New Years Eve!

This morning Hermida called to invite me to her her sister's house to celebrate New Year's Eve.  They have great parties, so that was where I was hoping to go.  But I did also receive invitations from others so I had a few options, which was very nice.

At 10 a.m., my neighbor Gerry called from outside to see if I was awake.  I was, lucky me!  He came bearing a bottle of Ronpopo (spiked eggnog) that his wife made for me.  Her Ronpopo is seriously incomparable.  (I have tried a few just to be sure.)

My internet connection was stronger than usual so I got on line and ordered the birthday present I have been thinking of for my Mom.  I didn't get any Christmas presents for my family this year because of the short notice that I couldn't go home, so I figured I could get Mom something extra fun for her birthday.

Then I made the rounds delivering cookies.  My original plan was to give cookies as gifts for Christmas.  However, only my landlords' relatives got their cookies because we ate the others throughout the day on Christmas.  Luckily I also packed a tin for my landlords' relatives so they also had a real gift to take home.  I didn't expect to, but I still had the ingredients to make them all again.  So that's what we did yesterday.

Today I went to La Tigra and dropped off 2 plates to friends there.  Then I went to El Hatillo and visited my friend Lucy.  We chatted for a while and talked about ideas for the Breakfast Program.  I wasn't really prepared to talk business, but it was nice to hear her ideas.  I think she can bring some really interesting new things to The Vida Plena this year.  She wants to reach out more to the families and said I can help with that, which is something I would like to do.  My final stop was at Walter's mother, Martita's house with my last plate.  I have enjoyed getting to know her and really appreciate her friendship so I wanted to show her my appreciation.

When I got home the men were all loading pick up trucks with chairs and single beds to take to the house where the party will be tonight.  Last week I was told there will be a bed for me if I want to spend the night at this party, but I didn't realize they were bringing in extra beds!  I think this might be a once in a lifetime night!

If only Hermida weren't incapacitated.  She had surgery a few weeks ago on her foot and is in a big cast.  No dancing for Hermida.  The rest of her family can dance.  I am a little intimidated and nervous.  I am not the best dancer, especially when it comes to Latin music.  But I always try.  Hopefully I won't embarrass myself too much.

Here is a bit of Honduran culture that I learned about today:

On the way to La Tigra I noticed these stuffed men sitting on the side of the road.  Most of them had a sign.  This one had kids:

They were asking for "pisto" (slang for money).  The idea is that this man represents the Año Viejo (old year/last year).  They ask for money for fireworks and then at midnight they blow up the man.  Apparently for this family someone wants to give up smoking - note the cigarette in his mouth.  The kids loved having their photo taken!

This año viejo is politically motivated.  They are going to blow up a man representing the incoming president.  They even wrote his slogan on a piece of paper.   'I am going to do what I have to do.'  He was the only one who didn't have a jar or bag to collect money.  I guess they are going to blow him up even if they don't get donations.

This was the first one I took a photo of:

He has a water gun,  I am not sure what is in the red tin.  The can white can is to collect money.

I also followed the Utah bus home.  To my house in Honduras.  (The license plate on the right is a pink skiing themed plate from Utah!)

One of the plates of cookies I will take to the party tonight.

The next time we speak it will be 2014.  I have been thinking a lot about this year.  It all still seems surreal.  I am hoping to summarize my thoughts more clearly and share them with you soon.

Happy New Year!

Calamar

Just got home from a fun night.

Went to the gym this morning.  It was empty.  Got my 4 miles in.  Not as fast as Saturday.  I was over 10 mins/mile.

Baked 4 batches of cookies and cooked 2 batches of peanut brittle, all in three hours this afternoon.  The first batch of brittle didn't turn out.  I wanted to make more but only had peanuts with lime and chile which is really popular here.  Turned out they taste good in peanut brittle.  I'm calling it Honduran Style Peanut Brittle.

Got a little dressed up and went to the sushi restaurant to take them some cookies.  I brought a package for my new friend, Josira, and a plate for the rest of the staff to share.  I know the owners now.  They are really, really sweet.  They have the best calamari I have ever had in my life.  I have tried a lot of calamari, but I have never had calamari that melts in your mouth.  Calamari always has a little bit of chew, just a little, right?  Not at Usami in Tegucigalpa.  It is cooked with a tiny bit of salt and a light tempura batter, served with two slices of lime - no sauce - and it melts in your mouth.  Wow, is it delicious.

