FODA

Sorry I haven't written in a while- it's because I misplaced my camera cord, so I couldn't put up any pictures. But today's entry doesn't have a picture anyway, because I forgot to take one.

Today we had a meeting with leaders from all the associations in Los Higos, led by Jose Quezada, and it was great! He led a discussion going over FODA for the community:
Fortaleza (strengths)
Oportunidades (oportunities)
Debilidades (weaknesses)
Amenazas (threats)

I was so impressed with this idea and found it interesting that a lot of the things that were identified as strengths were also identified as weaknesses. For example, they identified the associations in the community as strengths (such as the casabe producers association and the association that is in charge of the community center and sports field). But as they talked about these associations, they identified disunity and lack of purpose in these associations as one of the community's weaknesses.

As they talked about threats to the community, a lot of the things I'd expected came up, like alcohol and drugs. But I was also surprised that they mentioned lack of trust as a threat. I also learned that the aguaduct doesn't charge enough for water service to pay the monthly electric bill (for the well pump), so that could mean that the electric company will cut the community well off.

As they talked about opportunities, they mentioned that the community has a lot of strong leaders that are not being utilized. They also mentioned the power of the associations to bring economic growth to the community, because many organizations will give grants to a community only if they are organized in somethings like an association.

This group is planning to meet again on March 1 and each association leader is going to try to bring at least one other person from their group. Please be praying that theses discussions will lead us to clear vision and promost unity among the various associations.