Today I had to go shopping to pick up a birthday gift for Jairo. I had been thinking and thinking about what to get him. Finally I thought of a great idea. Jairo loves photos. He likes to take photos, he likes to look at photos. He often asks me to take photos of things for him, but until this point he has never used any of the photos he asked me to take. He uses photos in PowerPoint productions that he makes when he speaks at conferences, etc. Last week he told me he is using the same photos over and over and they are not recent.
That gave me an idea. I decided to buy a USB for his birthday. On the USB I will put any photo that I think he would like as well as all those he asked me to take.
My taxista dropped me off at the mall yesterday at 1:30 and picked me up at 4:30. I had a fun little outing. First I wandered into a fancy perfume and make up store. Even my friends who don't have much are always talking about fancy perfume. They say they have it at home, but they must save it for special occasions because I've never smelled them wearing it.
I have been thinking about wearing foundation. Most women here wear full makeup. I haven't worn anything but eyeshadow in my life and I got over that phase in 9th grade. The lady at the counter asked if she could help me. I told her I am trying to find the right color for foundation. She had me wash my face, then she put three different lotions on me (apparently I am in bad shape). Then she put on the foundation. It looked okay, but didn't cover as well as I was expecting so I asked about concealer. She put concealer under one eye and let me compare with the other. Well, the eye with no concealer did have darker circles, but the eye with concealer looked grey underneath! She told me how marvelous the products are and what they will do for my skin. Then I saw the price. The foundation was over $80 and concealer was almost $50! She said I could use something cheaper like Lancome, but you get what you pay for. When she saw my face, she told me that the three lotions were REALLY expensive. I can't even imagine.
As the makeup settled in over the day, it did look more natural. But not $130 worth. And my face kept getting little itches. By the time I left the mall I had probably itched off most of the makeup. I went home and washed my face. I don't think foundation is for me.
I did find a great deal on a USB, a teddy bear from Laura who will turn one soon, a card for Karla who also has a birthday coming up, and a file folder to keep all of my receipts in for taxes. I also found chocolate frosting at the grocery store, along with sugar free pudding. I am going to make Chocolate Eclairs for Jairo's birthday. I figure that is better for his diabetes than cake.
Got a bunch of laundry done. Had to do an extra load because a spider or something built a webby nest on my sheet while it was drying. I washed the sheet again and then a bird pooped on it as it was drying the second time - a big, dark, poop on my pink sheet. :( I am really enjoying my new blankets. I only need a few more long sleeved top and I'll be set for colder weather. I tried finding some comfy every day shoes at Payless since I can't wear flip flops anymore, but they were $30. I decided to wait until I get back to the states at Christmas and pick up some cheaper shoes and some slippers for the cold tile floors of my house at Ross or TJ Maxx.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Misael's Birthday!
Today was Misa's birthday. In Honduras people go out and buy fancy cakes. Not all as fancy as the one I posted of Josselyn's birthday, but cakes here are purchased, not homemade. Marlin, Misael's mother, bought a gorgeous cake for her daughter's birthday and brought it to the Breakfast Program for a party. However, I knew that funds were low in their house this week so I offered to make a cake. I wasn't even sure she would want a homemade cake, but Marlin was very grateful. Lourdes asked me to make two just to be sure there was enough to go around.
Misael greeted everyone with an extra bright smile. When we wished him Happy Birthday he responded softly, "Grashias". He was definitely excited to turn four.
Since it was his birthday Misael was allowed some special liberties, like lying on the kitchen floor when the birthday wishes became overwhelming.
And he took some pictures with my camera, which is normally off limits.
Lourdes wasn't there for the first group, so we decided to wait to have the cake until she got there. By that point we only needed one cake which was good because Marlin took the other one home to celebrate in the evening with her family.
We had a difficult time lighting the candles. It was a windy day. But finally they were lit and we sang Happy Birthday in English to him! In Honduras you always clap when you sing Happy Birthday.
And enjoyed his piece of cake.
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| I searched in 3 stores and couldn't find food coloring so we used Coco Krispies to write Happy Birthday. |
Misael greeted everyone with an extra bright smile. When we wished him Happy Birthday he responded softly, "Grashias". He was definitely excited to turn four.
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| Misael and his mother, my friend Marlin. |
And he took some pictures with my camera, which is normally off limits.
Lourdes wasn't there for the first group, so we decided to wait to have the cake until she got there. By that point we only needed one cake which was good because Marlin took the other one home to celebrate in the evening with her family.
We had a difficult time lighting the candles. It was a windy day. But finally they were lit and we sang Happy Birthday in English to him! In Honduras you always clap when you sing Happy Birthday.
Then he blew out the candles.
And enjoyed his piece of cake.
Happy Birthday Misael!
Thursday, November 8, 2012
A morning of shopping with the ladies!
Today I went with Veronica, my friend from church, and her sister to La Kennedy!!!! We went to a ton of used clothes places. We were in search of a gift for Misael's birthday tomorrow, long sleeved shirts and heavy, thick blankets for me. It was fun shopping with the girls :) I felt safe. I was carrying a significant amount of money, so I was very conscientious. Veronica reminded me to carry a little bit of money in each front pocket.
I really enjoyed time out with the girls, shopping and feeling like a normal woman. I think I will probably go back there again in the future. Maybe with Lourdes. It was fun! I have been getting to know Veronica better lately. I have always liked her, but never really had the opportunity to spend time with her. Last week we hung out at the pool together. This week she suggested that she take me shopping for the blankets. She is really nice. She works as a hairdresser and has two daughters, one eight years old and one a year old.
This afternoon I saw Dr Gustavo. It was a long wait because a lot of people are sick. Both Yareli and Estephany are not feeling well. I figured they should go first since they were waiting in the cold. Dr. Gustavo said there is absolutely nothing wrong with my blood work. It is so slightly outside of the normal range that it is not a problem. I asked if any of the blood work might show why my hair is falling out. He said no, he believes it is stress. I believe he is right. That was a hard one to accept. I prefer to think of myself as someone who is laid back and relaxed. But in reality I do have a tendency to be anxious as much as I hate to admit it.
I really do have more peace and happiness here than I have ever had in my life. But I guess I still need to find more ways to be "tranquila". Hopefully that will help with my hair loss. Today Marlin and Clara were looking at my drivers license. It finally happened. They said that my hair looks significantly different than it used to. I've been waiting for someone to say it out loud to me. It didn't hurt as much as I expected. I know they were not saying anything to be hurtful.
Clara got her first chemotherapy today. She came to the church afterward. At first she was fine. Then she got tired and said she felt nauseous. She returned home after a few hours stating that she did not feel well.
I baked two cakes after I got home this evening. Tomorrow there are a ton of birthdays at the church. One is Misael's. Marlin bought a cake for her daughter a few months ago, but money has been very tight so I offered to help out for her son. Lourdes suggested it would be best to make 2 cakes in order for there to be enough. I borrowed a cake pan from Fany and cooked them one at a time in my tiny little oven. Saturday I will bake another for Jairo. I'm thinking of making eclairs too since he prefers less sweet deserts. Next week I'll make a cake for Dana Sophia, the following week I'll make one for myself and Karla. I am now the church's pastry chef. I have been searching all over for a trifle bowl so I can change it up a little.
Washed both of my new blankets tonight. It is so cold! I am excited to have my new blankets on the bed. I got two comforters (used) in La Kennedy today for only $13 each. We searched all over but finally found them just as we had given up. I also got some used flannel pjs for $1.50 and two long sleeved shirts for $1 each. They were both name brand shirts that look almost new. Some people think I'm nuts to buy comforters used, but I think if I wash them and leave them in the sun, any "cooties" they may carry should be gone. I don't have the money to buy a new comforter. The ladies from Los Pinos encouraged me to buy two because when I am washing one, I will need the other. They know best! In this colder weather it takes a lot longer for things to dry.
I am going to take some time to rest, relax and read before bed. Buenas Noches!
I really enjoyed time out with the girls, shopping and feeling like a normal woman. I think I will probably go back there again in the future. Maybe with Lourdes. It was fun! I have been getting to know Veronica better lately. I have always liked her, but never really had the opportunity to spend time with her. Last week we hung out at the pool together. This week she suggested that she take me shopping for the blankets. She is really nice. She works as a hairdresser and has two daughters, one eight years old and one a year old.
This afternoon I saw Dr Gustavo. It was a long wait because a lot of people are sick. Both Yareli and Estephany are not feeling well. I figured they should go first since they were waiting in the cold. Dr. Gustavo said there is absolutely nothing wrong with my blood work. It is so slightly outside of the normal range that it is not a problem. I asked if any of the blood work might show why my hair is falling out. He said no, he believes it is stress. I believe he is right. That was a hard one to accept. I prefer to think of myself as someone who is laid back and relaxed. But in reality I do have a tendency to be anxious as much as I hate to admit it.
I really do have more peace and happiness here than I have ever had in my life. But I guess I still need to find more ways to be "tranquila". Hopefully that will help with my hair loss. Today Marlin and Clara were looking at my drivers license. It finally happened. They said that my hair looks significantly different than it used to. I've been waiting for someone to say it out loud to me. It didn't hurt as much as I expected. I know they were not saying anything to be hurtful.
Clara got her first chemotherapy today. She came to the church afterward. At first she was fine. Then she got tired and said she felt nauseous. She returned home after a few hours stating that she did not feel well.
