8th Cruz del Palmar community meeting, 14 de julio del 2010
Where: Cruz del Palmar, casa de Domitilia
When: Wed, July 14, 11 a.m.
Who: Chela and Holly and Saul Juarez (Cedesa), 36 people including a number of children. 20 people from the first phase, 5 from the 7 families added in June, 5 new people (see list at end of this report).
Mere Banca was designated as coordinator of the assembly, Ana Laura took roll and added new people to the roll. Saul was introduced as a new promoter in the region. Chela asked the new people why they came to the meeting. Josefina said they want to cisterns in order to have clean water to drink and for cooking; Angela said they don’t want to have to buy water in garrafones. Holly mentioned that there is also a social objective, to work in presta-fuerza groups, to encourage community development and values. Ismael said he thought the idea was to have a good environment to work in, to help each other and his wife Catalina said that she wanted to participate but she was pregnant with the small baby she held – she participated in the training at the school but couldn’t continue.
Chela asked if the people in the meeting knew each other, and people said that now they know each other by sight if not by name. All but a few are from the upper part of Cruz [where there are more problems with the supply of water]. Chela noted that in large communities (comunidades, often translated “villages”) like Cruz there is less convivencia, less personal relationships between neighbors, like in cities.
Ana Laura and her aunt said that the people in Cruz are more friendly than in cities (they are from Irapuato). Mere said her daughters-in-law are from other communities (villages) and they consider Cruz to be a city (it is the second largest town in the municipality of San Miguel).
Chela explained how Yolanda, Lucia and Tere visited assemblies at Los Torres for several months before we started visiting Cruz del Palmar, and she asked Holly to explain how the Rotary grant was made. Holly explained that 50 cisterns had been approved for a Rotary project in a suburb of the city of San Miguel at the beginning of this year, but the people there were unable to make the commitment to work in mutual-aid groups, so the funds for the 50 cisterns got divided between Cruz del Palmar and Vivienda de Arriba. Saul explained the process at Capaderillo; how he first visited assemblies at Los Torres, then Vivienda de Arriba and how CEDESA and Rotary applied for a grant from the Fondo Verde, which was approved in May but the money was not available until a week ago. They are planning to have the training next week and start construction on family cisterns the week after. Holly emphasized that the fund-raising process takes several months, that the Rotary deadline for Nov-Dec projects is already past, that people who want to participate in a possible Phase II will need to help us to put together applications to other sources, such as Desarrollo Social (municipal department of Social Development) or SAPASMA (San Miguel water utility).
The conversation then turned to other projects that can be implemented without the outside funds, such as traspatio design (backyard gardens). Chela asked how many people grow nopal in their yards, and nearly all said they have nopal but not all of them use it for food. Chela emphasized the importance of growing your own food, especially native plants like nopal which is very healthy. She asked how many people had vegetable gardens, and a few raised their hands; and one family has a farmacia viva (medicinal plants). Chela talked about rescuing the knowledge of our grandmothers, how to cure ourselves and not get sick, as opposed to depending on the clinic and doctors and expensive packaged medicine. She said people in the country are fortunate to have space in which to grow food all year round, and not eat food like Maruchan (instant noodles), which is full of artificial flavors and preservatives.
Wenceslada said that she used to grow vegetables, but her children wouldn’t eat them, they like junk food. Yolanda agreed, her children don’t like vegetables. Saul said it is important to get kids accustomed to eating vegetables from a young age, his 2-year old son likes fruit and vegetables and he doesn’t let him eat junk food. Chela said that if kids see their parents eating well and drinking fresh juice instead of refrescos (bottled sodas), we can escape the trap of eating and drinking what they sell to us instead of what we produce. Also now people are growing dependent upon government programs that provide cash to buy food, but what will happen when there is no more government money? People in rural communities have the possibility of growing their own food instead of buying it, so can be less dependent and more autonomous. That is what we call food sovereignty.
Chela said that CEDESA is teaching traspatio design (how to make plant beds, use less water) in Los Torres and Montecillo, and if Cruz is interested, can start a workshop here. Many people said they are interested in learning how to grow vegetables and medicinal plants in their yards, also nopal all year round.
Moving to the subject of the cisterns, we then reviewed the progress of the mutual-aid groups.
Group 1 – all the cisterns are finished and connected, and all but one of them is filling up with rainwater (there are problems with the connections)
Group 2 – three are done and collecting water, but one lacks the tubing.
Group 3 – ten are more-or-less working; one lacks the “cap” and several lack waterproofing paint and tubes.
Group 4 – five are done and collecting water, two need to be connected to the roof.
Group 5 – (split off from group 2) – two are done and working
In total, 22 are done and 5 are to be finished and/or connected. Mere said that the tubes are too small for the amount of rain that is falling on the laminas, the water doesn’t enter. Others agreed that the water is backing up and only a small part of it enters the cistern. Chela said that they need to contact their asesor (consultant – Rafael Cruz) to solve these problems.
The list of families that want cisterns in Phase II are:
1. Hermelinda Ramirez (rotoplas?)
2. Maria Dolores Ramirez Botello
3. Teresa Salazar
4. Adriana Patlan
5. Laura Ramirez Enfante
6. Catalina Melendez
7. Angeles Ramirez
8. Ismael Mendez
9. Josefina Ramirez
10. Emma Susana Orduña
11. Amada for Ana Olivia Torres
The first six people have attended a previous community meeting; the last five are attending for the first time. Chela emphasized that it is necessary that people participate in the meetings as a condition for receiving a cistern.
The next meeting will be Wednesday, August 11 at 11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Report 6 Capaderillo assembly, 14 de julio del 2010
Report 6 Capaderillo assembly, 14 de julio del 2010
Where: Capaderillo primary school
When: Wed, July 14, 3 p.m.
Who: Chela and Holly and Saul Juarez (Cedesa), 35 people from Capaderillo, 29 from Viviendilla (aka Vivienda de Abajo or Vivienda Urbana), 4 from Presita de Santa Rosa and 2 from Rincon de Canal (on the road to Celaya)
Saul was selected as coordinator of the assembly and Elvia took roll. Of the Capaderillo Phase I people, three were missing, with excuses – Noema is working, Yolanda is planting, Ofelia is sick.
Emma announced that she came to this assembly to see if she could get re-instated in the project – she was removed from Group 1 because she did not attend the last assembly and did not send any excuse. She admits that she simply forgot but she wants to participate in the project and promises to attend the meetings or send a representative or a reason when she is not able to attend. Chela asked the assembly what they should do, since Joel was voted to take Emma’s place during the last assembly.
After some discussion, it was decided to let Emma back into the project since she was present at the first two assemblies, and put Joel first on the waiting list (Phase II). Holly said that Laura is making a Rotary application for Capaderillo Phase II, so unlike other communities that do not yet have funding for Phase I or Phase II, there are funds for Capaderillo/Viviendilla Phase II. [NOTE: On the second day of training, July 20, one person dropped out of her group – Marisela – so Joel was re-instated in her place].
The list for Capaderillo II (mostly Viviendilla):
1. Beatriz Alvarado Soria
2. Petra Ramirez
3. Puebla Morales
4. Maria Salud Ramirez Bautista
5. Maria Luisa Valdez Luna
6. Francisca Bautista
7. Imelda Ramirez Arriega
8. Isidra Ramirez Ramirez
9. Maria Elisa Ramirez
10. Rosa Ramirez Rivera
11. Amalia Petra Ramirez
12. Maria Guadalupe Ramirez Ramirez
13. Maria Isabel Valenzuela
14. Eusedia Hernandez Ramirez
15. Fedronia Hermandez Ramirez
16. Jaqueline Perez Herrera
17. Aurea Fabiola Valdez Ramirez
18. Maria Catalina de la Luz Hernandez
19. Berenicia Apoderado Ramirez
20. Silvia Ramirez Bautista
21. Cristina Hernandez Ramirez
22. Maria Luisa Luna Cruz
23. Concepcion Ramirez Ramirez
24. Maria de los Angeles Ramirez Ramirez
25. Juana Gonzales Maya
26. Maria Soledad Ramirez Patlan
27. Maria Lorena Reyes
Others present:
Presita de Santa Rosa (4 people, one has a daughter in Vivienda de Arriba – we told them to come to the Capaderillo assembly because it is closer). See info on the community in Vivienda de Arriba report.
Rincon de Canal (2 people) – next to Estancia de Canal, on the highway to Celaya. 20 families. They have to buy pipas (water trucks) or garrafones (jugs). Chela explained that CEDESA is located in Dolores Hidalgo and has been working in the region between San Miguel and Dolores; we will need to discuss with Rotary the question of expanding the projects outside of this region. We are very short on personnel.
Discussion then turned to the training, which the assembly decided to start on Monday, July 19. They will work from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. [NOTE: because of rains, work was cut short several days and the two school cisterns were not finished until Friday, July 23]. Holly phoned Alejandra of Talego to advise that all materials for 2 cisterns should be delivered before the weekend. A list was drawn up dividing the mutual-aid teams into two groups for training. [NOTE: Miguel Cruz will not be asesor for Capderillo since he was offered another job, Guillermo and Juan Alvarado are working, so a new asesor, Gerardo Gonzales, will take Miguel’s place).
