Painting the Store

It has been a very busy and productive summer. Las Rancheritas have meet two times for paint parties. The first time they arrived with all their kids from 3 to 16. It was wild. Everyone wanted to paint. My husband brought 30 tennis balls donated by a friend in Austin. He passed out all the balls and while some painted other kids played ball.

More progress on store

I wish you all could have been with me yesterday at the village. We had a meeting of everyone to distribute money from rugs sales in the US. They were so happy to have this cash. There was around $1000 divided up between 16 people. I want to put this into perspective. When they make a large amount at a sale it has varied impact. Some women only make 25 to 50 dollars others may make as much as $500. So the impact on each family varies. However they are grateful for every dollar and their optimism is refreshing. 
After the distribution we all walked from Boni's house to the store. They are all so excited about the progress and the possibility it symbolizes. It was 6:00 PM and the light was magic. As we approached we could see the lovely new color on the outside. They choose a shade of melon.

Mujeres en Cambio visit the store.

Last week our parent organization, Mujeres en Cambio, traveled to the store to check on the progress. Mujeres gave us the seed money in Jan. to start the process of remodeling. They saw all the improvements and were delighted by the location. They gave us some new ideas on details that will improve the area and provide access to the public. We also discussed the grand opening party on Jan. 17th. One of the ways mujeres does fundraising is through luncheons. Tickets are sold to the public and the proceeds go towards providing scholarships for girls living in rural villages. Many of Las Rancheritas daughters have received these scholarships. They support around 150 girls each year in junior high, high school and university. Please check out their website for details on this well run and important organization. the luncheon will be at the store and the women of Las Rancheritas will be the guest chef's. This will also be the date when we will hold the raffle. So you still have time to purchase tickets and win a silver heart or a rug of your choice.
In addition to this event the promotional committee met and planned a second event. We need to get the word out so we have visitors. San Miguel has 15 tour guides and they are looking for new and interesting places to bring their tour groups. The village is on the road to the local Otomi pyramid so this can be an addition to groups visiting this site. It also provides a great place to stop for horse riding or hiking tours. So we are excited and hopeful about the future. "Build it and they will come". However advertising is essential. 
I stopped off at Boni's house after the visit and got treated to a snack,  fresh tortillas filled with tomatoes and chilies. There is nothing like a tortilla fresh off the fire.

email change

Progress on the store is moving along and I will be sending an update soon. However I need to communicate with everyone that my email was hacked. I will change the contact here but if any of you have me in their address book please change the email to:

char@charlottebell.com

My yahoo address is completely none functional. Note: frequently your address box will automatically fill in an old address so please check to make sure emails are not going to yahoo. 

Sorry about the mess.

Fun scenes from San Miguel (near Las Rancheritas)

This is the main plaza in San Miguel. Watch til the end to see the mojigangas.

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Here is a 4th of July celebration in a village. This village is near Agustin Gonzales

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And some dancers young and younger

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They know how to have a good time.

Remember if you want to purchase a raffle ticket using paypal go to:

charwolf100@yahoo.com

Good luck.

Amazing progress on the store

See the full gallery on Posterous

I just returned from a visit to Agustin Gonzales and Las Rancheritas. I am blown away. Here is the list of what has been done since April with about $1000 US dollars. 

1. A functioning water line has been run to the site. Distence about 4 blocks.

2, A water storage tank has been installed with interior pipes.

3. A septic tank has been dug and bricks are being layed.

4. Two toilets and a sink are installed.

5. The main interior is competely finished including smooth concrete walls and a beautiful smooth floor.

6. A window has been installed with the fabulous view of the valley and San Miguel.

7. The road has been repaired so the entire distence from the asphalt highway to the building is a smooth gravel drive about 1/2 mile. 

Please check the amount that has been spent. $1000 US dollars. 
When you look at the photos parts may look crude. Remember everything is made from cement in Mexico so finish walls will be smooth and lovely and forever when they are complete.
You will also see the notebook where Isabel Cazares has keep every receipt and notated all costs. We are going to work on a little bookeeping system. Since this is an entirely new idea to them.  

Photos on a blog link

Rebecca Brooks is working hard to help us raise money to finish the store.

http://corazon.typepad.com/recuerda_mi_corazon/2012/06/las-rancheritas-dreams-big-in-the-shadow-of-a-pyramid.html

 I know many of you have already given us generous donations. Thank you.
If you have not helped yet you many want to consider a ticket or two in the raffle. There are not that many people yet so your chances of getting the silver heart or a rug are pretty good.