I baked two cakes after I got home this evening. Tomorrow there are a ton of birthdays at the church. One is Misael's. Marlin bought a cake for her daughter a few months ago, but money has been very tight so I offered to help out for her son. Lourdes suggested it would be best to make 2 cakes in order for there to be enough. I borrowed a cake pan from Fany and cooked them one at a time in my tiny little oven. Saturday I will bake another for Jairo. I'm thinking of making eclairs too since he prefers less sweet deserts. Next week I'll make a cake for Dana Sophia, the following week I'll make one for myself and Karla. I am now the church's pastry chef. I have been searching all over for a trifle bowl so I can change it up a little.
Washed both of my new blankets tonight. It is so cold! I am excited to have my new blankets on the bed. I got two comforters (used) in La Kennedy today for only $13 each. We searched all over but finally found them just as we had given up. I also got some used flannel pjs for $1.50 and two long sleeved shirts for $1 each. They were both name brand shirts that look almost new. Some people think I'm nuts to buy comforters used, but I think if I wash them and leave them in the sun, any "cooties" they may carry should be gone. I don't have the money to buy a new comforter. The ladies from Los Pinos encouraged me to buy two because when I am washing one, I will need the other. They know best! In this colder weather it takes a lot longer for things to dry.
I am going to take some time to rest, relax and read before bed. Buenas Noches!
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Honduras is good for my soul
Preschool class was great today! There were only 10 kids. We had less kids at the Breakfast Program overall this morning, so the class was smaller.
When I got to the church this morning Marlin was making oatmeal. She was also cleaning out the shelves. She told me "I cannot clean these shelves and stir the oatmeal at the same time." She asked me to stir the oatmeal. I love it when she designates things like that. It's such a big change from when she used to be so shy and passive.
In preschool I prepared papers for each child. We've been working on recognizing letters and
the sounds they make. I wrote the child's name at the top, then put lines underneath for them to practice writing the first letter of their name. The three year olds got to trace their letter. Two of the boys can write their entire names on their own. Then we talked about things that begin with the same letter as their first name. Each child drew pictures of the things that start with the same letter. Their work turned out great, so I asked Lourdes to come into the class to "oooou" and "ahhhhh" over their papers. She had them applaud the younger kids and praised the older kids for their great work.
I have new helpers lately. They are boys. I like having them help with the class. They are good with the kids, not too bossy, but still on top of things. They choose to help with the class over playing fútbol! Male/female roles can be strictly defined here, so I love that the boys want to help be teachers. Friday will be our day to play! We've been working hard this week. The kids are already planning which toys they want to use on Friday.
After everyone was fed, I talked to Lourdes about getting my blood test results. She recommended that I call the taxista since I had several errands to run. I got my blood tests, stopped and picked up a prescription, went to a used clothes store and bought an Eddie Bauer cardigan in perfect shape for 100 lempiras, which equals $5. I want to go back there and really look through everything for some long sleeved shirts. When I have my own car...
Last night I was wishing that houses here had heat. It was chilly. It's going to get colder. When I move to the mountains it will be even colder. My taxista suggested that I buy a space heater.
The pharmacy near the clinic did not have the medicine I needed. We had to drive around to find a
different pharmacy so I got to see a part of town I've never been to before. It is a lot of streets filled with fruit and vegetable stands and used clothing stores on both sides of the road. I wish I could walk around and shop there. I asked the taxista the name of this area. It is called The Kennedy. I hear the ladies from Los Pinos talk about it all of the time. It is where they shop and sell their wares if they are business ladies. When I told the taxista I had never been there before he said that is because it is dangerous. I asked if it was as dangerous as Los Pinos. He said a little less dangerous than Los Pinos, but still very dangerous because Los Pinos is very, very dangerous.
I got home early and did a load of wash. It was a lot of jeans. Jeans take a long time to dry. It started to sprinkle before I was finished washing so I was not hopeful that the jeans would dry. However, it is now close to bedtime and most of the clothes are close to dry. I am not used to having to think about so many things - like how will I have clean pants to wear tomorrow.
I am trying to enjoy my last few weeks in my little house in the city. This has been a wonderful place for me. I felt at home here from the very first moment I saw the house. I will miss this place when I move to the mountains. I will miss Fany, Santos and Laura too. I really like my home here. I hope the mountains are as good to me. It think they will be.
My blood test results were not quite normal. Tomorrow at 2 pm a doctor from the church will look at them. I tried to figure out what the results meant by googling things on the internet, but I couldn't make any sense of it. I don't think they show why my hair is falling out. At first I was very anxious about having the blood work be abnormal. I started imagining that I might have to go back to the US for treatment. You know, thinking of worst case circumstances. I took a quick nap and woke up with peace. I am sure that Dr Gustavo will tell me what is wrong, or maybe nothing is wrong at all. The dermatologist wants to see me in 5 weeks for my hair. She warned me not to expect any progress for the first month or two. I do hope I see progress soon.
We are having a birthday party for Jairo on Sunday. I have to do some errands on Saturday to prepare. I am going to make his birthday cake. My taxista already agreed to help me run errands on Saturday.
Tonight I have a strange sense of peace. Despite the jeans on the line and the fact that it is likely to rain before they dry. Despite the results of my blood tests, I feel peaceful and grateful to be here. Life in Honduras is good for my soul.
When I got to the church this morning Marlin was making oatmeal. She was also cleaning out the shelves. She told me "I cannot clean these shelves and stir the oatmeal at the same time." She asked me to stir the oatmeal. I love it when she designates things like that. It's such a big change from when she used to be so shy and passive.
In preschool I prepared papers for each child. We've been working on recognizing letters and
the sounds they make. I wrote the child's name at the top, then put lines underneath for them to practice writing the first letter of their name. The three year olds got to trace their letter. Two of the boys can write their entire names on their own. Then we talked about things that begin with the same letter as their first name. Each child drew pictures of the things that start with the same letter. Their work turned out great, so I asked Lourdes to come into the class to "oooou" and "ahhhhh" over their papers. She had them applaud the younger kids and praised the older kids for their great work.
 |
| Jose wore his pajamas today. |
I have new helpers lately. They are boys. I like having them help with the class. They are good with the kids, not too bossy, but still on top of things. They choose to help with the class over playing fútbol! Male/female roles can be strictly defined here, so I love that the boys want to help be teachers. Friday will be our day to play! We've been working hard this week. The kids are already planning which toys they want to use on Friday.
After everyone was fed, I talked to Lourdes about getting my blood test results. She recommended that I call the taxista since I had several errands to run. I got my blood tests, stopped and picked up a prescription, went to a used clothes store and bought an Eddie Bauer cardigan in perfect shape for 100 lempiras, which equals $5. I want to go back there and really look through everything for some long sleeved shirts. When I have my own car...
Last night I was wishing that houses here had heat. It was chilly. It's going to get colder. When I move to the mountains it will be even colder. My taxista suggested that I buy a space heater.
The pharmacy near the clinic did not have the medicine I needed. We had to drive around to find a
different pharmacy so I got to see a part of town I've never been to before. It is a lot of streets filled with fruit and vegetable stands and used clothing stores on both sides of the road. I wish I could walk around and shop there. I asked the taxista the name of this area. It is called The Kennedy. I hear the ladies from Los Pinos talk about it all of the time. It is where they shop and sell their wares if they are business ladies. When I told the taxista I had never been there before he said that is because it is dangerous. I asked if it was as dangerous as Los Pinos. He said a little less dangerous than Los Pinos, but still very dangerous because Los Pinos is very, very dangerous.
I got home early and did a load of wash. It was a lot of jeans. Jeans take a long time to dry. It started to sprinkle before I was finished washing so I was not hopeful that the jeans would dry. However, it is now close to bedtime and most of the clothes are close to dry. I am not used to having to think about so many things - like how will I have clean pants to wear tomorrow.
I am trying to enjoy my last few weeks in my little house in the city. This has been a wonderful place for me. I felt at home here from the very first moment I saw the house. I will miss this place when I move to the mountains. I will miss Fany, Santos and Laura too. I really like my home here. I hope the mountains are as good to me. It think they will be.
My blood test results were not quite normal. Tomorrow at 2 pm a doctor from the church will look at them. I tried to figure out what the results meant by googling things on the internet, but I couldn't make any sense of it. I don't think they show why my hair is falling out. At first I was very anxious about having the blood work be abnormal. I started imagining that I might have to go back to the US for treatment. You know, thinking of worst case circumstances. I took a quick nap and woke up with peace. I am sure that Dr Gustavo will tell me what is wrong, or maybe nothing is wrong at all. The dermatologist wants to see me in 5 weeks for my hair. She warned me not to expect any progress for the first month or two. I do hope I see progress soon.
We are having a birthday party for Jairo on Sunday. I have to do some errands on Saturday to prepare. I am going to make his birthday cake. My taxista already agreed to help me run errands on Saturday.
