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.) appears to be off.
4:00PM I rent a car at the airport and head for Nacaomi.
7:00PM Fernando joins me for dinner.
Friday, December 05, 2008
9:00AM Fernando brings my phone to me. Jessica calls to tell me that Nicole plans to be in the office for our 10 AM meeting. I can be there by 1:00PM and hope that timeframe works.
9:30AM Jessica calls. Unfortunately, we have to move the meeting to 10:00AM Monday.
1:00PM Drove to El Amatillo to talk with Waldina about continuing to 8th grade. Of course she is interested. She gave me her report card for the second half of the year. Math, Spanish grammar, something else is below 70% (I’m told anything above 60% is just fine). I told Waldina that this is ok for 7th grade but not good enough for 8th grade. Elise and I will continue to support her but I expect all three of these grades to be above 75% or the assistance will stop. I told her mother that she must have time to study; she acted like she really would help, but I have my doubts. Waldina has her chance; we’ll see.
2:30PM Fernando’s wife had their second child 5 days ago and she has a Dr’s appointment at 3 o’clock so we ended the day.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
8:00AM Fernando and I drove to El Almendros to check GPS reading. While we were there a man walked over, just out of curiosity. Fernando explained who we are. The man knew of the Lunches for Learning program and went to great lengths to explain the value of the lunch program. He made a point of saying that without the program, children simply don’t eat. The affirmation is always great to hear.
9:30AM On the way back, we stopped by to see Anabel. She is doing fine and was very glad to see us. I asked about her grades. She didn’t have them but was sure teachers were at school so we could stop by and see them. Fernando and I did stop by the school. The teachers and principal are setting up for 6th grade graduation at 1:00PM today and they asked if we could attend. Got Anabel’s year-end grades. They are all excellent (as I recall, the lowest was 87% and all others were above 90%. The teacher and principal both commented that Anabel is a very intelligent student who works hard. Fernando and I went to Nacaomi to get the translator, Evelin Quintanilla, camera and a copy of Anabel’s grades.
1:00PM The 6th graders are seated and the school yard is filling with people. There is a DJ with really loud music; apparently this is desired. By 1:30PM the school yard is full. Fernando says that 1:00PM really means 1:30PM. The principal introduces dignitaries who are to sit at the front table. To my surprise, I was announced as if I had been a planned part of the dignitaries. Speeches started and continued till all had spoken. Diplomas were handed out and pictures were taken of each graduate with the designated dignitary, then with parents. Awards for best grades, etc. were presented. The ceremony lasted till 2:45 but everyone was still socializing as Fernando, Evelin, and I left. You cannot appreciate the significance of 6th grade graduation in rural Honduras till you have seen one; it truly is a big deal.
4:00PM Fernando and I bought a bicycle for Anabel. She has been asking for one since she lived with Roxana. She no longer runs the roads and a bike will cut her 45 minute walk to school each day to 15 minutes. I took it to Anabel (Fernando went home to his new baby and wife). Of course, Anabel was ecstatic and the older sister was very appreciative. I explained that this is for the excellent grades and I expect her to keep her grades up so she can go to high school. I believe she will need some financial assistance for high school.