By Lori M.
Our schedule simply said “Visit to Wakami home.”
I had no idea what was in store for me, emotionally. My group
was accompanied by Isobel, who interpreted and shared the success story of the
Wakami women. Our bus parked on the street and we walked through an unassuming
narrow passage with tall, white-washed cinder block walls on either side. As we
walked away from the busy street we stepped closer to the little oasis of Marla’s
home. It would be impossible to not feel the calm and peace in this place. By
the end of the visit I also felt empowerment which I won’t be able to describe
in words.
Marla met us in her sunny courtyard, and we were surrounded
by her fellow Wakami “sisters.” At first they looked like ordinary, smiling
Guatemalan women……wives, moms and grandmothers. Isobel interpreted and unfolded
their stories. These “ordinary” women became truly extraordinary in my tearful
eyes. The hopes and dreams identified by Marla, Enma, Yessica and others are not
so different than my own. They desire education for their kids, a safe and
healthy home, good food, and mostly, the ability to independently provide. Some
of these women did not have the spousal support to contribute to their dreams. Instead
of allowing life and circumstances to just happen, they courageously chose to
take ownership of the future of their families.
Wakami is an organization, started by women to empower other
women. Their skill, craft or trade is made marketable worldwide through
wakamiglobal.com.
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