Today as I climbed into the van Lourdes asked, "How are you feeling?" I told her I am not sure because I overslept and just woke up.
On the way to the church I clarified with Jairo that I am excited to go for pizza at the Italian place. He had a big smile and did not seem upset by my behavior yesterday. (I had worried about it all night last night and prayed about the conversation over and over.)
As I got out of the van I realized I was tired. In the kitchen everything was prepared. I sat down, leaned my head against the wall and almost fell asleep. Jairo came in about an hour later. It is not normal for me to be sitting there, so he told me that he would take me home. I asked if he was leaving the church for something. He said no, but he will take me home. I reminded him that the conversational English class is today. He said that is not important. I should go home and go to bed.
Then one of the students who is most dedicated to the class called and said she is unable to attend. I took that as a sign and asked Jairo if he could still take me home. He said sure. I got home at 11 a.m., put on my pajamas, and slept until 3 p.m. My fever is gone, I just have some chest congestion and no appetite. But I am so tired!
Tomorrow will be a long day with my birthday dinner in the evening. Thursday is going to be VERY long. We are serving the kids as normal for the Breakfast Program, then having a fancy dinner for Thanksgiving dinner.
Lourdes handed out invitations today. Josselyn made them. They are great! They have pictures of Pat and a turkey. Unfortunately, we can't afford turkey. But our Thanksgiving will be special no matter what we eat.
The kids have been told they have to be dressed up. A three year old boy went home yesterday and told his mother that he needs to wear a dress to the church on Thursday for dinner. The Mom came in today to clarify. Lourdes told the kids to dress in their best clothes - dresses for the girls if they have them, but they do not have to go buy a dress. She had to tell one of the girls to come bathed with her hair combed.
We will set up the room upstairs with table clothes and make the room beautiful. The kids are going to be amazed.
I hope I feel better for the big days ahead! I already missed out on two parties. I want to feel my best for these days to come. But for now, I will drink some juice and go back to sleep.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
Monday, November 19, 2012
Preparing for Thanksgiving
Today on the way to the breakfast program Jairo asked if my birthday is tomorrow or Wednesday. I told him Wednesday. He asked if I would like to go out for pizza for my birthday. Three things went through my head all at once.
1) Pizza? I haven't been able to eat since Friday.
2) The last two families I know who ate pizza here got food poisening.
3) Hot dogs.
Only the women who were in Honduras on my first trip here know why I think of hot dogs when someone mentions pizza in Honduras. My only personal experience of pizza in Honduras was in 2008 when a team from my church took a group of girls out for pizza at Pizza Hut. There were vienna sausages in the crust. I'm not much of a meat eater. It was very strange.
Jairo could tell that I wasn't jumping at the thought of going out for pizza for my birthday because I am terrible and horrible at keeping my thoughts in my mind. They always go straight to my face. Jairo said, "Oh, you don't want pizza." He seemed disappointed and I didn't know what to do.
I said, "I am thinking of hot dogs." (And food poisening and the fact that I can't imagine eating any food right now. I didn't say that.) Lourdes said she had no recollection of any hot dogs in the crusts at Pizza Hut, but I swear they were there!
Jairo said we are not going to Pizza Hut, we are going to a real Italian place that has the best pizza in the city. I did my absolute best to convince him that I do really want to go out for pizza (especially at an Italian restaurant!) for my birthday. I don't think he ever really believed me. Now I feel horrible. Obviously they put some thought into this idea and I did not react the way I should have.
At the Breakfast Program Lourdes worked with the kids while I took care of the kitchen. Marlin was at the dentist so I was alone. Lourdes is organizing a Thanksgiving dinner for Thursday. She explained that only the kids who come regularly are invited. She told kids who were just visiting for the day, or whom we rarely see, that they are welcome to attend the Christmas party if they attend regularly until Christmas.
We came up with a list of 81 kids so far who are invited to our Thanksgiving dinner. K2, my church in Salt Lake, made a donation to be used in the name of Pat Pike, a memeber of K2 who was very sick. The kids here spent weeks and weeks praying for his recovery. Lourdes decided it would be a good idea to give thanks to God for Pat's life. So we are having a Honduran Thanksgiving for the kids of the breakfast program. (If anyone else would like to donate to give the kids a Thanksgiving dinner, please contact me at mlfager@hotmail.com.)
I fed 67 kids, cleaned the kitchen, and helped with English homework. Then headed home.
When I got home a strange surprised awaited me. Pieces of chocolate chip cookies were all over the floor. I asked the cat if she ate the cookies, but she didn't answer. So far she doesn't seem sick. I have no idea why tiny bits of cookies were in the kitchen and dining room. She has never eaten "people food" before, and she had a dish full of cat food, so this is odd. I swept and mopped the floor. Then I wanted to wash my sheets. Last night I was still pretty sick. I had a fever and chills so I wanted to clean my germy, sweaty sheets. I am hoping tonight will be better.
There was hardly any water left by the time I finished washing. I had to steal water from Fany's pila, carrying it in buckets and dumping it into my washing machine. Then I made a bowl of soup and put the last few drips of water inside to let it soak. So far the soup is sitting well in my stomach. I should be ready for pizza by Wednesday, if the offer still stands.
1) Pizza? I haven't been able to eat since Friday.
2) The last two families I know who ate pizza here got food poisening.
3) Hot dogs.
Only the women who were in Honduras on my first trip here know why I think of hot dogs when someone mentions pizza in Honduras. My only personal experience of pizza in Honduras was in 2008 when a team from my church took a group of girls out for pizza at Pizza Hut. There were vienna sausages in the crust. I'm not much of a meat eater. It was very strange.
Jairo could tell that I wasn't jumping at the thought of going out for pizza for my birthday because I am terrible and horrible at keeping my thoughts in my mind. They always go straight to my face. Jairo said, "Oh, you don't want pizza." He seemed disappointed and I didn't know what to do.
I said, "I am thinking of hot dogs." (And food poisening and the fact that I can't imagine eating any food right now. I didn't say that.) Lourdes said she had no recollection of any hot dogs in the crusts at Pizza Hut, but I swear they were there!
Jairo said we are not going to Pizza Hut, we are going to a real Italian place that has the best pizza in the city. I did my absolute best to convince him that I do really want to go out for pizza (especially at an Italian restaurant!) for my birthday. I don't think he ever really believed me. Now I feel horrible. Obviously they put some thought into this idea and I did not react the way I should have.
At the Breakfast Program Lourdes worked with the kids while I took care of the kitchen. Marlin was at the dentist so I was alone. Lourdes is organizing a Thanksgiving dinner for Thursday. She explained that only the kids who come regularly are invited. She told kids who were just visiting for the day, or whom we rarely see, that they are welcome to attend the Christmas party if they attend regularly until Christmas.
We came up with a list of 81 kids so far who are invited to our Thanksgiving dinner. K2, my church in Salt Lake, made a donation to be used in the name of Pat Pike, a memeber of K2 who was very sick. The kids here spent weeks and weeks praying for his recovery. Lourdes decided it would be a good idea to give thanks to God for Pat's life. So we are having a Honduran Thanksgiving for the kids of the breakfast program. (If anyone else would like to donate to give the kids a Thanksgiving dinner, please contact me at mlfager@hotmail.com.)
I fed 67 kids, cleaned the kitchen, and helped with English homework. Then headed home.
When I got home a strange surprised awaited me. Pieces of chocolate chip cookies were all over the floor. I asked the cat if she ate the cookies, but she didn't answer. So far she doesn't seem sick. I have no idea why tiny bits of cookies were in the kitchen and dining room. She has never eaten "people food" before, and she had a dish full of cat food, so this is odd. I swept and mopped the floor. Then I wanted to wash my sheets. Last night I was still pretty sick. I had a fever and chills so I wanted to clean my germy, sweaty sheets. I am hoping tonight will be better.
