It has been almost 10 years since my family and I met Rufina L. Gomez for the first time. She is now painting murals in different parts of Oaxaca, painting on wooden spoons to use in the kitchen and on glass bottles to house the delicious mezcal. She continues to make beautiful bookmarks and wooden spoons for our store, so please remember to support her by acquiring these art pieces. During this 10 year journey, we have met many other friends who have become essential contributors to our store. For instance, I met Fortino Hernandez near a local market selling his tote bags made from recycled plastic. At that moment, I promised to work with him because he was a 60-year old man who was trying to earn a living in the most honorable way possible. I had the pleasure of working with him for about 3 years only because he now lives in heaven with the Lord. A few weeks after Fortino passed away, I received a call from Fortino's daughter in law asking if wanted to continue buying tote bags from her and her husband. She explained that her husband, Cupertino, was in prison and that they made and sold the bags to support the family of 4. I agreed to continue working with them, so now you know who makes the beautiful bags you see in our shop. At this point, you might be wondering who makes the beautiful handwoven toys you see in our shop? Well, her name is Maria, a 60+ year old woman and her son Antonio. I met both in Oaxaca and fell in love with the beautiful work they do. It brings joy to my heart each time I call Maria to place an order because she says that nowadays it is difficult for her to go out of her house to sell her products due to the pandemic. Antonio was middle aged man who was always going from town to town selling these beautiful rattles with her mom. Antonio passed away in December 2021 and is now in heaven with Fortino and the Lord.

Thank you for reading this update about our contributors and plese have these families in your prayers.

My wife Ariadna and our sons Carlos and Mateo thank you for your suppor!