This morning I had the prediscipleship group at 8:30. I left in plenty of time, but was an hour late to arrive. Last week there was a 5K for breast cancer. Apparently this week there was one too, but I didn't know it. I was about 10 cars behind the runners, who took up the entire highway. If only I had been five minutes earlier! Behind me were miles and miles of traffic. Actually, let me correct myself. They were not runners. They were walkers. Which meant after an hour of driving with the speedometer registering 0 kilometers per hour my clutch leg was very tired.
I sent a message to the leader of the group to say that I was going to be late. I missed the whole thing. He was able to take an alternate route. I know an alternative to get home from the church, but I wasn't sure about how to get from my house to the church in a different way.
Today I was talking with a lady from the church whom I really like, but don't know very well. She is a social worker too. We talked about the possibility of her doing some of the home studies with me, since Chayito is busy and can only do them for one week in November. Of course, we need to run all of this through the proper channels. But I am so excited with the idea of using my mind for assessments again!
She told me that if we get the home studies done, there are members of small groups within the church who have been wanting to serve in Los Pinos, but weren't sure how. The home studies will show us how church members can serve fellow church members or families of the kids from the Breakfast Program! I am really, really excited about this. It is right up my alley. I never knew there were others who shared the same interest. It seems like I will have lots of support. I sure hope things fall into place as we take this idea to the leadership. I am going to pray about this. I think after a year and a half, I have started to find my niche! I will continue at the Breakfast Program, of course, because that is where all of this stems from. To get outside and stretch my brain is going to feel wonderful.
I also talked to the man who is organizing all of the sports programs for the kids. He asked me to take names of 21 kids who want swimming lessons, 10 kids who want to play tennis, and 15 girls who want to play soccer. He also said that the pool is going to provide another swim instructor for us! We are bringing 7 kids each day and we will have the teacher from the pool as well as me working with the kids. This is awesome!
Every day I feel like things are becoming more clear as to how I can serve to my full potential. Now I can't wait for them to fall into place and come to fruition. Not only is this great for the kids, it also makes me feel like I am serving as I should and living a more complete life. I don't mean to be self centered, but it feels really great on a personal level. I am grateful to God for that.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Saturday, October 19, 2013
The future looks bright!
Today was the start of something I am a little nervous about. From now on (except this Monday, which is a holiday) I have commitments at the church every single day of the week until Christmas. Weekdays are Breakfast Program. Swimming lessons start in a few weeks which means I'll have to be there super early. (Those of you who know me know how painful that is for me.) Then we'll get back from swimming in time for me to teach preschoool and for all of the kids to eat. I am really excited about this. Otherwise I would be dreading it, just because of the early hour.
I am in the church on Saturdays now because I was asked to be in the Christmas choir! I didn't know until today that it is an honor to be chosen. In the past the Christmas choir has included anyone who wants to participate. But this year people were hand selected. Today was our first rehearsal. We are not just singing, we are getting vocal lessons! The hardest part for me is learning the words, the phrasing and pronunciation. I already know 4 of the 7 songs, but I know them in a different language and with different phrasing. I feel great to have been chosen. I am excited that I will learn more about how to use my voice. Saturdays will be a fun day.
Normally I like to have one day per week for myself. I am going to try to think of Saturdays as my fun day, since I do like to sing and it is an honor to be chosen.
Tomorrow morning I have pre-discipleship group before church. We are studying Psalm 139 and have to prepare notes to share.
I am also reading a book for the book club. It's the first book I have tried to read in Spanish. Thankfully, it is much more easy than I ever expected. The hardest part is that I know the people in the bible by different names. Sometimes it is hard to figure out who they are talking about. Some of the people and the places can have names that are quite different from English to Spanish.
The expensive grocery store has Chobani yogurt again, which is nice. It is only a tiny bit more expensive than in the US, which also makes me happy. I'll buy it as a special treat now and then.
In my last entry I wrote about God guiding me as to how to deal with a person who was frustrating me. God is faithful! As soon as I woke up the next morning I received a message saying that a young boy would like to talk to me. I had no idea why, but he is a sweetie, so I went to the church early to meet with him. Turns out he wanted to talk to me about something that completely guided me in my approach to the other person! I was really grateful. I still have not addressed the issue with the other person, but I do have complete peace about it. Thank you God!
Yesterday I went to the dentist. Jetty knocked my nightstand over and somehow my nightguard broke in the fall. So my friend who is a dentist is having a new nightguard made. My friend's mother was at the church and asked for a ride, so we had time to talk. It was a really good talk. She has been a member of the church for a long time. She is also the one who does social work/psychology at the church, as well as in her professional life.
We made plans to go out into Los Pinos and visit the families of the kids we work with in the Breakfast Program. We are going with a Social Work approach. We are going to interview the families and ask how we can help the families, how we can support the families and the kids as social workers. Wow! As I write about this I am getting even more excited! THIS is my comfort zone. This is how I have been successful in serving people in the past. I am excited to work together with someone established in the church and put our heads together to serve the families of Los Pinos.
I also told her that I would like to work in La Tigra. She said that this is also a way I could serve in La Tigra. It is much less dangerous to go house to house in La Tigra. I wouldn't need her to accompany me. I am really excited to see how all of this will fall into place.
She said she has been talking with the leadership and they are looking for opportunities for me to serve in ways that fully realize all of my potential. She said they appreciate me and want to make sure that I am happy so I will want to stay here. I told her that I am happy. But I do feel like I could serve in more effective ways.
I adore my preschool kids. At the same time I know that teaching preschool is not my personal strength. I do have personal strengths. Despite my love for the kids, classroom teaching is not one.
I am happy to serve in any way I am asked. However, I also believe that in time God will show me exactly where I am supposed to be. For now I can serve with all of my heart, wait patiently, and enjoy all of the opportunities God has given me. I am happy doing exactly what I am doing. But I am also looking forward to using all the gifts God gave me to serve and love this community. The future looks bright! I am busy and excited.
I am in the church on Saturdays now because I was asked to be in the Christmas choir! I didn't know until today that it is an honor to be chosen. In the past the Christmas choir has included anyone who wants to participate. But this year people were hand selected. Today was our first rehearsal. We are not just singing, we are getting vocal lessons! The hardest part for me is learning the words, the phrasing and pronunciation. I already know 4 of the 7 songs, but I know them in a different language and with different phrasing. I feel great to have been chosen. I am excited that I will learn more about how to use my voice. Saturdays will be a fun day.
Normally I like to have one day per week for myself. I am going to try to think of Saturdays as my fun day, since I do like to sing and it is an honor to be chosen.
Tomorrow morning I have pre-discipleship group before church. We are studying Psalm 139 and have to prepare notes to share.
I am also reading a book for the book club. It's the first book I have tried to read in Spanish. Thankfully, it is much more easy than I ever expected. The hardest part is that I know the people in the bible by different names. Sometimes it is hard to figure out who they are talking about. Some of the people and the places can have names that are quite different from English to Spanish.
The expensive grocery store has Chobani yogurt again, which is nice. It is only a tiny bit more expensive than in the US, which also makes me happy. I'll buy it as a special treat now and then.
In my last entry I wrote about God guiding me as to how to deal with a person who was frustrating me. God is faithful! As soon as I woke up the next morning I received a message saying that a young boy would like to talk to me. I had no idea why, but he is a sweetie, so I went to the church early to meet with him. Turns out he wanted to talk to me about something that completely guided me in my approach to the other person! I was really grateful. I still have not addressed the issue with the other person, but I do have complete peace about it. Thank you God!
Yesterday I went to the dentist. Jetty knocked my nightstand over and somehow my nightguard broke in the fall. So my friend who is a dentist is having a new nightguard made. My friend's mother was at the church and asked for a ride, so we had time to talk. It was a really good talk. She has been a member of the church for a long time. She is also the one who does social work/psychology at the church, as well as in her professional life.
We made plans to go out into Los Pinos and visit the families of the kids we work with in the Breakfast Program. We are going with a Social Work approach. We are going to interview the families and ask how we can help the families, how we can support the families and the kids as social workers. Wow! As I write about this I am getting even more excited! THIS is my comfort zone. This is how I have been successful in serving people in the past. I am excited to work together with someone established in the church and put our heads together to serve the families of Los Pinos.
I also told her that I would like to work in La Tigra. She said that this is also a way I could serve in La Tigra. It is much less dangerous to go house to house in La Tigra. I wouldn't need her to accompany me. I am really excited to see how all of this will fall into place.
She said she has been talking with the leadership and they are looking for opportunities for me to serve in ways that fully realize all of my potential. She said they appreciate me and want to make sure that I am happy so I will want to stay here. I told her that I am happy. But I do feel like I could serve in more effective ways.
I adore my preschool kids. At the same time I know that teaching preschool is not my personal strength. I do have personal strengths. Despite my love for the kids, classroom teaching is not one.
I am happy to serve in any way I am asked. However, I also believe that in time God will show me exactly where I am supposed to be. For now I can serve with all of my heart, wait patiently, and enjoy all of the opportunities God has given me. I am happy doing exactly what I am doing. But I am also looking forward to using all the gifts God gave me to serve and love this community. The future looks bright! I am busy and excited.
Thursday, October 17, 2013
A work in progress
Today I got to talk to my violin teacher! Turns out he is doing really well. He did move to the senior living center. He got to bring his cat, Honey, with him. That makes him really happy. She is a rescue cat and he said he felt he owed it to her to care for her as long as he could. He said she adjusted to the senior living center more quickly than he did.
I am hoping I will make it back to the US to soon to see him. But as Mr. Meyers said, we will see each other face to face again if it is God's will.
He said he has met some nice men there, and some nice women too. And some people who need friendship, but they don't know it yet. He said they are the people he is reaching out to most. He said some people aren't receptive, but that is not for us to worry about. What is important is that we reach out to them with God's love. He said he is letting his light shine and he knows I am letting my light shine as I serve in Honduras.
I have been struggling to show God's love to someone lately. The person says and does things that are disrespectful. Last night I woke up in the middle of the night and felt frustrated about it. After talking to Mr. Meyers I realized that I cannot control another person's behavior. If someone chooses to behave in a way that does not honor themselves or God, then the LEAST of their problems is that the person is not honoring me. I am still not sure how to approach the person, if I should approach them at all. But I do have faith that God will show me how to move forward. I know I should not spend any more sleepless nights thinking about it.
Mr Meyers said he has shared the note I left in his doorway in July with several friends. He said they thought it was very special. He said he will cherish it forever. I wish I could remember better what I wrote. I do have peace knowing that even if there is something I forgot to write, we have spoken it to each other.
I also read him the blog entry that I wrote last week about our friendship. I didn't expect to cry but when I got to the part about his phone going straight to "The number you have reached has been disconnected", I sobbed and managed to squeak out, "Sorry." He said, "No, let the tears flow." Mr. Meyers has a way of making people comfortable in the most uncomfortable of situations.
Mr. Meyers is giving piano and violin lessons to people at the senor living center. I hope they realize they have a master among them. I'm sure they do. I think it is great that he is still able to do what he loves.
I feel a lot better after having spoken with him. His voice still sounds the same. He is content to be where he is. He said he knows her is where God wants him to be and he is always excited to see what more God has in store for him.
I told my Mom I was surprised that I cried when I talked to him. We have both cried in front of each other before. I just didn't expect it this time. My Mom reminded me that I really hadn't known if I would ever talk to Mr. Meyers again, so it's not surprising I would cry. Thank God our special friendship is still a work in progress! I really want to see Mr. Meyers face to face again. It will be interesting to see what plans God has for us. I am grateful for every moment we have already had together, but I also miss my friend.
I am hoping I will make it back to the US to soon to see him. But as Mr. Meyers said, we will see each other face to face again if it is God's will.
He said he has met some nice men there, and some nice women too. And some people who need friendship, but they don't know it yet. He said they are the people he is reaching out to most. He said some people aren't receptive, but that is not for us to worry about. What is important is that we reach out to them with God's love. He said he is letting his light shine and he knows I am letting my light shine as I serve in Honduras.
I have been struggling to show God's love to someone lately. The person says and does things that are disrespectful. Last night I woke up in the middle of the night and felt frustrated about it. After talking to Mr. Meyers I realized that I cannot control another person's behavior. If someone chooses to behave in a way that does not honor themselves or God, then the LEAST of their problems is that the person is not honoring me. I am still not sure how to approach the person, if I should approach them at all. But I do have faith that God will show me how to move forward. I know I should not spend any more sleepless nights thinking about it.
