Other News

Jeff has survived his grisly Staph Infection. This was not the worst of the phases, but the only one I had the stomach enough to take a picture of. He is happy to be able to sit again.

The Good Forces are joined by Linsey Longstreth, new volunteer from Ohio. She is in Community Economic Development and is working with laying the economic foundation for future ecotourism projects. Three cheers for Linsey!

Together with Good Citizen Jake Browder, we helped and translated for 2 weeks with a pediatric medical mission in the small border town of Hondo Valle. This was easily one of my favorite experiences of my life—great company, inspirational new acquaintances, good food, beautiful scenery, and the chance to help out. Seven doctors, 3 nurses and 2100 children seen. No wonder I caught a cold!

Encargados del Futuro

October 29-31 2008, 41 youth from all over the country participated in the 2^nd annual IT youth conference “Encargados del Futuro” (encargado = the person in charge). Four youth from my computer club joined the gang for 3 days and 2 nights of games, workshops, presentations and very little sleep.

We had a digital scavenger hunt, a day in the lab learning about robots, practice with PhotoShop and other advanced programs, a Skype call to a Disney programmer, a talent show and guest speakers.

Each community was required to present a video using the program MovieMaker and our club won 3^rd prize for artisticness, technical ability, information presented, and creativity. Go CIA! (club de informática avanzada)

Thanks to a team of 20 plus volunteers, these three days were a huge success and definitely one of the highlights from my time here in the DR.

The Force is With Us

Having never been cat people, we will be the firsts to tell you that this cat-dog has been a delightful surprise. She is a hunter, preferring big game (roosters, dogs, the curtains, the walls).

She is also very affectionate and prefers to be on top of anyone at any given time.

The Force is an class 2 omnivore (eats anything when hungry enough). Her favorites are salami, eggs, cheese crackers, popcorn and avocados. And chips.

She is also a good sport.

And of course since she is, after all, a cat first and fore-most, her main chore is to sleep. She fits in well with us.