Waiting

This morning we relaxed over a nice breakfast in a beautiful outdoor courtyard and then strolled into a small store where the shopkeeper and his family live in the back, and looked over the selection of goods available for sale before making our selection of some sodas.  We were trying to hurry out for our destination for today, the meal center at La Luguna.  Of course, there were the logistics of getting a bunch of people up the side of a mountain.  We stopped along the way to leave the van behind and jump into trucks that would be able to haul us the rest of the way up the hill.  That was pretty fun, if not pretty scary for Charlene!  

By the time we got to La Laguna it was evident that the people had been waiting for quite a while for us to arrive.  There was a long line, mostly women and children, at least forty deep, sitting along the wall.  We felt pretty bad to have kept them waiting for so long.  But it became quickly apparent that they were alsok waiting for the doctor who visits the village twice a month.  

I was struck at how often these people must have to wait for attention, for help, basic necessities ... everything.  I was also struck at how gracious, how patient and sweet the people were about it!  They were so happy to see us.  One of our high school scholarship students gave a speech to welcome us.  Then there was a wonderful song and dance performance, and everyone interacted with us, all while just waiting for some medical attention.

I was so happy to be able to take some photos, and to talk, and laugh with the beautiful and gracious children.   They were so happy to interact and it seems that in a large sense my new friends are waiting for something better to happen, waiting for the hope of a better future.  I cannot wait to see how it turns out, and hope to be able to help in ways that I am still trying to imagine.

Marie Brown