Meet the newly elected Ojuelos de Jalisco Municipal Council Representative (similar to County Board of  Supervisors in the U.S.) for the District of La Presa and Tia Promotora, Maria del Patrocinio (Left).  She stands here beside her mother, who runs the mini-mercado in La Presa.  She did not think to run for office; her neighbors nominated her.

Maria is honest, hard working, and knows the issues that face her community.  She was quite surprised to be nominated and protested that she had no political experience, but that is exactly why they wanted her.

Maria del Patrocinio is just one of so many people during our trip in December who asked that we thank our donors in the U.S. for all that you have done for them.  Maria grabbed Laura’s hand, pressed it hard, and said, “Tell them how much this changes our lives! Tell them for me, please!”