Mission Day 4: Yaqui Village of Potam--Village Scenes

I These first few photos were taken from the bus as we entered the village of Potam. Potam is one of the poorest villages we see, and yet, as you will notice, there is electricity. The Indian villages receive government funding, so a remote Yaqui village may have electricity whereas a comparable Mexican village probably would not. Watch for a couple of satellite dishes as well, and even the occasional privately-owned vehicle (usually well-used!). Most people get around by foot or bicycle within the village, and by bus if they need to go outside the area.

The bus station, perhaps?

One of the nicer houses with a fenced in yard.

Various local enterprises:

This the local bicycle repair shop:

And the bakery:

Several shots of Potam's Kindergarten/ Preschool:

 This was the only visible play apparatus.

And the general store across the street from the Kindergarten:

This is typical of the condition of the roads in the interior of Potam:

And a roof propped up with available materials:

New fencing, Potam-style:

A way off from our mission site, we could see a church in Potam, with an interesting looking graveyard. In the afternoon, when we had a chance, a few of us walked over to look at it. 

Jenny Navarro explained to me that the graveyard had been decorated last week for a Yaqui governmental Election Day, when each of the eight villages decided on their governor. However, apparently Potam couldn't come to an agreement about their incoming governor, so the decorations have been left up for a few more days. If they can't decide this week, they won't have representation at the Yaqui governing board.

We went inside the church, which is being refurbished.

Back through the streets to the clinic site:

This should give you an idea of the what life may be like in a Yaqui village.