When I told the owner how much I love the fried calamari she insisted I try the raw, sushi style calamari.  She said it is different from the calamari they fry.  It was sweet and a little more firm.  Very tasty.

When I arrived at the restaurant tonight the staff asked if I wanted to go on a trip with them.  I asked where they were going.  Turns out they spending Saturday afternoon at a park which they know is not far from my house, so they invited me to come.  I asked if they were bringing family.  They said no, just the staff from Usami and I are going.  I feel honored to be invited!  It should be fun.  It feels good to be branching out my friendships to outside of the church.  I think it is healthy.

I learned it is dangerous to sit at the sushi bar.  They kept slipping me free food all night.  By the time I left I was stuffed and was not charged for half of what I ate.  PLUS it was 2 for 1 night on the things I did order.  I left a good tip.

Then I went outside to get into the car.  The guard is always really kind and thoughtful toward me.  Tonight he saw me looking for a parking space when I arrived and found me a spot when everything was full.  Then as I left, I slipped him a tip.  He helped me back out of my space, as always, and then as I pulled away he waved and called, "Good night, travel safely, Happy New Year!"  All of the well wishes a person could ask for, accompanied by a very energetic wave from the arm that wasn't holding the machine gun.  It was a nice way to end the night.

Jetty seems wheezy.  Going to nebeulize her before bed tonight and hope she won't need another dose at 5 a.m.  I am not sure why she is having a bad day today.  The weather is warm and clear and I haven't sprayed any chemicals or burned any cookies.  Maybe it is still left over from last night's attack.

Tomorrow is NYE!  Marcela said we may not celebrate with her family after all.  There is another family from the church I might call.  If they are celebrating they wouldn't mind if I joined in.  I am going to have a backup plan in case Marcela's family doesn't celebrate tomorrow.

Off to nebeulize the kitty!

5 a.m.

Up again at 5 a.m.  Something irritated Jetty's asthma last night, but I was too lazy to give her a nebeulizer treatment at 11 pm.  Neither of us slept well because she was really wheezy.  When she gets like that for some reason she likes to sleep as close to me as possible.  I think it's for the warmth.  I turned on the space heater and wrapped her up between myself and a pillow.

She started that "cough" thing at 5:09 a.m. so I finally dragged myself out of bed, which I should have done last night, and gave her the nebeulizer treatment.  When it was over she laid there purring as if to say, "Thank you for finally taking care of me."  Now she is resting in the crook of my neck and breathing much better.

If I had gone to the US for Christmas, this would have been the second time she needed the nebuelizer at night and nobody would be here to give it to her.  Miss spending the holidays with my family, but glad I could be here to take care of Jett.

Got one batch of cookies done yesterday and another started, sitting in the fridge overnight.  Gonna hit the gym early, then come home and bake.  Need to remember to buy more saline for the cat.

Gym and cookies

I should be at church right now, but I'm not.  Woke up at 4 a.m. this morning with some sort of stomach thing.  Apparently it was short lived because I felt better by 10 a.m.  Jetty had a little something too.  She threw up on my bed.  At least I was already awake to clean it all up.

Yesterday I went to the gym and was very excited when I did 4 miles in 39 minutes.  I coasted through the last one or I would have been even faster.  Haven't run 10 minute miles since I worked out with the trainer in the US two years ago.  I started working out here, in Honduras, on Nov 6.  Then took 10 days off in December when my first month was over because I didn't want to pay for another month if I was going to the US for Christmas.  In less than 6 weeks I see a huge difference!

I have to admit, I was thinking back to the days when my ski team coach had us outdoors in the freezing cold, running 5 miles to warm up before we even started practice.  That sure was a long time ago.  Today I am a little sore, but that is because I have been integrating weights for the past 2 days.

It was hot and sunny for two days so my truck stayed clean for a whole 24 hours.  Then it rained all night last night.  Maybe I won't drive anywhere today.

Tomorrow gym, then cookie baking, then cookie delivering.  I only have to buy eggs in order to make all of the same cookies I made for Christmas, so it won't even cost any money!

My internet reception has been sparse, so in case I can't write again before Wednesday, Happy New Year!

Keeping up with the holidays

Productive days feel great.  This morning I woke up late, as I have most of this week.  But once I was awake I got things rolling.  It's 4 p.m. and the house is clean, laundry is almost finished, grocery shopping is done, I ran 45 minutes in the gym, then lifted weights and then did pilates, had a light lunch of sushi, and washed the car.

