DAY 4 MAZATLAN & MORE

You know, this Cruise was really not so much about seeing and doing tons of stuff at the different ports.  With the kids in tow, we pretty much stuck to a one or two stop plan each time.  We went downtown to a Cathedral and then across the street to the main market area in the heart of the local district.  What an interesting experience.  It was such a great teaching time for the kids.  To really see first hand how well off we have it here in most of the United States.  We take so many things for granted.  My brother was reminded of the days he spent in Guatemala on his mission.  He said it was like walking down memory lane.  The poverty is so prevalent there.  As we exited our taxi we saw a middle aged man sitting on the dirty streetwalk.  He had no legs.  He had no wheelchair.  He just sat, with a mug in his hand, his head low, saying nothing.  Nothing at all.  As I started across the street, I turned back knowing that if Carson had seen him, he would not walk by with out stretching out his hand.  And sure enough he did.  That's just the kid of man he is.  It would have to be the one that really needed it.  Not just anyone.  Even though there were other down trodden people, even women with children on the streets as well.  This man was different.  So, I watched as he gently slipped a generous bill into the mans palm and took the time to looked him in the eye.  As Carson walked away, he didn't see as I watched the man look into his hand and flatten the bill.  He quickly looked up again as if in a split second he recalled what the meaning of HOPE meant.  When Carson caught up to me, I put my arm around him and said, Thank you.  Thank you.  His reply to me was that of offering a tightening of his arm also around me, and saying simply, there are those who just don't have the same opportunities that we do.  Those that will never have the chance to help themselves.   

Another great thing about this day was that our cousins Steph, Holly & Christine and our Aunt MaryKay were on a different cruise ship at the same time, going to the same ports.  We had tried to find a place we could catch up with one another, but it just never meshed.  Well today, we just 'happened' to run into the girls right outside the Cathedral.  Just as we walked out, they were standing there ready to go inside.  Hmm.  I just love those little co-inkidinks in life.  It was fun to see them there. 

We finished up at the marketplace with a few trinkets and Mexican candy for the kids of course.  Then set out to the ship once more.  The kids had a ball on the water slides the rest of the afternoon and then back to their Kids Zone.  Us adults?  Played games, hung out, slept, ate, read, etc.  Ahh!

 

    

 

BASICALLY, A GOLF CART FOR A TAXI.