Goodbye Jiquilillo My Back = USA

So my time in Jiquilillo has come to an end for this year. I’ve spent the last 2 weeks of my journey between bed rest and extremely light activity. It turns out the slight back pain I’ve been suffering from my whole life, has decided to flare up. I’ve seen specialists in Nicaragua, taken x-rays and MRI’s, and am now patiently awaiting my appointment on Monday with a specialist here in the USA.

As I left Jiquilillo, which was the hardest thing I’ve had to do, again, I spoke with the teachers, re-assuring them that I would remain in contact and hope to return in the future. The community and I are certain that with all the projects we have been able to set-up and all the new motivation to continue these projects, the school will continue to progress.

The day I left several mothers were gathered cleaning all window panes, while several fathers painted the metal security bars in front of the windows. There has been a recent push from the parents to be involved. It’s great to watch the parents and the community continues to grow and change and continue to show more and more interest in their school and their educational programs.

Last I hear from a phone call the day before I flew out, the teachers and community had riled together and have potentially ascertained a way to get power into the school! This is great news as I have several computers set aside for the primary school of Camilo Zapata. These computers were donated several months ago by Dotty Blanchette, who is an amazing person, completely dedicated to changing the world! I will be able to get the computers down, once the community has secured the electricity and a computer teacher!

Finishing Up

This past Saturday Assist Jiquilillo, Inc paid three amazing workers to complete several large projects at the primary school, Camilo Zapata. As I will be heading out within the next few weeks, it is important that the large projects are completed before with time to spare, in case of any loose ends. I am sad to say no new projects will be started any more.

Robert Ruiz and his helper Yakson were in charge of changing the broken roof panels over the 2nd and 3rd grade classroom. This was a huge problem for teacher Virginia, as the broken panels happened to be located just above her desk, so every time it rained it saturated all of her teaching materials and anything left on or in her desk.

Roberto has been working as lead carpenter of all school projects for the past several years, always donating his time and services for no charge. This time around, as it was one of the last large projects, Assist Jiquilillo Inc. will be working on, I thought it was important that he and Yakson his apprentice receive not only money but a power grinder to help further their careers! As you can see from the smiles these two were thrilled! Thank you Roberto and Yakson. Roberto still potentially has two more small jobs to finish up with us at the Camilo Zapata School, including the installation of new glass window panels and the reparation of approximately 50 broken desks.

The other large project that needed finishing up at the school is the latrine system. This has been a project two to three years in the making. It is a very exciting time for the school to finally have bathrooms which are almost completely functional.

Carpenter Abran Hildalgo, who has been working as head carpenter of Rancho Esperanza for the past several years, has been in charge of the last carpentry job for this latrine system. Abran was the lead carpenter in charge of making the doors, repairing door frames, and hanging the doors. All his work has been completed, and looks and works wonderfully. Abran’s work has been so meticulous that I saw it fit to give him a big surprise. On top of a small amount of pay, Abran received a new skill saw, which he has been saving his money to purchase for the last several months. This will go along great with his recent gift of an electric drill from Rancho Esperanza!

This means that projects at the school are winding to a close. Biographies are still being written for the sponsored students and will be completed and e-mailed to their sponsors soon. It has been hard and slow process as lately there have been many long lasting power outages due to the crazy amounts of rain we have been getting here. More to come as my stay winds to an end!