“There was never a night or a problem that could defeat sunrise or hope.” By Bernard Williams
“Costa Rica: National Strike Continues as Government, Unions Fail to Reach Agreement”
For three weeks, Costa Rica has been dealing with a significant public employee strike including protests by a variety of groups over tax reform issues. The strike includes public school teachers and is causing school closures throughout the country. The Costa Rican unions have vowed to continue the national strike until an agreement is reached with the government on fiscal reforms. However, at this time it is being call an “indefinite strike” meaning there is no end to the strike in sight.
The Copey Learning Center is operating in spite of the public school closures. But, only some of the students can attend the Center since they live nearby while those students living further distances away are unable to attend. 
The Spelling Bee contest has been suspended because of the school closings. It is uncertain if the competition will resume when the public schools re-open. We are sorry to hear this since we (the Copey Learning Center) has several very strong students competing.
Emory & Henry College Continues…!
I have enjoyed the feedback received on last week’s Post. The Copey students wearing the wonderful blue and gold colors of Emory & Henry College has helped increase the growing popularity of this small liberal arts college among and around the Copey community and possibly even beyond. “Friends”, I sincerely hope you recognize how unique and rare this relationship is. 
Possibly, there are other US colleges or universities who have captured the hearts and souls of a small rural community in another country but, I am unaware of any. I remain convinced we are standing either alone or among very few colleges or universities who can claim to have such a positive community wide relationship and influence as depicted in this single photo.
I can see the “sunrise and hope” in these young faces and their growing connection with E&H College. There is the possibility of new doors of educational opportunities opening for them. I look at the faces and wonder if one or more of these kids will be selected for the “Pathway Project” one day? Be certain of this, these students are aware several of the older kids in their community have made that journey to America and to E&H College and they are encouraged and highly motivated to do the same one day.
Health and Welfare Update
Ana Yancy’s sister Marta is still hospitalized but close to completing her first round of chemo treatment. She is reported to be doing well. My Aunt Christine is in great spirits and her doctor is prescribing non-invasive medical treatment at this time. Continue to keep both of these wonderful folks in your thoughts and prayers.
Many devoted “Friends” are aware that in three short years, five E&H College students including an E&H College Alumni served as volunteers in the Copey Learning Center. These volunteers have touched the lives of these students seen in these photos and have made the E&H College name and brand one of the most familiar signs around the community and beyond. “Friends” are also aware during this same three years, six Copey Learning Center students have traveled to America and visited our E&H College campus.
this is an extremely difficult time for them.
his first game as a linebacker. This past Spring he changed positions from running back to linebacker bringing on a huge challenge for him to learn this new position and be ready to go by game time.
events during the five plus years working with the Copey Learning Center, but not one as proud as when Jane made it to Copey. Often we hear the term “impact player” in sports. Well, Jane is an “impact player” in the world of education and volunteerism. She understands the meaning of the “heart of a servant” and that “service to humanity…is the best work of life!” Happy Anniversary Jane!”
what happened at West Virginia State University?
the Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund. Scholarships have been funded for five years now and we are very grateful for the many “Friends” who have supported this scholarship. It has served us the givers as well as those who have received by making a difference in the lives of children in Copey.
pay special congratulations to Aunt Katherine Johnson. She will celebrate and enjoy her 100th birthday. Best wishes and love to cousin Anna and Aunt Katherine.
Eastern Washington has not had rain in several weeks and with temperatures in the 100’s at times, this is a near perfect recipe for more fire and smoke. I hope “Friends” east of Washington state are having better weather conditions. However, I suspect there will be a lot of smoke in the near future since many of the active fires are not yet contained.
In Copey, I believe the weather conditions are much better although Copey is likely experiencing a daily rainfall since its region is now in the wet season.
been made to rebuild. We suspect available financial resources is one of the key reasons for the delay. The site continues to stand as a sober reminder to all those connected in the community who have strong historical and family ties to the church. This is our latest photo of the church location taken during the Utah team’s visit to Copey in March nearly eight months after the fire. 
