FRIJ0LITOS DE DIOS, LITTLE BEANS FROM GOD

These children followed us to the Jeep for blankets and beans.

It's difficult for many people to understand how important beans are as a basic food in many countries including Mexico.  So having heard another report of bad weather on the way, we took blankets and bags of beans to Nuevo Progreso.  We left them in the Jeep and threaded our way through the crowded vendors lining the sidewalk.  Almost immediately we met some people selling things among the many tourists.  One family member was selling bags of nopales, edible chopped cactus leaves; and the other was selling chewing gum.  Their children followed along laughing and talking and playing.

Rather than purchase their wares, we offered them food and blankets if they would follow us back to the Jeep.  Instantly they were our new best friends!  The little girl held tightly to my hand and talked rapidly in Spanish.  The little boy repeated her words while he tried to make his way through the people.  The two mothers who turned out to be cousins, told us their names and where they live.  We walked hand in hand the long block back to the Jeep, greatly enjoying each other's company.

After giving them several blankets and the bags of food, one of the women suddenly exclaimed that she recognized the Jeep and knew us.  Her mother Nacia who passed away last May, was one of our friends.  With tears in her eyes, Juanita thanked us for the many times we gave Nacia a ride when we saw her walking the long road home.  For several moments we shared our memories of Nacia on the busy street corner.  And we made new friends who will watch and wait for us in Nuevo Progreso.

Later we met another old friend whose name is Abram.  An elderly gentleman, Abram helps tourists find parking places along the street.  When we handed him a bag of beans he said happily, "Ah, frijolitos!"  (Little beans!)  "Yes," we replied.  "Frijolitos de Dios!"  (Little beans from God!)

Nacia, who passed away one year ago, loved to ride in our Jeep.

Loaded down with warm blankets and bags of beans, these children became our new best friends!