Back in Honduras

Fany was standing outside the door at the airport, waiting for me. I almost didn't see her because they came to pick me up in the car her husband has been working on for about 6 months. It's finally ready! She was standing right in front of me and I looked over her head, searching for my car, until she reached out and grabbed me.

I almost missed my flight from Denver to Miami last night. The line at security was horrible. Like, an hour and 45 minutes long, horrible. People around me stood in line as their boarding time came and passed, then their flight departed, and they still hadn't made it through security. Hundreds and hundreds of people went nowhere due to lack of TSA staff.

I made it to the gate 8 minutes after my flight was first due to leave, but I had learned as I got in the car to go to the airport that my flight was a half hour late. I was one of the few people in that line who actually caught my flight, only because my flight was postponed.

Looking back, I can't pick out one specific best moment from my trip. I loved seeing my friends in Chicago for the first time in 20 years. Skiing with my nephews for the first time was awesome! Serving at the food pantry with my Mom was fun. Watching the snow fall and sledding at my brother's house was perfect. My friend Jody set up a surprise that was very special in Salt Lake. I had a great time at my favorite Indian restaurant in Salt Lake with friends and Ethiopian food with Mom in Denver. Yes, Ethiopian food with Mom was definitely a highlight. The food was the best Ethiopian I've ever had, the place was super cute, and it was a nice, quiet, relaxing time with Mom.

After spending this afternoon unpacking and settling in, it's finally sinking in that I am back in Honduras. This visit was the longest I've spent in the US. I got used to speaking English and flushing my TP. I am really happy to be back home, but I'd love one more hug with my Mom or one more snuggle with Jack.

Tomorrow I'll get back into the swing of things, but for today I am still holding on to special moments with family and friends in the US.

Preparing for goodbyes

Last week turned into a blur. After skiing with Jack on Monday I came home with a nasty sore throat. Tuesday and Wednesday I did nothing but sleep. On Christmas Eve I felt well enough to get out of bed and wrap presents. By Christmas Day I was almost back to normal.

We had a wonderful Christmas. The kids opened presents. My brother and I watched the very last Grateful Dead show, which he received as a Christmas gift. He did a bunch of updates on my computer. Then we had a dinner of ham and turkey. For the first time in my life, I really enjoyed ham. Jack is not normally a huge eater, but he had four servings!

I spent Christmas night with my brother and his family. The adults stayed up late, talking and watching a movie. Saturday we went to see Star Wars in 3D at an Imax. Normally I would not care about seeing Star Wars, but the boys were really excited so that made it fun. Mom was sure it would give them nightmares, but they seemed fine.

When we got home from seeing Star Wars Mom learned that her close friend, who recently had a stroke, was back in the hospital after suffering seizures while she was alone in her apartment. Mom took in her friend's dog for the rest of the day, while I went to visit the Rice's for the afternoon.

Today is Sunday. One more night in the US, and then I head back to Honduras. I always get a little (okay, more than a little) anxious at this point. It's hard for me to fully enjoy the last few days with goodbyes looming in the future.

Constantly saying goodbye is probably the hardest part of being a missionary. Sometime it feels like my life is a series of goodbyes. Teams come to visit. At first they are strangers. But after serving together, a bond develops that is not possible to create under other circumstances. Then they leave. In the beginning you message each other. Time passes, memories fade, and soon you struggle to picture the face of someone who once was so close.

Missionaries who worked side by side with you for months, or years, are called back the the US. Despite good intentions, we will probably never see each other again. The missionary field can be a transient place.

When it comes to family, goodbyes are even harder. Visits to the US are bitter sweet. Don't get me wrong. Each visit is a huge blessing and not something I take for granted. But the process is not easy. First there are the goodbyes to my home in Honduras. Leaving behind the people and the life I love, missing holidays with the people who share my everyday life, is not easy. I worry about many of them when I am gone. I miss my friends and my church. A lot.

This is not a complaint. Just sharing some feelings and insight into the life of a missionary.

Visits to the US are wonderful, but saying goodbye to family is the worst. Knowing I will miss milestones, or just the day-to-day stuff in my nephews' lives hurts. Seeing photos on Facebook is not the same. Knowing my Mom (though she is healthy and strong, PRAISE GOD) will not be around forever makes each goodbye more difficult.

I even think about the fact that I will not be the same person the next time my family sees me. Those changes become more obvious the longer we are apart.

