Volunteer Life Stories

Two Hour Lunch by Janet Espinosa

I so enjoyed lunch today that I just had to write about it. As is typical on Monday now that school has started, I left with Adonis on his motorcycle after the morning session ended. We went to Moca where his mom already had lunch fixed for us.

Adonis, Lisbeth (his daughter), and I sat down to eat while his mother prepared to go to work. She is a manicurist. As is typical of the lunches (think main meal of the day) that I have there at least once a week she fixed rice, beans (almost like pea soup), potatoes with egg, and avocado. It was delicious. I think there was also chicken, but since I don’t eat meat I didn’t pay much attention. I had made cookies on Sunday, so I brought some for all of us for dessert.

Lisbeth and I washed and dried the dishes and then sat outside where there was a slight breeze. Just sitting and talking is a very relaxing way to spend time after eating. Then the rain began like a light shower but soon turned into a downpour. We moved the rocking chairs inside and listened to the rain on the tin roof.

We spent the next hour listening to CDs of music, some in English and some in Spanish. Adonis danced with his daughter and in other ways showed fatherly affection. Lisbeth played with my motorcycle helmet and then decided to brush and comb my short hair. She was having fun and I always like to have my head massaged. We also took a few photos while we were laughing and talking. When the rain let up a little, Adonis took his daughter to the sitter and I walked to his shop where I used the internet before going back to Higuerito.

It doesn’t sound like much, but I very much enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and wonderful company.