Unfortunately, I can't offer boatloads of information. But here's what I've got. I'll still be working at Casa Tatic in the afternoons Monday-Friday. I know I haven't talked much about the roots of that organization, so here's a little. Casa Tatic is a project of VAMOS!, a non-profit in Cuernavaca. By design, Casa Tatic is primarily a resource to indigenous families who have recently immigrated to the city, and frequently lack access to water, food, and bathrooms. The manualidades (handicrafts) group that I work with was started as a second layer of support to these same people. Frequently, indigenous people in the cities of Mexico make their meager living by selling handicrafts and folk art. Our group not only provides these women with a hot meal, time to achieve a finished project, and much-needed educational childcare, but also strives to help develop the skills required of these artisans.
On Monday/Wednesday/Friday mornings, I'll be working in another VAMOS! project. This center is located in a municipality of southern Cuernavaca, called Temixco. They also host a school much like Casa Tatic in the afternoons, but three mornings a week, when I'll be there, it's a center for personas de tercer edad (senior citizens). They offer manualidades (although I think in this context they'll look a little more camp-craft and a little less home-ec), dance, yoga, and various other activities. Although I continue to feel sad about leaving La Estación, I'm super excited about this opportunity. While many YAGMs around the world are struggling to feel useful while they sit on their duffs, my favorite parts of this experience have been the moments I just drank a coffee with someone and listened to the story of their day. I'm having a blast learning to embroider table cloths and bead toilet seat covers. Not only was this organization one of the places I originally hoped to be placed, but I think it will be a fantastic fit for me as I continue this year of service.
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