Mr Meyers said he has shared the note I left in his doorway in July with several friends. He said they thought it was very special. He said he will cherish it forever. I wish I could remember better what I wrote. I do have peace knowing that even if there is something I forgot to write, we have spoken it to each other.
I also read him the blog entry that I wrote last week about our friendship. I didn't expect to cry but when I got to the part about his phone going straight to "The number you have reached has been disconnected", I sobbed and managed to squeak out, "Sorry." He said, "No, let the tears flow." Mr. Meyers has a way of making people comfortable in the most uncomfortable of situations.
Mr. Meyers is giving piano and violin lessons to people at the senor living center. I hope they realize they have a master among them. I'm sure they do. I think it is great that he is still able to do what he loves.
I feel a lot better after having spoken with him. His voice still sounds the same. He is content to be where he is. He said he knows her is where God wants him to be and he is always excited to see what more God has in store for him.
I told my Mom I was surprised that I cried when I talked to him. We have both cried in front of each other before. I just didn't expect it this time. My Mom reminded me that I really hadn't known if I would ever talk to Mr. Meyers again, so it's not surprising I would cry. Thank God our special friendship is still a work in progress! I really want to see Mr. Meyers face to face again. It will be interesting to see what plans God has for us. I am grateful for every moment we have already had together, but I also miss my friend.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
My big mouth
Yes, I can be outspoken. Sometimes I say things without thinking. And sometimes it gets me into trouble. Yesterday I dropped off my car with the mechanic. He offered to drive me to the church so I wouldn't have to pay for a cab. On the way we were making small talk.
I told him that it made me smile to see the yellow Land Rover Freelander on his lot. I assumed he was fixing it. I told him the story about how in 2002 I had a boyfriend who bought a Freelander. One day the boyfriend told me I had left the rear window down overnight. I told him I had not, but he believed I had. A few days later he was very apologetic. He had been driving through an automatic car wash when the rear window suddenly lowered all by itself. Water sprayed all through the car and even hit him in the back of the head. He then believed that I did not put the rear window down.
I told the mechanic that car had a ton of problems. When it rained water leaked through the overhead lights. The headlights NEVER worked. That car was always at the dealership. It was brand new and had more problems than any car I ever saw.
The mechanic said, "Yes, that car is very special."
I said forcefully, "That car is garbage."
The mechanic laughed and said, "I have two."
Oh boy. I didn't know what to say. I told him I was sure that other years models were better. He said no, his cars have problems. The windows open by themselves on his cars too. And the roof even fell on his head! But he likes the car. I guess when you are a mechanic you can afford to have a car that is very special.
He found some things in my car that I wasn't aware of - luckily small things. Some of the dealership's recommendations were unnecessary so I was glad I didn't pay to have it fixed there. The mechanic is going to keep his eye out for new tires on sale. He also said if I ever have a problem with the car I can call him and he will always come and help. I guess he found my big mouth amusing, not insulting. It is such a huge blessing to have a knowledgeable and trustworthy mechanic!
A boy broke his arm this morning at the church. He was playing fútbol but it wasn't any sort of collision. He just tripped and fell. His forearm was clearly broken. I was afraid if he moved it the bone would break through the skin. It was pretty messed up. He tried so hard to be brave. I was proud of him.
Last night after Honduras qualified for the World Cup the president declared that today was a national holiday. It appeared to me that most people still went to work. Traffic was heavy and the American Embassy had its usual long line in front.
I told him that it made me smile to see the yellow Land Rover Freelander on his lot. I assumed he was fixing it. I told him the story about how in 2002 I had a boyfriend who bought a Freelander. One day the boyfriend told me I had left the rear window down overnight. I told him I had not, but he believed I had. A few days later he was very apologetic. He had been driving through an automatic car wash when the rear window suddenly lowered all by itself. Water sprayed all through the car and even hit him in the back of the head. He then believed that I did not put the rear window down.
I told the mechanic that car had a ton of problems. When it rained water leaked through the overhead lights. The headlights NEVER worked. That car was always at the dealership. It was brand new and had more problems than any car I ever saw.
The mechanic said, "Yes, that car is very special."
I said forcefully, "That car is garbage."
The mechanic laughed and said, "I have two."
Oh boy. I didn't know what to say. I told him I was sure that other years models were better. He said no, his cars have problems. The windows open by themselves on his cars too. And the roof even fell on his head! But he likes the car. I guess when you are a mechanic you can afford to have a car that is very special.
He found some things in my car that I wasn't aware of - luckily small things. Some of the dealership's recommendations were unnecessary so I was glad I didn't pay to have it fixed there. The mechanic is going to keep his eye out for new tires on sale. He also said if I ever have a problem with the car I can call him and he will always come and help. I guess he found my big mouth amusing, not insulting. It is such a huge blessing to have a knowledgeable and trustworthy mechanic!
A boy broke his arm this morning at the church. He was playing fútbol but it wasn't any sort of collision. He just tripped and fell. His forearm was clearly broken. I was afraid if he moved it the bone would break through the skin. It was pretty messed up. He tried so hard to be brave. I was proud of him.
Last night after Honduras qualified for the World Cup the president declared that today was a national holiday. It appeared to me that most people still went to work. Traffic was heavy and the American Embassy had its usual long line in front.
Monday, October 14, 2013
Healthy Baby Girl
It costs $7.00 to give birth and stay in the hospital for six days in Honduras.
Today I got to pick up Marlin from the hospital and take Marlin and her new baby home. I couldn't believe how awesome Marlin looked. She just had the baby on Friday and her whole belly was gone! She said that they gave her the Pitocin at 10 a.m. Friday. She could feel soft cramping at noon. At 1:30 she started having labor pains, but they weren't bad. The nurses said she would have the baby at 7 p.m. But her beautiful baby girl arrived at 2 p.m. on Friday.
They told Marlin that the baby was fine, but took the baby to a special unit where she could be constantly monitored. They say they had to do that because Marlin has Lupus. Doctors don't do rounds over the weekend. So the baby was not assessed until today. Marlin was not allowed to see her baby until we went to pick her up and take her home this afternoon. Marlin spent the first 3 days without seeing her baby. But she was very calm and matter-of-fact about it.
We paid the $7 bill. We picked up Marlin in a room of eight pregnant ladies. We went to get the baby. Marlin was allowed down a hall and into a room where she had to wear a gown to enter. Her husband. our friend Ana, and I had to wait outside. Marlin went in and saw her baby for the first time since it was born. We waited fairly patiently. But a little impatiently. I couldn't imagine how Marlin was feeling or what she was doing. I wanted to watch as she picked up her new baby.
She finally came out with the baby dressed in an outfit that Marlin and I picked out together and wrapped in 2 blankets. We bum rushed her. Then I realized her husband had not even seen his baby yet and I was standing in front of him, so I quickly backed out of the way.
She isn't named yet. You don't have to name a baby before it leaves the hospital here. She looked right into my eyes. I fell in love with her immediately. She weighs 6 pounds and unknown ounces. She is perfect.
On the way out we had to stop for Marlin to rest. She had tubal ligation four hours before. The anesthesia was still making her nauseous and light headed. Her husband finished the paperwork for the baby and got Marlin's prescriptions while we rested. Then we headed out the door.
Marlin wasn't feeling well. The baby could only leave through the front gate because they had to sign the baby out of the hospital there, at the gate, so I ran to get the car and pull it around.
Ana was really funny. She was being very protective of me and kept telling me to be careful - as I drove, as I walked across the street, as I stood on the sidewalk. She kept saying it is very dangerous there. I don't think she realizes I have been at that hospital a lot of times to visit Clara and Marlin. So as I left to walk to my car she said, "Be careful. It is dangerous!" I walked as quickly as I could and I prayed really hard the whole way. Right as I got to my car I heard someone trying to talk to me. I figured it was someone trying to sell me something. I knew he was talking to me, but I thought it best not to look at him or talk to him. I kept walking. As approached the car I realized I shouldn't walk between the cars with the man following me. I stopped in the middle of the driveway where I was in sight of everyone, and looked to see if someone was behind me. It was Marlin's husband! He said he had been trying to catch up with me the whole time, but I walked so fast and ignored him. I laughed and explained that I was purposely ignoring him because I assumed he was a stranger! He said the Marlin and Ana didn't want me to walk alone, so they sent him to walk with me. Haha!
We pulled around and picked them up where I told them I would be. Ana was waving her hands like crazy, showing me where to make a U-Turn at the same place I have made a U-Turn ten times before. I told Marlin's husband that Ana has no confidence in me. He laughed and said I was right.
On the way home Ana said we should stop at my mechanic. We had planned to stop there on the way to the hospital, but we didn't have time. I said no, we can't stop at the mechanic with a new baby in the car. Everyone said of course we can. So we did. He was only 2 blocks out of the way. Then we joked that the baby was learning all about the city - she already had her own mechanic.
Marlin wanted to stop and see her sister. Since we were passing the house I pulled over and we yelled up to the people who were outside. Marlin's Mom and sister came down and met the baby. Marlin's Mom was very happy and kept saying what an amazing blessing this is, to have both Marlin and the baby healthy and strong. Marlin always describes her mother as distant, but she did not seem distant today!
When we made it to Marlin's house I asked if I could come in. I still hadn't gotten to hold the baby yet. Ana's kids and Marlin's kids all surrounded the car. Misael and Meylin were more excited to see their Mommy than to meet their new baby sister. We walked up the hill to Marlin's house. Everyone else walked ahead but I stuck with Marlin. She was really struggling. I couldn't imagine climbing that goat path after giving birth and having surgery. So many things that I can't imagine are just a normal part of life here.
Marlin made it to her sister-in-law's house where her nieces were already holding the baby. She plopped down and rested. I told the kids it was my turn to hold the baby. It felt so good! She is tiny but not too delicate, just small. She was sleeping so I didn't get to look into her eyes, like at the hospital. Then I gave her back to her Mommy, thinking that Marlin still had not enjoyed much time holding the baby. Ana held her the whole time we were in the hospital and the car, so Marlin only had her a few minutes.
I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay and hang out all night, basking in the joy of the new baby. Everyone was so happy and grateful to God. But it was dusk and I was in Los Pinos, so I had to leave. Marlin's husband and Ana's kids walked me to the car. They made sure I headed out safely. I left with the most peaceful, content feeling. It was great. I knew God has been looking over Marlin and her baby.
I remember the day Marlin learned she was pregnant. The doctor told her she and the baby could both die. People with Lupus are not supposed to have babies. Marlin was scared and embarrassed because she thought people would criticize her for the pregnancy.
When she left the appointment she walked to the church. I was the first one she told. She cried. She didn't want to be pregnant. She said she considered going straight home after the appointment and never coming back to the church. I told her she couldn't get rid of me that easily. I would have come searching for her.
We told her that the baby is a blessing. She was taking appropriate precautions. She was not being irresponsible. God chose to give her this baby. We had faith that Marlin and her baby would be healthy. We maintained faith. Soon Marlin was able to be happy about her pregnancy.
Now the day we prayed for all of those months is finally here. Marlin and her beautiful baby are strong and well. They are at home, safe. God blessed Marlin and her husband with a perfect and beautiful baby girl. It is a day full of joy and gratitude.
Today I got to pick up Marlin from the hospital and take Marlin and her new baby home. I couldn't believe how awesome Marlin looked. She just had the baby on Friday and her whole belly was gone! She said that they gave her the Pitocin at 10 a.m. Friday. She could feel soft cramping at noon. At 1:30 she started having labor pains, but they weren't bad. The nurses said she would have the baby at 7 p.m. But her beautiful baby girl arrived at 2 p.m. on Friday.
They told Marlin that the baby was fine, but took the baby to a special unit where she could be constantly monitored. They say they had to do that because Marlin has Lupus. Doctors don't do rounds over the weekend. So the baby was not assessed until today. Marlin was not allowed to see her baby until we went to pick her up and take her home this afternoon. Marlin spent the first 3 days without seeing her baby. But she was very calm and matter-of-fact about it.
We paid the $7 bill. We picked up Marlin in a room of eight pregnant ladies. We went to get the baby. Marlin was allowed down a hall and into a room where she had to wear a gown to enter. Her husband. our friend Ana, and I had to wait outside. Marlin went in and saw her baby for the first time since it was born. We waited fairly patiently. But a little impatiently. I couldn't imagine how Marlin was feeling or what she was doing. I wanted to watch as she picked up her new baby.
