Well over a year ago, Eulogia who is an integral part of my
team of incarcerated knitters suggested I hire her husband Victor to knit for Knitting
Peace. At first, I have to admit I was hesitant, it seemed logistically
complicated, and I wasn’t sure he knew how to knit. You see, Victor is also
incarcerated. He is in Chonchocoro, which is the high security prison in La Paz,
located about an hour outside of the city. I have no idea why he is
incarcerated; however Eulogia is allowed to visit him twice a month.
She assured me his knitting skills were just as good as or
better than my girls, and she proved herself worthy of her word. Victor is not
only a really good knitter, but he has on more than one occasion gone without
sleep in order to meet our deadlines.
At Chonchocoro some of the inmates have cel phone
privileges; therefore Victor and I have had the opportunity to speak, although
we have yet to meet face to face. He is a very gentle and sweet man; he loves
to knit for us, and takes our work very seriously. On many occasions he has
delivered his work faster than my female knitters, making sure he has things
ready for me when Eulogia goes to visit him. She happily delivers him the yarn
I give her, and on her next visit brings back the finished pieces. The
logistical nightmare I had initially feared is a no brainer and I am very
pleased with the results.
Victor shared with me that he is also taking baking lessons
and learning how to make all kinds of sweets. Upon one of Eulogia’s returns
from visiting him, she not only delivered a beautifully knit piece, but also a
sweet little bag of anis and orange cookies which Victor had sent me. They were
delicious, and filled with the sweetness of gratitude, and I happily ate them
all in return.
~Namaste
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