Hello Readers,

I am ecstatic about my new job with StoveTeam, and the intent to connect with people on the ground and see first-hand how the Ecocina stove improves lives. I arrived in Guadalajara, México on January 22 and brushed up on my Spanish communication skills and also explored the cultural sites of Mexico’s second largest city. I continued my trip to San Miguel de Allende, a picturesque hideaway in the central highlands to visit friends! Besides viewing the beautiful central cathedral by night and drinking cappuccinos by morning, I visited the Midday Rotary Club and a couple special StoveTeam supporters.

Longtime stove collaborators, Eric and Deyanira, invited me to see what they have been working on and talk about how StoveTeam can continue to partner with them into the future. They showed me their stoves, and how Eric invented two accessories to help the buyers: a set of wings on the side to rest pots and utensils (see below), and a stand for the Ecocina stove to sit upon. Also, he had reinforced the portaleña (the metal piece that fits inside the front of the stove and holds the wood) for a longer lifespan. They are excited to continue collaborating with StoveTeam in the interest of bringing more stoves to areas near them with great need! We drank coffee and ate toast with cajeta (dulce de leche) and parted ways.

Also, a fun story – while getting a haircut in San Miguel de Allende, I received a message from a university mate who lives near Xalapa, Mexico who was congratulating me on my new job update. He shared that he lives in a small village with open-fire cooking methods and wanted to know more information about StoveTeam’s mission. He is an entrepreneur and teacher himself, and over a series of emails, we have been exploring options and abilities to expand StoveTeam’s reach into his area. Thinking back, I believe that things happen for a reason and my ability to connect and share with others may help to expand the operations of StoveTeam in Mexico and Central America.

Only a few more weeks now until I arrive in Guatemala. I am currently soaking up the sun rays at Playa Zipolite on the Pacific coast in the state of Oaxaca. Earlier next week, I will arrive to Sonsonate, El Salvador to spend a week with Gustavo and see his operations. As of March 1st, I will be in Antigua to start working with Marco and looking at his factory and working on building his marketing skills.

I am looking forward to bonding with our partners and learning about them; and expanding the educational programming of StoveTeam.

Until next time, Alex Eaton

International Program Coordinator, StoveTeam International