It has been a little while since we have been able to post anything to the blog and I'll try to keep you up to date with all that has happened (boring you silly).
Sandy and I have been trying to become familiar with all the towns and churches that have sprung up as a result of the work of Fundacion Samaritano (Elio Madonia) We drive all the roads and walk through the villages and we are trying to find all the churches (we are told that there are ten) we have only been to three so far as well as one English speaking church (we needed a break)
not that we don't love the Spanish and Creole churches it's just that constantly trying to understand and be understood is exhausting.
We have overcome our rat problem by blocking all the doors in the house at night. (they only come in at night, ....I hope)
We also had an opportunity to visit the little school held in the church at Algodonas.
Here is where we found an urgent unmet need that I talked about briefly before.
The room where the school is taught is roughly the size of a garage, concrete walls and floor .
The 2 teachers teach simultaneously competing to be heard above the din of children's voices separated by rough unpainted masonite partitions that double as blackboards.
This school handles remedial students in the morning (those who go to school elsewhere but need help) and in the afternoon they teach the students who can't get in to other Dominican schools. All in all they have 66 students. There is a great need for this school in the village.
Unfortunately the school has lost it's financial backers and the teachers have been coming and teaching for free for three months. One lives in the town and the other travels in by motor concho. The teachers are very committed to the children but can't continue to go unpaid and the school may close.
I believe the amount needed to keep the school open would be about $600. Canadian a month.
(A correction) Sandy figures the cost at more like $450. because one of the teachers works 1/2 days.
Now is when I get down on my knees and pray and beg for someone to come forward with that money. I know it is a lot to ask but what incredible opportunity to do good in a place where it will really make a difference.
OK, I'm off my knees now. And I'm posting this before the power goes out.
Please keep us in your prayers,
Dave
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