You are about to see pictures of my family and the village
where I grew up-- Chinchero, Peru. We in the Andes mountains live a long
distance from many of you. But the world is changing and our lives are
and will become more connected.
When I was young, shepherding in the mountains, I never
would have imagined that some day I would receive a degree from the University
in Cusco, make trips to the United States and other countries, have friends
from different parts of the world, and communicate long distances by fax,
the Web or e-mail. I never would have imagined that I could create a Center
to help my community and other communities of weavers to continue our art.
I guess you never know what is in your future, especially
if you come from a small place. But it is relationships that make a difference.
It doesn't matter what languages we speak, the level of education we have,
the society in which we grew up, or the part of the world in which we live.
We can do surprising things if we share with each other.
That is why I invite you to discover my culture and family,
our lives and activities.
Maybe some day you will travel to Peru and we will see
you at the building we are planning for the Center for Traditional Textiles
of Cusco.
