Continuing Promise 2011 Briefing Manta, Ecuador Education Coalition

USNS Comfort Arrives in Ecuador
The ship arrived into the Port of Manta alongside many large fishing
boats. We could see the large tuna being hauled into the air in large
nets and dropped into oversized shipping containers. The beautiful
beach off in the distance was enticing as we ventured inland during
each mission day.

Logistical Coordination
In each country the partnership must obtain approval for the project
from COMFORT NCIS, US Embassy, Military Group for that country,
COMFORT command staff, host nation customs, and other governmental
organizations. In additional to the pre-entry requirements, once the
approval of the project has been obtained there are several internal
layers of coordination that must take place before the volunteers can
visit with the children. We have to plan volunteer scheduling,
transportation, equipment, as well as the needs of the host nation
force protection meals, etc. Each country is different and a
challenge.

Once we obtain the approval for the project and clearance of the
donations through customs, the project can move at a very rapid rate-
this was the case especially for Ecuador. Two days after clearing
customs we had to start with our first day of distribution.
Thankfully, all of the coordination settled and we were off to visit
with the children with a robust program.

Civil Affairs Assistance
The Maritime Civil Affairs Team (MCAT) of the US Navy specializes in
community relations projects and infrastructure building. The
COMFORT’S MCAT agreed to assist me for the coordination of the
backpack partnership in Ecuador. The team was instrumental in
facilitating communication with our host nation partner, the Rotary
Club of Manta. We were able to set up the 3-day distribution in one
day with the logistical support of the MCAT. Our project would not
have been successful without their involvement.

Project Time

Day 1
Our first day was dynamic one small school in the morning and one
medium-sized school in the afternoon. Escuela Sucre, in a rural town
called Pacoche, was comprised of around 45 students. The school was
situated to the side of the community in a bowl at the bottom of a
small mountain.

We arrived with 16 volunteers for the first day. Our team was
comprised of MCAT members, Navy security and food service personnel, a
Latter-day Saints volunteer, a University of California San Diego
Pre-Dental Society (UCSD) volunteer, and members and exchange students
with the Rotary Club of Manta. Two local police force members, who
were providing security, also joined us in the program. There were two
classrooms at this school where we visited with the children and
launched a program including, dental, eye protection, health and
hygiene education alongside hand delivering backpacks to each child.
The first class was comprised of very small children ages 5-8 years
old. Our Latter-day Saints volunteer, Kristen Lee, was fantastic at
engaging the children. She and I worked hand-in-hand along with a MCAT
member to facilitate the program. Once we had finished our first
class, the program became easier as we moved onto the next. The
Rotarians were wonderful with organizing the children, ensuring that
each child received personal time with the volunteers.

We finished the backpack program and the children were set loose to
play soccer with the COMFORT volunteers. As they played in the
courtyard between the classrooms, a few of us gathered with the
teachers inside one of the classrooms. We thanked the teachers for
their work and for allowing us to share time with them and the
children. One of the Navy Lieutenants donated 16 soccer balls for the
entire distribution. We split up the donations and presented Escuela
Sucre with a gift of 3 soccer balls. The time at Pacoche ended with
hugs all around before the rest of the children headed back to their
houses for the rest of the day.

Escuela Fiscal Presidente Velasco Ibarra, Santa Rosa
Our team moved quickly to visit the second school, which was 20
minutes from Pacoche in a town called Santa Rosa. The team set up for
a similar program as in Pacoche; however, we added the exchange of 20
letters with the school’s 6th graders. As part of a new program for
United Nations Association of Greater Orlando, 96 5th graders at John
Young Elementary School wrote letters to their counterparts abroad.
These children in the states are learning Spanish so parts of the
letters were written in English the other in Spanish. One of the
classes comprised of 6th and 7th graders stayed to write letters to
the children in the states. The Rotary exchange students and UCSD
volunteer were amazing at supervising the exchange. We finished off
the first day by spending time with the teachers and Rotarians for a
snack. One of the most memorable moments for me that day was when one
of the boy’s who was using a plastic bag to hold his supplies threw it
aside to place his materials very quickly inside his new backpack. I
asked if he liked his mochila (backpack) and he nodded and smiled.

