A Special Evening

At 5 pm on Wednesday evenings the church that we attend has a lovely event. People gather upstairs, make buns and coffee, then take it to the hospital and give to anyone who wants it.

So, Trud, Dave, Deb, Jim and I went along to help. Jim had been at the church all afternoon working on the wiring (it needs a lot of work!) We were met by Marguerita who welcomed us graciously and was happy for our assistance. Her daughter, Valle, showed up with her daughter and the supplies. We quickly halved the very lovely buns, spread them with mayo, ham and a hot pickle. each sandwich (torte) was wrapped in a napkin and placed in a large plastic container.
Marguerita was in the adjacent kitchen boiling up 2 huge pots - make that cauldrons - of coffee.
When the coffee had boiled she strained it off into a clean garbage container. All these items were then carried out to John's pickup.
Four of us gringos got in the truck, Dave and a group of 8 young adults and two of their kids hopped into the back of same pickup and off we went to the hospital.
The hospital is only a year old and it is a fine looking modern building.
John gathered us for prayer and then we were dispersed with a church member or two and went to invite them to come to the truck for coffee and something to eat. They only talked with those who are hanging around the emergency department but there may have been 20 or so waiting there.
After that I accompanied Two lovely young women, Veronica and Diana, and they went back to the emergency area and stopped to talk with an older lady and her daughter. They could so simply ask them why they were waiting, all of them seemed so open with each other and they shared their concerns. Veronica then asked if she could pray for them and the situation and then lovingly talked with 'Senor' and asked for care and help. It was a gentle and sweet feeling I stood in amazement at their love and courage.
Many people who use this hospital sit for hours with no means of getting food or even having money to buy it if they could. Some familys wait for days if a mother is having a difficult birth, etc.

Two additions lovely events happened too. While we were visiting near the emerg we noticed another man and his wife who were walking around with a platter of cake. It turns out that they go to a different church, also own a bakery, and just come to share from their hearts too.

While we were loading back up to leave, an official and his guard came to the truck and knocked on John's window. A long conversation occurred. Later John explained that he was talking to the hospital director who had seen John and his people do this kindness for many months and he just wanted to thank him personally and let him know that it had not gone unappreciated! Gracias, all round and then we drove back to the church.
I will download some photos next week when Lewis' bring my right cord! Yay.
This night will remain a special and gentle memory in our stay here.