Mama Benitas for Women and Kids
La paz Mexico has been my home for four years. In that time I've met some incredible people. Benita Morales has to be the woman with the biggest heart in this country of wonderful people.
She has opened her personal home to others with no home or family of their own. Her 'family' has become my family, and at times I'm not sure who has 'adopted' who!
On an average day she feeds, 20-25 people, mostly children. There are several sibling families, a couple with their moms, and several for whom she is 'Mom'.
She also cares for several adults who have no place to go, one with Alzheimers, one with breast cancer, one with a head injury and a couple of ladies who just needed a safe place to sleep at night and a good meal in their belly.
Last year a Mexican service group came to the house and made some major improvements especially in the kitchen/gathering area. They now have a tile floor- rather than broken concrete-, actual kitchen facilities complete with a cooking sink and a cleaning sink, a working stove and oven, and a permanent shade structure.
An adjoining building was utilized as a dorm for the children and women, complete with bathroom and shower facilities. Now every one has a bed to sleep in at night - no more blankets on the floor.
The children all attend school and are doing very well. Several of the adults, who now feel safe and secure are also attending school working towards their GED certifications. They are becoming helpful members of the household by learning a skill or resource for the future. Every one in the house has at least one chore to contribute to the good of the house.
My husband and I sailed to mexico and are part of a large 'cruiser community'. Through this community we've received many donations of food, clothing, needed household items like plates and chairs, even a washing machine, refrigerator and most recently a stove and oven.
Now we need to focus on their monthly needs in the way of keeping the electricity on, the propane tanks filled for cooking and soon hot water for winter showers, day to day cleaning supplies and a few household items like toilet paper, sanitary products for the ladies and minutes on Benitas cell phone for emergency contact.
Our goal is to raise $100/ month. This will cover the above listed items and maybe have a few dollars left over to buy some needed food items or an occassional gallon of ice cream for a treat!
The children are a joy to be around and never compain or whine - about anything. They are happy and greet you with a smile and a hug. Benita has shown them love and security of her hugs and home.
Please donate a few dollars to help keep Benita and her 'family' going in the right direction.
You can read about our adventure and stories from Seattle to La Paz, Mexico from our blog, many of the activities that we've done with the children are posted here. http://www.sailblogs.com/member/bigleftturn/
