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!
