Thursday September 15, 2011

5:05AM           Airport, I packed a 2 ton capacity chain hoist in a 5 gal pail and an overhead hoist trolley in another bag. Both are larger than normal chunks of steel. It just happened that 6 inspectors were watching the screen (some type of training I’m guessing). Of course, they had to open both containers. These items were wrapped an taped so they were secure and wouldn’t rattle around. 25 minutes later I was on my way and so were my re-wrapped items. We’ll see how they fair being thrown around two airports.

10:20AM         Plane left on time. Over the last year I have noticed a major re-alignment of flight schedules so that flights are full. This plane was less than 1/3 full. I expect one of the major line to stop daily flights to Teguc in the near future.

12:05PM          Plane lands in Teguci without incident. Both bags arrived! Through customs without a search.

1:30PM            In Hotel Guijarros. While it often seems like an unnecessary use of time, I always put a few days in front of the arrival of visitors; visitors are coming this Sunday. There’s a reason for that; something always go wrong. Fernando called yesterday and said Juan, our translator can’t accompany us on Sunday or Monday. While I frequently drive from Teguc to Nacaome, I won’t do it with a visitor. Odds are we will be stopped at a road block along the trip. On my own, I muddle through (pay an on-the-spot “fine” of $5 or $10); with a group of guests, I want a local native speaker with us. Fortunately, I have a few days. I called Diana Valleja because she always knows some really competent interpreters. She is in Mexico till November! I called Jorge, he will try to find Enriqui.

In the compound. End of Day.

Friday September 16, 2011

6:00AM           Breakfast, studied Spanish. Biding time to be sure I secured a translator before heading for Nacaome tomorrow. I should have set up some kind of museum tour to take up some time.

2:00PM            Finally heard from Fernando and Juan; Juan can accompany us on Sunday and will meet me in Nacaome at 7:30, Sunday morning. I’m confident he will be there because, over the last 2 years he has proven that he is very reliable.

Went down the road to Ruby Tuesday for dinner. It was ok.

5:00PM            In the compound. End of Day.

Saturday September 17, 2011

7:00AM           Breakfast with Jorge Lineras. Jorge is one of the first people we met in Honduras. He is still avery good and helpful friend. It seems that he got some version of Verdigo where he had terrible headaches on his way back from the US about two months ago. He ended up in a hospital in El Salvador on then in and out of the hospital in Honduras before they stabilized him. He is back to normal but not back to fighting form (in my opinion).

10:00AM         On the road to Nacaome. Stopped by the windmill farm going in at the mountain rim, just before you start going back down to the Pacific. I’m guessing there will be more than 30 windmills. I’ll get some pictures on my next trip through.

1:30PM            In the Hotel Real Vista Hermosa.

2:00PM            Went out to see Anabel and Miriam. I was stopped at the standard police roadblock. I’m going to take a minute to explain, after 7+ years of being stopped at these roadblocks, how I handle them: The road is a typical 2 lane blacktop road with a paved apron approximately 18 inches wide along both sides, and a 6 to 10 inch drop off to packed earth. When signaled to stop, I take up as much of the road as possible. When possible, I stop so that the police must stand in the on-coming lane. After they signal me to the side a few times, I pull over but keep the right wheels on the apron thereby assuring that I block most of my lane, slowing traffic behind me down to a crawl as they try to get by without hitting the officer. I always provide my Honduras drivers license and car registration I never provide my US drivers license or US passport. No matter how bad things get, I have my US passport and US drivers license. I take my time listening to questions till I understand it completely then I slowly answer. I have gotten to where I never offer or understand requests for bribes. As it turns out, these low ranking police who stand out in the sun can only tie up traffic for so long before a senior officer comes walking out of the shade to see what the holdup is. Today, after the preliminary perfunctory questions (where are you going, where are you coming from, what is your nationality, etc.), Rambo Jr. started on “what is your home address?” Remember, he has my Honduras driver’s license so he wants a Honduras address. After several iterations of “I don’t understand “ and “Read my license (which, incidentally, doesn’t give an address)”, I took my phone and dialed Fernando while the supervisor was walking over (we’re blocking most of our lane and traffic is backing up). Rambo Jr. explained to his supervisor that I must have a Honduras residence to have a Honduras license and he is finding out what it is. The supervisor shrugged and whispered something like “forget about it” and walked back to the shade. The officer was handing back my license and registration as Fernando answered the phone. I started handing the phone to the Rambo Jr. as he was waving me by. Every stop is a choreographed 10 minutes so you might as well relax and enjoy it.