Tonight I have a strange sense of peace. Despite the jeans on the line and the fact that it is likely to rain before they dry. Despite the results of my blood tests, I feel peaceful and grateful to be here. Life in Honduras is good for my soul.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Blood work in the dark
This morning Lourdes and I walked down into central Los Pinos. We got a collectivo - a cab that waits until they have a full load all going in the same direction. Then we headed out so I could get blood work done at a local lab. I almost couldn't get it. The credit card machine didn't work and it was really expensive. We pitched in together and still didn't have enough to pay. Thankfully, the man let us pay all the money we had and we will pay the rest tomorrow when we go back to get the results. My hair is falling out by the handful and has been since August 3rd. I barely have a pony tail left. When I went to the dermatologist 3 weeks ago she gave me some meds, told me to get blood work and come back in two months. At this point I am almost hoping that something shows up in the blood work so I can understand why my hair has been falling out for three months. It's frustrating!
Not only was there no phone line for the credit card machine, there was no light in the lab. The man pulled a chair up to a window, but then had me sit so that my head shaded my arm where he was about to stick me. I couldn't look. He took 3 big tubes with no trouble. He must be a pro.
We returned in time for preschool class. There were 17 kids today. Some were tiny. Since the older kids have sex ed class on Tuesdays with a psychologist, I had no help. It was controlled chaos, but we made it. Two little ones fell out of their chairs. Drinks were spilled. The floor was covered with rice. But the kids identified words that start with A-F, read a book, prayed, and filled their bellies, so I guess it was a good day.
I had to hang around for a while, waiting for the conversational Spanish class I am leading. I love that class. Today they made such great progress! We worked on pronunciation. So strange to think that it is difficult for people to make sounds that seem so common to us. "CH" as in "chew", "TH" as in "they", and "Y" as in "Yes" seem to be exceptionally hard. At the beginning they literally could not make those sounds. By the end they were perfect. I told the students that soon they will be speaking just like Gringos.
Lourdes is still feeling very tired. She said she had a hard time getting out of bed this morning. She left early today.
Tomorrow I will get the blood tests back and go see Dr Gustavo to see what he has to say.
Jairo has been doing a lot of counseling lately. He was eager to go home and rest tonight. He never complains. But tonight he said that the past two days have been long and difficult for him.
I watched as much of the election results as I could stand while I ate dinner. Some of the "experts" who were speaking were so ignorant I couldn't stand to watch for very long. I turned it off long before results were in.
Called my Mom. Her cousin just got electricity back today. Mom said many people on the East Coast are still without power. It's cold there. This is a long time to go with no power.
My friend Jody bought a new house today in Salt Lake. I'm excited for her! Congrats Jody!!
Not only was there no phone line for the credit card machine, there was no light in the lab. The man pulled a chair up to a window, but then had me sit so that my head shaded my arm where he was about to stick me. I couldn't look. He took 3 big tubes with no trouble. He must be a pro.
We returned in time for preschool class. There were 17 kids today. Some were tiny. Since the older kids have sex ed class on Tuesdays with a psychologist, I had no help. It was controlled chaos, but we made it. Two little ones fell out of their chairs. Drinks were spilled. The floor was covered with rice. But the kids identified words that start with A-F, read a book, prayed, and filled their bellies, so I guess it was a good day.
I had to hang around for a while, waiting for the conversational Spanish class I am leading. I love that class. Today they made such great progress! We worked on pronunciation. So strange to think that it is difficult for people to make sounds that seem so common to us. "CH" as in "chew", "TH" as in "they", and "Y" as in "Yes" seem to be exceptionally hard. At the beginning they literally could not make those sounds. By the end they were perfect. I told the students that soon they will be speaking just like Gringos.
Lourdes is still feeling very tired. She said she had a hard time getting out of bed this morning. She left early today.
Tomorrow I will get the blood tests back and go see Dr Gustavo to see what he has to say.
Jairo has been doing a lot of counseling lately. He was eager to go home and rest tonight. He never complains. But tonight he said that the past two days have been long and difficult for him.
I watched as much of the election results as I could stand while I ate dinner. Some of the "experts" who were speaking were so ignorant I couldn't stand to watch for very long. I turned it off long before results were in.
Called my Mom. Her cousin just got electricity back today. Mom said many people on the East Coast are still without power. It's cold there. This is a long time to go with no power.
My friend Jody bought a new house today in Salt Lake. I'm excited for her! Congrats Jody!!
Monday, November 5, 2012
"Thanks God" for Marlin and Don Juan
Today felt good. I slept well, got the garbage out in time (7 a.m.) and had a relaxing day at the Breakfast Program.
Marlin and I were a team again. Lourdes is not feeling well. We have it down to a science now. Bismar is back from his private school in Olancho. He comes to the church early every day to help Today he and Marlin were mixing the pancakes when I arrived.
Since they had everything under control I tried to keep myself busy with other things. Unfortunately the only thing I could see to do was clean out the garbage can. I really didn't want to do it. It was sticky and grungy. I knew it would be a dirty job. Then I started thinking about all that Marlin does every day. She is never afraid of dirty work. She is always the first one to take initiative when she sees something that needs to be done, no matter what the job is. I have to admit, I did take some time to think about it, but soon I got to work on the garbage can. In the end it was actually easy. I was glad I did it.
Eunice joked with me that I am becoming a professional dish washer. She asked if I washed dishes often in the US. I told her I had a dish washing machine for the majority of my life. She joked that I am putting in my time now - washing dishes at the Breakfast Program.
I pitch in with the dishes a lot because cooking here is different. I feel more comfortable washing dishes than cooking Honduran style. I help with cooking, but I always need instructions. My friends in the US would tell you I am a good cook. But in Honduras even the basic fundamentals are different. For example, in Honduras scrambled eggs are always literally deep fried in oil, but margarine is used to keep pancakes from sticking to the flat top grill. Salt and sugar are added to almost everything - things you would never imagine. Therefore, it is best if Marlin does things her way. She has the magic touch in the kitchen. Everything she cooks is delicious. I don't mind at all taking instructions from her. The good news is, she is finally comfortable telling me what to do. She used to be uncomfortable giving orders.
Today we fed close to 70 kids. They were all very well behaved and had a great time.
Afterward I played checkers (with a chess set) with Misael and Maylen. Marlin is taking classes on Saturdays so she was busy doing homework for her class. I was happy to keep the kids occupied, although they really do a fine job of entertaining themselves on their own.
I talked with Marlin about going to the used clothing store one day. Because I am a gringa, I am limited as to what I can do. Especially in the neighborhood where the church is. Marlin doesn't quite understand. She invites me to make tamales at her house but when I talk about the logistics with her, she wants me to meet my cab on a corner where a member of the church was recently shot and killed. I know Jairo would never let me meet the taxista on that corner. It's a touchy subject because I don't want her to think that I don't want to visit her, or that I am not comfortable in her neighborhood. The fact is that it is not very safe in daylight hours. After dark I cannot be there.
We tried to figure out a way to do some shopping at the used clothing store. Jairo was in a counseling session, but Don Juan offered to take us under the condition that I wear a baseball cap to cover my hair so I look less gringa. He was serious. In the end we decided I shouldn't go unless we clear it with Jairo first. I don't want Jairo to think that I would go wander around Los Pinos on my own. But I did believe he would allow me to go with Don Juan.
On the way home from the church I asked Jairo if I could go to the used clothing store on another day. He said that as long as I am willing to take Don Juan's hand if something bad happens, then I can go. I told him that is fine with me. He also got a good laugh over Don Juan insisting on the baseball cap. He offered to stop at the used clothing store on the way home, but it was late and I knew everyone wanted to go home, so I said thank you but another day would be better. (I need to get some warmer clothes. It is getting cold down here!)
Today I learned that Don Juan's siblings all work in the US. He said he would like to move to the US and could do so legally. In fact his siblings set up a job for him making good money in the US, but he told them he could not leave the church. The man who works seven days/week, for 12 hours (or more) each day, turned down a job making more money in the US because he can't leave the church. I don't know what we would do without him. Apparently he realizes his value here and that is why he can't leave.
Don Juan is the definition of a "Jack of all trades". He is a guard, plumber, electrician, coffee maker, grocery shopper, errand runner, head of construction, fixer of all things broken, artist, disciplinarian, and caregiver. He is no longer the bather of Lorenzo because Lorenzo now takes showers on his own, with some verbal encouragement. Don Juan knows which kids in the Breakfast Program need new shoes, who has food in their house, whose parents are struggling or absent. He doesn't even live in the neighborhood, but he somehow knows everything about the kids. He knows names of kids who show up randomly and how everyone is related. He is not only Iglesia en Transformación's guard. He is the church's guardian angel. That is not an exaggeration. As they say in Honduras "Thanks God" that Don Juan did not move to the US.
I will be happy to report to Lourdes that we had a fourth day with zero complications despite her absence at the Breakfast Program. She can stay home whenever she needs to and everything runs smoothly. It is not the same, but it is still good.
Marlin and I were a team again. Lourdes is not feeling well. We have it down to a science now. Bismar is back from his private school in Olancho. He comes to the church early every day to help Today he and Marlin were mixing the pancakes when I arrived.
 |
| Marlin and Bismar making panqueques. |
Eunice joked with me that I am becoming a professional dish washer. She asked if I washed dishes often in the US. I told her I had a dish washing machine for the majority of my life. She joked that I am putting in my time now - washing dishes at the Breakfast Program.