Day 2
Escuela Eloy Alfavo Delgado, Las Pinas
We were ready for another dynamic day with the children. Escuela Eloy
Alfavo had over 170 students so we decided to visit the school on a
separate day, which worked well for the entire program allowing us to
take our time with each class. We were very close in our time
allocation for the first day so we altered the program to ensure that
we finished on time and spent enough quality time with the children.
The Rotary exchange students and a couple bi-lingual COMFORT
volunteers assisted with the letters with the 6th graders while we
visited the 1st graders with backpacks. The letter team finished with
the letters at the same time we arrived at their classroom for the
education and backpack distribution.
In addition to having multiple military and NGO partners, we had a
Canadian partner nation dental hygienist join us for the program. She
was wonderful with the children, drawing diagrams and facilitating
topics. We discussed the education portion of the program at the
beginning of each visit to the classrooms, which left time for the
backpack surprise at the end. After we finished, we coordinated with
the Rotarians to recount all of the donations to ensure that we had
enough backpacks for all of the children on the final distribution,
which was the next day.

Day 3
Escuela Guadalupe Larriva Gonzalez, Villamarina
Our final project day began with a visit to a co-located pre-school
alongside the school that we were visiting. There were 20 little
children looking up at us as our team moved into their small space.
Each had a look of curiosity and a few looked a bit scared at the
large strangers. The teacher helped welcome us into the children’s
space and once the children noticed the gifts of stuffed animals their
faces brightened with smiles and excitement. Each team member chose a
personal stuffed animal for a particular child and spent time talking
to them. We said our goodbyes to the class and walked over to the
school to prepare for the backpack program.

Escuela Fiscal Villamarina
Villamarina also had over 170 students so we set up the distribution
similar to Las Pinas. We had the Commodore and Commanding Officer join
us for the day. Navy and Air Force volunteers participated as well as
a Latter-day Saints and EDGE Outreach volunteer. Everyone was engaged
in the children and activities. I also met the Rotary Club of Manta
president, Manuel Naurea, who joined us at the school. In addition to
the vibrant program, we finished off the day with a fantastic
performance from the Navy rock band. After we had finished and
presented the teachers with their gift, we proceeded to dance and play
with the children to several energetic songs.

It was a great experience and a successful first distribution thanks
to our partners.

Rotary Club of Manta, Rotary District 6980, Give a Kid a Backpack,
Loving Hugs Inc., The Dictionary Project, EDGE Outreach, Clean the
World, United Nations Association of Greater Orlando, and the College
of Education at the University of Central Florida.

A special thank you to the COMFORT PAO and MCAT teams and Latter-day
Saints Charities.

Thank you for your support!

Kari Williams
Education Coalition, CP11

2011 Continuing Promise

Give A Kid a Backpack Volunteer Coordinator boarded on April 9 the USS Comfort.
The ship departed from Norfolk , VA on a five month humanitarian mission. The members will be visiting 9 countries throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America.

Updates on the mission


Onboard Training and Partner-
ship

The coalition’s activities began
during the transit to Jamaica as
representative, Kari Williams,
cross-trained with health and hy-
giene partner, EDGE Outreach,
on the organization’s water sanita-
tion and hygiene techniques. Af-
ter arriving in Jamaica, she visited
the main medical site which was
at the National Arena to volunteer
as a member of the EDGE Out-
reach team. For three days, Kari
taught hygiene techniques with
EDGE members to children and
adults passing through the medi-
cal site and handed out water to
patients waiting in line.

Edge Outreach purified and dis-
tributed over 1,000 gallons of
water over the course of the mis-
sion in Jamaica. Their water assis-
tance helped to prevent dehydra-
tion, allowing many Jamaicans to
stay hydrated while waiting for
their medical care. The organiza-
tion provided a tremendous need
to those visiting the American
medical clinic.

International Collaboration and
Capacity Building

Thanks to the wonderful support

of partner organizations, Samari-
tan’s Feet International and the
Dictionary Project, much needed
donations of shoes and dictionar-
ies were distributed to children at
Alpha Boys School, Northstreet
Primary, Mustard Seed Communi-
ties, August Town Primary, and
Harbour View Primary in and
around Kingston, Jamaica.

