Everyone is a-buzz about the upcoming 20th anniversary celebration at Esperanza. Guests are showing up as early as this Sunday, even though the celebration is on the 22nd. We stayed at the posada today to work in the garden. I never thought I would be pulling weeds, listening to reggae, and working on my tan in Tijuana. Later, we were charged with making a small stage for the speakers- well, the technicians made the stage and mi compañera and I painted it. I think it turned out well. I had another long talk with my supervisor after work today over a 12-pack of Sol (don't worry, we hardly made a dent in it). It is interesting to hear his perspectives about all of the changes going on in the foundation right now, both in the office and with the volunteers. He shares with me that all of the team is feeling the stress of the lack of volunteers, not only because we can do less work for the community, but because it could eventually threaten their positions or salaries. But he also has some insight into how the supervision could be improved and how the workers could be more efficient. We talked about my paisanos (country-men) and how they are afraid of the alleged violence in Tijuana. Ok, I'm not going to deny that there is violence and you do need to be alert and appropriate here. It is just difficult to believe that we could lose our patronage so quickly because of fear generated by the media and some government organizations. "Maybe they just don't want to come to Tijuana anymore, and the "violence" is just another reason to find a different service opportunity...I don't know. But I do know that we are scared that Esperanza will end." Let us not lose hope, que no perdamos esperanza.

I went jogging and now I am home. The roses are in full-bloom now and the birds are singing. I'm reading a great book: The Faith Revealed, by Tesse. I suggest it to any Christian or non-Christian interested in some simple explanations to great ideas of the Christian theology. It's quite peaceful here in La Gloria. On my jog I met a small herd of horses up on the hill, and I took a moment to just enjoy the beauty of the earth and sky and feel myself being present here. It was lovely.

May your heart know peace,

aly