Día Tres

We started the day off being freely welcomed into Fr. Rudy’s church for Mass. It’s an amazing experience to be able to celebrate Mass in another culture, although we could not understand everything that was being said, we all gathered together to give thanks to God. After another wonderful lunch from our cooks we finally set out to see the community of Playa de Oro. The overwhelming welcome we got from the people was beautiful. We joined in a community celebration full of games, piñatas, snacks, hugs and giggles. I think Mike has summed up the overall feeling from today in what he had to say below...

I am currently on my 3rd trip to Playa de Oro. The main project that I’m involved in is the water project. I hate to admit it but when I first came down here I wasn’t really that interested in the people as much as I was the water project. I was smug and arrogant thinking “I’m going to rescue these people” but they ended up rescuing me. They reminded me how to be happy by not being so stressed and worried about the next task or material thing I am striving for but to slow down and focus on the person in front of me. In the US people have material wealth but everyone tries to avoid one another. In Playa de Oro it is the opposite, they have almost no material wealth but have so much love for each other and even foreign strangers. I’ve never once felt the awkward feeling that you normally get around a group of people that you don’t know. Everyone makes you feel like you’ve been friends for your whole lives. It’s difficult to even explain. We don’t speak the same language, but we really do. The men want to shake my hand, the women smile and wave, and the children give out hugs. Without even saying a word they helped me to see what is really important... the happiest and nicest people I’ve ever met have nothing except God, their families, and their friends. Since I’ve gotten back from my first trip down here I’ve meditated a lot. It has changed my life for the better in ways that nothing else has. I truly believe that everyone should experience this place. -Mike Wagner (3rd trip)