We have been back in San Miguel for a couple of weeks now and have made some real progress. Donn’s apartment is taking shape. We are “forced” to live here until mid October because Nora’s house (down the street a few blocks) is rented out. We are making an imitation silk purse out of a sow’s ear.
In the main living room, we have set up a table devoted to our two friends who Donn taught to make soap. They have turned their new skills into a little business that is growing with each batch. FYI: Yesterday they made 2 batches of cempasuchíl soap that will age 30 days and be ready of the Day of Dead weekend.
As for the printing company, we are producing many books and are ready for further orders. So far we have delivered 110 books to Nuevo Pantoja Primary School and are finished with producing another 150 books for Salitrillo. The manufacturing process is simple but time intensive. Essentially the process is as follows:
From the computer or directly from preprogrammed books in the printer, we tell the printer how many books we want printed. It is told the size, as well as other details such as left or right- side orientation. We then input the quantity needed and push the start button. Out comes the internal pages. The smaller books come out on 8.5 x 11 pages, doubled sided. We then cut them in half to create the 5.5 x 8.5 inside pages. We then tell the printer how many covers we need and out they come.
After collating each book, we are ready create the books in the hot glue binding machine. Then we give each book (in stacks of about 8) a final trim to make them look “professional.” They are now ready to distribute to the schools.
We spent an afternoon this week at ABBA House in Celaya. ABBA House is a halfway house for migrants in transit from Central America and Haiti on their way to the States. There are many amputees and distressed people. It is indeed a moving experience to visit. Nora was looking for an artist for her new book: Floating on Frigate Bird…a story of a migrant family from El Salvador. Here are a couple of candidates:
As of right now, we are ready for the next stage of getting a “Go Fund Me” and/or Patreon page to help pay for paper and toner. The process of making the community aware of what we are doing and reaching out for financial support is always the tough part. We are always ready to explain our vision to anyone who will listen. We will take more photos and post them soon.
Love to you all:
Nora and Donn
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