I pitch in with the dishes a lot because cooking here is different. I feel more comfortable washing dishes than cooking Honduran style. I help with cooking, but I always need instructions. My friends in the US would tell you I am a good cook. But in Honduras even the basic fundamentals are different. For example, in Honduras scrambled eggs are always literally deep fried in oil, but margarine is used to keep pancakes from sticking to the flat top grill. Salt and sugar are added to almost everything - things you would never imagine. Therefore, it is best if Marlin does things her way. She has the magic touch in the kitchen. Everything she cooks is delicious. I don't mind at all taking instructions from her. The good news is, she is finally comfortable telling me what to do. She used to be uncomfortable giving orders.
Today we fed close to 70 kids. They were all very well behaved and had a great time.
Afterward I played checkers (with a chess set) with Misael and Maylen. Marlin is taking classes on Saturdays so she was busy doing homework for her class. I was happy to keep the kids occupied, although they really do a fine job of entertaining themselves on their own.
I talked with Marlin about going to the used clothing store one day. Because I am a gringa, I am limited as to what I can do. Especially in the neighborhood where the church is. Marlin doesn't quite understand. She invites me to make tamales at her house but when I talk about the logistics with her, she wants me to meet my cab on a corner where a member of the church was recently shot and killed. I know Jairo would never let me meet the taxista on that corner. It's a touchy subject because I don't want her to think that I don't want to visit her, or that I am not comfortable in her neighborhood. The fact is that it is not very safe in daylight hours. After dark I cannot be there.
We tried to figure out a way to do some shopping at the used clothing store. Jairo was in a counseling session, but Don Juan offered to take us under the condition that I wear a baseball cap to cover my hair so I look less gringa. He was serious. In the end we decided I shouldn't go unless we clear it with Jairo first. I don't want Jairo to think that I would go wander around Los Pinos on my own. But I did believe he would allow me to go with Don Juan.
On the way home from the church I asked Jairo if I could go to the used clothing store on another day. He said that as long as I am willing to take Don Juan's hand if something bad happens, then I can go. I told him that is fine with me. He also got a good laugh over Don Juan insisting on the baseball cap. He offered to stop at the used clothing store on the way home, but it was late and I knew everyone wanted to go home, so I said thank you but another day would be better. (I need to get some warmer clothes. It is getting cold down here!)
Today I learned that Don Juan's siblings all work in the US. He said he would like to move to the US and could do so legally. In fact his siblings set up a job for him making good money in the US, but he told them he could not leave the church. The man who works seven days/week, for 12 hours (or more) each day, turned down a job making more money in the US because he can't leave the church. I don't know what we would do without him. Apparently he realizes his value here and that is why he can't leave.
Don Juan is the definition of a "Jack of all trades". He is a guard, plumber, electrician, coffee maker, grocery shopper, errand runner, head of construction, fixer of all things broken, artist, disciplinarian, and caregiver. He is no longer the bather of Lorenzo because Lorenzo now takes showers on his own, with some verbal encouragement. Don Juan knows which kids in the Breakfast Program need new shoes, who has food in their house, whose parents are struggling or absent. He doesn't even live in the neighborhood, but he somehow knows everything about the kids. He knows names of kids who show up randomly and how everyone is related. He is not only Iglesia en Transformación's guard. He is the church's guardian angel. That is not an exaggeration. As they say in Honduras "Thanks God" that Don Juan did not move to the US.
I will be happy to report to Lourdes that we had a fourth day with zero complications despite her absence at the Breakfast Program. She can stay home whenever she needs to and everything runs smoothly. It is not the same, but it is still good.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
A Day of Rest
In the US I used to spend days alone in my house. It is my way of re-centering. I never felt bad about it. For some reason since I moved here, if I don't get out and do at least one constructive thing outside my home each day, I feel like the day was wasted. I need to get over that.
Today my one productive thing was to go for a little walk, pay the light bill and search out some local fruit and veggies. I achieved all of the above. For the first time I bought things from one of the music makers. I call the people who walk down the street selling their wares "music makers" because sometimes my street is filled with music. Today it was one man selling "peliculas" (movies) while another passed by with "aquacate, sandia, mandarina" and something else I can't remember right now. I bought some avocadoes and mandarines from him. (I didn't buy watermelon.)
Then he asked if I'm from Spain. (Nice guy. When I told him I'm from the US he asked if all of my family is safe from the hurricane.) The guards at the front of my gated community asked if I'm from Spain, as have several others. I don't know why. I have never met a person from Spain in Honduras, but there seem to be plenty of gringos, so to me that would be the obvious assumption. In May and June people kept asking if I was from Argentina. Now Spain.
Ahhhh. It just started to rain. Now I have a good reason to stay in the house. But I would prefer to feel like I didn't need a reason.
LATER-
Stopped raining. Fany came by to say that Santos' car leaked a whole tank of feul onto to driveway, in case I smelled it. She said she needed to go to the store, but now they have to walk bc of the hole in the gas tank. I asked if I could go.
We put Laura in a stroller and headed out. Fany was not thrilled when Santos ran with Laura in her stroller down the hill in the middle of the street. So funny to me how some Daddies act like children when they have children of their own. He adores that little girl and will do anything to make her smile. She did love flying down the hill full speed.
On the way home a woman walking in front of us stepped out into the street to avoid a homeless man who was sitting in the middle of the sidewalk. It was a one way street and there was no oncoming traffic, so she should have been fine, but right at that moment a man on a motorcycle came up behind her driving the wrong way up the street. He hit her, pinning her foot between the curb and his tires, knocked her down into the road, and swerved away. He did stop and come back. She was crying in pain.
Fany and I felt horrible for the poor lady. She didn't do anything unwise. She had one foot barely in the street. We didn't stick around to see the outcome. I was glad I have been listening to Jairo and not walking to the store. He won't mind if I am with Santos and Fany. Bad things happen so quickly even when you don't do anything wrong. Anyway, my day was not as uneventful as I originally said.
Today my one productive thing was to go for a little walk, pay the light bill and search out some local fruit and veggies. I achieved all of the above. For the first time I bought things from one of the music makers. I call the people who walk down the street selling their wares "music makers" because sometimes my street is filled with music. Today it was one man selling "peliculas" (movies) while another passed by with "aquacate, sandia, mandarina" and something else I can't remember right now. I bought some avocadoes and mandarines from him. (I didn't buy watermelon.)
Then he asked if I'm from Spain. (Nice guy. When I told him I'm from the US he asked if all of my family is safe from the hurricane.) The guards at the front of my gated community asked if I'm from Spain, as have several others. I don't know why. I have never met a person from Spain in Honduras, but there seem to be plenty of gringos, so to me that would be the obvious assumption. In May and June people kept asking if I was from Argentina. Now Spain.
Ahhhh. It just started to rain. Now I have a good reason to stay in the house. But I would prefer to feel like I didn't need a reason.
LATER-
Stopped raining. Fany came by to say that Santos' car leaked a whole tank of feul onto to driveway, in case I smelled it. She said she needed to go to the store, but now they have to walk bc of the hole in the gas tank. I asked if I could go.
We put Laura in a stroller and headed out. Fany was not thrilled when Santos ran with Laura in her stroller down the hill in the middle of the street. So funny to me how some Daddies act like children when they have children of their own. He adores that little girl and will do anything to make her smile. She did love flying down the hill full speed.
On the way home a woman walking in front of us stepped out into the street to avoid a homeless man who was sitting in the middle of the sidewalk. It was a one way street and there was no oncoming traffic, so she should have been fine, but right at that moment a man on a motorcycle came up behind her driving the wrong way up the street. He hit her, pinning her foot between the curb and his tires, knocked her down into the road, and swerved away. He did stop and come back. She was crying in pain.
Fany and I felt horrible for the poor lady. She didn't do anything unwise. She had one foot barely in the street. We didn't stick around to see the outcome. I was glad I have been listening to Jairo and not walking to the store. He won't mind if I am with Santos and Fany. Bad things happen so quickly even when you don't do anything wrong. Anyway, my day was not as uneventful as I originally said.
Friday, November 2, 2012
No more XYZ
Marlin and I teamed up and ran the Breakfast Program alone for the past three days. I was so happy to be able to tell Lourdes that it went really well! She worries when she is not there.
Today there were LOTS of kids! I'm thinking around 70 in the first group alone. There were so many kids they couldn't all fit at the tables. Some had to eat in the prayer circle, which is usually not allowed, but today we had no choice.
One tiny one was trying to eat all by himself, but was getting more food on the table and the floor than in his mouth. I ended up spoon feeding him. With each bite he would raise his arms over his head, cheer and giggle! Never saw a little one so excited to eat. It was a fun experience.
Sometimes I feel anxious when Lourdes is gone. I know all eyes are on me, watching how the kids will behave. However, this week couldn't have gone better. Maybe it was luck, or maybe the kids are getting used to me. A few had to sit in the "castigado" chair, but none were suspended. I think Lourdes would be proud.
I've stopped letting people know when the zipper on their pants is down. Most times they are aware their zipper is down because they are wearing pants with a broken zipper. No need for me to draw attention to it. Have you ever had to wear pants with a broken zipper? I haven't.
Today there were LOTS of kids! I'm thinking around 70 in the first group alone. There were so many kids they couldn't all fit at the tables. Some had to eat in the prayer circle, which is usually not allowed, but today we had no choice.
One tiny one was trying to eat all by himself, but was getting more food on the table and the floor than in his mouth. I ended up spoon feeding him. With each bite he would raise his arms over his head, cheer and giggle! Never saw a little one so excited to eat. It was a fun experience.