The Rotary Club of Kingston, the
coalition’s host nation partner,
prioritized these targeted schools
and orphanages to leverage cur-
rent initiatives already in progress
in their community. Once the
partner Rotarians had identified
locations for aid support, mem-
bers of the USNS COMFORT
and US embassy worked to organ-
ize and approve logistical support
for the distribution. Local Rotari-
ans provided feet washing materi-
als, transportation and storage for
donations as well as in-country
coordination assistance. This host
nation NGO support enabled the
US military to allocate its re-
sources for other mission-related
activities, saving both cost and
time for the project’s execution.

Volunteers were recruited from
several areas aboard the USNS
COMFORT. US Air Force, Navy,
Military Sealift Command, and

even the Commodore, Ship’s
Master and Executive Officer
participated in the project as well
as NGO representatives from the
Latter Day Saints. During the two
day project, 230 children’s feet
were washed and 275 dictionaries
were distributed while interacting
with the children, parents, school
staff, Rotary partners, and local
community members. Additional
donations were given to the Ro-
tary Club of Kingston to allocate,
since more time was needed for a
personalized distribution and the
Rotarians will provide long-term
support and follow through.

The coalition had a great start for
CP11 and is looking toward an-
other amazing experience with our
host nation partners, the Rotary
Club of Paita Centro in Peru.

Thank you all for your support
and encouragement!

Kari Williams

Editor’s note: For CP11, the Edu-
cation Coalition represents several
organizations including The Dic-
tionary Project, Loving Hugs, Give
a Kid a Backpack and Samaritan’s
Feet.

Backpacks are recieved with lots of LOVE in Panama

Continuing Promise

Chiriqui Grande, Panama

Too much to write about..so here are some interesting notes:

Once again our fabulous friend, nicknamed Panama came through with an
opportunity for us to work directly with the Ministry of Education in
the host nation. We were fortunate to not only meet with a ministry
director for the area, but also were able to have a sit down
discussion with the Mayor of Chiriqui Grande.

When I say that we were lucky, that is an understatement. I will
explain further….Prior to our arrival in Panama; our ACE team friend
was able to acquire a listing of schools from the Ministry of
Education for us to research for distributions. We looked at some of
the numbers and decided to visit seven potential schools. However,
once we met with the mayor at the main medical site he suggested that
we visit ten schools instead to reach some that were not supported
previously with aid. The lucky part of the situation was that on the
same day all of his principles from around the area just so happen to
be holding a meeting at the very same location we were meeting.
Panama, our friend, worked some magic and at the beginning of the
principle’s meeting introduced our organization and we were able to
coordinate all ten schools right then and there. We still had to tie
up some loose ends and make sure that our transportation and logistics
worked out. We made sure that we had one driver who knew our routine.
We probably would not have been able to reach all ten schools if the
situation had been different due to coordination challenges; we went
out every day except for Sunday visiting schools.

Panama was amazing! We rode with our backpack troop (12-14 people)
along one main road with mountains, luscious greenery, and even water
buffalo along the side. Our first school would later become medical
site three, it was situated right off of the main road; however, it
was directly on the side of a mountain. It was a beautiful sight.
There were small tiki huts in front of the school for the children to
sit under and along the side of the school there were some family and
farm huts where one could view little yellow and brown ducklings
waddling their way along a small creek that ran down from the
mountain.

The director from the ministry came with us on our first day; she
helped introduce us to the principle and helped facilitate the day’s
activities. We moved from classroom to classroom with our marine
volunteers, who enjoyed their interaction with the children. The
director organized several treats for us. Panama was the first country
where almost every class had a performance or demonstration for our
group. Standing on the front porch, so to speak, we all gathered along
the edge and in a semi circle with the children across from us to wait
for what surprise was in store for us. The first graders began with a
performance utilizing vowels. Each of them had a large piece of
cardboard tied around their neck with string and sang their vowel when
it was their turn. It was so adorable! Next, we had several songs
performed from the second and thirds graders as well as a short play
about helping others and friendship. For the first time, we decided
that we should perform for the children in a different way. Yes! We
(all of us) decided to sing and dance the “Hoky Poky” as well as “If
Your Happy and You Know It”. Well, the truth being that the marines
were a bit hesitant, but then they soon jumped in and sang along. The
children got the biggest kick out of the visitors from the states
jumping, clapping, and singing just for them. It soon became the
program for the week as with each new school-the children would
share/perform and so would we.

