Today Joan, Sophie and I helped the kindergarten teacher and parents prepare tamales to sell for a special food festival this afternoon and tomorrow. The money raised will be used to construct a special kinder play area behind the classroom with a garden where the children can safely play. Our job was to wash the large plantain leaves that the tamales will be wrapped it. Then, we cut the large veins of the leaves to make the leaves easier to fold. We had to leave right after the interior mass (massa) was put to boil. Next, more ingredients will be added, left to cook over an open outside stove for an hour, and then once it cools, wrap the mass in the plantain leaves and let the tamales cook a while longer.

During this process, we had great conversations with Gretel’s mother-in-law who is the tamale expert. While she complained that she really wanted 15 packets of chicken seasoning instead of the 12 we had, she thought it might turn out ok. She told us how most of the houses around the school where owned by Palma Tica and that many people had actually grown-up and lived their whole lives in Damas. She also proudly posed with the massa declaring herself the best cook which everyone agreed, is true.

We also had a nice conversation with Don Pedro who is the school’s caretaker. He is 70 years old, but looks young and moves quickly and gracefully. He explained that although he is compensated a little for his bus fare (he lives nearby), he volunteers his time to keep busy. I liked his sentiment that everyone has something to offer, and his is performing errands and doing general handiwork to make the community better. I think the GVI volunteers also have special talents that we offer to the community though English instruction, cultural exchange in the classroom, and supporting kindergarten classes.

What a fun way to end the day! If we are lucky, there may be some tamales left over tomorrow!