Trip Log (Letter written February 26, 2008)

reh@knology.net — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 06:00:00 GMT

February 26, 2008 (Tuesday)

8:00PM Checked out of Marriott – there has to be a better (less expensive) option.
8:45PM Jessica arrived and we headed south.
11:00PM In Nacaome, signed in motel, ate lunch.
1:30PM Principals start showing up.
2:00PM Fernando had arranged for a local doctor to explain the importance of the daily vitamin. The Dr. Juan Pablo Cerrato took an entire hour to explain the inter-reaction between each vitamin in the daily multiple-vitamin, including natural foods that contain the vitamin! Fortunately, he is a good speaker and everyone was interested. As I have mentioned in the past, meetings are events and long talks are enjoyed by all. Actually, I had little new to relay; just wanted to get everyone together for a meal.
I thanked the principals for all they do for the lunch program, explaining that all involved with L4L understand that the principals, teachers and parents spend time working to feed the kids every day without any compensation beyond knowing they are benefiting the children.
I explained that we would like each principal to write one note to L4L once per year. With 12 schools, L4L would receive one note per month, Fernando will coordinate the effort. I suggested that, perhaps, the for this year could center around the benefit of finishing 6th grade vs. the disadvantage of dropping out. Remember a school Principal finishes 10 years of formal education, teaches for a few years, takes a few night classes of continuing ed. And is appointed Principal – we’ll see what kind of results we get.
Fernando thanked everyone for coming. Threw it open to questions, not many (one principal without a kitchen wants to know if we will build a few more this year). I think we are settling into a well managed routine, and that is a good thing. Incidentally, a very important aside (I think): every school was represented (except Roxana’s, after she walked out); all were principals except one who sent a representative with her apologies.
3:30PM Meeting adjourned. Stood around talking as people slowly drifted off.

The Motorcycle Diary

Trip Log (Letter written February 26, 2008)