Our group was able to visit all of the ten schools, some being very
small and remote. One of my favorite memories comes from the last day
of our Panama backpack journey. Usually, at each school there are a
couple of little girls who become my good friends and we share smiles,
laughs, and hugs. On the last day, there was one little girl who was
so loving. I kept running into her as I moved between each classroom
since she would wait in the walkway for us to pass by. I decided to
briefly teach several of the little girls some ballet after we had
distributed the backpacks and so we moved over to their concrete
courtyard. We played and practiced ballet positions and twirled in
circles-since every girl likes to spin We had fun. This school was
along the beach and being from Florida I decided I needed to see the
water up close. As I walked along the edge of the school, I found my
friend peaking around the corner of the wall alongside the school’s
outer perimeter. I soon learned that my friend had a small
house/wooden right behind the school and on the water. Her mother
greeted me and welcomed me into their space. Their family used this
house, which she purchased two years ago due to the fact that they
lived two hours away from the school. Her mother wanted a place for
the kids to rest until they were able to travel back to their home. We
shared stories about family and it was lovely to see this sweet little
girl playing with the new stuffed animal that we were fortunate to
give to her as well as to see a glimpse of their life. The people in
Panama were so friendly and the children were thankful. I believe that
the backpacks and our presence were truly felt there.

As Van Halen screamed..so did we PANAMA..AAAA! Just for the fam..

Continuing Promise Blue Fields, Nicaragua

Continuing Promise

Blue Fields, Nicaragua

Day 1-3 Assisting at Medical Site 1:

I was excited to be back in Nicaragua. Last year, I visited Granada
with GKB and was hoping to return in the near future. I was fortunate
that CP10 scheduled a visit to Nicaragua, so I was able to fulfill my
wish sooner that I had expected.

This country was very different from the previous visits since the
military was only able to utilize helicopters for operations. There
were fewer individuals able to go into Nicaragua; however, I witnessed
a great deal of work completed at the main medical site despite fewer
staff. The military also arranged for many individuals to remain in
country overnight, which increased the mission’s capacity.

I was able to work check-in processing of patients at the main medical
site for three of the ten day visit. The set up included three large
tents that were connected in the middle and rows of chairs underneath
for patients; this was a makeshift waiting room. We split up the
sections into optometry, dental, general medicine, and pediatric care.
The sun was pretty intense at times and there was a lot of movements
as patients were escorted through the gates at one end of the school
compound. The Nicaraguan military helped organize a system where they
would pre-screen patients outside and provide numbered tickets to
track volume and facilitate efficiency. We provided bottled water for
those in the waiting area; the water was much needed since the heat
was so intense. I met some wonderful Nicaraguan Red Cross volunteers,
who helped me to check-in patients and translated symptoms that I
could not understand.

The last day that I assisted at the medical site was hectic at times.
I found myself moving through the rows of patients, one minute to the
next asking questions to help process their information. Before I was
aware, I almost fainted on my Red Cross friend. We laughed as I had to
grab his shoulder to stay standing. I cannot emphasize enough how
important hydration is in these situations. I feel like a person can
become so involved in the work that he or she is doing and forget to
watch out for themselves. I was having such a good time talking with
the families and I also wanted to process as quickly as possible-that
I just forgot to drink in between patients. I learned my lesson that
day and continued to make a more conscious effort to drink more water
while working.

El Bluff, Nicaragua

Day 4 Island Backpack Delivery:

We had one backpack delivery in Nicaragua, due to the challenges with
logistics. If not for the Marines (MAGTAF) we would not have been able
to deliver any backpacks in Nicaragua. We were so thankful that one of
the Lt. Colonels mentioned that the marines were training near a
school in a very small rural community called El Bluff. Once we
discovered that there might be an opportunity to visit the school and
handout backpacks, we were so excited.

A fun and interesting twist to the distribution was that we would have
the opportunity to ride in a Nicaraguan speed boat to the island with
our supplies. The gears started turning and we began to organize the
distribution. The marines provided all of the information that we
needed; we even received a detailed map of the area and where we would
be landing! The marine chaplain also agreed to come with us; he is a
balloon animal expert- and was able to make swords, flowers, and dogs
for the children. The kids absolutely loved it!

