Years ago, when we were getting started at Los Islotes, we rented a house in the nearby town of Mata Oscura. This was before we had a house of our own here… before there was any construction on the property.
Gary, who ran the construction crews for us in the beginning, lived in the house, with his wife Karen. Lief and I would stay in their guest room as we came and went. This was our first connection to this coast… and on our doorstep in Mata Oscura was the little Morrillo School.
It was a two-room schoolhouse with a dozen children. They had a tiny budget so we would make a point of bringing books and other learning materials with us to drop off each visit.
We’ve sponsored Christmas parties and graduation fiestas each year since… and last week Dalys, our righthand woman at Los Islotes, approached us to ask if we might be up for helping the Morrillo School with a special project.
“They want to create an area for presentations and festival celebrations,” Dalys explained. “They need cement and other things. And they are wondering if we’d be able to contribute something.”
“Let’s go have a look,” I suggested.
We drove the 20 minutes from Los Islotes to Mata Oscura to meet with the Morrillo School’s teacher. Maestro Moreno met us with a big smile…
Then he showed us the project site. “I’m working with the parents of the children,” he explained, “to create a new space for dances and other activities… plus we can host special events here at holidays”…
“We’re trying to finish our work by Sept. 11… in time for a special party. We work every Sunday from 7:30 a.m.”
Maestro Moreno needs 20 bags of cement and some rebar. We’re organizing for the materials to be delivered by Saturday. Then, early Sunday morning, Lief and I plan to drive over again to lend a hand. I don’t think I’ll be any help, but they might appreciate Lief’s strong back… and I’ll have a chance to know more of our neighbors.
Until next time,
