Faces of Na’atik: Naylett, Host Mom

Mother’s Day, or El Día de las Madres, is a big deal here in Mexico. Celebrated each year on May 10, extended families often gather for special meals, and many organizations, Na’atik included, give mothers the day off work to share with their families. Every year we celebrate the hard work of those mothers who also choose to share their homes with immersion students from all over the world. This Mother’s Day we spoke with one of our host moms, Naylett Velasco, about what being a mother means to her, and why she chose to welcome Na’atik immersion students into her family.

 What does being a mother mean to you?

Being a mother is something very special and beautiful. At the same time, it is something very difficult because we don’t have a manual to tell us how to be mothers and how to handle situations. Even though it is difficult it is very beautiful for me because I have four children.

The most difficult part is to be an example in helping them develop their own characters and know how to be. It is also difficult because they can sometimes be a bit rebellious.

What is the role of a mother in families in this part of Mexico?

To always be on hand for your children and to perform all the tasks for them; from taking them to school to serving a preparing food for them.

What do you enjoy most about being a mother?

Watching them play and have fun and seeing all the things that they do which make me smile.

Are there any parts of being a mother that you find challenging?

Sometimes when they are sad, and I just want to see them smile.

How do your family celebrate Día de las Madres?

In the typical way, with making food and sharing cake. For my family the typical foods are mole and cake. We always celebrate at my mother-in-law’s house, with many relatives from Carrillo. It is always a full house.

Why did you decide to become a homestay mom?

It seemed like a great way to share our culture and for the family to learn about other cultures.

How have you found the experience?

I have enjoyed it a lot, it was a big change, but one I really like.

What have you enjoyed the most about it?

The chance to spend time with new people and teach them about the things I know while also learning about them and their lives at the same time.

Are there any parts of being a homestay mom that you find challenging?

Honestly, I have not found any part of it challenging in a negative way. Sometimes they do not speak much Spanish, but we always work together to communicate and so that I can help them with their learning.

What advice would you give to people who were considering coming to Carrillo for an immersion experience?

I would tell them to come! Mexico has so many different and beautiful places, and here is really unique and special in its own way. People should see and experience this part of the world.

Thank you so much to Naylett for taking the time to speak with us, for welcoming Na’atik students into her home, and for doing the most important job of all, being a mother. Happy Mother’s Day to her and to all of the mothers in the Na’atik family!

 The Na’atik monthly newsletter contains articles about Mexican history, culture, language and cuisine as well as the latest news from our non-profit school, which provides educational opportunities to Indigenous Maya students. To be the first to hear about new articles sign up to the newsletter below (don’t worry we won't add you to any marketing lists). If there are any subjects you would love to read about, or perhaps another woman you feel we should have featured this month, let us know at communications@naatikmexico.org.

The best way to experience Mexican culture is by spending time with local families away from tourist resorts. Na’atik offers a unique nonprofit language immersion program, where your Spanish or Maya lessons are augmented by a homestay experience in the town of Felipe Carrillo Puerto. Sharing meals and spare time with local and Indigenous people makes this a not to be missed opportunity to see the authentic Mexico. Every visit helps us to provide life changing educational opportunities to local children. Visit our immersion page or contact us on say@naatikmexico.org to find out more.