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Kamistastin Healing
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Ten Thousand
VIllages

Independent agencies founded in partnership with MCC

Edmonton Mennonite
Centre for
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Calgary Mennonite
Centre for
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Development worker

MCC has many service opportunities, both in North America and internationally.

Name: Sharon Campbell

Hometown: Altona, Manitoba

Location: Olinala, Guerrero state, Mexico

Education: Red River Community College, Winnipeg, Manitoba, diploma in construction engineering technology; University of Manitoba, B.Ed. in industrial arts education.

Typical day: On days when I'm in the office, I prepare for workshops and staff the demonstration center where we display smoke-reducing cookstoves and other types of appropriate technologies. We also have a garden where we experiment with soybean varieties and vegetables, as well as with drip irrigation. I meet with visitors who come to discuss their projects. I also travel to villages to teach how stoves and dry latrines work, then how to make them. Later I visit to see how they are working. In the villages I spend a lot of time visiting people in their homes and hearing about their crops and their children. Sometimes I stay overnight, which often means someone giving up their bed for me.

Challenge: Having hope for people's future here. They are farmers at heart. They know all the wild plants and what they are used for. However, due to poor land and farming practices as well as outside economic pressure, nearly every family has members who have migrated to the northern parts of Mexico or to the United States. They need to earn money to put food on the table, build their houses, buy cows or trucks and pay school costs.

Greatest surprise: The richness of the Mexican culture and history. Tortillas are made from genetically ancient corn over wood fires. People are greeted and treated with respect. Slang words have origin in Nahuatl, a Mayan language. The ancient indigenous culture always feels close to the surface.

Joy: When I arrive in a village and the children run to greet me wth a handshake or a hug, I feel accepted and trusted.

Future plans: Return to Manitoba next fall and get reacquainted with friends, family and North American life.