Adopting Escuelas

Dia Del Niño (Day of the Child), Birthday Party and Books

2010-09-09T10:39:00.003-06:00

Dia de Niño was celebrated at escuelas Pato de Gollo on September 9. The celebration was marked by a day of fun and games at the school. Adopting Escuelas asked what we could do and were told that what the children *really* wanted were personal care items. We made sure that each child got the wanted children’s deodorant and a large bottle of shampoo as game prizes. It didn’t seem like much of a “prize” to me but I was assured that they really wanted and appreciated the personal care items.

Although yesterday was *official* Dia de Niño, escuela Rincon de Mora celebrated the day today so that Xinia would be there to help out.
It was great fun. I was there for the “eat the marshmallow off the string” contest, sack races and pin the tail on the donkey.
The children also received small toys donated by Adopting Escuelas as prizes for competing in the various games. Prizes included mini make-up kits and jump ropes for the girls and spinning “air” tops for the boys.
The children and staff also gave me a surprise birthday party, complete with a huge tres leches cake decorated with fruit, a gift bag of chips and candy, and the performance of a wonderful friendship dance performed by the second cycle girls. All very touching and a huge surprise to me!

Textbooks for Pata de Gallo.

2010-09-07T15:41:00.000-06:00

Thanks to our generous donors I was able to give Aida, the principal at Pata de Gallo, 20,000 colones (about $40.00) to buy one set of books for each grade for the next school year (to replace the current very old books). The books will be purchased by Aida and copied by the school and handed out to the students. Although text books are generally taken for granted in the U.S., decent textbooks can be a rare commodity in rural Costa Rica, where most schools purchase 1 set for each grade and then copy what is needed for each student!

Cruz Roja (the Costa Rican Red Cross) teaches at Pata de Gallo School.

2010-09-03T10:37:00.000-06:00

Last week Adopting Escuelas volunteer Andres Chaves and partners from the Cruz Roja (Red Cross) in Palmares, started a program to teach First Aid to the Pata de Gallo Community.
Over several weeks they will be teaching the townspeople basic First Aid treatments that can help to save a life. For example:
• Bleeding control.
• Snake bite treatment.
• Heimlich maneuver.
• Primary care.
• Burn treatment.
This program is teaching both adults and kids specific treatment methods for each situation.

Palmares is the closet Cruz Roja location for Pata de Gallo. For that reason the Palmares Red Cross is concerned about their situation and has volunteered their time to help the community. Pata de Gallo is a community of about 150 people that is isolated from neighboring communities. The only government facility is their school of 14 students. It is, however, a community rather isolated and stuck it in time, but with a lot of people who are willing to make big changes and take in their own hands the future and the future of their children.

Palmares Cruz Roja volunteers helping in Pata de Gallo:
Andres Chaves (First Aid Assistant)
Rolando Ramirez (Emergency Medical Assistant)
Gerald Céspedes (First Aid Assistant)

First Day in the Pata de Gallo Classroom.

2010-08-23T10:36:00.000-06:00

This was my first experience in front of the children at PdG, and what a treat! All of the school’s 13 students were there ranging from the 2nd through 6th grades.

When I arrived the children had completed an exam covering shapes, colors, numbers and body parts – quite the wide-ranging test. All were all sitting in neat little rows watching Toy Story 3 being from Xinia’s computer being projected onto a white board with her “new” projector! They were able to have the “free” movie time because Xinia was testing each child individually to gauge their subject retention. Which, judging from there scores, was excellent.

After the movie we did personal introductions and I gave them a little review of body parts and gave them some homework to do for next week. These kids actually LOVE homework!

As a side note, an interesting comment on the isolation of the children in this community: Located only 9 miles from San Ramon, Pata de Gallo is quite isolated. There are only a handful of cars and TV’s in this community of about 150 people. There are no stores in town and the most of the people walk to the nearest store several miles away. The reason that Xinia chose to show Toy Story 3 was that she was sure that the most of the children had seen the previous Toy Story movies. In fact, NONE had seen them and few have actually seen full length movies at all! Needless to say, the school will be seeing a lot of the new projector! There are already plans to start a projector “lending” project.

Many Donations Received

2010-08-20T17:49:00.003-06:00

I have received many donations in the last few days. They are much appreciated by me and the schools:

Astronomy Posters – Jeff Lockwood sent a tube full of beautiful astronomy posters. They will look great on the walls of the schools!
Classroom Supplies – Victoria Swaby, a local English teacher, donated some great classroom supplies.
Laser Printer – Thank you Frank Day for the wonderful laser printer that will be going to Rincon de Mora. A huge improvement over the ink-thirsty printer that Shirley is currently using. Frank also gave a couple of older unused laser toner cartridges that I traded for a full one that fits RdM’s new printer.
Computer Projector – This is a projector that I bought a couple of years ago and hasn’t gotten much use. I “loaned” it to Xinia to use as she sees fit and she was thrilled to get it. Something that the schools have been asking for since day 1.

Big Day For Escuela Pata de Gallo!

2010-08-11T17:30:00.002-06:00

Today was a big day for escuela Pata de Gallo and for Adopting Escuelas. My Subaru was loaded up like Santa’s sleigh. Andres, who I fondly call my tico son, and I arrived at the school with 4 boxes of student and teacher supplies ranging from pencils and crayons to backpacks to glue to coloring books. For the cafeteria we brought a complete new set of melamine dishes and plastic cups to replace the aging ones that the children were using. Some fun stuff, too. New basketball hoops for the backboards in the play area, a bag of balls and jump ropes. Also in the back of the Subie were 3 computers.

While the teachers sorted supplies Andres and I installed one of the backboards (we left the other one for the parents to install) and set up the 3 computers. Thank you, Frank, for all the help to resurrect these computers!

All of the children stayed after school as Aida, the principal, and Xinia, the English teacher, handed out some of the much needed supplies. The kids then proceeded to play with the new jump ropes and balls for over an hour!

All in all a very rewarding day. I feel truly blessed to be able to be of some assistance to this school and to Rincon de Mora. Very rewarding! Next week I start helping out in the classroom and I can't wait.

I apologize for the quality of the pictures but all I had with me for a camera was my phone!

