One of our tasks here is to document and preserve the local Chacrasecan history. A lot of dramatic history has happened here the last 60 years and very little if any preservation of their stories. Ed and his team have worked diligently interviewing some of the elders of the community. It has been very enlightening and sometimes heartbreaking. The people are very brave and I certainly can liken them to my European and Native American ancestors. Life is very difficult here. There is a lot history of corruption in the government and oppression of the people. If that wasn't enough they had hurricane Mitch to deal with in 1998. Although it demolished the entire nation, Chacraseca bore the brunt. Several thousand were killed across the nation and no one knows how many were killed locally. There is no infrastructure in place to deal with a catastrophic event such as a hurricane. We saw today a large ditch across a road that had previously been flat. It was quite shocking.

We also interviewed a gentleman with two Ph.Ds in Leon who has invented a most remarkable cookstove. The stoves (if you are lucky enough to own one) were extremely physically damaging to the respiratory system. Respiratory problems are very common here. Dry, dry dust blows nearly all the time and the land is poisoned with chemicals. Even while here, when I cough or breathe deeply I can hear wheezing. Anyway, the stoves use 10% of the wood previously used. In addition, you can stand to use it and not bend over...think about it...it is restoring their dignity. This part made me weepy. Particularly, the women of the region have been oppressed and poverty comes with its own indignities. Now, they can stand to cut and chop their food, make tortillas and cook their food. The stoves covered with ceramic tiles that stay cool as well.

Another problem I learned of yesterday...as the community decide who gets new cookstoves...(yes, this is a community undertaking)...it has to be considered...will the receiving family even have food to cook in it...YES, you read it right...will it be worthwhile to provide one...sad but true.  They are not given free. The family is expected to provide labor, a certain number of sand and glass bottles, etc. We visit an area where several people had the stoves. They were what I referred to as "the fun people." They laughed and joked. We had a great time there. We even met a gentleman who cooked on the cookstove as well! That is quite a novelty in this culture.

Another couple of things we observed there...a Singer sewing mating from the turn of the last century...you may remember...the peddle! machine!! The lady used is regularly and had on a skirt that she had made with it! We were all quite shocked. Singer needs to know about it we believe!

Another thing we saw on her property was a poinsettia tree! It was huge and quite shocking. We didn't know poinsettias grew as a tree! Very beautiful and I got a picture.

All for now. I see God moving all over this community and in me, as well. Praise His Holy Name.