Changa

Changa is my pastry assistant.  His real name is Emilo, but many of the Mexican bakers have nick names and Emilo actually prefers to be called by his.  He has this name embroidered on his work shirt, by his choice.  Changa has been in the USA for over 10 years.  He does not speak English and he has no intention to.  He is about 40 years old, single, no children.  He is one of 10 children.  His mother died many years ago, but his father still lives in the puebla of Ixtlico El Grande where Changa lived until he came to the USA.  Changa crossed the border by walking, paying coyotes about $2000 USD to guide him across desert terrain for two days and two nights.  He does not have much education, so when I began to train him to make pastries, fractions were difficult for him to understand.  He also had never used a measuring cup or measuring spoons.

He seems like an asexual being.  I do not see him watching women or men with any sexual interest.  I do not feel any awkward moments when I must press behind him to get to something I need or when he holds my arm to look at a new bruise or burn.  He once told me he wanted to marry and have children, but he seems to have no motivation, or perhaps it is confidence, though he can be very stubborn and sure of some of his beliefs and views.  He told me today that he did not think he would stay here much longer.  He has not been home for many years and he would like to see his father and family again.  The border crossings are seen as too dangerous to try again, so he does not believe he will return.  I do not know if he will really go, as he has said this before, then changed his mind.  I do not know what I believe would be for the best as he has no work in Mexico and has been recently diagnosed with diabetes.