Conference Calls

Every month or so we all call in to the conference call line and chat with each other. These are different from the calls we had before the trip. We know who we are talking to now. We recognize voices and have shared histories. My understanding of these calls is that we get to talk to each other and just keep in touch. A voice holds much more meaning than a text message or email.
For a couple months I have been looking forward to tonight's call. Ana Rosa and Yonathan were going to be on the call with us. They went back to their primary school and sat in Rev. Barrera's office and chatted on the phone with us. Both of them started by thanking us for supporting their education. Yonathan said that he really enjoys physics and Ana Rosa loves math. She said that she was a little surprised by how high her grades are. She is really excelling. We were all very excited to hear these kids talk about their school and their friends. Then we each took turns telling them a little about what we have going on in our lives. I was very impressed by both of them for their attentiveness and genuine interest in our lives.
Finally, we had to say goodbye to Yonathan and Ana Rosa and he had a chance to speak with Rev. Barrera. The entire mood of the call changed. Rev. Barrera reported that the American economic situation has made its way to his small primary school in the DR. Giving is down and he has a shortfall of about $5000 USD for the year. If he cannot secure more funding then his school will have to close in February. I was shocked to learn that he needs only $1300 USD per month to keep the school open and educate all of these children in El Tamarindo who have no other access to education.
Needless to say, we were all affected by this news. The decision was clear. We need to speak up in our communities and try to raise awareness and funds for this school. We know that there are others who will heed the call to support the school and we want to be a part of the solution. We cannot stand idly by and be content supporting two students' education through the Rev. Arlene Ackerman Far Reaching Faith Scholarship Fund while one hundred fifty others are left with no place to learn.