Feb 29

Written by: reh
2/29/2008

February 29, 2008 (Friday)

8:00AM It seems that, somehow, the Alcalde Valesquez, felt that he was uninvited to the school kitchen meeting, yesterday. Fernando and I, both, told him and remember hearing the other. Who knows? However; we set out to find him to clear up this minor misunderstanding before I head for Teguci., and the US. We may or may not find him but he will know we were looking.
As it turns out, he was coming along the dirt road from Goascoran as we were going in. Mr. Valosquez’s enunciation is very hard for me to understand but it was clear that he felt he had not been invited. Within 15 minutes we were all on the same page again.
He asked when I was leaving for Teguci. I said I was leaving as soon as I check out of the motel. He asked if he could ride along (it seems that his vehicle is in the Nisson shop in Teguci. and is ready for pick up. I said I would welcome his company.
10:00AM On our way to Teguci. On the way, I called Jorge to meet us for lunch.
1:00PM Small Italian restaurant across the street from my B&B, Leslie’s Place. Alcalde Valosquez, Jorge Lineras, and me had lunch together. In Honduras, everyone wants to meet everyone else; the lunch provided such an opportunity.
2:00PM Jorge took Mr. Valosquez to the Nisson shop while I busied myself getting things together for the evening concert.
2:30PM Opened email from Xiomara Paz of Alcoa. She had receiver LuAnn’s grant application and wants more info in Spanish. I called her back. Her English and my Spanish are equivalent; not really sufficient. I set up a meeting to see her Tuesday. After hanging up, I called Jessica and asked her to call Xiomara and discuss L4L. Jessica called back in half an hour. It seems that she only has authorization to support projects in the Northern zone (Alcoa’s area of operation) but she likes our program and wants to work on it. Jessica rescheduled the meeting for my next trip in May.
LuAnn, keep the faith; results will be slow but we’re establishing contacts.
Kristi, I need you to go with me. This is no longer a cold call; someone wants to see us. I don’t think Xiomara has a high enough position to make decisions beyond the playbook but she knows who does. The real reason for seeing her is to establish an ally to help us move up the chain-Kristi, I believe this is your forte.
Xiomara wants more information in Spanish; upon returning, I will solicit Mrs. Gilbert’s assistance.
Of course, Alcoa would be a big deal if we can get them on board. More later.
7:00PM The concert ticket reads (in Spanish, of course) Concert Credomatic presents Clio Roca, a benefit for Foundation Open Arms, Friday February 29, 2008, 7:00PM. When I called Ms. Rosibel Ramirez to reserve a ticket, she mentioned that the concert may actually start a little after 7:00. I was there at 7:00PM to pick up my ticked by name and had been assigned table 22. There were approximately 70 tabled (I saw numbers up to 68) with 10 chairs at each table. The place was almost empty at 7:00, walked around till 7:30; still almost empty. Walked around till 8:00; a few tables filling up so I took my seat and waited. By 8:30PM seats were starting to fill. Shortly thereafter V.P. Santo and his wife, Becky made their grand entrance with TV and newspaper cameras rolling. After pictures with specific dignitaries at the entrance, they made their way to their front table via a pre-scheduled route. Ms. Ramirez had assigned me to a seat along the procession route. As a result, I had the opportunity to meet the V.P. and had a brief conversation with Mrs. Santos on their procession to their table. Mrs. Santos is very engaging; she took the time to stop, make definite eye contact, addressed me by name, asked if I am enjoying my visit to Honduras and thanked me for taking the time to attend the benefit concert. Kristi, I believe there is a real desire by the founders of Brazos Abiertos to form an alliance with L4L. My positioning was no accident and it wasn’t because of my sterling personality.
Have always heard about Honduras time; 7:00PM obviously means 9:00PM. The concert was really great! Clio Roca is a robust tenor who was very popular in Latin countries; kind of a Golden Oldies concert. I finally eased out at about 11:30. Will find a CD before returning:
Once again, Kristi, thank you for suggesting I bring a tie and jacked-just in case. Every man in the room was wearing a jacket and tie; there is no way I could have participated in the procession under-dressed.
11:45PM End of day.

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