Visits to the US are a gift, wrapped with a bow of goodbyes. Each person I am blessed to see is also another goodbye. I spend the last days of my time in the US dreading those final goodbyes.

I try hard to focus on the fact that we are blessed to spend this time together. Before I became a missionary, my family and I didn't get this much quality time together. So it really is an exceptional gift.

I just hate saying goodbye.

Seeing Mr. Meyers

Wednesday we skied with Joey:

He started out in tethers with Bob

But after a good lunch

He refused to ski with the tethers. So we forced him to learn how to slow down.

Then this happened...

Hahaha! That still cracks me up! But it's a part of skiing.

We all came home tired. Joey skied until they closed the mountain. Jack had school, so he couldn't go. But he came down to Nonny's house to play Uno with me that night.

Yesterday I helped Mom at the food pantry for her church. We didn't have many visitors, but we had a good time with the people we did serve. Everyone got a huge bag of food to make a turkey dinner. About half of the people spoke only Spanish. I wondered if they will really ever use the stuff for a turkey dinner. Most of my Honduran friends don't like turkey. Or at least they think they don't. It's hard to find turkey, even as sandwich meat, so they don't eat turkey. The Mexican population here that I talked to seemed equally unenthused.

There were some toys on the table and everyone got to chose a gift for each of their kids. It worked out perfectly, with every parent finding something they knew their kids would like or need.


In the afternoon I went to my violin teacher's house. He turned 90 on December 10th. He is smart as can be, but his body is failing. Man it is hard to see people failing. When I first met him in January 2009, he still lived at home and gave violin lessens in his basement, climbing up and down the basement steps. Now he can't walk one step without holding on tightly for balance. But the conversation is still wonderful. We talk about everything. Politics, God, music, books... This year he told me he doesn't want to talk about the past because the memories take his mind back to a place where he feels sad. We shed a few tears together. I enjoyed his company with all of my heart.

I asked, can I take a picture of us?
He said, "You mean a selfie?"

Mr. Meyer's cat, Honey

Yesterday I went home and basked in the love that Mr. Meyers shared with me. I pray I will see him again, here on earth. If not, I pray that one day I will join him in heaven.

If you are a longtime reader, you have read about Mr. Meyers before. The first time was on October 8th 2013, when he was no longer in his house and I located him in this same assisted living home where he was today. That is worth going back to read, if you have a moment. Mr. Meyers is a friend like none other and a special gift from God.

Today was full of errands. I got a Colorado driver's license. My Utah license expires in November 2016 and as of now, it looks like funding will not allow me to return to the US next summer. So that is taken care of in advance.

We did some grocery shopping and went to the bank. All of those exciting things. I got a new kind of yogurt I have never tried before. It's pumpkin flavor.

Tonight Mom and I are going to Sweet Tomatoes to eat with my brother and his family. I don't really like to eat there. Especially since I am trying to diet. I always like to feel like I get my money's worth at a place like that, which is dangerous to my waistband.

Yesterday I bought a Starbucks coffee for the first time in years and years. I chose a medium decaf peppermint mocha - however you say that in Starbucksian. After paying almost $5 I could no longer enjoy it. That is just too much, in my opinion, for a cup of coffee. I started thinking about the people who go there every day. Wow. I refilled the cup with water and used it all day, trying to get my money's worth. I'll never go to Starbucks again. No judgement if Starbucks is your thing. It's just not mine.

Winter snow in SLC and Denver

My final day in Salt Lake was Sunday. I went to church with my hosts, then was swept away for a special surprise with a good friend and her family. We had a great afternoon with lots of laughs.

In the evening I went out with my hosts again. I finally got the chance to spend some time with them over this week and get to know them. They are both super cool people. They took me to my two favorite places in SLC during my stay. Plus I had Ethiopian twice! All of my kind friends want to fill me up on my favorite things while I'm in the US. Let's just say I am not losing any weight.

Sunday night the winds picked up and a storm blew in. By Monday morning, my friend couldn't even get to my hosts' home to pick me up! Traffic was a mess and the roads were slick. My hosts brought me down to a grocery store parking lot where they handed me off to another friend and he got me safely to the airport.

Good thing he was thinking ahead. If he hadn't been, I could have missed my flight. There were a lot of people sprinting through the airport yesterday morning.

Tons of cars were off the road, or stuck in the middle of the road. We drove slowly and carefully.

At one point my friend told me to look in my rearview mirror. A big pickup came barreling up behind us and passed us on the right. He was going insanely fast. A half mile later we pulled up on that same pickup. He had rear ended another truck. His whole front end was smashed up the windshield. What a shame.

