Last year in April, I went to Guatemala with Wells of Hope for 8 days. I met the most amazing people there, both volunteers and the locals of Jalapa. The high altitude and hot weather was just what the doctor ordered for my health issues and I had the best time ever! I loved every day I was there and I taught and sewed every day.

I was teaching young teens and some older women how to sew. The young teens were shy to come in the beginning. The first day only two came. The next day they brought two friends, the next day two more. All of the girls learned to make their own aprons and then their own skirts. One especially bright girl made her own matching skirt and sleeveless top. She wanted it for her 15th birthday party which was 4 days after the outfit was finished. She was so very proud of herself, and I was very proud of her too! She was the obvious leader of the group, teaching the others what she had learned only a day or so earlier, re-threading the machines after only watching me do it twice, encouraging the other girls and translating my hand signals and charades.

I want to encourage all of the girls to learn everything I know and help them to start their own sewing company. In particular I have been asked to teach them to sew school uniforms for both the boys and girls and soccer uniforms. This would earn the girls enough money to keep their families going and hopefully keep them in school until the end of high school.

This is my goal for going this year. I am going for 30 days this time instead of 8. I hope this will be enough time to teach them to sew shirts, blouses, skirts, jumpers, pants, jerseys and shorts.

I also have some other smaller projects for them and some hand crafts so that they can still make things to sell when Wells of Hope leaves for their Winter months (their rainy season) of May to October. 

One day a group of women came to meet me and learn to sew skirts... and a slip! They were a lot of fun and loved my name. One lady pinched my cheeks and said "Lolita, Espanola!"  They spent one hour on one bus, one hour on another bus, then walked one hour to our Camp. Each bus cost them $1 and then they had to do the same to go home. One of our volunteers drove them to the bus stop to save them the walk. Strong women. Determined women. They saved for a long time for that day. I was honoured. I am looking for a group of women here who will collect money for these ladies, so they can come more frequently. Any takers?

As some of you may know, I have had more health issues lately and have not worked as much as usual. I had a cyst removed from my back, which did not heal properly. Then I had my gallbladder removed before Christmas.  I have also been battling fibromyalgia and depression. I am on a very healthy diet which lessens the fibro pain, and when Winter is over my S.A.D. will leave as well. I am looking forward returning to Jalapa. Please help me. Help me help them. They are waiting for my return.  Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU!