This is Gabriella and Lucia and Alicia with a suitcase and Zonta bags.
Two years ago, two US women on the trip, Barbara Mannix and Patricia Vivier-Naidl met Lucia and her mother Maria. They learned that for $120 a treadle operated sewing machine could be purchased that would enable Maria and Lucia to support the family. For Barbara and Patricia it was a "no - brainer." In the middle and on the right you can see the two young women in blouses that the family created. They now have a thriving business.
On the left is Gabriella. If you have been following this blog you have seen her as a facilitator for our first workshop of 50+ young women. Gaby put herself through teachers college by working at the school. She has graduated at 17. Her dream is to go to law school. She is brilliant but she does not have the resources to continue in school. Also her family needs the income she can bring in as a teacher. I am committed to sending Gaby to law school. I have asked her to determine the cost of a law degree including living expenses. I will be asking for the help of anyone who would like to have a direct impact on a young woman who can make a change in the world if given the resources. This is also a "no-brainer."
You also see a purple suitcase which was given to me by Karen Pati. The Zonta club filled this suitcase full of supplies and bracelets that were enthusiastically received by facilitators, teachers and people who helped us along the way. When it was empty it was filled with shoes and other items that Lucia and Alicia took back to their village. Now they can use this suitcase to take the products they create to market. A many time recycled item.
And there is the Zonta bag - like ones I saw often. To me this represents the support that the Zonta Club and Foundation of Sanibel-Captiva have given GRACE and these young women throughout the last few years. At the end of each workshop Genelle had me stand as she told about Zonta and they work we do locally and internationally. As I received the applause for my club, I was proud. We Zontians and tHe Unitarian Church of Ft. Myers and GRACE and Genelle Grant continue to make a difference in individual lives - we continue to "enhance the status of women." Together with these men and women in Guatemala we are working for justice and for peace. We are balancing the culture of violence.
I do want to thank my travel companions on this current journey, Genelle and Linda for their support and encouragement. I also want to thank the Zonta cLub of Sanibel/Captiva and family and friends for their financial and emotional support.
And also gratitude for that long ago relationship that first introduced me to this enchanted and complicated land.
On the left is Gabriella. If you have been following this blog you have seen her as a facilitator for our first workshop of 50+ young women. Gaby put herself through teachers college by working at the school. She has graduated at 17. Her dream is to go to law school. She is brilliant but she does not have the resources to continue in school. Also her family needs the income she can bring in as a teacher. I am committed to sending Gaby to law school. I have asked her to determine the cost of a law degree including living expenses. I will be asking for the help of anyone who would like to have a direct impact on a young woman who can make a change in the world if given the resources. This is also a "no-brainer."
You also see a purple suitcase which was given to me by Karen Pati. The Zonta club filled this suitcase full of supplies and bracelets that were enthusiastically received by facilitators, teachers and people who helped us along the way. When it was empty it was filled with shoes and other items that Lucia and Alicia took back to their village. Now they can use this suitcase to take the products they create to market. A many time recycled item.
And there is the Zonta bag - like ones I saw often. To me this represents the support that the Zonta Club and Foundation of Sanibel-Captiva have given GRACE and these young women throughout the last few years. At the end of each workshop Genelle had me stand as she told about Zonta and they work we do locally and internationally. As I received the applause for my club, I was proud. We Zontians and tHe Unitarian Church of Ft. Myers and GRACE and Genelle Grant continue to make a difference in individual lives - we continue to "enhance the status of women." Together with these men and women in Guatemala we are working for justice and for peace. We are balancing the culture of violence.
I do want to thank my travel companions on this current journey, Genelle and Linda for their support and encouragement. I also want to thank the Zonta cLub of Sanibel/Captiva and family and friends for their financial and emotional support.
And also gratitude for that long ago relationship that first introduced me to this enchanted and complicated land.
There are many years and many miles between my two visits to Guatemala. Both trips were intense and meaningful personal experiences. I have not written about the personal/ private journey. If you'd like to hear about it buy a bottle of wine and good cheese and invite me over.
Mary Oliver writes:
"Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.”
― Mary Oliver
That's what I, Virginia Louise Jones, have done.
Thanks for caring enough to follow me....... Gini
"Instructions for living a life.
Pay attention.
Be astonished.
Tell about it.”
― Mary Oliver
That's what I, Virginia Louise Jones, have done.
Thanks for caring enough to follow me....... Gini
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1975 San Antonio Aquas Caliente
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