An extra 100 meters to an 800 meter race

When I asked the amazing Volunteers of 2009-10 to consider extending their stay so we could continue the educational program for an extra month for the younger students, I knew that for most it would not be possible. Some had to get back to jobs and others to start professional degrees. Some knew they needed a break and time with family before returning next year. I was also conscious of the fact that I was adding 100 meters to an 800 meter race, not just asking the group to go the extra mile on an easy jog.

Fact is, the group had already gone several extra miles and had more than dispatched their responsibilities. Still, if we were going to achieve the practical goal of increased education and the more abstract goal of leadership development during the month extension, we were going to need a Volunteer presence.

Fortunately, John DiTillo and Corey Paulino, who will both be returning next year, were able to re-arrange their lives yet again. Brian Rhodes, a Volunteer from 2003-04, also agreed to come and help out. It is a bit of a scramble for us, mostly for them, to cover classes for the very missed, 8 other Volunteers--but things are going well. Corey said, "I felt like a French Legionnaire being left at a fort under siege when the Volunteers pulled out of the drive for the airport." John DiTillo responded, "Yeah, and we are surrounded." This was mostly tongue-in-cheek; however, there are 250 students and only three of them. I am sure that Corey's colleagues, had they heard his comment, would have cautioned him that this may indeed be his Waterloo.

I am enjoying the opportunity to get to know the students better. I drop in on the open classes and chat with the students about eye-to-eye contact, speaking clearly and using sufficient volume to keep the focus of the listener, especially a job interviewer. Just learning names is a challenge when they range from Shelove to Yamilee. I am working on popularizing the idea of adopting nicknames as at times even the more common Francophone names pose a problem for my limited language skills. Next week, I will begin working in earnest with the Seconde Class (11^th Grade) who will be in leadership positions next year. My hope is that this will create a base on which we can build a strong 2010-11 in terms of student leadership. Frankly, it is more difficult to make sure every student is given the opportunity to grow as a leader in a school of 350 compared to school of 175. Metanoia takes time, intensity and opportunity for God's grace to work.

Wall building is progressing quickly. Thank you to Scott Hill, THP Facilities Committee Chair and the Project’s perennial pro bono architect, for his help with the details of construction. We have also completed 4 temporary classrooms. We may need to add another two down the road, but we are trying to conserve soccer field space and avoid the added expense.

Also on the topic of construction, this week we will package up a bundle of house repair and building reports to send to the wonderful folks of the Portland [OR] Goodwill, who donated $17,500 for housing projects. I am proud to report that we have dispensed 100% of that grant, helping four families and creating two new permanent houses. We are headed into our next two houses. More on that next week.

Peace,

Patrick