Visit to Escuela Rincon de Mora

2010-07-30T17:04:00.002-06:00

Frank Day and I visited Rincon de Mora this morning. We had the privilege of bringing a lot of equipment and teacher and student supplies. All of the items were purchased with money from Raylene’s memorial fund. The biggie was a large stainless steel microwave oven, suitable for daily use in the school’s kitchen. It was something that they have wanted for a very long time! We also brought a complete set of 30 melamine dishes and cups to replace, shall we say, the “aging” plates and cups. The rest of the school and teacher supplies consisted of much used consumables like pencils, pens, glue sticks, markers, construction and bond paper and such.

Frank also brought and configured a flat bed scanner for the principal’s computer. A very useful tool that Shirley can use to make copies of documents and work sheets. Frank also took a classroom computer back to his house to repair.

I have made the commitment to visit the 2nd cycle (4th, 5th and 6th grades) classroom every other Friday to assist Xinia with her lessons. I will be generating my own worksheets and lessons to augment those that Xinia presents. First visit is on August 6 an I'm really looking forward to it!

Initial Visit to Escuela Pata de Gallo

2010-07-26T16:05:00.002-06:00

I followed Xinia to the Pato de Gallo school this morning. Translated into English the town and school of Pato de Gallo means “Rooster Foot”.

I was greeted by all of the students with the Costa Rican traditional “air kiss” on the cheek and a handshake. I was given a tour of the school inside and outside to get a feel for the layout and condition. I was very pleased to see that the school is in excellent condition. Two years ago the entire school was refurbished through the efforts of an international cultural exchange program.

I met with the teacher/principal and Xinia for nearly two hours discussing the makeup of the town and its inhabitants, the needs of the school and what I thought to be realistic goals for Adopting Escuelas.

The town is comprised of roughly 150 inhabitants comprised of only five separate family groups. The town’s entire economy is centered around the coffee business. When that business is active there is work – when there is a lull in the business there is no work. The closest town of any size is Palmares, about 5 miles away. There is a small “pulperia”, or corner store, in Berlin about 3 miles away. There are nine cars/trucks in town but most people walk everywhere.

I have three computers that I will be taking to the school next Monday along with lots of school supplies and anything else that Xinia and I find appropriate. It was decided that the entire town will have access to the computers as they will be the only computers in town! Aida will apply to the local telecommunications company for internet this week.

It seems like a fascinating place to volunteer and I’m really looking forward to our agreed upon every other Friday visit!

I have arranged to visit the school on August 9 to install computers and basketball hoops!

Raylene K. Scott Memorial Children’s Library Dedicated

2010-07-02T15:51:00.003-06:00

Today Dave and the entire staff and student body of Escuela Rincon de Mora participated in the dedication ceremony for the Raylene K. Scott Memorial Children’s Library. A total of 133 books and 35 videos were placed in the wooden bookcase that had been donated by VFE. The books included a nice mix of Spanish and English and English/Spanish early reading books, A beautiful plaque, hand stitched by Barbara Randall, was also placed in the bookcase. A special thanks to everyone that donated books and to Barbara, they are all very much appreciated!

A DONATION WAS RECEIVED TODAY!!!

2010-05-06T15:35:00.001-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies plus *extras* was received today – THANK YOU R.E.

Changes in staff at RdM

2010-05-04T13:54:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow is Milagro’s last day. She has been an awesome acting principal.
Shirley was missed by everyone while she was gone on maternity leave and her return is being looked forward to!
Xinia, the English teacher, is having minor surgery this Thursday and has taken a leave of absence for a month. When she returns English education at escuela Rincon de Mora will resume.

A DONATION WAS RECEIVED TODAY!!!

2010-04-30T13:36:00.000-06:00

A donation of a wooden bookcase, delivered and installed at RdM was received today - THANK YOU, V.F.E.!

A DONATION WAS RECEIVED TODAY!!!

2010-04-25T13:07:00.001-06:00

A laptop computer and carrying case was given to the principal of escuela Llano Brenes for his use at the school!!! THANK YOU F.D.

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2010-03-14T12:44:00.001-06:00

A box of donated items “for the children” (para los ninos) was given to the principal of escuela Llano Brenes today!!!THANK YOU M.W.

Dave back to RdM

2010-03-05T09:43:00.000-06:00

Dave took the mouse and set of speakers one of the computers was missing to RdM today, along with 65,000 colones in ‘silver‘ coins ($12.00) to buy English curriculum ‘stuff’ and.a box of donated items “for the children” (para los ninos)!!!

Starting a library

2010-03-01T10:42:00.000-06:00

I wrote a broadcast email to the local gringo community requesting that a bookcase be donated to be put in escuela Rincon de Mora. We already have 100 or so children’s picture and reading books to start a small library.
In the email, I also asked that - if they or family/friends where coming from the states, to please consider bringing back children’s picture and reading books (preferably in Spanish or ‘Early Reader’ English). They would be SO appreciated!
We see this library as a way to encourage reading and instill the pleasure obtained from it, along with a great way to introduce the world and expand the minds of young people!

Dave & Frank to RdM

2010-02-26T11:04:00.001-06:00

Dave and Frank Day went to escuela Rincon de Mora to install computers, configure a network and connect all of the computers to the internet. Frank had previously updated the computers to Windows XP, added memory, 2009 Encarta (Spanish version), anti virus software and installed general Windows software back on 11/14/09. Since then, Dave had loaded and tested all of the English software and prepared the computers for installation.
Today, Frank configured the network for internet connectivity (3 VFE-provided computers and 1 computer owned by the school) while Dave setup the VFE computers. He took and set up the VFE supplied wireless router and "Skype" headsets that were given last November. It was discovered that the school had not been provided with DSL (Acelera) as originally thought, but actually is a type of WiMax.
They ended up short one functioning mouse and set of speakers, but Dave will take them up next week (Frank had supplied us with several sets of speakers and mice several months ago).
Milagro, the pricipal, was thrilled that she had the computers back and was able to get the children to use the internet!
Thank you, guys!!!

The School Year Begins Today

2010-02-10T13:56:00.000-06:00

The 2010 school year started three days late due to the presidential elections on Sunday, February 7th.
Xinia is working on Thursdays and Fridays at escuela Rincon de Mora this year. She said that there are 2 girls making up the 6th grade class and 5 new 1st graders.
Milagro will remain the principal until Shirley returns in a month.

