The stated missions of The Mexican Connection are to educate RVer’s in the nuances of Mexican travel and to dispel several of the myths that are involved with it.
Lets discuss safety, the true fact is that the towns on the border are the marshaling points for the bad guys that want to bring misery into the United States. Unfortunately for those towns we do not stop and spend our resources there. We know several folks who do shopping for pharmaceuticals, dental work and other good during the daylight hours when there is a high level of security in evidence.
Prohibited Items: This is real simple, no drugs and no guns or ammunition. Possession of either of these will deem you guilty of violation of the law and you will go directly to jail, no trial required. The Mexican system of the Napoleonic Law system requires the defendant to prove his innocence, very upside down from U.S.A. If you are busted, Uncle Sam is not inclined to help you, he’s trying to keep that stuff out of the country.
After all that dry dialog, I think it is time for a light lunch. No photo trick here, this shrimp cocktail is in a huge stein and full of good size shrimp that are swimming is salsa. The Bloody Mary has a secrete ingredient revealed here for the first time: A splash of Margareta mix, which gives a delightful hit of citrus.
Simple cars are the rule here. VW bugs are cheap and don’t over heat. Giving a 10mm wrench and a claw hammer that are easy to repair also!
Back to the Title; Charity. This is a 3rd world country with all the needs that come with it. There is very little state funding for the welfare needs. The Mexican Connection usually looks for opportunities in supporting the needs of the children via gifts of good and money to the local orphanages and schools. Anne-Marie and I were one of the 4 couples that served on this committee. The first item on our agenda is to visit the local candidates, there tend to be faith based organizations that receive the majority of their funds from Church Groups in the States. That being said, we are very diligent in assuring that any gifts go to organizations with 501c organizations in the States which have recognized corporations with boards of directors and attending audit trails.
Our 1st stop was at Casa de Fe-. (www.casadefesf.com) It was started by Bill Spradlin, the taller American fellow in the right picture, wearing sun sunglasses {Our buddy Charlie Schaffer in the front seems to have picked up a toddler to take home!}. They have a home about 3,000 sq. ft. in which they house about 12 children infant to 11 years old. He and his Mexican Wife have another volunteer local couple that run this very active house. The primary need they have is money. Giving them $100 worth of food is a wonderful gesture, giving them $100 will probably supply $300 worth of local supplied food. We often here this as we also heard in the States. DO NOT BUY FOOD FOR THE FOOD BANK, GIVE THEM CASH SO THEY CAN GET VOLUME DISCOUNT.
Our next stop was at Sonshine Hacienda, (www.sonshinehacienda.org). The founders, Rev. Gary and Karen Lewis have many years running non profits in San Salvador and Mexico. I was very impressed with his ‘Business Plan’ and the progress they have made it it’s implementation. They take children with needs into their modern 20,000 sg/ft facility and fill their material, spiritual and educational needs. They have several students in High school and 3 in college! In addition to monetary needs, they are rather desperate for used laptops for the older students. If you have one please consider giving it to this great cause, Details through me or on their website.
As you can see, the sun is coming up here at 6:15am P.S.T. This is the view out of our camper window, hope it will warm up our friends in Connecticut who are spending the weekend digging out.
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