“Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. ”               By Helen Keller

Impossible Translated….”I’m Possible”!

Learning Before the Virus

The virus war continues as we experience the 24 hour coverage of the Covid-19 Virus sweeping the land, near and far. We are all in the virus war whether we accept this fact or not. And, we should all participate on the level most appropriate for the conditions confronting us individually. So, do what is called for to protect yourself and those nearby.  And, have faith that this will not last forever.

Thank you for the very kind notes and reminders that we can be very encouraging to one another. People need to be lifted up and supported with optimism because as “Friends” we are also “possibilitarians”.

The Copey Learning Center

I have received some questions regarding the present and future of the Copey Learning Center as Copey responds to their government’s protective medical policies and requirements. I am in regular communication with the Director, Ines Segura Serrano and receive updates on the Center’s response to the closures of educational facilities.

Although the facility is not open for classes, education still continues. The volunteer teachers who had just arrived in Copey prior to the outbreak of the virus, are still in Copey. They are busy on the job developing at-home work lessons for many of the students. Some students are working on-line and others are provided hard copy worksheets to complete.

Learning During Virus

This is just one more sign of evidence pointing to the extraordinary character of the Copey community and its devotion to education. The easier thing from them to do under these conditions would be to completely shut down and set education aside until their situation gets much better. Copey just does not do the easy things and just getting by is not apparent part of their DNA. The volunteers are still at work, the Director is still is at work, and most important the students are still at work.

It would be very interesting to know how many rural communities in Costa Rica are conducting a private and independent educational service during a shut down in their country. You can believe this…Copey is not like other rural communities in Costa Rica and different from many other rural communities in nearby countries.

Learning During Virus

This is very important for us to know, understand, and accept. Just before the virus crisis hit, we provided nearly $4,000.00 to the Copey Learning Center to support scholarships and the Executive Director’s salary. Our support is now helping to allow education to continue. This is a major point for us to embrace. 

Therein lies one of the great reasons I have been dedicated and devoted to the efforts of the Copey community. In view of the bad news we must manage each day, there is positive news we can personally and individually enjoy as “Friends”.

Faith and prayer are the vitamins of the soul; man and woman cannot live in health without them.         By Mahalia Jackson

First and foremost, my prayers and well wishes go out to all “Friends of Copey” as we attempt to survive and endure the current challenges we face with Covid-19. I am a devoted optimistic and it is during these times of tribulations and uncertainties when I feel the most emboldened.

My senses suggest that many “Friends” are by nature optimistic and are being the important source of assurance and comfort for many. I just believe if there are people needing support and encouragement, a “Friend” is among those providing to others. “Friends” are very good people…and I know or have met most of you. I know your heart and have seen your willingness to extend your help to people you have never met. I am absolutely convinced you would do the same or more to those you know and love. Therefore “Friends”, meet this virus challenge head on and be the lighted path to follow for those in need. “Share your vitamins!” 

The Copey Learning Center…

Very little contact has been made with the Copey Learning Center over the past couple of weeks. I am informed the center is closed along with all other public and private schools according to the orders of the Costa Rican government.

As reported in the previous Post, the impacts of the virus is touching our future plans with the “2020 Pathway Project“. Traveling is probably cancelled for the Emory & Henry College students planning to go to Copey in May. Recent reports from the college indicates students are not returning from Spring Break and will complete their semester using on-line educational sources.

I think the decision is not yet finalized on Copey students traveling to the college in June.  There is an outside chance that a sufficient level of decline in the virus epidemic will allow these plans to continue. Our optimism and faith are strong.

As a final note….my money is on the prayerful and positive minded people to be the ones leading the way to the elimination of this threat. There is room for caution. And, we should have a sense of urgency, a honest curiosity for the facts, and a common sensical game plan. Our attitude and determination will produce positive results. Stay connected and safe.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains…where does my help come from?”                  Psalm 121:1

The Copey Learning Center

The world-wide virus has become part of the discussion pertaining to the “Friends of Copey” and the immediate future of the “2020 Pathway Project”. Recently, out of the “abundance of caution” (new phrase that has taken over…“at the end of the day”), Emory & Henry College (E&H College) has reportedly placed an indefinite ban on international travel for both students and staff.

Of course, this decision is very necessary and prudent. It is consistent with the latest national news of college and university temporary closings. There will be a review by E&H College in several weeks to evaulate the need to continue the ban on international travel.

Current Copey Learing Center

This travel ban has a direct impact on the Copey Learning Center, E&H College, and “Friends of Copey”. Four E&H College students were planning to travel to Copey in May and four travelers from Copey were planning to travel in June to America and to E&H College as part of our annual “Pathway Project”.

We are proceeding carefully with our plans just in case there is a lifting of the ban in time for us to do all or part of the “Pathway Project” this year.

The Corona Virus (COVID19)

The state of Washington has the highest level of virus activity with the highest reported cases of the virus and highest number of deaths at this time. This has us Washingtonians all very sensitive and concerned about daily life activities although as recent as last Friday, there has been no reports confirming cases of the virus in my community.

