Birthday Party in Zacango

Thursday evening we went to a birthday party in Zacango. Leonardo turned 50. It was interesting to talk with him about his work in Mexico City and Los Angeles. He also shared about his interest in Lucha Libre (wrestling), his secret recipes for cooking fish, and cerviche with soy. Fun times and delicious food.

Graduation in Zacango

Friday evening we attended the graduation ceremony in Zacango for the water-science workshop. Our MCC co-worker Dr. Bruce taught a 10-week course and people were really excited about it. He's hoping to replicate it in other communities.


Handing out certificates and documenting the moment.



It was great to be in the classroom. The community rehabbed the room - cleaning it up and putting on a new roof. Jaime is teaching ESL classes here too. Many people practice their English with us now when we come to Zacango and say how much they are enjoying the classes.

To continue the graduation celebration we watched a movie in the room - on a sheet on the wall, and a projector. With popcorn and chile powder.

We had a fun evening in Zacango.

Sewing Classes with Marie

We had a wonderful time with Marie in November. She came and taught the sewing group in Zacango how to use rotary cutters and mats, make cloth bags, new apron designs and ideas for Christmas decorations. Everyone had a fantastic time. Every time I meet with the group they ask when she is going to come back. THANKS SO MUCH MARIE!

Painting the Sewing Room

We are still working with the women´s sewing group in Zacango. Here are two pictures from when we helped paint the walls.

Women’s Sewing Group in Zacango

The Women’s Sewing Group in Zacango has been revived and is now meeting on a regular basis. A big thanks to Kevin Key from Chicago Community Mennonite Church for asking follow-up questions about the group.We are now meeting twice a week for a few hours in the late afternoon, busily getting ready for an MCC “Work and Learn” group that is coming the end of July. One of the work projects is to replace the leaky roof of the sewing room. The middle section of the new roofing material will be transparent, allowing sunlight to come in and provide much needed light, as there is no electricity in the room. Once we have a new roof, we will be able to organize the room and really start sewing. The intent is that this is an income-generating project. The women make aprons and dish towels (to wrap-up hot tortillas). Both are very popular items here. Once we have the room in working order, we can start talking about if and how we want to expand the product line.
Picture 1: Sewing Room in Zacango
Picture 2,3,4: Treadle Sewing Machines
Picture 6: Embroidering outside where there is more light.

Drip Irrigation in Zacango

Last week we helped plant chile pepper plants in Zacango. Two farmers are using a drip irrigation system that our co-worker Derek helped install. There is a resevoir near-by which supplies the water for the irrigation system. Using drip irrigation saves water, as the water drips out of a small hole in the tube right at the base of the plant stalk. These same farmers also grow tomatoes. Last month one of them told Derek that he was thinking about going to the U.S. to work, but because he has this farm with the drip irrigation system, he decided to stay here.