THE LOT, LUPE AND LUNCH

November 6

Today we had these three items to pursue. Even though Maria had paid the back tax es on the lot, the title has to be changed. This necessitated another trip to another government office. Government wheels grind the same; slowly and off track. This office is located somewhere in downtown Tijuana. Poor Lupe, she knows less of Tijuana than I do. That’s bad. In spite of the Mexican motorists, we finally found the place. Talking to the government person was like talking to the chair on which she was sitting. Lupe persisted in her explanation of Maria’s plight. “Oh, I remember that lady. She was in here several weeks ago.” You did not help her then, did you? “She must present herself here at 8 am and be interviewed by the architect and others. “Apparently, since the taxes are now paid, they will now speak to her. Next week Lupe and Maria will go together and tangle with the bureaucracy. The poor little Indian girl, always claiming a lack of intelligence, found this place all on her own. It took us two and a half hours to make this journey. I use the phrase, “Indian “, with sincere affection. Maria refers to herself in this manner, playing down her looks and intelligence. I respond with, you may be poor, but you are smart and pretty.

Our once cancelled luncheon date was for today. We arrived back at Maria’s room at 2 pm; just in time. After a one-week strike by the teachers, the boys had returned to classes. The primary school teachers were the only ones on strike. Many of these teachers work one or two other jobs, just to make a meager living. There are no 100

$50k grade school teachers in this land. I brought things for Maria to sell and Marge brought Haloween candy for the boys. It is always cheaper after the fact. Remember the big pumpkin Marge brought the last visit? Did the boys have fun carving it and putting a candle inside? “Oh, no. I cut the “ squash “, rubbed it with cinnamon and sugar, and cooked it. It was so delicious! “ In the US, Maria, most people do not cook these pumpkins. Out they go the next day. “Americans waste much, do they not?” Marge commented that the next time, in addition, she will buy two small ones for the boys. Please do not rush, Maria. Let us chat before our lunch. With that, she brought out the Tecate beer. Her neighbor had bought it for her.

As we were explaining our trip to Maria, a voice called from outside. It was Roberto, the architect. Unfortunately, he does not speak English. I should be used to this by now. Marge and I greeted him and he went in to meet Maria. They talked briefly and when Maria started to tell him about our helping her, I said let’s go outside and look at the lot. She is totally appreciative of our help. I maintain that Marge and I are the fortunate ones. To be her friend is a satisfaction beyond words.

Marge and I had met Roberto’s wife, Gloria. She is a fine lady and he appears to be equally gifted. We discussed at length the proposed house and the costs. Marge and I have many ideas about this project. It must be comfortable, with an abundance of light, easy access, secure, and so on. Roberto agreed with most of our ideas and had some of his own. “The fence across the front of the lot should have a gate. Some day the boys may have a car. All the windows must have security bars. A skylight in the bathroom will be better than a window. That wall will be very close to her neighbor’s wall.” Our discussion was going well.”I have some preliminary costs in the truck. There are some items I have not priced yet.” He brought out the cost sheets. $114K pesos. Using the exchange rate of $8 pesos to $1, we were looking at $14,000 dollars. 101

We were not surprised. This will be a very sturdy, concrete block structure. This will be Maria’s first and probably last house. It must be built just right for her special needs. In the years to come, these walls will encompass her world.

We will meet again soon and discuss in more detail this project.” I must say goodbye to Maria.” As he went back to see Maria, my estimation of Roberto went up several levels. She was important enough for him to extend that courtesy. Marge and I know in addition that Maria had captured his admiration. She has the same effect on everyone.

Our lunch was waiting. Marge had brought the fumi cabbage salad, French cheese bread, and lemon bread. Maria outdid herself with the Angelfish and pork dishes. Last January, without beds and without chairs, we ate and marveled at her skills. We were new friends then and she was very nervous. Today, she hopped up on her bed and let “Magie” serve. We are family now! She refused to eat. She eats very little. Her stomach will not tolerate much food. As she sat on her bed watching us, I gave her a taste of the salad and bread. Just a tiny taste. She smiled and ate. Though she is very excited about this house project, she says little. It is a concept beyond her comprehension. Needless to say, I did not mention the cost.

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