She finally came out with the baby dressed in an outfit that Marlin and I picked out together and wrapped in 2 blankets. We bum rushed her. Then I realized her husband had not even seen his baby yet and I was standing in front of him, so I quickly backed out of the way.
 |
| Marlin and her baby |
 |
| Daddy, Mommy, and baby girl |
 |
| Happy Mommy |
On the way out we had to stop for Marlin to rest. She had tubal ligation four hours before. The anesthesia was still making her nauseous and light headed. Her husband finished the paperwork for the baby and got Marlin's prescriptions while we rested. Then we headed out the door.
Marlin wasn't feeling well. The baby could only leave through the front gate because they had to sign the baby out of the hospital there, at the gate, so I ran to get the car and pull it around.
Ana was really funny. She was being very protective of me and kept telling me to be careful - as I drove, as I walked across the street, as I stood on the sidewalk. She kept saying it is very dangerous there. I don't think she realizes I have been at that hospital a lot of times to visit Clara and Marlin. So as I left to walk to my car she said, "Be careful. It is dangerous!" I walked as quickly as I could and I prayed really hard the whole way. Right as I got to my car I heard someone trying to talk to me. I figured it was someone trying to sell me something. I knew he was talking to me, but I thought it best not to look at him or talk to him. I kept walking. As approached the car I realized I shouldn't walk between the cars with the man following me. I stopped in the middle of the driveway where I was in sight of everyone, and looked to see if someone was behind me. It was Marlin's husband! He said he had been trying to catch up with me the whole time, but I walked so fast and ignored him. I laughed and explained that I was purposely ignoring him because I assumed he was a stranger! He said the Marlin and Ana didn't want me to walk alone, so they sent him to walk with me. Haha!
We pulled around and picked them up where I told them I would be. Ana was waving her hands like crazy, showing me where to make a U-Turn at the same place I have made a U-Turn ten times before. I told Marlin's husband that Ana has no confidence in me. He laughed and said I was right.
On the way home Ana said we should stop at my mechanic. We had planned to stop there on the way to the hospital, but we didn't have time. I said no, we can't stop at the mechanic with a new baby in the car. Everyone said of course we can. So we did. He was only 2 blocks out of the way. Then we joked that the baby was learning all about the city - she already had her own mechanic.
Marlin wanted to stop and see her sister. Since we were passing the house I pulled over and we yelled up to the people who were outside. Marlin's Mom and sister came down and met the baby. Marlin's Mom was very happy and kept saying what an amazing blessing this is, to have both Marlin and the baby healthy and strong. Marlin always describes her mother as distant, but she did not seem distant today!
When we made it to Marlin's house I asked if I could come in. I still hadn't gotten to hold the baby yet. Ana's kids and Marlin's kids all surrounded the car. Misael and Meylin were more excited to see their Mommy than to meet their new baby sister. We walked up the hill to Marlin's house. Everyone else walked ahead but I stuck with Marlin. She was really struggling. I couldn't imagine climbing that goat path after giving birth and having surgery. So many things that I can't imagine are just a normal part of life here.
Marlin made it to her sister-in-law's house where her nieces were already holding the baby. She plopped down and rested. I told the kids it was my turn to hold the baby. It felt so good! She is tiny but not too delicate, just small. She was sleeping so I didn't get to look into her eyes, like at the hospital. Then I gave her back to her Mommy, thinking that Marlin still had not enjoyed much time holding the baby. Ana held her the whole time we were in the hospital and the car, so Marlin only had her a few minutes.
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| Misael and his new baby sister |
I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay and hang out all night, basking in the joy of the new baby. Everyone was so happy and grateful to God. But it was dusk and I was in Los Pinos, so I had to leave. Marlin's husband and Ana's kids walked me to the car. They made sure I headed out safely. I left with the most peaceful, content feeling. It was great. I knew God has been looking over Marlin and her baby.
I remember the day Marlin learned she was pregnant. The doctor told her she and the baby could both die. People with Lupus are not supposed to have babies. Marlin was scared and embarrassed because she thought people would criticize her for the pregnancy.
When she left the appointment she walked to the church. I was the first one she told. She cried. She didn't want to be pregnant. She said she considered going straight home after the appointment and never coming back to the church. I told her she couldn't get rid of me that easily. I would have come searching for her.
We told her that the baby is a blessing. She was taking appropriate precautions. She was not being irresponsible. God chose to give her this baby. We had faith that Marlin and her baby would be healthy. We maintained faith. Soon Marlin was able to be happy about her pregnancy.
Now the day we prayed for all of those months is finally here. Marlin and her beautiful baby are strong and well. They are at home, safe. God blessed Marlin and her husband with a perfect and beautiful baby girl. It is a day full of joy and gratitude.
Sunday, October 13, 2013
Doing the Limbo
I figured it would be a boring night so I did my daily blog early. But boy oh boy, was I wrong!
There is one thing that happened which I can't tell you about until it is official. All I can say is that I am smiling ear to ear and I don't know if I have ever been this honored in my whole life. Bet you are dying to know what happened! Well, you will have to wait until tomorrow, or maybe the next day before I can say more.
I did tell my Mom the exciting news. I figured she is far enough away that she can't blab to too many people. As I was on the phone with her I heard this horrible screeching of brakes and I looked out the window to see a bus go off the road into a telephone pole directly across the street from my house. The front right tire was hanging off the side of the mountain! First the bus driver got out to assess the situation. Then he got back into the bus and backed it up so the telephone pole fell off the front of the bus and landed across the road.
I still had electricity. I went out on my balcony to give my Mom and her friend a play by play of what occurred next. Soon cars and motorcycles came along, anxious to pass but they couldn't because the telephone pole was in the way. A guy started lifting up the wires by hand to move them! I was waiting for him to get electrocuted, but you will be happy to know that nobody died, which is shocking (insert cheap joke drum sound effects here).
After they realized the man couldn't move the wires by himself some other men tried to move the pole. The problem was that even though that pole had been in the ground across the street from my house, the next pole was on my side of the road - which meant the wires cross over the road in front of my house. When they fell, they fell diagonally across the road so there was no way to move them to one side even if they could be lifted.
While the people were trying to figure out what to do about the wires, the bus driver got back in the bus and backed up more. The bus made a horrible grinding noise. I thought something was wrong with the transmission until people started yelling up to me asking me to bring they a bar (like a crowbar). Then they all started yanking on the front fender, counting "Uno! Dos! Tres!" and yanking again. I realized the telephone pole must have dented the fender into the wheel. They needed a crowbar to pry it out. So I told them I don't have a crowbar but I will ask my neighbors. At that point I had to stop the play by play momentarily with my Mom and run over to my neighbor's house.
My landlord wasn't home, but his brother, the ever watchful Gerry, was standing up on his stoop. He didn't have the bird's eye view that I had from my balcony so he didn't realize there was a telephone pole lying across the road. I asked him for a "barra" but he didn't have one. I explained the people needed help. He asked if I know them. I said no but it's a church bus. He said well you go back in your house. Don't go down there. I will go help them.
Ugh. So boring. Lots of excitement so close and I am not allowed to leave my house. At least I have the best view. I walked down the little path below my house in time to catch a man with a crowbar chopping the wires off one side of the pole so he could drag the wires off the road. That was probably the scariest moment of all, watching him chop wires with a crowbar, except for maybe the limbo-ing and tightrope walking. I will tell you about that in a second and you can be the judge.
So the man is down there chopping at the wires with his metal crowbar, until they all tore apart and he could drag them away. Then they still had a pole lying across the road with wires attached on one side. After some discussion an older lady took charge. She told the men to move the pole to the other side of the road and prop it up with a rock.
The men listened. By this point there were lots of cars backed up and people walking around so the men lined up the whole length of the pole and lifted one end, then dragged it to the other side of the road. They propped it up against the side of the mountain in front of my house. (I don't know if they found a rock as the lady suggested.) There was still a problem. The wires that were attached to the other side of the pole now hung down into the road. Cars were driving by and people were yelling at the cars to stop, but apparently a bundle of downed wires scraping across the roof of their car did not intimidate them. I even saw a man on a motorcycle with a baby in front and a lady on the back duck under those wires. Craziness.
Finally the smartest move of all was when a man lassoed the drooping wires, climbed up the side of my mountain and tied off his rope to a tree, which lifted the wires from drooping so low. But what he didn't realize was that they were still about a foot too low to allow buses to pass underneath.
Oh, I forgot to say it was getting dark and a thunderstorm was rolling in to add to the excitement.
With the road "clear", everyone piled back into the bus except one person. I called my Mom back to tell her about all of the excitement and just as I started to explain I saw a man lying on top of the bus, with his feet dangling over the windshield, lifting the heavy bundles of wire over his body so they cleared the roof of the bus as the bus drove under! I told my Mom, "A man is doing the limbo under the wires while lying on top of the bus!!!" She and her friend agreed life in Honduras is not dull.
Everyone left. It was pouring rain with thunder and lightening. I knew the next bus to come along would not clear those wires. Sure enough a couple of minutes later I heard more bus brakes screeching. This time the bus had those emergency strobe lights mounted on top, both in the front and back, which made the limbo approach used by the other bus not possible because the wires would still get stuck on the light in the back. But never fear. There was a tightrope walker on this bus. In the pouring rain he ran along the slick peak of the bus, guiding the heavy bundle of wires as the bus drove underneath, ensuring they all passed by safely. He slipped once, but the wires kept him balanced, just like a tightrope walker.
That was all my curiosity could take. I retreated to my house. I did turn on my balcony light. Hopefully it will help as the cars pass by in the dark. I keep hearing everyone screech to a halt, even motorcycles, so I'm thinking the wires much have fallen into the road again. However, there is nothing that can be done tonight. I texted my friends who live further up the mountain and warned them to be careful if they pass my house.
Can't wait to share the other exciting news with you tomorrow!
There is one thing that happened which I can't tell you about until it is official. All I can say is that I am smiling ear to ear and I don't know if I have ever been this honored in my whole life. Bet you are dying to know what happened! Well, you will have to wait until tomorrow, or maybe the next day before I can say more.
I did tell my Mom the exciting news. I figured she is far enough away that she can't blab to too many people. As I was on the phone with her I heard this horrible screeching of brakes and I looked out the window to see a bus go off the road into a telephone pole directly across the street from my house. The front right tire was hanging off the side of the mountain! First the bus driver got out to assess the situation. Then he got back into the bus and backed it up so the telephone pole fell off the front of the bus and landed across the road.
I still had electricity. I went out on my balcony to give my Mom and her friend a play by play of what occurred next. Soon cars and motorcycles came along, anxious to pass but they couldn't because the telephone pole was in the way. A guy started lifting up the wires by hand to move them! I was waiting for him to get electrocuted, but you will be happy to know that nobody died, which is shocking (insert cheap joke drum sound effects here).
After they realized the man couldn't move the wires by himself some other men tried to move the pole. The problem was that even though that pole had been in the ground across the street from my house, the next pole was on my side of the road - which meant the wires cross over the road in front of my house. When they fell, they fell diagonally across the road so there was no way to move them to one side even if they could be lifted.
While the people were trying to figure out what to do about the wires, the bus driver got back in the bus and backed up more. The bus made a horrible grinding noise. I thought something was wrong with the transmission until people started yelling up to me asking me to bring they a bar (like a crowbar). Then they all started yanking on the front fender, counting "Uno! Dos! Tres!" and yanking again. I realized the telephone pole must have dented the fender into the wheel. They needed a crowbar to pry it out. So I told them I don't have a crowbar but I will ask my neighbors. At that point I had to stop the play by play momentarily with my Mom and run over to my neighbor's house.
My landlord wasn't home, but his brother, the ever watchful Gerry, was standing up on his stoop. He didn't have the bird's eye view that I had from my balcony so he didn't realize there was a telephone pole lying across the road. I asked him for a "barra" but he didn't have one. I explained the people needed help. He asked if I know them. I said no but it's a church bus. He said well you go back in your house. Don't go down there. I will go help them.
