When we received the invitation, excitement took over immediately. A birthday party – but not just any birthday party! And on top of that, for someone we hadn’t even met yet, in a community whose customs we are still getting to know.
The first question, of course, was the gift. We knew we’d bring something – but what do you get for someone you know almost nothing about? A little detective work followed, and eventually the answer took shape: something baseball-related. That turned into a Leones de Yucatán jersey. We even managed to find out the right size – and just like that, the gift came together!
I also decided to make palacsintas (crepes), the way we make them back home, on the other side of the world. Sadly, túró (kind of cottage cheese) isn’t available here, so my favorite cocoa-and-cottage-cheese version was off the table. Instead, I made jam, cocoa, and cinnamon varieties. We later found out that bringing food to a birthday isn’t really a local custom here – but that’s okay. Another thing learned! 😊
The invitation was for 1:00 PM – but we had already experienced many times that time works a little differently here, and arriving 1–2 hours late is completely normal. We ended up leaving around 1:30. That turned out to be the decision I regretted: by the time we arrived, the group had almost finished eating, and the cake cutting was just around the corner. No one said a word, everyone was kind – but I still felt uncomfortable. Now we know: when they say a time here, they actually mean it. 😊
The group had gathered in front of the house – outside, in the open air, the table set, the weather lovely. We handed over the palacsintas, wished the birthday boy well, and gave him the gift. A photo together was taken too. Then we sat down, and the table gradually filled up: the pozole „accessories” appeared first, then the bowl itself – and of course, homemade tostadas couldn’t be missing. I’ll be honest: I had never eaten anything that delicious before. I know tostadas don’t have a particularly bold flavor on their own – but even so, I could have eaten a whole pile of them just like that. The whole meal was simply wonderful. Made with warmth and love.
But the best part was the atmosphere.
We sat surrounded by family, outside in the open air and such a sense of calm radiated from everything. Something hard to put into words. Due to the language barrier, we were mostly passive participants in the conversation, but we still took part as much as we could. When the meal was over, the girls and women started cooking again – peeling and chopping vegetables. My husband joined in too. The men gathered a little further away, talking among themselves. That’s also part of the culture here – different from what we’re used to, but it all felt so natural as it unfolded.
Being included – being able to be part of those few hours – felt like a special gift in itself. When I say it was „good,” that might sound simple. But this was a deeper kind of good. The kind that comes from within.
A truly authentic experience.
We are not a foundation.
We are not an NGO.
We are simply two people who saw poverty and felt a quiet certainty: we needed to do something — even if it was small. Even if it only brings a few smiles to a few children. Some people have already joined us, once or more than once.
And if anyone feels called to join – in any way, at any time – we would be honored.
If you’d like to support in a practical way, or simply learn more, you’ll find details on the Support page.
If you’d like to reach out personally, feel free to contact us.
Creciendo juntos, floreciendo juntos.
