Big News x 2

First, I want to say that even though Fran and I talk all the time about how she is surrounded by a circle of people who care and support her, and how lucky we both are to have you all, I have probably been guilty of not thanking you enough.  I feel that is true, because it is such a huge thing you are doing, and in this economy with so many people struggling, including perhaps some of you, it is truly miraculous to me that this is real!  Know that we talk about you often, and that you are never taken for granted!  Deep bows!  Big hugs!  And I will keep you posted about Fran's graduation here in 5 years!  Or maybe we can have a get together before that.

Along those lines, one of you donated a month's rent to keep us going through October when we will find it much easier to find a renter.  I was up at 2 a.m. last night worrying about it, and just before I went to bed I got an email from Helen.  I hope she doesn't mind that I reveal her first name!  Thank you, Helen!  You know that feeling of your stomach relaxing after you get some good news?  I've had that feeling all day!

And while I'm at it, Fran and and wanted to thank Steven and Leanne for keeping the money straight and flowing, by opening the bank account in Oregon, showing Fran how to open and use her Paypal account, and monitoring the account.  They are the ones that make it possible for your donations to reach Fran, plus donating money of their own.

Thanks also to Sheela, Linda, Kathleen, Cindy, Dean and Mary, Kathleen, Lynn, John and Jo Anne, Lorna & Theo, Ann and Hal, Cara and Eugenio, Coral and I am going to feel so bad if I forgot anyone!  Thank you for helping to provide the foundation for changing this young life.  I feel so privileged that I am the one that gets to witness the transformation, joy, and education of this strong and spirited young woman.  Let me know if there is anything more I can do to inform you of matters relevant to her progress and care.

AND NOW FOR THE BIG NEWS!

Big change and sobering lesson for Fran today…I mean she didn't learn anything new, but she experienced it up close and personal. For a week now we have been discussing with each other and with close friends here in Oaxaca, Fran's desire to change her major from Computer Engineering to Agronomy. I think she started discussing the idea with friends her own age first, before she tried it out on the older generation! We talked to Eugenio and to Cara, who works professionally in the field for a couple of hours.

She had already paid her fees for the Computer Engineering semester, but went by herself to the office the other day to say she wanted to make a change. She was met by a bureaucratic wall, a woman in charge of all the programs who just kept repeating "it's impossible" to her with no explanation. Fran came home discouraged and said she was told that her only avenue was to take one more semester's worth of classes in computer engineering (which would be useless to her degree in agronomy) and start her new field in the middle of the school year -- which would put her at a disadvantage. You know the type, I'm sure. But multiply that x10 to imagine a certain breed of middle-aged Mexicana's who really just want to say NO, especially if you have no visible status or support.

So after I insisted she try again, today she took our friend Luis Rene, our dentist, along with her. She arrived first and stood in front of Mrs. Belligerent repeating what she wanted to do, while Mrs. Belligerent rolled her eyes and treated her like an idiot. Then the dentist walked in in his white shirt and pressed pants, said he was Fran's "Responsable" and without blinking her eyes the woman immediately complied. Then he walked with Fran over to the Agronomy dept. and talked with the head of the program about Fran. So, after all day getting millions of papers signed all over the campus, Fran is now in the Agronomy program! And she understands that alone in Mexico, a young indigenous woman has no say about anything without back up. Of course we intend to back her up….all the way!

Fran was a little worried I think about how her donors would take to this news, but I made it clear to her that we want to make sure she gets an education, not control her life!  I'm sure some of us have both fingers crossed that her course of study will include sustainable agriculture and organics.  The fields apparently wide open and flourishing in Oaxaca.  Fran decided to opt for Agronomy because she decided she didn't like programming or the prospect of being trapped in an office, in front of a computer, for the rest of her life.  I have a feeling that where she came from had something to do with that…the wide open spaces of her home village, where they grow everything they eat (there are no stores).  More will be revealed.  Meanwhile, we send you our best wishes, our thanks, and our love.
Lorena and Fran