another La Esperanza newsletter

Sorry for the lack of recent posts, guys. I keep meaning to come to the internet cafe and write up all that's been going on, but then so much is going on that I keep having no time left over for actually catching up with myself! Anyway, I absolutely PROMISE to write several posts this coming week. And in the meantime, here's this week's La Esperanza newsletter:

Dear All,

Firstly welcome to all the new volunteers who are joining us this week, Jason Wofsey, Lauri Tamayo, Norm and Lulu Green, Mike Kent Smith, Lois Koenig and Margaux Vulloid, and Linda Yu.

I'’m sure that you are all aware that this week is the start of the school year, so it may be a little chaotic this week, the first week of school normally is, but next week you will find things settling, and hopefully all of us enjoying our roles.
On Monday there were to have been two official openings. One at La Epifania at 10am, the other at La Prusia at 3pm. I was notified last night that there has been a time change for these, so please check with the office before going to either of these – if I get the new times this afternoon I will send another email.

For the new arrivals who have not yet had an orientation and introduction to the schools this will start at 9.30 am in the office tomorrow. For all volunteers who will be working in the schools there will also be a special tutoring and introduction to Nicaraguan education on Tuesday at 1.30pm.

Charlotte and Stefan have had some problems on their travels so will not be able to return until approx. 17th February. Because of this Judith and Chris will organize things for those volunteers working with the secondary school children, and Lynette will organize the English classes in the primary schools.

We had news of a wonderful donation today from the village of Adstock in Buckinghamshire, U.K. Roger Simmons visited Granada last year and went up to the villages on a tour. As a result of the impression the children and the people made on Roger he decided to have a fundraising night in his local village to make people aware of the needs of a Nicaraguan village. Today we received a paypal donation from the people Adstock for $1020. Thanks too to Lauri Tamayo and her friend for bringing lots of school supplies, especially for arts and crafts, to Armando Sotero for bringing vitamin tablets, to Jason Wofsey for bringing beads and cord for the womens working group. (and if I have missed anyone or anything, which I think I may have – please let me know).

Next Sunday we will be making a trip to the Isletas for Sunday afternoon – leaving at 11.30 returning at 4pm – which is a great chance to all get together and relax.

So see you all through the week, let’s make it a good one. Regards, Pauline.

P.S. - just one other thing for anyone new who may not know - though it says in the printed Orientation that meetings are on Thursday evenings (we need to re-print them) volunteer meetings are now on a Tuesday evening at 7.30pm in the office.