I arrived in Denver safely and spent the evening decorating my Mom's Christmas tree with my nephews. They are so funny! Jack put all of the snowmen in little clumps, face to face, on one part of the tree "so they can hang out together".

Joe said, "I love you snowman," with hugs and kisses

 Great Grandma's Christmas village.
The boys set it up, then "a storm" (them) comes and knocks it over

Mom started to have a fit because all of the decorations were on one side of the tree, but when I explained that it was purposeful, we left it that way.

The snowmen "hanging out"

A little clumpy, but special!

After dinner I played Tic Tac Toe with Jack and Joey. They beat me more than I beat them. Jack was dying to play Uno with me, but it was time to go home.

The Utah storm blew into Denver last night. For the second day in a row, I woke up to a world blanketed in white. Flights in and out of Denver are cancelled. I am so blessed I made it here yesterday!

My brother and I are talking about skiing. We are not sure if we want to take the boys, which means that we wouldn't really be able to ski, or if we want to take off and go ourselves. One way or another, skiing is the plan for tomorrow.

Today I am writing Christmas cards and sending out my monthly news letter, which will be a week late. Perfect stuff for a snowy day in Colorado.

An afternoon in SLC

Every time I come to the US, I always make a stop in Salt Lake. Most of my close friends are there. It's the place that feels like home to me. Each time I return I expect that this time I'll have been gone so long that no place in the US feels like home. Thankfully, Salt Lake always surprises me. It welcomes me back with its beautiful weather, gorgeous scenery and loving people.

In the past I have booked every second of my time in SLC full, making the rounds to visit all of my friends and supporters. But this time I did things differently. Instead of racing all over, I decided to spend one afternoon in a coffee shop and let people come to me.

It was a little bit intimidating to actually follow through with my brilliant idea. What if nobody came? Would people be too busy during the holidays to come see me? I had to let go of my ego, or lack thereof, and put it into God's hands.

The people came!

There were two people with whom I didn't get to share an in-depth conversation. But otherwise it worked out fine. And it made this trip SO much more relaxing.

I intended to get photos of everyone but was so busy catching up that I forgot. But I did get some great photos of the jazz quartet!

These lovely ladies came to see me!

3/4 of the quartet

Now that is talent

One side of the restaurant was much younger than I
But the jazz quartet drew a different crowd

Sleeping? Or concentrating on the music?

He was awake. And turns out he is a talented drummer!

Cloudy in the mountains, sunny in the valley.
I ♥ SLC!

Visits with friends in SLC

I am still feeling overwhelmed by the experience of seeing my former coworkers. If you had asked before the visit, I would have said that I didn't care about seeing any of them except my former boss. So glad I was wrong! It is nice to realize what an impact people have in your life, even if it was a little late. Today I am still thinking about that awesome crew. But no, I don't want to go back to work there. I love what I am doing in Honduras too much!

Today I met with some people who have unofficially mentored me since I became Christian. They have loved me in my ignorance, and through the good and bad. I've never felt judged by them, though they made it clear when they thought I was off track. I appreciate people like that!

My friends with their gift from Honduras
hand made by the kids where I serve

Then I met with another friend for lunch. We had Ethiopian food and talked for hours. Due to unfortunate circumstances, she is basically homeless right now. Her Mom is providing a roof over her head until Monday. She is educated and smart, kind, caring and hard working but she can't afford a place to live.

Thankfully, she teaches English to the kids of the restaurant owners, so neither of us paid for lunch. We weren't allowed. We spent hours just talking and talking about everything. I enjoy our friendship a lot because we have different backgrounds and even different religions, but we have a respect and love for each other that transcends those differences. I never get bored talking with her.

After lunch I looked around for gym shoes for Laura. Fany called me in a panic. About a month ago she was asked to host an event at her house. The event is tomorrow. This afternoon the people called to say they do not want anyone to use disposable dishes or utensils. So Fany is having a nervous breakdown trying to come up with enough plates to feed everyone. There are 30 people! I told her she should tell everyone to bring their own plate if they want to have rules like that.

I looked around for gym shoes for Laura and ended up finding some cute black shoes that I hope she can wear with her uniform. Fany is using the money she earns from taking care of my cat to enroll Laura in school in February. Laura is so excited!

I also got to talk to Ana and her family. I was smothered with "I love you's" and could hardly hear what Ana was saying. Can't wait to see them when I get back to Honduras.

