In Her Footsteps

This morning I went to a "vela" for Clara. In Honduras when someone dies, as soon as the body is released from the hospital they have a vela. The vela is like the viewing, calling hours, and a short message. Then the casket it placed in the back of a pickup truck with flowers and everyone lines up behind the pickup truck to drive to the cemetery. Usually there are more pickup trucks full of people in the line and they go really slowly.

Clara's casket was beautiful. The wood was very pretty and ornate. Perfect for Clara. Inside was all white, with a white lace sheet pulled up to her chest. I have never, ever thought this before about a deceased person, but I must say, she looked very nice. She looked just the same as I saw her last. Very peaceful and like herself.

The lid of the casket was cut specially so that the part right above her head could open. She laid below, with a layer of glass above so you couldn't reach in or touch her.

(Sorry for all of the detail, but I know some of you wish you could have been there, so I want to be as detailed as possible.)

It is really cold in Honduras for the last week, so the vela was help upstairs at Transformacion instead of outside. I haven't been there since a year ago November, so it was a little strange. But I was glad I went.

A lot was the same, like the chairs gathered in circles for kids from the breakfast program. But there were some changes too. All of the doors are now metal because of the repeated robberies. They also built metal railings around the second floor. I am not sure what purpose they serve, for safety I'm sure.

Don Juan, the guard, was super happy to see me, and I was happy to see him. We talk on the phone sometimes, but I haven't seen him in over a year.

Upstairs was a table of cookies and coffee, with Clara's sister receiving people. I just saw her Saturday when I stopped by their house. At that point we never imagined the next time we saw each other would be at a vela for Clara.

Ana was inside with three ladies from the church and many people from Los Pinos. When Isa saw me she started shrieking my name, so I grabbed her to quiet her down and said hello to Ana.

Then I went over and talked to Estephany. She seemed like her normal self. I gave her a big hug, then told her I had to give her two more hugs from friends of her family who live in the US. She smiled and received them happily. Then we sat and I told her how proud everyone is that she is studying in the University. She is studying psychology. We chatted a little about the great example she is setting for other young women from Los Pinos.

Next I passed up front to where Karla was sitting. Her grief was more apparent. I gave her a hug and she broke down in my arms. But God gave me the words, "Precious daughter of God" and I whispered them into her ear. She sobbed and sobbed. When she pulled back I told her that her mother is a woman of exemplary faith and strength, and Karla is the same, I told her that we all admire and respect the way that she has handled this difficult situation, always remaining by her mother's side while working full time and attending college. She will be successful in life because of these things. She smiled.

She told me about her mother's last words to her. That she arrived at the hospital, set down her purse, and her mother had clearly been waiting for her arrival. As soon as Karla set down her purse Clara said her last words to Karla and passed away.

Then Karla told me that she wanted me to know something. She said that her mother always considered me a good friend. I told Karla that Clara was always a good friend to me, as well. Then Karla said, "When my Mom spoke of you she always said, 'Mary Lynn is my friend'." That was so nice to hear. God sent me those words because sometimes I am not sure who are my real friends in life.

It was not easy to go back to that church today. I didn't know how I would be received. But I knew it was the right thing to do, to honor Clara and support her daughters. It is nice to have the confirmation that my friendship with Clara never wavered, in my mind or in hers.

As I talked to Karla, Samuel came up and hugged me. I told him he needed to hug Karla too, so he put one arm around each of us and pulled us in tight. Then I noticed he and Isabela both wandered over to the casket. They were standing there looking in, with no adults around so I went over and picked up Isa. I explained that Clara is with God in heaven. Her body is here with us, but her soul is with God now. Looking back, I should have tried to explain what a soul is, but she and Samuel seemed satisfied with that explanation.

Then we prayed. Samuel grabbed my hand, David stood next to Samuel, and Isa bowed her head. I gave thanks to God for loving Clara the way he did and for giving Clara such strong faith that is an example for all of us to learn from, Then I asked God to watch over Clara's family as they continue on, to let them feel His love, and Clara's love. To remind them of Clara's strength and will to fight through any difficult situations they may face. I don't remember what else I said. All I know is that when I opened my eyes we were surrounded by other people who had all come up and joined us in prayer around the casket! It was a powerful moment. I was so grateful to God because until that moment everyone had been sitting in their little sections with their friends and nobody was interacting very much. That is the power of prayer!

I had a nice talk with Chayito. She is now in charge of the breakfast program and I have heard nothing but wonderful things from both the kids and the adult visitors who have attended since she took over. I shared with her all of the compliments I've heard. She was grateful. Everyone should know when they are doing a good job, right?

My first visit at my old church was fine. I am peaceful and happy that I had a special friend in Clara. On my way out the door I saw Karla again. She thanked me for everything and said she especially appreciated the hugs sent by her friends from afar.

I left feeling very hopeful for Karla and Estephany. Their mother raised strong, admirable young ladies who will follow in her footsteps and beyond.

Riding the bus

This morning I was up early after not sleeping well. I kept waking up with Karla on my mind, wondering how she felt spending the first night without her mother. Of course my worry did nothing but leave me with bags under my eyes (larger than normal), nausea and a migraine.

I promised Fany I would go over at 7 a.m. to take photos of Laura getting on the bus for the first time. Yesterday she went to school with her parents. Today the bus driver passed by for her. This was the hardest part for Fany. We have been praying about it for days. She is okay now with Laura being in the school but is very nervous about the bus.

At 6:40 I wrapped a sweater around my pajamas (It's getting into the 50's every night here!) and headed over to Fany's house. They were all ready and waiting.

First Fany asked me to pray so I prayed about Laura's day, and specifically the bus ride. The bus ended up coming 25 minutes late and passing right by the house, but Laura was calm the whole time.

We took some photos. I am trying to get more natural photos and not the beauty queen smile with the fake poses.

It's cold outside, tights, socks, a hood, and hat

The bus passed right by the house!

Searching for the bus