Elodia's Story

Elodia is a direct descendent of a tribe of indigenous people called the Mizteco who live in the state of Oaxaca, in southern Mexico. Her parents were a part of the tribe and spoke the language. She neither lived as part of the tribe nor speaks the language. She is a very busy woman, selling candy and chips on the side to gain income in addition to what she earns with the cooperative. Here is her story, translated from the original Spanish.

My name is Elodia. I was born in (the city of) Oaxaca, (in the state of) Oaxaca. My society and my language are Mizteco, but I don't practice it (the language). I come from a family of six siblings and low economic resources, but I was very happy to have my parents. It made it a little harder to be happy when my father died from a cardiac arrest. It was sad only being with my six siblings. My mother was a very young widow. She was not ready to move on with us. She met a man who promised to marry her and help with her children, but the sad reality was that she was taken to another country. I was left alone with responsibilities that weren't mine, but I did what I had to in order to eat. I started robbing houses and asking for food. I was brought to live with my aunt and uncle. Then my suffering started. My aunt and uncle insulted me, humiliated me, and caused me to become depressed. They said to me "daughter of no one, you are worth nothing". They broke me.

I finished primary school, so I can read, write and do math. My adolescence arrived and I looked for work. I was working in houses as a maid. It brought in very little money and it was a lot of work. Then the time came when I had friends and a boyfriend and I fell in love. I had a formal wedding with my family and my mother was happy to see me married.

Later I came from Oaxaca to Juarez to have a better life. I had to struggle to leave for the children I would have. I had six children and they were all born in Juarez. Here I bought land where I have a home. I give thanks to God for life and for my children that He sent me. They are studying to prepare themselves for the future. My children entered in the homework program at Centro Santa Catalina. I came to the prayers that they do every Friday because, in reality, I don't know much about God, how to pray, how to say a petition, how to give God thanks for life or how to sing. I liked it (the prayer) and I continued attending the prayers. I made many friends and they invited me to be part of the work (the cooperative). I have worked in the cooperative for four years and I am happy because I have met many people of different cultures, religions and languages. (Now) I value myself more as a woman, a wife and a friend (and a mom) with my six children. This my story.