Sharing the Dream

Monday, Oct 22, 2007

We stayed in a hostel in Coban. It wasn’t a 4 star place, probably not even a 1 star, but it was okay and we made it through the night. The next morning we had breakfast and met Gianni from an Italian organization called “CISP”. He works with different groups with the support of the European Union. He is an interesting person. He speaks about 4 languages and as Diana says he is “electrico”. He was taking us to the group in Tamahu. Gianni again had a pickup and we had 4 extra people so the back was pretty full.

When we arrived in Tamahu we checked out a private home that rented out rooms. We were checking out possibilities of bringing groups here. This would be a wonderful spot as it is beautiful. After this we went to the office to meet with the women. There were about 25 women at the meeting. Some of them walked 4 hours down the mountain for the meeting. Four women had brought their looms along and showed us the process they use in weaving shawls, tablecloths, scarves, and placemats. Some of these groups crochet and several of the women had their crochet work with them and crocheted during the meeting. The women all introduced themselves and told us about their organization. They currently have excess stock because they thought they had a spot in a mall near the airport in Guatemala City but the spot was given to someone else. (More about this in a later journal)

Woman weaving

Meeting with Tamahu women

Women crocheting

Group after meeting

After the meeting we ate lunch. The leader of the group took us to her home which had recently been added on to. Then she and several other women took us to the local park which was lovely. There were three swimming pools and a pool with healing salts. They laughed at us as we took off our shoes and put our legs in the water. (We were hoping for healing of our gnat bites.) As we came back from the park, one of the women who lived close gave us oranges. We think this would be a great place to bring groups because it is not touristy but would give people a chance to meet a new group and see a different place. I will send a photo of my little friend Doris. Somehow she and I really connected from the beginning of the day. When we went for the walk she kept taking my hand, when we walked up the hill from the park she helped me… What a sweetie… I think she would be a good candidate to grow up and work for Sharing the Dream.

Diane and Doris at pool with healing salts

These women are learning to weave fabric that can be used for tablecloths and curtains and other home decorating items. We purchased some fabric for a new tablecloth and curtains at our center and the women gave us a wall hanging as a gift.

From there we drove back to Guatamala City. We were going through mountains and the scenery was beautiful. This is the 3rd night that we were driving late and after dark. Not my favorite thing to do.

More later.
Diane

go to Oct 23