People in Honduras keep their cars really, really clean.  On the way to Tegucigalpa, there is a drainpipe that empties water onto the side of the road when it rains.  Taxi drivers are always there, washing their car in the water from the drainpipe.  Buses here are always clean too.  The end of one bus line is near the church.  I am amazed by how much time people spend cleaning those buses.

I have given up trying to keep my car clean to Honduras standards.  It's a never-ending battle.  It rains almost every day and the road to my house is 6" of mud most of the time.  I am lucky because my car is almost the same color as the mud, so it doesn't show up too much.

Today my car was filthy.  On my way to the gym I kept my eye out for a place that looked reputable.  Right as I turned the last corner I saw a sign that said "Car Wash" with an arrow pointing toward the gym.  I came upon a place that advertised oil changes, breakfast, lunch, and car washes.  Hahahaha!  It was so close to the gym, I thought it would be perfect.  I talked with the guy and felt okay about leaving my car there.

After I got to the gym I realized I had left $25 in the glove box.  It was still there when I got back.  The car was shiny and clean.  And the guy gave me a subtle reprimand for letting it get so dirty.  First he said to me, "You live past El Hatillo."  I told him yes, not wanting to be too specific.  He said he only sees cars this dirty with so much mud "glued" to the bottom from people who live on the road to La Tigra.  He recommended that I come back at least every 15 days to clean the entire car and every 4 days for the bottom.  Tiene razon.  (He's right.)

I find it harder to write in English these days.  Sometimes there are things I can say better, or more easily, in Spanish.

Yesterday and today I been feeling a little off.  I was concerned about how I would do at the gym today.  Yesterday I was a little nauseous when I was running.  Today I just felt weak but I decided to go anyway.  The exercise felt good.  Still, outside of the gym I am not feeling quite right.  No appetite, and I get tired walking up the stairs.  Yesterday I was nauseous and didn't eat.  Today I didn't feel like eating but knew I had to get some food into my tummy.  So I stopped at my favorite sushi place for miso soup.  Nice and salty after all of that exercise and tofu for protein.  Perfect.

I always talk to the waitresses there.  They are really nice.  Sometimes they give me special things for free.  Today they brought a little appetizer of rice noodles and vegetables.  I am getting to know the sushi chefs too.  One of them is a flirt, but it feels nice.  I haven't flirted in so long I forgot how.  So I sit and smile as he tells me and the waitresses how beautiful and sweet I am.

At the grocery store I found four cups that match really well with the dishes my neighbors gave me as a Christmas gift.  That was an exciting find.

Last night I learned that my Aunt needs open heart surgery.  She has a meeting with the surgeons on the second of January to plan the surgery.  I think either my mom or I will go to New York to be with her.

I feel safe, but have been extra, extra cautious over the past few weeks.  About a week ago the embassy sent out a letter saying US citizens in Honduras need to be careful.  A few hours after receiving the letter I went to the mall.  As I approached the elevator in the parking lot I noticed 2 men standing nearby.  After I walked up to the elevator door they came over and stood next to me, ready to get on.  My mental alarm went off.  It was strange they didn't seem to want to get on the elevator until I was waiting to get on it.

There was a construction worker nearby.  I backed away from the escalator and asked the construction worker where were the stairs.  He pointed the way to the stairs, but said the elevator was better.  I subtly pointed out the 2 guys and told him they hadn't approached the elevator until I was ready to get on it.  He told me I could go ahead and take the stairs, but he knew the two guys.  They are security for the mall and they are always around, he said.

I have been extra careful to keep my car doors locked and windows up when I drive.  I only go places where I know the guards - my sushi place and the gym.  I am so blessed to live in a home in a beautiful place, that is about as safe is any house can be, with people who look out for me.

This is the letter I got from the embassy this morning:

The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens that the level of crime and violence in Honduras remains critically high. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning dated June 17, 2013, and includes additional information on crime and security in Honduras, as well as updated contact information.

Tens of thousands of U.S. citizens visit Honduras each year for study, tourism, business, and volunteer work without incident. However, crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country, and the Government of Honduras lacks the resources to address these issues. Since 2010, Honduras has had the highest murder rate in the world. Various institutions and government agencies are still analyzing statistics for 2013. The National Violence Observatory, an academic research institution based out of Honduras’ National Public University, reports that the murder rate was slightly above 81 murders per 100,000 people for January through November.    

