It is long as not as nicely laid out in the original Newsletter but I hope you find it interesting….
Where love grows miracles
Santa Julia Matters
September/October 2010
In this issue:
Mexican Cultural Standards
Why Volunteer?
Santa Julia Congratulates its Graduates
Events Calendar
Wish List
Contact Information:
email: info@santajulia.org
phone: San Miguel - 152-3709
US - 925-418-8002
website: www.santajulia.org
How to Donate:
U.S. tax-deductible donations are made out to
San Miguel Community Foundation, noting
Santa Julia on the memo line.
Other financial donations may be made to Casa
Hogar Santa Julia Don Bosco, A.C.
Financial donations may be mailed to either of
these addresses:
US: 5802 Bob Bullock Loop, C1B84/165;
Laredo, Texas 78041
SMA: Recreo 11, Box 165, San Miguel de
Allende, GTO, Mexico 37700
Mexican Cultural Standards
(with gratitude to Warren Hardy for his input)
Overview
The cultural values and worldviews of Canadians, Mexicans, and people
from the United States differ quite a bit. Where settlers in the U.S. and
Canada came to take possession of their territories, Mexicans were
conquered. Thus their ways of seeing the world, of holding cultural values
and of relating to foreigners is significantly different from those of their
neighbors to the north.
Living in Mexico, it is important to appreciate the cultural differences. It
may mean the difference between having a rewarding experience with the
Mexican people and having a frustrating one.
All volunteers are encouraged to attend Warren Hardy’s free presentation
on Mexican culture. The lecture lasts only about an hour. Below are some
important excerpts from the presentation:
Core values of three North American cultures
Canadian United States Mexican
Organization Financial Opportunity Respect, Pride and
Cooperation Time and its Control Personal Dignity
Harmony Individual Freedom Trust
Family
Free Time
It is apparent, we don’t all value the same things. There are
significant and fundamental differences in how we approach our
worlds. There is no one value here that is better or worse than the
other; only differences. Knowing and respecting these differences
will make everyone’s time with Santa Julia much more rewarding.
Below are some specific issues which you may routinely encounter.
These are generalizations.
Mexico has a formalized set of manners, called La Cortesia, which is
expected and played out among all Mexicans. One of the more obvious
protocols is the way Mexicans greet each other. In the morning it is
Buenos Dias, in the afternoon it is Buenas Tardes, and in the evening it is
Buenas Noches. This is more than just saying “Hello.” It is the Mexican
way of acknowledging one other. It is accompanied by looking one other in
the eye and smiling. Often they will use a name or title, such as Señor or
Doña. This greeting is an important part of the culture, and when a
Mexican encounters anyone who does not share in the greeting, they are
considered rude.
Santa Julia volunteers are some of the most sensible, sensitive,
and honorable in the world. You have taught us how to
adapt to the girls and Madres we all love so much. Thank you.
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Where love grows miracles
Santa Julia Matters
September/October 2010
When conducting business with a Mexican, it is considered polite and proper to have chitchat before
getting down to business. This may include asking about family.
A Mexican’s sense of personal boundaries is very different from those of their neighbors to the north.
They generally are more comfortable with greater closeness. Kisses on the cheek and hugs are at least
as prevalent as handshakes, but we encourage the girls to shake hands in order to learn business
protocol. That said, they are eager, loving girls, so don’t be surprised if they tackle you with a hug. That
said, if their sense of personal boundaries is at all bothersome or uncouth (they should not be allowed
into a lady’s purse or into anyone’s pocket, for instance) please kindly help them understand that they
need to respect your personal space.
The Madres and children are practicing Catholics. They base their faith on the concept that love is the
greatest force in life. They respect all other faiths, and expect others to respect theirs. While evidence of
their faith in love is palpable, the only signs a visitor might encounter are the Madres’ habits, a few
religious images, the children’s chapel, and the prayers the children say before and after
meals and at bedtime. The Madres have a private prayer time in the chapel in their home
each morning, so we try very hard not to schedule anything until the afternoons.
