Thursday 3rd May
Today was the first day where I feel I contributed something of signifiance: I cut approx. 20 steps into the side of a steep hill which will lead to the new house. It was good to be working outside, despite the snakes, mosquitos and flies!! Carlos joined me later and helped some (sharpened my spade!!) whilst talking about women, women, women, travelling and women....
Also had a tour of the house project with Roberto and Marvin. I suggested he should become the new Jefe de Contruccion and he's good and dedicated and interested. And I now understand the project much better: a restaurant for tourists and or volunteers with private rooms, balcony etc. and work for the whole family. A very good idea with much potential and a secure future for Timoteo's family and perhaps not completely thought through but better prepared than I thought.
However, the original estimate has doubled and although it's unlikely that money has dissapeared, there's no record of what has been spent and whether materials have been ordered or not. A family meeting will be called tomorrow - 3rd try to make it happend this week - to discuss the future and try to re-enthuse the family . Marvin seems more excited than everyone else.....!
The rainy season is just starting and everybody is very happy as it has been too dry for too long. Electricity is still be ing rationed though, so as of 4pm there's no more luz and as of 6pm its dark, so just candles and torches. Thankfully, there's enough water so no searching for that, unlike the villages further up the mountain who sometimes walks for miles looking for agua potable.
1st Spanish lesson today with a young girl who works in the local hardware store and is studying to be a pre-school teacher. Didn;t go well today but will se how things develop tomorrow. Already thought about changing teachers today, but she;s probably very thankful for the money. Will however tally up the hours at the end of the week and ask for a refund which I'll use for the schools and in some form Timoteo's family. Same idea for giving up one of the included tours. Must talk to Laura about that......
Timoteo prayed for me 2 days ago and sang for me and Roberto today, welcoming us into his house as part of his family, living like indios he says!!
Must be careful not to forget the destitution here, but somehow everybody seems muy contento here. Carlos gave me some intersesting information today: 2 days work for 20 kilos of coffee for less than 1 US$!! They try to harvest every 3 months, but that doesn't always work out. No fair trade here. 1 kilo of rice costs approx. 1 US$ here, but they are fairly self-sufficient here. Carlos is working hard to save money for the coming baby.
Big insects here and some of really like to bite...!!!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Day3
Wednesday 2nd May
Wow! Today was big and has changed my perspective significantly. Joined Timoteo today to see how he works with the even poorer communities in the mountains. Hitched a ride with one of the trachers of the two schools in La Pera. First time on the back of an open pick-up and very cool feeling riding on a first track dodging potholes and hanging on for dear life!!
Arrived at the school La Pera 2 after a 30 minute hike, past primitive huts made of branches, leaves and bark wood. Some say alcohol is a big problem here and there's some evidence it could be true. No men to be seen because they are all out working on the plantatoins for the big frit comapanies (who pay next to nothing).
The local school seems to be the meeting place for the community and many of the women can be found here. Most are young, attractive, well kept and almost all have small babies.
Timoteo visits them to take details about illnesses - very many diabetics here - as well as family size, living conditions. He then passes the information on to "Limas" or "Junto de Salud" who then send help in the form of food, medication and sometimes doctor visits.
And it didn't take long to realise that I should be doing more than just help Timoteo with his "building project", so I have spoken to the directors of both schools and have promised to return in 2-3 weeks with as many school materials as I can find in San Jose. I have no idea how I will pay for it, but perhaps I can get some financial help from friends....? Not sure how I will transport the stuff as I have been giving 2 very long shopping lists, but I'll find a way somehow....
And that was just the beginnng: now there is Timoteo's/Roberto's project which is already in danger of collapsing becuase of zero management, bad communication and unclear goals. Originally the wish to build a new private house for Timoteo with money donated by Roberto.
Need to help out here too and think I can provide some direction and focus as well as muscle work, but the 1st will be way more difficult than the 2nd.
Looks like my Spanish lessons won't be happening, but perhaps it's better that way: I can spend more time working on the new build and talking with the family. And perhaps even use the money for the school equipment...???
Exhausted already and think the real work will begin tomorrow. Hope I have the energy and endurance......
Wow! Today was big and has changed my perspective significantly. Joined Timoteo today to see how he works with the even poorer communities in the mountains. Hitched a ride with one of the trachers of the two schools in La Pera. First time on the back of an open pick-up and very cool feeling riding on a first track dodging potholes and hanging on for dear life!!
Arrived at the school La Pera 2 after a 30 minute hike, past primitive huts made of branches, leaves and bark wood. Some say alcohol is a big problem here and there's some evidence it could be true. No men to be seen because they are all out working on the plantatoins for the big frit comapanies (who pay next to nothing).
The local school seems to be the meeting place for the community and many of the women can be found here. Most are young, attractive, well kept and almost all have small babies.
Timoteo visits them to take details about illnesses - very many diabetics here - as well as family size, living conditions. He then passes the information on to "Limas" or "Junto de Salud" who then send help in the form of food, medication and sometimes doctor visits.
And it didn't take long to realise that I should be doing more than just help Timoteo with his "building project", so I have spoken to the directors of both schools and have promised to return in 2-3 weeks with as many school materials as I can find in San Jose. I have no idea how I will pay for it, but perhaps I can get some financial help from friends....? Not sure how I will transport the stuff as I have been giving 2 very long shopping lists, but I'll find a way somehow....
And that was just the beginnng: now there is Timoteo's/Roberto's project which is already in danger of collapsing becuase of zero management, bad communication and unclear goals. Originally the wish to build a new private house for Timoteo with money donated by Roberto.
Need to help out here too and think I can provide some direction and focus as well as muscle work, but the 1st will be way more difficult than the 2nd.
Looks like my Spanish lessons won't be happening, but perhaps it's better that way: I can spend more time working on the new build and talking with the family. And perhaps even use the money for the school equipment...???
Exhausted already and think the real work will begin tomorrow. Hope I have the energy and endurance......
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