Once we arrived we were honered to have dinner with the whole family. Since the table area was small, Daniel, Virginia’s dad, and her were the only ones other than Jorgie and I at the table. Her brother Alex, and mother Augustina ate at another table in the kitchen. We feasted on potatoes and rice and veggies. All I kept thinking was to her, she must be thinking that this is a simple meal for us, but if she knew how much this girl LOVES rice, and this boy LOVES potatoes, she would know how grateful we were. Afterwards, we were excited to know that the town was throwing us a fiesta and we need to go right after dinner. We had the ultimate honor of going to this party dressed in the traditional clothing that any wonan and man our age would go to a party in.
Being dressed by Mamá Augustina was something that I will never forget;)
Watching her dress Jorgie is now a memory I will cherish forever. Watching him, allowing her to adorn him, with all the respect he had to give as a man, was something I so rarely get to witness from a man, was breathtaking. He stood humble, but strong, and that moment alone made me feel differently for him….I’m not sure I was supposed to get all of this from that moment, but I will never allow it to leave me.
We are now ready to PARTY!! JORGIE, ME, & VIRGINIA;)
As soon as we showed up, the music started and dancing, and celebration was in order;)
Virginia immediately grabbed Jorgie and started dancing!!
I got my dancing in too!!
I had a great time!!!!
With all the celebrating, we had enough time to capture the moment;)
The morning we were leaving Virginia didn’t let us leave with an empty stomach!
A hearty breakfast and boiling tea was how we left Virginia’s home.
It amazing to think that all the meals that I have told you about were all prepared in this very humble kitchen with no working stove. Wgat an amazing woman.
As we walked to the dock to say goodbye, all I could think about was that Virginia and I were practically the same age…how different my life would’ve been had I been born into this.
As we said our goodbyes and deepest thanks for an amazing time and hospitality, we boarded the boat with a new appreciation for all that we have and for the hospitality of a family that for a short moment, felt like ours.
THANK YOU VIRGINIA & FAMILY!
valarieivester
A Conscience Journey 
I’m lost for words. What an experience! I feel so spoiled and take so much for granted! What a world away can teach us.
Right Peggy! Really enjoyed the time she allowed us in her home;)
awe..Val, so far my best part reading about your stay with Virginia and her family …. these are the cultural things you can not get it till you experience yourself !! the little they have but with a big Hear !! I truly I can relate this because in India hospitality ( guest is like GOD ) is very big.. I love all your pictures in traditional clothes … best one you and George shoo shoo cute !!
😉 Thank u Sushma!
India, as you know, still very high on both our lists!;)
WOW….almost brought tears to my eyes Val! I love the part where you were watching Jorgie, so patiently waiting to get dressed by mama Agustina….girl, you have a way with words! I love the way you just make us feel like we are there watching him, and you admiring my Son! LOL Love that we are seeing y’all have a great time with this, humble family!!!
😉 Thank u! It was an amazing experience. It was fun to see ur son dance around, hand in hand with the natives….It was really special for me;)
This made my eyes tear up. It was beautiful! I felt I was there as well…. Thank you for you stories… they are so wonderful and touching
I’ve experienced a similar experience but in a completely different country and I felt such honor getting to be dressed by the locals. That they would share their traditional clothes with me for the evening… Such an unforgettable experience.
Its so cool right!?! I knew u would get it MIA;)
Wonderful and beautiful and charming and fantastic and compassionate and just….just wondermazing!! Is that a word? If not, it should be 🙂 I love your moments captured.
Wondermazing IS a word! 😉 Totally recognized in the dictionary;) Thanks so my much…it was a pretty special time;)