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2010-01-23T14:35:00.000-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies was received today – THANK YOU M.W.

Silver colored coins

2009-12-29T17:10:00.001-06:00

Because Costa Rica is taking all silver colored coins out of circulation effective December 31, 2009, we are bagging up ours and giving them to the school in Rincon de Mora “for the children” (para los ninos)!!!
The schools will not reopen until February 16, 2010 but they will still be able to redeem them at any national bank.

Student’s start their vacation today!!!

2009-12-02T18:51:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was the last day of school until mid February. This is like summer vacation in the states. The ‘summer’ here happens to start during the Christmas season!

Computer back to the Principal today

2009-11-17T16:27:00.000-06:00

With added memory, 2009 Encarta in Spanish and anti virus software installed, the computer went back to a very appreciative Principal at escuela Rincon de Mora today. Probably most of the problems she had were caused by all the viruses on there!!!

A DONATION WAS RECEIVED TODAY!!!

2009-11-14T16:24:00.000-06:00

A donation of repaired/updated computers was received today - THANK YOU, F.D.!

Computers are back after repairs/updates!

2009-11-14T12:28:00.000-06:00

Frank brought the computers back for Sully, escuelas Llano Brenes and Rincon de Mora today. Frank built a new computer for Llano Brenes and the ones for RdM got more memory, 2009 Encarta (Spanish version) and anti virus software.
THANK YOU, Frank!!!

A DONATION WAS RECEIVED TODAY!!!

2009-11-12T12:25:00.000-06:00

A donation of a router and 4 headsets were received today - THANK YOU, V.F.E.!

Stack & Pack

2009-11-02T16:56:00.001-06:00

We packed every consumable school supply left in this house and took it to Xinia at Escuelaa Rincon de Mora today. After we left, she and the principal/teacher divided the supplies so all four ‘classes/teachers’ could share in the bounty. Besides Xinia and the principal/teacher, the others that benefited were the Religion and Special Ed classes. THANK YOU to all that have donated these needed supplies to the students!

RdM has internet!

2009-10-26T18:08:00.000-06:00

ICE ‘showed up’ and installed internet recently. The product, “Acelera”, is like DSL. What an unexpecteld blessing!!!
Because the kids have not been on the computers since Shirley left in September and don’t realize what’s coming, it gives us time to make plans! We know we have to get the computers updated to use the internet, install a router, and to get headphones to enable talking via Skype to students in the US.

Shirley had her bebe (baby)

2009-10-19T12:19:00.000-06:00

Shirley’s hija (daughter) Raquel was born October 9th!
Welcome to the world Raquel!!!

Miracle at Rincon de Mora

2009-08-10T13:37:00.000-06:00

They got a substitute principal at RdM, her name is Milagro (Miracle).
According to Xinia, the Minister of Education has decided not to replace Maru because RdM has so few students (26).
We had six children in class today. We reviewed what we did last week (the alphabet and numbers) and introduced months and days of the week.

Back to escuela RdM

2009-08-03T11:32:00.003-06:00

We went back to the escuela at Rincon de Mora today.
The other full time teacher (Maru) didn’t return this year and no replacement has been assigned. The principal (Shirley) is pregnant with her third child and due in October. She is leaving this Friday with a “license“ to take the rest of the year off.
Because there is no fulltime teacher/principal coverage, we don’t if or when we will go back. Xinia won’t be going back to teach English on Mondays unless the school is open.
We will have 3 - 6th graders, 2 - 5th graders and 3 - 4th graders on Mondays during our time at the school the rest of this year. We had 7 in class today.

Vacation has been EXTENDED!

2009-07-14T12:00:00.002-06:00

CR health and education authorities jointly decided to extend the mid-year school vacation an additional week in an attempt to curb the spread of AH1N1 virus. Some 1 million children and teachers of both public and private schools will return to school on July 27 and not July 20 as had been announced at the start of the school break.
For his part, the ministro de Educacion (MEP), Leonardo Garnier, is reminding all school principals and authorities to ensure that bars of soap are available in all schools. Garnier said it would be impossible for the MEP personnel to place a bar of soap in every school, a responsibility that falls squarely on the directors of each school.

Vacation Time!

2009-07-04T11:58:00.001-06:00

Hundreds of thousands of students started their mid-year break yesterday. School will resume on July 20th.

Plans made with Xinia

2009-06-24T17:40:00.002-06:00

Xinia called today as she is going back to work at the schools tomorrow. (Her Mom passed on May 29th)
She asked if we planned on coming back to Escuela Rincon de Mora this year to volunteer and work with her. The student population has changed substantially since last year. We would be volunteering in a class consisting of first, fourth, fifth and six grades with a total of 15 children. Of those 15 there is only two in the 6th grade, one boy and one girl.
We committed to going back on Friday mornings to volunteer starting after vacation. It will be very interesting to see how this comes about!
We will get together with Xinia to discuss specifics and the plan closer to July 24th.

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2009-06-11T18:17:00.000-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies was received today – THANK YOU A.K.

Johanna and Escuela San Rafael

2009-06-09T17:37:00.001-06:00

Johanna came by this afternoon. She is adamant that we come back to Escuela San Rafael to volunteer in the 6th grade classroom. We told her that we would consider beginning after the vacation in July (6-20) possibly coming every other week so as to share lessons with Santiago. We will talk to her later on as July approaches.

