OK, time to catch up on our trip a little bit.

We had a nice flight down and were on time. The health department was set up as we entered the immigration area with a thermal imaging system that is supposed to tell them if we had a fever. We had not seen anyone masked at Arkansas or Houston, but all government employees were masked at the San Salvador airport. It was strange to see even the security guards, immigration agents, and customs folks masked up. It made communication a little more difficult.

At customs I led the group to the lane and they checked my baggage. It was OK so they let the rest of the team thru. We boarded a small bus to the nearest hotel and spent the night. They had a fantastic breakfast buffet, which we enjoyed. We then loaded a van and took a detour to the ocean before coming to La Palma. It was homecoming as we were welcomed to the area. We toured the new school facility and the new church building before we ate. We made few home visits that night and then I spent a long time visiting with Lillian, Jose, Jesus, and Marvin.

Thursday we were visited by an inspector from the Ministry of Education. They recommended adding some windows for light and ventilation before we move into the new classroom facility. It was more than a recommendation—it was a requirement, and not a bad one. We now wait formal approval to make the move in June.

I spent a long time with the mayor asking his feelings on the government change and expressing my disappointment for the fact that someone could steal everything electronic and none of it be found. He also gave us a tour of the new emergency operations building which is just now being completed. It will house offices for the police chief, fire department, and the ambulance crew along with the new ambulance they just received from us. It is a very modern facility and very nice.

We are trying to arrange as many details as possible for the June trip. We believe that the folks here understand what our goals are and will help us achieve them.

We are eating well and sleeping well. We are all healthy and busy. It rains every day. Those of you coming in June need to be climbing steps and walking a lot to get ready. Spend time in the sun to avoid burning when you get here.

The photo is of the new church building as the exterior is being completed.

This entry delayed several hours while waiting for the internet.

Tomorrow is less busy --we plan home visits primarily.

God bless you, Ralph