A Roatan life. A simple life. An awakening. An appreciation of simplicity. A gratitude for the kindness of others. The awe inspiring beauty of lush nature on an island paradise. A remembrance of the way it used to be; simpler times, common folk, goodness as a way of life.
During a short ( too short ) 17 day vacation on the island of Roatan, Honduras I find myself reflecting on how I want to live, how I want to continue my days. I have so many impressions of this God's touched place. The beauty of the jungle island. The gorgeous blue and aqua waters lapping at the coral reef that surrounds the island. Every day I walk a jungle trail in the midst of serenity and a fresh carribean breeze. The dark night sky filled with a billion brilliant stars. All are awe inspiring and yet what touches me most are the island people, the natural native, Roatan people who are a kind, sweet, good natured and giving people. The people I have met work hard and give honestly of themselves. They don't complain, they find a way to make ends meet on an island that is undergoing a transition.
Not too many years ago the island was a simpler place, less populace and mostly missed by the "jet set" travelers who sailed the cruise ships to the Bahamas, the Carribean, or the Mexican "riviera" ports. Now with new deep water ports in Coxen Hole and Mahogany Bay the island docks 3 major cruise ships several times a week. The result is a booming tourist trade and the revelation of Roatan as a retirement destination. All of this brings change to the tiny island. Not all change is good, yet it is change and I witness the people of Roatan struggling to balance the old ways against the new realities and opportunities of the a new economy. These are hard working people, willing to commit themselves to the twists and turns that come with growth. I hope they don't lose themselves, their culture and their family values in the process. They are good people. I find myself learning a lot from these fine and gracious people. I met many whom I would want for a neighbor, a friend and as family. God speed to you all; Rudolph, Charlene, ElisaMay, Manu, Eldon, Dereld, Truman, Ezra, Kirkie, Andrea, Juan, Ornal Brooks, and hard working Henry, too.
