A guest post by Linda Naugle.
I love the Latin culture.
I lived in Costa Rica for a few years and while there, I had the good fortune of making side trips to many other Latin American countries – both in Central and South America.
While each had its own individual character, all of them had a culture that was warm, kind and welcoming.
The response from an introduction is “encantada” which means “delighted, charmed.”
I recently spent a few days in Puerto Rico and was instantly reminded of the charm, warmth and welcoming gestures that are characteristic of the Latin culture.
I am inclined to call the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico a country, even though it’s a territory of the United States. As the debate continues as to whether or not Puerto Rico should be the 51st state, I see a pride among the residents of that little island that is so charming and grateful that they have at least some separation, if only physical, from the mainland.
What inspired me to write this entry was a recent meeting I had there. I work for a non-profit and met with a Latin American gentleman who charmed me more than I’ve been charmed before. He is an older man – perhaps in his 80s – and had achieved quite phenomenal success during his business career. That day, he really didn’t have time meet but he excused himself from a board meeting to hear why I wanted to speak with him.
During our meeting, we discussed the work of my organization and how it is impacting the lives of so many people around the globe in a very efficient and practical manner.
As my grandfather wisely told me so many times – you don’t have time, you make time. Indeed, this businessman did just that. The fact that he took the time to meet flattered me beyond words. I was encantada.
The meeting continued and I asked him to help our organization in several different ways and he agreed to pursue it with no real convincing. At the end of our conversation, he paused and looked me in the eye. His eyes were deep, pensive and had a lovely sparkle in them that expressed true sincerity.
He told me it was a privilege for him to talk to someone who does the work that I do. Though he is a businessman, and has been for many years, he sees the value in the non-profit world, especially from a global perspective, and is happy to help. He re-iterated that he was impressed that this is my job.
For me, it felt like a holy moment, if only for a moment. I thought, yeah, this is important, but it’s my job. But frankly, I wouldn’t think of doing anything else right now. I do it for a reason and it’s because I care. I follow my heart and I’m just glad that my good intentions are appreciated by people around the world – both young and old. It’s nice to get such a reminder.
I hope everyone gets to have a holy moment to receive thanks for something that they do – whether it is a hobby, volunteer work, one’s daily job or any random act of kindness. You deserve it.
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Linda Naugle works for a nonprofit organization in New York City and has traveled the world. She is a top-notch fundraiser, adventurer, and passionately advocates for the causes of clean water, empowering women, and improving the circumstances of impoverished children.
She makes her home in New York City, though her heart belongs to the beach and the mountains.
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