Here it is our next post...
Since the last time we wrote a lot has happened but for those of you who have a shorter attention spam (like I do) we will sum up. The first part of July was filled with a protest about water privatization near our small community that ended up with 13 people arrested. I (Tom) nearly accidentally ran into this ugly scene but to cover more on this issue is at least a blog entry or two. The incident is a continuing story and for those interested there is information aplenty including on our organization's website.
Additionally we packed away our things in July, came back to Minnesota (and a side trip to Wisconsin for me) and had a wonderful 5 weeks visiting friends and family, returned to E.S. at the end of August, moved to a different room here in the office, moved to a new house in the country and presently I have amoebas once again. Oh yeah, and most importantly we got engaged! While back in the states Melissa proposed to me and we will probably be planning for a wedding sometime near September of 2009, once we return from Central America.
Many exciting things happened however I believe the break from the blogsite was needed so that we could focus on getting things organized before we left for the states, being present and capitalizing on the little time we had with loved one's in MN, and then returning and moving to our new home.
For those of you who didn't know we had found an abandoned house in the country that had running water, tiled floor, electricity, and a good roof (or at least the capacity for all of that). Since we found the house we have done a lot of fix up work which would include: cleaning the entire house inside and out, cleaning our outhouse, painting the inside with 2 coats of paint, fixing the electricity and lights, putting up a clothesline, and many more miscellaneous things (and most of that was in the last week). Now honestly we got a LOT of help from Mauricio (who helped us find the house and talked to the owner for us) and neighbors. It's really great to see how welcoming they are to us and we are excited to be closer to work (we are now both less than two city blocks away from the clinic and the school).
Although it was sad to move away from Gloria and her family we of course will continue to visit and some of the kids will take turns staying with us (including Ana this weekend). We gave out some gifts to Gloria, Nena, Fatima, Walter, Juan Carlos, Gabby, Ana, and Carolina this past Sunday when we had lunch with all of them. They were so greatful and excited about their presents and we felt so welcomed to be back not only with them but to the community as well.
As for me, my amoebas are getting better but to be sure we are taking one extra day in the city before returning to toilets that are a little farther away. Thanks to all who continue to take the time to read about us.
-posted by Tom
