I have seen many homeless people begging for food, money, and work. They stand on corners holding up signs explaining their needs. Situations like this can bring a tear to your eyes. On a vacation one year I realized just how much I appreciate the little things in my life. The poverty in Raynosa, Mexico was overwhelming. In the United States we have people here and there that stand out by appearance and uncleanly ness but Raynosa, Mexico seems to know only that. .
I walked the streets in awe noticing the condition of the buildings that businesses use. Windows were broken out, some with pieces of glass still in them. There was graffiti spray painted on the outsides of the walls. Walking into the buildings, things only looked worse. The floors were merely a dirt covered piece of ply-board. Some walls had nothing to cover the ply-board while others had paint that was dirt covered and chipping away.
As you walk from shop to shop, you see many children on the streets trying to bring in money for their families. Most of them filthy, needing a bath and new clothes to replace the dirty holey rags they are wearing.
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Many children sell a wide range of items from crafts they make to items they may have been able to pick up from a local vendor. Others were gifted with talents such as singing, dancing and playing in instrument. They used their talents to entertain the constant crowds of people passing by them. They have a cup or can of some sort set up by them for people who show an interest to give them money. Many young boys carried a wooden box with them containing a towel; shoe brush and shoe polish in it. When men passed by they offered to shine their shoes. .
There were also many young children that would walk up to you with their hands out and a sad face begging for money so they could eat. When someone would give money to a child you would see a look of appreciation on their face before turning back to being sad again.