The “jewels” of Mil Milagros show their strength
Finally, after various “rain-checks” (a wet season hazard!), Mil Milagros’ core team of volunteer mothers came to Panajachel for their first annual conference. Groups of three and six mothers, representing the five MM partner schools, arrived early at the Hotel Jardines del Lago, with a few little-ones in tow too!
After the Mil Milagros team members were introduced: Jose Aguilar, Ana Vivar, Fredy Ujpan, Francesca Wade, and two volunteers, Gerson and Andres, the first activity, “Fill the Fruit Basket” began. Each of the groups were given a card cut into the shape of a fruit and asked to write on it what they would like to learn and share during the day. Some of the phrases that were written included: “Share ideas and experiences,” “To be present and proud of our school,” “Today is a very special day for us,” “We thank Mil Milagros.”
The first noticeable thing was the enthusiastic buzz and giggling! Some of the women were a little nervous and shy, but it did not take long for everyone to relax and start to enjoy themselves. The transition was made easier when Fredy sat with the Chutianimit mothers to help explain things in their own language, Quiché; some of the women speak very little Spanish.For the second activity, each group had to write down the answers to five questions on large pieces of paper:
1. What are your strengths as a group?
3. What do you like most about Mil Milagros?
4. What are the benefits that the Mil Milagros’ programs bring and what are your suggestions to improve the program?5. What are the challenges to improving the Mil Milagros’ programs?
Each group then shared their varied responses with everyone. Responses ranged from ‘strengths’ such as: working in a group and the democracy within the group; tardiness appeared on each of the lists of ‘weaknesses’; the groups ‘liked’ the workshops and learning about nutrition and its benefits for the school children and their own families; ‘benefits’ covered the fact that their children were growing up healthy and that the families were being helped financially with school materials; finally the ‘challenges’ covered from how to apply what they learn in the workshops, to how to involve more mothers.
Two students from the University Mariano Galvez, in Sololá, generously donated their time to give a presentation and workshop on “Self Esteem.” Carolina Gamboa and Ingrid Can broke the ice by taking the women outside and, while in a circle, asking them to explain what things they liked about themselves. At first it was hard to illicit answers from them, but with a bit of encouragement they warmed up and mentioned ‘hair’, ‘eyes’, ‘skin’, and one woman got the whole crowd laughing out loud with, “I don’t like my breasts, but my husband does!”
Each group then shared their varied responses with everyone. Responses ranged from ‘strengths’ such as: working in a group and the democracy within the group; tardiness appeared on each of the lists of ‘weaknesses’; the groups ‘liked’ the workshops and learning about nutrition and its benefits for the school children and their own families; ‘benefits’ covered the fact that their children were growing up healthy and that the families were being helped financially with school materials; finally the ‘challenges’ covered from how to apply what they learn in the workshops, to how to involve more mothers.
Two students from the University Mariano Galvez, in Sololá, generously donated their time to give a presentation and workshop on “Self Esteem.” Carolina Gamboa and Ingrid Can broke the ice by taking the women outside and, while in a circle, asking them to explain what things they liked about themselves. At first it was hard to illicit answers from them, but with a bit of encouragement they warmed up and mentioned ‘hair’, ‘eyes’, ‘skin’, and one woman got the whole crowd laughing out loud with, “I don’t like my breasts, but my husband does!” 
The activity continued with the women explaining what things they liked 
to do, which ranged from looking after their children and cleaning the house, to running a business and teaching their children good things. A more conducive atmosphere would be hard to find; Guatemalan women standing on the hotel’s lawn looking out across the lake at Atitlan’s majestic volcanoes, in the brilliant morning sunshine.
to do, which ranged from looking after their children and cleaning the house, to running a business and teaching their children good things. A more conducive atmosphere would be hard to find; Guatemalan women standing on the hotel’s lawn looking out across the lake at Atitlan’s majestic volcanoes, in the brilliant morning sunshine. 
The women moved inside to listen to a brief presentation about self esteem, what it is, and how the women can encourage it in themselves, their children, and their families, and friends – but above all, how to value themselves. After this, the women sat down at tables filled with small decorations, which they were instructed to arrange on a foam frame. This was the chance for the women’s artistic qualities to shine, and for them to do what their children usually do – make things!
First thing in the morning, while the women were arriving, Jose had taken a photograph of each woman individually; the reason for this then became apparent. The photos had been printed and were handed out to each of the women to put into the frame they had just made – there were beaming, proud smiles all around!Ingrid Can commented:
“It is so wonderful to see all the mothers motivated and happy. They all work so well together. In our country and in the culture we have here, the women are often just in their homes. Here they are participating and working together, and creating wonderful photo frames for their own photos.”The icing on the cake, though, was to come. Before lunch was served and the women evaluated their experiences of the day, everyone went into a small side room and sat in a circle. There was gentle music playing, petals scattered all over the floor, and incense burning. Jose stood up to address the women. He thanked them and asked them to close their eyes and relax. He explained how much Mil Milagros values them, and how wonderful they – the “real jewels” in the program – are.
“Why are you jewels?” continued Jose, “because you make the food for the children, and you don’t do it because you have to, but because you want to, and you make it with love. Without each of you, Mil Milagros could not achieve all that we do!” The song playing echoed this sentiment – that everyone can achieve whatever they want, they just have to discover how to do it. With this, Jose handed each woman (eyes still shut) a small gift-wrapped package. Everyone was asked to open their eyes and look at the gift with the word “discover” emblazoned on front! Jose then explained that inside the package they would discover how to achieve their own desires and discover their own jewel. 
The women carefully open their gifts – inside each was a mirror. 
“This is the jewel within you,” Jose explained.It was a moving moment as everyone stood up to give each other emotional hugs. Ana Vivar, MM’s cooking and nutrition coordinator, who works with the women, was particularly touched. She said it was the first time that many of them had given her a hug and thanked her for everything she has done and is doing for them.
There was not a single dry eye in the room!