There was hardly any water left by the time I finished washing. I had to steal water from Fany's pila, carrying it in buckets and dumping it into my washing machine. Then I made a bowl of soup and put the last few drips of water inside to let it soak. So far the soup is sitting well in my stomach. I should be ready for pizza by Wednesday, if the offer still stands.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Sick :(
Saturday morning I woke up feeling yucky. At first I thought I was in a bad mood so I went through a mental checklist of why I didn't feel right. Was I sad? Angry? I prayed and thought, but came up empty.
My weekly trip to the supermarket was a few hours later. As I walked through the store I realized I was sick. My whole body ached. I felt exhausted.
I came home and put away the groceries, then walked down to the pulperia. They are so good to me there. I stocked up on juice and ginger ale. They recommended day time and night time meds with strict instructions about how to take them.
I went home and slept, hoping to feel better when I got up. Sunday there were two parties I was scheduled to attend. I had to make desert for a Thanksgiving party and a cake for Laura's first birthday.
When I woke up Saturday evening, I started baking. You know you're sick when you stir three strokes, then are so out of breath you have to stop and put your head between your knees so you don't pass out. Once everything was baked and stored away safely I went back to bed.
This morning I woke up still feeling sick. I got up and showered, thinking I might feel better. But I was still weak and not feeling well, so I checked in with both parties and told them I couldn't attend. Turns out Laura has the same exact thing I have. Poor little birthday girl!
I decided to put fresh sheets on the bed, but as I did, my cat started going nuts smelling them. There was a faint smell of cat urine on the top sheet. I probably wouldn't have noticed it, but Jetty sure did. All I can think is that one of the strays sprayed it while it was hanging on the line outside. That meant another load of laundry needed to be done before I could go back to bed, but I got it done and spent today in bed too.
Can't believe I missed two parties! But it is now Sunday evening and I think I am feeling better. At least I didn't have to miss any days at the Breakfast Program and mentally I am feeling good. Joss has had the same bug for over a week. Aaron has been sick with it for a week. Jairo got it Friday. One of the students from my English class got it Friday as well. Let me tell you, it was no fun. I am hoping that my weekend of rest helps me heal more quickly.
We had 83 kids Friday at the Breakfast Program Friday and expect at least as many tomorrow!
My weekly trip to the supermarket was a few hours later. As I walked through the store I realized I was sick. My whole body ached. I felt exhausted.
I came home and put away the groceries, then walked down to the pulperia. They are so good to me there. I stocked up on juice and ginger ale. They recommended day time and night time meds with strict instructions about how to take them.
I went home and slept, hoping to feel better when I got up. Sunday there were two parties I was scheduled to attend. I had to make desert for a Thanksgiving party and a cake for Laura's first birthday.
When I woke up Saturday evening, I started baking. You know you're sick when you stir three strokes, then are so out of breath you have to stop and put your head between your knees so you don't pass out. Once everything was baked and stored away safely I went back to bed.
This morning I woke up still feeling sick. I got up and showered, thinking I might feel better. But I was still weak and not feeling well, so I checked in with both parties and told them I couldn't attend. Turns out Laura has the same exact thing I have. Poor little birthday girl!
I decided to put fresh sheets on the bed, but as I did, my cat started going nuts smelling them. There was a faint smell of cat urine on the top sheet. I probably wouldn't have noticed it, but Jetty sure did. All I can think is that one of the strays sprayed it while it was hanging on the line outside. That meant another load of laundry needed to be done before I could go back to bed, but I got it done and spent today in bed too.
Can't believe I missed two parties! But it is now Sunday evening and I think I am feeling better. At least I didn't have to miss any days at the Breakfast Program and mentally I am feeling good. Joss has had the same bug for over a week. Aaron has been sick with it for a week. Jairo got it Friday. One of the students from my English class got it Friday as well. Let me tell you, it was no fun. I am hoping that my weekend of rest helps me heal more quickly.
We had 83 kids Friday at the Breakfast Program Friday and expect at least as many tomorrow!
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| Boys' line for hand washing |
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
It's Raining Ants
My ceiling tiles are now duct taped together. Why would a person need to duct tape their ceiling tiles you ask? Well, let me tell you...
It all started when I first moved to Honduras. Ants seem to have seasons here. Sometimes they are black ants, like we have in the US. Then there were a few months where tiny ants liked certain parts of my walls. Yesterday I noticed huge almost translucent ants. As I came home tonight there was one on the doorstep and I thought, "This must be the season of white ants." The ants have been annoying, but not a real problem except for the time that the leaf cutter ants had a trail across my front door. But that is a story for another time.
Earlier tonight I reached for a drink on my nightstand. Inside were two ants. As I looked closer I noticed the nightstand was covered with ants. I pulled it out from the wall and there were ants everywhere. Some were carrying larvae! At first I thought I must have left some food somewhere. I searched for the source. No ants in the drawers of the nightstand but suddenly there is an ant in my hair. Then another. The ants were falling from the ceiling!
I looked up to see ants crawling out from a loose tile. It was 8:45 pm. I looked outside and saw that Santos and Fany were at home so I called. Santos answered, "Hello Mary Lynn."
"Hi Santos. I have a problem. Ants are falling from my chest (Oops! 'pecho' = chest, 'techo' = roof) every two seconds!" I said.
He didn't laugh, but said he would be right over. He and Fany came quickly. Meanwhile I had moved the bed from under the "leak" in the roof and was spraying everything in sight with ant spray. Fany had me keep Laura in the kitchen away from the fumes while she and Santos tried to figure out what was going on. Santos told me they don't bite. That didn't make me feel much better.
Santos pulled down the ceiling tile where the ants were crawling out. I couldn't look. I was imagining something up there like a bee hive full of ants. He grabbed my headlamp, climbed up a ladder and looked around but found nothing. He took the spray and sprayed everything up there.
Then he tried to put the ceiling tile back. It was broken before he took it off, so it didn't attach tightly. We had swept three times and mopped once, but ants kept appearing. He got nails and screws, but nothing worked. Finally I said, "Paint (pinta), I mean tape (cinta) !!! He looked at me a little strangely but when I came back with duct tape he got the point. We taped the heck out of the ceiling. Fany and I joked that we would tell people it is the new style, to have stripes of duct tape on your ceiling. Then she said we can paint it all white and nobody will know.
Meanwhile Laura was laughing the whole time. Laura will turn one year old on Sunday. She has a gift for laughing the funniest laugh in tense situations. To me, having ants falling on my bed at 9 pm, was a tense situation.
Santos ultimately determined that the ants were coming in through the roof, falling onto the ceiling, and then crawling through the cracked tile to visit me. Good luck getting through the duct tape, ants!
I changed my bedding and cleaned the bedroom from top to bottom. Hopefully I won't have nightmares of translucent ants falling on my head tonight. It will be a good story to tell Lourdes and Jairo tomorrow. I'm sure Jairo will get a laugh out of it. Maybe by then I will laugh be able to laugh about it too. At this point all I can think of is Thank God for Santos and Fany!
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Conversations
Many times when something interesting or new happens, I think to myself "I have to remember to share this in my blog tonight." Usually I forget. But here are two things I remember from today:
When I was in the US, people teased me about my Spanish, saying that I spoke Spanish with a strong English accent. One of the men from the church here always compliments me on my Spanish. He seems very genuine and always says he loves my accent. I find that hard to believe, after being teased all those years. Tonight we had a conversation about it. He asked how I learned Spanish with such a great accent. Jose, Karla and I laughed because I always tell people that I learned my Spanish from Karla - the fastest speaker in the world. When we told Alexis that I got my accent from Karla he said that made sense because we both express ourselves the same way. We both are expressive and use a lot of emphasis when we speak.
