October 26, 2002 - page 2

So, with our list in hand, we traveled to El Centro to try to get the colors that we lacked. Sounds easy, right? Actually finding the brand AND the right colors took about two hours, and we didn’t even find everything we needed. However, I had a great time chatting with Liliana about things like the differences between Merida and Mexico City, boyfriends, the weather, salespeople — everything.

Friday we donated $880.00 worth of books to Sara Mena de Correa, a library that had lost more than eighty percent of its library in the hurricane. When I decided to attend, I thought it would be a small little thing where we would go into the library and give the books to the librarian and then leave. Was I ever wrong. When we arrived at the library, there were newspaper and TV reporters and photographers, women dressed in the hipil, some students, teachers, and other people.

As we entered the building, a TV cameraman caught surprised expressions on each of our faces. A band started playing, accompanying us as we made our way to the library itself. The band startled all of us more than the many people who kept taking our pictures.

The library was full of children ranging from about fourth grade to eighth grade and more press. We were given seats of honor, regaled with speeches and applauded; then we ceremoniously handed the books to some students as cameras flashed and people applauded. They were very appreciative and wanted me to be sure to tell everyone how thankful they are for everyone who donated money and time. The books will be put to good use.