Return to Corozal

Hello from Amy!!!
Here we are back in Corozal. Of course, Jerry comes every few months, Betty comes more often than most of us but this is my first return trip in 2 years. We have 6 of the seven school board members present on this trip. I mentioned this on my facebook profile. The Corozal Church of Christ Primary School is supported monthly by 7 women. There are several individuals, mostly women, who give when they can. As well as, a few one time supporters and scholarship providers. But the school board members have to be willing to give time, when they can, as well as their money. This is our mission.
We have already met with the Corozal School Board, all members of the church here in Corozal. What a blessing it was to hear of all that God is doing to keep the school growing. The school has received great honors in the annual government testing. Corozal C of C Primary School scored the highest in the district. They have set the bar high. Three students were able to tour with the community college band. They continue to excel in sports. And through all of this we get to share Jesus with them.
We are excited about the possibilities to grow the school. More on this later. But God is working.
What amazes me is the constant up keep on the building that is needed. How basic the building is and how well the students continue to learn in such conditions.
I have to praise the teachers as well. When school was let out of a teacher workshop our teachers all attended the workshop. It was told to us that so many teachers were taking the day as a holiday that the Education Ministry took attendance and those who did not appear did not get paid. I hope we get the chance to express our gratitude to the teachers for their dedication and spirit to teach and to learn more for their students. But being summer break we may not get to see all of them.
We have 7 scholarship students. So far, most of them are doing well in furthering their education. Jerry and Johnetta went to visit with the Principal of the Community College to find out how our scholarship students are doing.
The school system in Belize is set up for all kids to go to school through Level 5 which is our 8th grade level. Only the top 30% get to continue their studies. So those who have the grades and the desire will get to go. We try to find people to support these students. Fifteen out of 26 of the graduating class are continuing their studies.
Today we bought paint. Yellow and blue. Sounds cheery, calm and poster background friendly. The bottom floor classrooms look a little shabby. Of course, we can't see most of the walls for all the school posters and other tools all over the walls. So, the bare walls with the scars of the school year look sad and desperate for repair.
There has been a medical mission team using the building this week. They leave this afternoon and we will get in there and start cleaning and prepping for tomorrow. Saturday is paint day!!!
Jerry and Johnetta just returned from the community college. They visited with the principal, vice-principal and the music teacher. This is a great story. The Belizean Army donated music instruments to two schools in Belize. One school in the south and our school in the north. The music teacher at the community college offered to teach some of our students with our acquired instruments. So, Jerry has jumped on the opportunity and started collecting more instruments. Anyone have any flutes or clarinets lying around??? How about donating them!!! This trip Jerry brought down a xylophone and snare drum. This is a great opportunity for our students to have an advantage because most students show up at the community college with no experience.
Okay, I will have to write more later. Much more later.