Later, he was telling Lourdes about great my accent. He said my accent was "bonito" (nice/pretty) but I misheard him and thought he said "unico" (unique). I laughed and said, "Unique that's one word for it!"
I guess it's not as funny now but it seemed really funny then.
On the way home from the birthday party I rode with Karla and Jose. Their daughter, Dana Sophia, complained she was hungry. They asked why she didn't eat at the party since there was a bounty of food. She said she didn't like any of the food. (Really she had filled up on chips.) It was funny, and sad, listening to their conversation. I was raised being told that I should finish my dinner because there were starving children in China. Then the next generation was told about starving children in Africa. In Honduras it is different.
Karla asked Dana if Dana remembered the boy outside the grocery store who was eating cabbage. Karla explained that the boy was eating leaves of cabbage because he has no food. Karla asked Dana if Dana believed that the boy likes to eat raw cabbage. Karla told Dana that she has the opportunity to eat plenty of good food, and if she chooses not to then she cannot complain because there are children at the grocery store who are starving and have no food.
China was abstract to me. It was hard to comprehend. I'm sure Africa was intangible to the next generation. But in Honduras, for Dana Sophia, she sees starving kids when she goes to the grocery store. Wow. Life is different here.
When I was in the US, people teased me about my Spanish, saying that I spoke Spanish with a strong English accent. One of the men from the church here always compliments me on my Spanish. He seems very genuine and always says he loves my accent. I find that hard to believe, after being teased all those years. Tonight we had a conversation about it. He asked how I learned Spanish with such a great accent. Jose, Karla and I laughed because I always tell people that I learned my Spanish from Karla - the fastest speaker in the world. When we told Alexis that I got my accent from Karla he said that made sense because we both express ourselves the same way. We both are expressive and use a lot of emphasis when we speak.
Later, he was telling Lourdes about great my accent. He said my accent was "bonito" (nice/pretty) but I misheard him and thought he said "unico" (unique). I laughed and said, "Unique that's one word for it!"
I guess it's not as funny now but it seemed really funny then.
On the way home from the birthday party I rode with Karla and Jose. Their daughter, Dana Sophia, complained she was hungry. They asked why she didn't eat at the party since there was a bounty of food. She said she didn't like any of the food. (Really she had filled up on chips.) It was funny, and sad, listening to their conversation. I was raised being told that I should finish my dinner because there were starving children in China. Then the next generation was told about starving children in Africa. In Honduras it is different.
Karla asked Dana if Dana remembered the boy outside the grocery store who was eating cabbage. Karla explained that the boy was eating leaves of cabbage because he has no food. Karla asked Dana if Dana believed that the boy likes to eat raw cabbage. Karla told Dana that she has the opportunity to eat plenty of good food, and if she chooses not to then she cannot complain because there are children at the grocery store who are starving and have no food.
China was abstract to me. It was hard to comprehend. I'm sure Africa was intangible to the next generation. But in Honduras, for Dana Sophia, she sees starving kids when she goes to the grocery store. Wow. Life is different here.
Jairo's Birthday!
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| Tonight we celebrated Jairo's birthday |
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| Joss, Marcella and me |
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| Everything was set up outside |
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| All of the meat was cooked on Jairo's new birthday grill |
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| Jairo with Aaron and Joss |
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| Jairo looks great in Lourdes' glasses. This may be his new FB profile pic! |
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| Me with Lourdes |
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| Finally, after years of waiting I get to spend this special day in Honduras with Jairo! |
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| Valery got the whole crowd dancing by the end of the night |
A day at the mall
Today I had to go shopping to pick up a birthday gift for Jairo. I had been thinking and thinking about what to get him. Finally I thought of a great idea. Jairo loves photos. He likes to take photos, he likes to look at photos. He often asks me to take photos of things for him, but until this point he has never used any of the photos he asked me to take. He uses photos in PowerPoint productions that he makes when he speaks at conferences, etc. Last week he told me he is using the same photos over and over and they are not recent.
That gave me an idea. I decided to buy a USB for his birthday. On the USB I will put any photo that I think he would like as well as all those he asked me to take.
My taxista dropped me off at the mall yesterday at 1:30 and picked me up at 4:30. I had a fun little outing. First I wandered into a fancy perfume and make up store. Even my friends who don't have much are always talking about fancy perfume. They say they have it at home, but they must save it for special occasions because I've never smelled them wearing it.
I have been thinking about wearing foundation. Most women here wear full makeup. I haven't worn anything but eyeshadow in my life and I got over that phase in 9th grade. The lady at the counter asked if she could help me. I told her I am trying to find the right color for foundation. She had me wash my face, then she put three different lotions on me (apparently I am in bad shape). Then she put on the foundation. It looked okay, but didn't cover as well as I was expecting so I asked about concealer. She put concealer under one eye and let me compare with the other. Well, the eye with no concealer did have darker circles, but the eye with concealer looked grey underneath! She told me how marvelous the products are and what they will do for my skin. Then I saw the price. The foundation was over $80 and concealer was almost $50! She said I could use something cheaper like Lancome, but you get what you pay for. When she saw my face, she told me that the three lotions were REALLY expensive. I can't even imagine.
As the makeup settled in over the day, it did look more natural. But not $130 worth. And my face kept getting little itches. By the time I left the mall I had probably itched off most of the makeup. I went home and washed my face. I don't think foundation is for me.
I did find a great deal on a USB, a teddy bear from Laura who will turn one soon, a card for Karla who also has a birthday coming up, and a file folder to keep all of my receipts in for taxes. I also found chocolate frosting at the grocery store, along with sugar free pudding. I am going to make Chocolate Eclairs for Jairo's birthday. I figure that is better for his diabetes than cake.
Got a bunch of laundry done. Had to do an extra load because a spider or something built a webby nest on my sheet while it was drying. I washed the sheet again and then a bird pooped on it as it was drying the second time - a big, dark, poop on my pink sheet. :( I am really enjoying my new blankets. I only need a few more long sleeved top and I'll be set for colder weather. I tried finding some comfy every day shoes at Payless since I can't wear flip flops anymore, but they were $30. I decided to wait until I get back to the states at Christmas and pick up some cheaper shoes and some slippers for the cold tile floors of my house at Ross or TJ Maxx.
That gave me an idea. I decided to buy a USB for his birthday. On the USB I will put any photo that I think he would like as well as all those he asked me to take.
My taxista dropped me off at the mall yesterday at 1:30 and picked me up at 4:30. I had a fun little outing. First I wandered into a fancy perfume and make up store. Even my friends who don't have much are always talking about fancy perfume. They say they have it at home, but they must save it for special occasions because I've never smelled them wearing it.
I have been thinking about wearing foundation. Most women here wear full makeup. I haven't worn anything but eyeshadow in my life and I got over that phase in 9th grade. The lady at the counter asked if she could help me. I told her I am trying to find the right color for foundation. She had me wash my face, then she put three different lotions on me (apparently I am in bad shape). Then she put on the foundation. It looked okay, but didn't cover as well as I was expecting so I asked about concealer. She put concealer under one eye and let me compare with the other. Well, the eye with no concealer did have darker circles, but the eye with concealer looked grey underneath! She told me how marvelous the products are and what they will do for my skin. Then I saw the price. The foundation was over $80 and concealer was almost $50! She said I could use something cheaper like Lancome, but you get what you pay for. When she saw my face, she told me that the three lotions were REALLY expensive. I can't even imagine.
As the makeup settled in over the day, it did look more natural. But not $130 worth. And my face kept getting little itches. By the time I left the mall I had probably itched off most of the makeup. I went home and washed my face. I don't think foundation is for me.
