I did not realize that this is an official, federal Holiday, and all businesses must close. Workers are allowed the day off to celebrate and commemorate. The "festivities", as I explained have been occurring all week, but culminating today and tomorrow. There are hoards of people, flowers everywhere, parades of people streaming to the cemeteries or just reveling in the streets. Jan and I did break down and buy some "Dead Bread". It is traditional, and really tasty. There are all sorts of shapes. We purchased a small, round, sugary loaf with a cross on the top.
We may go to the park tonight to hear a Mariachi band. The weather has been really beautiful the last few days. The hard rains of the days before, have subsided for now, and it is pleasant to be out, walking, enjoying the sights and sounds of the town. I may use the "Dead Day" to think about my loved ones who have passed on: my parents, my in-laws, my husband.
The clinic, too, is closed. So I have the day free. Jose and Daniel, the caretakers are here, but all the staff is off. I am having coffee sitting on the front stoop of the clinic, just again, peering at the beautiful mountains surrounding Ocosingo, on all sides.
Life, for now, has settled into a pleasant pattern. Arising about 7am..trying to beat the doctor as he arrives in his office, right next door to my bathroom... Coffee, conversation with him, as we discuss and plan the immediate, and long term future of the clinic, and patient care here. There may be a few patients that dribble in, or a house call to make (as with Pablo's dad). There may be a meeting with Pablo. I Email, advise the Board of happenings, Blog and spend the morning around "home". It is comfortable, and I am grateful and so appreciative of this time and place. I am well cared for, though conveniences are not easy to come by. I have time to read and pray.
The staff (not today..) usually prepares a delicious, hardy lunch at 1 or 2 pm: a little beef or chicken in a pot with vegetables, a lot of squash, and a lot of beans. Rice, tortillas, and colored water...
In the afternoon, I walk to town, when it's not pouring...or even when it is.... I shop a little at the vendors on the park or the little booths and shops along the street. I have found my way to the laundromat, the post office (yes, one can get mail here, but it takes a loooong time), and the church.
We do our Bible study, walk some more, or I help Jan with a few projects around her house.
The next few weeks will be spent traveling... to Tsajalja, the village on the side of the mountain, to dedicate a church. To Sibal, for Pastor Appreciation day, and again to Sibal with Dr. Gerardo, to do a mini medical caravan in that village. We may spend days, or weeks.
Pray for safe travels, little rain, for blessings not yet known! Pray that Dr. Gerardo continues to have a good feel for the clinic and the people he will serve. Pray that his village experience will be good. For these are the people that this clinic was intended to serve.
Kids playing, on my walk to town...
An actual funeral on the Day of the Dead....
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