Good evening:

Another busy day which started by my serving up a fried egg for Ron...which was probably the freshest egg I have ever served up in my life. I had Joel run across the street at 7 AM this morning to get me two dozen eggs from our neighbour who has his own chicken coop. This is one benefit of the earthquake...I only learned of this little gold mine because of the walls falling down, I was able to see the chicken coop and the eggs laying their just waiting to be picked up. A great benefit for us and I am glad we help the truly "local" economy.

After breakfast we headed to the school for meetings with the parents comittee and the university students. Both were very touching and informative.The parents committee expressed feelings from the community that they did not feel the presence of VOH after the earthquake in assisting with disaster relief, although they were very appreciative of the efforts that were made for the staff and providing the food distribution for the students. The university students presented a very nice typed document to Ron which they had all signed. It basically thanked VOH for all of the help and support to date, expressed their despair and feelings of hopelessness with so many universities lost and they see no future in site and also asking us to see how we could help the continue their education. Ron did a great job of supporting and encouraging them . After one hears such stories you just wish you could wave a magic wand over all to heal all of the wounds whatever they may be and to cure all the problems. Sadly that is not the case, so we just pray for patience and courage and that a " new day" will come along never the less.

Before leaving the school we looked at the repairs made by the "D' team and what other items need to be taken care of. Then it was off for a short tour of PAP, stopping for a bite to eat along the way. Coming back late in the afternoon we passed by Little Children of Jesus and Grace Mission. Both Gladys and Marie were so happy to see Ron and we had short, but pleasant visits with each of them.

Tomorrow I will see Ron off....boy did those days fly by.....then it will be errand and computer time for me.

Along the way today we saw crews busily working away preparing several large tracks of land which I presume are going to be used for more "permanent" temporary housing. They were being laid out pretty nicely with gravel being put down and provisions for water distribution, sanitation and showers. I know they cannot be finished soon enough for all of those who will have to be moved into these sites. That in itself will be an interesting process.

and on that word, I will say good night......it's time to go and get some "beauty rest"

Debbie