1. The response to my email
about starting a library in Solidaridad has been
encouraging. I'm moving ahead with the planning.
One thing I've learned from
starting the chicken business in Solidaridad is
that things that might seem simple and easy aren't
always simple and easy. I've also learned that it takes
more time than I anticipated.
Having said that, let me say
that I will be working with Enrique and Ethel to start
the process of developing the library system and
planning a place for it when we return to Mexico late in
July. My goal is to get something started around the
start of 2006. I'll keep you informed on the progress.
2. For some reason, last
weekend AOL blocked my emails. This means that if you
have an AOL email address you didn't receive the emails
that I sent about Blanca. This is a little girl who
missed a year of school because she didn't have a school
uniform. Last July we had the funds to buy uniforms and
shoes for the children and this year she is in school.
There were 2 emails about Blanca. One of them included
her picture. If you are AOL and want to get these
emails, please just click on "reply" and let me know and
I'll resend them. If you are AOL and are reading
this, AOL is now letting my emails go through.
3. We talked with Enrique
this week regarding the chicken business. He now has
chickens and we are back in business.
When we started the chicken
business, we had two women who each had a pen for
chickens. When Enrique got an order for a chicken, one
of the women would butcher a chicken and Enrique would
deliver it to the customer.
This worked okay for a
while, but after several weeks there were problems with
both of the women and the business was temporarily shut
down. Enrique has now disassembled both pens and they
have been combined into one larger pen and relocated to
the home of Carmen. This is right across the street
from the mission church where Enrique can keep a better
eye on things. Carmen also has some business experience
and others in her family who can help out when needed.
I feel good about this move and think it will be an
improvement.
4. I write a lot about the
children of Solidaridad. As you know, where there are
children there are also adults. When Enrique first
started working at the mission church, about 3 years
ago, he says that many of the adults actually threw
rocks at them when they would arrived at the church for
a service. However, from my observations now they are
treating him with a great deal of respect. He is now
called upon to mediate squabbles and more and more of
the parents are joining the children at church. One of
these adults that I'm going to introduce to you is
Alejandro, but that will be in another email.
5. One other news item that
I want to report is that electricity has finally made
its way down the street in front of the mission church.
This has made it possible to have evening services and
this makes it possible for parents who work seven days a
week in the market to come to church with the children.
I've got more to say about this in another email.
Frank Miller
