Karen and Jenny in Chuchipaca

I have been preparing to go to the coast next week. Yesterday, I prepared most of my things and then went to Panajachel in the afternoon. Karen is here again to talk with the ladies in Chuchipaca about the hand-crafts that they do and to see if they will be able to make some other things that will sell in the states.

Karen, Jenny and I left Pana this morning to meet with the ladies. Karen spoke to the ladies a few months ago so this is the second visit that she is making to the highlands. She has been working with Fair Trade here in Guatemala for many years and hopefully, will be able to help the ladies of Chuchipaca.

Many of the ladies do not speak Spanish, so Juan and Aura are helping with the translation. Karen is explaining to them how she would like the ladies to make this pattern. She leaves with them the materials to complete the projects, gives them the instructions, tells them how many she needs made and will return in a few months to collect the order.

Karen calculating the order as Juan and Aura look to see if they understand the instructions.

When Karen was here the first time, this lady had made a beautiful piece of material. Karen used her idea for another project. These ladies are very talented with the way they put colors together.

Karen asked them to return with some of the projects so she might buy them. She pays them according to the hours it takes to create the piece and also calculates the cost of the material. As you can see, the colors are beautiful.

It was a great meeting. The ladies were excited when six of their pieces were sold and they received the money right then. They did not have to barter back and forth on a price.

Karen and Jenny with the ladies.

It was a good morning. The ladies of Chuchipaca are very content with the price they are receiving. Karen has a great beginning with the ladies here and I hope that their relationship continues to grow.

Tomorrow morning, I will head to Montellano with seven babies for surgery. It will be a great week so please stay tuned.......................