Sunday September 18, 2011

7:00AM           Juan arrived. Ate breakfast.

7:45AM           Drove to Teguci airport. 

10:00AM         At airport. I try to be several hours early because any road delay, especially during the rainy season, can take up several hours.

12:30PM          Plane arrives on time. Dan Scroggins and Jean Beckstrom emerge from customs.

2:30PM            In motel Real Vista Hermosa in Nacaome.

4:00PM            Fernando arrived. Introductions. Finalized plans for tomorrow. Enjoyed the evening.

6:00PM            End of Day.

Monday September 19, 2011 

7:45AM           At Jose Trinidad Cabanas Elementary School. We were met by Principal, Ms. Aracely Gonzales and the President of the Mothers Group. After introductions, Dan started a conversation about the existing water source. It seems that about seven years ago an NGO, Procagua, installed a well, water tank and plumbing to approximately 28 houses and the school. A local Water Authority was created. Water is provided for three hours every other day to half of the community one and 3 hours a day to the other half on the following day. Water is provided free to the school. Water at the school was collected in an open cistern. Residents of those houses that could not afford the 100 Lps ($5.00) per month would bathe in the cistern at the school after hours, rendering the water unsuitable for use. The water authority was compelled to shut water off at the school. Dan and I walked to the water pump location then to the water tank location while Fernando and Jean stayed to help serve lunch to the kids. I’ll let Dan describe our walk through mud, along creeks, through un-kept scrubland, and up hills to the concrete water holding tank. Oh, did I mention it was raining? Initial thoughts are that a holding tank be elevated in the kitchen and plumbed into the water authority system.

11:45AM         At Dr. Juan Lindo Elementary School in La Puya. We are met by Principal, Mr. Marvin Omar. The Community President arrives shortly after. A water authority similar to Los Almendreus was developed in this community about seven years ago by Proagua. Water is supplied to the school for 80Lps ($4.00) per month. Water is provided to the school at a spigot. The recommended fix would be to mount a tank next to the kitchen (which is deteriorated to the point that it must be replaced) and plumb a closed system.

1:30PM            Back at the motel, cleaned up and headed to San Lorenzo for fried fish. Dr. Cerrato joined us for lunch. I seems that the Valle Health Department is building a Water Quality Lab in Jicaro and they will test school drinking water for free. A pleasant meal.

3:30PM            At the motel. Fernando and I went into Nacaome to talk with a welder about the overhead trolley we will build in the warehouse.

5:00PM            In the compound. End of Day.

Tuesday September 20, 2011

7:00AM           Jean, Dan, Juan, Fernando and I are on our way to El Barrial.  On the outskirts of El Barrial, we picked up the community President, Mr. David Matute. We stopped where the down gradient hand dug well is located next to a creek. This well is doing little more than straining creek water, cow manure and all. Dan and I discounted this as a viable option. We reached town before school started. The president showed us to the house of the person who owns the continuously flowing mountain spring, Mr. Cupertino. This is the same family who owns the gasoline operated grain grinder. He led us upward along the side of a very steep hill on a very steep, very narrow path; then up the face of a very steep hill, around a bluff and down a bank, to a very rocky creek bed, along the creek bed to his hand-built water collection point. If I had any idea what we were getting to, I would have left Jean at the house with the family; I should not have taken her on this walk. Jean never complained and refused to turn back. I was constantly assured that the spring is “just a little farther” so we kept going. Mr. Cupertino is doing everything right and has a very nice setup for his household use. While this site could be enlarged to supply the entire town, cost to bring in necessary equipment and supplies would be prohibitive. The view from this hillside is spectacular; I recommend it to anyone. On the way back Mr. Cupertino picked 6 ears of corn that was roasted for us at his house. Initial thoughts: Probably drill a well on site and use a windmill to run the pump. El Barrial continues to amaze.