The Madres literally work around the clock. They have a huge number of personal,
interpersonal, administrative, and legal responsibilities. They are truly servant leaders,
and deserve all the respect we can give them. If you encounter a Madre anywhere on
campus or off, be sure to go out of your way to greet the Madre and let her know how
much you appreciate her labors of love.
Cultural Truths
Family is the first Mexican priority.
Meld with, honor, and become part of the Santa Julia family before you expect to accomplish very
much.
Honor Mexican intelligence.
Our hosts are not necessarily as book-learned as we do-gooders from el norte, but their cultural
intelligence will almost always trump ours.
Mexicans are deftly deferential.
They don’t take the credit, so neither should we. Give it to fate. Give it to your mother. Give it to your
host. Just don’t take it!
Mexicans are a formal lot.
We might not think so as we live surrounded by women nursing in public, the perennial boys 45 years
old hanging around the ironsmith’s shop in our ‘hoods, or the kids sucking face all over town, but
Mexicans are a formal people. Always ask permiso. Always say perdon. In fact, always ask. At Santa
Julia, with five Madres in charge, we always ask, “Mother May I?” And, we have an understanding that
their yes mean yes, their no mean no, and their maybe mean ask later.
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Where love grows miracles
Santa Julia Matters
September/October 2010
Mexican social position is more important than Mexican wealth.
We should always introduce our Mexican hosts with their accumulated power. For instance, “It is my
sincere privilege to introduce you to Madre Teresa, who has a diploma in hog husbandry and cheese
making; who used to be in charge of the Order; and who now is in charge of economics at Santa Julia.”
And, yes, we should actually invest the time in finding out this level of information about our Mexican
hosts.
Mexican truth is tempered by diplomacy.
So, we might not hear the entire truth until we apply an appropriate amount of diplomacy.
Cultural Questions
Just What, Exactly, Is Our Interest Here?
Save ‘em for a day or sustain ‘em for a lifetime? An offering of wealth? Work? Wisdom? All of the
above? Fine, we’ve determined, for instance, that we’re in it for the long run or for the single project.
We’ve determined that our gifts will be gifts in kind and of the service variety. Is this what the folks we
are attempting to assist will accept? Is this what they will use? Is this what they can appreciate? Is this
what they really need right now? In the venerated words of Stephen Covey, “we must seek to
understand before being understood”.
Can We Be Patient Enough?
We know we have to prioritize. We now know that despite our best intentions, our progress will be
poco a poco. We know that many times our progress will yield one step forward and two steps back.
We know that our work will be like peeling an onion, and will produce just as many tears. But we know
that those tears will be born of both frustration and triumph.
When all else fails, ask, “What am I missing?”
There are likely very large holes in our understanding.
Rules of the Cultural Road in Mexico
Be a servant leader.
Lead through service. Actions and body language do speak more loudly than words, especially if they
are gringo words or Spanish words in a gringo accent.
Insist on rransparency. We should provide it and we should insist on it. Good Mexicans do.
Be grateful for every little thing.
Be grateful for every gift, especially the first, small, tentative one. Everything can depend on our
graciousness.
continued from page 2
Be compassionate, for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.
Philo of Alexandria, philosopher
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Where love grows miracles
Santa Julia Matters
September/October 2010
Saints Alive
Thanks to Gigi Cutler and Don Barbaree
for the tree of harmony and miracles,
shown here with Luz and Ernestina of
Santa Julia.
Thanks to the Texas Podiatric Medical
Association for donations of shoes and a
first aid kit.
Thanks to all who attended the Mi Vida
fundraiser.
Support a Santa Julia girl
Half of Santa Julia’s expenses could
be met if 40 people pledged only $100
USD a month to support their favorite
girl in her direct costs (food, clothing,
medicine, school, etc.). In exchange,
you will receive a framed certificate
with a photo of that girl, the monthly
newsletter, and invitations to special
events such as birthday parties.
Create a bright future for a special girl
by contacting Robin Loving Rowland at
robin@robinloving.com.