On the big day we met our party where the military offloads many
things. That day we were offloading ourselves by climbing down a rope
ladder, it was so much fun-I love climbing on anything. The marines
also helped offload our backpacks by tying a rope around each box and
individually lowering them to the awaiting boat underneath. Great
teamwork! Soon we hopped into the boat and sped to shore. We were
moving so fast that my small earrings were sideways and I thought that
my glasses would snap at the sides. I originally thought that we must
have been going 100; however, later I was informed of my gross
overestimate as we were going around 50-which is still very fast.

When we arrived to the dock in El Bluff there were more marines
waiting to help us carry our supplies to the school. I would say that
we looked like a trail of ants carrying our boxes down this paved
sidewalk through a neighborhood. We arrived at the school and the kids
were energetic to see us. We started with the pre-schoolers as normal
and moved up the grade levels. Each student received a greeting, thank
you, and backpack. I apologized for my broken Spanish; however, the
students seemed to understand me and forgave me since I tried.

I made two new friends with these (amigas), who kept finding me after
each class. They were so adorable and loving. They enjoyed smiling and
one was able to take some pictures using my camera. It is amazing how
quickly a child can learn from just simple demonstrations. A group of
kids also posed showing their strength by flexing their muscles- this
reminded me of kids I had worked with in the states. As they picked
each other up, each one wanted to demonstrate their strength. They
loved showing everyone what they could do and laughed along the way.

We said our goodbyes to the director and teachers. I said my goodbye
to my two little friends. As I was leaving the marine chaplain laughed
and yelled as all of the boys he made balloon swords for made him
climb the flag pole. It was hilarious!
We walked back to the dock and waited for our clearance to return back
to the ship. Before we left, the Nicaraguan Navy gave us a tour of one
of their flag ships- it was very modern and impressive. I was glad to
see that they had a vessel of this caliber.

We jumped into the speed boat and headed back to the IWO. This time we
went faster and one of the Nicaraguans allowed a marine Captain to
drive. We flew over the water- I was smiling the entire time, which
even produced a bit of drool on the side of my mouth- you know the
kind when you are moving too fast to control it! That is pure fun and
life! It was a great day- Hoorrahhh!!!!

Guatemala

Continuing Promise

Puerto Barrios, Guatemala

Day 1 Scouting for Schools:

Due to the fantastic coordination of the ACE Team, we had obtained a
listing from Guatemala’s Minister of Education including the priority
schools for the area. Our next step was to investigate each school to
confirm if the numbers that were provided were correct. We needed to
make sure that we had the correct number of backpacks for the
students.

The day began with a ride on a Landing Craft Unit, we arrived to a
beach port of the local Navy-it was very pleasant similar to a fishing
port I would say. There were even old boats on either side of a gravel
path leading away from the main road; some had so much overgrowth you
would believe them to be there for several years. There was also a
canoe storage made of leaves, which reminded me of the Bahamas.

We rode to medical site 1 to await our transportation for the day. We
hopped into our van with our Guatemalan military escorts and headed to
a listing of sites that were pre-screened. The first school that we
arrived to was listed to have 285 students total; to our surprise when
we arrived they had well over 500 students. We were so thankful that
we had the opportunity to verify the number; otherwise we would have
been short quite a bit. We decided to focus on smaller three rural
schools in Puerto Barrios and were able to schedule the distributions
with the principles-we were so excited to work directly with the
schools. All of the schools had no grass, playground, or substantial
materials. We had a feeling that this experience would be amazing.

Day 2 Caserio Del Mitch:

Our intuitions were correct-the children were so loving and
appreciative. We had a few marines join us as well as Lyndsey Hodges
from the Greitens Foundation to help distribute backpacks, stuffed
animals, and some toys donated by Heather, our pediatric nurse friend
volunteering for Project Hope. We began by giving the pre-schoolers
stuffed animals, they were so cute and shy. They grasped onto the
animals with a look of curiosity, like “who are these people and why
are they here?” Their teacher helped to raise their level of comfort
and soon they were smiling.

