Two chances to win....

I feel a win coming on via http://secondstreetdesigns.blogspot.com/

Does this count as a link, Naphtali?

Introducing Spring 2011

Yes, those are blue skies. Yes, students are dressed in sunglasses, tank tops, shorts, sun dresses. Yes, we were at the flamingo reserve as is our traditional way to end a week of orientation. Yes, I was officially working. Days like this remind me that life is good.

Classes begin on Monday. I have 16 students....2 guys, 14 señoritas. Nine students are living outside of the Central House while 7 are living in the House. Only five are Central students.

Hats to die for

Quick photos of the January group from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Ia. We were on a field trip to the Panama hat-making town of Becal. The cost of these hand made beauties directly from the makers? $12.00 USD. How much time goes into making one hat? About 20 hours. You do the math.

And more....

More photos

Catching Up

The first two days of 2011 were divine. Days 3 - 22 have been exhilerating and exhausting at the same time because of professor visits, a small customized program for a university from Davenport, Iowa, the arrival of the 50 member Central College Jazz Band, the arrival of 15 alums/band groupies and the presidential visit.

Yes, the new president of Central College, his wife and their 14-year old daughter spent three whirlwind days here in mid-January. While here, he met many of the people who make this program what it is including homehosts, professors, community partners, university partners, past, present and former students as well as the staff of the Central House. In my role as timekeeper, chaufer and tour guide, I was able to spend a great of time with the new president. I found him to be a quick study, a good listener, a man with clear direction and a man with a heart. Based on emails from various contacts on the Pella campus, the visit was an incredible success. The president returned to Pella feeling positive about this program and what we do here. Yes, there will be changes, but I am certain the integrity of the program will remain.

I had over 300 photos on my camera this morning. The above photos are just a few of the highlights.

New students arrive tonight. The new semester begins tomorrow.

A great beginning for a new year

View from the hotel:

View from beneath the umbrella:

Some of us were lucky enough to welcome in 2011 from a nice, warm, sunny beach in Cancun, Mexico. My hope is that the pleasure gained from walking along the beach sets the tone for the entire year.