Our speaker was Jay Wilson, Multi-Media Consultant for SoutheastTexas.com and the Club's District and Global Grants Chair. Jay was introduced by Dana Timaeus.
Jay talked about his participation in the International Humanitarian efforts recently in Utila, Honduras, with Dana Timaeus, Billy Kinney, and Reverend (also Rotarian) Wade Floyd.
On June 1st, Jay and a team of 6 from Beaumont along with several other volunteers from Georgia began work on a project in Utila, an island located 18 miles off the coast of Honduras. The project included the construction of an elevated platform and stairs for the Utila Methodist school, as well as re-supporting the 500-gallon water system.
All the materials needed for this project had to be shipped to Utila in boxes under 50-pounds, including tools that would be needed. Because he had to delay leaving with the group, Jay arrived a day later and joined the team after a horrible boat transport (12-foot swells & a turbulent sea).
Using a Power Point presentation, Jay showed the Team's work as it progressed through various stages of the construction and repairs.
The school year on the island of Utila spans February-to-November. The daily temperatures were in the 90’s and humid.
The electric meters on each address offer an instant view of the amount of service everyone has remaining on their account. If you have a positive balance, there is a smiley face, and if you have run out of funds and have not paid your bill, there is a frown!
Jay “walked us through” various pictures of the school, several locations in the city, and a few of the children. One picture was a shot of their Fire Department with the conventional yellow uniforms for firefighters with boots hanging, ready for the next use. He shared that all the uniforms were donated by the Beaumont Fire Department!
The Utila Methodist College location that we viewed is occupied by children in all grades. Young students primarily use Spanish, but students become fluent in English in the later grades. Jay stated that the very young children say they aspire to become boat captains. However, as they learn more and become more aware of other vocations, many then say they aspire to become doctors.
Jay stated that Billy and Dana had the opportunity to interact more with some of the children. Billy also fiber-glassed the water system, which had endured some wear-and-tear from the local woodpeckers. Rev. Floyd had the opportunity to participate in their Sunday services.
On the final evening before returning home, the entire community came together with homemade food and treats to express their gratitude for the Team.
If you ever find yourself in Utila, and need a place to “chill”, the Team stayed at a bordega, which was “supervised” by Boris, a very large and hairy spider! Tell him Jay Wilson sent you!
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