I did find a great deal on a USB, a teddy bear from Laura who will turn one soon, a card for Karla who also has a birthday coming up, and a file folder to keep all of my receipts in for taxes. I also found chocolate frosting at the grocery store, along with sugar free pudding. I am going to make Chocolate Eclairs for Jairo's birthday. I figure that is better for his diabetes than cake.
Got a bunch of laundry done. Had to do an extra load because a spider or something built a webby nest on my sheet while it was drying. I washed the sheet again and then a bird pooped on it as it was drying the second time - a big, dark, poop on my pink sheet. :( I am really enjoying my new blankets. I only need a few more long sleeved top and I'll be set for colder weather. I tried finding some comfy every day shoes at Payless since I can't wear flip flops anymore, but they were $30. I decided to wait until I get back to the states at Christmas and pick up some cheaper shoes and some slippers for the cold tile floors of my house at Ross or TJ Maxx.
Misael's Birthday!
Today was Misa's birthday. In Honduras people go out and buy fancy cakes. Not all as fancy as the one I posted of Josselyn's birthday, but cakes here are purchased, not homemade. Marlin, Misael's mother, bought a gorgeous cake for her daughter's birthday and brought it to the Breakfast Program for a party. However, I knew that funds were low in their house this week so I offered to make a cake. I wasn't even sure she would want a homemade cake, but Marlin was very grateful. Lourdes asked me to make two just to be sure there was enough to go around.
Misael greeted everyone with an extra bright smile. When we wished him Happy Birthday he responded softly, "Grashias". He was definitely excited to turn four.
Since it was his birthday Misael was allowed some special liberties, like lying on the kitchen floor when the birthday wishes became overwhelming.
And he took some pictures with my camera, which is normally off limits.
Lourdes wasn't there for the first group, so we decided to wait to have the cake until she got there. By that point we only needed one cake which was good because Marlin took the other one home to celebrate in the evening with her family.
We had a difficult time lighting the candles. It was a windy day. But finally they were lit and we sang Happy Birthday in English to him! In Honduras you always clap when you sing Happy Birthday.
And enjoyed his piece of cake.
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| I searched in 3 stores and couldn't find food coloring so we used Coco Krispies to write Happy Birthday. |
Misael greeted everyone with an extra bright smile. When we wished him Happy Birthday he responded softly, "Grashias". He was definitely excited to turn four.
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| Misael and his mother, my friend Marlin. |
And he took some pictures with my camera, which is normally off limits.
Lourdes wasn't there for the first group, so we decided to wait to have the cake until she got there. By that point we only needed one cake which was good because Marlin took the other one home to celebrate in the evening with her family.
We had a difficult time lighting the candles. It was a windy day. But finally they were lit and we sang Happy Birthday in English to him! In Honduras you always clap when you sing Happy Birthday.
Then he blew out the candles.
And enjoyed his piece of cake.
Happy Birthday Misael!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
A morning of shopping with the ladies!
Today I went with Veronica, my friend from church, and her sister to La Kennedy!!!! We went to a ton of used clothes places. We were in search of a gift for Misael's birthday tomorrow, long sleeved shirts and heavy, thick blankets for me. It was fun shopping with the girls :) I felt safe. I was carrying a significant amount of money, so I was very conscientious. Veronica reminded me to carry a little bit of money in each front pocket.
I really enjoyed time out with the girls, shopping and feeling like a normal woman. I think I will probably go back there again in the future. Maybe with Lourdes. It was fun! I have been getting to know Veronica better lately. I have always liked her, but never really had the opportunity to spend time with her. Last week we hung out at the pool together. This week she suggested that she take me shopping for the blankets. She is really nice. She works as a hairdresser and has two daughters, one eight years old and one a year old.
This afternoon I saw Dr Gustavo. It was a long wait because a lot of people are sick. Both Yareli and Estephany are not feeling well. I figured they should go first since they were waiting in the cold. Dr. Gustavo said there is absolutely nothing wrong with my blood work. It is so slightly outside of the normal range that it is not a problem. I asked if any of the blood work might show why my hair is falling out. He said no, he believes it is stress. I believe he is right. That was a hard one to accept. I prefer to think of myself as someone who is laid back and relaxed. But in reality I do have a tendency to be anxious as much as I hate to admit it.
I really do have more peace and happiness here than I have ever had in my life. But I guess I still need to find more ways to be "tranquila". Hopefully that will help with my hair loss. Today Marlin and Clara were looking at my drivers license. It finally happened. They said that my hair looks significantly different than it used to. I've been waiting for someone to say it out loud to me. It didn't hurt as much as I expected. I know they were not saying anything to be hurtful.
Clara got her first chemotherapy today. She came to the church afterward. At first she was fine. Then she got tired and said she felt nauseous. She returned home after a few hours stating that she did not feel well.
I baked two cakes after I got home this evening. Tomorrow there are a ton of birthdays at the church. One is Misael's. Marlin bought a cake for her daughter a few months ago, but money has been very tight so I offered to help out for her son. Lourdes suggested it would be best to make 2 cakes in order for there to be enough. I borrowed a cake pan from Fany and cooked them one at a time in my tiny little oven. Saturday I will bake another for Jairo. I'm thinking of making eclairs too since he prefers less sweet deserts. Next week I'll make a cake for Dana Sophia, the following week I'll make one for myself and Karla. I am now the church's pastry chef. I have been searching all over for a trifle bowl so I can change it up a little.
Washed both of my new blankets tonight. It is so cold! I am excited to have my new blankets on the bed. I got two comforters (used) in La Kennedy today for only $13 each. We searched all over but finally found them just as we had given up. I also got some used flannel pjs for $1.50 and two long sleeved shirts for $1 each. They were both name brand shirts that look almost new. Some people think I'm nuts to buy comforters used, but I think if I wash them and leave them in the sun, any "cooties" they may carry should be gone. I don't have the money to buy a new comforter. The ladies from Los Pinos encouraged me to buy two because when I am washing one, I will need the other. They know best! In this colder weather it takes a lot longer for things to dry.
I am going to take some time to rest, relax and read before bed. Buenas Noches!
I really enjoyed time out with the girls, shopping and feeling like a normal woman. I think I will probably go back there again in the future. Maybe with Lourdes. It was fun! I have been getting to know Veronica better lately. I have always liked her, but never really had the opportunity to spend time with her. Last week we hung out at the pool together. This week she suggested that she take me shopping for the blankets. She is really nice. She works as a hairdresser and has two daughters, one eight years old and one a year old.
This afternoon I saw Dr Gustavo. It was a long wait because a lot of people are sick. Both Yareli and Estephany are not feeling well. I figured they should go first since they were waiting in the cold. Dr. Gustavo said there is absolutely nothing wrong with my blood work. It is so slightly outside of the normal range that it is not a problem. I asked if any of the blood work might show why my hair is falling out. He said no, he believes it is stress. I believe he is right. That was a hard one to accept. I prefer to think of myself as someone who is laid back and relaxed. But in reality I do have a tendency to be anxious as much as I hate to admit it.
I really do have more peace and happiness here than I have ever had in my life. But I guess I still need to find more ways to be "tranquila". Hopefully that will help with my hair loss. Today Marlin and Clara were looking at my drivers license. It finally happened. They said that my hair looks significantly different than it used to. I've been waiting for someone to say it out loud to me. It didn't hurt as much as I expected. I know they were not saying anything to be hurtful.
Clara got her first chemotherapy today. She came to the church afterward. At first she was fine. Then she got tired and said she felt nauseous. She returned home after a few hours stating that she did not feel well.
