Day Eight: A Car Wash and A Lunch Fundraiser

Today we began with a fundraiser for Abbie's school. We washed lots of cars (this is Nadeen's, which Hannah and I are using) and it helped raise money to help cover the costs of the school and the upcoming trip many of the kids are going on.

Carlos, of Carlos Jeeps, allowed us to use his facilities, which made for an ideal situation! He has two super power washers, so most of the time both of the bays were busy with a car. Abbie ran one sprayer and I ran the other, and we each had a team of kids washing while a couple were out in the street advertising. It was great! And boy, did I get muddy from the dirty wheel-wells of some of the cars!!

We were finished at noon and then the moms from the school all chipped in and made pollo (that's chicken in Spanish) and rice, along with a really great macaroni dish to further the cause. For dessert they had brownies and cookies. They were right out on the street, so people passing by could stop and pick up their lunch. Hannah and I took the plunge and bought tickets for lunch and it was amazing!

We took our lunch and a new friend of Hannah's to Abbie's school so I could work in my classroom to attempt to be ready for Monday morning. Hannah helped out by looking up reading levels on several books. I was able to sort through books on the shelves in my room and although there is still much to be done, we accomplished quite a bit today. I was even able to spray paint my chalkboard (yes, chalkboard...there's no whiteboard, let alone a magnetic one...) so it's useable. I also clear-coated the desktops so they will hopefully wear well.

When we called it quits for the day, we decided to make a trip to Brava Beach. Stan and I never actually went there so this would be a new adventure for Hannah and me. We took the road to it and as you can see, it's not the widest in the world, although it was well-paved, for the most part. All of the sudden, though, it came to an abrupt end. There was a house next to where we were forced to stop and noticed a couple of people enjoying their out-of-place above ground pool. We asked about getting to our planned destination and they told us it was just a 35 to 40 minute walk. I looked at Hannah and she was shaking her head, remembering the hike I took her on yesterday. So I backed up, turned around, and we decided to head to Flamenco Beach, where we enjoyed a late afternoon swim and rest. The beach wasn't too crowded, but Hannah wondered out loud if this beach was ever empty and I assured she can look forward to a time when it will be just the two of us there enjoying the waves and clear turquoise waters.

Then we returned home and had our showers, shared a bag of microwave popcorn, some very expensive blueberries and strawberries we splurged on and "The Lucy Show" from a DVD Hannah had brought with her. We laughed together and even the cat crawled up onto the little couch with us.

Hannah has been asking to go to Mamacita's Restaurant to see the local band and tonight seemed like a night when we needed a little boost. Since we were all cleaned up and fit for being in public we headed out and enjoyed the local island band playing their own version of Caribbean music. The entire crowd got a huge kick out of a little guy who must have been only about four years old, just dancing up a storm. Finally his older brother and a couple of young adults joined him in the dance and it was just a great time.

We decided to come home when Hannah began to yawn. Another good day. 

Thank you, Lord, for a good fundraiser and a night of good music. You allow us to experience the full gamut of life and creativity. We are truly blessed.