By reh on 12/17/2011

Monday November 14, 2011

6:00AM Cleared Montgomery Airport security and waiting for flight to Atlanta. The box of paperback dictionaries that I will use as graduation gifts in my carry-on was too dense so  the security guard took the box of dictionaries out of my suitcase and re-ran them thru
the scanner. Guess what; they were still too dense! This is why we get to the airport
very early.

10:00AM Plane to Teguci left on ti ... Read More »

By reh on 10/23/2011

By reh on 7/26/2011

By reh on 5/17/2011

By reh on 2/13/2011

Tuesday February 8, 2011

4:30AM        On the road to the Montgomery Airport.

4:50AM        Arrived at airport.  Kiosk wouldn’t process me.  An attendant processed me in.  In the past, ticket agents weren’t even at the counter at 5:00AM, now I’m told we must be processed in by 4:30!  Fortunately, the agent processed me in.

6:30AM & ... Read More »

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The Motorcycle Diary

By reh on 1/16/2011

 

On the way back I observed that those who we talked with really weren’t concerned about the kindergarten project.  Fernando, with Jose’s concurrence, explained that we were talking with the “Ruling Class” they ignore the Parent’s group, school teachers, and everyone else and do as they please.  I might add, with no apology.  There are several ways to move forward and provide a very nice kindergarten.  This appears to be a good time for a gut check.  If we move forward we do it for the poor children, poor parents (who make up the Mother’s Group), and school teachers.  We will get no assistance (and no resistan Read More »

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The Motorcycle Diary

By reh on 9/8/2010

By reh on 5/19/2010

By reh on 5/11/2010

By reh on 5/11/2010

By reh on 5/11/2010

Wednesday September 16 , 2009

 8:00AM Meeting with Fernando and Juan Rosa to discuss collecting data about PRAFF food deliveries. Since Honduras does not have many non-profit groups that collect money to send overseas, Fernando is not familiar with what might be considered quirks in our IRS system. I spent considerable time explaining why L4L wants a lower percentage in the Overhead/Advertising area, how we ended up with a high number and how we can lower it through equating food deliveries by PRAFF/UN to a dollar value.

 

By reh on 5/9/2010

By reh on 2/14/2010

March 18, 2009 Wednesday

7:30AM We have no morning meetings scheduled; we were simply going to deliver some supplies.  But Fernando called last night to explain that he needed to be at his daughter’s kindergarten at 8:30AM.  There is a “Day of the Fathers” celebration and his daughter will sing a song.  He has asked that I go with him and insisted that his daughter had specifically asked if I would come; so, I went.  His daughter seemed genuinely glad to see me.  It was a typical kindergarten show; two verse songs, 4 line poems.  Some kids sang too loud, others mouthed the words; everyone was charmed. This kindergarten is not your typical Honduras school.  Parents make up the upper level professional and business community of Nacaomi.  Reminds me of the kindergarten my daughter went to in Tucson, Arizona; enclosed compound, brightly colored classrooms, s ... Read More »

By reh on 2/13/2010

March 13, 2009, Friday

While at the river the other evening several of Fernando’s friends joined us.  One of the friends is a teacher at a very poor school further out than Montana Bonito, but on this side of the river.  This school goes from kinder through 9th grade and has over 180 kids; very unusual for such a rural area.  The teacher asked if I would like to visit the school.  I have nothing planned for tomorrow except to drive to Teguci, so I said yes.  I didn’t connect the dots to realize that her interest was to get her school in the L4L program; I simply saw this as an opportunity to feed my curiosity.  It’s all good, I (we) just have to be mindful that we represent something that is sought after and not raise expectations.