Speaking of phone calls, Erika called me yesterday! I was shocked. Usually she calls me collect when I am in Honduras. I never expected her to call me in the US. She said she figured my US phone didn't have her phone number (which is correct) so she wanted to be sure I had it.

The strangest thing has happened. Since I got to the US, almost every single day someone from my work or from my old church (or both) have sent me a friend request on Facebook. I think my coworkers miss me! That is a nice feeling - to know I am not forgotten.

This evening I had dinner with my friend Heather. She is one of my dearest friends. And one of the busiest. I cherish every moment I get with her and I know the feeling is mutual. Time in Salt Lake is flying by too quickly. I love this place.

Christmas Party

It just keeps getting better! Today I had kind of a chance of a lifetime. I was invited to attend the Christmas party at the place where I used to work before I moved to Honduras.

That's a big deal because it is held inside of the facility which has a lot of privacy laws because they work with sex offenders who are between 12-21. Usually people need to pass a background check just to get in.

It was more fun than I ever imagined. I worked there from 2007 - 2012. These are the people who watched me first start attending church in 2007, then go on my first mission trip in 2008, then take time off to live in Honduras for three months in 2009, then return to the US and spend years aching to live in Honduras from 2009 until I finally left in 2012.

It's a really tough job - the toughest job I ever had besides being a missionary. We worked long hours because it doesn't pay much. Overtime pay is how we survived, so we were together more than we were at home. It formed a bond that I had never seen clearly until today.

As you can imagine, it is a special crew that can work day after day with juvenile sex offenders. Seeing them all in one room today really drove that point home. My former co-workers were as happy to see me as I was to see them. Almost everyone asked if I am coming back to work with them. But they were also happy for me that things are going well in Honduras.

I am proud that I once was part of that family. It's tough, tough job and they do it so well. They love boys who are not easy to love. Even though they don't see it very clearly, they also love each other.

I got to eat prime rib and shrimp. There was egg nog and a huge table full of pies and pastries. They had an award ceremony and a talent show. My friend Frank sang Ave Maria in honor of a teacher who passed away from cancer two months ago. We cried together.

It was a beautiful, beautiful day.

Reunited in Chicago

Last week a friend was struggling. I first met her when I was 23 years old. She and I worked in a Cajun restaurant in Chicago with a few other women. Each of us came from very different backgrounds, but we all had one thing in common. Abuse.

About 2 months ago my friend and I were talking about finances. She said to me, "Tell me what you need." I told her. Without hesitation she helped. She didn't think twice.

Last week it was my turn to step up to the plate for her. She was in a tough spot so I decided to get a ticket to visit her in Chicago. Flights were super cheap and she needed a friend.

We spent a lot of time talking and trying to figure out how to get her out of the mess that is surrounding her. When she got sick of talking, we hung out.

Unfortunately, the stomach flu was running rampant in Chicago, so she spent the last few days in bed. Nothing was solved, but she seemed to be in better shape when I left. Mission accomplished.

There wasn't much I could do for her while she was sick, so I avoided the stomach flu germs by staying with another waitress from that Cajun restaurant. I haven't seen this friend since the mid 90's. All of these years later, we still have a special friendship. It's like we used to be many years ago, only better. We have matured, healed, and grown up to be pretty cool people!

We organized a little reunion. One night they took me out to a fancy sushi restaurant. It was AMAZING. I've had good sushi, but this was incredible.

The next morning we had a brunch. Three of the guests called off sick, so it was small, but perfect. We spent all day eating and catching up.

After spoiling me rotten all weekend, this morning my friend took me to the airport at 5:30 a.m. I traveled back across the country in a mental fog, happy to be headed to Salt Lake, but sad to be leaving behind my new old friends.

In Salt Lake I am staying with a woman who got baptized with me in Honduras in 2008. She invited me to attend her small group meeting tonight. It was a nice ending to my day. I feel more settled in and refocused.

My time in the US hasn't been as I expected. Especially over the past week or so. It feels like I am running around putting out forest fires. Or trying to, because the truth is that some of my friends are facing horrific situations. I have no idea how to help. But God put me in their lives for a reason, and brought me close to them at this time. All I can do is keep my heart and mind open, and allow God to move through me.

Getting Old

It's official. I'm old. I have proof in the pain I feel every time I move.

