What a year down Olde Mexico way. It is truly amazing with all the ills that are happening in Mexico (Corruption, Cartels and a Crashing Economy) that there is still so much sweetness and always a time for a good laugh with the local people especially the children. After being robbed, accidentally trying to help hired asassins (who were later apprehended), and seeing my good friend Margarito have to lay off half his restaurant staff one day and then turning around and having the time to teach us how to make old fashion hot air balloons they made as kids (it climbed to 1000 meters) …This is what makes Mexico a truly wonderful place and I can hardly wait to return..
More school supplies were needed this year than ever before as the federal government had cut all funding but we were still able to help over 500 students get their needed materials as well as assist 2 special needs centers.The interesting thing this year was that teachers were asking for more alternative teaching tools,exercise equipment and books and more books..
The local government in Cabo Correntes that is still reeling from federal funding cuts would like to go ahead with us on three projects this year if at all possible: an additional classroom in Las Juntas Y Veranos where presently 120 students are in 3 classrooms; Villa del Mar primary where 18 students from grade 1 to 3 are being taught outside; and a new school in Pedro Moreno where there presently is no school for 25 students. These are all growing communities and they see the importance of good education for their children and would like to assist with the building.
There is a huge push in this area for reading as well as learning english and once again to the rescue came Libros For Learning headed by my good friend Gord Barron. This year they were able to set up 8 more libraries in rural schools donating over 1000 educational books to this great cause. The donated van was again a great help in assisting with this project.
There was also time for play and even thou I can not swim my girlfriend Allison got me hooked on surfing, next year I will probably be the only surfer with a life jacket on.
MUCHAS GRACIAS; MUY AMABLE To all those good friends that helped to make this happen.
Wishing you all a Magical 2011
Bob
