Hola, I am a retired human resources development consultant who spent my adult life helping people in the workforce and the organizations they worked in. In 2002 I officially declared myself burned out and retired to a simple life style in Eugene, Oregon. That year I began going to Zihuatanejo, Mexico on vacations. In 2007 I got involved with teachers who work for pactically nothing at one of the poorest schools in Zihuatanejo. I fell in love with the kids and decided that I would dedicate my remaining healthy years trying to help them. I begin my extend time in Mexico in October, 2008. My goals are to help them get the lunches, school supplies, clothes and reading material they need and while I am there – about 5 months per year – teach English as a second language. I am doing this blog to keep friends and family informed of my “doings” and to find others who would like to contribute in someway. Muchas gracias and hasta luego, Memo (That’s Bill in Spanish)
Enjoyed meeting you the other day. Thanks for the wonderful lunch.
The pictures of Zihuatanejo were great! Love the look of those beaches!! See you in November!! Pam
By: Gordon & Pam Huwa on September 11, 2008
at 2:25 am
Hola Memo,
I´m Roy´s brother. He mentioned meeting you in a leadership development program. I have been teaching English in Chihuahua for the past ten years. If there is anything I can help you with i.e. material, training suggestions, classroom planning or simply moral support please let me know via e-mail.
I would also be interesting in the near future in traveling to Zihuatanejo and teaching English part of the year. Can you please let me know what kind of teaching opportunites there are available down there?
Finally, my sincere congratulations to you for the work you are doing. It takes “una alma de Dios” to leave the comforts of USA and come down here and do what your doing.
By: gilbert siañez on November 10, 2008
at 7:00 pm
Dear Memo:
I am impressed with Karen and know that she will
do well, whatever it is that she wishes. Thanks for your graciousness to me. It is most appreciated.
God bless,
Be well,
Take care,
Love, JOni
What is the best way to send a monetary gift?
By: joni garrison on January 30, 2009
at 4:59 pm
Memo, I am a teacher in a title one school here in Sanford, FL, just wondering if you every coordinate for a group of people to come over and help out…I am always looking for ways to help our students wherever they are…
Mary
By: greeneyedgirl72 on March 1, 2009
at 2:59 pm
Hola Bill,
Enjoyed meeting you at the art show beneath La Gula yesterday. We were very moved by your contributions to the community. Keep in touch!
Joe, Dena & Sydney
By: joe weller on March 28, 2009
at 6:09 pm
Hi Bill,
I just wanted to let you know that we found you on the web. We’re back in the DC area right now and acclimatizing for our trip north to syracuse.
It’s about 45 deg. here and I’m freezing.
Talk to you soon
Tom
By: Tom Fay on April 8, 2009
at 7:09 pm
Memo, I am one of your colleagues at your “office” on Madera Beach! Your work in Zihua is wonderful…you are so dedicated and energetic and great at motivating others to help! I think you said you’ll miss “work” this coming winter, but hopefully you’ll be back the following winter! I urge others to join with your efforts! 100% of any donation goes directly to the school, the children and their families! Vaya con Dios! Liz
By: Liz Angland on May 20, 2009
at 3:59 pm
Bill,
Thank you so much for sharing your stories and your work in Zihuatanejo. My family and I visited and loved la casa cafe!
I have bookmarked your blog, so I can keep up with Octavio Paz and hopefully be able to help in someway. We met Fidel, his brother and his mother in our recent visit.
Adios,
Antonio
By: Antonio Cancino on July 2, 2009
at 2:08 pm
Hi Memo- I’ve been following your wonderful Blog faithfully and wondered what you had in mind after you left Zihua this year…..
Hope all is well. I might be moving from Grants Pass to Arizona in the near future. “Life is full of adventures, when you follow your dreams”. I know whatever you decide to do, you will be following yours.
Hugs,
Laurie
By: Laurie Ami on March 17, 2010
at 8:01 pm
Job well done Lt Bill. Mission Accomplished! Your tour of duty is over…time to come home.
By: ron on May 28, 2012
at 10:55 pm