10:30AM         At 3 de Octobre. Always an efficiently run school with a very involved Mothers Group. We were received warmly by all. We explained the purpose of our trip Mr. Robinson Cruze, the principal lead us directly to the hand dug well. The water is so clear you can see the bottom. The well is not used because it is dry most of the time and has collected some wood, leaves, and even a few plastic articles. This well could be deepened. We would attach a pump to a water tank in the kitchen. The system would be powered by 6^th grade child labor. 

11:30AM         At El Picacho. This facility has no well but does have power available. Access is relatively easy and there is a large upgradient recharge area and available electricity so a drilled well with a submersible pump makes sense. 

12:300PM        At Poyo Costero for lunch. Like KFC only better. Since we finished available school for the day and it is early. We decided to go to Tiger Island. I called Anabel and Miriam to see if they wanted to go with us. They did.

1:30PM            Picked up Anabel and Mirium and headed for Tiger Island. Fernando begged off and Juan had to teach an English class so I was the translator and guide. Both were close by with phones so this wasn’t quite as daring as it may seem. Parked in the compound where I usually park and we walked to the boat. Miriam negotiated for the best price (75c per person) and off we went. Did the island tour, I will let Jean and Dan comment on our tour. I decided that we return to the motel for dinner as staying that long would put us on the road after dark. Came back from the customs dock. A good time was had by all.

5:00PM            In the motel and seated for dinner. Fernando joined us for dinner. 

6:15PM            Fernando drove for me to Anabel’s and Miriam’s house (the front window is tinted so darkly that I simply cannot see through it after dark).

Wednesday September 21, 2011

7:30AM           On the road to Manuel Jesus Subirana. We were greeted by Ms. Angela Reyez. Mrs. Angela arrived shortly afterward. It seems that the local water authority provides water 3 hours every other day, assuming there is sufficient pressure. The water is not potable. There is a dug well adjacent to the school on the property of Mr. bricio. We went over to look at the well and talk with Mr. Bricio. It seems that this well was put on this property by another NGO with the understanding that the community could draw drinking water from it. The owner is willing to let us submerge a pump and pipe it directly to the school. We would provide another tank where the community could fill bottles for drinking. The electric control panel would be locked and the property owner would have the key.

8:30AM           At El Coyolar. Received graciously by Ms.Anabel Lazo. We toured the school and kitchen then we started talking about water. There is no water and no electricity at the school. There is an entire mountain range behind the school. Access is difficult but doable. A drilled well and windmill driven pump make the most sense.

9:30AM           At (big school up the road). The entire staff went out of their way to greet us warmly. We were taken from class to class where each class sang a song and we said a few words of thanks. The local water authority stopped providing water a year ago. There is no well on sight. There are valleys on three sides and no real rise behind the school. We may have to drill a little deeper here. Driller access is easy and electricity is available. We walked across the street to the kindergarten. A water line was installed by the water authority under the road so we can provide water for the kindergarten from a source at the elementary school.

11:00PM          At El Amatillo. Roxana greeted us warmly. There is no water on site. An effort at a hand dug well was not successful. There is a local private well but he will not let the school tie in. Power and access is available. Looks like a drilled well and submersible pump will be the answer. 

11:45AM         Drove to the old border crossing and showed where I met Anabel.

1:00PM            In el centro for lunch.

2:30PM            Stopped by the house of a friend of Fernando’s to look at a holding bin similar to what we would need for dividing grain among different bags.