Colorado is a tough state to visit. I'm not used to living at this altitude. I don't get altitude sickness, but being this close to the sun is a big change. My skin is dry. My lips are chapped. I can't stay hydrated no matter how hard I try. My hair turns dry, brittle and flat. Plus it bleaches blonde.

This year I have a new problem. It started a little bit in Honduras over the past couple of weeks as the seasons changed. I'd wake up in the morning with stiff and sore knuckles, right where my fingers meet my hand. After moving around a little, the achiness would disappear.

Here, in Colorado, it is really bad. Day by day it's gotten worse until now it extends into each joint of my fingers, then my big toe, now all of my toes and even my knees. It hurts to unscrew a the top of a honey jar, or my vitamins. It hurts to stand and walk.

Yesterday I was in enough pain that I couldn't take it anymore so I walked over to Walmart and grabbed some Glucosamine Chondroitin. So far it's not helping. I think it's because the weather is in the 20's. I'm used to 20-30 degrees Celsius, not Fahrenheit!

I'm trying not to complain because that afternoon of sledding may be the highlight of my visit to the US. I love snow and outdoor activities that involve snow. Especially with my nephews!

I'll never move to Arizona. No matter how much my joints ache, you won't catch me there. But hobbling around like I'm 80 is not my style! Hope these vitamins kick in soon.

Today my friend Gene invited me to go out to dinner. Gene, his daughter, Adela, and I always get together when I'm in the US. We discussed the fact that a year ago at this time many of the people we love were without jobs. Then we gave thanks for the fact that those same people all have jobs they love now.

I told him about the new things I am doing in Honduras. I, too, really enjoy what I am doing these days. We agreed God is so good!

I am looking for a church to attend here, in Colorado. So far I've done a lot of Googling. Nothing seems to really catch my eye. One church here has between 1-3 mission teams going out each month to countries all over the world! I thought that was impressive. But I think it would be hard to be part of a huge church since I am only here a few weeks each year. Building relationships would be difficult.

The forecast is for warmer weather next week. Looking forward to that. I always heard people talk about this aching joint phenomenon. First of all I never thought it would happen to me, and secondly, I never realized how much it hurts. Yup. I'm getting old.

Thanksgiving with family

Thanksgiving was perfect! It was my first Thanksgiving in the US since I moved to Honduras.

We got enough snow to cover the ground, even down at my Mom's house. I was so excited! I took videos to share with Laura. She is desperate to experience snow. Meanwhile, Jack and Joey can't comprehend the thought of not knowing what snow is.

My favorite part of the day was when I arrived. Jack, who is usually very self controlled, saw me walk in the door. He let out a huge gasp of excitement and charged toward me. Then he suddenly caught himself and slowed down to a walk. I got a big hug though. He's getting big now, but he spent the first hour sitting and lying on my lap.

The boys and I went sledding in the driveway before dinner. It was snowing, but not too cold.

Dinner was delicious. All of the basics. I had seconds of the meal and skipped desert.

Then the men settled in to watch football, so mom and I headed home.

It was a really nice day.

Joey asked, "Do I look mean?"

Bob, Mom and Joe
(Jack doesn't like photos these days)

I snuck a photo with Jack and Poppy

Catching snowflakes on his tongue

Safe trip

Made it to my Mom's house in Colorado late, late last night. Everything went perfectly for the whole trip!

My Pastor was giving his friend a ride to the airport, so they picked me up along the way. We were early, so I got them a coffee and we gabbed. While we sat there one of the ladies from church came to say goodbye! How sweet. That's a big thing in Honduras, to have a million people see you off.

The flight was on time. In fact we were boarded with the doors shut a half hour early!

As I passed through customs in Miami the man asked, "Where are you coming from?"

"Honduras," I replied.

"Welcome, " he said. He handed me my papers and as I walked away he said, "Keep up the good work and happy belated!"

My brain was still thinking in Spanish, so it took me a minute to understand what "Happy Belated" meant. Then I realized, I never told him anything about Honduras. I have no idea how he knew I was serving there. I could have been vacationing in Roatan! But I could tell that somehow, he knew. God put it in his head to say that.

I had already left by the time all of that sunk in. Suddenly I felt really emotional. Someone from my country was happy to see me back, grateful for my work in Honduras, and even took time to wish me a happy birthday! That was so cool, it brought me to tears. The thought of returning to give him a hug passed through my mind, but I figured that might get me in trouble with people at customs. So I wiped up my tears and thanked God for the little ways he shows us love.

