I had the privilege of meeting and speaking at some length with David's partner Suzie this April, the day I endured the worst mud I have ever seen in four Caminos walking from Hospital de Orbigo.
Suzie is a wonderful, charming young woman originally from Australia. I watched as she cheerfully greeted all arriving pilgrims, usually in their own tongue, including a couple of small groups of Korean pilgrims, and in Korean. They were as surprised as me. I was stunned by her graceful presence and cheerfulness. She has an aura about her that is difficult to explain.
According to Suzie, she walked by Casa de los Dioses over a year ago, met David, and the rest is their story together. I think it is wonderful...ah young love...
David's "place" needed her touch. I told her that "I loved what she had done with the place..." It was never much, but is now so much the better for her presence and "touch." The meditation garden, surrounding adobe walls, and the young plants she carefully tends with their very limited water supply that is hand-toted from the neighboring village several kilometers away, is very alluring to pilgrims passing by. It is a place for quiet reflection and a convenient stopping point before reaching Astorga.
Both David and Suzie are truly "Camino Angels." I wish them a long, happy, and joyful life together.
If you are passing by, do stop in, enjoy their hospitality, make a donation to a very worthy cause. David now has a non-profit foundation that the Casa de los Dioses functions under. But all their income still comes from donations.
I asked Suzie about online funding capabilities, but according to Suzie, David avoids anything electronic. So, the drop box is their sole income source.
In that same vein, I also asked Suzie about about a solar electricity or hot water system, as one side of their "roof" faces perfectly south. Suzie explained again that, it is not using solar energy to heat water that was at issue, but converting it to electricity runs afoul of David's personal philosophy regarding all things electronic. I respect that. That is why electricity is never in the plan for the place, and the charter for the non-profit organization that control Casa de los Dioses includes that restriction.
However, according to Suzie, a water catchment system is in the works. THAT they definitely need.
I hope this is helpful.