Parents' Weekend

What can I say! It There was an environmental art show, formal research project presentations (sam studied bonefish), morning exercise (6:30 am-Sam does this every day-sometimes it;s run/swim, yoga, water polo, etc), Junkanoo-a Carribean dance with drummers that derives from the slave background of the islands, an fun, talent filled coffee house, conferences w/ teachers and his advisor, which Sam attended and participated in. Everything was so impressive. Met some really interesting people. Loved the sustainable environment stuff. Two things stood out:
-One of the research groups is studying aquaponics. They have a huge tank of tilapia (a freshwater fish). They filter ocean water, send it to the tank, then send that water including the fish poo to a hydroponic lettuce garden where it waters and fertilizes the plants. The water is then filtered and sent back to the tank. This would have a great impact on the island economy since the soil in Eleuthera is so poor and they import virtually all their vegetables.
-They got the gov't to let them hook into the main power grid. They receive power from it, but also send energy into it from a wind turbine and solar panels, so they are often giving more power to the grid than they are using. Just think, if every community could do that, soon everyone would have solar panels!
The best thing by far was seeing how great Sam is doing. He looks terrfic, and his self confidence has really grown. It was so much fun to see him with his peers and interacting so well w/ his teachers. I think this has been life changing experience for him!