Mexico - Part 2 First Days of Our Visit

The first full day we were in Ajijic, we were introduced to Jeanne and Eric, friends of Terry. Jeanne is talented--a artist as well as a sewer.  One thing she does is make dresses for the girls at La Ola Casa Shelter for Abused and Abandoned Children. She was making a visit there that day and we asked to go along. Shelters like this in Mexico are not support by the government. They survive on donations. I'm watching the girls look at their new dresses with Jessie on my lap (pronounced Yessie)

Who couldn't fall in love with this little guy.  His smile lights a room. His name is Jesus (pronounced Hey-sus) but his nickname is Chuy. Since the women made dresses for the girls, we learned they also had four boys in the shelter so we stopped and purchased four outfits for the boys along with some games and candy for the children.

What a blessing that experience was. We were greeted when we arrived by a herd of cows, and they watched us leave.

On Saturday we went to the city of Zapanon to see the Basilica. It's a mammoth building that is beautiful. Connected is a wonderful museum called Huichol Museum which chronicles the Huichol Indians who lived in the area.  Descendants are still in the area and create gorgeous beaded items--bowls, wallets, necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. I couldn't resist and purchased a ring and some earrings.  They gorgeous.

We went inside the basilica while a mass was going on and stayed a while.  We were there for the offering so we made a donation. We don't see ornate churches like this in the U.S. although there are a few.Europe is filled with magnificent churches like this.



In the same square, we walked to the fountain that is the doorway into the basilica plaza. More to come later.