Sometimes I feel anxious when Lourdes is gone. I know all eyes are on me, watching how the kids will behave. However, this week couldn't have gone better. Maybe it was luck, or maybe the kids are getting used to me. A few had to sit in the "castigado" chair, but none were suspended. I think Lourdes would be proud.
I've stopped letting people know when the zipper on their pants is down. Most times they are aware their zipper is down because they are wearing pants with a broken zipper. No need for me to draw attention to it. Have you ever had to wear pants with a broken zipper? I haven't.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Winnie the Pooh? Really? Are you kidding me?
Today I sat down with the little ones for lunch. Usually lunch conversations are about who is talking with their mouth full, or who is chewing with their mouth open. Today the little ones were discussing much bigger things.
As I took a seat one of them asked me urgently, "Isn't Winnie to Pooh diabolical, Mary Lynn!?!" He seemed very sure of himself. I was confused. I asked the boy why Winnie the Pooh could be considered diabolical. He told me he didn't know why, but he was sure that Winnie the Pooh is diabolical. I didn't want any parents angry at me, so I just told him that I had never known Winnie the Pooh to be diabolical.
I asked two educated adults why the kids would believe that Winnie the Pooh is diabolical. They said that "people say" Winnie the Pooh is gay. I was so confused. Winnie the Pooh is gay? He is a bear! Then I was told that Winnie the Pooh is gay with Christopher Robin. Now maybe we have a problem here - if we were to believe that a boy were "having relations" with a bear, that could be a problem.
I told the adults that I think whoever has the sick mind to think of such a thing is the one who has problems. Not Winnie the Pooh! How sad that people have corrupted Winnie the Pooh for the children today.
PS:
Has anyone else heard of this? I don't want to cause a debate. I just wonder if this is a common rumor that I have somehow, until now, been lucky enough to escape.
As I took a seat one of them asked me urgently, "Isn't Winnie to Pooh diabolical, Mary Lynn!?!" He seemed very sure of himself. I was confused. I asked the boy why Winnie the Pooh could be considered diabolical. He told me he didn't know why, but he was sure that Winnie the Pooh is diabolical. I didn't want any parents angry at me, so I just told him that I had never known Winnie the Pooh to be diabolical.
I asked two educated adults why the kids would believe that Winnie the Pooh is diabolical. They said that "people say" Winnie the Pooh is gay. I was so confused. Winnie the Pooh is gay? He is a bear! Then I was told that Winnie the Pooh is gay with Christopher Robin. Now maybe we have a problem here - if we were to believe that a boy were "having relations" with a bear, that could be a problem.
I told the adults that I think whoever has the sick mind to think of such a thing is the one who has problems. Not Winnie the Pooh! How sad that people have corrupted Winnie the Pooh for the children today.
PS:
Has anyone else heard of this? I don't want to cause a debate. I just wonder if this is a common rumor that I have somehow, until now, been lucky enough to escape.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Swimming with the ladies
Question: Six Hondurans and one gringa go swimming. The six Hondurans use sunblock (SPF 70) and the gringa uses none. Who gets burned?
Answer: Everyone but the gringa!
Yesterday Lourdes took all of the ladies in her discipleship group, plus Chayito (the therapist) and me to the club. The ladies were so excited! And also very nervous. They had never been to a club before. They had never been anywhere where they had to wear a bathing suit. Lourdes and I came up with bathing suits for everyone. We painted our nails to match our suits. We planned and planned all week. On Monday we prepared a list of things to bring. One by one they admitted they had no towels, so we found towels for the ladies as well. I guess they normally drip dry? Some day when the time is right I will ask.
Tuesday morning we pulled into the church expecting the ladies to be ready and waiting. Nobody was there! Usually they are all very prompt. I was surprised. Finally, one by one, they came up the hill. We climbed into the van and headed out. We arrived to find the club empty, except for one man who was skimming the pool. One of the ladies commented, "Look, he's getting our pool dirty." We told her no, he is cleaning it.
We all changed into bathing suits. There were some gasps when we walked into the bathroom. It was very average to me - two bathroom stalls, three showers, beige tile, no warm water. But to some it was very elaborate. Everyone assured each other they looked beautiful in their bathing suits - and they really did. Somehow I ended up bringing 4 bathing suits to Honduras. God must have known that I would have to clothe some ladies from Los Pinos so they could go to a swimming pool.
I broke the ice and jumped right in, so I missed the conversation about who could swim and who could not. Turned out only Marlin knows how to swim. She is actually very good! I don't know where she had the opportunity to become so comfortable in the water, but she is. Lourdes and I taught everyone else how to kick and put their faces in the water. Some were even doggy paddling.
We swam and played for hours in the water. I was the first to get out! I was chilly and needed some sunshine. Josselyn and Jairo joined us for lunch. We all chose to have a plato tipico - typical plate of Honduras. It was enormous! It was steak, two sausages, queso fresco (cheese), beans, tortillas, rice and salsa. We sat in the sun eating, lounging and talking. As the sun got too hot, we moved to the shade. Everyone talked about how good it felt to relax. Only Joss and I don't have kids, so they talked about not having to work, not having to care for the kids. Lourdes made a rule that nobody could call home. I don't think anyone even wanted to.
Here in Honduras, it is very rare that a woman takes time for herself to relax. For the women of Los Pinos it is unheard of and thought to be selfish to think of themselves. But we had prepped the ladies to honor themselves for the day. It was nice to hear them say that they felt so relaxed because I know for a fact that even when they are "relaxing" in their beds at night, they are sleeping with their kids on lumpy mattresses or some sort of pad. They don't have their own bedroom, or even their own bed. I had a wonderful day, but I think I found as much pleasure in seeing my friends relax and enjoy themselves.
After lunch we went for a walk and explored the rest of the club. It is really very nice - an isolated oasis in the middle of the city. There are several playgrounds and two different areas with tennis courts. There are two fútbol fields, the pool, a sauna, jaccuzi, childrens' pool and a gigantic slide. During our walk I saw a beautiful building at the top of a mountain. I said I was going up there. We didn't know if it was a house, or what. Along the way Joss found the hugest slide I have ever seen. She got a gleam in her eye and I thought to myself, "This is why I love this girl." She maintains a perfect balance of pushing limits without ever going too far. She is awesome! Needless to say, soon everyone was following Joss's lead and screeching as we flew down the slide. It was so fast and so high that I was afraid I was going to burn a hole in the shorts I had borrowed from Lourdes! No joke. My behind was hot!
After out hike, we were all hot again, so we hopped in the pool for one last swim. I taught everyone how to play tag in the water. Then they all (except Marlin) asked for diving lessons. We ended the day by all lining up and diving in, one at a time, like synchronized swimmers over and over. Jairo took videos of our fantastic diving. Then Lourdes said it was time to go. I laughed when I heard one mother say, "I don't want to get out yet!"
It was a marvelous day with many of my favorite people! Lourdes was BRILLIANT to think of this as a treat for her disciples.
I will now be joining the discipleship group officially. Lourdes said that the women are still new Christians, but for me it will be an opportunity to develop deeper relationships. I am honored to be included in the group.
On Monday, Marlin and I were working in the kitchen. Marlin took both of my hands and looked into my eyes. She said, "I love you. You know that, don't you? You are the most special friend I have ever had. You are caring and sweet. You are a good friend to me." I told her that she is very special to me, as well. I reminded her about the first time we ever spoke - that I thought she was one of the kids of the Breakfast Program until she told me that two of the kids were hers. I also told her that I thought it was very rare that she approached me because she is usually extremely shy. She agreed that it was not typical for her to start a conversation with a stranger. I told her that she was the first person to talk to me, and she has been wonderful to me ever since.
I try to imagine what Marlin's life is like when she leaves the Breakfast Program and goes back to her home in Los Pinos. I know she doesn't have running water (or a towel). I know she doesn't have a fridge. Her two kids don't have their own bed. Her life is nothing like the way I was raised. But we are friends deep in our souls. Our backgrounds don't matter. We really don't even talk about them much, although we could if we wanted to.
Today Marlin invited me to her house to learn how to make tamales with her on Friday. I told her I want to go, but I'm not sure how I would get home. I will ask Jairo and talk to my taxi driver to figure it out. She said we could do it Saturday if that makes it easier for me to be there. I think Saturday will be better because I don't know any taxi driver who would pick me up in her neighborhood after dark. Tamales take a long time, so if we start after the Breakfast Program on Friday we will be working long past dark. I am really hoping to spend Saturday learning to make tamales with my friend Marlin. What a beautiful opportunity to learn a new skill, spend time with my friend, and get to learn more about her life and her familiy!
Monday Jairo and I went to see the lawyer about my residency. We had to pay the most significant part of the costs. Jairo and I stopped at the bank and I got the money out of my account. He started to hand me the huge wad of cash and I looked at him like, "You want me to carry that????" I think he was testing me. He laughed and asked if I wanted him to hold it. I said yes, please! We parked in a special parking lot this time, since we were carrying so much money. This way we didn't have to walk through the streets carrying cash. Lawyers here do not take checks or credit cards.