I baked two cakes after I got home this evening. Tomorrow there are a ton of birthdays at the church. One is Misael's. Marlin bought a cake for her daughter a few months ago, but money has been very tight so I offered to help out for her son. Lourdes suggested it would be best to make 2 cakes in order for there to be enough. I borrowed a cake pan from Fany and cooked them one at a time in my tiny little oven. Saturday I will bake another for Jairo. I'm thinking of making eclairs too since he prefers less sweet deserts. Next week I'll make a cake for Dana Sophia, the following week I'll make one for myself and Karla. I am now the church's pastry chef. I have been searching all over for a trifle bowl so I can change it up a little.
Washed both of my new blankets tonight. It is so cold! I am excited to have my new blankets on the bed. I got two comforters (used) in La Kennedy today for only $13 each. We searched all over but finally found them just as we had given up. I also got some used flannel pjs for $1.50 and two long sleeved shirts for $1 each. They were both name brand shirts that look almost new. Some people think I'm nuts to buy comforters used, but I think if I wash them and leave them in the sun, any "cooties" they may carry should be gone. I don't have the money to buy a new comforter. The ladies from Los Pinos encouraged me to buy two because when I am washing one, I will need the other. They know best! In this colder weather it takes a lot longer for things to dry.
I am going to take some time to rest, relax and read before bed. Buenas Noches!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Honduras is good for my soul
Preschool class was great today! There were only 10 kids. We had less kids at the Breakfast Program overall this morning, so the class was smaller.
When I got to the church this morning Marlin was making oatmeal. She was also cleaning out the shelves. She told me "I cannot clean these shelves and stir the oatmeal at the same time." She asked me to stir the oatmeal. I love it when she designates things like that. It's such a big change from when she used to be so shy and passive.
In preschool I prepared papers for each child. We've been working on recognizing letters and
the sounds they make. I wrote the child's name at the top, then put lines underneath for them to practice writing the first letter of their name. The three year olds got to trace their letter. Two of the boys can write their entire names on their own. Then we talked about things that begin with the same letter as their first name. Each child drew pictures of the things that start with the same letter. Their work turned out great, so I asked Lourdes to come into the class to "oooou" and "ahhhhh" over their papers. She had them applaud the younger kids and praised the older kids for their great work.
I have new helpers lately. They are boys. I like having them help with the class. They are good with the kids, not too bossy, but still on top of things. They choose to help with the class over playing fútbol! Male/female roles can be strictly defined here, so I love that the boys want to help be teachers. Friday will be our day to play! We've been working hard this week. The kids are already planning which toys they want to use on Friday.
After everyone was fed, I talked to Lourdes about getting my blood test results. She recommended that I call the taxista since I had several errands to run. I got my blood tests, stopped and picked up a prescription, went to a used clothes store and bought an Eddie Bauer cardigan in perfect shape for 100 lempiras, which equals $5. I want to go back there and really look through everything for some long sleeved shirts. When I have my own car...
Last night I was wishing that houses here had heat. It was chilly. It's going to get colder. When I move to the mountains it will be even colder. My taxista suggested that I buy a space heater.
The pharmacy near the clinic did not have the medicine I needed. We had to drive around to find a
different pharmacy so I got to see a part of town I've never been to before. It is a lot of streets filled with fruit and vegetable stands and used clothing stores on both sides of the road. I wish I could walk around and shop there. I asked the taxista the name of this area. It is called The Kennedy. I hear the ladies from Los Pinos talk about it all of the time. It is where they shop and sell their wares if they are business ladies. When I told the taxista I had never been there before he said that is because it is dangerous. I asked if it was as dangerous as Los Pinos. He said a little less dangerous than Los Pinos, but still very dangerous because Los Pinos is very, very dangerous.
I got home early and did a load of wash. It was a lot of jeans. Jeans take a long time to dry. It started to sprinkle before I was finished washing so I was not hopeful that the jeans would dry. However, it is now close to bedtime and most of the clothes are close to dry. I am not used to having to think about so many things - like how will I have clean pants to wear tomorrow.
I am trying to enjoy my last few weeks in my little house in the city. This has been a wonderful place for me. I felt at home here from the very first moment I saw the house. I will miss this place when I move to the mountains. I will miss Fany, Santos and Laura too. I really like my home here. I hope the mountains are as good to me. It think they will be.
My blood test results were not quite normal. Tomorrow at 2 pm a doctor from the church will look at them. I tried to figure out what the results meant by googling things on the internet, but I couldn't make any sense of it. I don't think they show why my hair is falling out. At first I was very anxious about having the blood work be abnormal. I started imagining that I might have to go back to the US for treatment. You know, thinking of worst case circumstances. I took a quick nap and woke up with peace. I am sure that Dr Gustavo will tell me what is wrong, or maybe nothing is wrong at all. The dermatologist wants to see me in 5 weeks for my hair. She warned me not to expect any progress for the first month or two. I do hope I see progress soon.
We are having a birthday party for Jairo on Sunday. I have to do some errands on Saturday to prepare. I am going to make his birthday cake. My taxista already agreed to help me run errands on Saturday.
Tonight I have a strange sense of peace. Despite the jeans on the line and the fact that it is likely to rain before they dry. Despite the results of my blood tests, I feel peaceful and grateful to be here. Life in Honduras is good for my soul.
When I got to the church this morning Marlin was making oatmeal. She was also cleaning out the shelves. She told me "I cannot clean these shelves and stir the oatmeal at the same time." She asked me to stir the oatmeal. I love it when she designates things like that. It's such a big change from when she used to be so shy and passive.
In preschool I prepared papers for each child. We've been working on recognizing letters and
the sounds they make. I wrote the child's name at the top, then put lines underneath for them to practice writing the first letter of their name. The three year olds got to trace their letter. Two of the boys can write their entire names on their own. Then we talked about things that begin with the same letter as their first name. Each child drew pictures of the things that start with the same letter. Their work turned out great, so I asked Lourdes to come into the class to "oooou" and "ahhhhh" over their papers. She had them applaud the younger kids and praised the older kids for their great work.
 |
| Jose wore his pajamas today. |
I have new helpers lately. They are boys. I like having them help with the class. They are good with the kids, not too bossy, but still on top of things. They choose to help with the class over playing fútbol! Male/female roles can be strictly defined here, so I love that the boys want to help be teachers. Friday will be our day to play! We've been working hard this week. The kids are already planning which toys they want to use on Friday.
After everyone was fed, I talked to Lourdes about getting my blood test results. She recommended that I call the taxista since I had several errands to run. I got my blood tests, stopped and picked up a prescription, went to a used clothes store and bought an Eddie Bauer cardigan in perfect shape for 100 lempiras, which equals $5. I want to go back there and really look through everything for some long sleeved shirts. When I have my own car...
Last night I was wishing that houses here had heat. It was chilly. It's going to get colder. When I move to the mountains it will be even colder. My taxista suggested that I buy a space heater.
The pharmacy near the clinic did not have the medicine I needed. We had to drive around to find a
different pharmacy so I got to see a part of town I've never been to before. It is a lot of streets filled with fruit and vegetable stands and used clothing stores on both sides of the road. I wish I could walk around and shop there. I asked the taxista the name of this area. It is called The Kennedy. I hear the ladies from Los Pinos talk about it all of the time. It is where they shop and sell their wares if they are business ladies. When I told the taxista I had never been there before he said that is because it is dangerous. I asked if it was as dangerous as Los Pinos. He said a little less dangerous than Los Pinos, but still very dangerous because Los Pinos is very, very dangerous.
I got home early and did a load of wash. It was a lot of jeans. Jeans take a long time to dry. It started to sprinkle before I was finished washing so I was not hopeful that the jeans would dry. However, it is now close to bedtime and most of the clothes are close to dry. I am not used to having to think about so many things - like how will I have clean pants to wear tomorrow.
