Down in the Valley and into the Pool

Yesterday, Tuesday, was a full and active day. It began by a rousing tractor drive into (even more) rural areas surrounding the small town of Buenavista. The aim of this trip was to get a real idea of how far these small clumps of homes actually were, and how difficult it would be for them to get to church. After that, a plan of action could be made accordingly, and hopefully another mission could be planted in one of the local houses. And when I say a rousing tractor ride, I do mean rousing. Never have any of us been on such a potted road, jolting over big river rocks and dipping into massive mud puddles that swallowed up the road entirely.

 

           

 After our return to Buenavista, and a vow that we would never drive a tractor over a road like that again if possible, we prepared to go to the pool. This was an outreach event Oscar and Omar came up with. They rented the town pool, invited the church, and welcomed anyone else who wanted to come. 

The turnout was twice what we expected. In the hot climate, everyone enjoyed the cool water, games of dominos, and a piping stew. The stew was made by collecting all of the vegetables and meats that the neighbors could scrape together, and then cooking everything in two pots that could be divided to feed the crowd. It was delicious. The people came, some walking long distances, armed with cups, plates, various Tupperware, empty pots, or anything else they could find to hold the stew. 

All the while, a commotion of swimming and talking was taking place. Kristin got seriously involved in a game of dominos, and I watched as a group of kids around 10 years old called “Em-ee-ly, Em-ee-ly, Mira!” And I did watch as they swam under water, did handstands, flips, and jumped off of the sketchiest diving board I have ever seen. It had been a good day when we walked back to the church.

Today, Kristin had to return home and left early in the morning. As Rachel said, “It will be like a missing wheel.” Although we will miss her very much, we are thankful for the time that she was with us this week. Later that day, Zenia took me grocery shopping. I could not help but compare it to the numerous trips to Nob Hill and Safeway, with a quick stop at Starbucks, that I have made with my mom. In Buenavista, all of the shops are only a block or two away. The supplies are astonishingly limited, ration cards were necessary, and often the item we wanted was not in stock. Without the pineapple, we returned home to prepare for the Vacation Bible School that is to come tonight!

Emily