Last Wednesday we were able to spend a day with the families of the dump. Some groups sorted through the trash with families looking for recyclables. Others (including myself) went to visit the homes of the families who work there. My first few minutes were spent holding a precious two month old. His name is something like Osmon. Both of his parents were sorting trash and his aunt had her own three month old, Gloria, to care for. I couldn’t just let him lay on the table with no one loving on him; of course I had to hold him! It was hard to give him away when it was time to leave.
Myself and nine others trekked to Gloria Consuela’s house. She is the grandmother of Osmon and Gloria. She is also the mother of one of my favorite gigglers and grandmother to my other favorite giggler. Really, she is related to all of my favorite people to visit at the dump. My teammate and I made sure we were on the team to go to her house. We trekked about 25-30 minutes through the jungle, passing through two barbed wire fences, to get to her house on top of a mountain. Two of the sisters do that hike a couple of times a day with babies! I can’t even imagine.
Our time with the family was precious. We helped Gloria Consuela prepare plantains and played with the children. I accomplished my goal of getting Manuelito to smile and even laugh! It was a wonderful time spent hanging out with the family and helping them to do their everyday tasks. Our ministry contact said that the people had wanted us to spend the day with them so that they could bless us since we bless them on Thursdays. I truly felt blessed.
Top left: I went with Gloria Consuela to chop down more plantains. There are several trees near her house, on the side of the mountain. She took her machete and chopped down an entire branch in three whacks. She’s got skills.
Top right: Me with Manuelito. It took a long time of warming up before he would let me hold him. It helped that I took him towards the bananas. The way to a child’s heart is through his stomach, right?
Bottom left: Marlyn, Gloria Consuela, Jen, and a member of the YWAM Mexico team. Don’t be scared by the knife. Marlyn was preparing something like pico de gallo to put in our plantain stew. Boy, was it hot! They had a good laugh at me fanning my mouth as it was enflamed.
Bottom right: Me with my two favorite gigglers: Alfredo (Gloria Consuela’s grandson) and Alexis (her son). Tying to figure out the family line has been tough. But I’m getting it!
