I will introduce you to another of our communities named after São Joaquim – St. Joachim, Father of Mary. This is a very small community of about six families. After mass we had the opportunity of visiting one of the houses for “almoço” lunch. As poor as people are they are happy to have us call and visit and stay for a meal. For me it is a great way to get to visit and know our far away families, but I think if I was here 10 years I would only get to visit about half of them, since our visit to each community is only once a month.
Hen and Cat in the kitchen
All the houses, even the poorest, have verandas which are great for shade and a breeze on a hot day. These two youngsters were visiting their grannys house where we called for lunch, were eager to have their picture taken. The veranda is a great place to hang the hammock for a little siesta in the middle of the hot day.
L-R: The woman of the house, no man here, which sadly is not uncommon, student Vitalis, a grandson, Sister Renata, a granddaughter, all at the table. Despite the open kitchen it was very clean, which is hard work here in the rain during the wet season and in the dust during the dry season.
The roof of the house uses wooden slates. The look like stone but they in fact made of wood, weathered by the rain and sun.
The wooden church of São Joaquim and a few parishioners. (I wasn't playing the guitar I was only holding it for the sister who took the picture)
