Playin' for All the Bolis

Last evening we visited with some friends who live in a large apartment complex. We were relaxing, talking and enjoying watching the neighborhood kids play a vigorous game of kickball in the parking lot between the buildings. It brought to mind our childhood when the whole neighborhood played games after dark while the parents visited.


Kids being what they are ( I mean my friend Juan and I) we challenged them to a game, adults against the kids. The stakes? The losers buy bolis for the winners. They accepted with more than enthusiasm. Bolis are a frozen concoction in a bag (bolsa) about the size and shape of a pushup. They are made with milk, sugar, fruit and spices. They are really easy to make and quite delicious. A family in the neighborhood makes and sells them for 5 pesos each.


Donna, Juan's wife Norma and another lady joined the fray. A couple of Juan's young boys rounded out our team. After the coin toss, the game was on. After about 30 minutes of kicking, running, dodging the ball and laughing hilariously, not to mention the heat and humidity, our team emerged victorious, 14 to 5.


While in our minds we may feel like kids, and for a few moments we were, our bodies are telling us something altogether different. Can you say sore? Even so, we wouldn't change it if we could. We are really blessed by the relationships here and we are torn because of family and friends back home. We are looking so forward to our visit and yet missing it here already.