Starting the Year Update

Sorry I haven't written in a while, but I'm still here and doing better than ever! There is so much to tell everyone. Well first off, the weather is nice right now, not too hot nor chilly and I made BBQ chicken (my favorite thing to cook here)and ate with some neighbors on Sunday. I went to a 2 year-olds birthday on Saturday, where I was the ONLY childless female in maybe 50 that showed up. And just recently I killed a cockroach in my kitchen, although it kind of looked like it's mother had breeded with a giant grasshopper, and it had wings...

I know that's what you all really want to know about, but now for the rest of it:
A couple weeks ago a group of volunteers came down from Wisconsin to help out with project for "Outreach for World Hope" NGO here and Jocotan and I helped translate. It was so great to spend time with them and hopefully I'll see some of them back soon enough. Here is a picture of me translating for the medical team they brought to a village.

The Library is doing swimmingly, what I mean by that is it's still moving along, hasn't drowned, but is more like doing a switch-off between the doggy-paddle and the Phelps Freestyle. Each week the project grows and each time I have to run behind it trying to grab funding, but it's exciting and I am very hopeful. I have presented it to the mayor and town council formally with a nice powerpoint and showing them the books you've sent me along with the other donations I have received. They were very convinced and added some changes of their own, and I represented it yesterday and had them sign a letter of responsability to begin as soon as possible. Also, after getting signed up with the Computers for Guatemala program I have solicited 7 computers in total now at $80 each. The price rose a little because I have a digital encyclopedia that has certian requirements above their standard $60 computer. I'm looking for headphones though because the program has sound and the computers don't come with speakers, so if you want to donate an old set of headphones or a computer email me! schick.robinmae@gmail.com

Also there are more books on the list, and several that are high-priority have not been bought. Please check it out (many are $10 or less) http://amzn.com/w/3LEFGDRF2T287

I'm also working with teaching communtiy groups how to make their own projects and organize better. I mostly work in a village called Tesoro Abajo, and the people there are so nice. I'm actually looking into living there for a week out of the month to work closer with them and surrounding communities.

I miss you all so much, and I know my remaining 9 monthes will fly by. Thank you so very much for your support as always and for keeping in touch by just reading this blog.

Peace and Love,
Robin