Regardless, public schools have been ordered closed while organizations and community services, planned events, sports, and many other activities involving large gatherings are shutting down almost daily. I am hopeful we will soon see the peak of this virus and then witness declines in reported cases and deaths, not just in Washington state, but elsewhere.

Join me in adhering to the general advice to use common sense, to apply good health practices, and to avoid neeedless risks to yourself and others.

Thank you for being “Friends”!

“You are as good as anybody in this town, but you are not better.”  By Katherine Johnson

Executive Director Salary Support

EDSS Goal: $2,000.00    Actual: $2,000.00     Deadline: Achieved

Who wonders just how connected and supportive “Friends” are with the Copey Learning Center? Are we nearing the end of our usefulness as a supporter of the Copey Learning Center? I am frequently asked “How much longer do we think we can support this project?”

There are numerous ways to measure our usefulness. However, one significant measurement is fundraising success. Agan and again the answers to questions regarding our usefulness is evident in the way “Friends” respond to calls for support.

We get things done!

This week we are screaming “VICTORY”. We reached our goal for the EDSS and this comes on the heels of the victory we declared only a few weeks ago when we achieved our goal for the Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund. 

First, I want to thank all of you who pray for our success! I believe the level of financial support received since mid-January is a result of answered prayers. Then, I also give a shout out to those who share the level of optimism that believes all things are possible. And finally, we all cheer those who unselfishly dig into their personal funds and bring about reality resulting from our prayers and positive thinking.

The first time we raised funds for the Executive Director’s salary was in 2015. It was a new and huge challenge and we fell short raising funds strictly from donations. We did not give up but initiated a huge yard sale to raise the additional funds needed.  In 2016 and 2017, we fell short again with donations only and had to take additional measures to reach our goal.

Since 2018 we have not had to take additional measures to reach our goal. Our three years of successful donations confirm our sustained devotion and commitment to the Copey Learning Center.  All “Friends” can do another “Victory” dance. Thank You.

School Officially Opens Today

This day began by Skyping with Ines, the Copey Learning Center’s Director. Things are going well as planned with three teacher volunteers on board ready to go. I met one volunteer, Anna from England, and will share more information about all three volunteers in the next few weeks. This is a very exciting day especially for those students who are only attending the Copey Learning Center because many of you provided the scholarship funds needed for their enrollment.

Aunt Katherine Johnson

Thank you “Friends” who took time to send me a note of sympathy and condolence. I will attend the funeral service scheduled for next Saturday in Hampton, Virginia. Some also planning to attend are “Friends of Copey” and I will enjoy spending and sharing this special time with other family members. And, I will be a representative of some wonderful people who share some of the very same values Aunt Katherine exemplified…”Friends of Copey”.

“Like what you do, and then you will do your best.”                                          By Katherine Johnson

“We can all remember a time when someone encouraged us and made a difference in our lives. It may be just a moment, but this encouragement could last a lifetime.”                                                      By Megan Shull

Aunt Katherine Johnson

Within minutes of sending out this Post this morning, the news came to me about Aunt Katherine passing away. I am saddened by her departure while also feeling so fortunate to have been a very small part of her life. I wondered what I would say at this time. Many of you “Friends” know of her and numerous Posts have included her in the past. 

As I thought about her and wondered what would I say, I happened to notice the quote I selected for this Post much earlier before the news about Aunt Katherine’s passing reached me. There is that “divine intervention” at work again. All that is needed to be said about Aunt Katherine at this time…is said in today’s quote. Thanks for the encouragement and love to you Aunt Katherine! 

Executive Director Salary Support

EDSS Goal: $2,000.00    Actual: $1,200.00     Deadline: March 13, 2020

The Executive Director’s Salary Support campaign continues to make progress towards it’s goal. We gained 10% over the week. We have only three weeks remaining to reach our goal and I continue calling on past supporters to help if you have not yet donated. Equally important are “Friends” who have been with us over the years but have not financially supported this campaign. My faith in all our “Friends”, including the donors, those who pray for us, and those who believe we will achieve must put all energers together to achieve this goal. I have faith in our ability to bring about this success.

“Methods of Donating” are provided at the end of this Post.

The New Copey Learning Center

There will be a new set of doors being opened on March 2 for the Copey Learning Center. This location is considered a temporary arrangement until a more permanent location can be worked out. Many of the student arrivals will be there because of the Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund support many of you provided in January.

Being a bit nostalgic…I will miss the iconic photos of the old Copey Learning Center. For most of the Posts for “Friends of Copey”, the title page has shown the front of the Copey Learning Center. I have regarded the front of the old building; its colors, painted flowers, and the dog resting out front, as all being the symbol of a community full of hope. Even though the building and location has become history, the spirit and determination of the community remains solid.

The old location is full of memories, photo stories, memorable Posts. So many of us had our photo taken in front of the old building serving as proof we have been to Copey and have seen first hand this place that is unlike others. We have proof that we saw in person some special kids and witnessed the spirit of something wonderful at work.

Leaving the location is a bitter sweet departure. It always felt like home for the center and the outstanding work being performed within its walls. Leaving is sad.

And, the building was in serious need of physical, electrical, and plumbing improvements. It was time to leave.

