Village Lunch in Panamache

Friday and Saturday we were in the village of Panamache. We provided a medical clinic, bible school, and we worked on rebuilding the church that was destroyed in Hurricane Stan 2 years ago. We loved the people in the village and they loved us back!!

On Saturday, the ladies in the church wanted to prepare for us a typical meal. We were all a little concerned about eating the food because “gringos” don’t do so well with locally prepared foods. Our systems are just not accustomed to the way things are prepared. They don’t use sanitizer and soap like we do. In fact, they just have a bucket of water and rinse their hands in it – over and over!!

So, after much concern, Lloyd and Melanie encouraged us to accept this gift that the pastor said his heart wanted to give us!! Lloyd actually said, it would be worth it for everyone to get sick if we accept such a generous gift from them! OH the power of words!!!! Five of us stayed back today with stomach problems. It was not a fun night last night, but we are all recovering. However, Ray C. said this morning, after spending a significant time in “el bano” himself, it was definitely worth it! They were thrilled to serve us. The women spent hours preparing us rice, fresh salsa – much better than we can buy – beef (which is a delicacy), and tamolitas – a mixture of cornmeal and water boiled in corn husks. It was delicious! After serving our food, they brought out “water” for us to drink. They had already poured it into the cups and started handing it out. We were very scared to drink it! It looked like watered-down skim milk. However, once again, we felt that we must accept the drink. I was scared to drink it, but it was deliciously sweet. I don’t know how they made it, but I really enjoyed it – probably for the last time in my life!! ☺

As we gathered in the temporary tin church building and the women began setting the steaming food before us on Styrofoam plates, I was overcome with tears! They gave us such a beautiful gift and many may have skipped eating so that we could. I was so humbled by their generosity, and yet they are so grateful for all the help we are giving to them!

We were thrilled to be able to serve them over the last several days and to meet some of their emotional and physical needs! Thanks be to God!