Back in Boston
I arrived in Boston just as the blizzard stopped. Our plane was delayed 3 hours in Panama, so it could miss the storm. But of course, there's no missing the after effects!
I'm grateful to Kevin McCarthy for - without being asked - voluntarily coming all the way to the airport and then driving me home. I had planned on taking the T and then a cab, but he was already at the airport by the time I picked up my luggage. What a great help that was, and what generosity...
A view from outside my apartment last night.
In Chontal
I spent about two days in Chontal before flying out, and had the chance to spend time with the kids in the school.
I spoke with the principal about the possibility of connected 6th-graders with a school in Massachusetts. A friend from my high school days has initiated some ideas for helping to facilitate the relationship, and the principal here was positive and interested in moving forward. So we'll see how it develops.
Some 2nd-graders and their teacher Samir.
With a few of the kids from K2.
I often am assaulted by a throng of kindergarteners when I arrive at the school, so I like to keep a low key so the teachers can go their work. This time, I offered that they could try on my eyeglasses. As each one put them on, all the others would chant "Grandpa! Grandpa!" or "Grandma! Grandma!" A better reminder of your age, I can't think of...
I also was able to touch base with Carolina, who has had an ongoing penpal relationship with a daughter of one of my friends. Now that her dad has Whatsapp access, we are hoping that communication can open up more with technology.
One of the residents of Chontal is selling their property in the pueblo. It includes two houses, each of which is two floors with plenty of bedrooms. I'm beginning to think about whether it would be worth looking into buying and making a youth and/or senior center. They are looking nominally for $60K - so we'll see what plays out ...
I hope to have a quarterly update coming soon - Take care!