Aid request from the Principal of Llano Brenes

2009-06-07T17:21:00.000-06:00

Cordial greetings from the Director of the Escuela Llano Brenes, Code 1320, located in the community of Llano Brenes of San Rafael of San Ramon. Our institution has 93 students registered in Grades 1 through 6 (Cycles I and II), distributed in morning and afternoon sessions. The primary business of the community is agricultural, mostly dependent upon the cultivation of coffee. Due to the seasonal nature of the business, families lack the economic resources to both cover the needs of the families and the basic needs of public institutions such as the escuelas. For this reason the school has a series of needs in both the physical plant and consumable supplies. As previously mentioned, the population is characterized by poverty – the majority of the students depend upon government scholarships which permit them to acquire necessary items to attend school (such as uniforms, backpacks, books, etc.).
Important to note, there are 20 students which require special education services. Because of the size of the Special Education room, these students must be divided into groups of 4. This room does not have a black/white board so the teacher writes on a light green wall with chalk. There is one student that presents special physical and mental challenges. Due to the efforts of the family and the child, she is able to attend school (she rides a horse to school three days a week, which is all that she can manage) but has difficulties – she is unable to walk without the assistance of a teacher or older student, and must be helped while in the restroom (one teacher assists her in the restroom while another “stands guard” at the doorway since it is impossible to close the door with two people in the room).
Virtually all of the students walk to school. For some it is up to an hour and a half walk both ways over very rough terrain.
General condition of the school:
The school is constructed of concrete block and for the most part the walls are structurally sound. The roof is made of corrugated steel and is in poor condition. Electrical wiring is partially installed in conduit but much is an exposed two-wire system (no ground) with most of the light receptacles, etc. spliced into the exposed wiring.
The kitchen/cafeteria is located in a separate building adjacent to the main building. Here all children receive lunch (their main meal of the day) consisting usually of rice, beans, soup and sometimes fresh fruit. The most needy of the children also receive a breakfast which is much the same as lunch.
Among the various needs of the physical plant, the following is a prioritized list:
1. Replacement of most of the zinc/steel roof. Cost of materials as.quoted by Maderas Oriente: 1,296,000 colones (approx. $2,270) and Maderas Gema: 1,214,000 colones (approx. $2,126)
2. Electrical installation in general
3. Gutters and downspouts (canoas)
4. Painting of the side and rear walls of the school and the kitchen area (classrooms and front of school have recently been painted)
5. Chalk/white boards
6. Enlarged restroom suitable for wheelchair access
Consumable/classroom items always in demand and usually scarce are:
1. Chalk (tizas)
2. Poster paper (cartulinas)
3. Felt tip markers (pilot)
4. Bond paper (copy paper)
5. Construction paper
6. Covered trashcans (basureros)
7. Instructional classroom materials (maps, charts, books, etc.)
Furniture, etc. needs:
There is a general need for new/refurbished desks, chairs, file cabinets and bookcases, as all of the furniture is in bad condition.
Also, there is no technology within the school – no cassette/CD player or TV/VCR/DVD. And, of course, computers would be welcomed (most of the children in this school have never touched a computer)!

Escuela Llano Brenes was visited today

2009-06-02T17:18:00.004-06:00

Today, Dave took Sully and James R. to the escuela in Llano Brenes. We had heard from Sully that this school needs help. She should know, as her father is the principal.
The school is located approximately 15 km southeast of San Ramon de Alajuela. It has 3 classrooms plus one small room for Special Education and a separate building housing a cafeteria and kitchen. There is a separately administered Pre-K building adjacent to the cafeteria. The 6 teachers including the principal, the part time English teacher, Religion teacher, and Special Needs teacher educate 93 children from Kindergarten to 6th grade.
The overall condition was looked at, especially the shoddy electrical wiring and the leaky roof. James knows of some missionary volunteers that are coming to do gratis work in this area of CR soon. Dave committed to having a synopsis of the specific needs of the school to James by the end of the week so he can pass the information along.
Dave and I decided to assist this school by providing consumables when possible but because of other escuela commitments, we won’t be going in to aid the English teacher. Today, Dave took and set up a computer, monitor, and laser printer (donated by FD) for use by the principal and teachers.

We visited Escuela Santiago today

2009-05-29T17:15:00.000-06:00

We took Paola and met with the assistant principal of Escuela Santiago today as they want us to volunteer there in the English classes .
We were very impressed by what we saw. This is certainly the nicest escuela that we have been to so far. Not only do they have a small library but a computer lab with 20 computers!

As one door closes, another opens

2009-05-29T09:56:00.000-06:00

For the last year and a half, we have tried all that we know to be accepted by the principal of Escuela San Raphael and allowed in the classroom without being looked at suspiciously with questioning eyes.
With the knowledge of Paola, we have decided that we are not welcome or wanted by the administration of the school and have decided not to force the issue any further.

We heard from Xinia

2009-05-27T09:45:00.000-06:00

Xinia’s Mom is very sick and expected to die. Because of the bleak prognosis, Xinia has not been at Escuela Ricon de Mora this year and is on leave until at least June 25th

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2009-05-19T18:11:00.001-06:00

A donation of Macintosh software was received at the post office today – THANK YOU M.L.

Meeting Johanna

2009-05-07T09:40:00.001-06:00

Johanna Arroyo Stellar came to our house to meet us today. She will be the English teacher at Escuela San Rafael this year. She just started working there at the beginning of May as she and her husband had their fourth child 3 months ago.
She is a cousin of Xinia’s (the other English teacher we work with) and they exchanged positions at San Rafael and Berlin this school year.
We decided that we will start on Wednesday May 20th with the 6th graders.

Change in computer reality for us & VFE

2009-04-04T11:44:00.002-06:00

David worked on all of the donated computers and ended up with several that he just could not get to run. He searched around for a place to get them evaluated/fixed and found a wonderful solution in a gentleman by the name of Frank Day who owns a computer repair business and lives in Santa Ana, near San Jose. Frank drove up to San Ramon a few weeks ago and we had a long conversation about what we were trying accomplish with our donated computers. He ended up taking nine computers back to Santa Ana.
Frank stripped all of them down to the bare chassis, cleaned them and, one by one, began to build “good” computers out of the pile of parts. The result was the return of 4 nice computers, all running Windows XP in both English and Spanish, Microsoft Office 2003 and anti-virus software. One even got a DVD player! After doing all of that Frank was also kind enough to donate new mice and speakers, and nice keyboards for all of the computers.
On this trip back to Santa Ana to his ‘work shop’ he took two operating computers in order to install larger hard drives and install English and Spanish versions of XP. He is also working on one of the original computers to try to make a decent server.
Frank has made a commitment to working with us and VFE. He stated that he will provide our tech support and plans to further help by working with his client base in order to stimulate more donations of computers, software and equipment here in CR. What a special guy! THANK YOU, Frank!!!

