Every October our children’s school, Victoria Robbins, takes a field trip to Lindero de la Petaca—a rural community of less than 300 people located off the main highway on the way to Dolores Hidalgo. Passing by fields of green, we caravanned our way down a cobblestone road where we were warmly greeted by the children of Lindero and their dedicated, hard-working teacher Emma.
How many teachers can fit into one tiny car?
Lindero school children awaiting our arrival with excitement and smiles
We followed Emma under a dilapidated train track, through the gate of and onto a local rancher’s ranch where we parked our cars and then headed out on foot to walk the mile or so to the school itself.
Community
This yearly outing is a beautiful opportunity for us as a community of learners, educators and parents to work together in the school gardens, improve the grounds, play with the children and share a lovely, homemade meal of rice, beans, tortillas and just-picked, roasted corn.
Freshly picked corn roasted on an open fire!
Community, fellowship, camaraderie…touching the face of humanity across two cultures, a thread of commonality amongst us all–teachers, children, parents, students, mother nature with open space to discover and roam….love, caring, kindness, friendship, conversation, soulful food…everything that is important in my book and makes this thing called life so rich.
Up and over the train tracks we went—gaping holes & missing boards and all,
Be Awake & Present To Life
down the leaf-blanketed path…
approaching the main part of the pueblo,
“Together We Are More”
and at last we reached the school!
Never Underestimate The Power of Play
Kids will be kids and although we had a lot of work mapped out for us, some good ol’ fashion play was in order first!
My favorite captures from this day are of the children of Lindero….
Beautiful México and her querido niños….
Getting separated into groups for the day’s work
The women of Lindero are hard-working entrepreneurs who sell their artesanal herb and plant-based shampoos, conditioners and various ointments and salves–all made from the land they live on—to the visitors and residents of San Miguel. They had a table set up and all of us Mamas gladly purchased their one-of-a-kind, homegrown products. I am convinced that the shampoo I bought has improved the texture and shine of my hair!
The students from Victoria Robbins and Lindero de La Petaca got down to business and began to work on their assigned duties….
Liam LOVES working with the children & making them laugh!
Frank was on fence repair and apparently found it to be quite the entertaining task!
Whoever knew that fixing a fence could be so fun?!
Some of the children tended to the compost pile…
Composting
Others, to picking weeds and ridding the trees of a fungus…
My little botanist
And some, rightfully so, passed the time playing…
Children at play…Nothing more beautiful
and enjoying the love and cuddles from the Victoria Robbins staff and students…
Miss Becky with one of the Lindero Babes
The food was amazing…
Liam LOVES the homemade food here and talked all morning about it in anticipation!
and enjoyed under the trees and in the company of laughter and stories…
Lucy & Mairead enjoy lunch with the boys!
Naps were in order for some…
And after a full day of work, fun, community and communion, we gathered together to say our goodbyes, until next time…
Coming together to work as one
Magical Mexico
We had a wonderful, magical day at Lindero de Petaca, out in the grandeur of the open fields of the high desert plains of Central Mexico.
There are so many opportunities to contribute and participate in community service here in San Miguel. In fact, my children and I just began volunteering at Casa de Los Angeles this past week and I will be writing about our experiences there in some upcoming pieces.
If you are planning a trip or a move to San Miguel de Allende, I would encourage you to seek out one or more of the many opportunities for community outreach.
I guarantee you will be greatly rewarded.
Saludos,
~Katie
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Hello! We are moving to San Miguel Allende and have a 13 year old boy. We would like to be in touch with this school to visit. Do you have a phone number for them? Thank you! Mirah
Hi Mirah,
If you would like to email me at losogradysinmexico@gmail.com I can see if I can be of help to you.
Best,
Katie