So I am in Hato Mayor now, 2 weeks of a small town after getting used to the city. Needless to say it is quite the change and I miss the ability to go anywhere I want to because the stores and places actually existed. At least there´s an ice cream store and an internet cafe here...haha. I am working on a summer camp for the kids here in and around Hato Mayor starting in two weeks. Most of the kids are poorer kids and live in the Barrios surrounding the town (poorer neighborhoods)so Sophia, the organizer, wants to do special stuff with the kids. My problem is writing a curriculum in Spanish when my Spanish is not that good..and then translating it into English for all of the English speaking volunteers who will be coming to help out this summer. Explaining the crafts has been really fun too...haha. I sit there with my dictionary and mime out as many words as I can..haha. This whole idea is new for me - coming up with all the games, all the crafts, the hours, the schedule, the other possible activities including meeting with the headmaster of the school where we will hold the camp, etc. I should be able to plan anything after this...haha.

We visited the school that we worked on last year when I came with Presbyterian Campus Ministry and a lot has been done. Unfortunately there´s a ton more that is needed. Supplies are expensive and contractors here have delayed and delayed on certain items so that the only way things get done are when groups from the States are here to do them. The money is tight and the progress is so slow. It was nice to see some parts finished and saddening to see other parts in the same place that they were a year ago. I´ve attached pictures mainly for those of you who were here with me last year to see progress...and non-progress.

Everyone take care and I will see you soon!