Students are back to school today

2009-02-16T11:25:00.001-06:00

Almost a million students will be returning to school today as the 2009 public school year commences.
Xinia is not teaching at Escuela San Rafael this year. The English teacher there will be a woman who is currently pregnant and probably will not start until May.
We have heard from Xinia that she will be returning to teach at Escuela Rincon de Mora. The principal needs some more time to figure out how many English classes are needed to be taught and on which day of the week.
Xinia has contracted to be the English teacher at the Escuela Georgina Bolmarcich in Berlin this year. She will be teaching on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. A couple of weeks ago (for days and nights too!) all of Costa Rica experienced STRONG winds. At that time, the Berlin escuela lost the roof and windows over two classrooms and the principal’s office. As of last week, it had not been repaired and Xinia did not know when school would start.
Due to the fact that Berlin is on the other side of the mountain from us, we don’t know if we will follow Xinia or if there might be others that live closer and want to ‘adopt’ that school.
It looks like we have at least a couple more weeks off . . .

Graduation of the 6th graders

2008-12-19T16:43:00.007-06:00

The end of the school year ends with graduations in Escuelas and Colegios alike before the start of summer vacations.
We were the 'Guests of Honor' at the graduation at Escuela Rincon de Mora. We asked our friend Tom Ackley to accompany the students on his acoustic guitar while they sang "Feliz Navidad". We bought red tinsel ‘scarfs’ for them to wear for the occasion. Watch YouTube HERE
The students surprised and honored us by giving us a ‘gift’ after they all thanked us on stage in English. Watch YouTube HERE
Approximately 60-70 family and friends were in attendance and it was over in less than 2 hours. We ate at Forty Fay Restaurant after with Xinia and her hushand Juan Carlos.
The law here in Costa Rica requires children to finish the 6th grade. If they choose to go on, the 7th through 11th grades are spent at the Colegio (High School). We have heard from Xinia (the English teacher) that all except one boy is planning on going on to Colegio next year. We are proud of them all and wish them great success.

"Feliz Navidad” practice with live music

2008-12-18T16:27:00.001-06:00

Our friend, Tom Ackley agreed to accompany the students on his acoustic guitar when they sing “Feliz Navidad” at their graduation ceremony Friday night. He went with us today to meet the students and have a live practice.

Graduation dinner

2008-12-17T16:56:00.003-06:00

We were invited and attended the graduation dinner for the graduating students this evening.
We were treated to dinner at “Vista Verde Restaurant” on the Pan American highway in Rio Jesus which is owned by the father of student Emanuel.
Before dinner, Dave passed out the class and wallets size pictures he made. After, he thanked the parents for the time that we have spent with their children and told them how much we have enjoyed them.
We were honored to be at the dinner. We were the only ones there that didn’t speak Spanish and they were patient with our Spanglish!

“Feliz Navidad”

2008-12-09T16:25:00.000-06:00

Xinia and we decided that the students should sing “Feliz Navidad” for graduation. Not only is it easy to learn, they can show off their English and it will be in keeping with the season!

Realities of putting computers in Escuelas in CR

2008-12-07T14:06:00.001-06:00

• Dave found that 7 of the 12 PCs and 10 of the 11 Macs we gratefully received in August from Oklahoma are usable. Others need parts or other repair and we are awaiting funds to make them serviceable.
• All equipment that has been received has needed evaluation, cleaning and repair, including reinstallation of the operating system and the installation of educational software.
• Costa Rican schools are not Mac knowledgeable or oriented like the US educational system. Because of this we had to purchase and install a program called “Virtual PC” on all of the Macs in order for them to “feel” like PC’s and run PC programs.
• The Ministry of Education has been promising schools computer labs complete with teachers for years. In order for them to continue to be eligible for these new computers from MEP (Minister of Education) and to honestly say that they don’t own them, we decided that it would be best to make each school sign a loan agreement for the computers.
• It has become evident that most schools here do not have themselves prepared for computers. Because of that we had to demand that before a school could receive computers they had to have the proper security, electricity and grounding in place not to mention appropriate workspace. Additionally, teachers must find a way to interject computers into the English course curriculum while still meeting requirements of the Ministry of Education. We also stipulated that the computers MUST be used weekly in English classes. After that condition is met they may use them for other subjects and for administration.
• The reality of getting the equipment here involved significant expense. A generous company “rounded up” the computer equipment at a school in Tulsa, OK and packed them for shipment. Through the donation of an individual the computers were shipped to Anaheim, CA. Through the donation of yet another company they were shipped in a container to Costa Rica and delivered to our home in San Ramon. Another generous company put up the $600 required to process the equipment through customs. There have been other costs borne by us personally for parts and supplies required to make the equipment ready to be placed in the schools. All-in-all, the “free” computers incurred a significant expense to get here, begging the question “is putting computers in the schools here worth the expense?”
• The realities of placing computers in the escuelas have been rather stark and unforeseen by us. In order to place computers in schools (those with computers in place and planned) they have had to make significant investments. They have had to place bars in all windows, secure locks on all doors, improve the electrical wiring and, in some cases, provide the materials for suitable desks. All that for “well used” computers. From the school’s perspective it has been worth the expense but we can’t help but wonder if the money could be better spent elsewhere in either the infrastructure of the schools or in materials or equipment.
• So, the question remains, “is it worth it to have donated computers sent to Costa Rica to be placed in escuelas?” In our estimation the answer is, despite the cost, “yes.”
1. It advances the teaching of English, giving teachers and native English speaking volunteers another “tool” in their curriculum.
2. It exposes computers to children at the elementary school level, preparing them for high school.
3. It allows teachers to have in in-school resource for the creation of lesson plans and other administrative tasks.
4. It will, in schools that have internet access, allow students in Costa Rica to communicate with students in Tulsa, OK and elsewhere, as well as will have access to the world wide web in the classroom.

VFE Computers installed in Calle Leon

2008-12-05T16:53:00.005-06:00

Dave took 2 VFE computer systems to the Escuela Yadira Gamboa in Calle Leon today. Because he needed two computer work stations, Dave had to tie wrap two groups of three desks together to make them. Dave was asked to return on December 8th to power up the computers after the school had installed electrical ground and purchased a power strip.
The principal asked for copies of the software “The Farm” and “Sesame English 1, 2, 3” so he can have it on his computer for students to use.

