Safe Passage

Hope everyone had a nice time for Thanksgiving, we had oodles of food and lots of people to share it with, so it was a really nice day.  Of course, it isn't a holiday they celebrate here in Guatemala but that didn't stop us.

We have four dentists in the Clinic now. Dr. Bob and Julie Allred have been here for three weeks.  I have included a picture of the group now.  We started with two dentists, then went to three, then two, then three and now four.  I think that is the max for us.  He reminds me of my Uncle Raymond and my Grandmother Benta.  A little in the way he looks and then some mannerisms also.  Small World!

Some of us went to the Safe Passage site again this weekend.  I know I have told you about it before but they are so appreciative of the support they get from all the Senior missionaries and others of our church leaders that they offered to show us around and have a few of the women that make the jewelry show us how they do it and tell us a little of their stories.  They are situated right next to the large city dump.  This is the place where they have classes for the older kids and the mom's that want to be involved.  

Several years ago, about 15, this program was started. The word went out to the women in that area of Zone 3 that this new program was beginning and if any of them wanted to join in they could.  They would need to take some classes toward getting an education and then they would be chosen to be a part of the Creemos group.  There they would be taught how to make the paper jewelry and could earn money.  I am sure there was a little more than that involved, but that is close.  This was offered to the women who worked at the dump.  In the dump they work many hours a day sorting through the garbage for things that can be sold. They make generally 50 quets a day, which is about $6.75, and it is not easy work. Surprisingly only 5 women took them up on their offer.  There were several reasons why they couldn't join in.  Their husbands were not supportive, they thought that the women were past the age of learning and what good would it do them now.  It would be better for them to just keep working to earn some money.  Some husbands were jealous of the opportunity and would not allow it.  Some women thought they didn't have the time and it wasn't worth it.

The three women that shared their story with us Saturday were so amazing.  What brave women they are and what amazing good they have done for themselves and their families. They have had all sorts of problems in their lives, health, family etc.  Probably the same problems we all have but to a larger degree it seems.  The program has grown and there are now 28 women making jewelry, bags and pillows to sell and over 100 coming to classes. They have a limit on how many can be involved in making things but everyone that wants to come to classes are welcome.

The jewelry is made from colorful pages from magazines.  They really like the Liahona magazine and the church leaders donate a lot of old ones to them.  

They showed us how it is made and we even made a few beads ourselves.  I think when I get home it would be a fun project to do with the girls.  

I bought a necklace that I found out was made by Rosa so I had my picture taken with her.  

Pretty brave and amazing women.  They told us that there is a lot of prejudice against people from Zone 3.   It is very hard to get a job in other zones if you are from here.  

We are off for Belize on Friday and will be returning home on the 11th, Monday.  So, I am not sure how communication will be while we are away.  If I am not able to send while I am away, no worries, I will catch up when we get home.  I am sure there is no wifi on the sailboat.  We are looking forward to seeing Fred and the Roghaars.  Our year mark is Tuesday, what a way to celebrate!!

Love to you all!   MOM, Grammy