On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, we prance down the first steep hill to get to the neighboring squatter village.

Walk with me to see what it's like.

At the bottom, there's a Catholic church tempting you to sit under its shade, and a bakery tempting you with it's familiar, and unfamiliar, goods. 

To the right is a dead end just past the seminary, and to the left is the main road, lingering through the rest of the village.

But, a few steps forward and you're starting on my favorite street. 

This street, though really just a sidewalk, compared to all the others, has the most flowers planted alongside it, the most kids peering out of doors and windows, a more upbeat spirit, and the least amount of dog poop covering it. Maybe that's why I like it so much. 

My heart is so fond of the lives and the homes on this street, and I already know leaving it once and for all will be tough. 

Ida will wave at you from behind her flower pots on her porch to the left, with her gray hair braided and toothless mouth raised into a smile. Her garden lays to the right, containing all kinds of plants and remedies.

After walking past piles of cement, sand, and dog poop (it's everywhere) you'll find yourself carefully placing one foot in front of the other down the slope until you veer swiftly into Dina and Marvin's yard to the left.

If the plywood door is open, take off your shoes and step in. You'll be greeted with the wide brown eyes and chubby cheeks of baby Dinziel, and offered a seat immediately. Ezekiel, who's 4, will play with his toy cars at your feet, and Dina will break from her cleaning to sit on the floor, giggling more and more as you go into conversation. She's shy with her English, though she has no reason to be. If you go there on a Thursday, it's Marvin's day off from working in the appliance department at ShopWise, and he's happy to be home with his kids. 

I've folded laundry, eaten crackers, watched Insidious 2, and played many games of peek-a-boo in this house. 

When stepping back outside, take a look at the garden Dina's starting. The first time we met, she was sprinkling seeds into the dirt. Now springs a few flowers. 

By the time you leave Dina's, there's already a swarm of kids awaiting your embrace. Maybe Nicole and Micah grab your hands, little Sam stands a little hesitantly to the side, you won't know who's on your back until you set them down, and Byron may come running if he sees you coming.

Waddling with the kids hanging all over you and smothering you in kisses, you'll pass by Gigi and Dennis' house on the right. Card's are being dealt in the back, and sadly enough neighbors are gambling away what could be their children's dinner. You'll wave and smile, and hug the kids a little tighter, kissing them back and praying for them as you keep walking. 

Maybe there's someone perched on the bench beneath the shady tree, and if there is you'll sit on a rock and talk with them as Nicole does your hair, and the others fight to sit in your lap. 

On a good day, the kids will run off, only to bring you back Ice Candy. 

Just a little further down the road, Mae and her 6 year old son await with stretching smiles, eyes eager and bright. It makes my day to see that my company is making theirs :)

Mae is one of my dearest friends here. She is welcoming and generous, and speaks almost perfect English; a treat.

Taking off your shoes to leave at the door, you'll be welcomed into her humble home, to sit on her bright green vinyl couch. Make yourself comfortable, you might be there a while.

Mae might offer you slippers, or a green orange that tastes more like a lime. She'll ask you a million questions about America, stemming from her eagerness to visit. She'll encourage you to continue with school when you get back, ask you what you ate for breakfast, and will tell you you're beautiful. She loves the Lord, and it's easy to tell. 

Rem will sit on your lap, want to play catch in the middle of both the living room and conversation, and will smile the biggest smile you've ever seen anytime you want; always.

When you're ready to leave, Mae will politely walk you outside, and Rem will more than likely walk you to our own front door.

A giant hill stands in front of you, and now it's time to walk back up. Good thing the showers are cold.