Class picture

2008-12-04T16:22:00.002-06:00

Dave and I went to the school today so Dave could take a class picture and wallet size pictures for the students to give to others.
Unlike the US schools, these kids most likely would not have had this done. The kids and the staff were SO appreciative!

Laptop to Paola

2008-12-01T16:13:00.003-06:00

We gave Paola Artavia a laptop today. Paola is the English teacher coordinator for the Minister of Education. The 250 English teachers she oversees teach in schools from Zachero to Rio Jesus and Naranjo to Piedades Sur.
We have been working with her for over a year and know that she needs this kind of portability outside her office.
She has truly been invaluable to us in SO many ways!

Computers Installed

2008-11-20T16:01:00.009-06:00

Dave took 2 VFE computers systems to Escuela Rincon de Mora today. Without being asked, the students carried the components of the systems from the car into the classroom. After Dave set them up and turned them on, our concern that the students would need to be taught elementary lessons like how to use the keyboard and mouse was quickly allayed. Like they were ‘born knowing how’, the students quickly launched the English programs and began navigating through the lessons. Not once did Dave hear any squabbling or whining about whose turn it was!

Xinia gets married

2008-11-08T16:18:00.004-06:00

Today, we attended the marriage of Xinia Mercedes Mendez Arroyo to Juan Carlos Aguero Ramirez.
Even though this was our first ‘Tico’ wedding, it proved to be very much like the ones we have been to in the states.

Volunteers Fostering Education

2008-10-28T17:06:00.008-06:00

As described in “About the Founders”, the VFE (Volunteers Fostering Education) organization that we co-founded has continued to evolve.We now have an S.A. (Sociedad Anonimas) and thanks to Arden, a web site.
Our S. A. is the Costa Rican equivalent of the US 501(c)(3) non profit organization which enables us to except monetary donations into the organization’s Costa Rican bank account.
The VFE website can be seen by clicking here.

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-10-27T12:22:00.000-06:00

A donation of a computer system was received today – THANK YOU C.R. & L.W.

Prayers are said in school everyday

2008-10-21T16:49:00.003-06:00

We understand that each morning prayers are said out loud before the beginning of school.
Xinia says that she starts each English class with a prayer that she says out loud in English and has the students repeat it. Today was not the first time we have witnessed the beginning of English class, but this is the first time I asked Xinia to write the prayer down. The one she currently uses is as follows:

“Angel of God, my guardian dear. To whom his love come meets me here. Ever this day be at my side. To light, to guard, to rule, to guide. Amen.”

Students from ERdM on school trip

2008-10-17T17:29:00.011-06:00

The entire student body (all 31 of them) of Escuela Rincon de Mora boarded a chartered bus this morning and went to the Amusement Park (Parque Diversiones) in San Jose.
Because San Ramon is the furthest most of these kids have gone before, it is my understanding that the also drove by the airport and around San Jose.
The school had almost all the money needed for the trip, the remaining needed funds were donated by B.A., D.D., R.S. and D.S.

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-09-09T12:18:00.001-06:00

A donation of 2 computers and computer supplies was received today – THANK YOU J.F.

First computer desk delivered

2008-08-18T14:19:00.010-06:00

Tom and Barbara R came in their pickup truck this morning to pick up Dave and the desk to deliver it to ERdM.

Making Mother’s Day Cards

2008-08-13T13:54:00.012-06:00

Because Mother’s Day is on August 15th here in Costa Rica, Dave and I went to ERdM today to make Mother’s Day cards. Andres came with us to act as our interpreter in the absence of Xinia. She,(the English teacher) has been on personal leave since vacation taking care of her mother during her hospitalization and recovery from a radical surgery.
We provided a vocabulary sheet that pertained to making the cards. The cards themselves were made by gluing silk flowers and silk leaves on the front of folded construction paper to form a bouquet to ‘give’ to Mom.
After, the class presented Raylene with a Mother’s Day card they made and all signed along with an apron that had a picture of the whole class on it. Truly touching gifts and a teary acceptance!

The first of the computer desks are built

2008-08-12T13:48:00.007-06:00

Tom R and James R came over and built the first computer desk with Dave. The list of what was needed was given to the school and they delivered it last week. The desk was built to hold two computers and four students all side by side. After Tom and James left, Dave sanded it down so it would be ready to finish.

The computers are delivered!!!

2008-08-01T13:39:00.011-06:00

There were 6 huge boxes (4 foot X 4 foot X 4 foot) on wooden pallets delivered today full of computers. Dave B came over to help Dave unpack them and take inventory of what was there. We received 24 monitors, 12 PCs, 11Macs, 15 Newtons, 33 mice for Macs, 4 mice for PCs, 15 keyboards for Macs, 13 keyboards for PCs and lots of peripherals.
WOW!!! THANK YOU Union Public Schools in Tulsa Oklahoma for donating these. Thanks to Ship Costa Rica for masterminding the logistics of getting them to Costa Rica, to C. R. Communities, SA for paying the customs fees and to everyone else that had a hand in getting them here.

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-07-28T13:37:00.000-06:00

A donation of money was received today - THANK YOU B & CT

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-07-24T13:36:00.000-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies was received today - THANK YOU D & RS

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-07-22T13:34:00.000-06:00

Donations of consumable school supplies was received today - THANK YOU AW & EF

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-07-12T13:12:00.001-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies was received today – THANK YOU JC

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-07-12T13:07:00.001-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies was received today – THANK YOU SM

Before Vacation

2008-07-04T13:29:00.001-06:00

We went to ERdM early this morning as at noon today the students get out of school and start a two week vacation.
Dave and I made ‘frogs’ with the 6th graders using construction paper glued to toilet paper rolls.
After finishing the project, we were ‘treated’ to sandwiches (ham, cheese, lettuce and ketsup on white bread), crackers with tuna salad on them (tuna and the oil from the can mixed with a lot of mayonnaise along with some cilantro) and soda to drink.
Before leaving, everyone was given a ‘goodie’ bag with candy in it.

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-06-13T14:58:00.001-06:00

A donation of books was received today – THANK YOU C

Father's Day Cards, again!

