Farewell Parties

Three parties on our last three days in Santiago. First, with the Hospitalito. Then, just the nursing staff. Both were filled with gifts and tearful goodbyes.

Our last day, Betty, her son José Luis, and our friend Rosa Viviana arrive around noon to learn how to cook lasagna, bread, and other goodies from up north. About 30 people are expected for the evening meal.

One guest of honor will be Irma Magdalena, the girl we're sponsoring. After taking her shopping on Sunday, we brought her to the Hospitalito to have her checked out on Monday. Her health is not too bad, though she may have some parasites. She got an ear lavage, which she hated. Her mother Magdalena had to come back a few times after that, and Geneen made sure she knew they were invited for Friday and gave her directions on how to get to Las Milpas.

But I was pretty sure we'd have to go to their house to get them and bring them. The culture often works like that here. Promises are made and abandoned regularly. When at 4:00 Rosa, José Luis and I set off for Chukmuk, I was very surprised to see Mother, daughter and grandmother already heading down the path to see us. And Irma in her new outfit.

It was great fun putting the kids to work cooking. Irma and José Luis were thrilled to mix the carrot-beet-coconut salad, and to squeeze lime juice on it. I had them shape the loaves of bread, and suggested they braid it. Irma is a whiz at braiding.

I chose a quiet moment to give Magdalena Q500, or about $60. She cried and said she's never seen so much money. I asked her to please make it last, that it was to help with corn and firewood.

Cooking for 30 is a lot of work. There are so many ore people I would have liked to invite. I was a little disappointed that the party mostly split itself into two groups, one group in traditional clothing speaking Tz'utujil, and one in modern clothing speaking Spanish and English.



Around 8:00, the guests left. Betty gave Geneen a shawl she wove. It's magnificent to the point that you can feel its aura.

I hugged Irma and told her to write, that we hope to be back next year. She hugged Geneen and burst into tears. We told her we love her.