Crime and Security Threats

U.S. citizens do not appear to be targeted based on their nationality, and expatriates are victims of crime at levels similar to those of the local population. Most resort areas and tourist destinations have lower levels of crime and violence than other areas of the country, though still high by international standards. In 2012, the Government of Honduras increased police presence and established special police forces in areas frequented by tourists, such as the Copan Mayan ruins and Roatan. Tourists traveling with group tours also report fewer criminal incidents.

The Honduran Government is evaluating similar options for other locations, and major hotels, and other tourist installations have increased private and police security. Some businesses report that extra security costs account for up to 15 percent of their total expenses.

The vast majority of serious crimes in Honduras, including those against U.S. citizens, are never solved; of the 50 murders committed against U.S. citizens since 2008, police have only solved two. Members of the Honduran National Police are known to engage in criminal activity, including murder and car theft. The Government of Honduras lacks sufficient resources to properly investigate and prosecute cases, and police often lack vehicles or fuel to respond to calls for assistance. In practice, this means police may take hours to arrive at the scene of a violent crime, or may not respond at all. As a result, criminals operate with a high degree of impunity throughout Honduras. The Honduran government is in the early stages of substantial reforms to its criminal justice institutions.

Transnational criminal organizations also conduct narcotics trafficking and other unlawful activities throughout the country, using violence to control drug trafficking routes and carry out criminal activity. Other criminals, acting both individually and in gangs in Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and other large cities, commit crimes such as murder, kidnapping, extortion, carjacking, armed robbery, rape, and other aggravated assaults.

Kidnappings and disappearances are an ongoing concern throughout the country as well. Kidnapping affects both the local and expatriate communities, with victims sometimes paying large ransoms for the prospect of release. Kidnapping is believed to be underreported. Since January 1, 2012, four cases of kidnapped U.S. citizens were reported to the U.S. Embassy. The kidnapping victims were all subsequently released.

Precautions While in Honduras

U.S. citizens should be vigilant of their surroundings at all times and in all locations, especially when entering or exiting their homes, hotels, cars, garages, schools, and workplaces. Whenever possible, U.S. citizens should travel in groups of two or more. It is also advisable to avoid wearing jewelry and carrying large sums of money or displaying cash, ATM/credit cards, or other valuables. U.S. citizens should avoid walking at night in most areas of Honduras or walking alone on beaches, historic ruins, and trails. Incidents of crime along roads, including carjacking and kidnapping, are also common in Honduras. Motorists should avoid traveling at night and always drive with their doors locked to deter potential robberies at traffic lights and on congested downtown streets.

The location and timing of criminal activity is unpredictable in Honduras. The U.S. Embassy recommends that all travelers exercise caution when traveling anywhere in the country; however, certain areas of the country demonstrate higher levels of criminal activity than others. Most of Honduras’ major cities (Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, and others), as well as several Honduran “departments” (a geographic designation similar to U.S. states) have homicide rates higher than the national average for 2013 thus far, including:

DEPARTMENT                               CAPITAL
Atlántida                                      La Ceiba
Colón                                           Trujillo
Cortés                                         San Pedro Sula
Yoro                                             Yoro

There are no reliable statistics for the department of Gracias a Dios; however, travelers to the area should note that it is a remote location where narcotics trafficking is frequent, and where infrastructure is weak, government services are limited, and police or military presence is scarce.

A Sign

I had a ticket for yesterday to go back to the US and spend Christmas with my family.  However, there were 2 problems.  First, I couldn't afford to buy the ticket to come back to Honduras.  Secondly, Jetty has been struggling with asthma and needs nebeulization when she has an attack.

Recently Jetty has been doing well with just pills.  Her asthma seemed better.  I was thinking I could have gone to the states and left her in the neighbor's care.  But during the night a cold front rolled in.  The wind was strong, the temperature dropped, and Jetty started to wheeze.

I am taking this cold front as God's way of letting me know I made the right choice - to stay in Honduras for Christmas.  Jetty needed a nebeulizer treatment this morning.  I am hoping that she won't need more treatments, but I will be here if she does.

Yesterday I started making Christmas cookies.  My touch was a little off.  I undercooked the 7 layer cookies and burned peanut brittle.  Finally I made a portion of lasagna in a bread pan and gave up on the cookies.  Today I am hoping my baking talents will be back.

