Introduction to General Teran
LuAnn Gatewood

Our trek continues to General Teran where we are to meet the mayor.  Sandra Meza’s students, who are attending classes outside of the regular school day to learn English, join us.  I am surprised at their eagerness to be able to communicate with us. The mayor’s office is located inside a grandiose building in the center of town.  The young, charismatic mayor, Eleuterio Villagomez Guerrero, warmly greets us.  The mayor speaks to us about his wishes for the city and answers our questions. 

Mexico has the unique problem of having an abundant workforce but not enough jobs.  General Teran needs jobs for local workers that would keep the profits in the community.  The emergence from the poverty of the country will not come easily or swiftly for these people.  The poor will continue to be poor for many decades.

The mayor’s office appears to be very official, yet has a relaxed atmosphere.  The office is full of history. Pictures of past mayors neatly line the wall. I am amazed to find that the mayors did not look that much different than men in America.  After we talk with the mayor, we head across the street to an ice cream shop.  We are amazed to see miniature ice cream bars that we assumed are made for children.  Outside, a meshing of cultures overwhelm us.  We see people walking, a man riding a horse through town, cars and trucks, boys on four-wheelers, and a motorcycle, all amid old buildings. 

From the mayor’s office, we head in vans to a see El Sabino Gordo, a tree in General Teran that is over 1,000 years old.  The tree has a diameter of 5.28 M and is the biggest tree I have ever seen!  A recreational park has been established around this huge tree.  The magnificent tree seems to represent the strength and history of the people of General Teran.