Dedication

So far I´ve been in awe of the kids here - their love for life despite even the worst of circumstances, their smiles, their mischievious ways, their compassion - it goes on. But what I haven´t mentioned or talked about are the people who make it happen. The various program directors and staff work long hours (by US standards even) and some commute over 1.5 hours each way, every day because they truly love what they do and believe in what Coprodeli does. They are constantly thinking of new approaches, new ideas, new opportunities to expand or improve their specific program or responsibility. They work together, bounce ideas off one another, research, investigate, write, call - they move fast, capitalizing on an idea before it disappears into that place where good ideas sometimes go.... Many times they are successful - I was actually in the office when they found out they had just received a grant from a proposal that was submitted last week. Cool. Other times not so much - but even then they document what went wrong, process it, and include their learnings for the next go around. Last Friday I came to the office around 9 pm with one of the boys in search of a movie for the evening...a few of the directors were still here, working as if it were 3 in the afternoon. Granted, we all put in long hours, regardless of the profession. But to see firsthand the fruits of their labor is inspiring.

When I go out to Pachacutec, I normally go with one of the head engineers (Julio) and the director of the housing program (Marlith). Julio chats with the team, inspects the work thats been done, makes note of odds and ends that are still outstanding, and provides direction and advice as needed. Marlith is the primary contact between the office, recepient family, and sponsor. She monitors the progress on the Touchstone home (see picture to the left) and is an integral part of the Coprodeli team at large.



Flor is in charge of the Padrinos program and coordinates all key events with the kids. In October they had their annual Olympics - all schools, CAEs, and orphanges participated. They were divided up into teams by center and played games like volleyball, soccer, tug of war, and balloon toss.

So heres a shoutout to all the hard working teachers, directors, staff, and volunteers who help give these kids a fighting chance at a better life. GRACIAS!