But our efforts don't just stop there, below, I take the Desktop Video System and Translation software into the Office to introduce it to Gladys, Veronica and Addis Alee also from El Salvador and Guatemala.

Yes! At first, new things can be scary and amusing! Seeing themselves suddenly appear on the Computer Monitor Screen, causes a big laugh with Gladys, as Veronica and Addis Alee run for the Door! But with a little coaxing and explanation from me, standing over Gladys' shoulder, she's game to take the Mouse in hand and see just how this new computer technology works. Addis Alee, isn't so sure, so she sticks to the safety of the doorway, but Veronica feels a little more confident after seeing Gladys take the lead, and comes back for a closer look and inspection. "Power On, Gladys!"

As I demonstrate the Power Translation Software, and fluent Spanish Speech, begins to come from the Computer speakers, reading a text document I had earlier prepared, my small group becomes more captivated and interested in my presentation ~ Finally, the Smiles of group approval shine through!

Although still learning English as a second language, to her native Spanish, Rienna began studying Computer Basics with me a small step at a time, for a short time every evening. This was before translation software was affordable which meant that we literally had use English to Spanish Dictionaries to look up and attempt to translate Computer concepts and terms, and then both learn the Spanish and English terms, before we could then apply them to the hands on training on the computer system. This was a undertaking of no small proportion, but Rienna and I, diligently stuck with the task. Rienna also brought other friends of hers from El Salvador, along for Computer Class when we would meet on Saturday afternoons in my office

Other ICUG Members from El Salvador ~ Francisco Sandoval and Elisabeth & Jose Aviles, added their Support, Assistance and Energies to the ICUG Training and Cultural Exchange Program

Another early Member of the ICUG Family Circle is Susie Jimenez (below) Susie donated Spanish to English Dictionaries & Grammar Manuals toward our Multi-lingual Computer Training effort. As Susie's family trace their roots to Mexico, her knowledge of Hispanic Culture, Food and Music and interest in Native American Indian Custom, added to our groups undertaking. Susie also designs Native Jewelry. Below, the "ICUG Computer Bunch" work collectively at ICUG Computer Central

Yu-Wei Jiang (Grace), was the first ICUG International Exchange Student to come from Japan to live at our Home and Study Computer Training. Yu-Wei, or Grace, her American name, who is originally from Shanghai, China, was living and working as a Translator for a large Company, in Tokyo, Japan

Jessica & Grace at the Computer Console during hands on Computer Training ~ Yu-Wei Jiang (Grace)

Being fluent in Mandarin and Japanese, learning and mastering the English language was no impossible task for Grace, but she simultaneously began the daily study of Computer Technology, with ICUG. After six months she had achieved a broad scope of PC knowledge from starting at square one with learning DOS to MS Windows and Windows 95 to leaning Word Processing and Desktop Publishing. Expanding her range from the PC to the Apple Macintosh, after becoming savvy in the Basics, Grace found that she had a real interest and talent in Graphic Arts & Design using Adobe Photoshop and Aldus Freehand.

Having arrived on American Shores in November, Grace was to have her first experience seeing Snow, on Wintry Washington Shores and although it was an experience to remember, it also may have helped her to decide that she preferred the warm and sunny California climate to that of changing seasons. After completing her Computer Training, Grace obtained her Permanent Visa Status and relocated to sunny California where she married and is now living. While living here in Washington, DC with us, she was treated to all of the favorite American pastimes ~ Shopping at the Malls, Bowling, Shopping at the Asian Grocery Store for traditional Asian dishes, Sightseeing, more Shopping at the Malls, Video Games, American Fast Food, and Cable Television. One of Grace's favorite pastimes came to be Channel Surfing with the Remote, and watching Cable features on the 10 foot Screen Projection Television here! "Hello out there in sunny California, Grace!"

October 1996 brought a surprise Visit from more of the ICUG Family Circle. Mickey happens to be a very dedicated and hard working guy at the Hospital Burn Unit in St. Paul, Minnesota. Mickey's compassion is only exceeded by the Love and Care that he extends to all of his patients, who become attached to him almost immediately, and makes his reputation around the Hospital, as one of the "Patient's Most Favorite", an easy one to understand. Mickey was selected from a Countrywide Association of Burn Unit Specialists, to be flown here to Washington, DC and participate in a Special Recognition Program for

his work in the Special Care Unit. While here he was a Guest at the 4 H Facility and Estate, but found time in his busy schedule of Sightseeing to come and take in the ICUG Computer Console, and get some hands on experience. One of the Program participants was Heather, who as seen here in the photo, maintained a ever vigilant role of Touring Companion with Mickey. Another aspect that made the visit special was that his sister Jessica was able to personally guide him through the Sights of the City, as well as guide him through his Introduction to Computers!