few days late...I know!

First I would like to apologize for my lack of blogging the last three days! I have been uber busy and tired. My apologies, blog readers!

So lets pick up where I left off......

The day after my classes was great, I had a shopping day with Stephanie to gather things for the upcoming "Torta Tour". We started our journey @ walmart, then a local grocery store called Ley. I had decited to go with a philly cheese steak play on a torta. So we grabbed about a dozen peppers, some various cheeses for me to create a sauce with some chilies and fresh baked bread! (we were feeding 80) I was amazed because after all the food we grabbed the total was only about 40 bucks!

We went back to the house and had some down time and began preparations for the sandwiches.
We washed and cut all the vegg. Then lightly sauteed the peppers and onions and whipped up an ease sauce. (with some added chilies for a Mexican flare. lol) spicy!

We had about a dozen people involved in the food program here to aid in assembeling the tortas and it went smoothly, assembly line style. We did however run out of meat half way through but have no fear we ran to the store and purchased some more! About an hour later we had 80 tortas wrapped in plastic bags and ready to be distributed.

This is where things truly got exciting. The tortas we had prepared were headed to a local government ran hospital. There were tons of people laying on benches, sitting on the floor and crammed into hallways just waiting to be seen by a doctor. Andy explained to me that people in this area rarely receive health care and come to the hospitals when things are seriously wrong. It can sometimes take days and weeks to be seen so families will camp in or outside the hospital for as long as it takes. Sometimes going days without food. I was shocked and my heart was heavy. We all gathered outside the hospital and said a prayer before going inside.

The people were so amazing, little children and old and young all inside. They were so thankful to be getting a sandwich. The looks on their faces when they learned we were offering free hot sandwiches was priceless and humbling. I could have stayed at that hospital for days. Never before have I seen such patience, humility, gratitude and love in a strangers eyes. It made me realize just how good i have it and I will forever remember these moments and reflect upon this time.

When all the Tortas were gone we again gathered outside the hospital. We took some pictures and reflected on what we had done and again Andy explained a little about why it it so important to reach out and offer help to those in need.

I used my culinary skills in the best way I have ever used them.... I fed the hungry! What an amazing feeling. Thank God for the gifts he has given me and my ability to aid others and show his love.