THERE’S SO MUCH MORE WE CAN DO

 


Breakfast is early as usual and soon after, the volunteers are taken to the airport. We take advantage of this day to visit with Abel, who has been sponsored by Fred and Annemieke.

We meet at the Hacienda and  go on a hike at the barancas, where we hope to cross the river and explore the other side of the ravine.

We park the van close to the square and who comes running up to us with her brand new blue top, jeans and new shoes? Daniela, one of our sponsored girls who was so disappointed when her Madrina was not at the Fiesta yesterday.

She wonders what we are up to and when we tell her we are going to the barancas she asks if she can come along. We have no problem with that, but suggest that she asks permission from her parents first. Her parents are both at work, but her older sister lets her come along as long as she is back by 3:00 pm.

Daniela tells us about the little mythical figures we have heard of before and is afraid to cross the river. We assure her that as long as she is with us she will be safe.

Abel is quiet and doesn’t talk nearly as much as Daniela. Once we get across the river and up the steep hill, he opens up and names every single tree and the flowers growing in the area.

 

We take Daniela back to the square and drive with Abel to Comala for drinks and Botanas - a variety of snacks, mostly tortillas with various toppings or fillings, brought to your table at no extra charge with your drinks.

Everywhere are celebration for the Virgin of Guadelupa. Here in Comala happens to be a parade and the town is filled with horsemen.

The restaurants at the Portales in Comala are very popular with tourists, amongst them is our friend Antonio Velazques from Cofradia.

We have taken Abel back to Cofradia and drive to Colima to take part in the celebrations of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Downtown is overflowing with people, shuffling their way through the many stands on the square, where you can buy anything, from sweets, to toys and Christmas decorations or souvenirs.

One of the volunteers, who is spending an extra night in Colima, has rented a room at Hotel Ceballos, overlooking the square. We are invited to watch the parade and the from their balcony.  It’s quite a spectacle to see the dancers and the thousands of people from above. The evening concludes with spectacular fireworks.

Monday we make preparations for our departure to Roca Azul. We have some packing to do and a lot of paperwork as a wrap of for the workweek.

We have invited Candelario to stop by the Gatos house tonight. Cande is a very special 19 year old, who comes from a family of 9 children, his parents are very poor, and he has been very fortunate to take part in the Project Amigo program and studies computer technology. He helps with the Homework club at the Hacienda and whenever there is volunteer work to be done, Cande is there to help. He is tall and has a beautiful smile, you can see from a mile away.
Earlier this week, Fred and Annemieke visited his home as part of the Home visits, together with our volunteer Steve and is young son Parker. They were touched by the poverty in this home. One of the topics of the conversation were his hobby, which happens to be soccer. Unfortunately he has not been able to play for the last six months as he has no soccer shoes; He can’t afford them. We inquire with Jorge about Cande’s need and what is involved to get him back on the field. We decided that we could all easily chip in $20.00 for a pair of cleats. One of the volunteers, Steve had left some money behind and the balance comes from Joe, Fred and Annemieke and Ramiro and I. After a drive to to Colima we return with a bright coloured pair of soccer cleats. We wrap them in Christmas paper and when Cande arrives at the Gatos house in the evening, somehow the conversation turns to soccer. We take advantage of this opportunity to present him with his cleats.

There is no need to explain how surprised and how happy he is when he opens the box and pulls out the black and bright yellow shoes. We spend a wonderful evening with him and when one by one we are leaving for bed, Cande too decides to leave for home with his shoebox under his arm.

We're so happy for him that he is able to play soccer again. We look forward to seeing him on the soccer field over the next few month.You deserve it Cande. We are so proud of you. Thank you for everything you do for the kids in Cofradia and for Project Amigo.