AUTHOR: Nancy TITLE: October 2, 2009 DATE: 10/02/2009 06:06:00 AM ----- BODY:
Yessterday was an extremely successful day in Guatemala. In the morning we took the back road to Panajachel for our meeting with Sharon of Mayan Families. On the two hour drive we worked with Marco Tulio talking about the current status of the factory, the accounting programs currently being used and what needed to be done to help. He is in the process of setting up his office and before we can supply the necessary programs for accounting he will need a good computer, printer, and other office supplies. Now that the airport is charging import duties of around 38% on any donated items being brought into the country we will have to check to see if it's advisable to bring him donated items from the U.S. or if it's just as well to purchase things here.

Sharon gave us a great overview of her project that includes scholarships, micro-finance loans, food aid for the elderly, housing for single mothers, you name it! She does a lot from her home near Panajachel, and she is anxious to work with us on distribution of the Ecocina stoves.

I would write more but we're off to Fernando's for a typico breakfast and then to the factory, the city, meetings with attorneys, Guatemala Sur Rotarians, and then we'll hustle back to meet with the mayor of a village where they are distributing their first 30 Ecocina stoves. They have planned a celebration and supper for us, so it will again be a full and productive day!

Nancy

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