7:00AM On our way with 3 teachers.  We started at sea level and climbed 2,000 feet.  It was actually muc ... Read More »

By reh on 2/12/2010

March 11, 2009, Wednesday

8:00AM Fernando, Evelin and I drove to escuela Jose Reyes Trinidad.  This was a thought-provoking visit.  We have to remember that our mission is to feed hungry elementary school children so they have a running start at life; nothing more.  Sometimes we have to let things be even if they don’t suit us, as long as we are feeding hungry elementary school children. This is a very small school with only 21 students this year (28 last year; fewer 1st graders, as one family moved to town).  There are 10 families with children at school.  The school kitchen is run down and not useable; it needs a roof, secure door and secure windows.  The walls and foundation are good.  A mother cooks lunch in her house. She is one of the poorer mothers and all the other mothers pay her to cook.  I am guessing that they pay her $60+/- per month.
... Read More »

By reh on 2/9/2010

March 10, 2009, Tuesday

8:00AM Evelin and Fernando got to the Motel.  Went to El Rincon.  Principal Albertina Arguijo met us.  Went to inspect the kitchen.  Everything is in place.  Ms. Arguijo explained that she is waiting for the Alcalde for a dedication ceremony.  I explained that it is impossible to schedule for the Alcalde and she should use the kitchen while waiting.  She said that the fire pit/work bench are rough and she wants them tiled before she starts use.  I asked how long before she gets that done (neither L4L nor the Alcaldi will pay to tile the work bench so she will have to rely on the neighborhood which has a very active TPA).  I again suggested that, if the tiling cannot start right away that she start using the kitchen while she waits.  The Kinder principal walked with us and was nodding in agreement with all I said. ... Read More »

By reh on 2/5/2010

By reh on 2/2/2010

March 7, 2009 Saturday
6:00AM Flight from Birmingham to Houston took off/landed on time.
8:30AM Flight from Houston took off on time, but a miserable flight.

12:30PM At the Hotel Guijaea.  Since the hotel didn’t have the king size bed I requested, I was given a room with a living room, kitchen, and dining area.  Good trade!  I await arrival of rental car.  Have been working on a new system of maintaining accounting records.  Having problems sending messages via Knology. Hmmm.

4:30PM Taking cab to dinner. It seems cab fares are going up and getting extravagant!

March 8, 2009 Sunday
6:00AM Late breakfast. Taking notes, record keeping

10:00 Diana Vallie and Hector Martinez McNaught arrived.& ... Read More »

By reh on 2/1/2010

Sunday, December 7, 2008

8:00AM I check out of motel. Fernando and I head for Roxana’s. I am still trying to get the numbers regarding enrollment, attendance and grades to show a picture of before/with the L4L program. I knew it would be difficult; it may not be doable. I am trying to get data that compares the number of 1st graders one year then the number of 2nd graders the next year, etc, to demonstrate the dramatic decrease. We’ll see, but the numbers won’t appear unless I sit here while they do it. I’m sitting here now. During this wait, I call Hotel Guijarros but they have no rooms. Guess I’ll stay at the Maya (which I really don’t like).

11:30AM The number tallying is almost done and I want to get on the road to Teguci so I ask if they can send the data to Jessica in Teguco. Fernando and I head for Nacaomi.

2:15PM At the Maya. Called rental car people to pick u ... Read More »

By reh on 1/31/2010

Wednesday December 3, 2008

4:45AM Flew from Birmingham to Houston.

12:30PM Arrived in Teguci.  Cab to Hotel Giejerro.  Called to confirm Friday morning meeting with Nicole Kafie.  Apparently Nicole is out of the country and her return time is unknown, plus her cell phone isn’t working wherever she is.  Nothing to do but wait.

1:00PM Left a message for Dr. Avila.  Taking notes, waiting.

Thursday December 4, 2008

2:00PM Jessica called.  The Secretary has heard nothing from Nicole and neither her father nor her uncle is in the office.  Jessica thinks they are all in the UD for Christmas break.  The meeting about the milk deal (my main reason for coming to Teguci.) appear ... Read More »

By reh on 10/23/2008

Thursday, October 23, 2008

9:00AM After a leisurely breakfast, I decided to get to the airport early, process through and catch up on notes. There was a church group of 20+/- directly in front of me so I settled in for the wait. After about 20 minutes, the group leader turned to me in pleasant conversation and said “I see you have decided to leave early, too.” I said that this is my scheduled flight, why?” He said “A hurricane is headed this way. His group was scheduled to leave on Saturday but was advised to leave this morning if they wanted to get out before the hurricane arrived, that the airport could be closed for several days by later in the afternoon.”

