School Photographer

This week I said my goodbyes at San Esteban and began to work full days at Centro Buen Pastor.  Sister Jean Gabriel is still working out exactly what she wants me to do in the mornings because she wants me both working with the younger school children and helping older students with study hall in the AM.  We are going to talk to the Director this week about making all of that work out.

Third grade at Centro Buen Pastor

I spent a few mornings this week taking photos for school records.  There are 30 full scholarship students at the school.  These scholarships are paid by Americans, either by groups (like churches) or individuals.  Each scholarship is $250 a year.  With that money, these students are enrolled full time in the school, get assistance with their uniforms and books, and get breakfast provided to them.  Most are also part of the government lunch plan so that they get 2 meals a day plus the education through the school.  Its a wonderful gift to these children who need so much.

I took head shots of all 30 of the students for the school records and we also asked them questions about themselves like "What do you want to be when you grow up?" "What do you do for fun?" and "How many brothers and sisters do you have?"  The younger kids then drew a picture to go along with the information in their files and the older kids write a letter about themselves.  Many of the kids who go to church on a regular basis were part of the group, so they were happy to get to see me during the day.  It was fun to get to meet the others who I will be working with shortly.  They are all really good kids, and it is obvious that The Centro Buen Pastor School does a fabulous job teaching them to be "gente" or good people.

Yesterday, I got to the beach for the first time!  It was gorgeous.  The water is so clear and warm.  There were lots of fish and some coral where I was and the sand is soft and white.  It was only a bus ride away, and I've had offers from some of my friends with motorcycles and cars to go back, so I think I may get to go every two weeks or so.  Not a bad way to spend my Saturdays!

The beach at Juan Dolio

Today, I am going to church at San Esteban in the morning and then going to the hospital with Sister Jean Gabriel to visit Vanessa, one of the volunteers who works at Centro Buen Pastor (she grew up going to the school there on scholarships and she is now getting a scholarship to go to secritarial school). She has sickle cell anemia and she had a crisis this week.  She is doing better, but will still be in the hospital for a bit while they get her fully hydrated.  Afterwards, we will return to Centro Buen Pastor for afternoon mass followed by baptism class for the parents who want to have their children baptized.

I hope all is well at home!  Let me know if you have any questions.

~ Tina