Training group 1 (Gerardo)
Group 1 – Cruz, Saul, Enedina, Elvia, Emma, Reynalda
Group 2 – Timoteo, Estelo, Ma. Concepcion, Julia, Luz, Elena
Group 3 – Consuelo, Margarita, Juana V., Cristina, Ma. Guadalupe, Remedios
Training group 2 (Rafael)
Group 4 – Carolina, Lucia, Adriana, Nicolasa, Francisca, Marino
Group 5 – Juana A., Lucia, Hermelinda, Lilia, Martina, Noema, Joel*
Group 6 – Eva, Juana R., Marina, Alicia, Francisca G., Herminia, Salud*
NOTE: As of the second day of training, July 20, Joel took the place of Salud in Group 5 and Salud takes the place of Marisela who dropped out of Group 6.
Maestro Jaime Cruces Perez (415-114-7048) will receive all the materials at the school.
The next assembly will be Wed, August 11 at 3 p.m.
Where: Capaderillo primary school
When: Wed, July 14, 3 p.m.
Who: Chela and Holly and Saul Juarez (Cedesa), 35 people from Capaderillo, 29 from Viviendilla (aka Vivienda de Abajo or Vivienda Urbana), 4 from Presita de Santa Rosa and 2 from Rincon de Canal (on the road to Celaya)
Saul was selected as coordinator of the assembly and Elvia took roll. Of the Capaderillo Phase I people, three were missing, with excuses – Noema is working, Yolanda is planting, Ofelia is sick.
Emma announced that she came to this assembly to see if she could get re-instated in the project – she was removed from Group 1 because she did not attend the last assembly and did not send any excuse. She admits that she simply forgot but she wants to participate in the project and promises to attend the meetings or send a representative or a reason when she is not able to attend. Chela asked the assembly what they should do, since Joel was voted to take Emma’s place during the last assembly.
After some discussion, it was decided to let Emma back into the project since she was present at the first two assemblies, and put Joel first on the waiting list (Phase II). Holly said that Laura is making a Rotary application for Capaderillo Phase II, so unlike other communities that do not yet have funding for Phase I or Phase II, there are funds for Capaderillo/Viviendilla Phase II. [NOTE: On the second day of training, July 20, one person dropped out of her group – Marisela – so Joel was re-instated in her place].
The list for Capaderillo II (mostly Viviendilla):
1. Beatriz Alvarado Soria
2. Petra Ramirez
3. Puebla Morales
4. Maria Salud Ramirez Bautista
5. Maria Luisa Valdez Luna
6. Francisca Bautista
7. Imelda Ramirez Arriega
8. Isidra Ramirez Ramirez
9. Maria Elisa Ramirez
10. Rosa Ramirez Rivera
11. Amalia Petra Ramirez
12. Maria Guadalupe Ramirez Ramirez
13. Maria Isabel Valenzuela
14. Eusedia Hernandez Ramirez
15. Fedronia Hermandez Ramirez
16. Jaqueline Perez Herrera
17. Aurea Fabiola Valdez Ramirez
18. Maria Catalina de la Luz Hernandez
19. Berenicia Apoderado Ramirez
20. Silvia Ramirez Bautista
21. Cristina Hernandez Ramirez
22. Maria Luisa Luna Cruz
23. Concepcion Ramirez Ramirez
24. Maria de los Angeles Ramirez Ramirez
25. Juana Gonzales Maya
26. Maria Soledad Ramirez Patlan
27. Maria Lorena Reyes
Others present:
Presita de Santa Rosa (4 people, one has a daughter in Vivienda de Arriba – we told them to come to the Capaderillo assembly because it is closer). See info on the community in Vivienda de Arriba report.
Rincon de Canal (2 people) – next to Estancia de Canal, on the highway to Celaya. 20 families. They have to buy pipas (water trucks) or garrafones (jugs). Chela explained that CEDESA is located in Dolores Hidalgo and has been working in the region between San Miguel and Dolores; we will need to discuss with Rotary the question of expanding the projects outside of this region. We are very short on personnel.
Discussion then turned to the training, which the assembly decided to start on Monday, July 19. They will work from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. [NOTE: because of rains, work was cut short several days and the two school cisterns were not finished until Friday, July 23]. Holly phoned Alejandra of Talego to advise that all materials for 2 cisterns should be delivered before the weekend. A list was drawn up dividing the mutual-aid teams into two groups for training. [NOTE: Miguel Cruz will not be asesor for Capderillo since he was offered another job, Guillermo and Juan Alvarado are working, so a new asesor, Gerardo Gonzales, will take Miguel’s place).
Training group 1 (Gerardo)
Group 1 – Cruz, Saul, Enedina, Elvia, Emma, Reynalda
Group 2 – Timoteo, Estelo, Ma. Concepcion, Julia, Luz, Elena
Group 3 – Consuelo, Margarita, Juana V., Cristina, Ma. Guadalupe, Remedios
Training group 2 (Rafael)
Group 4 – Carolina, Lucia, Adriana, Nicolasa, Francisca, Marino
Group 5 – Juana A., Lucia, Hermelinda, Lilia, Martina, Noema, Joel*
Group 6 – Eva, Juana R., Marina, Alicia, Francisca G., Herminia, Salud*
NOTE: As of the second day of training, July 20, Joel took the place of Salud in Group 5 and Salud takes the place of Marisela who dropped out of Group 6.
Maestro Jaime Cruces Perez (415-114-7048) will receive all the materials at the school.
The next assembly will be Wed, August 11 at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Report 8 Vivienda de Arrba Assembly. 7 de julio del 2010
Report 8 Vivienda de Arrba Assembly. 7 de julio del 2010
Where: Vivienda de Arriba Chapel
When: Wed, July 7, 11 a.m.
Who: Chela, Holly and Saul Juarez (Cedesa), 27 people from Vivienda, 2 from La TInaja, 4 from Presita de Santa Rosa and 2 from San Lorenzo.
Ana Maria Torres was designated as coordinator of the assembly, she also took roll. There were four new people from Vivienda de Arriba at this assembly, Marta Maria Ramírez, Azucena Ramírez and Irene & José Luis López. They are interested in phase II.
Saul Juárez was introduced as a new CEDESA promoter in this region.
The progress of the current cistern construction was reviewed – all are finished except a few need to be waterproofed and connected to the roofs. Roofing materials has arrived for Lorena, but there are two more roofs that are problematic – very rusty lamina (Tomasa), and dirty clay shingles (Andrea Granados). They asked if they could also get lamina, but Holly said she thought the project was closed, she would have to confer with Laura.
Chela asked: What was the experience like? It was hard work! “We enjoyed working together even though it was hard, especially putting the ‘hat’ on the top of the cistern.” “I liked it a lot, we got along well. Gloria is really good with the shovel!” When someone couldn’t come to a work-session, they sent someone else in their place, or doubled up before or after their absence. “I had to miss a day, but the next day I made my husband come with me.”
“How do you like the cistern that was made by all the old people? Did you see how the cap came out, all crooked! But it’s only that one came out badly, all the rest look nice. Each cistern is different and some of us have decorated our cisterns.”
“Many thanks to Lupe, who helped with the cuchara (skilled masonry work), and also Don Carlos, Don Felipe y Andrés. We now have technicians who can help in our second phase and other communities. We all know how to weave and make the cement mixture now.”
In Group 1, everyone went home for lunch, “that gave me a chance to feed the pig!” said one woman. In Group 2, the “host” of the house where they were working provided meals, almuerzo around noon and comida at 3 or 4 in the afternoon.
“We are happy to see the level of water in the hose. It was worth it, even though we had to postpone planting in order to finish the cistern.”
“We had fun, laughing and talking together. We worked really hard. But now, every morning it makes me so happy to see the cistern. The water is really delicious, it tastes better than the water you buy in bottles.”
Some people asked about disinfecting the water and Holly explained the SODIS process, and promised to bring a sheet on maintenance and SODIS to the next assembly.
Ana announced that the people of Vivienda would like to celebrate the finishing of their cisterns with a “convivencia” including a reflection on the importance of water, a mass by the priest from Cruz del Palmar, a tour of some cisterns, and lunch. She asked when Laura would be back, and Holly told them July 20 so they chose Friday of that week, July 23. Holly was asked to invite the Rotary Club and government officials.
Chela in turn invited everyone from Vivienda to attend the “Food Sovereignty” event at CEDESA, which would also include a reflection upon community development work. A list of 10 people wanted to attend; Holly agreed to arrange for transportation (it turned out that 17 people from Vivienda attended – the largest turnout at CEDESA from any single community!)
A list of names for Phase II was compiled (after some discussion about whether or not people who are in the U.S: qualify .- the decision was to give priority to people who live full-time in Vivienda, but to keep a second list of people who are in the U.S. but have representatives who will work for them – in a later conversation, Ana told Holly that if neither of her brothers-in-law are included in Phase II, she cannot volunteer to be the community contact any longer):
People living in Vivienda de Arriba:
1. Gloria Arreiega (also helped in Phase I)
2. Luisa Vargas
3. Rogelio García
4. Francisca Ramírez
5. José Guadalupe Ramírez
6. Marta Ramírez
7. Ubaldo Granados
8. Irene & José Luis López
9. Cristina Morales
10. Leovardo Ramírez
People who are in the U.S.:
1. Juan Carlos Ramírez (represented by Nicolasa)
2. Gerardo Ramírez (represented by Acuzena)
3. Frederico Ramírez (represented by Azucena)
4. Adelino Ramírez (represented by Azucena)
5. Santos Torres (represented by Bernardo)
6. Noe Granados (represented by Alma Lorena)
7. Valentin Ramírez (represented by Marcelina)
8. Salomon Ramírez (represented by Ernesto)
9. Elias Ramirez (represented by Fili)
The next assembly at Vivienda de Arriba will be Wednesday, August 4 at 11 a.m.
12:30 p.m. - La Tinaja
Two representatives from that community, north of Vivienda off the highway to Guanajuato (about 30 minutes drive), Adela Ramírez and Maria Candelaria Mosqueda.
