El Rosario, Part 3...

The feeding program in El Rosario was started by one of the local pastors there.  He was paying for it all out of his own pocket and when that got to be too much for him, he had no choice but to shut it down.  Well, somehow Enlaces and the pastor met.  Yes, I know it was really God, not “somehow”.  Through the generosity of some friends of our ministry, the feeding program was started back up.

What does a feeding program look like?  Well, it’s different in each community, depending on the local needs and money available.  In El Rosario, they are currently feeding 32 children and as many as 10 elderly people.  They are getting breakfast AND lunch, which is a bit more unusual, but definitely needed.

As Trifi, Charly and I went back to the church, I went into the kitchen to talk to the women who were cooking.  They were working on the tortillas.  All by hand.  And these weren’t tortillas made from Maseca, the dry corn meal flour.  These were the much more flavorful masa tortillas. Amazingly, and with no outside help, I spoke with the ladies for at least 20 minutes  -- all in Spanish.  Friday’s lunch consisted of rice, tortillas, spaghetti, and a small piece of chicken.  Meals are usually high on carbs, with the protein being supplied by beans, so I was impressed to see the chicken included in the day’s meal.

Forming the tortillas by hand

Cooking the tortillas

The children arrive in groups since some are eating before they go to school in the afternoon and others are eating after having attended school during the morning session.  But all the children were very orderly and respectful, even though there were only two adults overseeing the whole process.

Trifi with one of the boys, before lunch

There wasn’t a lot for us to do because they are so organized, but Trifi and I both helped serve some of the meals and juice.  Then, we both took pictures.  Many times in settings like that, I feel funny taking pictures, as if the people receiving help are now on display.

Three boys waiting patiently for their lunch

Hunger is no respecter of persons

After a bit, it was time for us to leave.  The trip back home was every bit as wonderful as the ride up.  Plus, we got to see a huge (3 ½ - 4 feet) bright green iguana scoot across the road right in front of us.

We even made it back to Enlaces in time for the weekly chapel service for the teachers and staff.