We Have the Power

Power (n) 1. the ability or capacity to perform or act effectively 3. strength or force exerted or capable of being exerted; might. 5. a person, group, or nation having influence or control over others. 8. electricity

Just some of the definitions for the word, "Power".  For the last several nights we have not had power or electricity at the marina or along the river.  Weekends are always a little worse as the rich Guatemalans come down to the river and they along with all the gringos turn on lots of devices that need power/electricity.  It over powers the system and well then we all have none.  Power that is.

The ironic thing to me is that most cruisers consider themselves as independent and good stewards of natural resources.  Yet most of us, myself included enjoy having air conditioning on the boat.  I love my computer, my iTouch, the DVD player, the Wii, refrigeration, a vacuum cleaner and the water heater.   Some even have washers and dryers on board.  So when the power goes out we bitch, we complain, and we sometimes point fingers as to the reasons why.

As with most things in life if we look around to see who else may need a resource then perhaps we can adjust our usage, or perceived need of usage.  Do I really need to have the water heater on all the time?  Can I adjust the temperature on the air conditioner?  Can I shorten my shower?

Cooperate and graduate use to be a common phrase.  Perhaps if we all tried that there would be enough power for everyone.

So enough about electricity.  Power can also so mean according to the definition...1. the ability or capacity to perform or act effectively 3. strength or force exerted or capable of being exerted; might. 5. a person, group, or nation having influence or control over others.

After living most of the last 5 1/2 years in Guatemala I have been impressed with the sheer power of the Guatemalan people.  The way they cleaned up after volcano, with wheelbarrows, shovels and hands.  It is impressive to watch people get together and and make a difference.

So it is with a group in the small village of Esmeralda, which lies behind the marina.  There is a group of 45 women who believe in community empowerment and social equity of their natural environment.  They desire to have projects that are sustainable and compatible with the natural environment.  They have joined together with the National Fund for Peace (FONAPAZ) to purchase a corn mill for the community.

This group of women need help in building the galley for the installation of the corn mill.   For this they need 16 sheets of aluminum,  25 sacks of cement, 2 pounds of iron and Q5,000.00 to buy the treated wood.

This is real power.  A small group of women in a small village in Central America taking control and exerting their power to change their corner of the world.  I am pleased to add my name to the cause.