For the past 24 hours lots of loud fireworks have been going off.  The celebration has begun!

Hope you all are enjoying Christmas Eve!

Celebrating Christmas

I noticed something interesting over the past few weeks.  I have even done some research about it once I noticed the pattern.  It is my newest reason to love Honduras.

When people in the US bump into a friend the big question is (and has been for weeks), "Are you done with your shopping yet?"

This usually is followed by one of 2 responses.  "Yes, I was done in November."  Or "No.  I still have to find something for my ...  I have no idea what to get for that guy."

In Honduras the most commonly asked question is about where and with whom you will celebrate Christmas.  And then they want to know what you will eat.

Nobody mentions the hustle and bustle.  Nobody talks about being exhausted and overwhelmed.  Nobody talks about feeling financially stressed.

Interesting, huh?

My research showed that it is not because I am from the US that people here ask me where and with whom I will celebrate.  Everyone is asked this because it is common to travel within the country and visit extended family for several weeks at a time over Christmas.  (Many of my friends have parents who live in the country several hours away.  Job opportunities brought them to the city many years ago, but they go to the country to visit their extended family for Christmas.)

People here also want to know what kind of tamales you are eating because there are special kinds just for Christmas.  Some people make them themselves.  Some order them from their favorite tamale maker weeks in advance.

We had our Christmas celebration at the church yesterday.  It was great.  They've been working on it for weeks and it's been a huge secret.  I watched them transform the church this week.  Saturday morning when I drove in I was stopped by a burro.  It was tied up on the side of the driveway and decided it preferred to stand across the driveway so I couldn't pass.  Overnight a corral was built and two sheep appeared outside my office.

The church members dressed up and told the story of Jesus' birth in a play, with music interspersed.  The play was really well done.  I sang in the Christmas choir.  That was fun!  Watching the play, I felt like a kid again.  It was fun to get excited for Christmas.

We stayed after church and ate tamales.  Tiny Lorenzo had at least 3 that I saw.  A lady sold Ronpopo (homemade eggnog with rum).  I got lots of hugs from lots of kids.  I was introduced to Moms and Grandmothers I hadn't met before.  And I was asked a million times, "Where are you celebrating Christmas?"

I haven't bought any gifts yet.

Powerful socks

Tuesday when we got back to the church after a morning of swimming and girls' fútbol, the girls were scrambling to figure out how to wash their uniforms.  Apparently the church was short on water and normally they are not allowed to take the uniforms home with them.  One of the older girls offered to wash the uniforms for the entire team at  her house.  While I thought that was amazingly generous and sweet, it didn't seem fair.  Especially since none of the kids have a washing machine at home.  She would be washing everything by hand.  I told them to put everything in a bag and I would wash it.  Little did I know what I was in for.

When I got home that night and opened the bag, the smell was enough to knock me over!  It was powerful - especially the socks.  I washed everything twice, but most of it still stunk, so I left the socks to soak in sudsy water and coated some of the armpits in laundry detergent for the night.

The next day I washed everything a third time.  Finally it was clean.

I tossed it in the dryer for a few minutes.  Thank God I went back to check on it.  I was afraid things would shrink or bleed.  Well, the colors did not bleed, but the smell of those socks, warmed by the dryer sure did.  It stunk up everything in the dryer!  All I could think of was a song we sing in church.  I think it is called "Poderoso" which means powerful.  I had that song in my head all night, "Poderoso, Poderoso, Me libraste (You freed me), Me salvaste (You saved me)".  I pulled the socks out of the dryer and hung them.  Then I stuck an extra dryer sheet in with the shorts and shirts to try to kill the powerful smell.  Afterward I hung everything instead of storing it in a bag overnight.

This morning I bagged the socks separately, although they seemed to be okay, and took them to the church.  The girls raced up to my car to greet me as they do every morning and I told them I have their clean uniforms.  I told them I also have a new song for them because the smell of their uniforms was powerful.  We had fun all morning joking about the powerful uniforms and changing the lyrics of the song to fit the stinky socks.

It's funny how sometimes the simplest things can be really funny - like stinky socks.

Tuesday I had another strange laugh.  I was telling someone at the church that one of the girls had shown up for the swimming program that morning with a broken arm.  The adult asked me which of the kids it was because there are several with the same name.  I replied, "La loca."  (The crazy one - because she is really wild.)  The person told me "Shhhhhh!  The other kids will hear you!"  I was a little confused because in English to say someone is crazy, especially the way I meant it - that she is very active - is fine.  But the person corrected me saying "La negrita?"  (The black?)