We were surprised as after only our first class, some little first
grade girls started giving each of us Fantas-(My favorite). Orange and
grape flavored goodness! Their only water source was a pipe on the
edge of the property so to receive soda demonstrated a great
appreciation for our visit. We thanked everyone with hugs. The kids
loved pictures, especially with their friends-which gave them the
opportunity to throw peace signs behind unknowing friends’ heads-as
well as hugs. Each class did not want us to move on to the next class,
so they would attempt to keep us around by asking for more hugs and
photos. Each class had a few children that would wait outside the
classroom doors for us to swing back by for more questions and laughs.
We continued to each class, we finished the distribution in the
morning and distributed in the afternoon as well.

The kids loved their bags and toys. One of the marines played soccer
with the kids, he was all over the place-funny thing is the kids were
running circles around him. He was a good sport though trying his best
to keep up. So, I watched some girls walk over to the water spout and
fill up a water balloon. I was a bit confused because it was only one
balloon and in some areas they might drink water this way. However, as
it turned out the girls were plotting to throw it at someone but did
not know who to hit. My thoughts were to throw it at one of the
marines-of course. I pointed to two of the marines that had been
helping us out and they immediately all chose David, the marine who
was playing soccer. We all gathered in a crowd and approached his
position slowly. He had no idea what was coming. On command one of the
girls launched the water balloon, but unfortunately she completely
missed aiming at his feet. David, the marine, was still caught off
guard and we all laughed at the attempt. As we were leaving the
school, the children gathered around the windows of the van laughing,
yelling “Adios”, jumping, and waving us on our way. They were going
crazy! There was so much energy everywhere, I was sad to leave such
wonderful children.

Day 3 Escuela Barrio Mixo Rural:

We had five marines join us for our second distribution in Guatemala,
each time we try to get different marines that have not had the
opportunity to visit the countries prior. We arrived at our
destination and the kids were laughing from each of the classrooms.
You could sense that they were just waiting for their turn. The school
was settled in between buildings, the lot seemed similar as to where
you might see a residential space. However, they had managed to
construct an open space for the children to play despite limited
space.

We lined up the marines in four rows, the system worked well for
directing each kid up to the marine waiting on his knee with a
backpack and high-five. One of the marines and I grabbed some toys
that were donated and went down the lines passing out one to each girl
and boy. It was a little treat on the side. Janina did a fantastic job
organizing the classes and directing the children. Once we had
finished distributing to the children, the principle requested
additional backpacks for a few children that were absent. We were more
than happy to oblige. The principle and cook were also kind enough to
provide each of us with a chicken-sub sandwich and a local soda. We
felt so thankful to have received such a gift. Food really makes me
happy! We talked and hung out with the children for an hour or so
afterward. The children started taking some of their new notebooks and
pens and were requesting autographs from each of us. It was so
cute-one of the marines exclaimed “I’m famous, I’m famous” as he was
surrounded by children saying por favor (please) sign my paper. With
just a simple signature, we were able to bring additional smiles to
the kids, something small but impactful.

Day 4 Escuela Barrio Mixo Rural- El Lara:

Our third school had a wide courtyard with a concrete space for soccer
or basketball, with a little bodega (store) on the side. It was
convenient for the children to have the ability to walk a few feet to
delicious snacks and drinks. It was brightly colored due to the
Coca-Cola endorsed sides, which was interesting as the stands seemed
to be a running theme-we saw similar ones at medical site 1 which was
a high school.

We had a veterinarian technician Jill (World Vets) and a nurse Brooke
from (National Nurses United) join our team for the day, along with
the marines that volunteered. We had to move quickly since the
majority of the distribution had the students standing in a line
outside as we rotated in and out to hand deliver the backpacks. It was
also a national holiday for Guatemala so the schools were all letting
out early. The scene ended up resembled an assembly line with
exchanges of pounds (fist to fist) between the volunteers and
students. There were a lot of older students at this school, finishing
out the sixth grade a bit later. There response to the donation
included a cool handshake and smile. We met with the director and a
few teachers before our departure and gave them some teacher satchels
and hugs. Next, we jumped in our red van and headed back to the
medical site for a change over in personnel.

A Naval Ace Team member (a friend by the name of “Panama” who is
amazing) helped us to coordinate our distribution in Guatemala and was
able to facilitate a donation for us to a small orphanage as our last
stop in that journey. When we pulled up to the orphanage all of the
kids were in their eating/meeting room where the military volunteers
were painting as part of their community relation project or Comrel.