There about about 250 inhabitants, 50 families in the community, it is near the ejido de Peña Blanca. The water there is good, that’s not a problem, but there is a group of about 35 people interested in dry toilets.
They have seen different models. Chela: “The ones in Rancho Nuevo de Guadalupe are very expensive, we would need to do a more economical model, and you will build them in mutual-aid groups, we won’t send someone in to make them for you.”
Fili knows where the community is, he will guide us there. Meeting set for Thursday, August 5 at 12 noon.
1:00 P.M. – Presita de Santa Rosa
Four representatives from that community, near Banda, also off the highway to Guanajuato – nearest community in which we are now working: Capaderillo. Rita Gabriela Hernandez, Jose Luis Ramirez, Antonio Vazquez and Rosalia Ramirez.
There are about 200 inhabitants, 40 families. They share a well with 5 other communities, so there isn’t enough, we are the ones who run out. The other communities are Banda (ejido), Bandita (small property owners) Rancho Nuevo de Banda, Artesano de Banda, and San Isidro Bandita. Before the well was drilled, we had artisanal (shallow hand-dug wells) – observation: their teeth are stained.
They have done some community work before, they built an extra room in the school with a small loan, with the local people providing the labor. They will attend the July 14 meeting at Capaderillo to see how the cistern-building project gets organized.
1:30 p.m. - San Lorenzo
Two representatives from this very small community – actually just four houses belonging to members of the same family (Umberto Ramirez Lanas and Audelia Ramirez Lanas), across the river from the community of Juan Gonzales (about 50 families, 200 people). A friend of theirs, Doña Antonia from Vivienda told them about the cisterns. In Juan Gonzales they have only hand-dug wells that dry up during the dry season. In San Lorenzo they don’t have any tap water, they have to haul it in.
It was decided to put the four families of San Lorenzo together with Vivienda Phase II.
2:00 p.m. - San Isidro Capadero
At lunch with Doña Teresa, Jesús Rico of San Isidro Capadero arrived with a list of people from his community. San Isidro is located between Cruz del Palmar and Vivienda and has a primary school and kindergarten. There are about 150 inhabitants, 30 families, and they have no water on tap. No arrangement was made to visit the community, but we later discussed visiting San Isidro Capadero on the same day as Cruz del Palmar.
List of persons from San Isidro Capadero (I think this is a complete list of the community compiled by Jesús; we have not visited there yet):
1. Jesús Rico Franco
2. Antonio Rodríguez
3. José Rodriguez
4. José Ramirez
5. Remijo Ramirez
6. Francisco Curato
7. Trinidad Rodriguez
8. David Rodriguez
9. Javier Rodriguez
10. Rafael Ramirez
11. Troncito Ramirez
12. Roberto Ramirez
13. Leonardo Ramirez Pérez
14. Mario Ramirez Trejo
15. Luis Rodriguez
16. Yolanda Rodriguez
17. Yolanda Ramirez
18. Santiago Banca
19. Cirilo Reyes Ramirez
20. Galdino Reyes Tellez
21. Lorena Ramirez Colunga
22. Faustine Reyes Tellez
23. Miguel Banca Luna
24. Guadalupe Banva
25. Francisco Rodriguez
26. Roberto Reyes
27. Jesús Cerrafa
28. Cirilo Rodriguez
Where: Vivienda de Arriba Chapel
When: Wed, July 7, 11 a.m.
Who: Chela, Holly and Saul Juarez (Cedesa), 27 people from Vivienda, 2 from La TInaja, 4 from Presita de Santa Rosa and 2 from San Lorenzo.
Ana Maria Torres was designated as coordinator of the assembly, she also took roll. There were four new people from Vivienda de Arriba at this assembly, Marta Maria Ramírez, Azucena Ramírez and Irene & José Luis López. They are interested in phase II.
Saul Juárez was introduced as a new CEDESA promoter in this region.
The progress of the current cistern construction was reviewed – all are finished except a few need to be waterproofed and connected to the roofs. Roofing materials has arrived for Lorena, but there are two more roofs that are problematic – very rusty lamina (Tomasa), and dirty clay shingles (Andrea Granados). They asked if they could also get lamina, but Holly said she thought the project was closed, she would have to confer with Laura.
Chela asked: What was the experience like? It was hard work! “We enjoyed working together even though it was hard, especially putting the ‘hat’ on the top of the cistern.” “I liked it a lot, we got along well. Gloria is really good with the shovel!” When someone couldn’t come to a work-session, they sent someone else in their place, or doubled up before or after their absence. “I had to miss a day, but the next day I made my husband come with me.”
“How do you like the cistern that was made by all the old people? Did you see how the cap came out, all crooked! But it’s only that one came out badly, all the rest look nice. Each cistern is different and some of us have decorated our cisterns.”
“Many thanks to Lupe, who helped with the cuchara (skilled masonry work), and also Don Carlos, Don Felipe y Andrés. We now have technicians who can help in our second phase and other communities. We all know how to weave and make the cement mixture now.”
In Group 1, everyone went home for lunch, “that gave me a chance to feed the pig!” said one woman. In Group 2, the “host” of the house where they were working provided meals, almuerzo around noon and comida at 3 or 4 in the afternoon.
“We are happy to see the level of water in the hose. It was worth it, even though we had to postpone planting in order to finish the cistern.”
“We had fun, laughing and talking together. We worked really hard. But now, every morning it makes me so happy to see the cistern. The water is really delicious, it tastes better than the water you buy in bottles.”
Some people asked about disinfecting the water and Holly explained the SODIS process, and promised to bring a sheet on maintenance and SODIS to the next assembly.
Ana announced that the people of Vivienda would like to celebrate the finishing of their cisterns with a “convivencia” including a reflection on the importance of water, a mass by the priest from Cruz del Palmar, a tour of some cisterns, and lunch. She asked when Laura would be back, and Holly told them July 20 so they chose Friday of that week, July 23. Holly was asked to invite the Rotary Club and government officials.
Chela in turn invited everyone from Vivienda to attend the “Food Sovereignty” event at CEDESA, which would also include a reflection upon community development work. A list of 10 people wanted to attend; Holly agreed to arrange for transportation (it turned out that 17 people from Vivienda attended – the largest turnout at CEDESA from any single community!)
A list of names for Phase II was compiled (after some discussion about whether or not people who are in the U.S: qualify .- the decision was to give priority to people who live full-time in Vivienda, but to keep a second list of people who are in the U.S. but have representatives who will work for them – in a later conversation, Ana told Holly that if neither of her brothers-in-law are included in Phase II, she cannot volunteer to be the community contact any longer):
People living in Vivienda de Arriba:
1. Gloria Arreiega (also helped in Phase I)
2. Luisa Vargas
3. Rogelio García
4. Francisca Ramírez
5. José Guadalupe Ramírez
6. Marta Ramírez
7. Ubaldo Granados
8. Irene & José Luis López
9. Cristina Morales
10. Leovardo Ramírez
People who are in the U.S.:
1. Juan Carlos Ramírez (represented by Nicolasa)
2. Gerardo Ramírez (represented by Acuzena)
3. Frederico Ramírez (represented by Azucena)
4. Adelino Ramírez (represented by Azucena)
5. Santos Torres (represented by Bernardo)
6. Noe Granados (represented by Alma Lorena)
7. Valentin Ramírez (represented by Marcelina)
8. Salomon Ramírez (represented by Ernesto)
9. Elias Ramirez (represented by Fili)
The next assembly at Vivienda de Arriba will be Wednesday, August 4 at 11 a.m.
12:30 p.m. - La Tinaja
Two representatives from that community, north of Vivienda off the highway to Guanajuato (about 30 minutes drive), Adela Ramírez and Maria Candelaria Mosqueda.
There about about 250 inhabitants, 50 families in the community, it is near the ejido de Peña Blanca. The water there is good, that’s not a problem, but there is a group of about 35 people interested in dry toilets.
They have seen different models. Chela: “The ones in Rancho Nuevo de Guadalupe are very expensive, we would need to do a more economical model, and you will build them in mutual-aid groups, we won’t send someone in to make them for you.”
Fili knows where the community is, he will guide us there. Meeting set for Thursday, August 5 at 12 noon.
1:00 P.M. – Presita de Santa Rosa
Four representatives from that community, near Banda, also off the highway to Guanajuato – nearest community in which we are now working: Capaderillo. Rita Gabriela Hernandez, Jose Luis Ramirez, Antonio Vazquez and Rosalia Ramirez.
There are about 200 inhabitants, 40 families. They share a well with 5 other communities, so there isn’t enough, we are the ones who run out. The other communities are Banda (ejido), Bandita (small property owners) Rancho Nuevo de Banda, Artesano de Banda, and San Isidro Bandita. Before the well was drilled, we had artisanal (shallow hand-dug wells) – observation: their teeth are stained.
They have done some community work before, they built an extra room in the school with a small loan, with the local people providing the labor. They will attend the July 14 meeting at Capaderillo to see how the cistern-building project gets organized.
1:30 p.m. - San Lorenzo
Two representatives from this very small community – actually just four houses belonging to members of the same family (Umberto Ramirez Lanas and Audelia Ramirez Lanas), across the river from the community of Juan Gonzales (about 50 families, 200 people). A friend of theirs, Doña Antonia from Vivienda told them about the cisterns. In Juan Gonzales they have only hand-dug wells that dry up during the dry season. In San Lorenzo they don’t have any tap water, they have to haul it in.
It was decided to put the four families of San Lorenzo together with Vivienda Phase II.