I realized a while ago, I have no idea which kids are considered "negro" and which aren't.  Now that I see them in bathing suits I have noticed that some are more dark skinned than others.  But it was never obvious to be before.  In Honduras it is completely acceptable, at least with the people I know, to call someone "Negro".  It is never, ever meant in a negative way.  It is a nickname and usually intended as a term of endearment.  Many spouses call their other spouse "Negro" or "Negra".  It is still strange to my North American mind to hear, but there is clearly no harm meant by it.

I think nicknames in general are more common here.  We have a "pony", a 'rabbit', a 'little rabbit', a 'baby rabbit', some 'skinny', many men and kids known as 'fat' and a ton of "negro" and "negras" of all ages.  But in my mind "la loca" seemed kinder than "la negra".  I still have a lot to learn.  In the meantime, I think I'll stay away from describing people by anything other than the color of their shirt.  That should be safe, right?

More than learning to swim

Today was a good day despite the fact that I can no longer answer my phone.  Oh well, I already couldn't send text messages.  The phone is dying a slow death.

And despite the fact that the camera my brother found on sale on Amazon.com is not available.  He ordered it.  But they said they can't send it, nor can they sell him another for the same price.  I am a little bummed because I was excited, but I can live without the camera until we find one on sale again.  I hope it is before February, so my cousin can bring it to me in Guatemala when we go to see our other cousin get married.  As a friend from K2 can attest, sometimes packages take literally ONE YEAR to get here.  So I am not keen on sending a camera by mail.  (My cousin IS bringing me Johnson & Johnson brand Q Tips, which are almost as exciting as the camera since the Q Tips in Honduras suck.)

On Saturday I thought something was stolen from my classroom at the church.  I was really sad when Don Juan told me he saw who stole it.  It was someone who works hard at the church.  I couldn't imagine this person would steal.  I spent the past few days fluctuating between sad and angry.  Some of what disappeared was for the kids, which made me angry.

Then today, I found it all sitting on my desk in my office.  I felt horrible.  It had been there the whole time.  In my mind I had allowed myself to think that one of the boys was a thief.  I was thrilled to know that nothing was stolen.  I felt so guilty when I realized what really happened.  I was very, very close to tears and still feel that way when I think about it.

Walter was going to talk to the boy but he said he had a strange feeling to wait.  I am so glad he waited.  That poor boy would have been devastated to think that I was accusing him of thievery.  I think God was at work there - telling Walter to hold off.

Today I woke one minute before my alarm.  That was nice because I hate waking up to an alarm.  Jetty is no longer taking her medicine calmly.  She spits it out every time if I am not careful, and she is very sneaky about it.  She acts like she swallowed it, then waits until she is far from me and spits it out.  She is still wheezy and I accidentally overdosed her last night with an allergy pill that she is only supposed to get once per day.  I stayed awake for a while, making sure she was still breathing.  The wheeze helped me out a little in that aspect since it is easier to hear her breath.

Today the swim coach told me something funny.  He said that when he came to the church for our Christmas dinner he was looking all over for little kids who look like me.  He reminded me that when I invited him for the Christmas dinner I told him that he could meet my little kids.  (I meant my preschool class.  He thought I meant my own biological children.)  He looked and looked for kids that share my features, but none of them did.  Finally, when the preschool class was called up to the front of the church and he could see how much they love me and I love them, he figured out what I was talking about.  They are my little kids.  He knows many of my bigger kids from the swim class.  He said he loves to see our relationship and how much love we share for each other.

Yesterday Kristofer greeted me with the hugest hug.  He hadn't seen me from Friday until Tuesday and he said, " I missed you." while he snuggled up to me.  Kristofer used to be a tough guy because of the environment he was raised in, but he has changed drastically in the swimming program.  He hugs and snuggles now instead of kicking and fighting.  His demeanor has changed from being defensive and hard to kind and loving.  I adore Kristofer and the changes God is making in him.  The swimming program is so much more than learning to swim.

Staying in Honduras for Christmas

Well, I have officially settled with the fact that I will not be going home for Christmas.  I expected my mother to be a lot more sad, but she was very understanding which helps a ton.  Now I just feel sad that I am not going to see my nephews.  I hate the fact that they are growing up without me in their life more consistently.  But at least now they are at the age where they remember who I am when I do get to go home.

