Formation

Top: Jean Brunel, Eclesias, Evens, Fenel, Chin and Miliste

Bottom: Jasquelin, Gerard, Jean-Levelt, Father Dimitri and Gary.

Some members of the Kominote Espwa, the Espwa Community, enjoyed a presentation this morning from Father Dimitri on the meaning of service.  The community meets daily for prayer and Mass; is responsible for the weekly liturgies and the catechesis of the children here at Espwa.  The purpose of the community is to help these young men discern whether or not they have a religious calling.  Fr. Dimitri is a gifted teacher and we appreciate his time and effort.

New kitchen and dining room

Deacon Peter, Junior (our contractor) and Berthony Constant siting the new kitchen and dining room.

Our guys starting the big dig of the foundation.

You get an idea of the size of this new structure from this photo.  It will be huge so that all the meals can be prepared here (over 3500 daily) and the children can all eat sitting down under one roof.  This project is made possible by a generous grant from the Cracchiolo Family Foundation.  We are very grateful to Tom and his family for this amazing gift.

Mango break

A few of our girls taking a mango break this afternoon. Judging from their faces, I think they are enjoying themselves.

Road trip to Tiburon

Spent the better part of the day yesterday in our Toyota as we wanted to visit our school in Tiburon.  Three and a half hours getting there and four hours getting back.  It was well worth the trip.  The children and staff were happy to see us.  Tiburon is located on the western tip of the southern peninsula and is in need of help.  Thanks to Cross International our school is providing an education for almost 300 children who cannot afford schooling.  We have to work on getting them school benches as seeing small children carry their chairs/stools to school is a bit much.  We plan on providing a hot lunch program next year.

Our school in Tiburon

Pre-schoolers have class on the gallery as there's no room for them indoors.  They don't appear overly sad by that fact.

Berthony Constant looking out at a tremendous, majestic view from the school porch.

Our school in Tiburon

A second grader

Third grader

One of our teachers

Road trip to Tiburon

Just beyond Port Salut the road is well paved and the scenery amazing.

There's an occasional obstacle like the stream above.  Glad it was a sunny day.

As we approached Tiburon, we saw plenty of trees which might be described as wind-swept.