AWARENESS VIDEO

We have filmed an awareness video, one that we will be able to show our supporters.  It will be posted here on the blog shortly.  We visited Franklin's house and filmed there to try to show the kid's reality to our supporters.  I am in these houses on a daily basis, and have become somewhat accustomed to that reality.  Our Dominican cameraman on the other hand, was shaken and actually shed a tear when he began to film.  He stated that he didn't realize how bad the conditions were for some of his people. Here is a photo of the roof of Franklin's house.  This part of the roof is in his bedroom right above his head where he sleeps.

COCONUT SHELL BUTTERFLIES

No one will believe that 10 yr old children have made these butterflies.  What started out being a simple painting project turned out to be highly artistic.  I contacted the artists that made the original coconut shell butterflies that I spotted in a store in Puerto Plata, and asked if he would cut the coconut shell for each child in the shape of a butterfly.  The artist complied, and also offered to come to the centre and volunteer to teach the children how to paint them.  Alberto and his assistant, came to the centre twice and our kids caught on very quickly.  All were painted in many different colours and I couln't be more proud of the job they did. The butterflies will be on display and eventually sold.  All proceeds will go towards school uniforms for September.

SPORTS CAMP

Today we held our first sports camp at the Centre.  Races with spoons and eggs, balloon races, and hula hoop races all went over well.  The obstacle course was a favorite.  Little did we know our kids were so competitive.  They had fun competing and were all rewarded with 1st, 2nd or participant badges.  We also had a super special badge that went to the child who had the best attitude and was the best team player.  Congratulations Christopher!  The best part of the day was our super water balloon toss, the children loved the fact that they could cool down a bit in the hot sun.

BUTTERFLIES

With some time to spare after English Class today, the kids made butterflies out of pipe cleaners and pom-poms.  We aren't sure exactly why but they referred to them as 'good luck butterflies'....so be it!