2:00 p.m. - San Isidro Capadero
At lunch with Doña Teresa, Jesús Rico of San Isidro Capadero arrived with a list of people from his community. San Isidro is located between Cruz del Palmar and Vivienda and has a primary school and kindergarten. There are about 150 inhabitants, 30 families, and they have no water on tap. No arrangement was made to visit the community, but we later discussed visiting San Isidro Capadero on the same day as Cruz del Palmar.
List of persons from San Isidro Capadero (I think this is a complete list of the community compiled by Jesús; we have not visited there yet):
1. Jesús Rico Franco
2. Antonio Rodríguez
3. José Rodriguez
4. José Ramirez
5. Remijo Ramirez
6. Francisco Curato
7. Trinidad Rodriguez
8. David Rodriguez
9. Javier Rodriguez
10. Rafael Ramirez
11. Troncito Ramirez
12. Roberto Ramirez
13. Leonardo Ramirez Pérez
14. Mario Ramirez Trejo
15. Luis Rodriguez
16. Yolanda Rodriguez
17. Yolanda Ramirez
18. Santiago Banca
19. Cirilo Reyes Ramirez
20. Galdino Reyes Tellez
21. Lorena Ramirez Colunga
22. Faustine Reyes Tellez
23. Miguel Banca Luna
24. Guadalupe Banva
25. Francisco Rodriguez
26. Roberto Reyes
27. Jesús Cerrafa
28. Cirilo Rodriguez
Tierra Blanca meeting. 7 de julio del 2010
Where: Tierra Blanca churchyard
When: Wed, July 7, 3 p.m.
Who: Chela, Holly and Saul (Cedesa), 33 women, 2 men, 15 children and various dogs.
We waited for over a half hour for Jesús, since he was to report on the various projects we discussed during the last meeting, but since he did not arrive, we started the meeting at about 3:45 p.m. Lucia was chosen to coordinate and take roll. All who attended last month’s meeting plus four more people were present.
A delegation of five people from the community of Cinco Señores came to find out about the community development projects in Tierra Blanca. That community consists of about 15 families, 80 people, across the river from Juan Gonzales. We were going to discuss their concerns at then end of the assembly but the meeting was cut short by a major downpour.
Pending from last meeting: Jesús was going to help Tierra Blanca take a census in preparation for government and ONG applications regarding 1) a health diagnostic 2) a bridge 3) cisterns and 4) dry toilets, but he was unable to do so on the previous Monday that he came because of afternoon rains. He did get a water sample from the well but it has not yet been analyzed and he did some preliminary interviews with some families and was able to draw some preliminary conclusions about the incidence of cancer in certain family lines (see attached report).
While awaiting the arrival of Jesus, Chela mentioned some investigations we have been doing with the Instituto de la Mujer (for breast cancer examinations) and CASA, which does health work in the communities. Several people mentioned that there are more men than women who are dying of cancer in Tierra Blanca. We then mentioned the Secretary de Salud and the Midday Rotary Club (Holly said that Laura is in touch with several MD doctors about various symptoms and conditions). Chela emphasized the need for hard data, not just hearsay evidence in order to deal with the health problem.
We discussed doing genealogical research for the health diagnostic at the same time as the census, and promised to bring a questionnaire within two weeks with which to start the process.
At this point it started to rain, and we all huddled under the tree but within a few minutes it started to pour. We ran into the chapel but it was a very hard downpour and Chela was worried about crossing the river. We jumped into her truck and started down the hill toward the river but got stuck in a rut in the middle of a torrent and could not see the road. After several attempts, we got out of the rut, and with wheels spinning and the truck lurching over hidden rocks and holes, we headed toward the ford, even though we couldn’t see it. At the bank of the river, Chela just aimed toward what looked like a shallow part with plants growing above the water, and we made it across! The rest of the way was easy in comparison.
We did not have time to schedule the next assembly, but we will set the date and time (August 4, 3 p.m.) when Saul and/or Jesús take the genealogical questionnaire to Tierra Blanca within the next two weeks (by July 21).
It turns out that Jesús’ car got stuck in the river near Cruz del Palmar, and he could not reach us by phone since Telcel does not have coverage in Tierra Blanca.
So, rainy season has really begun. It appears that we will have to use the footbridge to get to the next assembly at Tierra Blanca – we can park the truck in the community of Espejo (next to Vivienda de Arriba), walk across the river and then to Tierra Blanca. Saul will investigate the location of the footbridge.
We also want to look into getting USAcel telephones since all the phones in Tierra Blanca and Vivienda are USAcel, which has much better coverage than Telcel in the rural communities of the region. Several contacts in Los Torres and Capaderillo and our suppliers (sand and herreria) have USAcel, which provides free calls among USAcel phones, though the rate for fixed lines and Telcel is higher. Holly agreed to investigate and consult with Laura and John about getting USAcel phones.
SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT on Tierra Blanca Health Issues
On July 15, Chela, Saul and Holly met with Jesus Guiterrez at CEDESA. Jesús reported that according to his informal investigation (questionnaires filled out at the June 2 assembly), going back three generations, there are 14 distinct families in Tierra Blanca, of which ten have a high incidence of lung cancer, and two have a high incidence of other types of cancer. He also mentioned that there is a carcinogenic spore that is known to be associated with tombs that contain mummified remains – thus the legends of “curses” befalling tomb-robbers in Egypt and other places. We started work on a questionnaire that would enable us to trace genealogical incidence of cancer (family trees) but ran out of time and Holly agreed to work on it on the weekend so that we can test it, and Jesús and/or Saul can deliver it on or before Wednesday afternoon, July 21.
When: Wed, July 7, 3 p.m.
Who: Chela, Holly and Saul (Cedesa), 33 women, 2 men, 15 children and various dogs.
We waited for over a half hour for Jesús, since he was to report on the various projects we discussed during the last meeting, but since he did not arrive, we started the meeting at about 3:45 p.m. Lucia was chosen to coordinate and take roll. All who attended last month’s meeting plus four more people were present.
A delegation of five people from the community of Cinco Señores came to find out about the community development projects in Tierra Blanca. That community consists of about 15 families, 80 people, across the river from Juan Gonzales. We were going to discuss their concerns at then end of the assembly but the meeting was cut short by a major downpour.
Pending from last meeting: Jesús was going to help Tierra Blanca take a census in preparation for government and ONG applications regarding 1) a health diagnostic 2) a bridge 3) cisterns and 4) dry toilets, but he was unable to do so on the previous Monday that he came because of afternoon rains. He did get a water sample from the well but it has not yet been analyzed and he did some preliminary interviews with some families and was able to draw some preliminary conclusions about the incidence of cancer in certain family lines (see attached report).
While awaiting the arrival of Jesus, Chela mentioned some investigations we have been doing with the Instituto de la Mujer (for breast cancer examinations) and CASA, which does health work in the communities. Several people mentioned that there are more men than women who are dying of cancer in Tierra Blanca. We then mentioned the Secretary de Salud and the Midday Rotary Club (Holly said that Laura is in touch with several MD doctors about various symptoms and conditions). Chela emphasized the need for hard data, not just hearsay evidence in order to deal with the health problem.
We discussed doing genealogical research for the health diagnostic at the same time as the census, and promised to bring a questionnaire within two weeks with which to start the process.
At this point it started to rain, and we all huddled under the tree but within a few minutes it started to pour. We ran into the chapel but it was a very hard downpour and Chela was worried about crossing the river. We jumped into her truck and started down the hill toward the river but got stuck in a rut in the middle of a torrent and could not see the road. After several attempts, we got out of the rut, and with wheels spinning and the truck lurching over hidden rocks and holes, we headed toward the ford, even though we couldn’t see it. At the bank of the river, Chela just aimed toward what looked like a shallow part with plants growing above the water, and we made it across! The rest of the way was easy in comparison.
We did not have time to schedule the next assembly, but we will set the date and time (August 4, 3 p.m.) when Saul and/or Jesús take the genealogical questionnaire to Tierra Blanca within the next two weeks (by July 21).
It turns out that Jesús’ car got stuck in the river near Cruz del Palmar, and he could not reach us by phone since Telcel does not have coverage in Tierra Blanca.
So, rainy season has really begun. It appears that we will have to use the footbridge to get to the next assembly at Tierra Blanca – we can park the truck in the community of Espejo (next to Vivienda de Arriba), walk across the river and then to Tierra Blanca. Saul will investigate the location of the footbridge.
We also want to look into getting USAcel telephones since all the phones in Tierra Blanca and Vivienda are USAcel, which has much better coverage than Telcel in the rural communities of the region. Several contacts in Los Torres and Capaderillo and our suppliers (sand and herreria) have USAcel, which provides free calls among USAcel phones, though the rate for fixed lines and Telcel is higher. Holly agreed to investigate and consult with Laura and John about getting USAcel phones.
SUPPLEMENTAL REPORT on Tierra Blanca Health Issues
On July 15, Chela, Saul and Holly met with Jesus Guiterrez at CEDESA. Jesús reported that according to his informal investigation (questionnaires filled out at the June 2 assembly), going back three generations, there are 14 distinct families in Tierra Blanca, of which ten have a high incidence of lung cancer, and two have a high incidence of other types of cancer. He also mentioned that there is a carcinogenic spore that is known to be associated with tombs that contain mummified remains – thus the legends of “curses” befalling tomb-robbers in Egypt and other places. We started work on a questionnaire that would enable us to trace genealogical incidence of cancer (family trees) but ran out of time and Holly agreed to work on it on the weekend so that we can test it, and Jesús and/or Saul can deliver it on or before Wednesday afternoon, July 21.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
41st Meeting Los Torres 23 de junio del 2010
Los Torres Meeting 23 de junio del 2010
Where: Chucha’s house
When: Wed, June 23, 12 noon
Who: Chela, Holly and Saul Juarez (Cedesa), 26-28 people of Los Torres including 6 men, the rest women, and many children
When we arrived, on time (12 noon), only three people were present. Evidently, there was confusion about the day since June has five Wednesdays, most people thought the assembly was next week, the last Wednesday of the month. We waited a half hour then sent the three people present out to inform the others that the meeting was that day.
