New Latrine!!!

March 3, 2009

So, yeah yeah I’ve been a slacker on this thing, but you guys should be glad…. That means that I am out working somewhere else instead of always at the computer, haha.

The past few weeks there have been a few things going on. First, I was translating for a week in San Juan Nonualco for Habitat for Humanity. There was a group of 11 Queen’s University students from Canada that came down to build a house. They were a good group of guys and girls. I am still trying to bring Habitat out to my site to build some houses, so keep your fingers crossed. Speaking of fingers crossed, have you have seen Hispanic baseball players cross themselves before or after doing something and then kiss their hand? Ever wondered why? I just learned that it’s because they are making the form of a cross with their thumb crossing over their pointer finger. Get right out of town, I never knew that.

The university group from Canada.

Anyways, also we had the scholarship ceremony for our 5 University scholars with representatives from Peace Corps, the US Embassy, the municipality, and the Church all participating in honoring the students. The five are now on their way to their degree.
I also attended the High School graduation here a few days ago. It starts with a Mass and then moves in procession to the graduation ceremony in the High School. That was nice too, check out some pics.

The graduation ceremony almost starting.

Mauricio (brother of Fran), Dona Amalia (mom of Fran), Francisco, and Manuel (uncle of Fran)

The stove project continues, piece by piece it is falling into place. Some communities are ahead of others in the process, but they are well on their way.

Finally, Don Raul and I have finished my new latrine/outhouse. It is stellar, much more stable than the previous….much less chance of people falling in. It is about 3.5 meters deep, which made it interesting for going in and out.

More or less beginning.

Different Angle.

Deeper.

Deeper.

Uh oh...

Oh ok, whew.

Higher.

For some reason this pic just makes me smile.

"Know the enemy and know yourself; in a hundred battles you will never be in
peril. When you are ignorant of the enemy, but know yourself, your chances of
winning or losing are equal. If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself, you
are certain in every battle to be in peril."

-Master Sun