hen you've just left the "dreich" of Seattle it's easy to wake up to brightness and the promise of 80oF/27oF temperatures. We were staying in Casa Johnson and the tasteful design, brightly-colored tiles, and airy arrangement added to the pleasant nature of the morning.
We made our way to the Hacienda for an early cup of coffee. We met a few of the Project Amigo volunteers for an walk before breakfast. Alex Saldana, director of the program, led us through the countryside. A couple of miles through the pastoral countryside was an inviting way to start the day.
The breakfast buffet was phenomenal with a combination of fresh fruit, eggs, bacon, breads, and an assortment of juices and horchata. We quickly learned that the kitchen staff were an asset of Project Amigo that we would never be able to express appreciation to the full extent that they deserved (as was true of all the staff).
We had a short break and I chose to take out the camera. Cofradia de Suchitlan is one of those places that photographs are available wherever you point the camera. I focused on the courtyard of the Hacienda this morning.
The time to organize donated books, clothing, and food arrived. This was my first time with Project Amigo and I stayed back a bit to watch how others would sort the material. Slowly, what started as piles of chaotic goodwill began to take shape based on destination, targeted age-group, and day of delivery. Books were arranged on a couple of long tables, clothing sorted on another couple of tables, and the far corner of the courtyard was designated for food packaging. Today's deliveries were headed for the bus, while the remaining items were stored for days later in the week.
It was time for lunch and an activity that was cryptically described as "cooking lessons".It was a beautiful day and I can't say that I was fully interested in standing in a kitchen being taught basic food skills. But again, this was another lesson about not jumping to conclusions. We headed down the street to Dona Meche's and entered her lovely, flowered, and sunny courtyard. There, we were given a highly interactive lesson on guacamole and salsa. On paper, neither of these foods would appear as particularly complex or needing direct instruction. However, as with many recipes that have few ingredients and requiring few steps, the secret is in getting everything right as there is little room for error. Dona Meche provided fresh ingredients, modeled the proper manner to handle each item, and cheerfully guided us through our efforts. The results were simple spreads done perfectly. Dona Meche then invited us to her table for a full lunch and good company.
The afternoon saw us heading to a migrant camp in Queseria. Multiple families live there with the layout centered around a primary school. We set up a food bank stocked with staples such as rice, masa, and vegetables. There's an initial awkwardness when distributing food such as this to families - these parents work as hard as we do, but we simply come from an area that has more. We don't want to be proud nor do we want the parents to feel humbled. In the end, though, there was food to be distributed and we strived to do it in a respectful and efficient manner.
That done, the becarios (scholarship students) broke down the tables and we separated into two general groups - one toured the school and grounds while the others set up for the clothing distribution. I was part of the former and explored the school. There is a computer lab that was provided, in part, by generous donations to Project Amigo. The computers are a primary factor in enhanced literacy, technical proficiency, and general studies. Many students will help parents learn to use the computer after their own studies have been completed for the day.
Sorting books for deliveries through the weekOrganizing the food bank at QueseriaComputer lab at QueseriaKids climbing treesKids smilingChoosing the perfect shirtInvited to a warm home visitGroup photo at QueseriaDona Meche showing us how to make the perfect guacamole<>1 - 9
Children played with abandon, as all children should, in the schoolyard. They climbed trees, swung on the bars, and did not hesitate to pose for the camera. Soon, though, there was movement back to the school. The clothing distribution was ready and kids entered in groups based on their age. The excitement and cheers from the kids was better than any buzz a fashion show could ever produce. There was no hesitation or awkwardness at this point as everyone - adults, becarios, and children - were focused on helping each child find their perfect new outfit. It appeared this goal was met.
We were then invited to visit one of the homes. Once again, there were feelings of uncertainty about how to be properly respectful. The homes have limited electricity, perhaps enough for a single light bulb and a stove. There are a limited number of rooms and some of the walls and ceilings are constructed from whatever material was available. Wells for cooking water and basins for washing clothes, dishes, and for hygiene are collectively available in a central area in front of the houses. As it turns out, though, 3200 square feet, 2.5 baths, and a two-car garage are not necessary to have a happy home. It was a pleasure to be welcomed into the casa and we had a delightful visit.
We bid our goodbyes and climbed on to the bus for our return to Cofradia de Suchitlan. The evening was devoted to dinner at the Hacienda and a relaxed gathering to discuss the events of the day and swap stories over a few cervezas.
Tuesday holding
We woke to another beautiful morning. We joined the crew for another lovely walk around Cofradia de Suchitlan,. The morning coffee pre- and post-walk had quickly settled into a routine as we quietly enjoyed the comforts of the Hacienda courtyard and awaited breakfast.
Wednesday holding
Thursday holding
Friday holding
