To Each His Own (dream)

We sat among the others in the long row of tables under the manaca. We were the newcomers. The twenty some people gathered were from various parts of the globe but the common thread that brought us together was that we were each emigrants to Honduras. Some had come to the country to retire, others were still exploring while a few, like my husband Ordin and I, were seeking new opportunities since we don’t know how to retire.

I felt locked into a time warp as I slid into the chair surrounded by English speaking companions. How long had it been since I was able to relax and follow a table of conversation. My mind released the tension of concentration as I turned off the need to translate Spanish words into English concepts. Listening became easy once more. As I followed the conversation I learned that some of the group had been residents of Honduras for ten years or more while others only months. It took the “newbie” shine off as we confessed to almost three years.

My husband and I sat at the end of the table with other more recent migrates. Each couple had a story of why they felt drawn to Honduras and a dream for their future. The fire of excitement and adventure lit their faces and shone in their eyes as each shared their vision. At the other end of the table sat the more seasoned transplants. Their conversation was not about dreams for the future but consisted mainly of tales from past experiences when gringos were more of a rarity.

As I watched the faces and listened to the exchanges going on at each end of the table I became aware that the veterans did not have the same fire that was so apparent with the other. Most were pleasant with a spark of good cheer but the light of a dream burning in their hearts seemed missing. Was their dream lost among the challenges of fitting in or was their dream forgotten before they came here? As I sat between these two factions I was reminded of how empty a life can be for those who have no dream.

Great Spirit, let me always hold tight to a dream as well as my sense of humor. They are essential to my happiness.