Two coconuts and one baby later...

During what was widely believed to be my last day in Balgue, I spent the afternoon at Tobias’ house with Ali. Naturally part of our reason for going was purely selfish in that he has coconuts to give away. And they are picked right from the tree and completely scrumptious. For me though, it was a good reason as any to see the beautiful place that Tobias calls home.

There is something really magical in what Tobias has. While many people would look at it and call it backwards or plain, what you don’t see is just how content the people are. Tobias lives on a relatively large plot with a good portion of his family. They all have homes, showers, bikes, ice, and a community around them. It is absolutely beautiful. The babies are always in someone’s arms. The kids are playing with the ducks, chickens, turkeys, dogs, and cats. And they are all happy.

That Saturday I met little Orlandito. This chubby cheeked wonder with four months under his belt. Or rather under his diaper. Nelda, one of Tobias’ many grandchildren, passed him over to me and I did what any person would do. I made that baby laugh by lifting him up into the air and bringing him back down. Occasionally with a light jump in between. That giggle was as precious as anything. Also Ali’s comment that he looked like a miniature old man made me laugh so hard I was crying.

This munchkin liked to be thrown into the air.

I loved eating the jocotes as the children gathered around to watch the hornets try building a nest. Every once in a while there would be too many on the roof and a portion of them would fall and disperse before hitting the ground. I watched as one of the grandchildren gave the chickens the dead termites from a termite nest. I watched as another grandchild threw the cat in the air like I did with Orlandito. I watched as two of them played soccer together, one being around 9 years old and the other 3. She would get flustered every time I watched her.

We made our way down to the lake where we spent some time watching kids playing in the lake. I watched as Tobias’ grandchildren played with a half inflated soccer ball, and laughed when the game kicked up a notch in intensity when it became wet in the lake. The throws were faster and more malicious. It was highly entertaining.

Beach critters. Who wants the crab?

I truly cherished that last afternoon with Tobias. Especially now that I’m back to living out of a backpack and staying in hotel rooms. What I really wish for people like Tobias to realize is just how fortunate they are. While many of you may think that his life is too simple, you have already failed to see the beauty in the simplicity. I hope that one day I can live as contentedly as Tobias does. I hope too that you get to experience that kind of peace as well.