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Patience and flexibility [2015-01-26]

Reneal IEO grew out of our time in the U.S. Peace Corps, where we were assigned to the community that has now become our second home, Compostela on the island of Cebu.  We have come to love this place and the work we do here, but along the way we also discovered that it is always good to keep in mind the Peace Corps mantra of “patience and flexibility”.  And so this last week, we have found that advice apropos yet again.

The challenge – Neal had a medical issue last week that necessitated a change in his medication and an instruction to rest.  Thankfully there are no long-term concerns with his health, but needing to slow down during our precious time in-country has been a bit of a blow to us.  However like all dark clouds, this one has a silver lining.  Team Philippines has come to the rescue!  The principal at Compostela National High School allowed Jade to adjust his teaching schedule so he can have the mornings free for Reneal IEO work.  Ma’am Nerry, Jade, Neal, and I have created a new project plan to send to the schools.  This morning, Raul and Jade picked up the servers from two of the schools.  Neal will work on those in the apartment while the rest of the team does the preparation work on site.

The next order of business for Team Philippines this week is returning to Labogon National High School to finish the installation and training there.  We are really excited to get that school up and running!  Then the following week, if all goes to plan, we’ll start at our second school in Mandaue City, Jagobiao National High School.  Current and former Reneal IEO board members Sharon Fingold and Antonio Martinez are flying in Wednesday, and they too will join the effort.  We are so grateful for this team, and watching their efficient, professional work is thrilling.  It is indescribably pleasing to us to know that we aren’t really needed that much! 

I do want to make a quick pitch for donations of used computers.  Some of the 2014 schools at which we made follow-up visits are very large schools and desperately need more seats in their computer labs to serve their student population.  Please look here for more information.