LUPE AND THE LOT

“I do not have the words to express my gratitude. “These were Maria’s words to us as we departed her house today, 23 October. Thanks to Father Bruno’s number one volunteer, Lupe, we brought Maria news that she could not have imagined a few months ago. She will own her lot. The poor, crippled, Indian girl, with faith as strong as granite, will be a lady of status; a property owner. And, very soon at that!

Last week Marge decided that we had waited long enough for help from other sources. We should talk to Fr. Bruno and see if he can help us through this government mess. Marge has said before that we must look to the churches for help. Fr. Lloyd came to our aid and now we enlisted Fr. Bruno. “Yes, I know a lady in the parish. She is not a lawyer but she knows much about government and how things get done. We can go to her house right now.” We were delighted. Senora Lupe was more than happy to help. Father explained the story of Maria. Lupe is so full of life that she almost explodes with enthusiasm. “ Next week we will go to the government office and I will ask what we can do. Does Maria have any receipts for any taxes she has paid?” I did not know but promised to ask her when we passed at the border. Later that day, “yes, I have one. I will give it to you when you come next week. “This 3-year-old tax slip proved to be invaluable.

Today, the three of us made the trip to the state government center in Rio Zona. The second office we entered paid off. While Marge and I waited, Lupe did what she does best; after talking with several people, she came away with a piece of paper. What is it, and what does it say? “ It says that after Maria pays this amount, she will be the owner of #35 Guillermo Prieto.” And, how much will 97

it cost? I looked over at the paper, it had a sum of $950.00. That’s not too bad I thought. The foundation is donating two thousand to Maria.”It will cost Maria $950, Mexican pesos that are.” I don’t believe you, Lupe. I don’t believe it. Marge kept asking, “how much does it say, how much?” About $130. Marge could not believe it. She went over to the man at the counter. “ Did you wait on this lady?” Yes, he had.”Is this really the cost of her lot?” That is correct he said.”She must pay this amount before October 31. Then, in January she will sign the contract for her land. For now, with this payment, she can build on her lot. It is hers. “Lupe was laughing all through this. These two Americans ran back and forth in total disbelief. “When you have faith in El Senor, these things are accomplished.”

Before going back to #35, we had a mini celebration at a new restaurant across from the government complex; the Boll Weevil. The same good food as in San Diego. Lupe, please let me see the paper again. I still find it hard to believe. “You must have faith in God, then He will help you. “The paper did not change. All those weeks we waited and wondered how many thousands the land might cost.

Lupe, please come with us to tell Maria the news. No problem. She can give all the details to Maria. “Hi, I have been waiting for you. Come in, come in.” The two greeted each other like sisters. Marge remarked later how perfectly at ease Maria is with everyone she meets. Lupe described the whole trip and all the details to Maria. The tears did not come from her but Marge and I felt them coming. Maria was not surprised or shocked. She was numb. Like the day she saw her first $100 bill. That $100 bill was real and this paper is real. “Wednesday, I will have the money ready for you. Dona Emilia will be very happy also. “You do not have to come with us, Maria. They only need the money at this time. Marge remarked that Maria’s sleep tonight will not be a peaceful one. Her mind will be whirling with the news she received this day. 98

At San Ignacio, we talked again with Fr. Bruno. We would like to contact the architect, Roberto, who is a member of the parish. Prices on Maria’s house are the next hurdle. “Yes, I know him and his wife. We can go over there now. They live close by.” What a great help this man has been! Roberto was on a project but his wife, Gloria, greeted us like we were old friends. She remembered me from our talk at the church when the youth group was there.” Roberto works mainly with concrete and blocks buildings. They are expensive. “ We were thinking of the traditional exterior wood paneling. “However he is now building houses using “yeso” (drywall), as an exterior wall finish. Come outside I will show you what he is doing at our house. Roberto has been building his house like most people in the Tijuana area. Start a room, then a wall. Later, a driveway, a roof, and on and on. As the funds become available each little separate project gets finished. The front of his home looks like stucco, however, it is green board drywall. This type is water-resistant and used in the US in showers, baths, and kitchens. It had been coated with a cement-type product that looked like stucco. Cheap and fast to build. It looks like a good solution for Maria’s house. I left the house plans with Gloria. She told us that Roberto will look at Maria’s lot and have prices for us next week, Wednesday. That will be a busy day; Maria will pay for her lot and we will get some sort of idea of the cost of our next hurdle; “mi casa, mi casa.”

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