So what can we do for security was the question in Nicaliving. For me it seems it would take  a paradigm shift.

Processing the disparities of the 'us' and 'them'  in my own mind and it feels so unjust.

Imagine... some families we work with earn $40 a month. What must it feel like to a local with what must seem like an invasion of foreigners on their land flashing around $40 or more just for a dinner for two an upscale restaurant. What must they feel as they see us with all kinds fancy gear that we wave around, obliviously shooting pictures and videos, listening to ipods, playing on our laptops, driving around in new rental cars  (locals always walk or bike). Then we marry their lovely young women and sometimes men. We buy their property and turn it over to millions of US dollars by selling it to our peers. 

This has bothered me long before the crime wave started.

While compassion or empathy won't cure it can help to look at the root causes of the situation. I think we need to look at the whole picture and work with the local Nicaraguans to make their lives better especially if the motive is to move to their country is to live better and often more luxurious lives. Connect with them....  We need to think before inviting them to our homes which even if simple to you will be luxurious to them. And if luxurious to you well, you can imagine what they must think if they are from a hut with dirt floors. Create a friendship on common ground which may mean a walk near the lake, a coke in the park. Don't invite them to places they can't afford then treat them because they can't pay. It creates more division and depowers them.  

We could say we worked hard for our money and can now enjoy the fruits, but they work harder than most people I have ever met and they barely survive. As a matter of fact, many need their children to work to just to survive. If we do good things for them (not just giving them things since this just feeds the cycle, but by actually helping to empower them) this will be recognized and create more natural protection and less division. Our neighbors have the power to naturally protect us or not.  If they see us in trouble, they can help or not. If they see our home being robbed they can call the police or not. One night as dusk was approaching as I reached my door a man on glue jumped out of no where and blocked my door. My heart jumped.  My hands trembled as I asked him to move. Luckily a gentlemen who had been walking next to me for some time with his young daughter came to my rescue and literally forced the man to move so I could enter. He waited until I was safely inside. I wonder if this type kindness will continue if we 'gringos' continue in the manner we are.

I think bridging the gap as a community of expats is the most effective way. I recommend when moving to any country to learn the language, the subtleties unspoken language, stay humble, thoughtful, walk in others shoes mentally day after day, don't give money since that only will make you an ATM not a friend. Make your presence a worthwhile one and not one to be resented. Know them as people who have much to offer us if we can only take the time to take in their richness. 

~ by Kathy Adams / photo by Leslie Alsheimer, Santa Fe Digital Darkroom