March 4, 2009

We assembled in the meeting room between 6:30 and 6:45. As our team came in there were smiles on faces but tired bodies moving to chairs. We had a great Portuguese lesson from Kim.

Our daily reports were upbeat. Everyone had a positive attitude and reported progress with teachers and students. The kinks are really still being worked out.
Mary, Karl and Valerie met with students who for the most part were interested, cooperative and glad that we could share with them. Michelle and Idella reported positive interaction with students on several projects. Connie and Barb helped in the English classes with setting up a website but the highlight of their time was spending time with a teacher who wanted to practice his English and has not had a chance since the last Global Volunteers team was here.

Joanne, Jane and Bernice only had half a day with their teacher because she was teaching at the prison. Teaching that half day was productive and they were pleased with their accomplishments.

Poor Jeanne, she tried for jobs but has not yet connected. There is a really great prospect that the whole thing will jell on Wednesday. Jeanne is just over qualified and too easy to get along with.

- Mary Schlaikjer

Thought of the Day: It is better to try and fail than to have never tried at all because each failure is a learning experience.