June 27, 2010: Brief Visit to San Antonio

I returned on Sunday to the village where I lived for two months in April and May to attend the birthday party of a five-year-old in one of the host families. This party was attended by over 70 people and I think the adults had as much fun as the children. The little girl was dressed in heels, fancy dress, and had her hair done for the occasion. Above you can see her with her pinata. This party was on the heels of Tropical Storm Alex so when I returned to San Ignacio the bridge to my community was under rather than over the river so the other one lane bridge is now the bridge that flows two ways. I left on the 6 AM bus and the father showed up at 10 AM with a piece of birthday cake because the mom was upset she wasn't up to give it to me before.

June 23, 2010: My New Home and Job Update

I have been with three wonderful families but it is time for me to be an adult again! First is this amazing logo that says in a picture what Mary Open Doors does with respect to domestic violence. The job continues to be awe inspiring. Women who have been victims of violence who have changed their own lives and a leader who is working toward having a sustainable program. I have been here almost six weeks and accomplishments include: infrastructure organization, obtaining new computer equipment at no cost, bringing together several organizations to begin a summer program for the 30 children served by the shelter program, obtaining a sponsor for US grants and beginning the process of applying for and receiving grants similar to what I did with Dos Pueblos. "Enough" was created by our newly hired young high school graduate secretarial assistant Stacy Rodriguez--she is an amazing artist and is creating our webpage--check out Mary Open Doors on facebook which she created. The orange house is my new home--with all the amenities including a spare bedroom for guests!

Before I Move Into My Own Home

I have been staying with a wonderful family; 3 teenagers at home and the married daughter downstairs with her husband and baby. This is a picture of the family and the christening of the baby at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. As warm and welcoming as they have been, I am ready to go back to being an adult--more about my new home to follow. I will have plenty of room for guests in this beautiful town. Also last weekend: two of the teens graduated from junior college and one from high school.