The flight to Denver was loaded and pulled out of the gate early too. The lady next to me coughed a lot, but North Americans are more conscientious about covering their mouths. I was grateful for her thoughtfulness.

I didn't sleep, which is unusual for me. Usually I sleep from before we take off until we land.

The shuttle was there waiting. It was so late, I didn't dare ask any friends to come get me. And my family couldn't. So my Mom said she would pay for a shuttle. The driver was very nice. He moved to the US from Iran in 1979. He had bottled water in cup holders by each seat.

By the time I got to my Mom's house it was almost 1 a.m. We hugged and said good night. Usually we stay up talking, but last night we were both exhausted.

And today is the start of my holiday in the US! Mom volunteered at the library all morning and is currently practicing for her choir. This afternoon we are going to walk in the mall because it's really cold outside. A storm is on the way.

I'm happy to be here. Tomorrow I will see my nephews! Expect a ton of photos!!

Recap of the weekend

Feels like the last two days passed in a whirlwind.

My birthday was nice. We had a women's group meeting. Afterward Nidia and Yamileth took me out for cake, but it was already dinnertime and Fany had baleadas waiting, so Yami and I split a pineapple pastry. Nidia ordered a cupcake, so I posed with that for photos. It was vanilla, so I chose the pineapple turnover.

In the evening Fany, Laura and I had baleadas, which are my favorite. They are cheap and easy to make, so I figured it was perfect. Laura was feeling much better. She even had seconds for dinner. 

Fany and I stayed up talking and laughing. Laura put herself to bed. When Fany went to check on her, Laura asked if it was tomorrow yet - Sunday was her birthday party. Fany told her no, but it will be tomorrow soon.

Sunday Laura finally got to celebrate her birthday. She was so patient, waiting since Wednesday to celebrate. The party was well worth the wait!

Laura decided on a Frozen theme. The little girls all wore princess costumes. Somehow Laura had enough for all of them. Fany made creative decorations from things she had around the house. Marshmallows are a big birthday treat here. Usually they are colored and in a big bowl. But Fany put them on a stick with a Frozen twist.

Today was my last day at work before I leave for the US. Everyone was so excited for me. They all gave me big hugs and said they can't wait until I get back. It was nice.

Here are some photos from over the weekend:

Jakelin, me, Yami, Nidia, Soyla, Oneida, Sarah and her grandkids

Nidia's vanilla cupcake
for my birthday

Pastora Ruth's discipleship class

Pastora Ruth and me

Laura's Party

Fany's Marshmallows (known as "besos" or "kisses")

Princesses

Laura takes piñatas seriously

Happy Birthday Laura!

Princesses of all shapes and sizes

Moms of the princesses and me

Laura is sick

This morning Fany came to my bedroom window and said Laura had a fever of 40 C. I told her we need to go to the doctor! That is 104 F.

But Fany said no, she gave Laura medicine and the fever went down. I warned her the fever will come back when the medicine wears off. But Fany was determined to have Laura's birthday party today.

So, I left to buy the cake (remember no homemade cakes in Honduras) and run errands. Just as I was on my way home, Fany called. She asked where I was.

"Leaving the parking lot from picking up the cake," I told her.

"Oh," she said. "I should have called earlier."  ...The fever spiked again. We have to cancel the party. Laura needs to go to the doctor.

After we worked out the logistics (finances, flat tires, phone calls to party attendants) we were on our way. Laura couldn't walk or even sit up straight. Lifting her eye lids was difficult. Thank God for Doctor Gustavo!

Doctor Gustavo said Laura has the beginning of a sore throat. He gave Fany a pain reliever and told her to switch between two different meds every four hours for the fever. And of course the handy dandy antibiotic. You can't leave a doctor's office in Honduras without an antibiotic.

Fany stayed with Laura in the car while I got the rest of the meds at the pharmacy.

When we got home, Fany took Laura out of the car and placed her in standing position on the driveway. Laura crumpled to the ground. Fany carried her inside to the bed. We mixed up the meds and dumped them into her mouth, then pinched her lips closed while she gagged and tried to spit them out.

Now Laura is resting soundly. I am thinking the cake will have to wait until Sunday. Meanwhile, I think I have a sore throat.

Here is a cool article about Familia Fuerte, one of the programs where I serve. I think you'll find it very interesting. I took it from a link on their Facebook page:

Each year about 100 families graduate from Strong Family, or "Familia Fuerte". The families served by Familia Fuerte live in Honduras' most violent and impoverished neighborhoods. We saw the necessity for Familia Fuerte when the teens we serve were struggling to change because they were still going home to unhealthy home environments each night.

