Volunteers Teach Computer Classes

This past week we had the help of two more volunteers, Amelia and Mike McCrae, who helped out with the art classes and taught basic computer skills to a group of 7 young students.

Donations of Books

We have been receiving a few donations of books ... and have been holding regular library hours for kids who just want to come and sit and read. 

Larissa Visits the Zoo

One of the interesting local daytrips here in our area is a trip to the zoo. It is not huge, but it is very beautiful. It was created as a project to attract tourism to the area, but has not been well marketed. Here, Larissa has her first "close encounter" with a spider monkey as this friendly guy was thrilled to hold onto her finger. 

Larissa Visits the Actun Can Caves

Last week we took Larissa to some of our local sites of interest, beginning with the Actun Can Caves that are said to snake through the limestone base of Peten, from here to the caves outside of Poptun. These caves are one of the sites of the Activation Maya ceremonies in December. Below you can see the extent of the caves that are open to the public from the diagram on the sign at the entrance.

English Classes

Marketta's English classes have also been a HUGE hit ... after 3 days the class had swelled to over 4o students and we split into two classes of 20. New students show up daily, and now that we are into the second week, we can no longer accept new participants. 

Puzzles

All the kids LOVE the puzzles ... they are in constant demand. We don't have nearly enough. If anyone has puzzles of any size that they would be willing to donate, please send them on down!! 

Classes Grow

By the end of last week, Larissa's art class had grown to over 40 children, and we had to split it into two classes. 

A Plaque for the New Library

 

Great Attendance

 

Women's Group Caters

The Women's Group of El Remate, all dressed in their green and white uniforms, made and served tamales with tostados and a delicious bean salad for the event. Below are Lilian and Adelaida serving the tamarindo juice.

Playground Activity

The kids of the village were thrilled to try out the new playground. 

Cutting the Ribbon

Sr. Emilio Tager cuts the ribbon to formally open the new library/playground complex. 

Inauguration of the Library

The Inauguration Ceremonies began at about 4 p.m. on Saturday, the 30th of September, with a few short speaches. Shown here, from left, Enrique, Emilio Tager, the mayor of our district of Flores, Victor Funis, the Mayor of our village, Edwardo's son (Eduardo), and Eduardo. 

Our Librarian Arrives

Valerie Patrick of Vancouver, B. C. has arrived to take over the management of the library and development of programs for the next 3 months. 

Our New Volunteer with Book Donation

We were joined recently by Marketa Kop (center) of the Czech Republic, who has been scouring the area far and wide, for donations of books. Here she is shown with the owners of the Libreria Cultura of Flores who have brought several books and magazines to donate to the library. 

Larissa's Class

Larissa's art class is growing daily. By Friday, it had grown to 16 children and we had to move the small tables and chairs out onto the corridor