First Look at the New Rio Camanibal Elementary School Library
In early January, we sent sufficient funds to the school in Guatemala so that they could order the lumber and arrange for a carpenter to begin work on the bookshelves. Last night, I received some photos from Manuel, the assistant principal at the school (my primary contact) showing the lumber that was purchased and the progress that has been made so far.
The larger photo made my heart smile. Seeing the early stages of the library furniture is building the excitement for this summer’s big project! The thick wood looks high quality, and the size should be ample for their needs. (The carpenter is building two large bookshelf units this size.)
Only about 5.5 months before we get to take the 500 books and all our donations to meet our new friends in Rio Camanibal. To anyone that donated money in 2016, your generosity is producing some beautiful library furniture. And to those that have already donated in 2017, you have enabled us to fund the RACHEL server (the hotspot that is preloaded with Khan Academy, Wikipedia and other educational apps) and two of the 25 tablets so far.
We have 23 more tablets to fund. Any amount helps! Please consider a donation to bring us closer to our goal!
The “right” opportunity arose when I learned about a travel opportunity for adoptive families which would include volunteer work and cultural sightseeing. Being members of that team had a profound impact on me, Lillian and Andrew. Not only were we able to make a real connection to our son’s birthplace, but we met incredibly warm and generous people, all of whom we now consider to be a part of our “family.” In addition to the volunteer work I shared with the Team, I also was able to “give back” by performing as my alter ego, “Farfel the Clown” at a barbecue for children of The Backyard School. It will remain one the proudest and happiest memories of my life.
I can imagine their excitement at being able to check out all those new books!
You’re right! Every correspondence I get from the school lets me know how very much they appreciate it and how excited they are. I’ve been told several times how much they wish it was August already. Truth be told… me too! We finally booked our flights yesterday, so it is getting more exciting by the day!