Support indigenous women's self-sufficiency in MX

Hola everyone,

Thank you for your ongoing support. I just wanted to update you on what’s going on with the Circle of Women, as I head into the heat of Oaxaca and Miramar this week. I go with great curiosity because I’ve not been since March—the longest time ever! The weavers have taken more control of their marketing and business. But, I’ve been missing them. GLASSES FOR ALMOST EVERYONE Enabled by El Clinic de Pueblo in San Martin, a suburb of Oaxaca, 35 women from Miramar had their eyes examined. Of these, 31 were found to need glasses and were supplied with some. Other major eye health conditions were diagnosed to be caused by the sun, dust, and infectious conjunctivitis. The women were instructed in eye washing with chamomile. This is the first big exam for any woman in Miramar who wanted it.

LEARNING ABOUT GOOD FOODS AND LEAVING OUT THE JUNK As part of the health program, the women have been studying and understanding the meaning of GOOD FOOD. This involves recognizing what foods lack good nutritional qualities and which are highly processed and lead to health problems.

The women conducted a survey of what was available in Miramar and what people were eating by looking in trash piles and visiting stores. The women were amazed at the enormous amount of garbage generated by industrialized food. They made an agreement with one another to not offer this kind of food to their children and to design healthy snacks for use in the community.

This program was completely designed e women, guided by Dr. Armida Sanchez, and made possible through the generous support of Pura Vida Coffee company.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Tom Feher’s and my book, “Weaving yarn, Weaving cultures, Weaving lives: The Circle of Women in Miramar, Oaxaca” is now at the publisher in Mexico and we have been promised it in time for the holidays. It is beautiful. Tom’s pictures of the weavers are wonderful.

Thank you for all you do.

Judith