WE ALL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

January 21, 2016

A late Happy New Year to one and all!

Like many other cruisers, we find that La Paz has a certain charm and draw for many reasons.  The city is of a significant size, and therefore, we’re able to find various trades, chandleries and craftsmen when needed. Town is walking distance and lots of cruisers have vehicles for rides to farther out places.  It also has a great festive vibe around New Year’s, followed by the religious celebration, King’s Day January 6.

You might remember that last year Jim and I worked with Rotary International to help provide a King’s Day party at a local shelter.  This year their celebration was in December so we missed it.  However, we were soon tapped into the mover’s and shakers in Club Cruceros at Marina de La Paz and connected with some amazing cruisers to help support Mama Benita’s.

Mama Benita is an amazing woman who purchased a piece of property on the outskirts of town specifically to create a safe home for battered and abused women, abandoned children and a handful of physically and mentally challenged men.  Jim and I chose to give back to the locals again this year so we purchase toiletries for all 34 people living at Mama Benita’s rather than buying each other unnecessary presents.  Helping them was our gift to each other.

Jim and Tricia with 3 carts filled with hand sewn tote bags loaded with
toiletries for 34 people living under one room.  We also purchased huge
bags of laundry soap, bulk shampoo and five bags of fresh fruit, all
delivered to Mama Benita's on January 6.

With the support of the Quilter’s Club at the marina and a handful of other ex-pat’s living in La Paz we gave them a brief respite on January 6, King’s Day.  The Quilter’s Club also took all of Mama Benita’s kids shopping just before Christmas for new shoes that they each got to pick out. Terri and Sherleen said it was incredibly fun and rewarding watching the kids running around the store. The King’s Day pictures taken at Mama Benita’s speak for themselves.

Shirleen with special cakes, pizza, and juice set up
in the common area used for everything from
eating to homework and playing.

Terri and Journey (14 years) who helped make
it such a special day for everyone.

The 'family' dog wanted in on the act too!

Tricia helped sew the individual bags.  She and Journey passing them|
on to Jim "Santa" to give out to each person, both adults and kids.

Our good friend Linda Jones Neil (in orange) saw the value in helping
 Mama Benita.  She and husband John may become more involved this year.

The bags of diapers were almost bigger
than the child receiving hem.

They have one washer for everyone!  Here's
Teri with a cutie.

Mama Benita was overwhelmed with the flowers.

While Mama Benita’s was our main focus for a few days before and after Christmas, we also enjoyed a great New Year’s Eve potluck at Club Cruceros, which has a club house and patio area directly in front of Marina de La Paz.  The tremendous potluck started at 5:00 to celebrate New Year’s Eve, which was midnight at Greenwich, England.

Cruisers clustered around the potluck tables of tasty dishes.

We shared our table with a few other cruisers.

Over 100 people dined on a delicious selection of savoury dishes followed by some of the sweetest desserts and squares anywhere.  Tables and trees were decorated and twinkling candles added to the evening’s ambiance.  Jim and I were very full and headed back at Falcon by 7:00 p.m. Too early to turn in so we turned around and walked the Malecon to find delicious ice cream cones.  Great way to welcome in 2016!

Last Saturday Jim and I participated in the annual Club Cruceros Beach Party at La Costa Restaurant. About 100 cruisers participated in Crib (Trish chaired it), Baja Rummy, Mexican Train, Darts, and Bocce Ball, followed by an amazing baked goods auction. This fun day raised over 13,000 pesos to add to the Club’s charity kitty.

Very stressful bocce  ball tournament

One of many crib games underway

 We’re very pleased to let you know that the executive at Club Cruceros have voted to make Mama Benita’s one of their main charities for the foreseeable future.  We want to pass on a big thanks to local Jeanne Walker who is the tremendous and significant advocate for Mama Benita’s.  With her incredible support not only does the home have money to cover propane and electricity for the next year but they have become her family and she watches over them like a mother hen.  She takes time out of her busy schedule to cram as many kids as she can into her car to get them out to the beach, to cultural events and does her best to provide them with some ‘normalcy’.  Without her constant love, intuition and help we don’t know how they would survive as they receive very little help from any government.

Jim resting late afternoon on King's Day.  This beautiful picture,
created by Sergio, is plasticized and will be our lasting memento of
Mama Benita's home and those fortunate enough to live with her.

As we begin the new year we ask that each of you give thanks for what you have in your life and continue to give back to those less fortunate as you can.

Peace to you all.

Jim and Tricia Bowen
S/V Falcon VII
email: jandtbowen13@gmail.com