Trip Log (Letter written September 27, 2005)

reh@knology.net — Tue, 27 Sep 2005 20:59:50 GMT

Tuesday September 27, 2005
Left for Amatillo at 8:00AM got there at 8:35AM. Gave Roxana gifts Elise sent. Anabel was there. Talked with the two school principals:

I explained that we are not sure we can expand the lunch program but would like to explain it to them and get their sensibilities about the idea.
I explained we won’t expand the program until we are reasonably sure we can continue the program for the complete school year.
I explained that we would provide milk, cup, vitamin, and food items not supplied by the Honduras government. In exchange we would expect to put a sign similar to the one that was put at Roxana’s school, the principals would be responsible for keeping records as Roxana does and for providing photos on a regular bases.
I explained that Roxana would be in charge of the L4L program and asked if there were any questions.
When will we start? If we decide that we can expand, we will start the program at the beginning of the 2006 school year.
I asked about the school we didn’t see. Hurricane Mitch (1998) took out all the bridges so need a high-center 4X4 to get in. I asked how the principal gets in. She walks in (one hour) each day. I said I would come by to see the school before we start a program. She asked how I would get there. I said I would walk with her; the real question is how she will get supplies in. She pays a delivery truck. We’ll have to figure that cost in.
General discussion. Asked about the umber of students. One school has 60 the other 50. They asked about the max or min number of students required for the program. I explained that number of students is not a criterion.
I asked how many teachers at each school. Two at each school. So, I said, a staff of three. No, the principal is one of the teachers, a staff of 2 per school. Each teacher teaches 3 grades.

Each school needs pots and pans. Question: Who will own the pots and pans? My answer, “Each school can use the utensils as long as the program continues”. A few questions and answers that Pastor may remember. Meeting adjourned.

Good-bys began and dragged on, as usual. Pastor and I told Roxana she could use either of us or Messiah as sponsors if she wants to re-apply for a visa. She broke down and cried. We’ll have to follow up on this. Got our coffee and cheese.

Left at 11:00. Ate lunch on the road. Drove to Jorge’s place. Settled up with the interpreter, $30 per day 3 days plus a $30 bonus. Settled up with the driver with Jorge mediating. Already gave him $200 so gave him another $160. Went to bed early.

Lindsay Mack called at 8:00PM. She said she has sent her phone numbers by email a few days earlier but possibly we hadn’t had a chance to read our email (actually, I had left a message on her cell phone voicemail while at the church Saturday morning). She asked if our trip had been successful. I said it had, we got to meet the President. She said she was dropping someone off at the airport at 10:30 and she may see us there. I said the Pres was going to meet us at the airport at 10:00. She said she could interpret for us. I said I was looking forward to meeting her.

The Motorcycle Diary

Trip Log (Letter written September 27, 2005)