A bit of a problem when one tries to get by with a minimal understanding of the language: Last night and again early this morning, while watching CNN, all TV channels were closed down for 15 minutes except the official Honduras station, while the Honduras Pre ... Read More »

By reh on 10/22/2008

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

8:30AM Fernando and I picked up my translator and headed for Goascoran for a meeting with Alcaldi Valesquez. He was in his office so we sat in the waiting room with 8 or 10 other people. We were called in first even though we were an hour early for our appointment. I explained that I didn’t want to leave without saying “hi”, that I knew he has been traveling and that next time we will have to have dinner. Some small talk and I asked when he felt he could finish the kitchen at Rincon, I simply wanted to know so I could report to our Board of Directors. He used the weather as an excuse and said it would be finished by the end of next week (Fernando had told me that the kitchen would be finished if I prodded a little). We’ll see.

12:00PM On the road to Teguci

4:00PM Rental car people came by to pick the car up.

5:00PM Raphael stopped by with my 10# o ... Read More »

By reh on 10/21/2008

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

7:00AM All are assembling. It seems that they brought along a support group that stayed in another motel. They brought two drivers, a video/camera man, and a laborer. An entourage of 4 for three managers; no wonder they are amazed at how low our costs are!

7:45AM On our way to Pierdras Blancas (cooks were in the kitchen, preparing lunch). The principal, Ms. Nunec welcome them graciously and explained the L4L program and benefits. Ms. Diez straightens her makeup and hair then walks into the school yard with camera rolling (all day, I will watch in amazement while all support staff as well as the other two managers work in concert to assure that Ms. Diez gets hours of video and hundreds of photo ops. The prop setups (like putting very poor children at each arm while she smiles, way over the top for my taste; a shameless and constant camera hogging episode). I showed them the dilapidated kin ... Read More »

By reh on 10/20/2008

Monday, October 20, 2008

7:00AM Fernando and I are on our way to deliver supplies and see that the three chosen schools (Piedras Blancas, Rincon, El Coyolar) are ready for a visit from PRAF on Tuesday and Dr. Moncada on Wednesday.

Pierda Blanca: delivered lunch food supplies, explained tentative visits for the next two days.

Rincon: delivered lunch food supplies, explained tentative visits for next two days. Inspected kitchen; L4L has paid and built the first half, the mayor’s office has not built the other half. Will talk with him when I see him. Community fathers are replacing the roof of the 4th and 6th grade classes. Reusing every possible used roof tile. Lots of energy, beautiful work (all roof beams are sawmill-cut hard wood and really difficult to work with but will withstand decay much longer). Saw Anabel for just a minute, as always, she asks a ... Read More »

By reh on 10/19/2008

Sunday, October 19, 2008

6:00AM Enjoying a quiet morning on the veranda by the pool working on the basics of some Power Points to refine with Fernando.

11:45AM Fernando and Evelin Quintanilla, my translator, were here in anticipation of Roxana’s arrival for our 12:00 lunch meeting;

1:00PM I went over some charts she had prepared as a special project. We clarified several items so that I can accurately describe them. I asked that one more be generated. She will handle it.

I explained to Roxana, about our possible Tuesday site visit by PRAF and asked if she could assist (she can). I believe PRAF management equates substance with staff size; I want all hands on deck.

4:30PM End of day.

By reh on 10/18/2008

Saturday, October 18, 2008

9:00AM After a late breakfast and checkout, I’m on the road to Nacaomi to set up for meeting with Roxana and, hopefully, tours for PRAF and Dr Moncada. Had to stop at the area where the highway is sliding down the mountain. Was held up for 15 minutes.

