This was a Valentines Day not to be beat even though I was thousands of miles away from home. A cup of coffee and a quick walk led to my first surprise, a chicken coop. I danced, and laughed, and cried as Maria Elena showed me our first small flock of chickens complete with yet another rooster in the village (go figure) and seven laying hens. More importantly, the immediate protein source for our most needy children. The second surprise would again lead to tears of joy. What had begun as six sewing machines and a couple totes of fabric was now a classroom open to any woman in the village to learn this valuable tool or trade. The women have gathered three times a week since our departure in August, earned enough from the sale of their wares to rent a space, and established a fund to support one another when a sick child requires medicine. As the week progressed our flock would grow to 15 hens, with an additional 10 hens and the donation of our second rooster to Samuel, Maria Elena's son. He has agreed to continue caring for our flock and will in turn sell his eggs to the project for a reduced cost. As time allows he will hatch several broods and be hired by Daisy's to build coops and furnish first flocks to our families. Happy Valentines one and all!!!!!!