Familia Fuerte was designed to strengthen familial bonds by teaching communication skills, implementing proper discipline techniques, and raising self esteem. All of these things are desperately needed in this society.

Many Hondurans struggle with direct communication. They are quick to say what someone wants to hear, or say nothing at all, but that doesn't lead to healthy family dynamics.

Discipline is often either yelling or hitting. Many parents never learned anything more. Through Familia Fuerte, they are taught other options, which is empowering to them and better for their children.

Take a peek at these proud parents who just graduated! Most did not graduate from high school, so this is extra special to them.

http://ajs-us.org/news/conquering-injustice-through-strong-families

Celebrating Birthdays

I spoiled Fany's birthday surprise for me. She planned to take me out for sushi. She knows I haven't been since June and I miss it. It was a thoughtful idea.

But our friend Nidia had a birthday today. Nidia is a sushi lover too. She hasn't had sushi in a year. So Fisher (a missionary who serves with Nidia) and I took Nidia out for sushi tonight.

It was really nice. Nidia doesn't get to do things like that much. She is always busy taking care of others. We enjoyed the food and the company.

When I got home Fany told me I had spoiled her surprise. I would have told Fany that we should go again on Friday, but I do not want Fany spending her money on sushi.

Last night Fany brought me a crock pot. She got it as a wedding gift and never used it. I tried to pay her for it, but she said it was a gift. I told her it is my birthday gift. I love it! It's something I really wanted and couldn't find in Honduras. She really didn't even know what it was for. So it was a blessing to me, and didn't cost her any money. Perfect!

Now I have to convince Fany that it's perfect. I don't want her to spend money for my birthday. She is spending all she has on doctor's appointments for her fibromyalgia and on Laura's party tomorrow. It was supposed to be a small party, but somehow, half the world have invited themselves.

A week from tonight I'll go to bed with a tummy full of Thanksgiving dinner!  Yay!! I haven't gone home for Thanksgiving since I moved to Honduras. I'm really excited.

A sushi boat for three

Nidia, me, Fisher

Gosh I have pretty friends!

Jetty had to go to the vet today. When I took her for her regular anti-parasite shot, the doctor found an ear infection and something was going on with the skin on her nose. The doctor expected she would take a few months to heal. He was surprised to see how well she is doing in just two weeks. The spot on her nose, which has been like that for 6 years, is already getting better and her ears look fine.

The veterinary staff never cease to be amazed by Jetty's calm, friendly personality. She purred the whole time the doctor was examining her. She is a great example for people who aren't used to domesticated cats. Even vets here don't seem to handle many cats. There are plenty of cats here but nobody takes them to the vet. So Jetty is showing people what a cat can be like if you treat them well. I will miss her while I'm in the US.

Thinking about home

I have never been so excited to go back to the US. I am really looking forward to it!

In the past I was happy to go home to get a break from something. It was stressful. I felt like I had to rush around and get a whole list of things done. This time, I don't feel like I need a break from anything. I have no list of stuff to get done. I am just excited to rest and spend time with my family.

I will miss some great things while I'm in the US. At my new job we are taking all of the kids to Picacho. Anyone who has visited Honduras has been there. It's a park up in the mountains with a Jesus statue. The kids think we are going to spend the day playing, but the social workers have decided to take advantage of the opportunity. We are going to Picacho with purpose.

The kids we work with are at even more risk during vacation. They finish the school year right now, and start the new year around Valentine's Day. That leaves a lot of time for bad things to happen. Rape, pregnancy, extortion, getting pulled into gangs and drugs. My boss asked for a list of potential problems our kids will face. The person who answered went on and on and on. I couldn't believe it! I now understand why we have to stay on top of the kids during this time.

The outing will be all day. The kids will explore Picacho, under close supervision, for the first hour and spend the last hour playing fútbol. (That's what they all really go for.) For the rest of the day they will be in learning stations. The learning stations are about self esteem, and two other things I forgot! But all are themes to teach them to stay out of trouble during vacation. I wish I could be there for the outing!

They are also doing a small business project. Each team is given money to start a business. It has to be something they create so they learn the process of making the item themselves. One of the sponsors of our NGO is paying for this project. The kids can use the proceeds for a Christmas party. Some of them are making Christmas decorations as their business project, so my family can expect those as your Christmas gift this year. Some are making bracelets or food.

