Author Archives: itsepep

I wrote this in the beginning of May, when I was in a Zapatista community as a human rights observer, but I waited to publish this post this until I left Chiapas for safety reasons. A mural in the encampment … Continue reading →

My heart is big and tender. This year, I have opened my heart to so many types of love, and also grief, and beauty, and pain. I’ve opened my heart again and again, even knowing every time that I am … Continue reading →

Southward bound A ragtag van of travelers Bumping and winding and dozing We pass through the burning fields of cane near Comitán, Machete men hacking at tough husks To harvest sweet sap Red Flashes of ripe jocote fruit, and flowers … Continue reading →

I’ve been busy with lots of wonderful things since I last wrote, and each deserves its own full reflection. But since I’m trying to balance writing with living in the moment and soaking up as many experiences as I can … Continue reading →

I’ve been in San Cristóbal for about a month now, and I’m still loving it. I’ve started at the Center for Women’s Rights of Chiapas; I’m currently working on a database of feminicides. This weekend, I left Chiapas for a … Continue reading →

Happy (relatively) new year! I left La 72 shortly after Christmas, to spend two wonderful weeks with my family in the Yucatán peninsula. Spending time near the sea meant beautiful sea-related murals. The four of us stayed by the shore … Continue reading →

Several heart-wrenching, unjust, and frustrating things have happened at La 72 recently. I am not going to go into detail here – it feels too personal, raw, and potentially voyeuristic. But yesterday, my heart was breaking, my sadness mixed with … Continue reading →

Tuesday was my day off this week, and I went to Pomoná, a Mayan ruins 30 minutes away. It was my second visit to this ancient, tranquil spot, and for the second time, there were no other visitors. I went … Continue reading →

It’s been a busy week here at La 72. On the fun side, last Monday I chopped off my hair!     I was the volunteer coordinator this past week, which means that in addition to my normal shifts I … Continue reading →

I’ve now been at La 72 – Hogar Refugio Para Personas Migrantes for over a week. Last week, we celebrated Día de Muertos with a host of activities, ranging from fun and silly (e.g. face-painting, a La Catrina costume/dance competition, … Continue reading →