By 1 p.m. there were about 20 people, when Saul did the roll call (Concha was absent), and others came by later. Out of over fifty people who are on the roll, there are less than half now attending the assemblies.
Why? Because the cistern project is nearly finished. Chela said that the
assembly is not just about building cisterns, it’s about building community … a topic we would take up after choosing a coordinator, note-taker, and establishing the agenda for the day:
-
Cistern building
Rotoplases
Visit by the Presidencia
Petitions: road, bridge and dry toilets
Invitation to CEDESA
Chela started off the discussion about building community by asking when was the first assembly in Los Torres with CEDESA? Various answers, last year, the year before; after some discussion, the general agreement was that it was October 2008. So we have been meeting for about a year and a half. What has happened in the past 18 months?
Many people chimed in: Now we have water, we harvest rain from our roofs, we know how to make cisterns. We have learned to work together and get along better, talk among ourselves, share ideas and work. With the assemblies we have learned how to talk better, before we were embarrassed to say anything, now we are more confident.
Chela explained that she learned how to speak in public by visiting communities and
participating in assemblies, and now she’s not afraid to talk to the bishop or the president.
What else have you learned?
Chucha, who is participating in the traspatio workshop said she has learned about covering the ground with leaves from the trees to retain humidity, separating organic from inorganic waste.
We are learning to grow our own food.
We’ve learned the difference between clean and contaminated water, using the cistern water for drinking and cooking.
Elena gave a very moving testimony: at first she was very interested in the assemblies and the cistern project, but when her husband left her, she got depressed because she was shut up in her house, not going out and not seeing anyone. Then someone told her that there was going to be a second phase, and she started going to the assemblies again and joined a mutual-aid group. She now feels happy to be participating, and that she has a cistern that she built with the help of
others, whom she too has helped.
Chela asked Elena to write up her testimony, that it is important that people learn and gain a lot when they are involved in community development, not just technical knowledge and getting things, but also feelings, solidarity and the benefits of working together.
Aurelia agreed that with the community assembly, you learn a new way of thinking. If you are closed up in your house, your problems make you sick, you need to let things out, to share your problems. If you work together with other people you can solve your problems.
Ofelia said that when families get together, in groups, you are united and stronger. It is important to share, to convivir (personally interact), work together, not only on the cisterns but for other projects, learning to develop your mind, your spirit and your feelings.
If you’re closed up in your house by yourself, you don’t learn anything.
Chela asked if we should stop having assemblies after the cisterns are finished. No …
Ofelia said that they still have a lot to learn.
Elena asked if there is a possibility of another phase, because now her relatives are interested.
Chela said they should start a new list.
Others mentioned the road, dry toilets, gardens, health issues.
Holly said that Los Torres is the pioneer in the region, that the experiences here are valuable to others in other communities. We hope to have a regional meeting when the other communities that are finishing up their cisterns are done, probably in August.
Chela took up the theme, drawing a map of the communities that are making cisterns now, and that have sent representatives to assemblies to inquire about community development, not only cisterns but also dry toilets, traspatio, health issues.
First, the cistern project started in Los Torres: then Montecillo, Cruz del Palmar and Vivienda de Arriba (currently finishing their cisterns); Capaderillo and Tierra Blanca, where we are meeting at community asemblies to plan cistern projects; San Isidro Capaderillo, La Tinaja, La Aurora, Vivienda de Abajo, Guerrero, Don Juan, Ojo Zarco.
People were proud of this, saying: All this started in Los Torres! We were the first!
Sabina said: They say, “Sell me some water from your cistern” and I say, “No, I won’t sell it you … I’ll give it to you!” We want to help other people learn how to make their own cisterns and have good water.
After thanking Chucha for loaning her house for the assemblies for all this time, Chela mentioned again that Los Torres, given its importance in the region, needs a public meeting place where they hold the assemblies, bring visitors, teach people from other communities.
Saul mentioned that there is still a lot to learn, and gave as an example questions of health – he passed around the book “Tu Cuerpo” that is being used in the Organizer’s Workshop (Taller de Promotores).
To move on to the items on the agenda:
I.
Cisterns (built in mutual-aid groups from steel and cement):
Group I – four are completed and storing rainwater, two are nearly done – Doña Piedad
and Dimas/Filomena. One member of the group is not working because his wife died, the
others are helping to finish the two remaining.
Group II – all are finished and storing rainwater
Group III – All are finished except one (Gilberto). Nicolasa says that they started
working together two weeks ago, and that’s why they are now nearly done.
II.
Rotoplas (black plastic cisterns purchased from Talego):
José Alvarado – with group #1
Alejandro Gonzales – with group #2
Consuelo Huerta – with group #3
José Alvarado’s roof needs to be covered because it is made of tejas (rounded clay tiles)which get very dirty because animals make nests in it and it is difficult to clean. Holly was asked to inquire with Rotary if there are funds for approximately 5 square meters of lamina (corrugated sheet metal).
Of the three rotoplases, each one is missing a tube/faucet. Holly will investigate with Talego.
III.
Visit by the Mayor
Luci did not come – she says that another appointment came up and sent a representative.
Chucha said that they gave her a letter apologizing, but everyone is unhappy that
the Mayor was not present at the event the the whole community prepared for her.
The three petitions were presented to the representative.
IV.
Petitions
Road: Alejandro delivered it to the Presidencia and got it signed and sealed by the
secretary of the office of the mayor. He showed the copy he got.
Bridge: Aurelia did not make a copy, delivered the original to the Mayor’s rep
Dry toilets: Elena did not make a copy, delivered the original to the Mayor’s rep
Priorities were established and committees assigned: the road (Alejandro, Miguel and
Matilde, with support-group Maria Soria, Carmela, Chucha and Andrea) and the dry
toilets (Elena, Ofelia, Aurelia, Magdalena and Hilaria).
Alejandro said that when he was collecting signatures, some people complained that
he is not ejiditario nor small property owner in Los Torres (he lives in San Miguel); he says that he would happily hand over the petition for the road to someone else if that’s necessary. No one spoke up to take over the good job he has been doing.
Saul said that it is now necessary for any petition from any community to be signed
by the Delegado and Community Council in order to be considered by the municipal
government.
A long discussion ensued regarding the change of delegado in Los Torres. Chucha
explained that there was a community-wide meeting called to chose the new delegado
but only 12 people came. A person named Samuel Garcia was chosen, with Rafael Cruz,
Alberto Morales and Rafael Barranca as council.
The question of legitimacy was raised, in terms of how many people are making these
decisions, and Saul said that the delegado and council has to be registered at the Mayor’s office. There is still time to change if there is disagreement.
Elena said that everyone had a chance to go to the meeting and that the people who didn’t go should respect the decision of those who did.
Chela suggested that people decide at the next assembly if the decision about the new
Delegado still stands or if they want to call for a more representative vote. She said that is the problem when there is no community assembly.
Miguel said that these assemblies don’t represent a majority.
Ofelia said that the only time that the whole community participates is during
Opportunidades meetings (government-sponsored “give-away” program).
Chela said that if people want democracy, they should make sure that there is a majority of families represented at the next assembly in order to decide about the delegado and community council.
V.
Invitation to CEDESA
On July 10, 11 a.m. there will be a celebration at CEDESA of “rescuing traditional
food of the region” (nopal, quelites, verdolagas, etc.) There will be people from many different communities where CEDESA has been working, and a reflection upon regional environmental issues and community development.
Several people expressed interest in renting a bus to go from Los Torres to CEDESA.
Holly and Saul will help to coordinate this.
The next assembly will be on July 28, at 11 a.m. (one hour earlier than usual, since there is another meeting scheduled in the afternoon).
The meeting was adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
This report was kindly recorded by Holly Yasui - Thanks Holly!!
Where: Chucha’s house
When: Wed, June 23, 12 noon
Who: Chela, Holly and Saul Juarez (Cedesa), 26-28 people of Los Torres including 6 men, the rest women, and many children
When we arrived, on time (12 noon), only three people were present. Evidently, there was confusion about the day since June has five Wednesdays, most people thought the assembly was next week, the last Wednesday of the month. We waited a half hour then sent the three people present out to inform the others that the meeting was that day.
By 1 p.m. there were about 20 people, when Saul did the roll call (Concha was absent), and others came by later. Out of over fifty people who are on the roll, there are less than half now attending the assemblies.
Why? Because the cistern project is nearly finished. Chela said that the
assembly is not just about building cisterns, it’s about building community … a topic we would take up after choosing a coordinator, note-taker, and establishing the agenda for the day:
-
Cistern building
Rotoplases
Visit by the Presidencia
Petitions: road, bridge and dry toilets
Invitation to CEDESA
Chela started off the discussion about building community by asking when was the first assembly in Los Torres with CEDESA? Various answers, last year, the year before; after some discussion, the general agreement was that it was October 2008. So we have been meeting for about a year and a half. What has happened in the past 18 months?
Many people chimed in: Now we have water, we harvest rain from our roofs, we know how to make cisterns. We have learned to work together and get along better, talk among ourselves, share ideas and work. With the assemblies we have learned how to talk better, before we were embarrassed to say anything, now we are more confident.