I wish I didn't have to miss these projects. But I can't wait to hug my Mom. And two specific friends. It's nice to have a great life here, in Honduras, and also really enjoy my time in the US.

You know something interesting? Yesterday's post was seen by three times more viewers inside of the US than other posts. And just within 24 hours!

Speaking of posting, I went to the Dr today for my wrist. He said my wrist is not improving because I am typing too much with poor typing posture. So, I'll be laying off the blogs for a while. I am going to get this wrist back to normal! Or at least see if typing makes it worse. I know you can't imagine this, but an average blog takes about two hours to produce. Sometimes longer. So this is where I end tonight.

A day with Erika

After bible study the morning I picked up Erika. We went to the market and got a bunch of fruits and veggies. If I buy things at the market they are super cheap, so I was able to purchase food for Erika to cook dinner for her family.

She decided to makes eggs, plantains and beans, with cheese and mantequilla. She chose watermelon and tangerines too. Papayas are supposed to clean out your guts and prevent parasites, so I grabbed one of those. Marjory feels great, but papaya will be good for her. I also grabbed some broccoli for the vitamins and made sure she knows how to cook it.

The lady who sells cheese gave us tastes of the cheese. She loved how Marjory ate the cheese from my hand while grabbing the cheese from her mother's hand. Marjory wasn't starving. She just loves food! "That girl is not a picky eater!" the cheese lady said, and cut another slice for her.

Erika is a concerned because Marjory lost five pounds when she was sick. She is paying close attention to Marjory's weight now, saying that as of today she gained back two pounds.

Marjory played with a toy in the car. She is one year and four months old, and she just got her first toys ever. Erika said Marjory doesn't want to let it out of her sight. Erika's boyfriend's father brought some toys home from his work. The way Erika told the story was really sweet. The boss of her boyfriend's father came across some toys and offered the toys to his workers. But none of the workers took them. So Erika's boyfriend's father said, "I have a little girl at home," and took them for Marjory. So sweet!

Erika seems happy. Her belly is getting big. I got to meet her boyfriend for the first time today. He works making "blocks" but today he had the day off. They couldn't work because they were out of cement. When we pulled up Marjory jumped into his arms. I don't know him well, but he made a good first impression.

We had to buy a birthday cake for Laura today. It was so fun to watch Marjory as she looked around at everything. She especially loved the soft blankets. She looked at toys, but the thing that caught her eye more than anything else was a book! I felt happy. It was a toddler's bible with bright colored pictures, cardboard pages, and short bible stories.

I told Erika that my Mom used to read me a lot of books and asked if she'd like to read to Marjory. She said yes. I read a few pages to Marjory, and pointed out all of the things in the pictures, showing her how my mother read to me. I am guessing Erika's Mom never read to Erika. I hope Erika will read to her kids. Marjory kept reaching for the book for the rest of the day.

We were going to take Marjory to a new park they just built by my house. But the sun was really hot so we ended up at Popeyes. Marjory had a good time at the playland. All of the kids were a lot older, but Marjory doesn't seem to notice. She is very well socialized. Erika and I shared a meal, enjoyed watching Marjory explore, and talked.

I've started to think about the fact that Erika is going to have another baby soon. I'm thinking about how it will effect Marjory and how it will take up so much of Erika's time. I am also thinking about the actual labor and delivery.

Erika will go to the infamous Hospital Escuela. Gosh, I hate even saying that. To be honest, my experiences, or rather, the experiences of people I know who went there, have been nothing but positive. But there are many, many horror stories and I know the stories are true.

I asked Erika how she feels about giving birth at Hospital Escuela. She said she is comfortable. I asked if they treated her well last time. She said yes. On November 23rd she will learn her due date and maybe learn the sex of the baby. I think it's a girl.

I am going to be nervous as the date get closer. It's times like this where I want to ask my friends for help so that Erika can go to a better hospital. But that is more about me than it is about Erika. She doesn't expect anything different. This is the situation Erika is in. She and her family are okay with it. Many women give birth at Hospital Escuela every day and they are fine.

Remind me of this when Erika is actually in the hospital. She'll be all by herself. Not even her mother can visit until she is released. Phones don't work in many parts of the hospital. There are no sheets on the bed, no pillows, no water, no pain reliever. Not even an ice pack. To US citizens it seems inhumane. To Hondurans who use the public health system, it is a fact of life. Ugh. I dread it already.

Getting her face painted with a Honduran flag
(there is a soccer game today)

Mmmm...  Ketchup