Where in the world is Lani?

We have enjoyed 3 lovely days here in La Serena, and yesterday we were humbled to hear the story of Maria - the lady that runs the hostel "Casa Maria" where we have been spending our time.

Maria was married young and had 2 sons to her husband, who ended up taking off with her best friend only a few years after her 2 sons were born. This left Maria on her own in La Serena with no work and no money. Maria worked hard selling fruit (figs & peaches she grew in her own yard) at the local markets to put both her sons through school for a good education. Her brother, Pancho, also supported her with his shoe making business - though she always struggled to make ends meet.

One day, whilst shopping at the supermarket, a yound Israeli traveller confronted Maria and, in desperation, asked if she had any room at her place for him to stay as all the rooms in the area were booked out. She invited the traveller back to stay in her humble home for a few days. Maria had a spare room set aside for her friends that would occasionally stay, so the Israeli traveller stayed in this room for a few days. Maria declined to take any money from the Israeli, opening up her humble home to him from her heart and taking him in as her son.

A few days turned into a few weeks and then 3 months, as the young Israeli loved spending time with Maria and her 2 sons who showed him everything to see & do in La Serena. Finally, the traveller had to move on - a very sad day for Maria & her family.

When cleaning his room, Maria found a large wad of money (probably our equivalent to a years salary) in his room with a note that read - "Mama Maria - thankyou for your kindness and opening your home & family up to me. You have a wonderful heart and kindness to travellers from all around the world."

Maria was shocked to find the money, and a few weeks later, was even more shocked to hear a knock at the door. "Casa Maria?" asked the travellers who showed Maria that her Casa had been recommended to them by the Israeli traveller. A few months later, her place started appearing in guidebooks and even made the lonely planet recommendation. Over the years, Maria used the money to buy beds & equipment & her 2 sons and Pancho have built lovely cabañas in the backyard so more travellers can stay. She takes great pride in her garden, and has created a sanctury for travellers from all over the world.

Maria had a tear in her eye when she recounted the story of the Israeli traveller who changed the course of her life. She still stays in touch with him after all these years! I have to admit that we all had a tear in our eyes when she told us her story! Maria still keeps her fruit trees and i enjoyed a plum and the last fig of the season when we arrived.

Today, Maria and her sons still run the hostel with the same kindness as when she opened up her house all those years ago. Her brother Pancho runs a leather shoe workshop from the house, selling shoes to guests & at the local markets. I´ve ordered a pair!

Thought you may enjoy the story,

Lani