September 24, 2008

My day has been very efficient. First I spent some time in the bank arguing that my name is Rebekah Rae Kiser and that I should be allowed to collect the money sent to Rebekah Kiser. It wasn’t easy to prove that I am one and the same. Next, I talked again to the bank manager about opening a new account that is a necessary part of our agreement with Spain. I have only been asking every day for one month but he still needs two more days to make this decision. So just in case you are wondering what I do with my days……

Now for the great news. We had our first graduation. We graduated eight ladies from our phase two program. Each has a job and is earning more than our expectations. We had about 150 guests and students attend on Saturday and Cristina Gompertz took lots of pictures. Seeing their faces and realizing that all the blood and sweat really has changed lives makes it more than worth the pain.

To look at the ladies arriving at the Trampled Rose with total despair and then a year later pure hope in their eyes is something I wish each of you had the chance to see. We’re in this together! Please give yourself a big hug for making a difference for someone who has no one else to help them.

The new year began on Monday with 30 new women in our Phase two program learning life skills to live with hope and dignity. The day begins with two separate classes, one for advanced and one for beginners. They learn to read, write, basic math, history, and geography. There is also a very intense Ethics program. Later in the morning they go to Chicken Farm training (All chickens are living and producing eggs. Yippee!!!) and bead and basket making. Quick cash in their pockets. After lunch, on to either sewing, or beauty school. We will be adding soap-making soon. After dinner they go to bed early and start the next day with a very busy schedule and mind.

It’s been raining lots but I expect the weather to be better soon. Our little girls are back in school and they came to me to say that they are embarrassed that their food is from the countryside and the other kids have modern snacks. So they now are set up with juice in boxes and even chocolate for dessert. They both jumped one grade and are doing so well. Because they have been so faithful about doing their after school chores I even let them get a professional manicure before the first day of school. Sounds like they are taking after me:)