Chela explained that she learned how to speak in public by visiting communities and
participating in assemblies, and now she’s not afraid to talk to the bishop or the president.
What else have you learned?
Chucha, who is participating in the traspatio workshop said she has learned about covering the ground with leaves from the trees to retain humidity, separating organic from inorganic waste.
We are learning to grow our own food.
We’ve learned the difference between clean and contaminated water, using the cistern water for drinking and cooking.
Elena gave a very moving testimony: at first she was very interested in the assemblies and the cistern project, but when her husband left her, she got depressed because she was shut up in her house, not going out and not seeing anyone. Then someone told her that there was going to be a second phase, and she started going to the assemblies again and joined a mutual-aid group. She now feels happy to be participating, and that she has a cistern that she built with the help of
others, whom she too has helped.
Chela asked Elena to write up her testimony, that it is important that people learn and gain a lot when they are involved in community development, not just technical knowledge and getting things, but also feelings, solidarity and the benefits of working together.
Aurelia agreed that with the community assembly, you learn a new way of thinking. If you are closed up in your house, your problems make you sick, you need to let things out, to share your problems. If you work together with other people you can solve your problems.
Ofelia said that when families get together, in groups, you are united and stronger. It is important to share, to convivir (personally interact), work together, not only on the cisterns but for other projects, learning to develop your mind, your spirit and your feelings.
If you’re closed up in your house by yourself, you don’t learn anything.
Chela asked if we should stop having assemblies after the cisterns are finished. No …
Ofelia said that they still have a lot to learn.
Elena asked if there is a possibility of another phase, because now her relatives are interested.
Chela said they should start a new list.
Others mentioned the road, dry toilets, gardens, health issues.
Holly said that Los Torres is the pioneer in the region, that the experiences here are valuable to others in other communities. We hope to have a regional meeting when the other communities that are finishing up their cisterns are done, probably in August.
Chela took up the theme, drawing a map of the communities that are making cisterns now, and that have sent representatives to assemblies to inquire about community development, not only cisterns but also dry toilets, traspatio, health issues.
First, the cistern project started in Los Torres: then Montecillo, Cruz del Palmar and Vivienda de Arriba (currently finishing their cisterns); Capaderillo and Tierra Blanca, where we are meeting at community asemblies to plan cistern projects; San Isidro Capaderillo, La Tinaja, La Aurora, Vivienda de Abajo, Guerrero, Don Juan, Ojo Zarco.
People were proud of this, saying: All this started in Los Torres! We were the first!
Sabina said: They say, “Sell me some water from your cistern” and I say, “No, I won’t sell it you … I’ll give it to you!” We want to help other people learn how to make their own cisterns and have good water.
After thanking Chucha for loaning her house for the assemblies for all this time, Chela mentioned again that Los Torres, given its importance in the region, needs a public meeting place where they hold the assemblies, bring visitors, teach people from other communities.
Saul mentioned that there is still a lot to learn, and gave as an example questions of health – he passed around the book “Tu Cuerpo” that is being used in the Organizer’s Workshop (Taller de Promotores).
To move on to the items on the agenda:
I.
Cisterns (built in mutual-aid groups from steel and cement):
Group I – four are completed and storing rainwater, two are nearly done – Doña Piedad
and Dimas/Filomena. One member of the group is not working because his wife died, the
others are helping to finish the two remaining.
Group II – all are finished and storing rainwater
Group III – All are finished except one (Gilberto). Nicolasa says that they started
working together two weeks ago, and that’s why they are now nearly done.
II.
Rotoplas (black plastic cisterns purchased from Talego):
José Alvarado – with group #1
Alejandro Gonzales – with group #2
Consuelo Huerta – with group #3
José Alvarado’s roof needs to be covered because it is made of tejas (rounded clay tiles)which get very dirty because animals make nests in it and it is difficult to clean. Holly was asked to inquire with Rotary if there are funds for approximately 5 square meters of lamina (corrugated sheet metal).
Of the three rotoplases, each one is missing a tube/faucet. Holly will investigate with Talego.
III.
Visit by the Mayor
Luci did not come – she says that another appointment came up and sent a representative.
Chucha said that they gave her a letter apologizing, but everyone is unhappy that
the Mayor was not present at the event the the whole community prepared for her.
The three petitions were presented to the representative.
IV.
Petitions
Road: Alejandro delivered it to the Presidencia and got it signed and sealed by the
secretary of the office of the mayor. He showed the copy he got.
Bridge: Aurelia did not make a copy, delivered the original to the Mayor’s rep
Dry toilets: Elena did not make a copy, delivered the original to the Mayor’s rep
Priorities were established and committees assigned: the road (Alejandro, Miguel and
Matilde, with support-group Maria Soria, Carmela, Chucha and Andrea) and the dry
toilets (Elena, Ofelia, Aurelia, Magdalena and Hilaria).
Alejandro said that when he was collecting signatures, some people complained that
he is not ejiditario nor small property owner in Los Torres (he lives in San Miguel); he says that he would happily hand over the petition for the road to someone else if that’s necessary. No one spoke up to take over the good job he has been doing.
Saul said that it is now necessary for any petition from any community to be signed
by the Delegado and Community Council in order to be considered by the municipal
government.
A long discussion ensued regarding the change of delegado in Los Torres. Chucha
explained that there was a community-wide meeting called to chose the new delegado
but only 12 people came. A person named Samuel Garcia was chosen, with Rafael Cruz,
Alberto Morales and Rafael Barranca as council.
The question of legitimacy was raised, in terms of how many people are making these
decisions, and Saul said that the delegado and council has to be registered at the Mayor’s office. There is still time to change if there is disagreement.
Elena said that everyone had a chance to go to the meeting and that the people who didn’t go should respect the decision of those who did.
Chela suggested that people decide at the next assembly if the decision about the new
Delegado still stands or if they want to call for a more representative vote. She said that is the problem when there is no community assembly.
Miguel said that these assemblies don’t represent a majority.
Ofelia said that the only time that the whole community participates is during
Opportunidades meetings (government-sponsored “give-away” program).
Chela said that if people want democracy, they should make sure that there is a majority of families represented at the next assembly in order to decide about the delegado and community council.
V.
Invitation to CEDESA
On July 10, 11 a.m. there will be a celebration at CEDESA of “rescuing traditional
food of the region” (nopal, quelites, verdolagas, etc.) There will be people from many different communities where CEDESA has been working, and a reflection upon regional environmental issues and community development.
Several people expressed interest in renting a bus to go from Los Torres to CEDESA.
Holly and Saul will help to coordinate this.
The next assembly will be on July 28, at 11 a.m. (one hour earlier than usual, since there is another meeting scheduled in the afternoon).
The meeting was adjourned at 4:15 p.m.
This report was kindly recorded by Holly Yasui - Thanks Holly!!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
10th report of the SMA Midday Rotary Montecillo de Nieto Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 1
10th report of the SMA Midday Rotary Montecillo de Nieto Water Project
Where: Montecillo de Nieto Kindergarten
When: 16.06.10 12.00-2.15
Who: Elena & Laura (Rotary), more than 35 adults, - mini assembly
Walter, Loy, Doris, Enrique, Gordon, Ivar, - Rotarian Guests
Irma Rosado – NGO liaison – representing the presidencia.
Purpose: mini assembly & fiesta/inauguration of completion of project
There was some confusion about the planned assembly today.
The women had arrived early with their food contribution to the fiesta which had been hurriedly arranged the previous Saturday with Elena & the community. Chela/Cedesa was unfortunately not able to make it today.
The Presidencia & Rotarians were invited to attend the inauguration at the kinder.
Irma Rosado, the NGO liaison attended. As did the above Rotarian guests. (apologies if I have missed anyone, I did not write it down on the day)
The women were all ready & waiting as they had understood the fiesta was to begin at 12, we understood the assembly would take place first & then the assembly.
We had a mini assembly. As we have come in under budget & completed more cisterns than planned for, we have sufficient funding for at least 3 more cisterns. There were 3 people on the list to be part of phase II & so the community has agreed to assist these people build their cisterns (since they were not present at the train the trainer/pilot cistern build at the Kinder.
The names of the additional beneficiaries are
Maria Victoria Palmar Cadena (4 in family)
Censo Pena (3 in young family)
Maria Pena (sister of Censo, & 4 in young family)
(a 4th person Consuelo Pastor had not been contacted & so not included).
I put the question to the community who would mentor/help these new people, since they had received no training?
Group 1 – Maria Palmar – volunteers – Saleta, Enedina, Soledad (will all assist with the weaving of the malla) Contact person – Enedina 415 102 0593
Group 2 - Censo Pena – volunteers – Maria Elena, Griselda & Alicia (will all assist with the weaving of the malla) Contact person – Lorena Ramirez 415 109 1464
Group 3. – Maria Pena – same volunteers & contact person as Group 2.
The wire & malla will be delivered first, & on completion of the weaving the cement will be delivered.
The community (Eva) will order the sand.
The other 27 cisterns (including 1 @ school, 1 @ kinder & 1 @ church) have all been completed.
26 originally budgeted, built 1 extra, now adding extra 3, there will be 30 in total.
John Doherty has kindly offered to make payments for the extra cisterns as Laura will be in NZ for the next month.
The assembly concluded & the inauguration/celebration began.
The children performed a dance, thank you speeches were made, & congratulations were extended to the community on a fine effort & the team that made it possible, the ribbon was cut on the cistern & the feasting began.