There were bright blues and purples throughout some of the rooms with
Disney characters decorating the walls. It is amazing to see how much
Disney is integrated around the world, being from Orlando it reminds
me of home and also how lucky we are to get the opportunity to see it
in person.

One of the girls took me on a tour of their living quarters; it was a
concrete building up the hill with some pink paint. It was not obvious
at the time; however, later in a meeting on the ship I learned that
they did not have running water for a few months before the Navy came
and fixed their water pump. The girls slept in beds all in a row with
a variety of sheets and blankets. I remember wondering how it would be
to sleep in a building all concrete with nothing for windows but bars
and a ripped screen to keep out the critters at night. All of the
children were sweet.

We gave all of the children backpacks and left some extra for some
children that were not present. Due to the kindness of the other NGO
volunteers and some military we were able to collect some donations of
toiletry items (soap, shampoo, etc.) and clothing (shoes, pants,
shirts) prior to our visit to give to the children. Every little bit
helps and goes a long way. It was great to see the director’s
appreciation. As we pulled away from the orphanage all of the children
and adults stood in the entrance waving, smiling, and laughing. While
we all said goodbye, I knew that there was a great impact there and
hoped to surely return to Guatemala one day.

Dear Friends,

We are leaving Guatemala right now-and it was the best distribution
experience. The children were loving and appreciative. Lots of smiles and hugs.

We have approximately 1275 backpacks left, and they are moving to push
bigger drops starting in Panama, since the military is having a
difficult time with Nicaragua.

We are extremely limited with transportation since all of it will be via
helicopters.

Our US Navy have every intention in helping us be successful and get all of
the backpacks distributed amongst the last countries.

More updates coming soon.

Warm wishes,

Kari Williams

Continuing Promise Limon, Costa Rica

Continuing Promise
Limon, Costa Rica

Day 1 Engineering Site 2, Hone Creek School:

Stepping on Costa Rican soil was very different from the countries
that we had visited before-we walked right onto the dock in Limon. The
security and hoops that we had to jump through in Costa Rica was
astounding, it is amazing how difficult it was to receive clearance
for a medical mercy ship. However, with all of our passes in hand we
were ready to check out our options.

Our first day was an easy-flowing investigation to set up future
distributions. This time we looked toward working at the engineering
sites, which were schools, to partner and provide backpacks and
supplies. Once we loaded up on our bus around 6:15-6:30am we rode out
to a school on the outskirts of Puerto Viejo called Hone Creek. As we
pulled into the school with the Naval engineers, we noticed there were
a few children hanging around the site even though school was not in
session. I had a great time practicing the English and Spanish
versions for different fruits, while the children laughed at my
temporary memory loss. The principle for the school is Francisca, what
an amazing lady. We set up our distribution for a few days later,
dotting the I’s and crossing the t’s for the logistics. Francisca was
amazing at providing us the information that we needed and helping us
to organize the children.

Day 2 Engineering Site 2, Hone Creek School:

The big day was fantastic! For the first time in Continuing Promise,
we were able to have 10 marines come out with us to help give the
children backpacks and stuffed animals. They were wonderful. Once the
military got used to the process and was comfortable with the
children, high-fives and hugs were flying as we went through grade
levels. There were so many smiles and the marines brought a tremendous
asset to our team. Our friend Casey McCausland was wonderful again,
helping us to keep count of the actual distributions and getting us
the supplies that we needed to be successful. The navy, who were
painting the school, even jumped in here and there to get a piece of
the backpack action. Everyone really enjoyed their moments with the
children.

Another very important task for us that day was to ensure that the
teachers received their bags. These bags were more like satchels, made
out of leather in nice shades of blue and maroon. For the teachers,
the principle allowed us to present them their bags in front of their
students. A few of the marines and Janina and I walked from room to
room, and in some cases outside (classrooms), to give these lovely
ladies their gift. Having a mother for an educator, sometimes it is
difficult to explain in words just how much teachers mean to me,
hopefully the hugs, handshakes and smiles conveyed the respect and
love that we have for these ladies. Being with them that day reminded
me of my mother and warmed my heart to be spreading her love to in
Costa Rica.