Ugh. So boring. Lots of excitement so close and I am not allowed to leave my house. At least I have the best view. I walked down the little path below my house in time to catch a man with a crowbar chopping the wires off one side of the pole so he could drag the wires off the road. That was probably the scariest moment of all, watching him chop wires with a crowbar, except for maybe the limbo-ing and tightrope walking. I will tell you about that in a second and you can be the judge.
So the man is down there chopping at the wires with his metal crowbar, until they all tore apart and he could drag them away. Then they still had a pole lying across the road with wires attached on one side. After some discussion an older lady took charge. She told the men to move the pole to the other side of the road and prop it up with a rock.
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| The bus after it was back on the road. You can see where it went off on the right. |
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| The men moving the telephone pole |
The men listened. By this point there were lots of cars backed up and people walking around so the men lined up the whole length of the pole and lifted one end, then dragged it to the other side of the road. They propped it up against the side of the mountain in front of my house. (I don't know if they found a rock as the lady suggested.) There was still a problem. The wires that were attached to the other side of the pole now hung down into the road. Cars were driving by and people were yelling at the cars to stop, but apparently a bundle of downed wires scraping across the roof of their car did not intimidate them. I even saw a man on a motorcycle with a baby in front and a lady on the back duck under those wires. Craziness.
Finally the smartest move of all was when a man lassoed the drooping wires, climbed up the side of my mountain and tied off his rope to a tree, which lifted the wires from drooping so low. But what he didn't realize was that they were still about a foot too low to allow buses to pass underneath.
Oh, I forgot to say it was getting dark and a thunderstorm was rolling in to add to the excitement.
With the road "clear", everyone piled back into the bus except one person. I called my Mom back to tell her about all of the excitement and just as I started to explain I saw a man lying on top of the bus, with his feet dangling over the windshield, lifting the heavy bundles of wire over his body so they cleared the roof of the bus as the bus drove under! I told my Mom, "A man is doing the limbo under the wires while lying on top of the bus!!!" She and her friend agreed life in Honduras is not dull.
Everyone left. It was pouring rain with thunder and lightening. I knew the next bus to come along would not clear those wires. Sure enough a couple of minutes later I heard more bus brakes screeching. This time the bus had those emergency strobe lights mounted on top, both in the front and back, which made the limbo approach used by the other bus not possible because the wires would still get stuck on the light in the back. But never fear. There was a tightrope walker on this bus. In the pouring rain he ran along the slick peak of the bus, guiding the heavy bundle of wires as the bus drove underneath, ensuring they all passed by safely. He slipped once, but the wires kept him balanced, just like a tightrope walker.
That was all my curiosity could take. I retreated to my house. I did turn on my balcony light. Hopefully it will help as the cars pass by in the dark. I keep hearing everyone screech to a halt, even motorcycles, so I'm thinking the wires much have fallen into the road again. However, there is nothing that can be done tonight. I texted my friends who live further up the mountain and warned them to be careful if they pass my house.
Can't wait to share the other exciting news with you tomorrow!
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| My special guest |
Swimming Lessons
This morning I missed a 5K run for breast cancer because I had to go to my prediscipleship group. It would have been fun, but we are not allowed to miss these meetings. They are mandatory before we can join a small group.
The nutritionist spoke at church today. She gave her testimony. Eunice's daughter translated for her. I was glad it wasn't me translating. The doctor spoke for a long time before she stopped to allow Elienai to translate what she just said. I'm not sure I could have recapped it all in English, never mind in Spanish. Elienai did a great job.
Marlin and I talked a few times this morning. Dr. Gustavo said it is normal that the baby is not with Marlin until after the doctors make their rounds. Marlin had her baby Friday afternoon. The doctors don't make rounds over the weekend. So we are hoping that tomorrow after rounds Marlin will finally have her baby in her arms. I am even hoping that Marlin and the baby could be discharged tomorrow.
I am supposed to take my car into the shop for some work tomorrow, but I want to have the car in case Marlin is discharged. I don't want her to have to ride home on the bus with her new baby. I'd like to pick her up. Looks like I'll have to put off the car mechanic for another week.
Today one of the church leaders told me that we will start the swim program the second week of November! I will be the swim coach. Finally, something familiar! I taught kids to swim for many years. This will be fun. I need to think of one person who can help me. It has to be someone who will is available every day. The swim program is going to be every weekday from November until January because that is when we can have free busing.
I was looking into visiting the US for Thanksgiving, my bday, and my nephew's birthday. Unfortunately, that falls right when the swimming program would start. Looks like I won't make it back until June.
We are thinking we will have 7 kids per group. That sounds very manageable to me. The groups will be divided by ages. A different group will go each day. We may even send 2 groups per day. That's a lot of kids who will learn to swim! I am excited.
The leaders also told me that they will talk with me in the next 2 weeks about how the church can most benefit from my strengths and experience. I am looking forward to serve in new ways. I am willing to step outside of my comfort zone and serve in any way I am needed. But I think I could be more effective serving in ways that God has gifted me. Excited for the future!
The nutritionist spoke at church today. She gave her testimony. Eunice's daughter translated for her. I was glad it wasn't me translating. The doctor spoke for a long time before she stopped to allow Elienai to translate what she just said. I'm not sure I could have recapped it all in English, never mind in Spanish. Elienai did a great job.
Marlin and I talked a few times this morning. Dr. Gustavo said it is normal that the baby is not with Marlin until after the doctors make their rounds. Marlin had her baby Friday afternoon. The doctors don't make rounds over the weekend. So we are hoping that tomorrow after rounds Marlin will finally have her baby in her arms. I am even hoping that Marlin and the baby could be discharged tomorrow.
I am supposed to take my car into the shop for some work tomorrow, but I want to have the car in case Marlin is discharged. I don't want her to have to ride home on the bus with her new baby. I'd like to pick her up. Looks like I'll have to put off the car mechanic for another week.
Today one of the church leaders told me that we will start the swim program the second week of November! I will be the swim coach. Finally, something familiar! I taught kids to swim for many years. This will be fun. I need to think of one person who can help me. It has to be someone who will is available every day. The swim program is going to be every weekday from November until January because that is when we can have free busing.
I was looking into visiting the US for Thanksgiving, my bday, and my nephew's birthday. Unfortunately, that falls right when the swimming program would start. Looks like I won't make it back until June.
We are thinking we will have 7 kids per group. That sounds very manageable to me. The groups will be divided by ages. A different group will go each day. We may even send 2 groups per day. That's a lot of kids who will learn to swim! I am excited.
The leaders also told me that they will talk with me in the next 2 weeks about how the church can most benefit from my strengths and experience. I am looking forward to serve in new ways. I am willing to step outside of my comfort zone and serve in any way I am needed. But I think I could be more effective serving in ways that God has gifted me. Excited for the future!
Saturday, October 12, 2013
Flat tire, dead battery, BABY GIRL!
This morning Erick, a boy from La Tigra who is always helpful and sweet, called to ask a favor. I was surprised when the phone rang again in the afternoon and it was Erick again. He got a flat tire up in La Tigra and walked toward my house until he got cell reception. Then he called to ask if I could take him to get the flat fixed.
Along the way we picked up two more kids from La Tigra who were headed for the church talent show. They were supposed to ride with Erick, but...
I dropped off Erick at this shack that I have passed every morning and night since I moved to the mountains. I never knew it was a mechanic's shop. The only thing I really noticed about the place is that they don't hang their laundry to dry. They have a big yard and always lay laundry flat on the ground. After Erick and the spare tire were dropped off there I headed for the church with the boys from La Tigra. They were supposed to sing and worried they would be too late to perform.
As I was driving I got a call from Marlin. The one rule that is actually followed in Honduras is about talking on the phone while driving. Fortunately I was in a perfect place to pull off the road and talk. Unfortunately it was really loud there. We rolled up our windows, but I ended up completely misunderstanding what she told me.
I thought Marlin said she was given the medicine to start her labor yesterday, but she still didn't have the baby. In reality, that was true. But she did give birth, she just didn't have the baby in her arms.
After picking up Erick he directed me back to where he left the car. He had walked so far! Danny was waiting with the car. At this point it had been almost 3 hours since they first got the flat. Poor Danny. We got the tire changed quickly. There was literally no tread on the tire they took off the car and no tread on the tire they put on the car. Not the slightest indentation.
As we started to leave we found that his battery was dead. We didn't have any jumper cables so Erick did something I have never seen before. He started my car, took the battery out, put it into his car, rolled his car down the hill and popped the clutch to start it, then gave me my battery back. I was a little concerned, but my car has been fine since, so I guess it served us well.
A really kind man came over in the middle of all of that to ask if we needed help. I think the sight of a North American female with her hood up caused him concern. He said he lived right on the corner and had his own car. He told us that since he has a car, he also has tools to fix it if we needed them. He seemed pretty proud of that. The people in La Tigra usually walk wherever they go. They are accustomed to walking long distances. The streets were full of people walking. I joked with Erick that they were probably thinking, "Thank God I don't have a car to cause me problems like that," as they walked by us.
That neighbor man stuck around until we were all set. He said if we ever need help we can always stop at his house. In a country where I am never allowed to speak to strangers it is really nice to meet people like that. I like the environment of the country folk in La Tigra.
After I got home I cooked up some pasta with veggies and called my Mom to see if she might understand why Marlin would have been in labor yesterday but not have her baby. When my Mom and her friend who is a nurse both thought that was very strange I decided to call Marlin again and talk to her where I could hear better.
Marlin said she was feeling well but still having some contractions. She said that she was resting. Then she explained that she was given the medicine at 10 a.m. yesterday. The contractions were strong at noon. She had the baby at 2 p.m. Doctors told her the baby was healthy but took her for exams, since Marlin has Lupus. Marlin has not seen her baby since.
I called my Mom back and told her that I had the story confused. Mom's friend who is the nurse asked why the hospital did not have the baby bonding with Marlin in these first important hours. I said I don't think the hospital is worried about bonding. I am more concerned with if the baby is eating! Mom and her friend were shocked to hear you have to bring your own diapers and your own baby formula to the hospital. Sadly, those things don't surprise me any more.
I called my landlord to let her know that Marlin had her baby. She was very concerned. She asked for all of Marlin's information and called Dr. Gustavo. He is currently searching for Marlin's baby. Marlin is full of faith and peace. I am trying to follow her lead.
I am grateful that my beautiful friend is healthy and well, both physically and mentally. We know the baby is in God's hands. But we need to know that the baby is in good human hands too. I sent out a prayer request tonight. I hope we will have answers soon!
Along the way we picked up two more kids from La Tigra who were headed for the church talent show. They were supposed to ride with Erick, but...
I dropped off Erick at this shack that I have passed every morning and night since I moved to the mountains. I never knew it was a mechanic's shop. The only thing I really noticed about the place is that they don't hang their laundry to dry. They have a big yard and always lay laundry flat on the ground. After Erick and the spare tire were dropped off there I headed for the church with the boys from La Tigra. They were supposed to sing and worried they would be too late to perform.
As I was driving I got a call from Marlin. The one rule that is actually followed in Honduras is about talking on the phone while driving. Fortunately I was in a perfect place to pull off the road and talk. Unfortunately it was really loud there. We rolled up our windows, but I ended up completely misunderstanding what she told me.
I thought Marlin said she was given the medicine to start her labor yesterday, but she still didn't have the baby. In reality, that was true. But she did give birth, she just didn't have the baby in her arms.
After picking up Erick he directed me back to where he left the car. He had walked so far! Danny was waiting with the car. At this point it had been almost 3 hours since they first got the flat. Poor Danny. We got the tire changed quickly. There was literally no tread on the tire they took off the car and no tread on the tire they put on the car. Not the slightest indentation.
As we started to leave we found that his battery was dead. We didn't have any jumper cables so Erick did something I have never seen before. He started my car, took the battery out, put it into his car, rolled his car down the hill and popped the clutch to start it, then gave me my battery back. I was a little concerned, but my car has been fine since, so I guess it served us well.
A really kind man came over in the middle of all of that to ask if we needed help. I think the sight of a North American female with her hood up caused him concern. He said he lived right on the corner and had his own car. He told us that since he has a car, he also has tools to fix it if we needed them. He seemed pretty proud of that. The people in La Tigra usually walk wherever they go. They are accustomed to walking long distances. The streets were full of people walking. I joked with Erick that they were probably thinking, "Thank God I don't have a car to cause me problems like that," as they walked by us.
