Maria approached me, asking for my help in buying a bed for her family and shoes for her daughter. Her six-member family has only two beds, which is nothing out of the ordinary in Curahuasi.
I suggested that Maria join our crocheting group to earn her own money to make those purchases. And so she did. She became a regular participant in our gatherings. Every time, Maria had made some money, we put her earnings in an envelop, which was then stowed away carefully.
Finally, the day had come: there was enough money in her envelop to buy a bed and matress. Maria and I set out on a shopping trip. Her little boy was so excited he even dreamed of a bed that night.
If Maria keeps crocheting, she’ll soon be able to buy the shoes her daughter needs. By using your own money to pay for things, the items become more valuable and appreciated.
