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.

Week 1

First order of the day, after a good sleep, is to go the the Super Che and buy groceries. If you get there too late in the morning they will probably be out of items. No regular bananas for us there! The produce prices are very cheap so we keep lots of fresh fruits and veggies on hand.
We took a taxi back to our place, they charge approx 2 dollars for any destination in The city.

Once back in our great casa we are loathe to leave again so we suntan, slip into the pool, have a drink, relax in the chaises and generally just recover from our huge flight. It feels luxurious.

Next day we decide we have to see a beach! The closest one is Manzanillo, just a few blocks from us. We stop at the first set of chaises with umbrellas, settle in. Quickly Dave and Trudy are down to the water edge and enjoying a dip in salt water. Refreshed, they go for a little explore, then back into the sea and then return to where two lazy Beats are just relaxing.
We decided to have lunch right where we were and enjoyed a great meal (again, far too much food).

I started to feel a little unwell and Jim didn't feel great either so we left Dave and Trud and walked back to our casa. By the time I got back I went straight to bed, my fever was rising and my bones started to ache. It lasted almost 24 hours and then I was well again. Very odd!

By the following evening I was able to join the others for a walk down the Adoquin (basically a roadway with shops for tourists). The evening temperature is perfect so we have no need for any kind of extra clothing.

We found a cafe...truth is, they found us, and enjoyed a donair! It was delicious although not very Mexican. The wrap was even pita bread, not a tortilla.

It is a pleasure to often get up early in the a.m. To watch the sunrise. We sneak down to the lowest patio and there is the sun, morning after morning. We are finding out it comes up whether we are there or not!

That Saturday we walked the long way to the mercado. So many local people selling a great variety of foods and supplies. We took time to locate the church for Sunday, it is a block further on. So we found a few items then walked the return trip. So very thankful to have the pool in our yard! It feels like the best of luxuries.