Mission San Pedro
OUR WORK
Monthly Food Support
for 30 Widows
Each month, every widow receives the same basket on the same day. The widows gather together at the home of Vicenta Puzul, wife of the artist Mariano Gonzales Chavajay, to receive their food and to share and support one another. For those who are homebound, we deliver their basket to them in their home.
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We focus on nutrition with dignity, providing:​
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organic vegetables and fruits
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indigenous staples such as beans and corn
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eggs and other food items that fill nutritional gaps
Clean Water
Protection
Before MSP, many widows experienced chronic water-borne illness including dysentery and giardia. We provide water filters and replace filter elements as needed.
Practical Help
during Crisis
When an urgent need occurs, MSP assists in concrete ways:
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roof repairs
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basic home needs
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medical expenses
... and at the
End of Life
MSP honors the dignity of deceased widows by contributing toward burial and funeral expenses.
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How We Operate
Mission San Pedro has two Anchors:
Local Leadership
and Trust
Vicenta is the key leader in San Pedro. She works directly with the widows.
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Mariano supports operations on the ground, including oversight of the gardener who keeps the organic garden that provides a large portion of the foodstuffs the widows receive.
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Emma and Renzo coordinate, translate, and help ensure continuity and accountability.
Transparent Accountability to MSP Supporters
In 2026, we pledge to operate with:
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a clear commitment to continuity of care and a clear monthly budget
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a consistent reporting rhythm (photos, and a regular narrative updates)
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a current roster of widows (including water-filter dates and special needs met)
Our Promise is Simple -
ALL support given to the widows
is used for the widows' care!
THE KEY PLAYERS
On the ground in Guatemala, MSP's operations are handled by the two couples who selflessly contribute their time and effort without remuneration.
Vicenta Puzul & Mariano Gonzales Chavajay
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Renzo & Emma Lopez
Mariano’s Art and MSP
The preeminent Tz'utujil Maya painter Mariano Gonzales Chavajay’s work has long been part of MSP’s story—both as a source of community pride and as a means of fundraising (including an art sale and raffle event in the Bay Area that drew strong support).
When chavajayart.com is launched later in 2026, we will link to it here.