2008-06-12T17:03:00.012-06:00

As stated in the June 9th post, we went to ERdM today and made Father’s Day cards with the 6th graders. The principal (Shirley) made a card for David, had all the students sign it and then Xinia presented it to him! Dave wasn’t aware of what was going on around him so he was VERY surprised and overwhelmed! What a lovely way to thank him AND say Happy Father’s Day!!!
I wonder how many of the cards that we made today and last Monday will be ‘given’ before Sunday – hah!

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-06-11T12:53:00.001-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies was received today – THANK YOU DD & BA

Father’s Day cards

2008-06-09T16:53:00.003-06:00

We had a lot of fun with the 4th graders today!
We provided each student with a vocabulary list of the English words that had something to do with making a Father’s Day card. After Dave went over each of the words, the class repeated them out loud.
We helped them make Father’s Day’s cards (it is celebrated here on the same day as in the US) using the colored construction paper donated to this English department and hair combs that we bought. The final product was an artsy dragonfly on the front with their personalized “Happy Father’s Day” inside on white paper.
We plan on doing this same thing this Thursday at ERdM with that 6th grade English class.

First class with the 6th graders at ESR

2008-06-02T16:51:00.001-06:00

We met for the first time with the 6th graders today. According to Xinia (the English teacher) there are 27 of them. The majority of them live in San Rafael but a few of them live in Rincon de Mora and Zamora. For those that did not know us, Dave did the same introduction (complete with colored pictures) as he did for the 4th grade. After, they spent all the remaining time asking us questions.

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-05-20T12:42:00.001-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies was received today – THANK YOU D & RS

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-05-19T12:52:00.002-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies was received today – THANK YOU DD & BA

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-05-14T13:04:00.000-06:00

A donation of money was received today through PW – THANK YOU

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-05-14T13:02:00.003-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies was received today – THANK YOU PW

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-05-14T13:02:00.002-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies was received today – THANK YOU PW

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-05-02T12:41:00.001-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies was received today – THANK YOU D & RS

First class with 4th graders at ESR

2008-04-28T18:39:00.001-06:00

We met for the first time with the 4th graders today. It is the smallest class in the school, according to Xinia (the English teacher) – 24 of them. It was fun for us to see some familiar faces from the neighborhood at the school! For those that did not know us, Dave did the same introduction (complete with colored pictures) as he did at ERdM. After, they had time to ask us questions and then we had them ask each other questions out loud in English.

Movie Time!

2008-04-25T18:38:00.006-06:00

One of Raylene’s goals was realized today. She envisioned showing movies at the escuela so the children could be entertained by hearing movies in English. About 35 children (approximate ages 4-15) showed up this afternoon at ERdM to enjoy the Pixar film “Monster’s Inc.” in English without Spanish subtitles. We provided the movie, projector, speakers and DVD player. Without a large projector screen being made of bright white canvas cloth by our friends Tom and Barbara, the kids would not have been able to see the film!
Everyone had so much fun that the next movie has been decided on - “Shrek”!

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-04-24T12:48:00.001-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies was received today – THANK YOU DD & BA

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-04-18T12:55:00.000-06:00

A donation of the parts and assembly of a movie screen was received today – THANK YOU T & BR

Unexpected thanks!

2008-04-10T13:36:00.005-06:00

Before class today we were given a very nicely done color computer made Thank You card signed by all the students, the principal, and the two teachers!!! Dave and I both got choked up and had to fight back the tears!Xinia told us that the students enjoy and look forward to the time they spend with us and the school appreciates all that we do.

A thoughtful gift!

2008-04-04T13:33:00.003-06:00

When Dave went to ERdM today to leave some school supplies with Xinia, a woman (we think the school cook) was anxious to give Dave ‘para su espousa’ (for your wife) a lovely handmade pair of brown wood bead dangling earrings along with a matching bracelet and necklace.

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-04-04T12:38:00.001-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies was received today – THANK YOU D & RS

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-03-29T12:46:00.001-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies was received today – THANK YOU DD & BA

First class with 6th graders at ERdM

2008-03-13T15:04:00.002-06:00

We met for the first time with the 6th graders today. There were ten of them – 5 boys and 5 girls. Their teacher, Xinia as well as the principal, Shirley was there. Shirley ‘sat in’ to practice her English.
In our 90 minute ‘class’, we helped them prepare for a test on introductions. Dave put together a presentation to introduce us, complete with colored pictures. After, we encouraged them to think and speak in English by participating in interactive exercises, e.g. “My name is . . . , What is your name?”, “I live in . . . Where do you live?”, etc.

Meeting with the parents at ERdM

2008-03-05T17:20:00.003-06:00

Shirley Salas, the principal of Escuela Rincon de Mora called a meeting of all of the 6th grade parents (10 students) and us to discuss our involvement with that class. As a prelude to the meeting, everyone was treated to a traditional story told by Shirley via a PowerPoint presentation prepared using the school’s only computer. Dave wasn’t exactly sure of the content of the presentation since it was all done in Spanish.
The parents of eight of the ten students in the 6th grade attended the meeting and were very excited to hear that native English speakers would be helping their children. Xinia, the English teacher assigned to this school, explained that we would be attending one 80 minute class per week starting March 13 at 3:30 pm. The parents immediately asked if it was possible for us to do two sessions a week! David explained that since it would require the use of an interpreter we would have to look into that possibility.
We discussed the other needs of the school. It was apparent that they needed a new Television. Theirs is approximately 15” with a mediocre picture. They, like San Rafael, also are in need of a VCR/DVD player as their only VCR has seen better days.
While everyone was being served cookies, crackers and soda by some of the 6th grade students, the parents discussed the 6th grade graduation field trip. The kids all want to go to an amusement park near San Jose, but there seems to be a challenge with the cost. It was estimated that each student would have to come up with 20,000 Colones (about $40.00 or $1.00 per week) by the end of the school year and that is a hardship for some of the parents. It appeared that there was going to be more discussion at a later date to talk about options.

