Indiscreet Question

There’s this “concierge” worker in our building that I have taken a liking to for his strong work ethic and for his straightforwardness when speaking and dealing with people. He has a welcoming smile and a witty sense of humor. He’s a humble but proud man from the Kuna tribe.

Occasionally, I ask him to help me with odd jobs around the apartment, mainly because he appreciates earning extra money and is truly thankful for the opportunity, and also, because (in full disclosure) if he does the work, it means I don’t have to.

The other day, I asked him to clean the balcony – outside windows, floors, and furniture. With all the construction, the place gets quite dusty. On this particular day, he asked if he could ask me an “indiscreet” question. Well, of course, it would depend on the question, I answered. But, I would answer if I could. And so the conversation goes:

- What do you do all day? (He probably sees me as a rich woman with nothing to do but outsource work.)
- Well, 4 days a week, I teach. Some days I take yoga class. I clean the apartment, and on days like today, I go to an orphanage to hold babies and play with toddlers.
- Really? Which orphanage?
- Malambo
- Ah, that’s close to where I live.
- Really?
- Yeah, there are lots of Kuna kids there.
- Yes, I have seen a few.
- So, why don’t you have children? You don’t want any?
- (A touchy subject for me, but I’m getting better at answering) No, I would love to have children, but I can’t. We have tried. I’ve lost three pregnancies.
- Oh, I’m sorry. That must be tough.
- Yes, but I’m learning to accept it.
- Have you thought about adopting?
- Yes, we have. It’s quite a process.
- Do you want children?
- (Thinking to myself – where is this going?) Well…. I love kids, but I’m not sure how they could fit into our lives right now.
- 'Cause if you want some kids, I can get you some kids.
- (What?!? Did I hear what I thought I just heard?!? He can get me kids??? Curb the surprised facial expression.) Oh, I don’t think it’s that easy. The international adoption laws…
- No, I can get you some. I know some Kuna women who would give you their kids.
- Oh, that’s very sweet of you, but I think it would be a little difficult.
- No, I know a Chilean couple who took some kids. They adopted them.
- Um, well, I don’t know how long we will be here and how easy it would be to move to another country with the children.
- Well, if you want some kids, let me know. I’ll get them for you.
- Thanks. So kind of you.

And he smiled and got back to work.

I have since learned that the Kuna will, at times, offer their kids to people they believe are better off than they. This is a way of making sure their children grow up with better opportunities and possibly a better future.