12:30PM In motel compound for the day.

While meeting with PRAF on Friday, Ms. Diaz asked what criteria we used to select schools for the L4L program. We explained that we have a long list of petitions from very poor schools, that our staff is local and knows the poorest among the applicants. We choose schools where 60%+ come to school hungry each day. What I didn’t say is that you can close your eyes and point; in Valle District, whatever school you are pointing at will meet the 60% criteria (at each meeting, our host points out that Valley is one of the poorest districts so everyone already knows). Mr. Diaz explained th ... Read More »

By reh on 10/17/2008

Friday, Oct 17, 2008

5:30AM On the road to Teguci for my meeting with PRAF officials.

6:00AM Held up at the area where the road is subsiding for an hour while fallen rocks are removed and the road is made passable. At Hotel Guijarros at 9:00AM

10:30PM Jessica and I are at the offices of PRFA. We are lead through a hallway/meeting room with a TV discussion in session (very awkward) and into the Director’s office. We wait in a very comfortable sitting room. Soon we are joined by Abog. (lawyer, it is common for a person to be introduced with their professional title) Sidia Velasquez who is the private secretary (office manager) for the Director and Aboq. Roberto Lanza, General Council robertolanzab@yahoo.es They explained that the Director is involved with the meeting we came through to get to her office. I said that we appreciate t ... Read More »

By reh on 10/16/2008

Thursday, Oct 16, 2008

5:30PM Frenando and I are on our way to Teguci. Jessica will meet us. Fernando will purchase powder milk and head back while Jessica and I go to the World Bank meeting. I will take King Autobus back this afternoon.

9:00AM Met with Dante Mossi, PhD, Official de Operaciones de Pais (Operations Officer for Honduras). He listened with great interest in the L4L program. He explained that, in exchange for certain loan dept forgiveness, the Honduras government agreed to raise certain moneys through normal taxation procedures and use it for certain very specific social programs; several have to do with supporting elementary schools lunch programs. The government channels these funds through an education council that we should contact. These funds are considerable and are committed many years into the future. Dr. Mossi believes that these primary school programs are run with relative efficiency and w ... Read More »

By reh on 10/15/2008

Wednesday, Oct 15, 2008

8:00AM Fernando and I went to the school at Pierdras Blancas. Got GPS coordinates. I had forgotten just how poor and un-kept the children are at the poorer schools. Our project for the day is to get pictures for the school page on our web site. We asked the principal, Mr. Nunec (who acts like a little Napoleon but actually has a heart of gold) if we could take a picture of some of the kids in front of the class (this is a two-classroom school and we didn’t want to disrupt both classes). She started culling out the kids with uniforms since we said “some”. When I realized what she was doing, I said that we want all the kids from that class. The kids came pouring out of the class (they just don’t realize how un-kept they look). Several pictures available; a good time was had by all. Walked around the neighborhood taking pictures; now I have to put the Power Point together.

12:00PM At motel for ... Read More »

By reh on 10/14/2008

Tuesday, Oct 14, 2008

8:00AM Went to the airport with Elise.

11:45AM Elise processed in and didn’t even pay an airport surtax!

2:00PM On King Autobus headed for Nacaomi

6:45PM Processed back into Honduras in 10 minutes with only a $3.00 fee! What is this world coming to!

7:30PM Late beer with Fernando. End of day.

By reh on 10/13/2008

Monday, Oct 13, 2008

Vacation, see Elise’s notes.

By reh on 10/12/2008

Sunday, Oct 12, 2009

Vacation, see Elise’s notes.

By reh on 10/11/2008

Saturday, Oct 11, 2008

4:00AM Heard water running so went to tighten a faucet. Water was pouring through the bathroom ceiling. Called desk. In another room by 4:45. Too late to sleep so got ready for the day and studied some Spanish.

