LUNCH WITH KARINA AND A DREAM COME TRUE

June 28

When Karina broke her brace and knee last January, Marge worked wonders with Shriners and got Karina re-admitted to their program, and managed a very quick appointment for her in Los Angeles. I told Karina then that she owed Margarita “much” for her in Los Angeles. I told Karina that she owed Margarita “mucho” for what we did and we would like her to cook a meal for us. I said this mostly in jest, but she readily agreed to make whatever we wanted. Marge requested “mole” and their famous red rice.

Yesterday we traveled south to collect on that promise. Maria was invited but at the last moment, she became sick and had to see the doctor in the afternoon. Mariano was it’s usually hot, dusty, windy, exploding with activity, colonia. Marge’s back suffered mightily when we left the paved road and headed downhill to the Carter community. Abuela Leonila’s (Karina’s grandmother) house was bursting at the seams with activity, kids, and babies all over the little house. If I attempted to list all the people there it would only serve to confuse. Later Marge and I both remarked that it was a blessing that Maria did not make the trip. The activity would be too much for her. Nevertheless, it was good fun to see and visit with many of our old friends. I remarked to Elva, Karina’s mother that it was just eight years ago that this community was built. 1500 busy volunteers from around the world sweating and toiling with great enthusiasm for 100 unknown families. Although I had worked at several sites before and met several families, it 163

was here at this dusty, forlorn place that the seeds of friendships were sown and changed our lives forever. I remember you, Karina, in front of your half-built house, supported by those ever-present crutches, watching the workers swarming over the houses in their frantic efforts to finish all 100 that week. You were 13 years old then and had lived your life with those wooden supports. There must be something we can do for that girl. You were the first to go to Shriners. The bond between our two families was cast. It endures to this day.

While the calamity endured throughout the rooms. Karina served her two guests. Chicken mole, the red rice dish and a new one for me, translated into English, “ pork and beans.” The comparison ends at that point. Pinto beans, dry cheese, sausages, jalapeno peppers, chiles, and more I suppose. A very, very tasty addition. Karina played her hostess part very well; serving Marge first and then myself. I requested that she join us. We dislike eating alone at the homes of our Mexican friends.

Elva, Karina’s mother, and her youngest, Raul, joined us at the table. Elva was quite excited and kept telling Raul, “tell David, tell David.” “ I will not be 12 years old until next month and I have passed into the sixth grade. “ What great news considering the family’s history with education. Over the past few years, he has become a very nice boy; quiet, very polite, and just an all-around nice kid. He appears to have the best chance of all the kids to go on to high school. Karina made it through the 7th grade; the others, less.” Tell David what you want to study.” It’s a shame Elva did not get this excited about her other kid’s schooling. “ I want to study to become a lawyer.” Wow! Is that a shock or not? Time will tell, at least he has some goal in which to strive. Karina has so much intelligence but no ambition, no goals. Her twisted lag is her problem, I believe. Our friend promised Raul that she would pay

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for his schooling as long as he went. She will be very pleased with this news.

Karina’s cousin, Esmeralda, and her family were there. Israel, her husband speaks English very well and so Marge had a nice chat with him. A few years ago, Mark and I visited him when he was still building his house. A very nice husband and father, Israel works on this side of the border for a heating and air conditioning company. All in all, it was a nice visit with old friends. The bottle of wine I had brought was still quite full; only Israel, Marge, and I were drinking. Whatever was left I suppose they can use it for cooking or give it to Grandma’s peach tree. That tree of hers is full of fruit every year.

As we were departing I said to Elva that the next luncheon will be at her house in October, with Maria Martinez. I did not have to force the invite, she was quite insistent that we come to her place next. Hopefully, Elva can keep the crowd down a little for this visit. For Maria’s sake mainly.

We stopped over to say hello to Christina and found that she had her bible study group there. We quickly said our hellos and goodbyes and Marge promised her that she will receive an invitation to RB this summer.

Next we to Mario’s house. I wanted to see Montse and tell her about the youth group picnic in July. We will invite both her and Maria Eugenia, the other girl who is coming up to live with an American family. Montse was not home but her dad will relay our message. Don’t forget, my friend we will see you in August when Montse comes up to Michael and Denise’s home. “Oh, I cannot forget that date, Montse is busy studying English and the computer. She is very excited about this great adventure she will be taking.” Marge and I are just as excited as Mario and Lulu.

It had been a long time since we saw Don Nacho and so we stopped at his house next. The place was jumping with 165

grandchildren. Esthar, Nacho’s wife was there along with Nena the youngest girl, her kids, and surprise, surprise, Ofelia’s kids from Los Angeles. Her whole gang had moved north about two years ago. Oscar, 13, and Nancy, 10, came out to greet us. “Hi, David, hi, Margarita, how are you?” They were speaking English! And, good English at that. We were so excited we almost fall over with glee. Both of us made a huge deal about their English. “Sonia knows some English also, but she is too shy. “ Sonia will be 6 in August. I think they felt our pride and happiness with their accomplishment. What are you studying at school, Marge asked.” History, math, science, and English, and Spanish.” These two are proof that it does not take four to six years to learn English. I met the two not long after they moved to LA and they were still having difficulty assimilating. Those times were over.

One morning several weeks ago I told Marge about a dream that I had. I had met Oscar and Nancy at Nacho’s house and we were chatting along about their new life and their two aunts and cousins who live there when I suddenly realized they were speaking English. I was so happy and delighted for them and then I awoke. What is that old saw about dreams not coming true?

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