I left early to attend a planning session at Cedesa in Dolores Hidalgo – the celebrations were still in full force when I left at 2.15.
Next Assembly in Montecillo de Nieto 21 July 12pm at Kinder
(Report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart)
10th report of the SMA Midday Rotary Montecillo de Nieto Water Project
Where: Montecillo de Nieto Kindergarten
When: 16.06.10 12.00-2.15
Who: Elena & Laura (Rotary), more than 35 adults, - mini assembly
Walter, Loy, Doris, Enrique, Gordon, Ivar, - Rotarian Guests
Irma Rosado – NGO liaison – representing the presidencia.
Purpose: mini assembly & fiesta/inauguration of completion of project
There was some confusion about the planned assembly today.
The women had arrived early with their food contribution to the fiesta which had been hurriedly arranged the previous Saturday with Elena & the community. Chela/Cedesa was unfortunately not able to make it today.
The Presidencia & Rotarians were invited to attend the inauguration at the kinder.
Irma Rosado, the NGO liaison attended. As did the above Rotarian guests. (apologies if I have missed anyone, I did not write it down on the day)
The women were all ready & waiting as they had understood the fiesta was to begin at 12, we understood the assembly would take place first & then the assembly.
We had a mini assembly. As we have come in under budget & completed more cisterns than planned for, we have sufficient funding for at least 3 more cisterns. There were 3 people on the list to be part of phase II & so the community has agreed to assist these people build their cisterns (since they were not present at the train the trainer/pilot cistern build at the Kinder.
The names of the additional beneficiaries are
Maria Victoria Palmar Cadena (4 in family)
Censo Pena (3 in young family)
Maria Pena (sister of Censo, & 4 in young family)
(a 4th person Consuelo Pastor had not been contacted & so not included).
I put the question to the community who would mentor/help these new people, since they had received no training?
Group 1 – Maria Palmar – volunteers – Saleta, Enedina, Soledad (will all assist with the weaving of the malla) Contact person – Enedina 415 102 0593
Group 2 - Censo Pena – volunteers – Maria Elena, Griselda & Alicia (will all assist with the weaving of the malla) Contact person – Lorena Ramirez 415 109 1464
Group 3. – Maria Pena – same volunteers & contact person as Group 2.
The wire & malla will be delivered first, & on completion of the weaving the cement will be delivered.
The community (Eva) will order the sand.
The other 27 cisterns (including 1 @ school, 1 @ kinder & 1 @ church) have all been completed.
26 originally budgeted, built 1 extra, now adding extra 3, there will be 30 in total.
John Doherty has kindly offered to make payments for the extra cisterns as Laura will be in NZ for the next month.
The assembly concluded & the inauguration/celebration began.
The children performed a dance, thank you speeches were made, & congratulations were extended to the community on a fine effort & the team that made it possible, the ribbon was cut on the cistern & the feasting began.
I left early to attend a planning session at Cedesa in Dolores Hidalgo – the celebrations were still in full force when I left at 2.15.
Next Assembly in Montecillo de Nieto 21 July 12pm at Kinder
(Report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart)
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
7th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Cruz del Palmar Water Project
Record of Event pg 1 of 4
7th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Cruz del Palmar Water Project
Where: Cruz del Palmar Community (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed June 09.06.10 11.40 – 2pm
Who: Chela, (Cedesa), Elena & Laura (Rotary), 27 adults incl 7 men, + 11kids, 1 dog,
Purpose: Review construction of individual cisterns
There were some new people here today so we introduced ourselves.
Chela called for proposed Co-ordinator for the day.
Analaura was proposed.
Analaura called the roll.
The 4 new people at today’s meeting are
Catalina (was at 1st meeting)
Hermelinda Ramirez
Maria Dolores
Theresa Salazar
(2 are from the other side of the river & 2 in Centro)
1 woman attended first meeting but then had to go to GTO, she is interested though.)
Elena said a few words in personal prayer before we began, about protecting the environment & being open to receive good words…
Chela asked why are you involved?
They all said they were interested in this project.
Chela reiterated that participation in meetings is compulsory to plan the process, discuss issues eg, not letting cats onto the roofs to keep them clean.
The problem of cats on roofs was discussed, apparently it is common for neighbours cats to go on roofs & poo. I suggested a slingshot, or a water bottle with vinegar in! They all laughed.
Elena suggested a sandbox, & educating them to use it.
They all agreed Amigos de los Animales would be welcome to neuter the animals.
Elena knows the organisation & mentioned getting in touch with them.
This is an important item to discuss as keeping the roofs clean is a very important part of the maintenance of the system. If you have a plague of cats & dogs maybe you need to take control & responsibility for this, they can not be allowed to breed randomly. Dog & cat faeces are very polluting & contaminating.
Action: Elena asked for the name & contact of Imelda Ramirez Ignatio Allende #70, ph 415 119 4016, as her dog has a problem with “sarne” (mange) & Elena offered to contact her vet to see what can be done.
There is no vet available near Cruz del Palmar – a mobile vet clinic could be a good idea!
“often no Doctor here, let alone a vet!”
Record of Event pg 2 of 4
Review of Project
The first 12 cisterns are all completed.
Materials for the rest of the cisterns have been received (as of yesterday – cement delivered).
All the wires are woven & cylinders have been created, so only cement needs to be applied.
There was a discussion about piping/pvc, they are missing
Codos 45 3” x 2 (from first delivery)
Tees 3” x 21 (2nd delivery)
Codos 45 3” x 10 (2nd delivery)
Tapones incercion 3” x 8 (2nd delivery)
Laura checked invoices & discovered that although the correct amount was ordered, for some reason the invoice was for less than was ordered. An additional order was since paid & will be collected on 15th June.
Some of the cisterns are “crooked”
There was a discussion as some of the cisterns are not perfectly straight. This is because they did not adhere to the training exactly.
After much discussion, & because it is only aesthetic it was decided it is not a problem, & to call them “rustic” or “organic” examples.
Co-incidentally Jose Miguel Cruz (one of the Los Torres team of experts) was visiting the clinic across the road so Elena went to see him to ask him to come & chat with the meeting.
5 cisterns are slightly crooked. It was decided the groups would benefit from an additional 2 day’s training/consultation by Rafa, 1 to visit the extra 7 people in group 4, & 1 for any other doubts.
Ana from Group 4 will call Rafa & co-ordinate with the other groups.
Chela explained it is important for them to do their best on construction as these examples are seen by the rest of the community(s).
Jose Miguel arrived with Chucha & explained the process required to ensure the cisterns are straight & not on a lean.
Including
• Place the top on carefully
• Measure the distance from the centre to the edge with a piece of string & make sure it is the same all round (this will centre it)
• Don’t bend or lean on the wire form because it is bendable, & you don’t want this.
Everyone was asked if they are clear on what they need to do now, & all agreed.
Question – will it affect the water – no – it’s purely aesthetic.
Miguel gave Ana Rafa’s contact details for the extra 2 days work agreed.
Record of Event pg 3 of 4
Group co-operation
There was discussion about working in groups, many are not co-operating. Chela talked about Montecillo de Nieto, & how well they were working in harmony.
Chela - You need to decide on the hours that will work for all of you & then stick to that commitment. You need to respect this & it’s in your hands to decide between yourselves. It affects you all, when you don’t want to work in groups it wont work, it’s a principal point of this project, to learn to work co-operatively in groups & respect arrangements/agreements.
Chela – from my perspective if you can’t respect agreements we don’t or can’t continue to work in CdP.
There is a lack of respect & you need to work on this.
Group 4 in particular needs to get together to get things organised, if you agree an hour to begin, then be there.
In some groups they are each house that they work on is providing food & drink for the ones working, so they are all naturally taking turns at catering.
Doubts & questions
One of the women mentioned that Los Torres cisterns get called “balls” but a woman asked her the other day
“what are all those Monos blancos (white monkeys!) popping up in Cruz del Palmar!)
Everyone thought this was pretty funny.
What is the next time for a visit, & what will we cover?
Next visit will be 14th July, covering maintenance & function of the cisterns when the rains arrive.
There was a brief discussion re the water alternatives eg, solar distillation, for example this would be useful on years when it is dry & there is no rainwater. Chela explained that Cedesa has workshops on these & it would be worthwhile for a few to attend.
Brief discussion re toilets, some have septic systems.
Discussion about possibility of Phase II in Cruz del Palmar
It is interesting to note that there are waves of interest in a community, we have now worked in enough to see a pattern.
1st lots of interest in case they miss out, then fewer return when they realise they have to do the work & are not receiving a hand out, then there is a bit of a delay while the project gets underway & construction begins, & then once the first few are finished, a new wave of interest is created as the later adopters finally “get it” & see what we were talking about!
There are 4 extra people today but Chela invited them to start a list of 2nd Phase people, knowing that money will take a while & they need to work to achieve this.
There are a couple of newly weds interested, but they thought they had to have a family first before they qualified, we explained no, just willing to do the work & participate.
Record of Event pg 4 of 4
Chela – Cisterns are not a “fashion item” they are a resolution to a grave problem…
There was more discussion about people wanting them but not being prepared to work for them, one woman pointed out to these people that it is well worth it, since it is there for the future for their family, “yes it’s a lot of work & commitment & effort, but then the solution is in place from then on…”
With this safe drinking water the health of your family will improve & there will be fewer visits to the clinic, & health will be back in your hands.
“If people have problem attending the meetings then they’re going to have more problems to construct their cistern”
Chela - really it’s a small investment of time compared with the solution it provides, investment in the cistern, but also investment in your community to grow together, valuable learning time, as well as the cistern/water solution for life.
