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.
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Friday, November 27, 2015
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.
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.
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| Joey asked, "Do I look mean?" |
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| Bob, Mom and Joe (Jack doesn't like photos these days) |
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| I snuck a photo with Jack and Poppy |
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| Catching snowflakes on his tongue |
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Wednesday, November 25, 2015
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!!
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!!
Monday, November 23, 2015
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:
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| Jakelin, me, Yami, Nidia, Soyla, Oneida, Sarah and her grandkids |
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| Nidia's vanilla cupcake for my birthday |
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| Pastora Ruth's discipleship class |
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| Pastora Ruth and me |
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| Laura's Party |
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| Fany's Marshmallows (known as "besos" or "kisses") |
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| Princesses |
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| Laura takes piñatas seriously |
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| Happy Birthday Laura! |
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| Princesses of all shapes and sizes |
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| Moms of the princesses and me |
Friday, November 20, 2015
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:
http://ajs-us.org/news/conquering-injustice-through-strong-families
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
Thursday, November 19, 2015
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.
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.
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.
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| A sushi boat for three |
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| 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.
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 17, 2015
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.
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.
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| Getting her face painted with a Honduran flag (there is a soccer game today) |
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| Mmmm... Ketchup |
Monday, November 16, 2015
WOP Retreat 2015
During the Women of Purpose's Revive Retreat I had so much to share with you! I had each thing worded perfectly in my head, promising myself I would remember this moment to share with you.
Unfortunately, yesterday my mind was swarming with those memories. I couldn't sort them out. There were so many, I felt like my brain was flooded, but in a good way.
Today I can barely remember a thing. Back to reality.
Surely I will miss many important things that I swore I would remember three days ago. But here is an abbreviated version of the WOP retreat.
First, the WOP retreat is put on by a group of women who visit Honduras annually to revive female missionaries of Honduras. It was started by a woman who spent three years serving in Honduras and burned out. She returned to the US and still questions if it was the right choice. Could she have made it through the tough times if something like the WOP retreat existed when she was here? She is not looking back at the past. Instead, she is thinking of the future and trying to prevent other missionaries from feeling the same.
It is a weekend of pampering, fellowship with other missionaries from all over Honduras, quiet time. worship, introspection, and good food.
First, I was very happy to room with a bunch of 20 year olds. Only because they don't snore. Lately every time I go to a retreat I room with people my own age and am overcome by snoring. Nobody warns you - this is one of the hazards of getting older.
Then I slowly realized that within the past year, I have come to know a LOT of people! One year ago I went to the WOP retreat knowing only Carol. She and I met two weeks prior. But this year, I knew a ton of people. It was so cool to see them all again.
Consistently, they told me that I look so much better. My countenance has changed. It doesn't matter how they worded it, what they were saying is they can see I am happy now.
I remember a year ago I went home for Christmas. Everyone told me how different I looked. They said I looked happy. But I was really confused. Because at that time I didn't feel happy yet. I felt relieved. I felt hopeful. However, I was not happy. NOW I am happy. I am sooooo happy! I don't care if nobody can see it. I can feel it, and that is what matters.
I think for now I will end this post there. I am happy and the retreat was great!
Here are some photos:
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| Entering the retreat |
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| Ready and waiting for all of the ladies with smiles and hugs! |
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| Special snacks |
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| The little things... |
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| My roommate Babies |
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| I caught her reflection in the mirror She is valued |
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| Bonfire and S'mores |
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| Beautiful Place |
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| We each got a blanket |
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| All of the way from the US just to worship with us in English  |
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| If it weren't for her, none of us would be there |
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| He built houses by day and cooked barbeque at night! |
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| This was delicious! |
I made this!
The theme of this year -
Be still
Still here!
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| I made this for Laura for her birthday |
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| Stations on the last night This was our War Room for Honduras |
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| Prayers across the world |
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| The touch of Jesus |
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| Our fears boxed up and turned over |
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| Our fearless leader |
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| My nightly prayer cluster |
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