Our last visit also included a little celebration. In the afternoon, we were invited to a birthday party — we were celebrating Laura, but since she’s a young lady, we won’t reveal her age. Our arrival caused a little confusion: the original plan was that we would arrive late, and the wonderful hosts had timed the food accordingly. But things changed independently of us, and it turned out the other way around — we arrived earlier than expected! We were very sorry to have caused any inconvenience.
Beyond that — a divine relleno blanco was served at the table! A delicious Maya festive dish I had never tried before! But that wasn’t the only culinary experience of the day. For the first time, I also tasted pozol! Not to be confused with pozole, which is the soup! I make a point of mentioning this because I, for one, mixed them up at first hearing! But it turned out that pozol is a drink — not an everyday one, enjoyed on special occasions. Needless to say, both were homemade.
And if we’re talking culinary adventures, I wasn’t done yet: for the first time, I tried mango verde — with salt! As it turns out, this natural homemade snack with pre-Hispanic roots not only hydrates but also replenishes electrolytes! And as a bonus, I also tasted a very tiny, mini green mango! It was very sour, but I simply couldn’t stop until I’d eaten the whole thing.
We had a wonderful time! It was so good to be there, to talk, to spend time together.
…and just to reference my previous blog post — the flower that appeared there was no coincidence. It came from this very garden! Before we said our goodbyes, we noticed a little calf out back and went over to pet it. Right beside it stood these magnificent flowers — I was completely mesmerized! The next moment, I watched as a little girl swung a huge machete and cut one for me. But that’s not all! When I asked whether I could plant it in soil and keep it alive at home — action followed immediately: no, you can’t plant it like that, it needs the bulb; and just like that, they dug up a small shoot for me, bulb and all, right from the ground!
I know I’m sensitive — but how could anyone not be moved by so many kind gestures?
The very next day, my first task was to plant the flower in the ground. And I’ve been tending to it with great care ever since.
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.