Chela – we came here today because we know the issue & wish to resolve it, we are here to help, a few days of your life in return for healthy drinking water for future generations! It’s a bargain!
Some people have been working from 6pm to Midnight, it’s cooler then – we joked that this might be why some are crooked, they’ve been falling asleep while they work…
People were invited to attend the next assembly if they are interested in phase II.
Next Assembly Cruz del Palmar July 14 at 11am
PS Forgot to add at the end of the Cruz assembly we were approached by a young woman with a daughter of about 5 needing medical check up of a skull operation she had had, we contacted Patro Nato Pro Ninos (the medical NGO here) & made the referral.
We were also asked for assistance for uniforms for a girls soccer team, Yolande's daughters are in a team.
Elena caught up with some others from the team in Los Torres, & asked them to get pricing for us... we intend to add this to the list for our mini-committee of hands on/more immediate projects.
We then left & went to the house of Jesus, (one of the group of 7 extra cisterns) he had invited us to stay for Comida.
His house was amazing, full of inherited furniture from his grandmother & we were treated to a very elegant lunch (he used to be a caterer), spaghetti alfredo, chicken with capsicum cheese & mushrooms with fresh fruit desert, we then were toured his animals, horse, turkeys, about 7 million chickens, 1 peacock, 2 pheasants, & a blue bird I didn’t recognise, we also got to see the feathers off the chicken we had just eaten for lunch as proof of the freshness!! Ahhh Mexico – full of surprises.
Then we headed off with full bellies to Capaderillo for the next assembly!
Report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart
7th Mtg of the SMA Midday Rotary Cruz del Palmar Water Project
Where: Cruz del Palmar Community (40 mins from SMA)
When: Wed June 09.06.10 11.40 – 2pm
Who: Chela, (Cedesa), Elena & Laura (Rotary), 27 adults incl 7 men, + 11kids, 1 dog,
Purpose: Review construction of individual cisterns
There were some new people here today so we introduced ourselves.
Chela called for proposed Co-ordinator for the day.
Analaura was proposed.
Analaura called the roll.
The 4 new people at today’s meeting are
Catalina (was at 1st meeting)
Hermelinda Ramirez
Maria Dolores
Theresa Salazar
(2 are from the other side of the river & 2 in Centro)
1 woman attended first meeting but then had to go to GTO, she is interested though.)
Elena said a few words in personal prayer before we began, about protecting the environment & being open to receive good words…
Chela asked why are you involved?
They all said they were interested in this project.
Chela reiterated that participation in meetings is compulsory to plan the process, discuss issues eg, not letting cats onto the roofs to keep them clean.
The problem of cats on roofs was discussed, apparently it is common for neighbours cats to go on roofs & poo. I suggested a slingshot, or a water bottle with vinegar in! They all laughed.
Elena suggested a sandbox, & educating them to use it.
They all agreed Amigos de los Animales would be welcome to neuter the animals.
Elena knows the organisation & mentioned getting in touch with them.
This is an important item to discuss as keeping the roofs clean is a very important part of the maintenance of the system. If you have a plague of cats & dogs maybe you need to take control & responsibility for this, they can not be allowed to breed randomly. Dog & cat faeces are very polluting & contaminating.
Action: Elena asked for the name & contact of Imelda Ramirez Ignatio Allende #70, ph 415 119 4016, as her dog has a problem with “sarne” (mange) & Elena offered to contact her vet to see what can be done.
There is no vet available near Cruz del Palmar – a mobile vet clinic could be a good idea!
“often no Doctor here, let alone a vet!”
Record of Event pg 2 of 4
Review of Project
The first 12 cisterns are all completed.
Materials for the rest of the cisterns have been received (as of yesterday – cement delivered).
All the wires are woven & cylinders have been created, so only cement needs to be applied.
There was a discussion about piping/pvc, they are missing
Codos 45 3” x 2 (from first delivery)
Tees 3” x 21 (2nd delivery)
Codos 45 3” x 10 (2nd delivery)
Tapones incercion 3” x 8 (2nd delivery)
Laura checked invoices & discovered that although the correct amount was ordered, for some reason the invoice was for less than was ordered. An additional order was since paid & will be collected on 15th June.
Some of the cisterns are “crooked”
There was a discussion as some of the cisterns are not perfectly straight. This is because they did not adhere to the training exactly.
After much discussion, & because it is only aesthetic it was decided it is not a problem, & to call them “rustic” or “organic” examples.
Co-incidentally Jose Miguel Cruz (one of the Los Torres team of experts) was visiting the clinic across the road so Elena went to see him to ask him to come & chat with the meeting.
5 cisterns are slightly crooked. It was decided the groups would benefit from an additional 2 day’s training/consultation by Rafa, 1 to visit the extra 7 people in group 4, & 1 for any other doubts.
Ana from Group 4 will call Rafa & co-ordinate with the other groups.
Chela explained it is important for them to do their best on construction as these examples are seen by the rest of the community(s).
Jose Miguel arrived with Chucha & explained the process required to ensure the cisterns are straight & not on a lean.
Including
• Place the top on carefully
• Measure the distance from the centre to the edge with a piece of string & make sure it is the same all round (this will centre it)
• Don’t bend or lean on the wire form because it is bendable, & you don’t want this.
Everyone was asked if they are clear on what they need to do now, & all agreed.
Question – will it affect the water – no – it’s purely aesthetic.
Miguel gave Ana Rafa’s contact details for the extra 2 days work agreed.
Record of Event pg 3 of 4
Group co-operation
There was discussion about working in groups, many are not co-operating. Chela talked about Montecillo de Nieto, & how well they were working in harmony.
Chela - You need to decide on the hours that will work for all of you & then stick to that commitment. You need to respect this & it’s in your hands to decide between yourselves. It affects you all, when you don’t want to work in groups it wont work, it’s a principal point of this project, to learn to work co-operatively in groups & respect arrangements/agreements.
Chela – from my perspective if you can’t respect agreements we don’t or can’t continue to work in CdP.
There is a lack of respect & you need to work on this.
Group 4 in particular needs to get together to get things organised, if you agree an hour to begin, then be there.
In some groups they are each house that they work on is providing food & drink for the ones working, so they are all naturally taking turns at catering.
Doubts & questions
One of the women mentioned that Los Torres cisterns get called “balls” but a woman asked her the other day
“what are all those Monos blancos (white monkeys!) popping up in Cruz del Palmar!)
Everyone thought this was pretty funny.
What is the next time for a visit, & what will we cover?
Next visit will be 14th July, covering maintenance & function of the cisterns when the rains arrive.
There was a brief discussion re the water alternatives eg, solar distillation, for example this would be useful on years when it is dry & there is no rainwater. Chela explained that Cedesa has workshops on these & it would be worthwhile for a few to attend.
Brief discussion re toilets, some have septic systems.
Discussion about possibility of Phase II in Cruz del Palmar
It is interesting to note that there are waves of interest in a community, we have now worked in enough to see a pattern.
1st lots of interest in case they miss out, then fewer return when they realise they have to do the work & are not receiving a hand out, then there is a bit of a delay while the project gets underway & construction begins, & then once the first few are finished, a new wave of interest is created as the later adopters finally “get it” & see what we were talking about!
There are 4 extra people today but Chela invited them to start a list of 2nd Phase people, knowing that money will take a while & they need to work to achieve this.
There are a couple of newly weds interested, but they thought they had to have a family first before they qualified, we explained no, just willing to do the work & participate.
Record of Event pg 4 of 4
Chela – Cisterns are not a “fashion item” they are a resolution to a grave problem…
There was more discussion about people wanting them but not being prepared to work for them, one woman pointed out to these people that it is well worth it, since it is there for the future for their family, “yes it’s a lot of work & commitment & effort, but then the solution is in place from then on…”
With this safe drinking water the health of your family will improve & there will be fewer visits to the clinic, & health will be back in your hands.
“If people have problem attending the meetings then they’re going to have more problems to construct their cistern”
Chela - really it’s a small investment of time compared with the solution it provides, investment in the cistern, but also investment in your community to grow together, valuable learning time, as well as the cistern/water solution for life.
Chela – we came here today because we know the issue & wish to resolve it, we are here to help, a few days of your life in return for healthy drinking water for future generations! It’s a bargain!
Some people have been working from 6pm to Midnight, it’s cooler then – we joked that this might be why some are crooked, they’ve been falling asleep while they work…
People were invited to attend the next assembly if they are interested in phase II.
Next Assembly Cruz del Palmar July 14 at 11am
PS Forgot to add at the end of the Cruz assembly we were approached by a young woman with a daughter of about 5 needing medical check up of a skull operation she had had, we contacted Patro Nato Pro Ninos (the medical NGO here) & made the referral.
We were also asked for assistance for uniforms for a girls soccer team, Yolande's daughters are in a team.
Elena caught up with some others from the team in Los Torres, & asked them to get pricing for us... we intend to add this to the list for our mini-committee of hands on/more immediate projects.
We then left & went to the house of Jesus, (one of the group of 7 extra cisterns) he had invited us to stay for Comida.
His house was amazing, full of inherited furniture from his grandmother & we were treated to a very elegant lunch (he used to be a caterer), spaghetti alfredo, chicken with capsicum cheese & mushrooms with fresh fruit desert, we then were toured his animals, horse, turkeys, about 7 million chickens, 1 peacock, 2 pheasants, & a blue bird I didn’t recognise, we also got to see the feathers off the chicken we had just eaten for lunch as proof of the freshness!! Ahhh Mexico – full of surprises.
Then we headed off with full bellies to Capaderillo for the next assembly!
Report respectfully submitted by Laura Stewart
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