Chiapas trip April 2024

All of my trips to Chiapas have been wonderful and this was no exception. From the time I arrived until the day I departed I was filled with gratitude for my 20 years working with
indigenous women and children. Around every corner of San Cristobal de las Casas were memories from my previous 30 + trips to this beautiful mountainous city and the communities
surrounding it.

The remodeling of the women’s center had just been completed. As many of you know, Gabriela, had completed her degree in architecture and the design of the remodel was her final project. Gabriela had been on scholarship with us since the 6th grade and with her mother (also a scholarship recipient) had been key to a very successful children’s program in her town of Ocosingo. She and her brother (who has a degree in engineering) organized and supervised the remodel itself.

I had been very much looking forward to seeing it. And I was amazed! Gabriela had brought increased light and airflow into the original structure. Now it has a second story, and second
bathroom, and large airy sleeping rooms. What a difference! I was privileged to be present for the Maya ceremony to purify the center. With flowers and copal, every room was purified. All
present had to go out the front door and then walk in again surrounded by the copal incense.

During the week I met with 2 former scholarship girls, both with the university degrees they had earned. I also went out to Zinacantan to visit 2 families with whom Mujeres has a long history of
scholarships and children’s programs. The following weekend I was delighted to attend one of the workshops dedicated to the current 13 scholarship recipients. I talked with each of them
individually about their educational interests and progress and their lives in general. It is always delightful to have that personal contact with them.

Thanks to all the Mujeres’ supporters over the years!
Judith