October progress report

Hi friends,
I have been somewhat negligent writing the blog recently -- changing my artistic focus, building up new inventory, market research, and tying up loose ends has taken up time I don't even have!  But I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

But enough excuses!

Here is one of my biggest heroines, Fran, in her new winter jacket and new glasses. Every day she comments on how they make her life easier! Fran is studying to be a computer engineer, and she is taking pretty much wall-to-wall math classes -- Calculus, Discrete Math, and Fundamentals of Programming, along w/business ethics and Banda Guerra (she plays the drum while marching), a required extra curricular class which was the only one left after the juniors and seniors had their pick!

Just for the record, Fran is near or at the top of her class. She has accomplished this by constant study and wise use of resources, including a study group, tutors, and hours and hours in her room.

This is the crucial year.  She must pass all of her classes in order to continue, and she is making sure that she does much more than that!

As some of you may know, here in the south of Mexico we have been caught between hurricanes on both coasts, and the constant rain is just beginning to flee the glorious months of October, November, December and January.  Fran checks with her parents by phone and to date I have heard nothing about mudslides or the road being washed out.  One or two of her fellow students made the mistake of trying to visit their village during the worst of the storms and were trapped there, unable to attend classes.  They may have had to drop out.  Her teachers do not accept any excuses, no matter how dire, for not attending class and completing all the work.

I still pinch myself that things are going so well.  We have enough money to complete this school year, but I am beginning to anticipate next year.  I will be in touch soon about that.  So far, among our few donors, we have those who have given once, those who have given twice, and those who have committed to automatic monthly contributions of between $25 and $50.  For those who have given once or twice, we hope that you will not forget us next year.  For those of you who give monthly, we can't thank you enough for the feeling of stability that gives us!

Fran just returned from her study group and went back to her room to study.  But she has a smile on her face!  Thank you.