When they can, Esveide and her community of close-knit women near Tecate, Mexico, give out food supplies to other households in their neighborhood. They don't have much themselves, but over the years they've found ways to support those who are really struggling. Lately, they haven't been able to support their neighbors with the rice, beans, and other mainstays like they used to. So today, we're surprising them - with the gift of giving. We went shopping with Esveide and her daughter to get just the right things - oil, sugar, rice, beans, coffee, and more. Then we gathered our friends at Finding Sophia to organize the haul and get ready to give it all away. "There is little access for food for many people," said Luz, Esveide's mother. But "people help each other. They give everything they have to one another." The bags of food for families will last them about a week. But the feeling of giving back, doing something good for your neighbors, and stepping in right … [Read more...] about Gifts that Give Twice
Archives for December 2018
Some TLC
When we sat down with some ladies near Tecate, Mexico, we asked them to tell us what their biggest challenges were. And what we might do to make things a little easier. We met these mamas, which includes Esveide and her family, through an all women's service group called Finding Sophia. We had heard that lately, this community was dealing with some pretty difficult things - increase in crime, insecurity, and a general feeling of unease, not sure what would come next. We had thought that perhaps their answers to our questions would be all about their greatest physical needs...but we thought wrong. Instead? It was all about joy. Something that came out loud and clear was that they needed some TLC. They needed something to lift their spirits. One of the ladies had an idea - what about a salon day? Gathering anybody who needed a little pampering, to boost their confidence and make them their special? So we gathered up some supplies, got the ladies of Finding Sophia … [Read more...] about Some TLC
Listening In
Alicia has a talent. When people in her community are struggling with something, she sits with them. She listens. She guides. And she walks with them through the tough times. She a little bit like her community's informal counselor. Alicia lives right next door to Esveide, the fierce single mother we met yesterday. While we were chatting with Esveide and her family, we learned about Alicia's talent - and her leaky roof. We thought we could do something about both. Alicia has so many people over to her home to chat. So we wanted to help her do more of what she does best. We got her a fresh of coffee supplies and cups and saucers, plus some books on counseling and coloring book supplies - for when her "clients" need to relax and unwind. We also knew her leaky roof was a big problem. When it rained, the water trickled down right inside the house and into her kids' rooms. That was an easy fix - we helped her get the supplies she needed to patch it right … [Read more...] about Listening In
A Special Treat
For Esveide, family means everything. A single mother of nine children, she lives in a border town near Tecate, Mexico, doing her very best to keep her kids in school and give them every opportunity to grow. We came to know Esveide through the ladies of Finding Sophia. We learned that recently, Esveide's community has faced an increase in violence, crime, and child abductions. And as a result, an increase in fear. We sat down with Esveide's crew, wanting to learn some doable ways we could help. And their first idea? It might surprise you... Chinese food! The family's all-time favorite restaurant is called Wong Wa, which serves up classic dishes like orange chicken, shrimp fried rice, and sweet and sour soup. Esveide and her family go there for special occasions and holidays, and when we asked what might cheer them up their answer was clear - a family meal at their favorite local spot. In truth, their response wasn't surprising at all. What family doesn't feel joy … [Read more...] about A Special Treat