9:00AM Took taxi to meet Elise.

11:35AM Elise arrived without incident. Headed to resort (see Elise’s notes).

By reh on 10/10/2008

Friday, Oct 10. 2008

Classes all Morning

11:45AM Departed hotel for King Autobus. Stopped for lunch along the way.

2:00PM Departed King Autobus for El Salvador.

4:00PM Crossing the border at El Amatillo. What a difference a few years and some rule changes make! Bus stopped at the border, two guards went thru checking papers, within 10 minutes they were done and we were on our way! Didn’t even interrupt the movie that was in progress!

8:15PM At bus station in San Salvador. Taxi to Holiday Inn. Reservations were in place. Late light dinner and to bed.

By reh on 10/9/2008

Thursday, Oct 9, 2008

Classes all Morning

11:45 Deposited money in my personal account.

By reh on 10/8/2008

Wednesday, Oct 8, 2008

Classes all morning

By reh on 10/7/2008

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Class all morning

11:00AM Took a taxi to King Autobus and purchased a ticket to San Salvador. Will leave Teguci at 2:00PM Friday and arrive at San Salvador at 8:00PM.

By reh on 10/6/2008

Monday, Oct 6, 2008

Holiday, no classes.

9:30AM called Cynthia Rodriguez with City Bank at 290-0112. No answer, left a message

9:45AM called Rosabel Ramirez at 2 395 5328. No answer, left a message

11:00AM Went to Santa Lucia. Ate at a really good restaurant El Piano.
Stopped at store on the way back.

3:00PM in the hotel.

By reh on 10/5/2008

Sunday, Oct. 5, 2008

No classes.

11:00AM Jorge and Leslie took me to lunch then their place. I believe Jorge’s business is relatively recession proof (la gente have to move within the city and Jorge supplies the busses). He is his own financer so the credit crunch doesn’t affect him. He has spent a lot of time and money fixing his house/office and I believe he and his family are comfortable.
Jorge spoke much more about his concern for Central America as the drug trade grows way out of control. It seems that traffickers pay local foot soldiers with drugs that they must sell locally, creating a local market that wouldn’t exist if the lower echelon were paid in cash. First the city and now the country is being divided up among the various drug groups exactly the same as the government does for local representation. Jorge says the common people are too busy making a living, meanwhile it is becoming quest ... Read More »

By reh on 10/4/2008

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2008

Classes all morning. Maybe it’s my age and possibly it’s just life, but I am finding it difficult to accomplish much beyond Spanish classes and studying. Haven’t really had time to follow up on L4L stuff nearly an actively as I had anticipated. Worse case is that I don’t get much done during these two weeks of Spanish and I simply have to move at double time during my stay with Fernando.

These two weeks of emersion are going much better than my first time 2 years ago. Primarily because:

• I set my expectations much lower (more realistic)
• I have more background Spanish to add to the mix
• I know more specifically what I want to work on
• I don’t hesitate to speak my very poor Spanish with anyone

The hotel I am staying at is one of the 5 recomme ... Read More »

By reh on 10/3/2008

Friday, Oct. 3, 2008

Classes all morning

11:30AM met Nelson Avila and his friend Armando Moncada, MD, (678) 523-0058, amoncada@pcglabs.com at the Hotel International. Joined them for lunch. Dr. Moncada owns a cancer clinic in Atlanta and is very interested in L4L.

2:00 till 3:30 Classes

By reh on 10/2/2008

Thursday, Oct 2, 2008

Classes all morning.

11:30AM Fernando and Jessica came by for lunch. Talked about Roxana and her pay arrangement for next year. Talked about Parasite program. Talked about finishing last kitchen. Talked about website Power Points for other schools (map not opening). Very pleasant afternoon. Jessica may be able to go with me to El Amatillo late next week.

4:30 PM Fernando & Jessica left.

By reh on 10/1/2008

Wednesday, Oct 1, 2008

Classes all morning.