I like the lawyer who is dealing with my residency. He is a friend of Jairo's. He asked what I am doing in Honduras, so we told him about the Breakfast Program. His wife is trying to start a similar program in his church, but so far they haven't been able to figure out how to serve anyone except on Sundays. We invited them to visit the church any morning and see how we cook and serve all of the kids. He was very impressed with what Iglesia en Transformación is doing through the Breakfast Program. He also asked how I learned Spanish. I told him through classes. He said I must have learned in other ways because he has worked with gringos and most of them don't know what he is talking about. Jairo told the attorney that he believes I have a special gift for language because I learn fast. That made me feel really good.
Lourdes, Jairo and Walter all left today to go to Olancho. They brought 5 boys with them to visit the six boys who are currently enrolled in the private Christian school there. The five boys will take an entrance exam. If they pass the exam we will begin looking for funding so that they can get out of Los Pinos and go away to school. Lourdes picks only "the cream of the crop" to attend school at El Sembrador. It is very expensive, so she wants to be sure they will be able to last away from home, in a new environment, with a LOT of structure. I have been praying all day for those boys. This is literally a day that will change their lives. If they pass the exam and go to school at El Sembrador, they will have access to an entirely different path.
Marlin and I are running the Breakfast Program together. We make a great team. She cooks and I make sure to help when she needs it. I work with the kids and she helps me when I need it. Today she told me she needed help. She said she needed me to ask the kids to wash their dishes and leave. I started to bolt out the door to do as she asked. She burst out laughing and said WAIT! I was so eager to do as she asked, I hadn't given her time to finish telling me the rest of what she needed me to do. :) We both started laughing. Marlin works harder at the Breakfast Program than any other person, but she used to be very timid. Only in the past month she has found her own voice. Now I find her solving arguments with the kids and making decisions on her own. She never did that before, even a month ago. She is also parenting her kids in a more decisive, consistent manner. I like watching my friend reach her full potential.
I was able to call Lourdes this afternoon and tell her that everything had been very "tranquilo" (calm) with no problems at all. I even have a new boy in mind for El Sembrador next year. His name is Yireh.
Today is Halloween. Halloween is very strongly frowned upon here. Nobody sees it as a silly holiday to paint your face and eat treats. In a country where every other day seems to be some sort of holiday, Halloween is NOT. It as seen as evil and anti-christian. The kids are offended by the idea of Halloween and call it the day of the witch. We did not celebrate Halloween today.
Answer: Everyone but the gringa!
Yesterday Lourdes took all of the ladies in her discipleship group, plus Chayito (the therapist) and me to the club. The ladies were so excited! And also very nervous. They had never been to a club before. They had never been anywhere where they had to wear a bathing suit. Lourdes and I came up with bathing suits for everyone. We painted our nails to match our suits. We planned and planned all week. On Monday we prepared a list of things to bring. One by one they admitted they had no towels, so we found towels for the ladies as well. I guess they normally drip dry? Some day when the time is right I will ask.
Tuesday morning we pulled into the church expecting the ladies to be ready and waiting. Nobody was there! Usually they are all very prompt. I was surprised. Finally, one by one, they came up the hill. We climbed into the van and headed out. We arrived to find the club empty, except for one man who was skimming the pool. One of the ladies commented, "Look, he's getting our pool dirty." We told her no, he is cleaning it.
We all changed into bathing suits. There were some gasps when we walked into the bathroom. It was very average to me - two bathroom stalls, three showers, beige tile, no warm water. But to some it was very elaborate. Everyone assured each other they looked beautiful in their bathing suits - and they really did. Somehow I ended up bringing 4 bathing suits to Honduras. God must have known that I would have to clothe some ladies from Los Pinos so they could go to a swimming pool.
 |
| Clara, Chayito, Jacki, Veronica, Marlin, Lourdes at the Club |
I broke the ice and jumped right in, so I missed the conversation about who could swim and who could not. Turned out only Marlin knows how to swim. She is actually very good! I don't know where she had the opportunity to become so comfortable in the water, but she is. Lourdes and I taught everyone else how to kick and put their faces in the water. Some were even doggy paddling.
 |
| Clara is out of the hospital and swimming! |
We swam and played for hours in the water. I was the first to get out! I was chilly and needed some sunshine. Josselyn and Jairo joined us for lunch. We all chose to have a plato tipico - typical plate of Honduras. It was enormous! It was steak, two sausages, queso fresco (cheese), beans, tortillas, rice and salsa. We sat in the sun eating, lounging and talking. As the sun got too hot, we moved to the shade. Everyone talked about how good it felt to relax. Only Joss and I don't have kids, so they talked about not having to work, not having to care for the kids. Lourdes made a rule that nobody could call home. I don't think anyone even wanted to.
Here in Honduras, it is very rare that a woman takes time for herself to relax. For the women of Los Pinos it is unheard of and thought to be selfish to think of themselves. But we had prepped the ladies to honor themselves for the day. It was nice to hear them say that they felt so relaxed because I know for a fact that even when they are "relaxing" in their beds at night, they are sleeping with their kids on lumpy mattresses or some sort of pad. They don't have their own bedroom, or even their own bed. I had a wonderful day, but I think I found as much pleasure in seeing my friends relax and enjoy themselves.
 |
| Veronica and me |
After lunch we went for a walk and explored the rest of the club. It is really very nice - an isolated oasis in the middle of the city. There are several playgrounds and two different areas with tennis courts. There are two fútbol fields, the pool, a sauna, jaccuzi, childrens' pool and a gigantic slide. During our walk I saw a beautiful building at the top of a mountain. I said I was going up there. We didn't know if it was a house, or what. Along the way Joss found the hugest slide I have ever seen. She got a gleam in her eye and I thought to myself, "This is why I love this girl." She maintains a perfect balance of pushing limits without ever going too far. She is awesome! Needless to say, soon everyone was following Joss's lead and screeching as we flew down the slide. It was so fast and so high that I was afraid I was going to burn a hole in the shorts I had borrowed from Lourdes! No joke. My behind was hot!
 |
| This is the slide - it wouldn't even fit in the photo |
After out hike, we were all hot again, so we hopped in the pool for one last swim. I taught everyone how to play tag in the water. Then they all (except Marlin) asked for diving lessons. We ended the day by all lining up and diving in, one at a time, like synchronized swimmers over and over. Jairo took videos of our fantastic diving. Then Lourdes said it was time to go. I laughed when I heard one mother say, "I don't want to get out yet!"
It was a marvelous day with many of my favorite people! Lourdes was BRILLIANT to think of this as a treat for her disciples.
I will now be joining the discipleship group officially. Lourdes said that the women are still new Christians, but for me it will be an opportunity to develop deeper relationships. I am honored to be included in the group.
On Monday, Marlin and I were working in the kitchen. Marlin took both of my hands and looked into my eyes. She said, "I love you. You know that, don't you? You are the most special friend I have ever had. You are caring and sweet. You are a good friend to me." I told her that she is very special to me, as well. I reminded her about the first time we ever spoke - that I thought she was one of the kids of the Breakfast Program until she told me that two of the kids were hers. I also told her that I thought it was very rare that she approached me because she is usually extremely shy. She agreed that it was not typical for her to start a conversation with a stranger. I told her that she was the first person to talk to me, and she has been wonderful to me ever since.
I try to imagine what Marlin's life is like when she leaves the Breakfast Program and goes back to her home in Los Pinos. I know she doesn't have running water (or a towel). I know she doesn't have a fridge. Her two kids don't have their own bed. Her life is nothing like the way I was raised. But we are friends deep in our souls. Our backgrounds don't matter. We really don't even talk about them much, although we could if we wanted to.
Today Marlin invited me to her house to learn how to make tamales with her on Friday. I told her I want to go, but I'm not sure how I would get home. I will ask Jairo and talk to my taxi driver to figure it out. She said we could do it Saturday if that makes it easier for me to be there. I think Saturday will be better because I don't know any taxi driver who would pick me up in her neighborhood after dark. Tamales take a long time, so if we start after the Breakfast Program on Friday we will be working long past dark. I am really hoping to spend Saturday learning to make tamales with my friend Marlin. What a beautiful opportunity to learn a new skill, spend time with my friend, and get to learn more about her life and her familiy!
Monday Jairo and I went to see the lawyer about my residency. We had to pay the most significant part of the costs. Jairo and I stopped at the bank and I got the money out of my account. He started to hand me the huge wad of cash and I looked at him like, "You want me to carry that????" I think he was testing me. He laughed and asked if I wanted him to hold it. I said yes, please! We parked in a special parking lot this time, since we were carrying so much money. This way we didn't have to walk through the streets carrying cash. Lawyers here do not take checks or credit cards.
I like the lawyer who is dealing with my residency. He is a friend of Jairo's. He asked what I am doing in Honduras, so we told him about the Breakfast Program. His wife is trying to start a similar program in his church, but so far they haven't been able to figure out how to serve anyone except on Sundays. We invited them to visit the church any morning and see how we cook and serve all of the kids. He was very impressed with what Iglesia en Transformación is doing through the Breakfast Program. He also asked how I learned Spanish. I told him through classes. He said I must have learned in other ways because he has worked with gringos and most of them don't know what he is talking about. Jairo told the attorney that he believes I have a special gift for language because I learn fast. That made me feel really good.
