Over a mile high, surrounded by the mighty Sierra Madre Mountains sits the "Enchanted Village" of Ajijic. Here, tall trees sporting gigantic red poinsettia, golden-hearted white daisy blossoms loom overhead, and vines of bougainvillea in reds, yellows, and lavender cover walls of dark stone and red brick.
Yet, the physical beauty of this land is not the only thing that plays the heartstrings. This charming pueblo is the home to scores of beautiful Mexican children and their families. The smiles of the children, with their sparkling brown eyes and shining dark hair, are what enchant you. You know you have to get to know them, delve into their customs, their history, and you want to help them where help is needed.
Through Niños de Chapala y Ajijic, my husband and I met Paulina, a very special nine-year-old. As soon as we met her we knew we'd be sponsoring her education.
Our first outing with Paulina was at Christmas. We were told that clothes were the most appropriate Christmas gift, so we took Paulina shopping. She was very quiet for the first half-hour or so, but then began to get into the swing of things.
She carefully selected an outfit and then smiled broadly when we told her she could have two. When we looked at little girl lingerie, Paulina selected only one set of panties and little girl bra. When she learned she could have more than one she was elated, but still she selected carefully and with an eye to the cost.
Now, with our purchases in bright Christmas boxes, we walked to the shoe store, her hand in my husband's. There, Paulina wanted little black school shoes. I was very surprised because I thought she'd want tennis shoes or Mary Janes. But she shook her head. She pointed to the shoes she was wearing and said, "pico". I hadn't considered that she'd outgrown the well-kept pair she was wearing.
Later, at Meson Axixic, Paulina took only a moment to tell the waitress "hamburger". I think that, from the moment she learned she was going to have lunch out, she knew what she wanted. She acted very ladylike, very proper. I noticed that she watched me to see which utensil she should use.
Just before school we went to the beauty shop. This was another new experience for her, but she knew what she wanted and we watched as Paty gave Paulina her first professional haircut. Then, at La Nueva Posada, she again ordered a hamburger. As young as she is, she was every inch the sophisticate.
On her ninth birthday we shopped for tennis shoes. Still, acting very worldly, she tried on one pair then another until she found just the right ones. At her door, she thanked us very politely and offered a sweet kiss on the cheek. Several days later we ran into a mutual friend who told us how excited Paulina was about her tennis shoes. She shows them to everyone and talks about how she went shopping. She never once showed her excitement to us, I suppose thinking that she had to always act very "proper". That will change over time, I hope.
Education is Paulina's hope for the future.We're beginning simply by providing English lessons; later we'll see that she has the opportunity to learn the computer. Still later, if she wants to attend an institution of higher learning, we will be there for her.
The costs? English lessons are $9 U.S. a month. Three school uniforms were less than $25 U.S. A heavy sweater was $5 U.S. At the street market we purchased a backpack, and all the supplies Paulina thought she might need for less than $20 U.S. Through Niños de Chapala y Ajijic, health insurance and additional foodstuffs are provided for Paulina and her family for less than $190.00 U.S. a year. Paulina wants to be a teacher, and even now she holds English classes for her siblings and friends. Remarkable? Yes. Yet, she is only one of many who need that one chance. If each of you helped one child complete school, think of the many deserving children who will be able to fulfill their dreams.
Call for more information: Ron Dorsey or Antonio Cardenas, 766-1478, or e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it We need you on our team.