That neighbor man stuck around until we were all set. He said if we ever need help we can always stop at his house. In a country where I am never allowed to speak to strangers it is really nice to meet people like that. I like the environment of the country folk in La Tigra.
After I got home I cooked up some pasta with veggies and called my Mom to see if she might understand why Marlin would have been in labor yesterday but not have her baby. When my Mom and her friend who is a nurse both thought that was very strange I decided to call Marlin again and talk to her where I could hear better.
Marlin said she was feeling well but still having some contractions. She said that she was resting. Then she explained that she was given the medicine at 10 a.m. yesterday. The contractions were strong at noon. She had the baby at 2 p.m. Doctors told her the baby was healthy but took her for exams, since Marlin has Lupus. Marlin has not seen her baby since.
I called my Mom back and told her that I had the story confused. Mom's friend who is the nurse asked why the hospital did not have the baby bonding with Marlin in these first important hours. I said I don't think the hospital is worried about bonding. I am more concerned with if the baby is eating! Mom and her friend were shocked to hear you have to bring your own diapers and your own baby formula to the hospital. Sadly, those things don't surprise me any more.
I called my landlord to let her know that Marlin had her baby. She was very concerned. She asked for all of Marlin's information and called Dr. Gustavo. He is currently searching for Marlin's baby. Marlin is full of faith and peace. I am trying to follow her lead.
I am grateful that my beautiful friend is healthy and well, both physically and mentally. We know the baby is in God's hands. But we need to know that the baby is in good human hands too. I sent out a prayer request tonight. I hope we will have answers soon!
Friday, October 11, 2013
Two wins and a nutrition conference
We had a conference today about malnutrition. It was really interesting. I would have liked to hear more, but we ended an hour early because there was a soccer game. In reality, everyone planned to stay for the whole conference, but one of the speakers was Honduran and understood that normally the world stops if there is a fútbol game, so he made sure it ended early.
The presenters are currently working with the MAMA Project to serve the people in more remote areas of Honduras. They are from the US (Pennsylvania) but are here to educate people about malnutrition. Malnutrition is the biggest killer of kids. Of those who die from malnutrition, only 17% have severe malnutrition - like what you see on the tv. The other 83% who die have more moderate malnutrtion, like the children we serve at the Breakfast Program.
We learned fast easy ways to measure if the kids are growing as they should. We learned how to tell if someone is anemic. We learned that eggs have gotten a bad rap and are actually the best thing that people who don't have a well rounded diet can eat. Pregnant or nursing women should eat THREE eggs per day if they don't have an otherwise balanced diet! That was shocking to hear. I talked to the doctor afterward and she said that in reality eggs are not as bad as people think.
The MAMA Project people are doing lots of great things. One thing they do is provide to the people they serve a special vitamin supplement powder that you add to any food. It could go into any meal we serve at the Breakfast Program and fortify everything we serve. We have such a hard time getting vitamins here, it would be a huge blessing to use this supplement. We have been out of vitamins for the older kids since June. All of the kids are taking vitamins for children 24-59 months old.
When I work with Lorenzo I know that part of his problem is malnutrition. I learned today that some parts of malnutrition are reversible. But in order to reverse malnutrition the children need to have extra nutrition to compensate for what they didn't get in the past.
I do feel good knowing that overall we serve fairly healthy meals. But we are not making up for any lack of nutrition. We simply don't have the resources to overcompensate. The conference leaders suggested that we weigh and measure every child to chart their growth. I would really like to do that. I also talked to Chayito about the kids who show up irregularly. I can see very clearly that they are not receiving the nutrients they need. Chayito said we need to go to the parents homes and tell the parents to send the kids every day. It's a really good idea, but I can't do it alone because of the dangerous neighborhoods.
In the end I felt happy that we are able to serve so many kids, but frustrated that we aren't able to serve them better. From now on, if people ask what we need I am going to tell them that we need this vitamin supplement. We haven't been able to find the chewable vitamins in over a year and it doesn't make sense to bring them from the US if we could find them. They aren't as concentrated as this powder.
After the conference everyone gathered around a small tv at the church and cheered on Honduras. They won! The US just beat Jamaica too. Sportscasters commented about how calm the North American crowd was after their big win as they put their arms around each other, swayed back and forth, and sang "Nah nah nah nah, Nah nah nah nah, Hey hey hey, Good bye." North Americans don't go as nuts if they win as Hondurans do. If Panama and Mexico tie tonight, then Honduras will go to the World Cup. The US is already qualified.
Marlin was finally taken into the delivery room today. We haven't heard that she has had the baby yet! We are still praying for health for Marlin and her baby.
The presenters are currently working with the MAMA Project to serve the people in more remote areas of Honduras. They are from the US (Pennsylvania) but are here to educate people about malnutrition. Malnutrition is the biggest killer of kids. Of those who die from malnutrition, only 17% have severe malnutrition - like what you see on the tv. The other 83% who die have more moderate malnutrtion, like the children we serve at the Breakfast Program.
We learned fast easy ways to measure if the kids are growing as they should. We learned how to tell if someone is anemic. We learned that eggs have gotten a bad rap and are actually the best thing that people who don't have a well rounded diet can eat. Pregnant or nursing women should eat THREE eggs per day if they don't have an otherwise balanced diet! That was shocking to hear. I talked to the doctor afterward and she said that in reality eggs are not as bad as people think.
The MAMA Project people are doing lots of great things. One thing they do is provide to the people they serve a special vitamin supplement powder that you add to any food. It could go into any meal we serve at the Breakfast Program and fortify everything we serve. We have such a hard time getting vitamins here, it would be a huge blessing to use this supplement. We have been out of vitamins for the older kids since June. All of the kids are taking vitamins for children 24-59 months old.
When I work with Lorenzo I know that part of his problem is malnutrition. I learned today that some parts of malnutrition are reversible. But in order to reverse malnutrition the children need to have extra nutrition to compensate for what they didn't get in the past.
I do feel good knowing that overall we serve fairly healthy meals. But we are not making up for any lack of nutrition. We simply don't have the resources to overcompensate. The conference leaders suggested that we weigh and measure every child to chart their growth. I would really like to do that. I also talked to Chayito about the kids who show up irregularly. I can see very clearly that they are not receiving the nutrients they need. Chayito said we need to go to the parents homes and tell the parents to send the kids every day. It's a really good idea, but I can't do it alone because of the dangerous neighborhoods.
In the end I felt happy that we are able to serve so many kids, but frustrated that we aren't able to serve them better. From now on, if people ask what we need I am going to tell them that we need this vitamin supplement. We haven't been able to find the chewable vitamins in over a year and it doesn't make sense to bring them from the US if we could find them. They aren't as concentrated as this powder.
After the conference everyone gathered around a small tv at the church and cheered on Honduras. They won! The US just beat Jamaica too. Sportscasters commented about how calm the North American crowd was after their big win as they put their arms around each other, swayed back and forth, and sang "Nah nah nah nah, Nah nah nah nah, Hey hey hey, Good bye." North Americans don't go as nuts if they win as Hondurans do. If Panama and Mexico tie tonight, then Honduras will go to the World Cup. The US is already qualified.
Marlin was finally taken into the delivery room today. We haven't heard that she has had the baby yet! We are still praying for health for Marlin and her baby.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Mr. Meyers
In December 2008 I was at my brother's house for Christmas. I would return in January to live with my brother and his wife for six months as a nanny to their baby. As part of my compensation I received a seasons pass to ski in Colorado and weekly violin lessons.
Over Christmas I searched on line for a violin teacher in Denver. It was funny. I told my family that the first man I called was the one. He said he was retired and no longer taking new students, but he felt like he could make an exception for me. We scheduled my first class. I felt a special connection with him right away and was looking forward to starting lessons in January.
Three weeks later, when I returned to Colorado I looked on line again to find the address of my violin teacher before the first lesson. However, I could find no sign of him in the internet. Luckily I had written down his phone number so I called and we proceeded with violin lessons. I always thought it was strange that the first man I discovered when searching the internet three weeks earlier could no longer be found. Mr Meyers told me he had never placed an advertisement, so he was not sure how I located him.
My lessons were supposed to be 50 minutes long. But I always spent two to three hours with Mr. Meyers. He was 84, I believe, when I first met him, and frustrated because his arthritis sometimes made it almost impossible to play his most beloved instrument, the violin. Mr. Meyers had other students in piano and clarinet and I think trombone. But his heart belonged to the violin.
I was a quick learner. He said most students don't pick up the violin as easily as I did. But I loved it. And I loved lessons with Mr. Meyers.
Some days he struggled to climb up and down the basement stairs. He had a lot of doctors appointments for his knees and a special machine to help him breathe while he slept. We talked about his health, about my family, about God and our faith. Over time prayer became a part of my lesson. We both knew pretty quickly that God brought us together for a reason. Still to this day, we are not sure what that reason is, but we are grateful for the friendship God provided for us. Our friendship is a special gift that we both cherish.
As the six months with my brother drew to an end in June of 2009, I told my teacher about my plans to visit Honduras in hopes of becoming bi-lingual. He wished me well and told me that he hoped I would stay in touch with him. I did. Almost every time that I visited Denver I called and set up a time to visit my violin teacher. Once he told me that he was very sick and couldn't meet with me. I was sad and scared. But I knew Mr. Meyers was not a young man.
The next time I visited Denver I was scared to call. But I knew I would have regrets if I didn't. So I called and Mr. Meyers invited me to visit. I brought my computer and showed him pictures of Honduras and the kids I had fallen in love with there. I told him I believed God was calling me to serve there. He was happy for me.
He had cut down on lessons and now only had two students - a boy and the boy's mother. He said he had fallen a number of times. Life was getting harder for Mr. Meyers. I treasured every second with him and made sure I left no words unspoken.
I told him how special he was to me - that I believed he was a gift from God. We talked about the little time we had spent together in reality, but that because of God's love we had a bond that was deeper than we could humanly explain. None of this was new. Since almost the first time we met we had always acknowledged God's work in bringing us together. Mr. Meyer's body was failing, but his mind was sharper than mine. He remembered things I had completely forgotten. I relished every second I spent with Mr.Meyers. Devoured it like a special treat. Because it was.
Last summer when I was back in the US I called Mr. Meyers to set up a time to visit. I always had to brace myself for this phone call. This time it happened. His home phone went straight to a recording, "The number you have reached has been disconnected..." I burst into tears and still cry when I think of it. My Mom was nearby reading a book. I think she knew that the time I had been dreading was finally real. She let me use her car and I drove to his house. All of the curtains were pulled. There was mail piled up on the front step. I stood in the yard and cried. Then I went to neighbors asking if they knew anything about my violin teacher. But nobody had any answers.
I went home and wrote a letter to my teacher. I thanked him for his friendship, for being such a great teacher, and for loving me the way God asks us to love each other. Then I drove to his house, kissed the letter (feeling a little silly and hoping the neighbors weren't watching) and wedged it as tightly as I could into the door frame. I prayed the wind wouldn't blow it away.
My biggest hope was that Mr. Meyers might receive the card. But if not, maybe he had some family and maybe they would like to know what a special man Mr. Meyers was to me. I included contact information for my mother and for myself.
That was three months ago. I have thought of Mr. Meyers a lot since. Especially those first few weeks when I kept waiting for some sort of response. About a week ago I prayed for him, but was honestly starting to lose hope. Then today I received an email. It was a from a man who said he is a friend of Mr. Meyers. The man told me that Mr. Meyers had recently received a very lovely note from me. He listed the phone number and postal address for Mr. Meyers at a Senior Living Center. The man said Mr. Meyers is there due to some health issues, but would like to re-establish contact with me.
I am thankful that God used my relationship with Mr. Meyers to show me that we can find His love in unlikely places, with unexpected people, in unexpected times. God has also shown me how to communicate that love clearly. Mr. Meyers and I both know, without a doubt, how special we are to one another. That is a beautiful gift in itself.
I am so excited. I can't wait to talk to Mr. Meyers. I pray he is happy and not in pain. What a blessing and an honor it is to have a friend like Mr. Meyers. I will always cherish the lessons Mr. Meyers taught me. They go far beyond learning to play the violin.
