Oops. Hi Blog!

Nearly a month since the last post... Sorry. Hopefully this next series of posts remedies that. If not - well Sorry x 2. And too bad, so sad. :)

So, to make up for being kind of busy, then away, and then somewhat lazy toward this blog for the past month, I will have one post a day for at least the next 5 days (si Dios quiere, of course!) to get back on track. 

Oh and I broke down and bought a camera, so if nothing else, at least there’ll be some pictures sprinkled around here soon, too. 40 or so pics, to put a number on it. (I know, right? Kind of a lot. Pretty excited to have a camera again!) 

For today, a Short and Sweet Update:

• I’m good. Minnie’s good. (Whole update on her coming up!).
• English Classes = Done. We’re having a televised graduation for the cultural center’s computer and language classes at the town’s ayuntamiento (city hall). I’ll graduate this second group of English students (about 35-40 kids and adults) as well as my Escojo Mi Vida (health HIV/AIDS awareness club) kids (about 15 neighborhood youth). Lots of brindis (snacks), certificates and Dominican formalities are to be expected. Should be an awesome ceremony! Now if city hall would only pick a graduation date for the center so I can tell my kids and students when this awesome ceremony will be...
• Started using the USAID funds (explained a little about that here) that we’re putting towards the classroom remodeling. Working with a banisteria (carpenter) in town to construct 22 custom pieces (shelving, storage units, organization cabinets) to fit the two youngest classrooms. About half the USAID money will go to that. One of my project partners and I did the measuring, I drew up some designs with the dimensions, we gave all this to the carpenter and then talked/haggled price. Good news is that the fund’s money is hopefully going to go a long way since he offered a discount! A couple hours, and one deposit later and we’re on our way to the longterm goal of improved classrooms. 
• At school I’ve been hand-making a lot of educational materials to be used in the next school year. Next month we’ll have phase one of Teacher Training on the Montessori approach, and the use of these handmade materials. Excited!
• The school’s Kids’ Summer Camp & Teacher Training Round 1 - Coming Soon in June! 
• And lastly, I’m continuously floored each time I check the fund-raising process for the special education resources. We’re two thirds of the way! Thank you so much for being a part of this project at my school. I wouldn’t have asked for your help in this if I didn’t consider it worthwhile and something that my school really wants and is collectively willing and capable of working towards. There is a lot of enthusiasm. Each time I update my project partner on how far along we are, she is really happy. One morning she even had the idea of writing a letter to explain even more and personally thank everyone who has helped us so far. Felt bad about it, but I had to kind of crush that nice idea, as a letter written in Spanish might not be the easiest thing to read. But it’s the thought that counts - so I’ll say it for her, she’s really happy and says “Thank you!” to everyone! :)

More soon. Thank you for reading and stay safe!

XO