3:00PM            Jean and Dan at the motel. Fernando and I went to the warehouse to work with Junior for a while.

4:00PM            In the compound. End of Day.

Thursday September 22, 2011

6:30AM           I purchases some rosquillas the other day. We had ate them with coffee. Both Dave and Jean said they liked them but both are too polite to admit it if they didn’t. I still like them but can’t smell that burnt wood smell that that turns some people away. 

7:00AM           At Jose Trinidad. A very young stand-in principal has been assigned to this school. We are there as children are starting to collect for school. After a few minutes of explanation and introductions, we are at the hand-dug well. Water is close to the surface (this is the rainy season). We measured depth to water/depth to bottom. Dan has these numbers. The handle of a very old pump moves up and down but the flop-valve doesn’t close. A sixth grader told us the pump worked when he was in second grade and that there was a rust taste to the water. The fix is a new pump and some testing of water to assure that quality is good.

8:15AM           in the Moropocay region, at Jicaro Abajo.  The principal, Ms. Claudia Lorena Euceda gives us a tour of the school (both rooms), the warehouse and “kitchen”. In each room, the children sing a song, at photo op time, they were eager to get in the picture. There is no water source on site. All water is carried to the site. Milk is reconstituted on site, all other food is cooked off site and brought to the school. We explained that Living Waters Lutheran Church will send a delegation to participate in graduation ceremonies. I could see that Ms.  Euceda was pleasantly surprised; she, and the community, simply doesn’t expect us to come all the way out here to participate in their humble activities.

9:30AM           At Jicaro Centro. Mrs. Maria Irene Sanchez met us at the door and introduced us to the class, explaining that we are the ones that provide the lunch program. The children sang a song. Mrs.Sanchez explained the children never miss a day of school (remember, she was only assigned here 2 months ago after the school had been without a teacher for 6 months). We stepped out of the classroom to talk. I explained who Dan is and why we are here and commented that we would like to ask several questions related to drinking water. Mrs. Sanchez said that first she wanted to thank us for the lunch program and all that we have done for the community. There is no water source on the school site. There is a community well that she has never visited. We walked to the house of the community “President”. He guided us to the community well. What a magnificent complex! The “floor” is huge, flat, in-place rocks at different levels. There is canopy of trees for shade. This is actually a spring that has been developed with two covered reservoirs. Below each reservoir is pipe coming horizontally out of the rock with a spigot. This is the drinking water. To the side is another horizontal pipe with spigot. This spigot feeds a square concrete reservoir with an open top about waste high. Water in this reservoir is for washing clothes. If you stand looking at the reservoir, behind you is a concrete frame with 4 concrete washboard stations for washing clothes. On both sides of these clothes washing stations is a concrete shower stall with cloth curtain in front. This is the cleanest, best organized spring/well area I have ever seen. The springs were developed over 30 years ago. Back to the school. Neither Dan nor I would consider disturbing any part of this spring area, even if it were close enough. On sight; no water, no electricity, groundwater recharge area on three sides. Probable solution; drilled well on site using 6^th grade child labor power or a windmill. A very pleasant visit. Lunch was arriving as we left.

11:00AM         At Jose Angel Cerrato Elementary school. Met by Ms. Clereth Izaguirre, the principal. You have never seen a more spectacular location for a school than in the shadow of Elephant Mountain (and, no, that’s not an Indian name). We toured the school including the kindergarten, which is run by a very energetic and resourceful teacher.  Each class sang us a song. In the past, I’ve heard the kindergarten class rock the joint; this time they were simply overwhelmed by all of these huge odd looking people in the room and mumbled their way through a few verses while they stared at us. Back to business: There is a community, hand dug well on the corner of the school property. The entire community used the well until it dried up during one dry season. The well soon fell into disarray and sits there un-used. We were cautioned that if we redevelop the well site, the community will expect to draw water from the well.  It appears that the well annular and apron are in good shape. First and cheapest fix is to pump the well out and test recharge water quality. If water quality is good, deepen the well and install an electric pump. This pump would feed a storage tank at the school kitchen and a storage tank for local use. The school principal would turn the pump on when she gets to school and off when she leaves (this plan might need some refining but this is the ides right now).

