Happy 2011 !!!

The new year has just begun, and I hope that you had a great time with your family and friends.

Here, things go as usual...

The Chavalos enjoyed their Christmas and New Years dinners.

We handed out plenty of pills and vitamins at the moment, for colds and sore throats.

Alexander went to a center in Managua, but wasn't accepted.
He's grown too big.

Jonathan came by for some money from their account on the 31st.
Supposedly, to buy some food for his family.
After Jonathan had left, his two brothers came by to say Happy New Year.
I told them that I had given some money ($15) to Jonathan, and that they could expect some nice food in the evening.
The guys went back home and were waiting for Jonathan to arrive... but he never showed up.
So, instead of a nice family dinner, there was nothing to eat or drink.
They all waited in an empty kitchen.

I saw Jonathan today and gave him a piece of my mind.
Friends had seen him buy and drink guaro (cheap alcohol) with some drunks in the streets.
I'll have to keep an eye on him. He's the oldest brother now, and should take care of his family, instead of waisting money on booze.

Jose Angel saved the day (a couple of days later) by making and selling a whole bunch of bracelets.
He made almost $20 in one night.
More than enough for a nice family dinner!
He was dead tired of walking up and down the Calzada street plenty of times, but he said it was worth his sore feet!

Today, Jose Angel and Marvincito came by, proud as a peacock, to let me know that they have found a job.
It is a full time job, helping build a brand new center for the Chavalos, here in Granada.
Hard work, but well paid, and they love it.
Congratulations, guys.
And Marvin... congratulations tomorrow with your birthday!!!
Isn't it great that, even before the center is open, the Chavalos can be part of it!

Take care, and see you soon... !