“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”.
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.
of “Hidden Figures”, Margot Lee Shetterly. It was a true honor to meet and speak with her. I thanked her for all the work she did which resulted in the “hidden” being brought to light for the world to see. I am personally much more a fan of the book and author than the movie. In some ways, Ms. Shetterly is also a “Hidden Figure”. Thank you Ms. Shetterly!
member, and family matriarch and touched us all in many different ways.
Another “divine intervention” showed up. The parents of Copey also made a critical educational decision when they established the Copey Learning Center. Their purpose was to change the “trajectory” for the future of their children. They all could not move 125 miles to a better community so they did the next best thing…they established the Copey Learning Center to provide the educational advantage needed for their children to have a chance at a better life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
their intentions to make a contribution and we eagerly await to include their contributions in our tally.