On a separate, but equally important note, my friend Marlin is going into the hospital tomorrow to have her labor induced. (This is not Clara who is already in the hospital with Leukemia, hoping to carry her baby to term.) Marlin has Lupus but seems healthy and the baby is full term. Last week the doctors made the plan to induce labor tomorrow because there is too much strain on Marlin's kidneys. Marlin was pretty calm today. The leaders of the church came to the Breakfast Program this afternoon and we had a good time of prayer. Tomorrow morning she will leave at 5 a.m. to get in line at the public hospital. The doctors will evaluate her at 11 a..m. but she has to be there before 7 a.m. in order to be seen. We are praying for the health and safety of Marlin and her baby, who may be born as early as tomorrow evening.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Sleepless in Honduras
I may not sleep tonight. This morning my landlord called and invited me to come over and make bread with her. I said if she was going to make bread I'd make soup for us for dinner. So I threw all of the ingredients into the crockpot and headed down to the store to grab a few extras.
There was very little traffic because it is a national holiday. (Soldier's Day) I figured it was a perfect time to drive around and figure out where the sushi place is. I have passed it a thousand times and eaten there once. I've been told directions, and looked on line, but I can't find the darn place! So I headed toward where I thought it was (learned later that I was way off base) and came across a place called "Pan y Mas" (Bread and more). Something told me to stop and grab some bread for dinner which was good - you'll see why in a minute. I asked the cashier where the sushi place was and was very confused when she replied that it was upstairs. I said no, the big one on the corner that has 2 for 1 every Tuesday and Thursday. She looked very confused, which should have been my first hint that I was a long way off.
I figured since I was already in the building I might as well check out the place upstairs. It was pretty cool. It had the best service I have ever received in my time in Honduras. Of course, I rarely go out to dinner, so my experience is limited. But it seems like the servers here don't seem to care very much about customer service. This guy was great. He was quick with several recommendations and flexible about altering things to be accommodating. He cleared away my straw wrapper, topped off my water, and checked back to be sure everything was fine. I was impressed.
In the US I used to go out to dinner by myself frequently. It was one of my favorite pastimes. I have never done so in Honduras. But today seemed safe and I enjoyed myself. I'll keep searching for the 2 for 1 place and if I ever find it I may treat myself again.
Unfortunately, I still have a cough and the stomach part of my flu. So yesterday I got about 5 bites of my neighbor's soup before I got sick and the sushi - lets just say my system is working overtime. I had to head for home urgently.
On the way back the guy who fills in holes on the dirt road was out working. I had used my last bit of cash to tip the server, so I had nothing to give him but I rolled down my window and said, "Muchas gracias!". It is possible I am fooling myself, but he smiled a huge smile and seemed just as happy as the times I thank him with cash. He's a hard worker.
When I got home Hermida said the bread was still cooking, but I should come over and try out her new espresso machine with her. I told her I can't drink espresso or I'll be up all night. We spent an hour figuring out the machine and then I drank some powerful cuban espresso. I may not sleep for days.
We had fun playing with her new bread machine too, but with less successful results. First Hermida was afraid to open the bread machine because the power light was still on. I showed her that the timer was off and convinced her to open the machine. I can't really describe what we found inside. It tasted okay, but eventually we figured out that she added baking powder instead of yeast (all of the directions were in English). So we had some heavy bread.
The espresso machine was almost a disappointment but we finally figured it out. Why oh why do I never learn that my body was not made to drink coffee?
I brought over the soup and bread just before our nightly downpour. We had a nice dinner. I got a lot of compliments on my cooking. Everyone had seconds except me. I was happy that my stomach accepted one bowl, since it hasn't properly digested any food in a week. Now I won't hesitate to cook for them again. They even raved about how good it smelled!
Although I may never be invited to cook for them again. The coffee got my jaw flapping and I think I kept them up past their normal bedtimes. I came home to a kitchen full of mosquitoes because I accidentally left the kitchen light on while I was gone. Not sure how they got in, but they took over.
Well folks. Hope you sleep well. I'll keep the light on for you.
There was very little traffic because it is a national holiday. (Soldier's Day) I figured it was a perfect time to drive around and figure out where the sushi place is. I have passed it a thousand times and eaten there once. I've been told directions, and looked on line, but I can't find the darn place! So I headed toward where I thought it was (learned later that I was way off base) and came across a place called "Pan y Mas" (Bread and more). Something told me to stop and grab some bread for dinner which was good - you'll see why in a minute. I asked the cashier where the sushi place was and was very confused when she replied that it was upstairs. I said no, the big one on the corner that has 2 for 1 every Tuesday and Thursday. She looked very confused, which should have been my first hint that I was a long way off.
I figured since I was already in the building I might as well check out the place upstairs. It was pretty cool. It had the best service I have ever received in my time in Honduras. Of course, I rarely go out to dinner, so my experience is limited. But it seems like the servers here don't seem to care very much about customer service. This guy was great. He was quick with several recommendations and flexible about altering things to be accommodating. He cleared away my straw wrapper, topped off my water, and checked back to be sure everything was fine. I was impressed.
In the US I used to go out to dinner by myself frequently. It was one of my favorite pastimes. I have never done so in Honduras. But today seemed safe and I enjoyed myself. I'll keep searching for the 2 for 1 place and if I ever find it I may treat myself again.
Unfortunately, I still have a cough and the stomach part of my flu. So yesterday I got about 5 bites of my neighbor's soup before I got sick and the sushi - lets just say my system is working overtime. I had to head for home urgently.
On the way back the guy who fills in holes on the dirt road was out working. I had used my last bit of cash to tip the server, so I had nothing to give him but I rolled down my window and said, "Muchas gracias!". It is possible I am fooling myself, but he smiled a huge smile and seemed just as happy as the times I thank him with cash. He's a hard worker.
When I got home Hermida said the bread was still cooking, but I should come over and try out her new espresso machine with her. I told her I can't drink espresso or I'll be up all night. We spent an hour figuring out the machine and then I drank some powerful cuban espresso. I may not sleep for days.
We had fun playing with her new bread machine too, but with less successful results. First Hermida was afraid to open the bread machine because the power light was still on. I showed her that the timer was off and convinced her to open the machine. I can't really describe what we found inside. It tasted okay, but eventually we figured out that she added baking powder instead of yeast (all of the directions were in English). So we had some heavy bread.
The espresso machine was almost a disappointment but we finally figured it out. Why oh why do I never learn that my body was not made to drink coffee?
I brought over the soup and bread just before our nightly downpour. We had a nice dinner. I got a lot of compliments on my cooking. Everyone had seconds except me. I was happy that my stomach accepted one bowl, since it hasn't properly digested any food in a week. Now I won't hesitate to cook for them again. They even raved about how good it smelled!
Although I may never be invited to cook for them again. The coffee got my jaw flapping and I think I kept them up past their normal bedtimes. I came home to a kitchen full of mosquitoes because I accidentally left the kitchen light on while I was gone. Not sure how they got in, but they took over.
Well folks. Hope you sleep well. I'll keep the light on for you.
Sunday, October 6, 2013
Photos from the past couple of weeks
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| Sometimes life is tough when you are a princess |
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| Jerseys for the boys Saturday Soccer |
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| Lupe pushing her little sister, Milagro, on the swing One of the few times I have seen Lupe interact |
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| The horse I hallucinated |
Saturday, October 5, 2013
31st Anniversary of Iglesia en Transformación
Tonight was really fun. We had the 31st anniversary celebration at church. I fixed my hair and even put on makeup. I would have showered but I forgot to turn on the water heater until it was too late. Ooops! Oh well. Even dirty many people told me that I looked "guapa".
We had 400 chairs but I am guessing 450 people came. I sat with a bunch of the kids. We pushed the seats tight together like a bench and squished in as many as we could.
The worship team was rocking! There were also different performances. The kids from La Tigra did a really cool dance to a song about faith. That was my favorite. It told the story about maintaining faith while fighting against the enemy. It brought tears to my eyes it was so powerful. I love that people here don't seem to be embarrassed to get up and performed in front of the church.
The kids from the Plentiful Life Program did a great job. They sang about God giving them abundant joy. It was very cute and fun.
The church was decorated beautifully. It was a really fun atmosphere. It is cool that 400+ people can get together and feel like such a tight family.
After the service we had a yummy plate of rice with chicken, ham and veggies. I sat with the kids and helped them eat before I got my own meal. Misael joked that we are still a class of sick people. I think we are all on the mend. Samuel didn't want to eat his veggies. What's new. Oh well. I love those kids.
It was so nice to sit with them and have the older kids pass by and make a point to come over, say hello and give me a hug. It was much different than a year ago when we celebrated the 30th anniversary. Now I feel like a part of things. I have built relationships with the members of the church. I can laugh and joke quickly and easily. It's not so much work. It felt great!
No pictures today. I am still using my cell phone and all of my photos were blurry. But I did figure out exactly what I want when I do get a camera. I told my brother I want a camera like the one I was using to do photography for the church. My brother and another friend both recommended that I get a Cannon Rebel. I said before I buy a camera I wanted to see what kind of camera I had used at the church. Guess what it was? A Cannon Rebel! Now I am sure what I want. It is what everyone recommends and I had a lot of fun using it. Of course 3 days ago my brother found a one day deal for $110 off, but I didn't jump on it because I wasn't sure then. Now I know that in Honduras it costs $750. In the US it costs $449. I'm not sure how I would get the camera to Honduras if I bought it in the US.
I am not in a rush. I will appreciate a new camera even more after waiting for it. It will work out when the time is right. In the meantime I hope you can enjoy a pictureless blog!
We had 400 chairs but I am guessing 450 people came. I sat with a bunch of the kids. We pushed the seats tight together like a bench and squished in as many as we could.
The worship team was rocking! There were also different performances. The kids from La Tigra did a really cool dance to a song about faith. That was my favorite. It told the story about maintaining faith while fighting against the enemy. It brought tears to my eyes it was so powerful. I love that people here don't seem to be embarrassed to get up and performed in front of the church.
The kids from the Plentiful Life Program did a great job. They sang about God giving them abundant joy. It was very cute and fun.
The church was decorated beautifully. It was a really fun atmosphere. It is cool that 400+ people can get together and feel like such a tight family.
After the service we had a yummy plate of rice with chicken, ham and veggies. I sat with the kids and helped them eat before I got my own meal. Misael joked that we are still a class of sick people. I think we are all on the mend. Samuel didn't want to eat his veggies. What's new. Oh well. I love those kids.
It was so nice to sit with them and have the older kids pass by and make a point to come over, say hello and give me a hug. It was much different than a year ago when we celebrated the 30th anniversary. Now I feel like a part of things. I have built relationships with the members of the church. I can laugh and joke quickly and easily. It's not so much work. It felt great!
No pictures today. I am still using my cell phone and all of my photos were blurry. But I did figure out exactly what I want when I do get a camera. I told my brother I want a camera like the one I was using to do photography for the church. My brother and another friend both recommended that I get a Cannon Rebel. I said before I buy a camera I wanted to see what kind of camera I had used at the church. Guess what it was? A Cannon Rebel! Now I am sure what I want. It is what everyone recommends and I had a lot of fun using it. Of course 3 days ago my brother found a one day deal for $110 off, but I didn't jump on it because I wasn't sure then. Now I know that in Honduras it costs $750. In the US it costs $449. I'm not sure how I would get the camera to Honduras if I bought it in the US.
I am not in a rush. I will appreciate a new camera even more after waiting for it. It will work out when the time is right. In the meantime I hope you can enjoy a pictureless blog!
Friday, October 4, 2013
I'm BACK!
Woke up knowing immediately that I felt better. Hoping it wasn't a fluke. Did a little cleaning and took my time getting out the door.
It was great to see the kids. They are still sick too. I got lots of hugs from the sick ones and left the few healthy ones alone.
My friend Marlin is having her cesarean on Wednesday. She said she is scared, but prepared. She has reason to be nervous. It is a high risk pregnancy because she has lupus. But she has done so well outside of a flu bug a few months ago and her swollen feet. I am excited for her and feel confident she and her baby will be healthy.
We scrubbed the kitchen in preparation for tomorrow's 31 year anniversary celebration for the church. I'll be honest. I mostly watched.
Things are falling into place. I am not frustrated about the things I was frustrated about. There is nothing I can do about one of the situations. The other situation may fall into place eventually. Or it may not. Either way I need to continue on. I had a good talk with Belinda today and felt better afterward.
Lorenzo is starting individual therapy. In his first session he apparently revealed a lot of problems in his life. I really don't know anything about it and couldn't share if I did. All I know is it was sad to hear.
