Proyecto de la Restauracion - moving to www.progresstools.org

Nicaragua 2011

2011-08-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a very fruitful journey to Nicaragua. We met with leaders in Esteli, Matagalpa, Bluefields, Rama Cay, Eagle Point, and the Cane Creek area. More about this later.

Elizabeth Visits Honduras

2011-07-05T19:39:00.001-07:00

Many thanks to Elizabeth Gordon for visiting our Honduras Learning Center (managed by Tim and Jaclyn). She taught self defense classes and visited many poor people in several small villages.

Progress Tools

2011-07-05T19:36:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready to re-brand our organization as "Progress Tools".

Birthing Kits for the Rama Women

2011-03-12T22:26:00.000-08:00

We purchased and are sending down 25 "birthing kits" with a friend who is taking a team to Rama Cay. Each birthing kit consists of a variety of disposable supplies for one childbirth. This is one way to reduce infant mortality and protect the young mothers from infection and other complications.

Planning has started for our summer 2011 trip

2011-02-11T23:24:00.000-08:00

We are looking forward to visiting our friends in Managua, Bluefields, and making new friends in Bankukut.

Computer Education

2011-01-18T17:11:00.000-08:00

A Rama teacher learns how to use a laptop computer on Rama Cay. This is one of the computers that was donated by Nikon. Along with lots of other software, it is loaded with Microsoft Office 2010 Spanish.

Managua Christmas Fiesta 2010

2011-01-09T14:29:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Freddy and Wilma for making this Christmas special to a lot of very poor children in Managua.

Photos from Norvin

2010-12-23T09:54:00.001-08:00

We just got these photos from Norvin. Norvin is a young teacher in the south part of Rama Territory. These photos show the school where he teaches and the nearby Rio San Juan. Earlier, we supplied him with some materials for his classes. It was a challenge to get the materials to him, but with the help of Rama friends they were purchased in Bluefields and carried in pangas down the Nicaraguan Coast by fellow Rama folks heading that way on business or family visits. It would be good to establish another learning center with Norvin when we have the resources to do so.

Ervin plants coconuts on the farm

2010-12-14T17:53:00.000-08:00

Ervin and his friends planted coconuts on their farm situated on the mainland close to Rama Cay in Nicaragua. Proyecto de la Restauracion helped with some of the cost of the coconuts to plant.

Managua Christmas Fiesta

2010-11-20T11:58:00.000-08:00

Our Nicaraguan local liaisons Freddy and Wilma Guevara are planning a special Christmas party for the children of Barrio San Judas (a low income district of Managua). He estimates the event will cost about $200 USD for a special meal, candy, and gifts. We are looking for people who will partner with us to help support this project and help make this Christmas special for these these children. Any amount you can contribute is welcome. Please designate your contribution to the Managua Christmas Fiesta.

Laptops and Computer Supplies arrive in Managua, Nicaragua

2010-09-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

We have expanded our learning center in Managua with additional laptops and computer supplies. This includes a bilingual typing tutor and spanish MS Office 2010.

Microsoft Office (Spanish) for Learning Centers

2010-08-26T18:53:00.000-07:00

Muchas gracias to Microsoft for their generous donation of a number of full copies of Office 2010. This will help children and adults in Honduras and Nicaragua to learn essential computer skills.

Freddy and Wilma teaching children in their neighborhood

2010-08-24T18:36:00.000-07:00

Freddy and Wilma have been visiting people in their homes and teaching computer skills and providing educational materials to children in Managua. Here are some children watching a dvd on one of our donated computers.

Ervin Starts Virtual Campus with URACCAN

2010-08-05T17:54:00.000-07:00

Now that he has a computer and internet access Ervin does not have to take the long boat trip to Bluefiels as often for classess. He can use the virtual campus for many things.
http://www.uraccan.edu.ni

Ervin Starts his Master's Program

2010-08-02T20:51:00.000-07:00

"...today is my day to ward my master degree study, is a very special day for me in life, I hope I will reach to the end of the this study, the activity, begin at 9 in the morning with a small ceremony, were we give thanks to the lord, with singing and praying to begin, our study, and the class begin at 2pm this afternoon, and finish at 8 pm at night." Ervin

More laptops for Nicaragua

2010-07-26T21:36:00.000-07:00

Thank you Nikon Corp for your generous donation.

Teaching Materials Reach Southernmost Point of Rama Territory

2010-07-23T19:31:00.000-07:00

We purchased dictionaries and textbooks for a remote Rama teacher (Norvin). Norvin has reported that he received the materials and the children are very grateful.

Computers for Nicaragua

2010-07-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

We are so glad to see the five computers we brought to Nicaragua in March are being used well. We have another five to bring down with our next trip. We are getting them ready with an Oracle database since we hope to teach database skills on the next trip. It has come to our attention that someone tried to spread false reports that our friends Freddie and Wilma stole ten laptops that were supposedly destined for a church. We know this is not true since we only brought down five on the last trip and we know where they went and that they are being put to good use. Keep up the good work Freddie and Wilma... we love you and your family and the good work you do for the poor of Managua.

