June 9, 2011

Patrick and a Bombita man named Johnson have become good friends, and Johnson is a wealth of information and ideas for his community.  He serves as the president of the Parents and Friends association for the school, as well that the community development team.  His three kids have perfect attendence at school, and he is always willing to lend a hand.  This is outside of his house, after we all ate lunch together.

June 8, 2011

In the Habanero school, a little boy looks in on the tutoring.  Everybody was very interested in what we were doing, and it was sad to have to turn away children that were not part of the program.  I would have loved to dole out paper and markers and reading books to all those that wanted something to do, but we had to maintain an academic atmosphere.  Still, hopefully this gets kids excited for when it is finally their turn to participate. 

June 7, 2011

At the primary school run by Hermainia in Barahona, some children got VERY dressed up for the end of school party.  These two looked like a little bride and groom as they eagerly awaited their cake and soda.

June 6, 2011

Cathrine is working one on one with a student from Habanero in our summer tutoring program.  We focused primarily on reading, but also had a bit of time for some math review as well.  These students loved coming to class, and most prefered to show up early for the chance to read some story books and do some puzzles, neither of which they have access to at home.  It was great to provide them with time and materials for reading!

June 5, 2011

In the Habitat for Humanity built house that now belongs to COPA, there is a lot of yardwork to be done.  We mowed the grass first, but there is a small irrigation culvert that passes through to a neighboring farm that is impossible to mow.  We did have a weed whacker to use but it stopped working for some reason.  The grass was getting nearly waste high in the culvert, a breeding ground for mosquitos, so something just had to be done.  So we borrowed a machete from our neighbors and went to work! 

June 4, 2011

Today gets two pictures!  Patrick spotted a parade passing through Barahona, complete with a marching band, cheerleaders, and some other odd characters pictured below.  He asked around to see what the occasion was, but the best answer he was givin was “must be some sort of special day.”  Whatever the reason, it was fun to watch!

June 3, 2011

On a rainy day in La Hoya, the kids take advantage of a little extra fun, with out the heat.  The boys splashed around in the puddles, danced under the runoff from the school roof, and even managed to slide across the wet concrete like a slip n’ slide.  This is sort of the like the equivalent of a day spent running throught the sprinklers!