Monthly costs for basic needs
Psychology 16
Education 18
Medical 21
Food 33
Clothing 12
Total $100
Why Volunteer?
by Volunteer Manager, Sheila Byrns
Because it feels good...
...to know that you have helped that person, that family, the
community in which you live. There is a deep satisfaction,
satisfaction that comes from doing just one little thing.
Because when many do just one little thing, big changes
happen.
It also feels good...
...to have the sense of belonging that comes from being with
others who have a similar commitment;
...to be part of a larger community whose goal is to make that
small change that adds up to being life-changing for someone
or something.
...to be part of a team where the goal is both fun and gives a
sense of achievement — a challenge and an opportunity to
grow.
Why Santa Julia?
If you have visited the Santa Julia campus, you know. If you
haven’t, please ask me and I will take you there.
If you have had the opportunity to see those happy little faces,
to respond to the eager connection the girls offer so freely, and
to hear the stories of many of those girls’ backgrounds, you
understand.
If you can picture how difficult the lives of these girls were
before volunteers became a part of the life of Santa Julia — so
that instead of begging for funds for very meager food and
living in a rubble/garbage filled environment they now live in a
calm, orderly environment with a focus on education and
preparation for life upon graduation from Santa Julia — you
know.
Thank you for considering one of the more than 200 volunteer
positions available at Santa Julia.
Contact Sheila at sheilabyrns@gmail.com.
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Where love grows miracles
Santa Julia Matters
September/October 2010
Several Santa Julia girls have matriculated from one major
academic level to the next this summer, and everyone’s
happy about it.
Ö Going from pre-school to kindergarten are
Luz and Dulce.
Ö Going from kindergarten to first grade is Guille.
Ö Going from elementary school to junior high school
is Azucena.
Ö Going from junior high school to high school are
Casandra and Maria de Jesus.
Thanks to donors and various volunteers led by Sheila
Byrns and Judy Howe, the girls enjoyed a celebration in
their honor recently.
Next time you’re on campus, congratulate our graduates!
They’re going places!
Santa Julia Congratulates its Graduates!
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Where love grows miracles
Santa Julia Matters
September/October 2010
Events Calendar
John and Irene De Leon hug a couple of Santa Julia girls at the
inaugural Grandparents Day party last September. If you are
interested in being a Grand for a Day (mas o menos), please
let us know! Being with the girls was so much fun that John
and Irene have since pledged to volunteer in Santa Julia's
computer lab.
Be a Grandparent for a Day –– or Longer!
The Santa Julia girls miss their grandparents, and many San Miguel residents miss their grandchildren
from their countries of origin. The solution: Celebrate Grandparents Day with the Santa Julia Girls
Sunday, September 26, from noon – 3 pm at Puente Viejo, Calzada de la Aurora 52. Food, games,
swimming, and framed photos of you and your grand girl will be provided for only $300 pesos. Contact
Vincent Gioia at gioia@gte.net.
Already touted as one of the world’s best golf
courses, the recently opened Ventanas Golf Resort in
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, will host
Rotary’s premier International Golf Benefit Friday,
October 29, 2010.
Ventanas, home to exclusive homes, villas, and lots,
is partnering with the Rotary Club to benefit the Casa
Hogar Kids, 144 abandoned children who happily
define themselves by their futures rather than their
pasts.
Only 144 players will have the opportunity to be the first benefit players on this Nick Faldo course in the
perfect climate of San Miguel de Allende, called by Travel and Leisure this year, “one of the four best
places to live in the world”.
Golfers will receive complimentary refreshments and carts, an awards banquet, and the opportunity to win
a new golf cart, a new quatrimoto four-wheeler or $4,000 USD/$50,000 pesos, and other great prizes.
Sponsors will enjoy international media publicity, complimentary golf registrations, and the opportunity to
share their products and services with the hundreds of people at the tournament.
Additional information about registration and sponsorship is available from tournament chairpersons John
Doherty at jd98lv@hotmail.com and Robin Loving Rowland at robin@robinloving.com.
