Rainbow Families Foundation Newsletter - July 2001

July 2001

I moved all the clothes from the warehouse oven to the school next to Corrina and Andres home.  The space is very limited but it was very difficult working out of two places and going back and forth.  I moved 20 boxes full of clothes that were on the floor and I imagine there were about 20 boxes at the school house.  I am continue to make the packages bigger so as to finish sooner.  The clothes for kids ages 6 - 16 are about gone. Yes Janny is about 2 1/2 months along.  Yes, Penelope does have hepatitus and on medication.  Margaret is as onry as ever. The baseball teams played on Saturday morning.  They lost again but are showing some progress.  Jacobo needs someone else to assist him.  The coach is a young boy and doesn't have the experience to discipline the boys better. I plan to call the airlines tomorrow to get a flight home asap. There has been some concern on Jacobo's part about the distribution lists from the church.  Just a little uncomfortable. I tried to explain to Corrina and Nena tonight about our new grandson.  I think they understood.  Neither of them speak English so communication is difficult when Grimaldy is not here.  I have to confirm with him if any arrangements are discussed in his absence as to avoid any misunderstandings. Jacobo and I delivered packages in Severe tonight.  As always when in his countryside, I stayed for dinner.  Their meals are so meager compared to the way we eat in the U.S.  Usually just one dish of something for everybody. Jonny is having a little more difficulty with this pregnancy than the last two.  Jacobo is certain it is a boy since it is low.  She is three months but will go to the doctor on Thursday to confirm the due date.  Of course, I told Jacobo and Jonny that you said hello. Jonny is tired all the time with her pregnancy, which is to be expected, I guess.  Jacobo is getting sick with a cold, again.  Penelope and Margaret are doing fine.  Margaret is as mean as a snake.  She should have been born a boy. I stopped back by Corrina and Andres house to confirm dinner arrangements for Thursday since Grimaldy was not here earlier when Corrina invited me.  He was on'line and invited me to use the computer.  It is late and I am tired so this will not be long.  This is the computer that is so tempermental. The political party has a meeting in the school house tomorrow so everything had to be put in the boxes and the tables and chairs set up for their meeting.  I think it will be a good opportunity for me to take a break and maybe relax.  I will see what tomorrow brings. The Evangelical Church presented me with a plaque in recognition of my work here.  It is very nice.  I was embarrassed to receive it but I know they appreciate all that I-we have done.  It will hang somewhere in our home with my other award from Women of the Year Achievement. Yes, I believe I have fully recovered from the infection.  Sometimes it is difficult to know because the weather is so hot and I feel very drained.  And, no, the mosquitos do not leave me alone.  They like the gringa blood.  Sangre de gringa! The people here had a two-day protest last week against the goverment.  Many businesses closed and the country was on alert.  Military police were stationed everywhere.  Guests in the hotels were advised not to be out in the streets.  Later I heard of only one problem just north of Puerto Plata in Imbert where gunshots were fired.  The people are upset with the Government because of the continuing rising cost of everything.  The people were told to boycott buying groceries, gasoline and everything for the two-day period. Corrina is trying to set up a meeting with me and the Governor of Puerto Plata.  Last Friday we went to his home at 9 PM when he was expected.  We stayed until 10:30 PM talking to his wife but then left since he must have gotten detained in Playa Dorada.  Corrina's friend in Monte Llano, named Colene (man) owns a sugar plantations and is friends with the Governor.  Two previous meetings were scheduled but did not happen for one reason or another.  Colene is on the Board at the Maternity Hospital and, though it has not been said, I think he wants me to continue bringing supplies to the maternity hospital and wants the Government to assist in easing the clearance.