Lourdes, Jairo and Walter all left today to go to Olancho. They brought 5 boys with them to visit the six boys who are currently enrolled in the private Christian school there. The five boys will take an entrance exam. If they pass the exam we will begin looking for funding so that they can get out of Los Pinos and go away to school. Lourdes picks only "the cream of the crop" to attend school at El Sembrador. It is very expensive, so she wants to be sure they will be able to last away from home, in a new environment, with a LOT of structure. I have been praying all day for those boys. This is literally a day that will change their lives. If they pass the exam and go to school at El Sembrador, they will have access to an entirely different path.
Marlin and I are running the Breakfast Program together. We make a great team. She cooks and I make sure to help when she needs it. I work with the kids and she helps me when I need it. Today she told me she needed help. She said she needed me to ask the kids to wash their dishes and leave. I started to bolt out the door to do as she asked. She burst out laughing and said WAIT! I was so eager to do as she asked, I hadn't given her time to finish telling me the rest of what she needed me to do. :) We both started laughing. Marlin works harder at the Breakfast Program than any other person, but she used to be very timid. Only in the past month she has found her own voice. Now I find her solving arguments with the kids and making decisions on her own. She never did that before, even a month ago. She is also parenting her kids in a more decisive, consistent manner. I like watching my friend reach her full potential.
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| My friend Marlin is learning not to be timid. |
I was able to call Lourdes this afternoon and tell her that everything had been very "tranquilo" (calm) with no problems at all. I even have a new boy in mind for El Sembrador next year. His name is Yireh.
Today is Halloween. Halloween is very strongly frowned upon here. Nobody sees it as a silly holiday to paint your face and eat treats. In a country where every other day seems to be some sort of holiday, Halloween is NOT. It as seen as evil and anti-christian. The kids are offended by the idea of Halloween and call it the day of the witch. We did not celebrate Halloween today.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
New boots
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| Violet and Misael got new boots! |
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| Violet practicing her modeling skills |
Yesterday Lourdes went through donations we received from a team in Canada. Inside were many things including rubber boots. The kids absolutely LOVE these boots. Misael wore his all day yesterday and showed up this morning wearing them again. He has to be so hot and sweaty in them. We have tried to tell him to save them for the rain, but... Violet wanted to wear her boots today too and cried when her mother didn't allow her.
Today was a great day for the preschool class. We had three kids who were so small we had to cut their pancakes and spoon feed them, but they still participated well. We played Simon Says, Duck Duck Goose, and Red Light Green Light. It was really fun for everyone. I had to stand out of Duck Duck Goose after I realized that as long as I was sitting in the circle, every kid was going to pick me.
For an entire week, Violet has at least attended class. She cried a little bit on Wednesday. Today she played, prayed and ate with the class. This is the best she has done so far. She gets a sticker on days that she participates.
Seeing the progress - the fact that they can stand and listen in order to play Simon Says - feels great! There were some days that I wondered if this was even possible. After 3 months we have fallen into a nice rhythm. They love the class too, which is really nice. They are proud of their class.
Yesterday was a new highlight for the whole morning group. As I handed out the food I noticed they were all saying "Gracias" (Thank You). All but one of the 49 kids in the morning group remembered to say thank you for their food! This is something I have been working on since the first day I arrived. I was so proud of them! The one girl who forgot to say thank you is new. She still needs time to learn.
Everyday we have to shoo the kids out when it is time to go. Today I did the shooing. Three boys continued playing so I told them if they didn't leave they would not be allowed to come back on Monday. (Since it's a daily problem, that's how Lourdes has asked us to deal with it.) Two eventually ran to get their backpacks while the third headed for the swings. Along the way he threw his Popsicle wrapper on the ground. I walked over and asked him to pick up his garbage and not throw it on the ground. He got angry. He started muttering something about "That Gringa" as he left. His friends followed behind. But soon his buddies came running back.
There is one thing that none of the kids tolerate at the Breakfast Program. "Malas palabras" - bad words. The boy's friends ran to Don Juan and me with wide eyes. They told us that Christopher, the angry boy, had said bad words. Don Juan was really surprised when they told him exactly what Christopher had said. When I saw the look on Don Juan's face I told the boys to let Christopher, who was long gone, know that he would not be allowed in the Breakfast Program on Monday. Several adults and kids mentioned that this boy's behavior is reflective of the way his family behaves at home. Jairo was furious when he heard what the boy had said. I can't repeat it.
It is hard for me to tell the kids they are not allowed to come to the Breakfast Program, even if they say vile things about me. I always wonder if I may be taking away their one meal for the day. The likelihood of this is great. I have to remind myself that it is not me who keeps them from coming that day. It is their own behavior. But sometimes that is hard to remember.
The kids at the Breakfast Program live in poverty that I can't imagine. No running water, no refrigerators. Lately the whole program has been deeply infested with lice. It seems like Lourdes, one other mother, and I are the only ones who have avoided lice. So far. The mothers and Don Juan sit with the kids and pick the lice out of their hair every day. Sometimes they sit for hours. I have not gotten up the nerve or desire to pick lice yet. It still kind of freaks me out to watch them pull out the lice and crush them between their fingernails. Yuck.
Yesterday Lourdes and I were talking when Jairo called to Lourdes. We looked outside and there was a woman who was clearly very angry. Lourdes was not looking forward to talking with the angry woman but when she went outside she learned that the mother was there with her son, who had stolen toys from the Breakfast Program. The mother brought her son to the church to return the toys. She made it very clear that his behavior was not acceptable in her home. We all talked about what a great mother she is. Her kids are new to the program. She doesn't know us. It would have been easier for her to handle it differently. But she set a good example for her son and his 3 younger siblings who are all in the preschool class.
Next door to the church is the most expensive colleges in the country. Jairo had told me about the fact that many of the kids have body guards there. Yesterday the kids from the college were jogging down the sidewalk along the way to church. We followed a long trail of them. Jairo asked if I saw all of those people driving next to the students. I couldn't help but notice. They were holding up traffic as they drove next to the joggers. He said all of the drivers are personal body guards for the students. He said this is the state of the country. The parents have to pay for personal body guards for their kids. The body guards have to be right next to the students because it is not safe to jog on the sidewalk. Things like that really bother Jairo - reminders of the state of his precious country.
If you look at the pattern, even within the Breakfast Program, you can see the different paths the kids are already on. Some kids have mothers who are bring them to turn in toys if they steal and teach them to be responsible. Others kids learn to say vile things to authority figures. I hope the Breakfast Program is changing these patterns. 48 of 49 kids remembering to say "Thank You" is a small, but good start.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Welcome to my 200th Blog Entry!
Today I walked on the wild side. Before my Mom starts having a heart attack, let me explain. Today, for the first time ever, I went to the pulperia after 5pm. It's dark here by 5:30, so I like to be sure I'm in the house with plenty of time to spare. The pulperia is only about 1/2 a block away. I was back home safely before dark. That was my walk on the wild side.
Lately I have a special knack for bringing the rain. I wait until there is not a cloud in the sky, and start washing laundry. By the time I have clipped the last clothes pin and walked into the house it begins to rain. This has happened three times in a row. Except today it started raining before I got all of the clothes hung, so I took them all inside and hung them around the house. I tried twice more to hang them outside. The last time the skies were so clear I figured they could hang outdoors all night and be dry by morning. Nope. Within 7 minutes I heard thunder and it started to rain. The skies turned black that fast. I grumbled to my neighbors that the laundry had only been out for 5 minutes and was never going to dry. Santos asked if it rains a lot in the states. I said, "In the states I have a DRYER. I don't pay any attention to the rain!" He laughed at me. Spoiled gringa.
Santos and Fany are amazed at how their daughter, Laura, has gotten so comfortable with me. She is 10 months old. She saw me across the church on Sunday and was reaching out for me. Today when her parents were holding her in the yard she reached for me too. She laughs a lot. I've only heard her cry once in 6 months. Today she was laughing as I yanked my clothes off the line for the third time. I told her it was not funny. She still laughed. She is really darn cute.
Jairo left today to go fishing. I told Lourdes, "Good for him!" She said, "Good for us, too. He needs to go fishing. We need him to go." He has a difficult job. Especially this month with an event every Saturday because of the 30th Anniversary of the church.
Last Saturday was the Womens' Conference. Next week we will have a talent show. Every Sunday we have special guests too. This week was the best church service I have been to in a long time. Jairo's sister, Ruth's church came to celebrate with us. That meant the church members came and they brought their musicians. It was incredibly powerful. We sang and sang. Let me tell you - God was ROCKING THAT CHURCH! First our regular band played four songs. Then Ruth's group was supposed to play 7, but I don't think they made it that far because at the end of "The Revelation Song" I saw Edward, the drummer from our church, signal to the sound guys.
Edward is normally the quiet type. However, he took the microphone and began to speak passionately. He spoke straight to the "jovenes" (ages 13-29). He said the Lord called him to speak out. He said he needed to tell the jovenes to stand up, honor and praise the Lord. He said the Lord has been so wonderful to this church for 30 years. He said we all must rise up, be strong, and glorify the Lord. He said especially the jovenes cannot be quiet because they are the future leadership.
Ruth asked everyone to stop because Edward had just had a prophecy. She called all of the jovenes to the front and asked Edward to pray over each individual. He did. We continued singing The Revelation Song as he prayed. There were over 30 jovenes spread across the front of the church. I forgot to ask any of the kids what he said to them. I am curious to hear, because everyone could feel God's presence. It was a very intense and moving experience. Here are some pictures.