Rotary International Golf Benefit for Casa Hogar Kids
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Where love grows miracles
Santa Julia Matters
September/October 2010
Harmony Raffle
If you are 18 or older and have either an address, an email, or a phone number, then all it will cost you is
$5 USD/$60 pesos to be eligible to win a new Quatrimoto four wheeler or $4,000USD/$50,000 pesos in
the Harmony Raffle, benefiting Santa Julia and others.
“Especially in these economic times, it’s important that our nonprofits work together in harmony to meet
their charitable goals,” said raffle organizer John Doherty. Participating nonprofits from San Miguel are
Casa de los Angeles (daycare), Casa Hogar Santa Julia (girl’s home), Hospice San Miguel (end-of-life
care), la Biblioteca (bicultural literary arts center benefiting youth), and the Midday Rotary Club (worldwide
community service).
Representatives of each of these nonprofits are currently selling tickets for the grand prize, a new
Yamaha Big Bear 250cc Quatrimoto and matching red helmet, the value of which is $50,000 pesos/
$4,000 USD, as well as many other prizes, including a vacation package, original art, rocking chairs, a
quilt, and a deluxe stay at the Rosewood Hotel. Watch for the ticket sales tables around town, including
every Saturday at parque Juarez, Sundays at la Biblioteca, and various times in the Jardin, la Luciernaga,
and the Juan de Dios and Tianguis markets.
The drawing will happen Friday, October 29, between 3 and 5 pm at Ventanas de San Miguel Golf &
Resort at the awards banquet of the premier Rotary San Miguel Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Santa
Julia and other children’s homes.
For more information about prizes and online purchase of raffle tickets,
click into www.harmonyproject.weebly.com or contact:
Robin Loving Rowland, robin@robinloving.com, 152-3709 or 925-476-
8117(US), or buy your tickets from the Santa Julia girls at the organic
market each Saturday at Juarez Park from 9am to 2pm.
Pal Program
Many of you have particiated in our Pal Program, like a pen pal program but via email to
info@santajuia.org. When your letters come in English, we send them to the girls’ English teacher for
response. When they come in Spanish, we refer them to the girls’ social worker for response. All that
said, we know that the girls don’t always respond. We recently created the Santa Julia Advisory Council
to help the girls and their miracle-making Madres, and we have two teens who represent the other
girls at the Council each month. We asked them about the lack of responsiveness, and they said that
if there are no digipix attached to their emails, they feel lost as to whom they are responding to. So,
please include a photo of you each time you write, and thanks for befriending the girls in this way to
improve their literary skills!
Events Calendar
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Where love grows miracles
Santa Julia Matters
September/October 2010
Celebrate Mexico’’s Independence!
September marks the 200th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence, and the
40 Santa Julia girls want to celebrate. How much fun to take a few girls to the
various events around town! For more information, contact Santa Julia’s
Volunteer Manager Sheila Byrns at sheilabyrns@gmail.com.
Count the Beans or Bring in the Bacon!
The girls are not the only ones who are eager to mix it up with volunteers. The
Santa Julia Advisory Council has more than 200 volunteer positions, including
those for accountants and fundraisers. If you have general accounting and
Quick Books abilities, or if you are interested in some of the fun planned on
the fundraising side of the house, please contact Financial Manager Rod Dye
at rdye81701@earthlink.net.
Give Santa Julia the Run Around!
With 40 kids and only 5 Madres, there’s always more to do than can be done.
If you’re the kind of person who loves to stay busy, let us offer you the
opportunity to fulfill on various errands that need running. Contact Robin
Loving Rowland at robin@robinloving.com.
On the Road Again!
We have a number of girls over the age of 15 who could really benefit from
driver’s education if a volunteer were available to help?
"I hope to return again to San Miguel and visit Santa
Julia. This was clearly the highlight of my trip to San
Miguel. Working with these lovely girls would be gratifying.
Anita H., Arkansas
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