12:00PM          We has a Coke and small bag of Cheese Puffs while sitting on a plank bench in front of a house that sells such items out the front window.

12:30PM          At Pedro Nufeo Elementary school. The Principal is on maternity leave and all the teachers were finishing lunch under a shade tree before finishing the last 1.5 hours of school.  We explained what brought us to the school this day. In the absence of a principal, we asked if one of the teachers would give us a quick tour of the school. They were glad to, all of them. All the children were just finishing lunch and still on recess but started scurrying to their designated room so as not to miss all the entertainment (us). This was a fun tour, if a little disorganized. We “inspected” the newly finished First United Methodist Church kitchen then got down to business. Water: The first story was that the local water authority supplies water 3 hours every other day and when needed. I asked where the potable water is stored for use between supplies. There is none. Next question: no water storage, what do kids drink. They all bring water with them in the morning. Ok, what about water authority water? Often it is turned on for 3 hours in the afternoon when school is out and actually never is supplied upon request, as originally planned. Actually, all potable water for drinking and cooking is brought in bottles each day by the children. The fix seems pretty simple; erect a water tank next to the kitchen of sufficient capacity that it will last from on water supply event to the next.

2:00PM            On our way to check the kindergarten project, we met the school principal walking out. He joined us as we drove into Las Tablas. We visited the house where 15 kindergarten students gather. I’ll let Dan and Jean explain. This is actually a less accommodating area than the pre-school x-kitchen at el Barrial. The principal explained that, with this new kindergarten, the government will assign a licensed teacher and the lady who presently takes care of the children in the house for around $35 per month will be out of a job; the same as in el Barrial. Question: If this lady is good enough to handle kindergarten without a building, why is she not good enough to handle kindergarten with a building? The kindergarten building is about 1/3 done. Even though this school is not in the L4L program, Dan and I decided to add it to our Water Supply Inventory anyway.  Community water is supplied by a well 500 or 600 yards down a foot path. While evaluating the site, we asked if another well we could see, is a private or community well. All the wells, even the one we are standing by, are private wells. The school has no power but over 130 students. Initial thoughts: Drill a well, install a windmill.

4:00PM            At the motel. We will regroup at 6:00PM and drive into el Centro for dinner.

6:15PM            In el Centro sitting at a table on the sidewalk. The proprietor comes out to take our order. It seems that this evening our choice if grilled pork, so that’s what we ordered. After dinner Din asked the proprietor if he had flan for dessert, he just laughed.   Good food and company.

8:00PM            In the compound. End of Day.

Friday, September 23, 2011

8:45AM           Jean, Fernando, and I headed to the airport in Teguc while Dan stayed at the motel to wait for his ride to El Salvador.

10:45AM         At the airport. Jean processed through ticketing, paid exit surcharge, and passed through security. Fernando and I waited till Jean had successfully cleared security. I went to a new Delta office on the third floor and changed my ticket for tomorrow. Fernando and I headed for Hotel General.

12:30PM          Lunch at Hotel General. 

4:00PM            Lawyer Ochoa’s afternoon did not open up (I’m guessing he knows what we want to talk about so wasn’t available). Fernando and I had dinner at the Italian restaurant and Fernando went to the bus stop on his way back to Nacaome.

6:00PM            In the hotel. End of day.

Saturday September 24, 2011

6:00AM           In the hotel room catching my log up and trying to fill out my expense report.

10:00AM         took a cab to airport and processed through, rates have gone from $10 to $12 for a taxi ride to the airport.

11:00AM         At the gate, waiting.

12:55PM          Plane left on time. Just enough time in Atlanta for a hotdog and beer and off to Montgomery.

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