Delivering the technology

Tuesday morning I tooķ a taxi to school full of the things we bought in Rivas. There was a computer and printer, an audio system with two speakers, a data projector and various small items.  The taxi driver helped to unload, then the head and deputy too. All the boxes were set up in the office and some classes and teachers invited to join us. We gave out more teacher's packs too. I was sat amongst the boxes like a queen.

The teachers were very grateful especially with the promise of internet. Amada made it clear everything was for the school and also shared with me that the two laptops were going to two of the satellite schools, so two more are in need and I think I have been offered more. 

So then Amada and I went off to Moyagalpa to open the bank account so I can leave funds for the monthly payments of the internet connection. We waited some time for 'Sonia , heavily  made up, high heels, tight suit,  to deal with the previous customer. Am not sure what he was doing but it took time and a huge sheaf of papers he had to sign. Our appointment was shorter although they asked for my passport and lots of info about my status, so we had to explain that I was leaving/putting in donations of relatively small amounts. Nevertheless Amada had forms to be filled by the headteacher.  Whilst waiting we were well entertained by a small girl who wanted to show us her backpack and lunchbox  and then directed her interest to us. I was clearly told that my rucksack was a man's, as women's  are not that colour. I'd better use my pink one next time.

Our next trip was to the Claro office where we were told they could not help with an internet connection,  a bit of a blow, but Jose's sister has found someone local to help. We purchased some extra stationery for the teachers and then decided lunch would be a good idea since we couldn't sort anything else today. We visited Los Rancheros before catching the bus home.

I spent the afternoon with Jose's family. talking, being visited by local children who have no mother. They had come to pick and eat fruit. They had no footwear  and were clearly hungry.  I learnt today that the rice beans and oil supplied by the government have to be supplemented by protein and veg. This is done on a Rota by parents and costs around 250c when it is your turn. If you can't afford it the children just eat rice and beans. For some children this may be the only meal of the day.

Today Wednesday, I had a day off and went to Marvin's family at 7.30 and we  walked up to the viewpoint of the Concepcion volcano. It was steep and hard towards the end but worse coming down because it was slippery.

There were lovely views and I could see how far I had walked across the island on Saturday! We spent more than an hour sitting, chatting, looking at the view. The family had once again closed their shop to take me out and repeatedly express their intention to help. They are obviously trying to compensate for Jose's absence. When we returned Jordy prepared to go to school, it is an afternoon session.

Then Sylvia said she would prepare lunch. I said I would only accept if she let me give a contribution but when I did she clearly didn't want to accept and when I tried to give it to her, she said they do it out of love for me. I asked her about her kitchen, which is semi open air and uses wood for cooking. Apparently only hotels have cookers and fridges and other equipment, one problem being the electricity cuts and power oscillations which quickly damage equipment, but the other is the cost which seems higher than for us. But despite this what a lovely lunch they provided.

Then back to sit on the veranda and chat and have tea! I have never spent so much time doing absolutely nothing.