The chickens coop is finished - The last sewing machine is delivered

Men talk about their hopes for a project to raise pigs

Eight ladies sign loan contracts for their new sewing machines

Pavel holds Brendi (a La Ceiba cutie)

Briefly, we want to introduce you to Pavel Antonio Averhoff (above). He sold us 8 sewing machines and became interested enough to join us on our weekly trek to the Leon area. He encouraged the ladies of Las Chacaras to take hold of the opportunity and do well. He accompanied us to both locations, and was able to give us an objective opinion from a Nicaraguan viewpoint. Freddy and he got along well. It was fun to have him along.
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Though Silvia is still recovering from the radiation and chemotherapy, she celebrated her 61st birthday with cake ... and had moved her hammock outside to enjoy the breeze. She shared her cake with us, and her family gathered a bag of mangoes even though it officially isn't the season yet. Yum.

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The ladies signed their contracts, and elected Daysi and/or Sandra to come to Managua for training with Enyda. There was room for one to come, but we're hoping Enyda will allow both to come, as it's easier and "feels more secure" for women to have a companion to travel with to the huge city of Managua. We hope they can get their training next Wednesday, and hitch a ride with us.

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Tomorrow we go to Rancho Ebenezer to order the chickens. The chicken coop is ready, but we don't yet have the second and final "official stamp" on a document that allows us purchase the chickens at half the normal price. Freddy is working on this, and we hope to have the letter very soon (like, yesterday).

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More later.