Next week I hope to meet with Ethel about her ideas for ways I can serve outside of the Breakfast Program - maybe in other parts of the Plentiful Life Program.
I think I am officially bouncing back from this flu. I can rest tomorrow until our church celebration in the evening. Then I have no plans for Sunday or Monday, which is a holiday so we won't serve breakfast.
Please pray for Lorenzo and keep Marlin in prayer as she prepares to bring her new baby into the world! Our friend Clara is still in the hospital with Leukemia, placenta previa, and 26 weeks pregnant. She needs prayer too. The hope is that she can keep the baby inside for a few more weeks of development.
I am watching pictures of snowfall in the US and thinking about the upcoming ski season
It was great to see the kids. They are still sick too. I got lots of hugs from the sick ones and left the few healthy ones alone.
My friend Marlin is having her cesarean on Wednesday. She said she is scared, but prepared. She has reason to be nervous. It is a high risk pregnancy because she has lupus. But she has done so well outside of a flu bug a few months ago and her swollen feet. I am excited for her and feel confident she and her baby will be healthy.
We scrubbed the kitchen in preparation for tomorrow's 31 year anniversary celebration for the church. I'll be honest. I mostly watched.
Things are falling into place. I am not frustrated about the things I was frustrated about. There is nothing I can do about one of the situations. The other situation may fall into place eventually. Or it may not. Either way I need to continue on. I had a good talk with Belinda today and felt better afterward.
Lorenzo is starting individual therapy. In his first session he apparently revealed a lot of problems in his life. I really don't know anything about it and couldn't share if I did. All I know is it was sad to hear.
Next week I hope to meet with Ethel about her ideas for ways I can serve outside of the Breakfast Program - maybe in other parts of the Plentiful Life Program.
I think I am officially bouncing back from this flu. I can rest tomorrow until our church celebration in the evening. Then I have no plans for Sunday or Monday, which is a holiday so we won't serve breakfast.
Please pray for Lorenzo and keep Marlin in prayer as she prepares to bring her new baby into the world! Our friend Clara is still in the hospital with Leukemia, placenta previa, and 26 weeks pregnant. She needs prayer too. The hope is that she can keep the baby inside for a few more weeks of development.
I am watching pictures of snowfall in the US and thinking about the upcoming ski season
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Warm milk
Don Juan just called. I have been joking that it is his fault I am sick because he had all of this two weeks ago. So he called to see how I am doing and say that he knows this is all his fault. I laughed and went into a coughing spell. He said he called three times this morning from a different phone number. I told him I never answer from unknown numbers. It is so sweet of him to call! He told me to drink warm milk with cinnamon. Everyone has their own home remedies.
My landlord has been checking on me too. Yesterday she asked if I needed to come over and sleep at her house. Today she said if I am not better by tomorrow I have to go back to the doctor.
I felt better last night. This morning I was more sick again. But I slept and rested today. This evening I think I'm doing better. I have been eating even though I'm not hungry. While I was buying my meds yesterday I bought 2 loaves of bread for submarine sandwiches. I ate a whole entire sub with veggies and meat yesterday. Today I got fancy and heated it up. I've got lots of juice and I've been drinking warm milk at night, without even knowing Don Juan's prescription.
Don Juan said he was told there IS Breakfast Program tomorrow. I am thinking that if I feel well, I may go for an hour or two just to get out of bed and breathe some fresh air. I would love to see the kids. Today I know I am still sick. I can gauge my sickness level by how difficult it is to stay in bed. Yesterday I couldn't control my urges to clean. Today I don't care if the house is messy. I am staying in bed and I'm not even bored. Tomorrow will be better.
My landlord has been checking on me too. Yesterday she asked if I needed to come over and sleep at her house. Today she said if I am not better by tomorrow I have to go back to the doctor.
I felt better last night. This morning I was more sick again. But I slept and rested today. This evening I think I'm doing better. I have been eating even though I'm not hungry. While I was buying my meds yesterday I bought 2 loaves of bread for submarine sandwiches. I ate a whole entire sub with veggies and meat yesterday. Today I got fancy and heated it up. I've got lots of juice and I've been drinking warm milk at night, without even knowing Don Juan's prescription.
Don Juan said he was told there IS Breakfast Program tomorrow. I am thinking that if I feel well, I may go for an hour or two just to get out of bed and breathe some fresh air. I would love to see the kids. Today I know I am still sick. I can gauge my sickness level by how difficult it is to stay in bed. Yesterday I couldn't control my urges to clean. Today I don't care if the house is messy. I am staying in bed and I'm not even bored. Tomorrow will be better.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Flu
Went to the Dr today. First time since I moved here, except for the dermatologist when my hair was falling out in handfuls. Thank God that stopped.
I've had the flu since Saturday, but it has been a strange flu. Yesterday was the worst, so Hermida made a Dr appt for me. She called me mid- day for something (I never discovered what) and learned I was sick. When she got home she made me some homemade soup and gave me medicine. Marcela spent the morning at the Dr with the same symptoms. Hermida has had it since last weekend and she still doesn't feel well.
So this morning I put a load of wash in the washing machine, laid down and rested, drank a glass of coconut water, rested more, took a shower washing only what was necessary, rested... You get the point.
The guy who is working on out driveway probably thinks I am a crazy alcoholic or something. Yesterday he watched me drag myself to the car to go to the local store with my hair uncombed. Today I dragged myself to the car to go to the Dr. with my hair soaking wet. For a minute I thought I was hallucinating. There was a horse in the middle of the driveway. We don't own a horse. Turns out my landlord's brother has a landscaper who travels by horse. It was sweet. But very hand shy. And old. Someone abused the poor thing.
Anyway, I drove like a zombie to the Dr. I thought I had an actual appointment at 10 - forgot for a moment I was in Honduras. So the receptionist had a nice giggle when I walked into the waiting room and announced I had a 10 a.m. appointment. She basically told me to get in line behind all of the people who were already waiting.
I was reminded about Honduran manners today. I walked into the waiting room and went straight to the receptionist. Every person after me walked into the waiting room and said good morning to the people who were waiting there, even though we were all strangers. I am such a rude North American. I never thought to say good morning when I stepped into a room full of strangers.
The Dr is a pediatrician. Pretty sure I am his oldest patient. He said I am his biggest, which I think was a nice way of saying the same thing because Marcela and Guillermo are both taller than I am. He is a member of the church, a really good doctor, and he has seen every kid from the church with the same symptoms this week. So I figured he would be the best person to handle this.
When it was my turn he checked me all out. He also took my temperature under my armpit. I don't remember ever having that done before. Then he wrote prescriptions for some medicine, and gave me a free sample of some antibiotics which he said are easy on the stomach. I asked if he believed I really had an infection, because to me it seemed more like flu. He said he wasn't sure, but could give me the antibiotics just in case. With respect I said I am not accustomed to taking the medicine without knowing if it is necessary. He was kind and understanding. He said yes, the correct way is to take a blood test. He said that in other countries people do things the correct way and they take medication according to the test results. But the people here do not have money for the test so he has to give antibiotics when they may not be necessary. He said if I would prefer to know, he could send me to the lab downstairs and save the antibiotics in case I needed them. I told him that sounded perfect.
Downstairs the lady for the blood test took my name. When I only had one last name she said, "That's all?" Most people have at least 2 last names here. Yes. I only have one last name. She charged me $25, took my blood with barely a pinch, and called this afternoon to say yes, I have the flu. I don't have any sort of infection. So, no antibiotics for me. Meanwhile everyone else I know is madly taking antibiotics.
I was thinking about the fact that in the US we do kind of the same thing, in a different way. We avoid going to the doctor if we think we have the flu. We don't want to pay for the office visit unless the doctor is actually going to prescribe an antibiotic. We learn the symptoms of a flu and how to tell the difference. In Honduras people are quicker to go to the doctor, and also the hospital, than most of my North American friends.
It scares me how people here overuse antibiotics. But doctors can't stop prescribing them until the people are educated as to when antibiotics are needed and why it is dangerous to over-prescribe them. Otherwise the people will just go to another doctor until they get an antibiotic.
I called Belinda to tell her I need one more day of rest but I will see her Friday. She said that both of her sons and everyone at the church has the flu, so we should all rest until we are back to full strength. I told her I'll see her Friday, but Friday is a holiday, so there is no Breakfast Program Plentiful Life Program. I am going to have a VERY long weekend.
Monday, September 30, 2013
Lore
I just thought of a funny thing that happened today. Everyone in the preschool class has "gripe" (coughing with runny noses dripping down their face). Today in class I asked if anyone wasn't sick. One girl said she was not sick. But I reminded her that few hours earlier she had told me that she had a bad cough. I told the class, we are no longer the preschool class, we are the class of "gripe". We had a nice giggle over that.
One of the moms came to me this afternoon stating that she was very happy with what her daughter is learning in the preschool class. Over the weekend her three year old daughter had been reciting bible verses at home. The mom was surprised and asked where she learned the verse. Violet responded "Genesis 1:1" Hahaha! I told the mom to ask Violet about 1 Timothy 2:13. Violet knows that one too. :)
Lorenzo is still working hard every day with me. We basically have a 1-1 class, but he does bring a friend with him. I let Lorenzo choose who he wants to bring. Lucky for me Lorenzo has a great friend in Jarvin. Jarvin is teaching Lorenzo as much as I am. I think Jarvin understands that Lorenzo needs the extra help. Jarvin is younger, but far advanced compared to "Lore" as Jarvin likes to call his buddy. Jarvin never acts superior or bored. He doesn't try to answer all of the questions to prove how much he knows. Jarvin always plays along with every lesson I prepare and gives Lorenzo room to learn, even when it's not much fun.
In the past Lorenzo was a scapegoat. Kids were always tattling on Lorenzo, even if he did nothing wrong. I haven't seen any of that lately. I think it is great that Jarvin and "Lore" are buddies. Lorenzo seems to get be getting along with everyone much better. It makes my heart feel good to see Lorenzo doing so well socially. We still have a ways to go educationally. But Lorenzo tries hard and has the support of a good friend, so I am very hopeful!
One of the moms came to me this afternoon stating that she was very happy with what her daughter is learning in the preschool class. Over the weekend her three year old daughter had been reciting bible verses at home. The mom was surprised and asked where she learned the verse. Violet responded "Genesis 1:1" Hahaha! I told the mom to ask Violet about 1 Timothy 2:13. Violet knows that one too. :)
Lorenzo is still working hard every day with me. We basically have a 1-1 class, but he does bring a friend with him. I let Lorenzo choose who he wants to bring. Lucky for me Lorenzo has a great friend in Jarvin. Jarvin is teaching Lorenzo as much as I am. I think Jarvin understands that Lorenzo needs the extra help. Jarvin is younger, but far advanced compared to "Lore" as Jarvin likes to call his buddy. Jarvin never acts superior or bored. He doesn't try to answer all of the questions to prove how much he knows. Jarvin always plays along with every lesson I prepare and gives Lorenzo room to learn, even when it's not much fun.
In the past Lorenzo was a scapegoat. Kids were always tattling on Lorenzo, even if he did nothing wrong. I haven't seen any of that lately. I think it is great that Jarvin and "Lore" are buddies. Lorenzo seems to get be getting along with everyone much better. It makes my heart feel good to see Lorenzo doing so well socially. We still have a ways to go educationally. But Lorenzo tries hard and has the support of a good friend, so I am very hopeful!
Check in
Saturday afternoon I got a cold again. It came on suddenly with an annoying cough. Since then I haven't been feeling well. For several reasons (which I will keep to myself) I had a frustrating day Sunday, and then again today. Know that I am fine. Just keeping my mouth shut for a few days until I have something positive to say.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Nesting
Those of you who have been to any of the places I lived in the US (or any of my campsites at Telluride) know that I am a nester. When I had a desk job my office was even cozy. But for some strange reason I have never nested in this house. I have lived here for more than nine months. Usually I am nested within a few weeks. It's a beautiful home. But for some reason I could not make it my own.
Last week Jetty knocked over my "night stand" (4 cardboard boxes labeled "FOOD FOR RELIEF" covered by a fleece blanket). I came home to find the lamp that has been the basis of all of my decorative schemes was smashed to pieces. My night time bite plate was also broken, as was a candle.