I commend the Board for working very hard to make certain there will be a Copey Learning Center operating in 2020.

The Knot Prayer

Many “Friends” know I am not a huge Facebook fan. I venture there once in a while and there are times when I see something “extraordinary” and worth passing along. I found “The Knot Prayer” and it spoke to me at that moment. Even the strongest and the boldest “Friends” can use a prayer like this once in awhile. I want to share it with you in hopes it will serve as a cleaning out therapy of some of the things we allow to get in the way of our thinking and doing.

There just are not alot of people more positive about things than I am. Yet, I immediately related to the message and the need to let some stuff go. “Friends” has demontrated many times that we live someplace else other than in the world of “have nots, cannots, and do nots”. But, we can benefit always from prayer. This one is a good one for us to consider.

METHODS of DONATING

The methods available for donating have not changed since the first fundraising campaign in 2014. If you are planning to be a financial supporter this year, the two methods below have served us well and without any complications. Contact me with any questions.

1. The Copey Learning Center’s PayPal can be used to make donations directly. Please access the PayPal system by clicking on….http://copeylearningcenter.org/. Find the PayPal logo in the upper right hand corner of their homepage. To make certain the Copey Learning Center recognizes your donation and how it should be applied, indicate in the comment section on PayPal that the donation supports the “AGBSF” or the “EDSS”.
2. The alternate method is to send me your donation. Make the check out to me (Arthur Broady). Once received, your check is deposited in my account and then paid directly to the same Learning Center PayPal system as in Method #1. I will enter your name and designate where it is to be applied per your directions. The PayPal system will issue me a receipt which I send to you as “proof” the donation has been submitted to the Learning Center in your name. Make your check out to Arthur Broady and send to:
   725 N. Center Parkway, Apt. N-201, Kennewick, WA 99336 

“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”                                     By Walt Disney

Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund

AGBSF  Goal:  $1,500.00    Actual: $1,530.00     Deadline: February 14, 2020    VICTORY!!!

I am thrilled to report our “Victory”.  The Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund reached its goal this week ahead of schedule for the fourth straight year. We are excited about this victory because this means more than a dozen boys and girls needing tuition assistance will attend the Copey Learning Center this year.

“Friends”, you have provided the Copey families a very special gift. This gift will impact the lives of sons and daughters. This is a gift families would love to pay back but is not possible given their economic conditions. You and I wonder at times how can only $1,500.00 make a difference. I can assure you that in rural Costa Rica this scholarship fund is considered a significant act of generosity.

I am both proud and honored that we “Friends” from the east coast to the west coast, are that trusted and reliable source of generosity. Most of the other rural regions of the country lack a “Friends of Copey” group committed to be a dedicated and devoted supporter every day of the year.

Join me this week celebrating the “Victory” we have earned. Several moms and dads in Copey today are happier and less worried about the future of their sons and daughters.

Executive Director Salary Support

EDSS Goal: $2,000.00  Actual: $750.00  Deadline: March 13, 2020

Progress continues although slowly at this time. This is a far more challenging fundraising campaign. There are more funds needed than the scholarship campaign. Plus, it is not part of our normal DNA to generously support an administrative cost. But, I see this cost differently. The Copey Learning Center has only one paid staff member and relies solely on volunteers to support the educational work of the center.

Many of us from the field of education and from the commercial and business world, know that strong leadership is not a luxury but a critical element of any operation’s success. Ships need captains, teams need coaches, businesses need presidents, and even churches need ministers to help achieve success. The Copey Learning Center must have competent leadership.  Without competent leadership, our generous support for scholarships may be very questionable or even unwise. We must consider the Executive Director Salary Support as our “consumer protection plan”. I am calling on all “Friends” who have not yet responded to help us keep this support going.

As has been our six plus years of fundraising policy, “Friends” will not request financial support if there is a serious question of real need.

Relocation of the Copey Learning Center

The most recent news regarding the relocation of the Copey Learning Center in 2020 indicates some agreements have been reached with a local facility for the housing of the Copey Learning Center. There are some final details still being worked on.

All this reminds us of the vision we have for a new facility in Copey that would be someday the permanent home of the Copey Learning Center. Education is too important to rely on poorly constructed or substandard facilities to be the beacon of quality educational pursuits.

In 2020, I am going to encourage all “Friends” to strive to become “practical dreamers”.  We are capable of doing and accomplishing things beyond the belief of many around us. We can all dream that a new Copey Learning Center could be in our future. This is our “dream learning center”.

Now remember, Thomas Edison and Henry Ford were originally just everyday people, lacking any significant formal education, and essentially financially poor the day they each woke up with their own vision. But, they were determined, committed, willing, and faithful to their vision in the face of extraordinary opposition. Much of the same can be said of Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. They each were “practical dreamers” who spent very little time imagining their dreams were “impossible” to achieve.   

We, “Fiends”, are certainly not in the same league of these giant dreamers but we do have some things in common. We are “practical dreamers”, determined, and committed to supporting this learning center and we know dreams do come true…big ones and smaller ones. “Practical dreamers do make a difference!”.