Yesterday I mentioned how the hurricane caused damage to some of the buildings along the shoreline in Barra de Navidad. Last night we saw some of the workers building retaining walls, pouring concrete, etc., but they were doing it without the benefit of a pump or a concrete mixing truck to facilitate the work. Instead the men had a small machine that mixed the concrete and then they carried it by the bucketful to the backhoe which in turn put it where it was needed. Backbreaking labor to say the least.
Last night when I saw them working so hard I thought I surely must bring them a pie. This morning I put together a chocolate peanut butter pie and placed it in the fridge to set. Then we took a launch to the island across from Barra de Navidad so that we could explore the island.
Being on that island – especially on the side of the island with the Grand Bay Hotel is in a way surreal. There is so much money invested in the hotel while a short boat ride away there is a great need for that capital infusion. The word “opulence” only begins to describe it. We took a few photos.
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When we got back to our apartment, I quickly added melted chocolate to the top of the pie and popped it into the freezer to set up quickly. After a much-needed shower we took the pie to the men who were working on a hotel property by the shore. We waited until the cement mixer stopped and then I approached them with my pie. I told them I’d been making pies and giving them away for 300 days… and then I thanked them for their work and told them I appreciated their efforts. While most of the men looked on in what I assume was confusion, one of the men spoke English and thanked me. I handed him the pie and some forks and plates and we said goodbye before they saw me crying. How can something as simple as giving a pie feel so overwhelming?
Presenting the pie to the men working at the construction site.
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work. ~Thomas Edison
Presenting the pie to the workers
Pie a Day Give Away 
How wonderful! You are making this world a better place!
Connie,
It is hard to say if that is true, but I cannot tell you how much I hope that I have an impact. Can you imagine the men at home saying to their families, “Yeah we were taking a break and this lady stopped by to give us this thing she called a pie. It was pretty strange but she seemed alright so we ate it. Not bad for an American!”
Dear Karen,
I just started reading your blog yesterday! I am so inspired! You Rock! I wish I would have begun the journey with you from the start! Gary is loving it, too! Oh well…we will just start from the beginning now! Bless your heart for listening to that “voice” in the middle of the night. I have turned my back on it way too many times! You go Girl! Your blog is so well done – great recipes, great stories, perfect logo and so much love! Many thanks for your inspiration and your generous heart! So grateful to know you.
Teddi
Teddy,
Thank you for finding me! it has been an incredible year and this week in Mexico is such a gift for us that pies had to be a part of it. Thanks for all of your work at the MFC; I know that Emile appreciates the help!
ttfn,
Karen