I've been trying to catch up with reading for my women's book club at the church, but with no night lamp I haven't been reading as much as I should. SO today after theBreakfast Program Plentiful Life Program I headed out to a place Marcela recommended to buy a lamp. I stopped at one place along the way and found nothing. (Funny side note: The store is pronounced K Mart but spelled Key Mart. Hahaha.) Key Mart's prices were high and all of the night lamps UGLY!
Then I went to the place Marcela recommended. It was great! It had Rite Aid and Walmart brand stuff. There was a huge selection and I found the lamp of my dreams as soon as I walked in the door. Plus bungi cords, light bulbs, and Downy fabric softener. I also got a mug for the desk at my office at the church. I've been searching and searching for things to make the office more my own and hadn't made much progress in that area either.
I searched for real night stands, but they were over $50. It seemed like too much. Even the street vendors who make wooden furniture were asking more than I expected. I am sticking to the cardboard boxes for now.
I came home and hung up all of the things I set aside nine months ago and never found a place for. Then I put up my new lamp. There was a brief moment when the lamp didn't work. But I figured that out. I re-arranged my curtains so more light comes into the kitchen and the storage space under my sink is covered better.
Can't wait to have guests! Don't know why I wasn't ready to nest before. It sure does feel cozy now.
Little Carlos and Junior both showed up at the Plentiful Life Program today. We didn't have class because Belinda was gone so I had to watch all of the kids. But they did sit calmly and eat. That is already progress.
Looking forward to waking up tomorrow in my newly redecorated home!
Last week Jetty knocked over my "night stand" (4 cardboard boxes labeled "FOOD FOR RELIEF" covered by a fleece blanket). I came home to find the lamp that has been the basis of all of my decorative schemes was smashed to pieces. My night time bite plate was also broken, as was a candle.
I've been trying to catch up with reading for my women's book club at the church, but with no night lamp I haven't been reading as much as I should. SO today after the
Then I went to the place Marcela recommended. It was great! It had Rite Aid and Walmart brand stuff. There was a huge selection and I found the lamp of my dreams as soon as I walked in the door. Plus bungi cords, light bulbs, and Downy fabric softener. I also got a mug for the desk at my office at the church. I've been searching and searching for things to make the office more my own and hadn't made much progress in that area either.
I searched for real night stands, but they were over $50. It seemed like too much. Even the street vendors who make wooden furniture were asking more than I expected. I am sticking to the cardboard boxes for now.
I came home and hung up all of the things I set aside nine months ago and never found a place for. Then I put up my new lamp. There was a brief moment when the lamp didn't work. But I figured that out. I re-arranged my curtains so more light comes into the kitchen and the storage space under my sink is covered better.
Can't wait to have guests! Don't know why I wasn't ready to nest before. It sure does feel cozy now.
Little Carlos and Junior both showed up at the Plentiful Life Program today. We didn't have class because Belinda was gone so I had to watch all of the kids. But they did sit calmly and eat. That is already progress.
Looking forward to waking up tomorrow in my newly redecorated home!
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
Well, we almost had 48 hours without rain. A storm is rolling in right now. I'll get this written now while the thunder and lightening are still a little ways off. I thanked God several times today for the sunshine. I have never been so grateful for sunshine before.
One of the schools was closed today so we had a ton of kids. Thursday is free day for the preschoolers. It was a little hectic with the extra kids. Especially since some of them, like Carlos and Junior, have no experience with structure and following rules. They are used to doing whatever they want. Therefore it is not their fault that they struggle when asked to follow directions and rules. They are more accustomed to running wild. I am encouraging Carlos and Junior to start attending the program every day in hopes that after a week or so they might have a better understanding of the rules and how to follow them. A real classroom is going to be so hard for them. But so far they only show up consistently when North Americans are around because they expect there will be special gifts.
The class is really, really good at cleaning up after free time. I told them in advance that they could play for extra time because last week they did such a great job at clean up. This week they did just as well! They put everything back in the right place and only Carlos continued to play after I said it was time to pick up. Very impressive for a class of 3-5 year olds!
I led the bible study today for the ladies from Los Pinos. It was my first time to lead a bible study. I see some things that I could do better, but I think overall it went well and we all got something from it. There was one point when I wished I were speaking in my native language because one of the ladies was off track and not understanding the verse. But Belinda helped explain and finally the lady understood.
I chose to share my favorite verse from New Living Translation: Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do. And He will show you which path to take.
There is a lot in that verse to think about. Trust. What is trust? What does it mean to trust with ALL of your heart and how does a person go about doing that? Why should we not depend on our own understanding? Why is it so easy to depend on our own understanding and sometimes difficult to seek God in those times? How can we seek His will in ALL we do? BUT, the payoff is big! If we do trust and seek He will show us which path to take! So simple, yet so difficult at the same time.
Well, the rain is here. I'll get this published before the power goes out.
I am having a hard time taking pictures since my camera broke so my blog might be light on photos for a while. For some reason I can only publish them to facebook, I can't email them to myself and download them from my phone. Here are some I published on FB today:
One of the schools was closed today so we had a ton of kids. Thursday is free day for the preschoolers. It was a little hectic with the extra kids. Especially since some of them, like Carlos and Junior, have no experience with structure and following rules. They are used to doing whatever they want. Therefore it is not their fault that they struggle when asked to follow directions and rules. They are more accustomed to running wild. I am encouraging Carlos and Junior to start attending the program every day in hopes that after a week or so they might have a better understanding of the rules and how to follow them. A real classroom is going to be so hard for them. But so far they only show up consistently when North Americans are around because they expect there will be special gifts.
The class is really, really good at cleaning up after free time. I told them in advance that they could play for extra time because last week they did such a great job at clean up. This week they did just as well! They put everything back in the right place and only Carlos continued to play after I said it was time to pick up. Very impressive for a class of 3-5 year olds!
I led the bible study today for the ladies from Los Pinos. It was my first time to lead a bible study. I see some things that I could do better, but I think overall it went well and we all got something from it. There was one point when I wished I were speaking in my native language because one of the ladies was off track and not understanding the verse. But Belinda helped explain and finally the lady understood.
I chose to share my favorite verse from New Living Translation: Proverbs 3:5-6
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do. And He will show you which path to take.
There is a lot in that verse to think about. Trust. What is trust? What does it mean to trust with ALL of your heart and how does a person go about doing that? Why should we not depend on our own understanding? Why is it so easy to depend on our own understanding and sometimes difficult to seek God in those times? How can we seek His will in ALL we do? BUT, the payoff is big! If we do trust and seek He will show us which path to take! So simple, yet so difficult at the same time.
Well, the rain is here. I'll get this published before the power goes out.
I am having a hard time taking pictures since my camera broke so my blog might be light on photos for a while. For some reason I can only publish them to facebook, I can't email them to myself and download them from my phone. Here are some I published on FB today:
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| Jose chose to use his free time learning about shapes |
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| Waiting for class! |
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Samuelito doesn't like salad
Got my new license! It was uneventful. The line was short and the computers were working so I breezed right through. At the very end I learned something sad. I wondered why the workers at each phase kept being surprised that my license was lost. I never thought about the fact that I could either check the box for "lost" or "stolen".
Everyone else in line with me had their licenses stolen because they were robbed. The guy next to me was robbed on a bus. He said armed men took everything valuable from every person on the bus. I told him that a girl from my church have been robbed twice in one week in collectivo taxis. He said that his female cousin was robbed twice in one DAY in a bus. He said it is getting worse and worse. Sad. Now you can understand why I am not allowed to use buses or taxis.
Last night I realized that I misunderstood the women's book club assignment. People were discussing chapters far beyond where I had read. This morning I learned I am supposed to be done with chapter 6. I was purposely waiting on chapter one so it would be fresh in my brain. Ooops! I have some catching up to do. My goal was to read it in English AND Spanish. Not sure I'll make it thru the Spanish by Sunday.
Today we made pupusas at the Plentiful Life Program. My buddy Louis and the boy who went to the soccer game with me, Fabricio, cooked while the ladies did food prep. The boys are good about helping out wherever they are needed. After they cooked they helped me get Samuel to eat.
Samuel, one of the boys in my class is a very picky eater. Every single day he makes a horrible face and says, "I don't like this," holding up some piece of food as though what he is holding is the most disgusting thing in the world. Then everyone else in the class starts picking things out of their food and it becomes the cool thing to do. Today he refused to eat his salad.
I am tired of trying to get him to eat, so I told him to take his plate to show his mother. Bad. I know. She told him to go back and sit down and eat. Usually he eats the parts he likes, then is hungry an hour later, asking for more food. I was happy she had him finish his plate today. Except he didn't. He cried.
Samuel used to cry every single day. Now he only cries when he doesn't get his way. Yesterday he didn't cry at all.
Finally I told him that his baby sister (who is 6 months old) is going to be bigger and stronger than he is. He said no, she is a baby. I told him yes, but she eats all of her food. Well, he couldn't argue with that. So he picked tiny slivers of carrot out of the salad to eat. It was a lot of work picking out those carrots and it wasn't really getting him anywhere. So he cried some more.
Finally an hour later he was tired of crying and picking out carrots. He had tried pretending he was gagging and going to vomit, dropped some on the floor, went to the bathroom twice, and realized everyone else was playing while he was sitting there.
Then I thought of distraction. I asked if he would like a fork. (Pupusas are normally eaten with your fingers.) He said yes, so I shoveled the food into his mouth with my fork. He did the fake gag a few times. Pretty sure that works for him at home. He also asked for more water. Fair enough. With me feeding him on my fork he finished every bite. We showed everyone his clean plate and I told him I thought it was possible his muscles might be getting bigger already. I hope Samuel likes whatever we serve for lunch tomorrow.
I'm supposed to drop my car off with the mechanic one of these days when the parts are in. I'm eager to get the work done and have all of my major expenses behind me. For now.
Everyone else in line with me had their licenses stolen because they were robbed. The guy next to me was robbed on a bus. He said armed men took everything valuable from every person on the bus. I told him that a girl from my church have been robbed twice in one week in collectivo taxis. He said that his female cousin was robbed twice in one DAY in a bus. He said it is getting worse and worse. Sad. Now you can understand why I am not allowed to use buses or taxis.
Last night I realized that I misunderstood the women's book club assignment. People were discussing chapters far beyond where I had read. This morning I learned I am supposed to be done with chapter 6. I was purposely waiting on chapter one so it would be fresh in my brain. Ooops! I have some catching up to do. My goal was to read it in English AND Spanish. Not sure I'll make it thru the Spanish by Sunday.
Today we made pupusas at the Plentiful Life Program. My buddy Louis and the boy who went to the soccer game with me, Fabricio, cooked while the ladies did food prep. The boys are good about helping out wherever they are needed. After they cooked they helped me get Samuel to eat.
Samuel, one of the boys in my class is a very picky eater. Every single day he makes a horrible face and says, "I don't like this," holding up some piece of food as though what he is holding is the most disgusting thing in the world. Then everyone else in the class starts picking things out of their food and it becomes the cool thing to do. Today he refused to eat his salad.
I am tired of trying to get him to eat, so I told him to take his plate to show his mother. Bad. I know. She told him to go back and sit down and eat. Usually he eats the parts he likes, then is hungry an hour later, asking for more food. I was happy she had him finish his plate today. Except he didn't. He cried.
Samuel used to cry every single day. Now he only cries when he doesn't get his way. Yesterday he didn't cry at all.
Finally I told him that his baby sister (who is 6 months old) is going to be bigger and stronger than he is. He said no, she is a baby. I told him yes, but she eats all of her food. Well, he couldn't argue with that. So he picked tiny slivers of carrot out of the salad to eat. It was a lot of work picking out those carrots and it wasn't really getting him anywhere. So he cried some more.
Finally an hour later he was tired of crying and picking out carrots. He had tried pretending he was gagging and going to vomit, dropped some on the floor, went to the bathroom twice, and realized everyone else was playing while he was sitting there.
Then I thought of distraction. I asked if he would like a fork. (Pupusas are normally eaten with your fingers.) He said yes, so I shoveled the food into his mouth with my fork. He did the fake gag a few times. Pretty sure that works for him at home. He also asked for more water. Fair enough. With me feeding him on my fork he finished every bite. We showed everyone his clean plate and I told him I thought it was possible his muscles might be getting bigger already. I hope Samuel likes whatever we serve for lunch tomorrow.
I'm supposed to drop my car off with the mechanic one of these days when the parts are in. I'm eager to get the work done and have all of my major expenses behind me. For now.
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