Jackieinpdx's Blog

For about 16 months now I have been co-sponsoring a young woman who is going to university in Merida. The cost to sponsor Alejandra is $200 a month. Alejandra’s mother makes a living and supports her family by selling pareos along the road to Playa Sol and Nautibeach Condos. I can only imagine how difficult it was for her mother to scrape together $200 a month on top of living expenses for herself and her other children. Alejandra wants to be a kindergarten teacher because she says “everyone needs to start school”.

This month while on Isla I finally met Alejandra’s mother. I usually get to the beach before she sets up her pareos and leave after she has left for the day. I made sure to leave the beach early enough one day so that I could introduce myself to Juanita. I asked her if she was Juanita (I knew she was as I have seen photos of her). I mentioned Alejandra’s name and said that I was Jackie. Juanita gave me a big hug and a huge smile and thanked me. Juanita speaks very little English and I speak only a little Spanish but we were able to communicate and I told Juanita that I will be back after Christmas and would like to meet Alejandra.

Alejandra's mother Juanita

I bought a pareo from Juanita and I am quite sure she gave me a special price. If you see Juanita please buy a pareo or two from her.

If you would like to find out how to sponsor an Isla student please ask me.

Filed under: "Good causes", Isla Mujeres, Mexico |