Several things factored into the decision to stay.  I do want to experience Christmas in Honduras.  I live here all year long, so it seems fitting.  Also my cat has asthma.  Yesterday we went for her second vet visit.  She has been on a nebeulizer 5 times/day.  I am not home enough to give her the medicine correctly, so the doctor gave me pills and told me to keep medicine for the nebeulizer in case of emergencies.  With a sick cat I knew I couldn't go back to the US for very long and leave her with a sitter.  Also, I have some big bills coming up.  I need new tires for the car, my camera broke months ago, and my phone only works when it wants to, which lately is rarely.  So, taking all of that into account, it was best that I not go back to the US for Christmas.

I will have a good time here.  I can't go to Olancho with Jose and Karla's family because of Jetty, but my landlords family already have big plans for me so I will stay busy celebrating with them.  I was a little stressed out about gifts.  Normally I get people things they need from they US, and I already had things in mind for this year.  But yesterday I realized I can make a bunch of Christmas cookies give them to everyone as gifts.  So now I am collecting recipes and feeling more relaxed.

I took 10 days off from the gym - I've been staying super late at the church every night and also was waiting to see if I was going back to the US for Christmas.  They don't make me pay if I am in the US.  Yesterday, after deciding for sure I would stay in Honduras I went back to the gym and it felt great.

This week is the kids' last week of swimming until after the new year.  Then we have 4 weeks in January and it will be over.  I may miss the swimming program more than the kids do!  I don't love getting up so early, but I do love every second once I get out of bed.

For those of you with snow - enjoy!  And I will enjoy the sunshine and warmth for you.

Christmas lunch at the Breakfast Program

The Christmas party was AWESOME!  The food was great.  The kids were great.  The attendance was great.  It was a really good time.  Both swimming coaches came and shared the meal with us.  They told everyone how special the kids from Iglesia En Transformación are.  They even gave out special presents.

Over 100 kids

Licenciado Francisco Sanchez

Coach Ricardo

Saul earned a present for his perserverance

Ingris was recognized for her natural talent for swimming and motivation

I got to give gifts to my class.  And special gifts to those who are graduating and moving on to public school kindergarten next year.

Cessia with her special gift

Misael with his special gift

Jose is graduating too

They did a good job keeping their eyes closed while they received their gifts
(which I didn't have time to wrap).

My preschool class 2013

Misael got up and gave a speech about how much he loves me and my class.  One of the reasons is because I let him go pee pee when he needs to.  That made the whole crowd laugh and he got a little thrown off because he didn't understand why they were all in hysterics.

It was one of those beautiful, amazing days that affirms deep down in your heart that you are following God's plan.

Here are some other photos:

The kids thanking their teachers and the swim coaches -

Muy guapo David!

Saul admitting he was a "desastre" when he started.
 He never gave up and had a great coach.
Now Saul is a great swimmer.

Gloria thanking the coaches

Meylin thanking the coaches

The leadership team were all present!

Daniel, Kelin and Christian won special awards for their efforts in class

Someone snuck a candy cane!

Kenia was my Secret Santa

It was a perfect day.

I love you

I forgot to write about something important.

Today I was at the swimming program.  I have told a few people that I really enjoy getting to know the kids on a different level than I am able to at the Breakfast Program.  I have free time to focus just on them, and I think it helps that we are doing something I love and am good at - swimming.  I can teach them and give them a ton of positive feedback.  They are learning so quickly!

They spend all morning calling my name, asking me to watch the new thing they can do.  It has been a great bonding opportunity.  Today I was talking to two of the older girls at the pool when suddenly one of them threw her arms around my neck and said, "I love you!"

I replied, "I love you too!"

She said, "I hope you never leave Honduras."

I just kept hugging her.

This is a photo of us from a few months ago:

Lolita and me

Preparing for Christmas

Angie, overcoming her fears and taking a leap

This foto of Alejandra makes me laugh

Ingris.  The fish of the group.

The older kids - Fabiola, Gloria, Ingris, Olga, Kenia, Lolita, Erik, Yarely, Saul

Cristian and his sweet smile

Cristofer is learning a new way of life
as well as how to swim 

YESSSSS!

Normally the last to get in,
look who was the last to leave the pool today!

I am still LOVING swimming lessons.  My alarm woke me up for the first time this morning.  For five weeks I have woken up by myself before 6 a.m.!  Some of you know how amazing that is.  But my alarm had to work hard to get me awake today.

