Fast Foward to 2008

In 2006 I wrote twice as many blogs as 2007, so here's a short version of events since last September! That month, I organized a series of events to fundraise for urgently needed reparations to the local health post, where a doctor visits once or twice a month. Water flows from the inside out in heavy rains, but the Area Health Clinic refused to finance the project. So the Health Center Committee took it upon themselves to raise some money and made over $1,2000 with activities like the Reinado picture below. The crowned queens searched for sponsors to support the health center. Unfortunately the Area Health Clinic owns the local health post property and denied the Committee's formal request to fix the building (with their own money), even though the Clinic refused to fix it themselves. Somehow they still retain the right to refuse medical service due to inadequate conditions of the post. Ugh, bureaucracy!

After riding in the back of a cow truck for nearly 60 kms, I got on this panga with more people than you can see in the picture and travelled to some futbol games in Isla Venada, where it rained and the other women's soccer team didn't show up (I'm sure it wasn't the rain, they were just scared of us). What a waste of my new cleats!
Chicas Poderosas! These girls participated in a series of workshops designed to empower young girls with tools in good self-esteem, decision-making, self-confidence, and friendship. They invited their mothers to participate in an end-of-the-program party where they designed and crafted picture frames.The second Halloween in Jabillo! This year, I encouraged neighbors to buy their own candy so I didn't have to! We even had some real costumes. And the kids celebrated with the traditional bobbing for apples...

And of course, the second ever Halloween with the kids in La Y Griega!

I went to see these people in November. (Some not pictured.) I even baked them a turkey for the family Thanksgiving and they all said it was good, even though I cooked it upsidedown. They must really like me.

One of my towns, La Y Griega, formed its own Development Association. They didn't ask for my help before they started but have since learned the error of their ways and seek guidance in organizational and legal aspects.

I would have exciting pictures of the awesome "Kids Forever" Christmas Party in Jabillo (complete with a reggaeton-dancing Santa in his spanking new suit!) but someone stole my camara and I only had a disposable. Well, that wraps up 2007, thanks for being patient!