After the earthquake, a new year begins

The Casa Ursulina kitchen becomes an aerobics site three days a week, 9-10 a.m. The leader of this workout is the famous Richard Simmons — via videotapes that are dated but always a lot of fun. Participants vary in age and mobility, but all enjoy the music, the companionship, and the relaxation.

Not even the fifth-strongest earthquake in recorded history could keep away the determined women of Casa Ursulina. Yes, we delayed registration for a week, and yes, classes began two weeks late. But just three weeks after the the most powerful shake of most people's lives, close to 200 women came to share their enthusiasm, friendship, and eagerness to learn. The photos on this page will introduce you to some of the women as they enjoy their first gatherings.

Above, the second-level weaving class meets in the new fiber arts room, which still needs detail work and painting. But it's already providing a delightfully spacious area for classes in spinning and weaving. At right, Sister Mimi uses her opening session in the first-level weaving class to demonstrate the basic steps in weaving a scarf on a table loom. Advanced weavers learn to use larger looms to make more complex products. Construction of the new classroom has been supported by a $12,000 grant from the Raskob Foundation for Catholic Activities of Wilmington, Delaware.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A new class in Home Decoration is one of the most popular this year. In their very first class, the women produced beautiful decorated hand towels, each one reflecting its maker's special artistic ability. In the small pictures, top row, Guadalupe and Ruth show off their creations. Below, Beatriz, who is the "monitora" (teacher) for this class, helps Carmen set up a sewing machine. At right, Teresa displays her unique design.

Above: Cleaning wool is the beginning of the yarn-making process for these members of the spinning class taught by Sister Mimi (center). Casa Ursulina receives wool straight from the sheep, and the women clean, wash, and card (comb) it in preparation for spinning beautiful yarn. At right: During their first class, the Circle Dance group learned several new dances — some meditative, some lively — from different parts of the world. Milena, monitora for this class, comes every Thursday from Concepción, about 100 miles west of Chillán.

At right, children and grandchildren of Casa Ursulina participants play in the Sala Cuna — the childcare room. Several of the women volunteer to supervise the children during classes. A collection of donated toys and books is on hand for the children to play with. Since the earthquake of February 27, many daycare centers have not been able to open, so the Sala Cuna is even more important for our women.

AN INVITATION: Check this page often during the 2010 program year for updated photos and stories about our classes and workshops, and to learn more about our gifted and generous teachers!