"Ask and Ye Shall . . . ?" broadcast email

2008-03-04T16:58:00.005-06:00

Dave sent out another broadcast email which contained a "wish list" from Escuela Rincon de Mora:

Dear Friends,
We would like to thank you for all of the ideas and generous donations that we have received over the past couple of weeks.
From staple classroom supplies to a used computer (with the likelihood of many more to come) along with cash, the response has been heartwarming. We have had supplies brought back from a Gringa visiting the states and promises of supplies from others “the next time we go to PriceSmart, Hypermas or Office Depot.” People with contacts in the shipping business have committed to helping get “stuff” to Costa Rica; businesses have expressed their desire to help as the school year progresses and one immediately handed over a cash donation; individuals have expressed a desire to help with in-school tutoring or helping in any way they can. And Ticos have also expressed a desire to help. From helping us look for used and “nearly free” equipment to helping us with translation in school meetings, they are pitching in too.
That said, our “Shameless Request for Help” continues and we still are looking the same things that we listed in our first email, along with a number of added items. Remember, most of the items that we are requesting and are receiving are consumables. So……. please think about dedicating a few Colones on that next “outing” to Alajuela, Heredia, Escazu (or even Nuevo Mercadito downtown) to the school kids. To give you an idea of exactly what type of request we are getting please take a moment to read the letter we recently received form Escuela Rincon de Mora:

We are also investigating expanding our efforts to other schools and to fundraising and “supplyraising” in the U. S. (We are taking baby steps with this, though – we learned long ago that “Slow and steady wins the race”). So, if you have any contacts in that arena, please get in touch with us. Aside from a rather large email database our experience in that area is a bit thin.
Once again, thank you for reading this. Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated.
David & Raylene Scott

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-02-29T12:44:00.002-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies was received today – THANK YOU DD & BA

Computer lab planning meeting at ESR

2008-02-27T16:34:00.005-06:00

Andres went to the “computer plan” meeting at Escuela San Rafael and met with the members of the computer committee – the principal, school board and teachers. The committee had met earlier in the day and a plan was actually given to David (in English!) that afternoon. Although the plan was not particularly detailed, it contained the necessary information to proceed with the installation of the computers.
David explained to the committee that Andres was taking on the role as full-time “administrator” (translator and coordinator in our absence) and would be leading a group of tico “nerds” to help David ready the computer equipment for the lab.
Dave delivered a laser jet printer and a new computer task chair along with a computer and its components, e.g. monitor, pair of speakers, microphone, keyboard and power strip which were all tie wrapped to a new computer workstation. The computer, the components, the chair and workstation were donated by the Scotts to the English Department which was marked and accepted as such.

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-02-27T12:34:00.001-06:00

A donation of a complete computer setup for the English Department was received today – THANK YOU D & RS

First meeting at Escuela Rincon de Mora (ERdM)

2008-02-21T16:12:00.006-06:00

Dave went to ERdM and meet with Xinia, the principal, Shirley Salas and the other full time teacher. They all welcomed the prospect of computers in their school and having native English speaking tutors. It was agreed that the first class to be tutored in English would be the 6th graders. Xinia explained the local school system structure and how the nearby schools were aligned.The principal stated that they would be looking for approval only by the local administrator and parents, not the Ministry. They discussed equipment and supply needs and agreed to maintain close contact until regular tutoring sessions could be scheduled.
L to R: Shirley Salas B., principal; Xinia Mendez Arroyo, English teacher; Maria Eugenia Arias C., teacher.

1st computer planning meeting

2008-02-20T16:00:00.005-06:00

Based on the prospect of having enough donated computers to establish a computer lab at San Rafael we scheduled a meeting at Escuela San Rafael through Xinia. Since our two students, Michelle and Alejandra, had informed us that their upcoming school schedules precluded them from helping, we asked our friend Andres to help out with translation. The principal and four school board members (and Xinia) attended the meeting and said that they would be grateful for any amount of computers and that they would love to have a computer lab. They told us that the Ministry of Education had promised them a lab nine years ago and had not delivered on that promise.
The principal explained that the Ministry of Education would have to be consulted at every step and that the entire concept had to be approved by them. We were also told that the Ministry probably will provide a teacher once the lab is established.
We had in-depth discussions about the requirements of a computer lab facility, e.g. space, furniture, lighting, power, security and possibly internet. They currently have a large room that is currently being used by a special needs teacher that would accommodate both the teacher and the lab. They assured us that they could have that room readied as a computer lab by the time that the computers are available (sometime after the 1st of June).We also discussed the need for a detailed plan prior to making a firm commitment for the computers. They agreed and scheduled a meeting for February 27 to formulate the plan. They also immediately formed an ad hoc computer committee to draw up the plan and coordinate the implementation of computers into their curriculum.
It was agreed that we would maintain close contact during the entire process.

L to R: Andres Chaves, volunteer assistant; Adolfo Hernandez Alpizar, school board member; Rafael Jimenez Castro, principal; Olger Guzmón Vargas, President of school board; Luis Castro Espinoza, school board member; and Xinia Mendez Arroyo, English teacher. Present but not pictured: Yamilith Chaves Vargas, Secretary of school board.

A third meeting with Xinia

2008-02-18T15:54:00.002-06:00

Dave and I met with Xinia here at our house. We further discussed our potential classroom involvement. It was evident that Rincon de Mora was ready for us to take part in regular classroom activities without going through the school Ministry, and that we were invited to talk with the principal at the school. They had already fabricated a temporary wheelchair ramp for Raylene and were discussing how to make one of the restrooms wheelchair accessible.

A DONATION IS RECEIVED!!!

2008-02-18T12:31:00.000-06:00

A donation of money was received today – THANK YOU DP

A DONATION IS RECEIVED !!!

2008-02-11T12:22:00.002-06:00

A donation of consumable school supplies was received today – THANK YOU G & KS

THANK YOU for the overwelming response!

2008-02-03T15:43:00.001-06:00

We are in awe of the pledges for donations that we received!
Our friend, Kat, was stateside and on an already scheduled trip to Costco she picked up a whole box of much needed supplies.
An unexpected turn of events was the beginning of the commitment of a significant number of computers thanks to the appeal of other friends Sue Lyons and Tom Ackley. Using their contacts in the Tulsa and Houston area they began receiving commitments for a number of computers from an insurance agency and school system.
Arden Brink (who works for Barry Wilson, the owner of Ship Costa Rica) talked with Barry and immediately pledged their help in getting whatever we received shipped to Costa Rica.
That same day, we also received a pledge of cash from our friend Don Paul (Dr. Dish).
Wow! You never know what will happen when you cast the net! Thank you one and all!!!