The doorbell rang. I went to open the door and Saul was standing there wearing an orange shirt with jeans and orange "CA" shoes. "where did you get your inspiration for your outfit an orange?" "Wow I see you have jokes today? But good one" he laughed. "Here let me help you with that" "thanks" A chauffeur drove us down to the airport. When we got there security led us to Saul's private jet. We buckled our seat belts and got ready for take off.
"So have you been to Mexico before?" "No I haven't actually, I've definitely heard about it and seen pictures though"
"Okay well I'm sure you'll love it and I was thinking maybe after our volunteer work that you perhaps would want to go and visit my hometown in Jalisco?" "Of course but when will we be back home?" "Friday" "okay sounds good, but I'm kind of nervous now" "why?" "Well because I'm going to be meeting your family and I'm nervous to see how that all goes"
"I promise you, their is nothing to worry about. My family is super laid back and friendly, plus I kind of already told my mom that you are coming and she and everyone else are expecting you" I blushed. "Really oh my gosh" " you are so adorable when you blush" I blushed some more and looked out the window. It wasn't a long plane ride, we landed at the Acapulco airport shortly after. From there we took a helicopter to the area were we were going to volunteer. When we arrived my heart sunk.
Houses completely destroyed. Little kids crying, mothers frustrated and in distress. It was something I prayed I didn't have to experience ever again. There was a crowd forming around a truck that arrived with stacks of what seemed to be food and water. Some one handed Saul a microphone and he was explaining to everyone what the game plan was.
Once he finished his speed everyone got to work. He grabbed a shovel and so did I and we began to do our share of the job. After a long day of work, a car came to pick us up and take us to a small local family owned hotel. The car ride was very silent and kinda awkward to be honest. I think it must've been the exhaustion. Once we got to the hotel he checked us in and took my luggage to my room. "Thanks for helping with my stuff" He seemed to be in a rush. "No problem well relax and have a goodnight we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow." "Saul wait...." I took his hand and saw a big cut across it.
"When did this happen?" "Look don't worry about it it's just a small cut" "no it's not come inside and sit let me get you some hydrogen peroxide and something to wrap your hand with" I went down and asked the receptionist if she had a first aid kit but she didn't. She told me they sold some at the little corner store across from the hotel.
It was dark and kinda creepy outside. I was debating on wether to go or not but if I didn't Saul's cut would get infected and that would bring a whole array of problems. I walked over to the store and pointed to what I needed since I didn't know much Spanish. I paid for my things and walked back to the hotel. Right before I got to the entrance some creepy guy whistled and started coming towards me. I ran inside and didn't look back.
I immediately got to work on Saul's hand. I sanitized it well and wrapped it with gauze. "There we go, all done" "thanks you know you didn't have to do that" "oh I know but I wanted to" I smiled. "Also the lady at the front didn't have a first aid kit so I went down the street to buy the supplies and there was this creepy guy that whistled and started following, I was scared but I made it' "Jamie you did not just tell me you went out alone. Don't ever do that again, especially at night. If you ever need to go out please tell me first. It can be dangerous out in these streets but I appreciate what you did" "sorry I was desperate to help" "I know thank you just remember what I said" "okay will do so here take the rest of the gauze, If you take a shower make sure to change it. If you need help come over to my room and I will help you with it okay?" I handed him the remaining gauze and hydrogen peroxide. "Thanks I'll remember that. So I'll let you rest" "yeah don't mention it, goodnight" He gave me a quick hug before leaving. I took a shower and went straight to bed.
The next two days went by quick. We worked really hard on helping the town get back up and of course we didn't finish in three days but managed to do all that we could. Saul hired a team of construction workers to help rebuild what needed to be rebuilt. Before we left we handed out more food and clean water to the families around. I'll never forget those smiling faces and happy tears,
It broke my heart seeing all those families affected not only by the natural disaster but by poverty as well. I had to take a second to thank god on how blessed I was. Right before me and Saul got in the truck a group of little kids came rushing to give me some drawings they had drawn "te amamos Jamie." I got teary eyed for like the 20th time today. I thanked them with my terrible Spanish and hugged them all. I kissed each and everyone one of them goodbye and finally got back in the vehicle.
I waved goodbye and wiped away my tears. "are you okay?" "Yeah it just makes me sad because they're just kids and the shouldn't have to go through all that" Saul gave me a reassuring smile and wrapped his arms around me. It was time to head back to the hotel and pack our belongings. Our next destination was Guadalajara, Jalisco to visit Saul's family and boy was I nervous.
