Living at Lake Chapala in Mexico

I've not been ignoring those of you who have been asking how you could send money to help the orphanage--so far with all that's been happening, we've not had a system.

To date this orphanage has not has a website, nor a way to accept credit card payment. What I discovered was that I could share with you a local bank account number so you could go to that bank and deposit money.

AHA, UPDATE:

Even though the man who emailed me this morning said there was not a website up and running, I've just found the link on a webboard and have seen some of the photos there.

http://ninosjovenes.dojiggy.com/pages/index.cfm?PageID=33271

Click on MAKE A DONATION for credit card donation information as well as Pay Pal!


Depositing US checks into Mexican bank accounts CAN be done, but then often (depending on the bank) the hold on that check could be anywhere from 2 weeks up to 4 months..and delays of 90-120 days is more common.

I've been in touch with a pair of Mexican men who have been helping with the orphanage and hte problems there, not just this week, but for some time, and the news this morning is that they are working on setting up a Pay Pal Account. That way you all can deposit money easily and without large fees coming out of it and know it is going to the place you wish.

Here is additional information about the orphanage:
The following information will eventually be part of that new website. For today it was on the Chapala webboard and I just simply blantently stole it--whole from a post by a guy who calls himself "De Gimp" and who is working hard on the website so you all can know how to help.

The damage to the Jovenes de Cosala was of course only part of the overall trauma to the entire village of Cosala. I wouldn't want anyone to think that any of us involved in this particular project aren't aware of that. Further, there were many of our Gringo and Gringa brothers and sisters out at the school today doing pretty much what was ever asked of them. I'm too much of a gentlemen to talk about ages, but they weren't "none too young." I saw folks that were 5-20+ years older than myself.

I am moved to see this level of dedication to our community. My personal thanks to all of you, to L.C.M.B., and to Senior Vaca (large Construction Co. in Joco) and all the others who remain nameless for all they have done and all that is left to do.

-News of the Day out of Jovenes de Cosala (the Orphanage) on September 17
- Back from a long day in Cosala. I am not shoveling mud or moving rocks. In fact I must have looked somewhat odd to my fellow Gringos who saw this guy wandering (limping) around with the video camera. Those that can shovel, sweep and mop are doing so. We who physically cannot, can do many other things. My current job is documenting what is going on, working with logistics, communications, finance North and South of the Border, and being an information conduit amongst those NOB, local Gringos, and our Mexican Hermanos.

Who's who? Padre Beto-
He "IS" Senior Jovenes de Cosala. 84 years old and 25 years running this Orphanage/School on something less than a shoestring. It is obvious that the slide has been a terrible strain on this man. Yet, he has a warm smile for all and a strong voice.

If you get a chance to sit down with this man, in about in about 2 minute you will learn what love and compassion really is.

Reuben is Padre Beto's Derecha Mano Hombre (Right Hand Man) with regards to the world outside the school. Not only has he been instrumental in procuring funds from others to keep the residential school going, but has personally funded many emergencies, e.g. stove breaks, no money for propane, someone didn't come through with an anticipated food donation.

Then there are the Eventos Especial, like graduation where among other things he sponsored a Mariachi group. Not a rich man in dinero, but certainly rich in love for these children. Many know Reuben as the the owner of Reuben's Grill at the balnearios (hot springs) in San Juan Cosala, and everyone else should get to know him by visiting his place. Reuben is also a great Spanish instructor--just stopping by.

Rudy, an American Gringo having lived in RC/Cosala for 5 years was instrumental in making Reuben aware of the Orphanage. Not just Reuben's best friend, but as Reuben says "Mi Hermano", My Brother. I won't embarrass him by sharing how much he's given to Padre Beto's lifelong work.

Guadalupe "Lupe," the schools senior Instructor/Teacher has been 25 years with the Jovenes de Cosala. She lives at the school with her husband and three children. Her pay for all these years amounts to room and board. That's dedication and a really understanding husband!

Jesus, the school's Handyman, Agriculturist, and "Doctor" (albeit without credential) and the Padre's chief confidant.

Fred & Barbara, Gringos who are too old to be doing all the running around they've been doing. F&B have been supporters of the facility for about 2 years and if I write anymore they'll kill me.

Doug "Maincoons" de New Mexico. Jumped on the problem like a chicken on a June Bug. Has been instrumental in this past week in procuring a professional website and numerous cash donations from the U.S. Boy! Watch out when this guy gets going!

Me, I'm the new kid on the block, but plan to stick it out.

More School and Student Information
100-130 Residents, ages 10-18
Curriculum for Middle School and High School supported by 8 full time instructors
Facility is on about 6-7 acres provided by the local Diocese
As I understand it the use grounds is the only support to the school by the Diocese
4 or 5 Dormitories, each housing approximately 24 students in military barracks type of setup (bunk beds and no frills)
Each student has a locker, but many kept personal effects under their beds. Many of the students lost what few mementos they had of their lives before joining Jovenes de Cosala.

Most of the students are currently living at the public High School in Joco.
30 students are staying at the school, sleeping in the Chapel.
Somebody was wonderful enough to donate 30 folding cots so they didn't have to sleep on the concrete floor.
The school is busing about 30 kids a day from Joco to Cosala to help with the clean up. My kids should have ever been so diligent about work! They'll cycling the kids so that each has an opportunity to be apart of the rebuilding.

Judy's Note: It should be mentioned that there are several private individuals and organizations (including the English speaking congregation of Ajijic's San Andres Church) who are faithful with monthly donations of food and supplies.

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Judy King is publisher of  Mexico Insights' Living at Lake Chapala, a monthly online magazine for people interested in Mexico's Lake Chapala region, in the state of Jalisco.

Judy, a 16-year resident of Ajijic on Lake Chapala's north shore, conducts weekly newcomer's seminars, shares her expertise about Mexico in her monthly online magazine, and in the "Mexico Lindo" column for the Lake Chapala Review.

Judy also is a speaker for local organizations and visiting tour groups about the Lakeside area and Mexican customs and holidays.