a driving tour of the countryside. We made many short stops along the way and each time we were given the opportunity to purchase an item for anywhere from $1.00 to $20.00.  These folks made their living on anything from charging $1.00 to have their picture taken with us to jumping from a high cliff into pool at the bottom of a waterfall. We started to tease Pappy that these stops were all to help out his family members and that he had lots of sisters, brothers and cousins. 

There are several more stories like these, but I think you get the idea. Many times on the trip I found myself just being so thankful for opportunities I've been given. I can't imagine what it must be like facing each day wondering if I would have enough to feed my family or have a roof over my head, but that is the reality for many of the islanders we met.  And I can't imagine being gone for nine months at a time and not seeing my family all that time and yet ships staff are willing to make that sacrifice to give the next generation the opportunity to have a better life. I don't understand why some have more than others, but I'm going to really focus on not taking any of it for granted.

I hope that our boys were impacted by what they saw and experienced as they get ready to go off to college this fall. They have so many advantages and privileges that most of the world will never know. And so do you - don't waste it!  

Jeremiah 29: 11-For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord.  Plans to prosper you, not to harm you.  Plans to give you a hope and a future.