We are delighted to share with you the creation of a special space for women in our community to forge new bonds.
We recently held a photographic embroidery workshop, using photographs taken by our colleague Sara. These images captured beloved and familiar places in Santa María Mixtequilla. As you know, the heart of UMPO is to ignite a deep love for our land. This happened here, in a circle of women where we mended our relationships with memories of cherished spaces and nostalgic reflections on past ways of life.
Angela was one of the many women who chose to embroider an image depicting the countryside. She shared, “When I was a child, I used to go to the fields with my parents. My father still farms to this day, but it saddens me that my daughter never knew that life.”
We all agreed that one of the most beautiful memories from the past was being able to plant and then eat what we harvested. Despite the hardships and challenges of rural life, the magic it left in us inspired us to inhabit our land with pride. Some participants embroidered portraits of traditional houses, bringing back memories of growing up in our grandparents' homes. It was wonderful.
Through the art of photographic embroidery, we beautified these memories and healed our connection to those spaces—a stitch in the stories that left voids within us.
We also took photos of our bodies. Although many were initially reluctant to be photographed, the exercise flowed smoothly. Each of us embroidered our photos; some added butterflies and angel wings. It was an exercise to heal these parts of ourselves, of our being.
Through these reflections, we realized that the values of our community have changed. We are concerned that the new generations are losing their care for Mixtequilla, starting with the pollution of the hills and the canal. In our hearts, we are left with questions: What does a person who loves their land do? How can we spread this love in the hearts of those who live here?
Thank you so much for helping us find ways to ignite this flame in our community. Never forget that building community is the key to freedom. Thank you for everything!
