School Starts Tuesday February 2!

So just a quick update about life here in Jiquilillo, Nicaragua. As some may know I now have access to internet right here in my home, where I am sitting by the beach soaking up the shade on this 90 degree day! Sorry for those still in the snow, vacation anyone?!

So good news first school starts this coming Tuesday February 2nd, and I have been able to raise what appears to be enough money to fulfill all projects goals for the year of 2010 with the exception of sponsoring 9 secondary school students ( this is the high school level). Projects scheduled for this year of 2010 include sponsoring 24 primary school students or four students in grades 1 though 6. All students will be chosen within the first week of school. with appropriate materials purchased shortly thereafter. Other plans include completely restoring the current bathroom facility; securing the main school structure with new locks on the doors, window panes, and new screws to hold the roof on; a small amount of grounds maintenance for the school yard potentially including a new entrance gate, and pulley system for the current well; a multitude of supplies for the teachers and students to help bring learning to a higher level; and the constant expansion of the library. Originally I had budgeted in money to pay for the city water which the school uses for the students to drink and brush their teeth, however, this year I have been given a wonderful water purification/desalinization design which is quite within my budgeted goals. Therefore we may be able to get drinkable water out of this well yet!! A special donation of $200 was given by the Rotary Daybreak of Cape Elizabeth and South Portland, so I think I will be using half to start the school on city water and the other half to get this project lifted off the ground!

To back up a bit since my arrival on December 4th. Nate and I have recently moved into our new home so honestly that move occupied most of the month of December. X-mas with the little guys in the community went well. We had approximately 150 children signed up for gifts and a few extras who showed up a bit unannounced. Everything worked out fine though, Nate and I always buy in bulk as a just in case process. After Christmas New Years was celebrated with a s

mall bonfire on the beach with our guests and friends from the community.

Sadly, however, shortly after New Years another fishing boat was lost to sea. The boat was on a two night trip with three men on board. The second night into the voyage gale force winds came up out of nowhere and capsized the boat about four days later two of three men were found floating between 30 and 40 miles from where the boat capsized. One man was floating on the top of a cooler bin while the other man had tied himself and the third man together to a small buoy for the fishing nets. According to the men the third man cut himself free in a delirious state and they were unable to get him back. This is sad new

s, but the beauty is two were found alive and are now well and leading their lives as normal!

On a different note, the school sign up for classes is complete and we have just under 150 students enrolled in 1st grade through 6th grade. The teachers and I spent Monday of last week cleaning out the library in the school and beginning the reorganization process. Tuesday we met over a lovely grilled fish lunch to discuss my goals and other ideas for the school year. The teachers are excited to get things underway and see where this year takes us.

For those who are still interested, my paperwork process is underway for my 501(c)(3) non-profit status. I will continue to keep you all abreast regarding this process as well as the school projects. For those who have made donations towards specific projects I will also be keeping you updated via e-mail. This year as I have internet at home, I am hoping to keep in touch a bit more frequently than I have been able to over the past several years. If I am slow to respond please know I am doing my best!