I am trying to enjoy my last few weeks in my little house in the city. This has been a wonderful place for me. I felt at home here from the very first moment I saw the house. I will miss this place when I move to the mountains. I will miss Fany, Santos and Laura too. I really like my home here. I hope the mountains are as good to me. It think they will be.
My blood test results were not quite normal. Tomorrow at 2 pm a doctor from the church will look at them. I tried to figure out what the results meant by googling things on the internet, but I couldn't make any sense of it. I don't think they show why my hair is falling out. At first I was very anxious about having the blood work be abnormal. I started imagining that I might have to go back to the US for treatment. You know, thinking of worst case circumstances. I took a quick nap and woke up with peace. I am sure that Dr Gustavo will tell me what is wrong, or maybe nothing is wrong at all. The dermatologist wants to see me in 5 weeks for my hair. She warned me not to expect any progress for the first month or two. I do hope I see progress soon.
We are having a birthday party for Jairo on Sunday. I have to do some errands on Saturday to prepare. I am going to make his birthday cake. My taxista already agreed to help me run errands on Saturday.
Tonight I have a strange sense of peace. Despite the jeans on the line and the fact that it is likely to rain before they dry. Despite the results of my blood tests, I feel peaceful and grateful to be here. Life in Honduras is good for my soul.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Blood work in the dark
This morning Lourdes and I walked down into central Los Pinos. We got a collectivo - a cab that waits until they have a full load all going in the same direction. Then we headed out so I could get blood work done at a local lab. I almost couldn't get it. The credit card machine didn't work and it was really expensive. We pitched in together and still didn't have enough to pay. Thankfully, the man let us pay all the money we had and we will pay the rest tomorrow when we go back to get the results. My hair is falling out by the handful and has been since August 3rd. I barely have a pony tail left. When I went to the dermatologist 3 weeks ago she gave me some meds, told me to get blood work and come back in two months. At this point I am almost hoping that something shows up in the blood work so I can understand why my hair has been falling out for three months. It's frustrating!
Not only was there no phone line for the credit card machine, there was no light in the lab. The man pulled a chair up to a window, but then had me sit so that my head shaded my arm where he was about to stick me. I couldn't look. He took 3 big tubes with no trouble. He must be a pro.
We returned in time for preschool class. There were 17 kids today. Some were tiny. Since the older kids have sex ed class on Tuesdays with a psychologist, I had no help. It was controlled chaos, but we made it. Two little ones fell out of their chairs. Drinks were spilled. The floor was covered with rice. But the kids identified words that start with A-F, read a book, prayed, and filled their bellies, so I guess it was a good day.
I had to hang around for a while, waiting for the conversational Spanish class I am leading. I love that class. Today they made such great progress! We worked on pronunciation. So strange to think that it is difficult for people to make sounds that seem so common to us. "CH" as in "chew", "TH" as in "they", and "Y" as in "Yes" seem to be exceptionally hard. At the beginning they literally could not make those sounds. By the end they were perfect. I told the students that soon they will be speaking just like Gringos.
Lourdes is still feeling very tired. She said she had a hard time getting out of bed this morning. She left early today.
Tomorrow I will get the blood tests back and go see Dr Gustavo to see what he has to say.
Jairo has been doing a lot of counseling lately. He was eager to go home and rest tonight. He never complains. But tonight he said that the past two days have been long and difficult for him.
I watched as much of the election results as I could stand while I ate dinner. Some of the "experts" who were speaking were so ignorant I couldn't stand to watch for very long. I turned it off long before results were in.
Called my Mom. Her cousin just got electricity back today. Mom said many people on the East Coast are still without power. It's cold there. This is a long time to go with no power.
My friend Jody bought a new house today in Salt Lake. I'm excited for her! Congrats Jody!!
Not only was there no phone line for the credit card machine, there was no light in the lab. The man pulled a chair up to a window, but then had me sit so that my head shaded my arm where he was about to stick me. I couldn't look. He took 3 big tubes with no trouble. He must be a pro.
We returned in time for preschool class. There were 17 kids today. Some were tiny. Since the older kids have sex ed class on Tuesdays with a psychologist, I had no help. It was controlled chaos, but we made it. Two little ones fell out of their chairs. Drinks were spilled. The floor was covered with rice. But the kids identified words that start with A-F, read a book, prayed, and filled their bellies, so I guess it was a good day.
I had to hang around for a while, waiting for the conversational Spanish class I am leading. I love that class. Today they made such great progress! We worked on pronunciation. So strange to think that it is difficult for people to make sounds that seem so common to us. "CH" as in "chew", "TH" as in "they", and "Y" as in "Yes" seem to be exceptionally hard. At the beginning they literally could not make those sounds. By the end they were perfect. I told the students that soon they will be speaking just like Gringos.
Lourdes is still feeling very tired. She said she had a hard time getting out of bed this morning. She left early today.
Tomorrow I will get the blood tests back and go see Dr Gustavo to see what he has to say.
Jairo has been doing a lot of counseling lately. He was eager to go home and rest tonight. He never complains. But tonight he said that the past two days have been long and difficult for him.
I watched as much of the election results as I could stand while I ate dinner. Some of the "experts" who were speaking were so ignorant I couldn't stand to watch for very long. I turned it off long before results were in.
Called my Mom. Her cousin just got electricity back today. Mom said many people on the East Coast are still without power. It's cold there. This is a long time to go with no power.
My friend Jody bought a new house today in Salt Lake. I'm excited for her! Congrats Jody!!
Monday, November 5, 2012
"Thanks God" for Marlin and Don Juan
Today felt good. I slept well, got the garbage out in time (7 a.m.) and had a relaxing day at the Breakfast Program.
Marlin and I were a team again. Lourdes is not feeling well. We have it down to a science now. Bismar is back from his private school in Olancho. He comes to the church early every day to help Today he and Marlin were mixing the pancakes when I arrived.
Since they had everything under control I tried to keep myself busy with other things. Unfortunately the only thing I could see to do was clean out the garbage can. I really didn't want to do it. It was sticky and grungy. I knew it would be a dirty job. Then I started thinking about all that Marlin does every day. She is never afraid of dirty work. She is always the first one to take initiative when she sees something that needs to be done, no matter what the job is. I have to admit, I did take some time to think about it, but soon I got to work on the garbage can. In the end it was actually easy. I was glad I did it.
Eunice joked with me that I am becoming a professional dish washer. She asked if I washed dishes often in the US. I told her I had a dish washing machine for the majority of my life. She joked that I am putting in my time now - washing dishes at the Breakfast Program.
I pitch in with the dishes a lot because cooking here is different. I feel more comfortable washing dishes than cooking Honduran style. I help with cooking, but I always need instructions. My friends in the US would tell you I am a good cook. But in Honduras even the basic fundamentals are different. For example, in Honduras scrambled eggs are always literally deep fried in oil, but margarine is used to keep pancakes from sticking to the flat top grill. Salt and sugar are added to almost everything - things you would never imagine. Therefore, it is best if Marlin does things her way. She has the magic touch in the kitchen. Everything she cooks is delicious. I don't mind at all taking instructions from her. The good news is, she is finally comfortable telling me what to do. She used to be uncomfortable giving orders.
Today we fed close to 70 kids. They were all very well behaved and had a great time.
Afterward I played checkers (with a chess set) with Misael and Maylen. Marlin is taking classes on Saturdays so she was busy doing homework for her class. I was happy to keep the kids occupied, although they really do a fine job of entertaining themselves on their own.
