Tapestry of Guatemalan women’s lives

In the vibrant tapestry of Guatemala, each woman intricately weaves the colorful threads of her life, blending the roles of income earner, caregiver, cultivator, student, spiritual devotee, and artist into a masterpiece of resilience and grace. In the upcoming chapters of my blog, I'll unveil the rich, diverse narratives of these remarkable women, starting with the inspiring story of Lesbia.

In the Tz’utujil village of San Juan La Laguna, Lesbia She shines as a beacon of hope and strength. Her journey into midwifery was sparked by a personal ordeal; having faced the daunting challenge of delivering her first child in solitude, she vowed to ensure no other woman would endure such a trial alone. Lesbia has since become a pillar of her community, eagerly collaborating with health NGOs to enhance her skills and gather essential resources for maternal care. Her efforts were instrumental in launching the Healthy Mommy and Me program under ODIM, and she has opened her home for numerous midwifery workshops. Her crowning achievement is the foundation of Casa Materna, a sanctuary where women can experience the miracle of birth surrounded by the comfort of their loved ones and the assurance of professional care. She also visits the surrounding villages to provide pre-natal care and train the next generation of mid-wives.

Lesbia is also an expert weaver. Though weaving is not a major source of income, she does sale some of the pieces she makes. She mainly does it because it relaxes her at the end of a stressful day.

She is a proud mother of four, with her two eldest daughters (ages 24 and 22) forging successful careers post-college, embodying the legacy of their mother's determination and spirit. Her younger daughter (20) finished high school, but did not start college in part because she had to take care of Lesbia’s youngest child (a 5 year old boy) while Lesbia worked. Lesbia’s greatest concern now is having the resources to educate her younger children.