First, the mini resource center on our yard is now open! There are two rooms--one to sell books, maps, and German newspapers and just hang out, and the other is a library with books in German, Spanish and English, as well as a reading/coloring table. It's altogether a bit rustic yet, but people are starting to come in on the two days/week we're open.
Second, we've begun working with a nearby Guarani community to help put up a windmill pump and water tank for their existing (but unused) community well. It's slow going, but this seems to be a good way for MCC to be involved in this area. We also recently toured the large Guarani area of Isoso together with a Belgian NGO worker, who assists women's leadership and artisan groups. Quite eye-opening to look into some very poor-looking homes of what used to be semi-nomadic people. Below is a woman weaving in their traditional style, in her adobe home.
Third, our Mennonite colony work has gotten a bit more focused. At the moment we are finishing a previous project, which provides certain low-income families with well water systems. We've also recently had some positive meetings with the Durango Colony leadership about our plans to promote drip irrigation for gardens and pastures.
And finally, we're becoming better friends with our neighbors (though we're pretty sure they're helping themselves to our chickens' eggs :) and the other gringos living in Charagua--a European NGO worker, a Mennonite missionary couple from Canada, and a whole group of European Jehovah's Witnesses. What a mix it is!
And finally, we're eating lettuce, carrots, onions, and herbs from our garden; tomatoes and peppers are just about ready; and as always, fruits from the trees--papayas just started, avocados and lemons are ending, and figs...well, we're not sure.
No comments:
Post a Comment