This is Esther, Enock's wife with her niece. Esther has been a very good friend to me. The language barrier has been challenging between her and I, but even when you cannot communicate well with words, the spirit of love comes through loud and clear.
Esther drove straight to my house the minute she heard I came down ill. In fact, her sons came with her. With loving concern, they all were eager to check in on me. Esther brought with her one of Mexico's natural remedies to settle a volatile stomach and stop diarrhea. How well it worked I am still unsure due to the nature of my illness. I am not sure it is fair to judge it when trying to stop a strong case of dysentery. I'm certain I benefited from it's use. Here it is for you to try the next time one in your family comes down sick. She claimed that it serves as a instant plugger-upper.
1 heaping tablespoon of corn starch
2 fresh squeezed juice from lemons (small lemons)
1 small bottle of coca-cola (use of the caffeine, coffee can be substituted)
Take 2- 3 times in one day.
Natural remedies are widely used in Mexico. Medicine isn't as prevalent as in America and is very expensive for the people, most of which are very poor. As vinegar is valued in the US, lemon juice is in Mexico. Lupe is always telling me of how I can get rid of this problem or that with the use of lemon juice. It can be used to stop the mosquito itch, and it can be rubbed all over your skin to prevent the mosquito bite.
Mike stubbed his toe badly, it having swelled up more than twice it's natural size. Our neighbor across the street, Alahaundra, went to her yard to pick some Arnica leaves. She lovingly wrapped my husband's toe in fresh Arnica leaves and by morning all the swelling was gone. (I would have liked to have access to these leaves in great quantities when I badly sprang my ankle a few summers ago and it was swollen for months!) Later, I learned that I have an Arnica tree in my own back yard. It is an important plant for the Mexican people so everyone grows them. I'd love to be able to plant one in my yard at home.
Esther had not only given me the medicine that comforted my stomach but she delivered medicine that touched my soul. Her visit to help me in my hour of need was invaluable; she and one of her nieces also fully cleaned my messy house. The people continue to amaze me by their generosity, their positive attitudes, their readiness to help and just how happy they are. Most Mexican people live in challenging circumstances so it is obvious that their happiness isn't determined by these means. I pray this is what I can bring home from Mexico with us.
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