The Story of Ojala Ninos: The Open Gate [] Aurora Books

Event Category: All Events, Community Events, Charity Events, and Literary Events

Description
Description
More Info
Photos
Video
Map
Reviews

  • In 2007, Elsmarie Norby moved to the rural indigenous community of San Miguel Viejo and built a modest house intending to live a simple, quiet life. But then the children appeared at her gate-and with them, a new mission. This is the story of the birth of Ojalà Niños, a creative community for Otomi families and those who enjoy serving them.

    “I didn’t come to teach. Yet, I opened my patio, offering these children space and materials. I stood by and watched as they found the spark for learning in themselves.”
    —Elsmarie Norby

    Elsmarie was born in Chicago in 1940 as the only child of Swedish immigrants. Blessed with old-world values and piano lessons from an older cousin, she went on to study Music in college at St. Olaf in Minnesota and Juilliard in New York City. She traveled extensively, selling her recorded piano music and photographs, and ran a small production company called “About Time Productions.”

    A mother of four, Elsa also has five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, all of whom live in the U.S. She was still searching for her “real” home in 1994 when she met a couple from Mexico who encouraged her to visit them in beautiful San Miguel de Allende. On her first morning there, she knew she had found home. Elsa relocated to San Miguel in 1997 and spent her first 10 years forming choirs of children in the three orphanages. She also created an early childhood music program for public kinder and primary schools in town and rural communities. From there, she moved to San Miguel Viejo where her greatest adventure began as told in this book.

    As an early reader of Elsmarie Norby’s book, we will provide you with a digital PDF download of the book as you await the delivery of your beautiful coffee table book, The Open Gate. As soon as you order your book, please screen shot and email your purchase receipt to dannino@littlethingsmatter.net and I will send you the digital copy. You can start reading now while you’re waiting for your preordered copy to arrive!
    You can purchase the book here!
    We are so grateful you’re on this journey with us in support of Ojalá Niños and The Open Gate!