EYE SEE FOOD

I was greeted early this morning by the arrival of Don Jose and Candeleria at my hotel. I wasn't even completely dressed yet because they arrived early so I hurried to put shoes and socks on while quickly running a brush through my hair!! I was out the door and down the stairs to meet them within ten minutes!! Canderleria was all smiles and have me a very tight hug!! Don Jose was also smiling which warmed my heart. I figured they had not eaten breakfast yet so we headed across the street to the hotel restaurant for breakfast! It always warms my heart to see them eat! They are a very poor family so meals are scarce and rarely do they get to eat anything they want so I enjoy making that happen when I see them!! With our meals eaten and full tummies we headed to the eye doctor. We were met there by Pastor Ben and got Don Jose checked in. As me and Candeleria waited outside a young man came by selling ink pens with your name embroidered on it. Candeleria was excited at the thought of owning one when asked so I ordered her one and nineteen others!! lol!! I got one for everyone that I could think of because it's always nice to be able to help the street kids!! This young man spoke broken english but was eager to learn. He had a nice personality unlike some of the others who can be rude and pushy!! As he completed my order we bought a few other things here and there from other kids who were selling things!! After a long wait Don Jose appeared from the exam room with prescription in hand. He indeed needed glasses and obviously had poor vision!! I just wonder how long it has been since he has been able to see the world clearly? I didn't even hesitate to take the scrip to the desk clerk and get him fitted for his new glasses!! It was so sweet to see him trying on frames to find a pair he liked!! I mean he was like a kid in a candy store!! He found what he liked, we paid the bill and were on our way. His glasses will be ready in a week and I won't be here but Pastor Ben is going to go with him to pick them up!!

I asked if they were hungry even though we had eaten breakfast a short time ago but they said no. I decided to take them to the familia dispencia before taking them back to the boat because they sell whole cooked rotisserie chickens and thought it would be a nice treat for the family to have. We went and bought three chickens, toasted bread, punch, and two vanilla cakes for them to take home!! They were so excited!! See meat is a huge treat because poor families cannot afford to buy it!! Many times they eat tortillas and salt as a meal which just breaks my heart!! I help them as much as I can but with them having an alcoholic father it's hard to do! This is why I entrust Don Jose with everything!! I said my goodbyes and sent them off to the launch in a tuk tuk and headed to the office!!

I helped sort bags of rice into smaller portions to be distributed in the food baskets! I met some of the new volunteers who had arrived and even Ben's team from South Africa came to lend a hand. The time seemed to fly by was we worked hard but laughing the entire time!! It's always so much fun working with all the groups!! I know today was a great day and I am going to be bed with a very full heart!!