“I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a good teacher.” By Temple Grandin
My Oh My!.…The wonderment of this “Friends” project continues. Now, we have our Utah Team safely inside of Costa Rica and enjoying their short stay in Copey. They departed Saturday evening and arrived early Sunday morning and were greeted by their Copey hosts. 
This is what 400 pounds of school supplies looks like being checked in as additional baggage. Each bag arrived safely with them.
These supplies will take an enormous financial burden off of the Learning Center by providing all of the students educational resources for a long time. The Team plans to 
visit the local elementary school in Copey and deliver some of the supplies as a “goodwill gesture” to benefit more of the students in the community.
Here are some early photos showing their arrival and meeting up with Ana Yancy. The baggage arrived successfully without any issues with Customs and then meeting Ana Yancy meant all went well. Everyone could take a sigh of relief.
Also, here is a photo showing the Team gathered at Catalina’s home in Copey. Catalina opened her new home to the guests where they can all stay together, relax, and comfortably enjoy the natural beauty of the region.
I received a note from Tamarie after her first few hours in Copey. She said…“These people are incredible. I LOVE them already! What a wonderful opportunity! And, Tamarie is absolutely correct. Copey is something very special because of the Copey people and their genuine kindness. This Utah Team is also very special. I see this quality in all of the “Friends of Copey”.
Using Skype earlier today, I spoke with all of the Team and witnessed first-hand their excitement. They had begun to unpack the supplies and it was amazing to see all of the various items now on hand. Their afternoon will include hanging out with Larry and Cindy and visiting some wonderful places around Copey. There will soon be more photos and events to share.
Katherine Johnson
My introduction to Tamarie came about during a flight to Atlanta in October 2017. As
passengers and unacquainted, we began to talk about “Hidden Figures” and Aunt Katherine. Eventually, the conversation moved along to “Friends of Copey”. I credit both Aunt Katherine and Tamarie for the 400 pounds of school supplies sitting in the Learning Center and four of Meadow Elementary School’s finest educators visiting Copey. Tamarie’s actions inspired others to do something and it clearly demonstrates our motto…“when many will do just a little…!”
Speaking of Aunt Katherine, two recent major developments have occurred. First, Aunt Katherine has been honored by Barbie’s Inspiring Women series will a Barbie Doll representing Aunt Katherine…”paying tribute to incredible heroines of their time; courageous women who took risks, changed rules, and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever before.”
Also, Aunt Katherine is featured in the March 2018 AARP Bulletin. The headline quote reads “I believed I was where I was supposed to be.” This is a similar theme for “Friends” as I fully understand her pronouncement.
Personally, I pay very little attention to coincidences. I firmly believe there is “divine intervention” constantly at work but unfortunately we seldom give such intervention the credit it deserves. For Aunt Katherine, numerous life events had to take place including societal, legal, occupational, and even personal to cause Aunt Katherine to end up where she was supposed to be. My opinion, none were by coincidence!
As she moves on towards her 100th birthday in August, we continue to wish her well.
Final Word
This is a time of great significance. Let’s enjoy it!
Also, I will be on the east coast later this week to do work at Emory & Henry College. While there, I plan to help with the final arrangements for the arrival of our Learning Center students in the US and on our campus in June under “Pathway Project 2018”. Also, I look forward to meeting the two E&H College students traveling to Copey in May to do volunteer work in the Learning Center under “Pathway Project 2018”.
We are constantly on the move!