By reh on 9/30/2008

Tuesday, Sept 30, 2008

Classes all morning.

By reh on 9/29/2008

Monday, Sept 29, 2008

Flew to Teguci.
12:00PM Taxi to Aparthotel Guijarros 011 (504) 235-6851. Very clean, secure, quite, friendly.

By reh on 7/4/2008

July 4, 2008, Friday

5:30AM At Airport, in line. Already 15 people ahead of me and I can see why! Every stop, ticket counter, tax paying cashier, security #1 and #2, was long and slow. I don’t know if the congestion is due to the Teguci Airport closure or if this is SOP. At the gate in plenty of time but it was a very tedious morning.

By reh on 7/3/2008

July 3, 2008, Thursday

Dr. Avila’s contact never called; I’ll put UN visit on front of next trip, not on back.

8:30AM Called bus station, ticket to San Pedro Sula is Lps. 480. Since time is short and I can’t afford to get there to an already full bus, I took a cab to the bus station to buy a ticket. Actually, a good thing; most of the seats were already taken.

1:30PM Bus left on time and arrived in San Pedro Sula on time.

5:30PM Ask taxi driver for a secure/clean hotel near airport. He calls one that is full then recommends one. Like an idiot I said OK. Took me to a third rate hotel in the city center. No way! He took me to another just as bad. Clearly, he gets a cut for everyone he takes to these particular motels. I showed him one in a brochure by the airport and we went there. This motel/apartment complex reminds me of an old, rundown Best W ... Read More »

By reh on 7/2/2008

July 2, 2008, Wednesday

8:00AM Finished breakfast with Fernando and Jessica and headed back to Tegucigalpa for our meeting with our lawyer regarding Sigfredo’s letter.

11:30AM In Hotel Maya.

2:30PM Meeting with lawyer Ochoa. Good meeting; he is very thorough. He will get letter for Sigfredo to sign to Jessica tomorrow. Jessica will print the letter on L4L letterhead and set up meeting with Sigfredo.

3:30PM Jessica’s husband picked her up.
Still no word from the UN. Am out of time and must get to San Pedro Sula tomorrow for my flight home. I will set up meeting with Dr. Avila early in my next trip, rather than at the end. Am disappointed but remain confident that Dr. Avila will help us in its own time.
If Valle District was out of the way when the Teguci Airport was opened, it is much further out of the way now. For a ... Read More »

By reh on 7/1/2008

July 1, 2008, Tuesday

7:30AM Jessica and I headed south to Nacaomi.

9:30AM At Fernando’s house finishing up info to go with GPS map locations.

11:00AM Meeting with Roxana. Discussed her projects:
• Evaluate average grades prior to L4L and see if trends are developing.
• Work with Principals to write a monthly letter.
We talked till 12:30, Roxana understands what I want and seems enthusiastic; we’ll see.

2:00PM Drove out to look at school kitchen progress at Rincon.

3:00PM Need phone minutes so drove to Sal Lucas. Had dinner at my favorite fish restaurant. I took this opportunity to explain to Fernando and Jessica that we are very pleased with the way they are managing things and they should continue with every confidence that we are satisfied with their management. I asked if ... Read More »

By reh on 6/30/2008

June 30, 2008, Monday

10:00AM Jessica arrived in anticipation of our meeting with Sigfredo. We reviewed several historical facts, dates and details. Called Fernando for confirmation of a few items. The whole story:
At the very start Roxana did not understand the management function of an accountant. She was insulted by Sigfredo’s prying. On his part, by virtue of his position as a “Licencia” from Teguci, Sigfredo’s approach was pretty heavy handed. We hired Fernando who is also an accountant who studied in Teguci. Things improved but Sigfredo continued to beat the drums of probable corruption that he is trying to save us from. The original agreement with Sigfredo was that he provide two weeks of accounting services per month for $350 per month. This accounting service would include enough time in Valle District to assure that materials moved as per our management system and that all accounting is accurate and com ... Read More »