New Vegetable Seeds are Starting to Grow

2010-06-06T07:40:00.000-07:00

Kevin bought an assortment of vegetable seeds and we brought them to Victor on Rama Cay. Victor planted the seeds and after one failed attempt got a planting to sprout. Now they will be monitoring them closely to ensure the insects do not cause problems.

Computer Classes on Rama Cay

2010-05-30T07:48:00.000-07:00

Edwin, one of Ervin's students learns computer skills at what may be the first computer lab on Rama Cay.

"i am doing good in class i receive computing class during the week i am learning little by little to work on computer, ervin is learnig me every more about computing, also i am dedicate and interest to learn more" Henry Salomon

Computer Classes on Rama Cay

2010-05-16T09:12:00.000-07:00

Ervin started teaching computer classes to some of his students from his home using the laptops we delivered. He has started using the typing tutor software we provided for his students.

We reach

2010-03-28T13:52:00.000-07:00

Thats Rama Cay Creole for "we made it". It was a successful trip. Freddy and Wilma and their friends have established a wonderful work with the children in a poor barrio in Managua. It was humbling and moving to stand in front of their church and to visit families in the neighborhood. We arrived at Rama Cay on the "water plane" by the "God light". Ervin and his family have a wonderful new home for their extended family on Rama Cay. All of the laptops and microscopes made it to their intended destinations. Esther gave a talk about cells and how to use the microscopes. One of the students took a cup of water from their well and found a lot of life in it to their surprise. The nurse at the clinic told us that the microscope would enable them to do many tests at the clinic and save them having to take a long trip to the nearest city on the mainland. I gave a talk on computers and computer applications. Now the students will be able to learn computer skills "hands on". Kevin taught guitar and gave some instructions on how to restring the guitars. We purchased a new whiteboard, markers, and erasers for the school while we were in Bluefields. We also purshased another law book that Jimmie needed for his law studies. We have established some very close relationships in Managua and in the Rama Territory. Thanks to the hospitality of our wonderful hosts we only stayed in a hotel for one night. The other nights we got to be a part of their lives and their homes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BUVrheNGOjY
slide show

"Leaving on a jet plane"... but we do know when we will be back again

2010-03-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

This is the weekend Esther, Kevin, and I fly out to visit our Nicaraguan friends. Our bags are mostly packed and ready to go.

IRS Workshop

2010-03-18T21:56:00.001-07:00

I attended an IRS workshop for charities near Sacramento to help me keep current on IRS regulations for 501c(3)s. It turned out to be a very good class and I had the opportunity to network with other people running other non-profits.

Thank you Nikon!

2010-03-12T06:54:00.000-08:00

Thank you Nikon (and Pete Cathcart)! We now have 10 Dell Laptops in very good condition ready for Nicaragua. 5 have been outfitted with new batteries (I found a great deal on batteries) and are packed and ready to go for some very needy people in Nicaragua. The other 5 will go with us on our next trip. At this time, we are aware of one other (working) computer in the entire Rama Territory (there may be others but there are not many). This will be the beginning of a computer learning center and one will also be used by medical staff. The next step will be to set up a satellite link for internet access on the island of Rama Cay. Jim will be meeting with local representatives soon to work on a plan.

Computer Learning Center for Rama Cay

2010-02-10T18:37:00.000-08:00

Many thanks to Nikon for donating some outdated Dell laptop computers. We are buying new batteries since the exsiting batteries are at their end of life. These will be the beginning of a computer learning center at the school on Rama Cay. Many thanks to Pete Cathcart for making this possible.

Microscopes for Rama Cay

2010-01-30T17:00:00.000-08:00

Celebracion Niños

2009-12-31T15:10:00.000-08:00

Freddy, Wilma, Gabby, and friends had a special Christmas celebration for the children of the neighborhood they are ministering to.

Travel tips for Northerners in Nicaragua

2009-12-19T21:57:00.000-08:00

1. The temperature is around 80 degrees F night and day with high humidity so light clothing is best. Jeans are fine for Nicaraguans but too hot for most northerners. A number of clothing manufacturers make clothing specifically for the tropics. Some like Ex Officio is even insect repellent. This kind of clothing can be rinsed and then you can wear it until it dries.
2. Bring a water filter if you don't want to have to buy a lot of bottled water.
3. Bring your own pfd if you want to travel on the water with Rama folks.
4. Bring sheets but *don't* bring a sleeping bag. You can leave the sheets with your host when you leave.
5. When you come to Rama Cay, bring medical supplies and leave them at the clinic on the island. Even simple first aid supplies are very valuable.
6. Rosetta Stone is very nice software for learning spanish.
7. Bring a notebook computer that is outdated but still running well and give it to a school, a teacher, or a student.
8. Bring extra shoes to give away.
9. Watch where you step. Fire ants are common and they really feel like fire when they bite.

