“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Author Unknown
The Utah Express
John Steinbeck once wrote “that people don’t take trips but trips take people” and this could be true for the Utah folks. Passports are in hand and it looks like the Utah travelers are getting packed up. Only about four weeks before take off and we all are busy working on the travel itinerary. 
Some exciting events are being planned to welcome, entertain, and inform the guests. I personally regret not being able to join them to share the experience of delivering boxes of school supplies and materials. Also, I will miss seeing the magic that somehow takes place in this little part of the world. However, I will be at my command post making certain each “Friend” stays informed and aware of the Utah visit to Copey.
The “Pathway Project 2018”
Today, we learned that a second Emory & Henry College student is planning to travel to Copey to work as a volunteer this Spring. I only have their names at this time. It is a wonderful feeling to know the “Pathway Project” attracts students going in both directions as it was intended. More details on these students will follow soon.
Within weeks, Lourdes and Brian, Copey students selected for the “Pathway Project 2018” to travel to America, will begin their classwork and other preparations for their travel in June. Pathway student Lourdes recently wrote in her application:
“My name is María Lourdes Monge Rodríguez. I was born on March 12th,2001. I am in 11°grade. I have been a student at CLC for 8 years.
Not many people have this opportunity of travel to USA and learn English, I am very lucky because I can learn English with North American teachers, and this opportunity to go to Emory . If I can go to USA I want to make the things the best I can, represent my country, learn and mainly enjoy this opportunity.
When I return to Costa Rica I can share my experience with all the students of Copey Learning Center to motivate them to participate to obtain this scholarship. In Costa Rica I can teach and help children in English, be a volunteer and a good leader.”
Final Note
Once again, “Friends of Copey” extends our heartfelt condolences to those families and friends who recently lost loved ones caused by another senseless killing. This deeply saddens us as we devote much of our time and resources to help improve the lives of young students. So much is lost and gone in nearly a blink of an eye…for reasons no one can justify.
There are times when I am mesmerized by the photo of the Copey Learning Center. Its color scheme and simplicity says so much. But, the center lacks many of the amenities and advantages our US schools typically provide students. The school in Florida where so much death and destruction took place has its lovely campus and the beautiful neighborhood surrounding the school. The enviable weather and the spirit of Valentine’s Day filling the air, just all seemed near perfect.
In comparison, the Copey Learning Center would be a condemned facility or considered far too ill-suited and substandard to house students for education purposes if it were located in America.
So, I am reminded of the line in that song from long ago…“a house is not home”. In Copey, the house…the Copey Learning Center is a home where all the people know each other, care for each other, and want the best for each other. With the words Copey Learning Center written above the door [probably by a student], with its electrical and plumbing issues, no real amenities, and many more shortcomings, the place really is looking more like paradise lately.
Let’s pray that righteous hearts and minds will prevail in search of honest and meaningful solutions. Kids should not be less safe at school than they are at a ball game or flying to go see grandma. We are much better than this.
Can I get an Amen?
Amen!
Amen!