Mujeres Sonadoras

Once upon our time in a land far a way, there were twelve women who shared a dream.  They spoke Quechua,  had no formal education, rarely used money in exchange for goods and services,  never used automobiles, never shopped at grocery stores, transported  goods wrapped in fabrics on their heads , built their homes with their hands and  used "o-natural" plumbing.  

They are "Mujeres Sonadoras," owners and operators of  "Comedor Emanuel."  

  Their dream was to be able to grow and/or barter for produce to prepare  food with the intention of feeding their village.  The growing depends upon Mother Nature who is fickle at best in their corner of the world.  The producing depends upon having the yarns to knit sweaters, blankets, table cloths and decorations. Their bartering power depends upon success of selling and bartering what they are able to make. 

Currently, they come together daily with the resources they have and prepare meals.  They feed their families and share the rest with the community.  They spent four years building their dining, kitchen space called "Comedor Emanuel" with their own hands.  A feat worth celebration considering the norms dictate defined "men's" and "women's" work.  When they have yarn, they knit.

They expressed their greatest need is for yarn because the suppliers unfairly barter for material which is substandard quality and quantity does not allow for sufficient production to increase their bartering power.   As they increase their bartering power they have the possibility to buy animals such as goats, chickens and guinea pigs (a delicacy in Peru) and seeds for growing crops that are not indigenous such as alfalfa and strawberries.   

My friend, Jacinta, of the Jaci Fund, is from their village, Chacabamba, located in Ongoy, Peru in the Andes Mountains.   She was impressed with their story, vision and diligence and accomplishment; she brought a mini documentary of their work  to the USA to muster up collaboration on their behalf. 

That's where "The Sweet Life" enters the story. 

Our simple acts of generosity will encourage these women in the pursuit of their dreams.  The transcontinental connection will infuse them and you with the courage to face fears and doubts as needs are met in extraordinary ways.  In the midst of our current economic challenges, I repeat my battle cry "generosity begets abundance."  It is never about how much we are able to give or to whom we give, rather the condition of our heart in the giving.

  Take a look at a few photos.

The first photo is the inside of Comedor Emanuel.  Ideally, they need tables, shelves and chairs.  Photo two demonstrates their knitting and embroidery work.   The last photo is one of their daughters, darling!   The fabric wrapped around her shoulders can be used as a table cloth, shaw, blanket, table runner, and they use it to transport necessities as we would use a purse or bag.  Imagine the photo of the beautiful birds on a fluffy, bright pillow, framed or in the center of a quilt. 

If you are interested in collaborating with  Mujeres Sonadoras, contact me.  Possibilities include sending yarn, money, virtual shopping for yarn (I'm not a knitter) and I'll leave the rest to your imagination.  They are in need of money for a new roof, materials to prevent a potential mudslide behind their property and the essential furniture I mentioned, in addition they can buy animals and seeds.

I'll be dreaming about an Around the World visit to Ongoy as a potential adventure in 2010.

*comedor: dining hall
*Emanuel: God with us.