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 