A report from the field from Project Manager Johny Siman:

BOACO, NICARAGUA, MAY 29: Dirt Work at the land site has begun. We've contracted the services of Napoleon Zepeda and Gladys Ortiz, a pair of engineers who own a construction company with a lot of experience in their field. They are very conscious of customers that promote development among the least fortunate people of Nicaragua. This duo is responsible for the Dirt Work for both stages at the Lauralee Scheideman School in Empalme de Boaco, a charitable project by the U.S.-based group Developing Communities.

We've also hired the services of Aracelly Guzman, a civil engineer specializing in horizontal construction who is a native of the city of Boaco. She is responsible for the direct supervision and quality control of the project. So far she is doing a wonderful job.

At this stage, we have about 23% advancement on the work, which includes the removal of about 830 cubic meters off the ground and the replacement of 638 cubic meters with filling material. This includes the areas of the parking lot, streets and vendors booth and is about one-half of the filling in these areas.

We've encountered some minor problems that we are working to solve, including the start of the rainy season and the quality of filling material. We have rainwater coming from the land adjacent to the property for which we built a barrier with leftover material between both properties. We are using the same select material bank that was used for the construction of the Hospital of Boaco; nevertheless, the good material has run out. We are looking at three other embankments in the area to make sure the material has the qualities required for the job and that the proper environmental requirements are met.

NOTE: Clinica Verde needs to raise about $150,000 more to complete clinic construction. We are urgently working to meet this goal. Please contact us if you know any supporters who may assist us in our cause!

I'd like to help!

Henry Schlangen is a Napa Valley Realtor with Pacific Union Real Estate in St. Helena, California. Genevieve is currently guiding the family "to find a spiritual, physical, emotional and intellectual balance in all our lives." They have two daughters: Julia (12) and Grace (6). Here, Genevieve talks about why they support Clinica Verde:

"Supporting Clinica Verde is very personal to us. Susan and Tim Lyons are members of our community, fellow parishioners at Grace Episcopal Church in St. Helena, and friends of ours. We feel a real connection to their efforts in Nicaragua and want to share in their development. Henry and I truly believe in supporting families and children in particular – especially those who are in need, whether it be locally or globally.

"The proposed design of Clinica Verde is attractive to us given the sustainability of the eco-friendly structure. The ability to replicate this model will provide for future developments and efforts. As parents, we look forward to affording our children the opportunity to participate in and be exposed to diverse cultures and countries that have various needs. It is a personal desire and goal for our family to volunteer in several ways. What a gift and a memory we can share with our children by participating in some volunteer activity for those less fortunate than ourselves. Henry and I are intrigued by the whole project and the team Susan has assembled for Clinica Verde and can't wait for the appropriate time to share and volunteer in the project's development and completion."

On May 27, Women in Philanthropy hosted Susan at the home of Stephanie Ryder in Mill Valley to give a presentation about Clinica Verde. Women in Philanthropy is a group of 12 women in Southern Marin County who meet monthly to highlight charitable organizations that they feel need and deserve support.

"I love that Clinica Verde is a prototype with a bigger vision for the world," said Stephanie. "And the idea that everyone deserves beauty was really powerful to me. Seeing and hearing about these women in Nicaragua was so moving. We have this common bond as mothers, despite our distance and differences.

"I feel so honored that Susan came to share this with us. It's inspirational for us all."

Thank you so much, Women in Philanthropy! We're so grateful for your interest in our work.

If you know of a group or club that might be interested in hearing more about our project, please let me know!