I talked with Marlin about going to the used clothing store one day. Because I am a gringa, I am limited as to what I can do. Especially in the neighborhood where the church is. Marlin doesn't quite understand. She invites me to make tamales at her house but when I talk about the logistics with her, she wants me to meet my cab on a corner where a member of the church was recently shot and killed. I know Jairo would never let me meet the taxista on that corner. It's a touchy subject because I don't want her to think that I don't want to visit her, or that I am not comfortable in her neighborhood. The fact is that it is not very safe in daylight hours. After dark I cannot be there.
We tried to figure out a way to do some shopping at the used clothing store. Jairo was in a counseling session, but Don Juan offered to take us under the condition that I wear a baseball cap to cover my hair so I look less gringa. He was serious. In the end we decided I shouldn't go unless we clear it with Jairo first. I don't want Jairo to think that I would go wander around Los Pinos on my own. But I did believe he would allow me to go with Don Juan.
On the way home from the church I asked Jairo if I could go to the used clothing store on another day. He said that as long as I am willing to take Don Juan's hand if something bad happens, then I can go. I told him that is fine with me. He also got a good laugh over Don Juan insisting on the baseball cap. He offered to stop at the used clothing store on the way home, but it was late and I knew everyone wanted to go home, so I said thank you but another day would be better. (I need to get some warmer clothes. It is getting cold down here!)
Today I learned that Don Juan's siblings all work in the US. He said he would like to move to the US and could do so legally. In fact his siblings set up a job for him making good money in the US, but he told them he could not leave the church. The man who works seven days/week, for 12 hours (or more) each day, turned down a job making more money in the US because he can't leave the church. I don't know what we would do without him. Apparently he realizes his value here and that is why he can't leave.
Don Juan is the definition of a "Jack of all trades". He is a guard, plumber, electrician, coffee maker, grocery shopper, errand runner, head of construction, fixer of all things broken, artist, disciplinarian, and caregiver. He is no longer the bather of Lorenzo because Lorenzo now takes showers on his own, with some verbal encouragement. Don Juan knows which kids in the Breakfast Program need new shoes, who has food in their house, whose parents are struggling or absent. He doesn't even live in the neighborhood, but he somehow knows everything about the kids. He knows names of kids who show up randomly and how everyone is related. He is not only Iglesia en Transformación's guard. He is the church's guardian angel. That is not an exaggeration. As they say in Honduras "Thanks God" that Don Juan did not move to the US.
I will be happy to report to Lourdes that we had a fourth day with zero complications despite her absence at the Breakfast Program. She can stay home whenever she needs to and everything runs smoothly. It is not the same, but it is still good.
Marlin and I were a team again. Lourdes is not feeling well. We have it down to a science now. Bismar is back from his private school in Olancho. He comes to the church early every day to help Today he and Marlin were mixing the pancakes when I arrived.
 |
| Marlin and Bismar making panqueques. |
Eunice joked with me that I am becoming a professional dish washer. She asked if I washed dishes often in the US. I told her I had a dish washing machine for the majority of my life. She joked that I am putting in my time now - washing dishes at the Breakfast Program.
I pitch in with the dishes a lot because cooking here is different. I feel more comfortable washing dishes than cooking Honduran style. I help with cooking, but I always need instructions. My friends in the US would tell you I am a good cook. But in Honduras even the basic fundamentals are different. For example, in Honduras scrambled eggs are always literally deep fried in oil, but margarine is used to keep pancakes from sticking to the flat top grill. Salt and sugar are added to almost everything - things you would never imagine. Therefore, it is best if Marlin does things her way. She has the magic touch in the kitchen. Everything she cooks is delicious. I don't mind at all taking instructions from her. The good news is, she is finally comfortable telling me what to do. She used to be uncomfortable giving orders.
Today we fed close to 70 kids. They were all very well behaved and had a great time.
Afterward I played checkers (with a chess set) with Misael and Maylen. Marlin is taking classes on Saturdays so she was busy doing homework for her class. I was happy to keep the kids occupied, although they really do a fine job of entertaining themselves on their own.
I talked with Marlin about going to the used clothing store one day. Because I am a gringa, I am limited as to what I can do. Especially in the neighborhood where the church is. Marlin doesn't quite understand. She invites me to make tamales at her house but when I talk about the logistics with her, she wants me to meet my cab on a corner where a member of the church was recently shot and killed. I know Jairo would never let me meet the taxista on that corner. It's a touchy subject because I don't want her to think that I don't want to visit her, or that I am not comfortable in her neighborhood. The fact is that it is not very safe in daylight hours. After dark I cannot be there.
We tried to figure out a way to do some shopping at the used clothing store. Jairo was in a counseling session, but Don Juan offered to take us under the condition that I wear a baseball cap to cover my hair so I look less gringa. He was serious. In the end we decided I shouldn't go unless we clear it with Jairo first. I don't want Jairo to think that I would go wander around Los Pinos on my own. But I did believe he would allow me to go with Don Juan.
On the way home from the church I asked Jairo if I could go to the used clothing store on another day. He said that as long as I am willing to take Don Juan's hand if something bad happens, then I can go. I told him that is fine with me. He also got a good laugh over Don Juan insisting on the baseball cap. He offered to stop at the used clothing store on the way home, but it was late and I knew everyone wanted to go home, so I said thank you but another day would be better. (I need to get some warmer clothes. It is getting cold down here!)
Today I learned that Don Juan's siblings all work in the US. He said he would like to move to the US and could do so legally. In fact his siblings set up a job for him making good money in the US, but he told them he could not leave the church. The man who works seven days/week, for 12 hours (or more) each day, turned down a job making more money in the US because he can't leave the church. I don't know what we would do without him. Apparently he realizes his value here and that is why he can't leave.
Don Juan is the definition of a "Jack of all trades". He is a guard, plumber, electrician, coffee maker, grocery shopper, errand runner, head of construction, fixer of all things broken, artist, disciplinarian, and caregiver. He is no longer the bather of Lorenzo because Lorenzo now takes showers on his own, with some verbal encouragement. Don Juan knows which kids in the Breakfast Program need new shoes, who has food in their house, whose parents are struggling or absent. He doesn't even live in the neighborhood, but he somehow knows everything about the kids. He knows names of kids who show up randomly and how everyone is related. He is not only Iglesia en Transformación's guard. He is the church's guardian angel. That is not an exaggeration. As they say in Honduras "Thanks God" that Don Juan did not move to the US.
I will be happy to report to Lourdes that we had a fourth day with zero complications despite her absence at the Breakfast Program. She can stay home whenever she needs to and everything runs smoothly. It is not the same, but it is still good.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
A Day of Rest
In the US I used to spend days alone in my house. It is my way of re-centering. I never felt bad about it. For some reason since I moved here, if I don't get out and do at least one constructive thing outside my home each day, I feel like the day was wasted. I need to get over that.
Today my one productive thing was to go for a little walk, pay the light bill and search out some local fruit and veggies. I achieved all of the above. For the first time I bought things from one of the music makers. I call the people who walk down the street selling their wares "music makers" because sometimes my street is filled with music. Today it was one man selling "peliculas" (movies) while another passed by with "aquacate, sandia, mandarina" and something else I can't remember right now. I bought some avocadoes and mandarines from him. (I didn't buy watermelon.)
Then he asked if I'm from Spain. (Nice guy. When I told him I'm from the US he asked if all of my family is safe from the hurricane.) The guards at the front of my gated community asked if I'm from Spain, as have several others. I don't know why. I have never met a person from Spain in Honduras, but there seem to be plenty of gringos, so to me that would be the obvious assumption. In May and June people kept asking if I was from Argentina. Now Spain.
Ahhhh. It just started to rain. Now I have a good reason to stay in the house. But I would prefer to feel like I didn't need a reason.
