Mixed emotions...

Diego Manuel just came by to let us know that he is doing very well in college, and that he loves attending college.
Only 5 months ago, he couldn't even read or write his own name, remember?
Now, he is reading the story of Robin Hood! Amazing.

Sadly enough, one of our neighbors at the farm lost their 6 year old daughter. Like always, they waited too long before they looked for help. They had difficulties getting the money together to bring their little girl to the hospital in Managua. Unfortunately, it was too late and she passed away the next day.
The next problem was to get her back to Granada. Luckily, we heard about this sad story, and we offered to pay for the transport from the Chavalo fund.
Her last remains were buried here in Granada this morning.

We still get kids come by on a regular basis that need flip flops or clothes. I expect a bigger rush in a month or so when it gets colder and the rains start to come. The Chavalos are always smiling, showing their white teeth, when they are given something decent to wear.

Several Chavalos have come by for bus fare out of Granada.  Usually close to Easter, "The Law" removes all the beggars and "unwanted individuals" from the streets so that they look nice for the tourists. Typically, they end up in an overcrowded jail for a couple of weeks. Sometimes they are as young as 5 or 6 years old. It is easier to just "go on a holiday" for a while, even if it is to the much more dangerous Managua.

A smile and a tear...  such is life in the tropics...