Creating community, sharing, loving… isn’t that what life’s about?
As I travel to my ‘other’ home for the summer I’m reminded of how much I adore all my communities of friends and family. Love of community inspires my life!
When Chris and I decided to take a sabbatical in small-town Mexico, we had many ideas of what we’d do with our time; what we desired most was to live among the locals.
How we thought we’d spend our time.
What we’ve come to realize is that locals doesn’t necessarily mean Mexican nationals although that was definitely our original intent. We’re blessed to say that many of our friends were born and raised in Mexico and we cherish sharing meals (and recipes), our different traditions and so much more.
This video of us playing with our Mexican friends; family really, warms my heart.
There’s music… always music.
Sometimes it feels like we’re in summer camp. Mike and Kat create so much fun for us all.
Another kind of local, an expat or expatriate, defined as someone residing in a country other than that of their citizenship, creates a community that is vibrant! With friends from all over the globe; Germany, Estonia, Venezuela, Wales, England, Scotland, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, France, Austria and of course USA and Canada conversations take all sorts of wonderful turns. We’re a united bunch who, mostly due to our similar bold move to another land, contribute to our community. Whether by simply eating out and buying locally or taking great strides to make a difference, the people of La Cruz, in general, benefit. A friend who has lived here her entire life told me that when the ‘expats’ started arriving locals had more job options. She also said that her friends liked meeting others from around the world. I respect how hard they work to learn English; which as I struggle to learn Spanish means the world to me!
Fundraiser for Amigos de La Cruz
Christmas at Philo’s where a specific few with the help of many purchase gifts for the children. Then a community potluck serves us all.
Canadian Thanksgiving with our ‘expat friends’, locals of La Cruz.
There are so many ways folks help others. Recently there were two impressive community initiatives that warmed my heart and are typical of our La Cruz’ers.
A sweet young girl, Allison, needed a heart operation, and then another and then another. This tiny eight-year-old had three heart surgeries in less than six months. Of course, the family had medical expenses but her parents also needed to be with her and have taken time from work and hence there is no money coming in. The people of La Cruz, led by Mandy of Britannia pub and others, got together and had not one but two fundraisers. Folks donated and bought auction items, others baked and sold their goods for the cause. Bands donated their time and so much more. Little Allison is recovering now.
There are those who give by supporting others, in this instance, kids in the summer. Amigos de la Cruz put on a summer program for kids led by Joan Gil and Mayra Franco, who along with a great staff made summer fun for 65 students ages 4 to 14.
Videos of summer school here and here and here and here
Always, when needed, folks come together to lend a hand; nationals and expats. Together we’ve raised money and/or helped with:
- Hospice for those in need.
- Medical needs of many.
- Cleaning our streets.
- Recycling program.
- Local schools.
- Seniors needs.
- Orphanages.
Then there are the fun times, which often have a fundraising component, where locals support Amigos de La Cruz to raise money. For a full list of this season’s activities (subject to change) go to the Amigos de La Cruz website: http://www.amigoslacruz.org/
The ‘community’ goes far further than our locals. Guests/tourists to the area are so inspired they;
- Have fundraisers in their hometowns bringing the money they raise back here to support their fave cause.
- Bring suitcases of art materials, clothes, baby blankets (often home-made) to share with those in need in our little town.
- I’ve seen guests buy food for others and just hand folks money.
- Tipping, of course, goes very far to sereve the workers as well.
SO much LOVE going around, oh how I love that!
The photo introducing this post is from a fundraiser, sadly, for a friend who has now passed on. Read that post here:
Last week my hubby and I took part in the ‘Diner en blanc’ in Vancouver where 6500+ people got together for Canada’s largest picnic, ever. Getting folks to not only dress ‘head to toe’ in white but to bring all necessary picnic items including table, chairs and table setting… talk about community! It got me very excited about a top-secret (for now) event in La Cruz that will rival that experience. Watch the calendar http://www.amigoslacruz.org/calendar
So, if you ever wonder about living in La Cruz; imagine expats building community by sharing traditions from many lands… doing good for all; usually with live music, dancing and great food!
The next GREAT Cause on September 17th, 2016:
Join us to help keep our oceans safe from trash that washes off shore during the summer rain including trash washed up on shore from currents and tides. Meet at the Marina Poolside Deli 9:30am to sign up get a bag & gloves to collect trash along the ” Centro de Biologia ” beach which runs from Eva Mandarina Beach Club to Las Palapas Beach Restaurant including the arroyo that generates trash from further inland. Please wear protective clothing from the sun, sun block, hats, pick-up sticks for trash (optional) & comfortable shoes. The Poolside Deli will supply free water to the volunteers. I still encourage you to bring your own drinking water or juice in a portable thermos. Hope you can help .
“There is hardly a more gracious gift that we can offer somebody than to accept them fully, to love them almost despite themselves.” ~ Elizabeth Gilbert
A friend reminded me that I wrote another article on community… way back when. You can read that here.
…mucho gracias Cindy…la Cruz does have a great sense of community❤️…one of the many reasons why love it😎😎🌴☀️
Such a blessing to be sure!! Thanks for your comment. See you soon!