FELIX

Marge was able to get a definite date from Felix on Maria’s braces; finally! Saturday, 16 August. We will meet him at the border and go on to her house. For that reason, we made a quick trip down yesterday to inform her about Saturday. Brother John sent Maria $100 this week for her lot. What a great gift! He has definitely adopted her cause. We had the usual clothes, a small tv set, and Marge’s assortment of vegetables.

We arrived at #35 at 4:30. A good time of day; less southbound traffic and somewhat cooler. Maria was not expecting us, yet she was pleasantly surprised. Wednesday is wash day for her and the laundry was all hanging out in the backyard. I remarked on how clean and white everything was.

She merely pointed at my white T-shirt. That old galvanized washtub and those strong weather-beaten hands do a remarkable job. Manuel and Javi looked their usual wire brushed clean Remember, amiga, you always have the first choice of all the clothing we bring! Manuel quickly found a good pair of sandals.These had many days of wear left. Why do we get rid of things so quickly? “David, I read the newspaper you brought last week. I also watch the news on TV. Do not worry, I know the news. I also have news for you. I now have $350 for my lot. “Wonderful, Maria. We have something for you, and Marge gave the envelope with John’s gift to her. “Oh, praise to God, now I have $450 toward my land! Brother Juanito has been so good to rne. “The beer came out again and Manuel ran down to the store for potato chips. Maria feels she must entertain us to some extent. That’s fine.

“David, tell Magie that I made her salad dressing. And, it is equal to hers. Manuel loves it. He will put it on just about everything. “As 62

we snacked on the chips, Manuel was eating the roasted peanuts I had brought. He remarked they were cooked and with salt. Javi was in the room watching the Simpsons. He loves tv, and his mother keeps tab that he does not watch any violent shows. How did you all like the illustrated bible stories? “It is a beautiful book; the boys read it often. “May I read a story, Maria? “Yes, of course. “But, please excuse my Spanish. I read the story of Peter walking on the water and Jesus calming the seas. I enjoyed it and needed the practice.

Saturday came and went; no braces. We dropped some things off in her room. She was at the border. As we passed by I told her that we were sorry. She smiled, she is very patient. We will see you again soon

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