Good Deeds

The name, “Karma Barn” came to me immediately when we started the project of dismantling our old barn. Our house and old barn sat on the property for the last approximately 150 years. Both had a good feeling – a positive vibe – good karma, which we wanted to honour. Around the same time, Stacy, my wife, and I had been in Nicaragua visiting our son Hugh. He was living in a small community near a great “left surf break.” One day, which I’ll never forget, which still warms my heart and brings a smile to my face, Stacy, Hugh and I were returning to his house late in the afternoon after visiting a nearby community. We were driving along in our small Toyota rental about 5 kilometres from his place when we came across two women who looked to be in their 50’s or 60’s and were walking in the same direction. They were carrying large bowls of vegetables on their heads. We immediately stopped and asked where they were going and if they wanted a ride. They both had big smiles which got even bigger as they hopped in the backseat with Stacy. As we drove along, Hugh engaged them in conversation in Spanish. He learned that they had been trading clams for vegetables in the next community over and were on their way home.

As we came to the end of the main road the ladies guided us into their neighbourhood. The road was narrow and bumpy with small houses along each side. Many families were sitting out on their porches while kids played in their front yards and on the road. It felt like there was lots of joy in the air. As we drove along, our two guests waved and smiled from the back seat as everyone looked on curiously wondering about what must have seemed like a strange sight in their neighbourhood. The ladies were quickly recognizable as people began pointing and laughing seeming to say: “How’d you get to be so lucky getting a ride to your doorstep?” We dropped them off in front of their house to many friendly smiles and gestures of appreciation, then drove off slowing exiting the neighbourhood – a nice feeling.

The next morning, Hugh and I were driving along the same village road where we came across three young kids about 8-10 years old. They were riding their bikes and playing. One of the boys, recognizing the car from the previous day, pointed to us and said something in Spanish to the other boys. I asked Hugh what the boy said and he translated: “Good Karma.” I was blown away! They get it! And I’ve never forgotten it. So simple, so memorable!