Day 18

Day 18 started off extremely early. I had to wake up early to remove all the seats from the van in order to haul the lumber across the border after mass. Mass was good, but again I woke up with an excruciating headache. I´m not sure what is causing them now, but I hope it subsides soon.

The trip across and back was an experience in itself. Although I didn´t know all that was being said, I know it took quite a bit of wheelin and dealin to get the go ahead to cross the materials cost free. Madre Heno was with us and that helped a great deal. I feel very lucky to have gone through the experience though. I saw parts of the internal offices that very few people will ever see. The culture here is very different as far as the law goes. Any rule can be bent as long as the protector of the rule sees it fit. Today was our day - we got the go ahead for all the material.

We crossed into Laredo, picked up the material at what ended up being a few different places, and headed back. Initially we were told we would have to pay $100 fee, but Madre Heno took care of that and we were sent through for free. Once back it was obvious it was going to rain. That meant unloading (the back doors of the van wouldn´t close with the lumber in), securing from the rain, and a bit of time to relax and enjoy the cool weather.

I have been asking Ephrian if he would let me take him out to dinner for a while now and we finally got a chance today. After dropping Madre Ester off at the bus station for her 12 hour trip home, we took him to a rather nice restaurant called ¨El Rancho.¨ The trip there was anything but easy. Here in this part of Mexico they don´t have something we take for granted in the US - drainage. The entire city was underwater from an hour of modest rain. It had to be one of the single most odd things I have ever seen. I cannot even imagine what it looked like the few days it was pouring nonstop. So, next time it rains where you are, stop and look at how lucky we are to have well thought out drainage systems. Here everything settles into the low spots, most of which are the streets.

We enjoyed some amazing food and some amazing Mariachi music at El Rancho. It was a lot of fun hanging out with Ephrian away from the work atmosphere. We spent quite a bit of time there so it is now very late and must get to bed for an early work day in la mañana.

I wish everyone could taste the tacos I had tonight.