Nicaragua Project 2011

2009-12-19T07:18:00.000-08:00

Planning has started for a larger group trip to Nicaragua in August of 2011. We would like to bring more medical supplies and set up a computer learning center at the school on Rama Cay. We have witnessed what can happen when the right technology gets into the right hands. Many of the Rama young people are curious and motivated to acquire computer skills. We plan to visit Managua, Bluefields, Rama Cay, and other more remote parts of Rama Territory like Monkey Point and Bankukut.

Nicaragua Project 2010

2009-12-12T17:16:00.000-08:00

Planning has started for our next trip to Nicaragua. Esther is a microbiology major at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She is planning a senior project to help a group of Rama people living in and around the island of Rama Cay. On our earlier visits we have seen evidence of many kinds of health problems with people from Rama Cay that may be caused by microbes in the drinking water, exposure to the bay water (swimming), and livestock running loose around the dwelling areas. Esther and Jim (her father) plan to bring medical supplies and two clinical microscopes to Rama Cay. One microscope will be for the school and one for the clinic. With these microscopes students will be able to see and learn about microscopic organisms. Workers and volunteers at the clinic will be able to diagnose some illnesses. In the clinic, microscopes can be used to identify parasites and bacteria like Mycobacterium tuberculosis which causes tuberculosis and is very common in the area. Knowing which organism causes a disease in a patient is important for understanding which medication should be given to a patient. Treating an illness with the wrong antibiotic or anti-parasitic drug could lead to complications. The clinic on Rama Cay has a limited supply of medications so it is important that the correct medications are used in a way that would be most effective. There are no microscopes at the clinics on the island at this time. Over 1,000 people live on the island and many more come to from the surrounding territory for medical treatment. Awareness of bacteria and parasites can also lead to better sanitation practices and proper care of drinking water.

Freddy and Wilma in Managua

2009-11-17T22:26:00.000-08:00

Freddy and Wilma have started a ministry in Managua to reach out to children and families from a very poor neighborhood. They feed lunches to the children, counsel couples, and teach people to follow Jesus. Proyecto de la Restauracion has partnered with them to support their work in a very difficult area.

Possibly the first Rama Cay Bed and Breakfast

2009-10-29T17:26:00.000-07:00

We are small-time investors in the construction of a Rama style dwelling with room for an extended family and an extra level for visitors to stay. This will help this very hospitable family to generate more income from hospitality with more space for guests.

Moravian Church Roof Damaged in Storm

2009-09-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

12 steel roof panels were destroyed and the rain is pouring in. They have no funds for replacement panels. We are accepting donations for them to purchase steel to close the roof. No amount is too small. Every dollar that comes in will be passed on for the roofing supplies.

Tim and Jaclyn Prepare to Leave for Honduras

2009-07-28T21:57:00.000-07:00

They will remain in Honduras for a few months.

Ervin hosts a Costa Rican Environmental Group

2009-07-28T21:49:00.000-07:00

We helped Ervin with some supplies (notebooks, pens, paper, etc) for a workshop in Bluefields for a Costa Rican environmental group.

Letter of Determination

2009-07-26T20:15:00.000-07:00

We just received our "Letter of Determination" from the IRS. The application process is over.

Diagnostic Lab Equipment for the Rama

2009-05-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

We are currently in the early stages of planning with Esther Gordon (Cal Poly microbiology student) for a senior project to send some lab equipment to Rama Cay for their clinic and possibly something for the school and train locals in it's use. We will be looking for partners to help with either cash or material contributions for this project. Ervin has indicated a need for equipment like microscopes for the clinic and the school on the island.

Esther returns from Nicaragua

2009-01-01T21:56:00.000-08:00

Esther Gordon returns from a successful trip to Nicaragua. Many thanks to Esther for demonstrating the love of Jesus to the people of Nicaragua by delivering the supplies to the designated destinations, praying for, hugging, and dancing with some of the poorest of the poor. She was part of the team from Global Celebration (www.riverlution.net). Many thanks to Georgian for his ministry to the people of Nicaragua.

The Mountain People of Honduras - Tim and Jaclyn

2008-12-30T22:28:00.000-08:00

Tim and Jaclyn returned to Honduras for a several weeks to minister to the people in the mountains following the heavy rains that washed away many houses and lives. They are distributing tarps, food, and other supplies, and building relationships in preparation for a longer stay in the future.

Law Books for Jim McCrea

2008-12-04T21:53:00.000-08:00

We helped Jim with books required for his law studies.

Fish Farming Supplies for Nicaragua

2008-08-02T22:09:00.000-07:00

We delivered some equipment for a pilot aquaculture (and aquaponics) project and met with a representative from the Nicaraguan Ministry of Agriculture to discuss a Tilapia growing operation for an orphanage in Managua.

The Underwear Project

2008-08-01T22:06:00.000-07:00

We collected contributions of nice new undergarments from many people from different places in the United States for the children at an orphanage in Managua and delivered them in person to the orphanage along with other supplies. Many thanks to all the donors who hung out in the childrens underwear sections of various department stores. The training bras were a nice touch too.