Monday September 26 2005
Arrived at El Amatillo at 9:30. Got some bottled water and were at the school by 9:45. The children lined the walkway and clapped as we passed by. We were given chairs and sat in the shade of the main building while the children stood in formation and sang some songs. Kindergarten first, then the older kids. Two older girls gave welcome speeches, one teacher gave a welcoming speech, then Roxana. She welled up as she spoke. Rather emotional. Pastor gave a short Thank You and then me. Had lunch (corn soup with milk broth, banana). Like Pastor said at 4:00 “We haven’t had lunch but I’m not hungry, that stuff really stays with you”. After sitting with the children for lunch (they sang a few more songs) I thanked Roxana and said we would be leaving. She asked if we could stay another 20 minutes, the children were going to break a piñata. I said we really didn’t have anything to do we just wanted to let her get back to the daily routine. She said “Oh, there is no way we we’ll settle the kids down, the school day is done.”
Anabel was in school and went to Roxana’s house with us. She said she moved back with her mother to take care of her mother’s new baby (the mother had 6, 7, or 8 children, I was never clear on the specific amount, now she has 7, 8, or 9 rounded up to 10). Roxana agreed that this may be the case since the older sister is beyond the mother’s control. We went over to talk with the mother. She says she wants Anabel to move in with Roxana, that way the mother knows where Anabel is. We’ve been through this before; who knows if Anabel is playing Roxana or if the mother is using Anabel. Time will tell.
Pastor and Roxana walked the neighborhood. We walked to the computer café in El Amatillo. Pastor intended to get on line and send Roxana’s records. The machines are too old and are not compatible with our floppy or any of our peripherals. Pastor gave up after about 45 minutes of trying three different machines.
Drove north of town to look at one of the two schools that we would consider if we decide to expand the lunch program. Since it’s the rainy season our van could not make it to the other school. Having noticed that the Roxana had only one well-used cafeteria type pot, I asked if there were any pots and utensils she needed. Yes! She has only the pot and the government supplies none. I asked for a list as we rode to the school. Descriptors were “Skillet-Large. Stirring spool-large, etc. Not really descriptive enough. I asked an approximate cost for all items on the list. She said approximately $50 so I authorized Roxana to purchase kitchen utensils up to $75.
Stopped at the computer café in Nacaome on our way back to the motel. Just as Pastor was getting everything together for transmission the power went down. Gave up and went to the motel. Arrived at the motel at approximately 4:45PM.