Two Trips to Two Mountain Villages

Today's post is again from Nicole Lackie (pictured below on the back of the motorcycle owned by Maribel, the nurse at the clinic in El Limon:

The mountains were calling, and we HAD to go! 

Today was a wonderful day filled with fresh air, an overabundance of fruit and a visit to the mountains! We had the opportunity to visit several villages and donate medical supplies, clothing, and household goods. Our first stop this morning was at a medical clinic where we met Maribel and her coworkers. We delivered supplies that will be used within her clinic and distributed throughout the local villages. Our group was humbled when we learned that some of our supplies were going directly to an injured person in that moment. It helped us all to recognize how crucial our visit and supplies truly are. 

In thanks for our visit, Maribel and her coworkers showered us with fruit that was freshly picked from the trees at Maribel’s house. I had the incredible opportunity to ride with Maribel on her moped! We travelled along a winding dirt road and made frequent stops to call people from their homes so they could welcome our visit. It was the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the fresh air and mountain views – my favorite! We were able to meet her family and we were once again given MORE fruit directly from her trees!

In the afternoon, we travelled to another village where the members were so excited to see us that came directly onto our bus to greet us! The house that we visited was one that was built by members of this group many years ago. While it is not a medical clinic, it is the closest thing they have to a medical clinic in the area. Ana Maria is well known in the local villages for her ability to help provide clothing, simple medical treatment, and general assistance to all. She is also surrounded by a wonderful family that works hard to do what is best for one another (and to spoil us!). Not only were we each gifted a box of fruit and a delicious dessert, but they also gave out coffee that was picked, ground, and prepared by her mother! The coffee drinkers in our group were absolutely thrilled! They also welcomed us with dancing, photos of the house being built, and a ‘mi casa es su casa’ mentality. We had a blast!

On the way back to our hotel, we were surprised with a parade to celebrate the newly elected major of Cotui. It has been an area of concern for our group because we know that political matters can create turmoil and big emotions. The parade was certainly not one we were used to – instead of tractors and trucks pulling trailers, we found cars, trucks, and motorbikes piled with people blowing horns, playing loud music, and waving flags. Our incredible driver was able to navigate us around them with ease and we got to see the new major leading the parade! We are hopeful that his goal to create a better system for trash disposal comes to fruition! Until then, we are off to bed with thoughts of school tomorrow in our heads.