LATER-
Stopped raining. Fany came by to say that Santos' car leaked a whole tank of feul onto to driveway, in case I smelled it. She said she needed to go to the store, but now they have to walk bc of the hole in the gas tank. I asked if I could go.
We put Laura in a stroller and headed out. Fany was not thrilled when Santos ran with Laura in her stroller down the hill in the middle of the street. So funny to me how some Daddies act like children when they have children of their own. He adores that little girl and will do anything to make her smile. She did love flying down the hill full speed.
On the way home a woman walking in front of us stepped out into the street to avoid a homeless man who was sitting in the middle of the sidewalk. It was a one way street and there was no oncoming traffic, so she should have been fine, but right at that moment a man on a motorcycle came up behind her driving the wrong way up the street. He hit her, pinning her foot between the curb and his tires, knocked her down into the road, and swerved away. He did stop and come back. She was crying in pain.
Fany and I felt horrible for the poor lady. She didn't do anything unwise. She had one foot barely in the street. We didn't stick around to see the outcome. I was glad I have been listening to Jairo and not walking to the store. He won't mind if I am with Santos and Fany. Bad things happen so quickly even when you don't do anything wrong. Anyway, my day was not as uneventful as I originally said.
Today my one productive thing was to go for a little walk, pay the light bill and search out some local fruit and veggies. I achieved all of the above. For the first time I bought things from one of the music makers. I call the people who walk down the street selling their wares "music makers" because sometimes my street is filled with music. Today it was one man selling "peliculas" (movies) while another passed by with "aquacate, sandia, mandarina" and something else I can't remember right now. I bought some avocadoes and mandarines from him. (I didn't buy watermelon.)
Then he asked if I'm from Spain. (Nice guy. When I told him I'm from the US he asked if all of my family is safe from the hurricane.) The guards at the front of my gated community asked if I'm from Spain, as have several others. I don't know why. I have never met a person from Spain in Honduras, but there seem to be plenty of gringos, so to me that would be the obvious assumption. In May and June people kept asking if I was from Argentina. Now Spain.
Ahhhh. It just started to rain. Now I have a good reason to stay in the house. But I would prefer to feel like I didn't need a reason.
LATER-
Stopped raining. Fany came by to say that Santos' car leaked a whole tank of feul onto to driveway, in case I smelled it. She said she needed to go to the store, but now they have to walk bc of the hole in the gas tank. I asked if I could go.
We put Laura in a stroller and headed out. Fany was not thrilled when Santos ran with Laura in her stroller down the hill in the middle of the street. So funny to me how some Daddies act like children when they have children of their own. He adores that little girl and will do anything to make her smile. She did love flying down the hill full speed.
On the way home a woman walking in front of us stepped out into the street to avoid a homeless man who was sitting in the middle of the sidewalk. It was a one way street and there was no oncoming traffic, so she should have been fine, but right at that moment a man on a motorcycle came up behind her driving the wrong way up the street. He hit her, pinning her foot between the curb and his tires, knocked her down into the road, and swerved away. He did stop and come back. She was crying in pain.
Fany and I felt horrible for the poor lady. She didn't do anything unwise. She had one foot barely in the street. We didn't stick around to see the outcome. I was glad I have been listening to Jairo and not walking to the store. He won't mind if I am with Santos and Fany. Bad things happen so quickly even when you don't do anything wrong. Anyway, my day was not as uneventful as I originally said.
Friday, November 2, 2012
No more XYZ
Marlin and I teamed up and ran the Breakfast Program alone for the past three days. I was so happy to be able to tell Lourdes that it went really well! She worries when she is not there.
Today there were LOTS of kids! I'm thinking around 70 in the first group alone. There were so many kids they couldn't all fit at the tables. Some had to eat in the prayer circle, which is usually not allowed, but today we had no choice.
One tiny one was trying to eat all by himself, but was getting more food on the table and the floor than in his mouth. I ended up spoon feeding him. With each bite he would raise his arms over his head, cheer and giggle! Never saw a little one so excited to eat. It was a fun experience.
Sometimes I feel anxious when Lourdes is gone. I know all eyes are on me, watching how the kids will behave. However, this week couldn't have gone better. Maybe it was luck, or maybe the kids are getting used to me. A few had to sit in the "castigado" chair, but none were suspended. I think Lourdes would be proud.
I've stopped letting people know when the zipper on their pants is down. Most times they are aware their zipper is down because they are wearing pants with a broken zipper. No need for me to draw attention to it. Have you ever had to wear pants with a broken zipper? I haven't.
Today there were LOTS of kids! I'm thinking around 70 in the first group alone. There were so many kids they couldn't all fit at the tables. Some had to eat in the prayer circle, which is usually not allowed, but today we had no choice.
One tiny one was trying to eat all by himself, but was getting more food on the table and the floor than in his mouth. I ended up spoon feeding him. With each bite he would raise his arms over his head, cheer and giggle! Never saw a little one so excited to eat. It was a fun experience.
Sometimes I feel anxious when Lourdes is gone. I know all eyes are on me, watching how the kids will behave. However, this week couldn't have gone better. Maybe it was luck, or maybe the kids are getting used to me. A few had to sit in the "castigado" chair, but none were suspended. I think Lourdes would be proud.
I've stopped letting people know when the zipper on their pants is down. Most times they are aware their zipper is down because they are wearing pants with a broken zipper. No need for me to draw attention to it. Have you ever had to wear pants with a broken zipper? I haven't.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Winnie the Pooh? Really? Are you kidding me?
Today I sat down with the little ones for lunch. Usually lunch conversations are about who is talking with their mouth full, or who is chewing with their mouth open. Today the little ones were discussing much bigger things.
As I took a seat one of them asked me urgently, "Isn't Winnie to Pooh diabolical, Mary Lynn!?!" He seemed very sure of himself. I was confused. I asked the boy why Winnie the Pooh could be considered diabolical. He told me he didn't know why, but he was sure that Winnie the Pooh is diabolical. I didn't want any parents angry at me, so I just told him that I had never known Winnie the Pooh to be diabolical.
I asked two educated adults why the kids would believe that Winnie the Pooh is diabolical. They said that "people say" Winnie the Pooh is gay. I was so confused. Winnie the Pooh is gay? He is a bear! Then I was told that Winnie the Pooh is gay with Christopher Robin. Now maybe we have a problem here - if we were to believe that a boy were "having relations" with a bear, that could be a problem.
I told the adults that I think whoever has the sick mind to think of such a thing is the one who has problems. Not Winnie the Pooh! How sad that people have corrupted Winnie the Pooh for the children today.
PS:
Has anyone else heard of this? I don't want to cause a debate. I just wonder if this is a common rumor that I have somehow, until now, been lucky enough to escape.
As I took a seat one of them asked me urgently, "Isn't Winnie to Pooh diabolical, Mary Lynn!?!" He seemed very sure of himself. I was confused. I asked the boy why Winnie the Pooh could be considered diabolical. He told me he didn't know why, but he was sure that Winnie the Pooh is diabolical. I didn't want any parents angry at me, so I just told him that I had never known Winnie the Pooh to be diabolical.
I asked two educated adults why the kids would believe that Winnie the Pooh is diabolical. They said that "people say" Winnie the Pooh is gay. I was so confused. Winnie the Pooh is gay? He is a bear! Then I was told that Winnie the Pooh is gay with Christopher Robin. Now maybe we have a problem here - if we were to believe that a boy were "having relations" with a bear, that could be a problem.
I told the adults that I think whoever has the sick mind to think of such a thing is the one who has problems. Not Winnie the Pooh! How sad that people have corrupted Winnie the Pooh for the children today.
PS:
Has anyone else heard of this? I don't want to cause a debate. I just wonder if this is a common rumor that I have somehow, until now, been lucky enough to escape.
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