Paulina Chirinos

One afternoon was dedicated to spending time with a Puerto Rican familia. Havila and I were assigned to a humble familia in the mountainous region. Hesitation and awkwardness was quickly dismissed when our foster parent began showing us around her property. She pointed out various medicinal plants and vegetation. I was impressed by the natural supermarket/pharmacy the familia possessed outside of their home. Our afternoon quickly turned into an adventure as curiosity took us down a mountain trail to visit with the elder woman of the community. The trail was steep and we were surrounded by various trees, vines, flowers, and anthills. Once we made our way down the hill we were greeted by a petite woman swinging on a hammock. She was dressed in a long house dress, and her hair was long and pulled back into a thick silver braid. Although her frame was tiny, strength did not elude her as her embraces held us close. She discussed a distant time where life was simple and peaceful. Where no one could claim the life of another human and where a day’s work was dedicated to collecting the necessity for the day. It is a lifestyle which she still abides. She wakes at three in the morning to pick coffee beans to roast and grind for the morning coffee. Collects fire wood for her outdoor kitchen. Gathers gandules for shucking and boils them in time for lunch. It is a simple life – far from technology and directed only by nature. The natural beauty that surrounds her home is a reminder of the beauty found within an honest day’s work – how simple or laborious if may be.