An update about our Mexican friends

In response to a couple of recent comments...yes, we need a vacation. We know that sounds odd. But we've have been going pretty much non stop since we left Saskatchewan just over six weeks ago. Moving every few days and living out of a backpack does take a toll and you do need a break from it every now and again.

I wanted to talk a little more about how things are going with our adopted Mexican family.

Back in February, I explained that they were having some problems. And you all came through to help them out!

http://www.travelwithkevinandruth.com/2014/02/help-if-you-want-to.html

Gael's medical condition regarding his head seems to be fine. Although, since we've been here he's been to the doctor's twice. The poor little guy has got a really bad cough and cold. And the other day he fell down and bumped his head. His nose was bleeding as well, and he swallowed a lot of blood, and then of course coughed it back up again. Not nice.

But we can still get him to smile!

And, he's not been sleeping well. We know, because we're sleeping in the same room. In fact, there are seven of us sleeping in the same room. Yes, another reason that we need a vacation. 

They (we!) are living in a one room concrete structure. There is a separate semi outdoor kitchen area with a gas fired hot plate and an electric stove that is owned by Mary's sister. Haven't seen it used since we've been here. There's a fridge in the big room that separates our bed a little bit from the others.

Alfredo is still working at the dairy. Six days a week, 6,000 pesos (about $500) per month. Mary also has a job now, working at a medical clinic. Again, six days a week, but only about 4,000 pesos (about $340) per month. Alfredo's mother looks after the kids when Mary is working, but she still has to pay her to do so. Not much left over, but better than not working. Also, she has a benefit at the medical clinic that any medicine for Gael is much cheaper.

Alfredo, and his sister Leticia.

Mary and Alfredo's other child is six year old daughter Nataly. She's a sweetheart, and a lot of fun to have around.

Nataly and her mischievous smile! Ruth and I are taking Nataly to the beach today!

Despite the low income, there always seems to be enough food to go around. Yesterday afternoon, Ruth helped Mary make a big pot of "pollo a la barbacoa"...

Mary and Ruth making dinner.

Chicken and sauce.

It all goes in a big pot, like a stew.

And then it boils over the fire for an hour or so.

Sunday is family day, so Alfredo's brother and his wife and daughter were there too. Lots of kids around, including a few of the neighbours kids. Children, dogs, and chickens. Lots of them in La Barra!

Alfredo's brother Raphael cutting up some fresh coconut for us.

Raphael hamming it up for the camera.

Fresh coconut.

Raphael's friend was there too. He likes his coconut with lots of chile sauce!

Ruth, with some of the crew!

So, life goes on here in La Barra. We're off to visit one of Puerto Escondido's seven beaches today. Thinking about Playa Angelito!