Part of the reason is that I have to nebeulize my cat every 8 hours.  So at 1 a.m. I was up with Jetty and that nebeulizer.  Thank God she is an easy going cat.  She mostly lies there and lets me cover her face with the pediatric mask.  It is quite a sight.

Another reason I was tired is that for some reason it took until today for me to recover from my VACATION!!!!  I went to the North Coast (Caribbean) with 11 friends for a four day weekend.  We went to the city of Tela and rented a bungalow close to the shore.  It was the first time I have ever seen the ocean in Honduras, so I was thrilled out of my mind.  Plus it was great to spend time with friends, and make some new friends too.

I don't have any pictures because I am still without a camera.  BUT...  my brother called me today to say he found the one I have been searching for at a really good price!  So I told him to go ahead and order it.  It was painful to travel to the coast and not be able to take any pictures.  I know some of you said you would like to contribute to a new camera.  Thank you!  Here is the link:

www.WorldOutreach.org/donations

Just click on my name - (Fager, Mary Lynn)

Today we cleaned the church for a Christmas party tomorrow.  The preschool class was chosen to put up the Christmas tree.

Jose and Samuel said they were mechanics

Beautiful Milagro

Proud of our tree!

Overall, things are going really well.  Getting to the pool, exercising in the gym, and a little travel has been really good for me.  I am grateful for the opportunity to do all of these fun things!  Looks like I won't make it home for Christmas this year between the sick cat and the cost of the flight, but my family is understanding and I will be able to experience my first Honduran Christmas.

Tomorrow is our Christmas party for the kids at the Breakfast Program.  The swimming coaches are invited to, so the kids are extra excited!  Marlin was hard at work in the kitchen today to prepare a special meal and the church is looking spiffy, as you can tell.  It is strange to be at the pool everyday and swimming in the ocean.  I think this will be my first Christmas without snow.  It's pretty strange.  But the kids' excitement helps get me into the spirit.

My Birthday - 2013

My birthday was everything a birthday should be and more.  I felt special and blessed and very, very loved.  We celebrated for 4 days!  Here are some highlights:

The coach from the swim team completely surprised me with a cake and Pepsi at 9 a.m.  He said that he sees how much the kids love me and think of me as a mother, so he wanted to give them the opportunity to celebrate with me.

They threw me in the pool

A hug from the most awesome coach ever

My cake!

Note the carmel fish in the corner  :)  AND it was one layer of chocolate!

Covered in frosting

Thanks girls!

My friend Ana and her baby, Isabela were there

Coach Fracisco Sanchez and me

 When we got back to the church Eunice and Walter had planned a second party for me!  So we had a second cake after the Breakfast Program was finished with the boys from El Sembrador, the ladies who work in the kitchen and their families, and everyone who works at the church.

My second cake!

Singing "Feliz Feliz Cumpleaños"

Walter said a nice prayer

Eunice praying over me.
Samuel looks so cute!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Ashley enjoying cake

Saturday we had a Thanksgiving dinner at my Carlos' brother's house. I cooked the turkey and all of the traditional side dishes.  I was surprised when Marcela came in with a birthday cake for me.  It was BLUEBERRY and very, very delicious!  We popped some sparking wine and celebrated my birthday, then moved on to Thanksgiving dinner.  It was a really fun time.

Carlos popping the cork

The birthday toast

Me with the ladies - Miljian and Hermida

Miljian hosted the party at her house 

Carlos' brother and sister-in-law 

Blowing out the candles of my blueberry cake

Sunday was election day.  It went smoothly and peacefully.  Nobody has officially been declared president yet because they are waiting for 10% of the votes still from voters in the US.  But the party who is currently in charge has the most votes and will win.  People are saying the vote was fraudulent.  I watched it on TV.  Everything I saw seemed very open and forthright.  But of course there could be things going on behind the scenes.  Personally, I think it's a case of sore losers.

There have been small protests, but nothing at the scale I saw in 2009.  Things could escalate when everything becomes official.  For now everything feels normal.

People are still wishing me a happy birthday and it feels really great to be able to say that I had a really special day.  It was definitely one of my very best so far.  Not just because of the cakes.  I truly felt special and honored.  I kept thinking, "This is how everyone should feel on their birthday!"  I'm grateful so many people care about me and take the time to say or do something to make me feel special on my birthday.  Thanks guys!