The day moved on and we found ourselves saying goodbye, but not before
Francisca provided us an amazing opportunity to return later on that
week. We were invited to return for a closing ceremony-and we were not
going to miss it!

Day 3 Engineering Site 1, Westfalia School:

Janina and I decided to get creative for our second day of
distributions. We wanted to increase our efforts so I went to an
elementary school and Janina went to an orphanage. In the morning, we
walked onto the pier like before; however, I found a surprise of 10
marines waiting to come with me. It was so funny to me because
Westfalia was a very small school, yet in need of support and I had
almost one marine to a child. The marines were wonderful though, they
were so happy to be in Costa Rica as I asked and it was many of their
first times in the country. I was so thankful to have the opportunity
to work with them.

We arrived at the school and had a warm-hearted welcome from the
family that lived next door to the school. My new friend opened her
home to all of us. All of us sat in what I would call her front porch
area; she even brought out coffee and bread and butter for all of us.
It was amazing, Costa Rican coffee-fantastic. We tried to repay her
kindness, but she would not hear of it, not even allow me to help wash
the dishes. She was wonderful and so were her daughter and
granddaughter. Fortunately, her granddaughter liked the stuffed
animals and toys we had, it was a pleasure to see her enjoy playing
with them.

At 9:00 we moved into the temporary classrooms where the principle,
who is the only teacher, was instructing the children since the school
was being renovated by the naval engineers (SeaBees). When we walked
into the class the children greeted us with a big Buenos Dias and lots
of smiles. The marines lined up on one side of the room with the
children lined on the opposite side of the room. Each marine
personally helped the students put the backpacks on and each child
received a stuffed animal as well. It was such a cute site. The
children moved back into a line and the marines that worked with them
moved to stand next to their new buddy. All at once we instructed the
children to look inside the backpacks and the marines helped them to
check out their new supplies. The children were so excited, similar to
a reaction that you might see on Christmas morning.

Once the children had a chance to check out their backpacks, we
decided to move to another activity to give the children a chance to
learn and teach. The director told me that the children already knew
how to count through 1-10 in English and we decided to teach them
11-20. With the marines on one side and the children on the other, as
a Spanish and English number conductor we went through all of the
numbers. Each group had the opportunity to state the numbers in
English in Spanish. At the end of the number symphony, both the
marines and the children had learned something new. It was a lot of
fun! The children decided to teach us all some of their favorite games
and so we played with them for the rest of the day. The marines even
volunteered to help serve the children lunch, which made the meal
easier for the director.

Day 4 Engineering Site 2, Hone Creek School:

The day had come for us to attend the ending celebration with
Francisca and her wonderful school. It was not until the last day of
our celebration that I she told me that she wished to run an orphanage
as well as the school. Not only does this amazing woman bring
education to children she opens her home; she took in a baby at the
age of 19 to care and give that child a chance for a better life. I
was in awe of her.

The day started off with a game of red light green light with the
children. It was so great to see the children so excited to run, walk,
stop, and run again till they reached home base (which was us waiting
to give them big hugs). Many parents and students came to support the
celebration. The teachers passed out American and Costa Rican flags to
several of the children and they loved taking pictures with their
flags. A stage was set up with speakers, a keyboard, and some plants
for decoration. We were walking around when a marine came up to us and
said, “she wants me to sing the national anthem”. He looked a bit
panicked, but all in good fun. It turned out that one of the teachers
had asked him to sing because they had one of their students singing
the Costa Rican national anthem. Well, with ten minutes to spare I
said I would sing with him if he liked-he ended up bailing and another
naval officer jumped up there with me and we sang together. I enjoyed
it, even though I was so nervous because I had never sung the national
anthem; however, “when in Limon” why not right?

The celebration continued with each grade level presenting a different
skit, dance, or song. There were the kindergarteners singing and
waving their hands to the older students dancing around the stage.
Commander Negus and several other Continuing Promise officials watched
the celebration with such appreciation, you could see on their faces
how they were soaking up the experience and loving it. The final
presentation was Francisca presenting the project leaders with
decorative plates to say thank you.

Loving life- and as they say in Costa Rica “PURA VIDA” or pure life!!!!