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| Edward is on stage, on the left, in the brown shirt. In front of him are all of the jovenes lining up. |
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| Kenia, Lolita, Yarely went up front to recieve |
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| Lolita receiving God's word for her from Edward |
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| Maynor, Luis, Kevin, Emilson |
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| Edward praying over Emilson |
After all of that Walter spoke. I don't think I've heard him actually preach before. He was really, really good. It was a great message, delivered in a very straight forward, easy to follow and sincere way. It will stick with me past Tuesday. (I remember hearing once that most people can't remember the message from the previous Sunday past Tuesday.)
The 3rd Annual Women's Conference was really good on Saturday too. We got all dressed up. Lourdes read the letter that she wrote for Paula Winter's birthday book. When Paula passed, Eric asked Paula's friends to write a letter about their memories of Paula. He put all of the letters into a book for the family to read every year on Paula's birthday. The strange part was that Lourdes wrote about how Paula is a woman who represents all that Psalms 31 says a woman should be. Jairo asked Lourdes to honor Paula without knowing that the other speakers at the conference were all speaking about Psalms 31. So Lourdes' letter fit right in. That was another God thing.
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| Lourdes, Clara (looking GREAT!), Me Clara was just diagnosed with Leukemia. She is out of the hospital but needs $200/week for chemotherapy. Only God knows where we will get the money for her treatment. |
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| Lourdes with her disciples - Marlin, Clara and Jacky They are all very special to me. |
After the conference Jairo loaded 18 women into the van at a time and began a shuttle service from the church to La Tigra, which is a good 45 minutes. He was shuttling from 4 pm until 8 pm. By the time he and Lourdes got home, we had cooked the whole meal for Joss's birthday party and had everything ready to go. That was a good thing because Jairo had a headache and needed to eat to balance his diabetes. We ate carne asada, chismol, bean salad, queso fresco, and tortillas. I even drank coca cola at night. Lourdes said I am turning into a real Honduran when she saw that. Then we had Joss's cake. The picture stands for itself.
Joss told me it was going to be a small party - just me, her Grandmother, her Aunt and her family. Over 30 people were there. It was very nice and she got the cake of her dreams.
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| Making a wish with Mom and Dad cheering her on |
When I started this blog 200 entries ago, I never, EVER imagined I would be a missionary in Honduras. I started writing in 2009 as a way for me to keep in touch with family and friends on a daily basis because I was coming to live to Honduras to learn the language. I thought that in three months I could improve my Spanish enough to pass a fluency test and get a better paying job. Well, I don't have a better paying job. At least not in dollars, but living as a missionary in Honduras is more rewarding than any amount of money could be. I love to serve God. I love to put my life in His hands and see where He leads me. I thank and praise Him for leading me here, to Honduras, where I get to experience things that are more beautiful and fulfilling than anything I have ever known before in my life. I am grateful for every person He has brought into my life. I can't imagine what He has in store for me next, but I am excited to see!
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
"My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the LORD. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." Isaiah 55:8-9
My God is faithful.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
AWESOMENESS
Reasons why today was awesome:
I was ready when my ride came earlier than I expected.
I remembered to wear my Honduras fútbol jersey.
Misael (age 3) helped me gather, wash and dry rocks to paint for preschool class. He is so funny and hard working.
We painted rocks in preschool class. Nobody's clothes got ruined. We learned about that we are each different and beautiful.
Everyone liked the brownies I baked for the English class. Maybe too much - they were long gone before the class began.
We got to talk to Kim Fahrenkrog on the phone!
There were FOUR unexpected donations on my monthly donor report.
Honduras beat Kanada (that's how they write it here) 8-1. Who scores 8 points in fútbol? HONDURAS, baby!
Lourdes and I had a good talk.
Clara came home from the hospital. She will go back once/week for chemotherapy.
Got an email that Pat will come home from the hospital Thursday.
The first conversational English class went really well. It was fun and the students said I am a good teacher.
Jetty got to run around outside today. She is so funny when she runs.
A lawyer is going to deal with the fact that I am going to overstay my 90 day passport stamp, so Jairo and I don't have to worry about it.
My birth certificate made it to Panama, so I should be able to apply for residency soon!
Talked to Mom about coming home for Christmas and what wine she should serve for dinner tonight.
I have a refrigerator. It has food inside.
Tomorrow will be my 200th blog entry.
I LIVE AND SERVE IN HONDURAS!
I was ready when my ride came earlier than I expected.
I remembered to wear my Honduras fútbol jersey.
Misael (age 3) helped me gather, wash and dry rocks to paint for preschool class. He is so funny and hard working.
We painted rocks in preschool class. Nobody's clothes got ruined. We learned about that we are each different and beautiful.
Everyone liked the brownies I baked for the English class. Maybe too much - they were long gone before the class began.
We got to talk to Kim Fahrenkrog on the phone!
There were FOUR unexpected donations on my monthly donor report.
Honduras beat Kanada (that's how they write it here) 8-1. Who scores 8 points in fútbol? HONDURAS, baby!
Lourdes and I had a good talk.
Clara came home from the hospital. She will go back once/week for chemotherapy.
Got an email that Pat will come home from the hospital Thursday.
The first conversational English class went really well. It was fun and the students said I am a good teacher.
Jetty got to run around outside today. She is so funny when she runs.
A lawyer is going to deal with the fact that I am going to overstay my 90 day passport stamp, so Jairo and I don't have to worry about it.
My birth certificate made it to Panama, so I should be able to apply for residency soon!
Talked to Mom about coming home for Christmas and what wine she should serve for dinner tonight.
I have a refrigerator. It has food inside.
Tomorrow will be my 200th blog entry.
I LIVE AND SERVE IN HONDURAS!
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Singing and Dancing
Church was fun. We are still celebrating the 30th Anniversary. Only this week it changed to "30 years and a little bit more". I'm not sure what is up with that.
Before church I had a bad morning. I lost the paper for blood work that the dermatologist asked me to complete next week. I was dreading having to tell Jairo that my birth certificate won't be here before the deadline on my passport expires. I couldn't figure out how to make my internet work even though it has been explained to me by at least three different people.
Losing things frustrates me! I remember that I had the paper for my blood work when we were at the pharmacy. Now I have all the other things from the pharmacy, but not the one paper that I still need. Dug through the garbage, cleaned the house. Then deep cleaned. It's not here.
Church turned things around though. We had a guest speaker. To be honest, I didn't really get his point, but he was funny. Marlin sat with me. I felt better when she said, "I have no idea what he is talking about." At least it wasn't a language barrier. Marlin didn't understand either. We agreed we'll have to ask Lourdes what we missed.
Greeting time is so different for me now than it was 6 months ago. The kids are happy to see me. Even though they spent all week with me they greet me at church with big smiles and give me hugs. Now I know most of the adults. Not necessarily by name, but I know who they are and we usually have something to talk about other than, "How are you?" "I'm good. How are you?" For the first time in my life I don't dread greeting time at church because I like to get up and say hello to the Moms from Los Pinos who I only see on Sundays, and other church members. Christian (Conejo)'s Mom is always so sweet and happy to see me.
Some of the girls sang and danced. Some of the younger teens did a really neat skit about seeds falling on fertile ground. It was very creative and fun!
At the end, Lourdes announced that I will hold classes of conversational English starting every Tuesday at the church. The first person who assured me that he wants to attend was Dr. Gustavo. He is the Dr who was coming to the church every Tuesday and Thursday. Now he only comes if there is a patient. He is great. If someone gets sick, he will meet them down at the pharmacy and assess them there - almost like we have our own private Dr on call. I learned last week that he has a daily radio show too. We go to church 2 hours earlier each day now because Joss's college classes are earlier, so we listen to the show on the way to church. Last week he had a radio show about headaches. I was wishing I could have heard the whole show, since I often suffer from headaches.
By the time I left, a girl I've never met before said she wanted to attend the class. Shelly, the psychologist's daughter, is coming and bringing a friend. And three other people have already said they want to attend as well. I am really excited. I am trying to think of ways to blend culture and language, so they can learn a little about the different cultures as well. I think most of them are there to learn English to use at their jobs. So culture is not as important as building confidence in their abilities. I have already spoken to most of the people who will attend. They just need some practice and some confidence. They are already more proficient than they realize.
I was trying to think of a North American snack or drink that I would bring on Tuesday. Maybe brownies. People here don't bake much. That would be a huge treat. But what drink would represent us? (Beer is not an option.)
Each person will make a donation to the church, so I hope the class gets big! But 6 is perfect to start out.
I told Jairo I had some bad news - my paperwork for my passport won't be here until the day it is due at the very earliest. He was not at all perturbed. He said, Well, we'll just have to pay a fine. I said, So you won't ship me off to Costa Rica? He said no. He'll check with the lawyer, but he thinks it will be less expensive to pay a fine than to leave the country and have my passport stamped before the 18th. I am so grateful that he doesn't get upset easily. For some reason I was thinking he might be frustrated over this. I should have known better because that is not typical for Jairo.
We had another feast after church. I feel bad because Doña Albertina's doughnut sales are suffering with all of the good food we've had for the past few weeks after church. She makes dozens and dozens of doughnuts to sell after church. Usually she leaves with an empty bin. Today it was still pretty full, so she'll have to go sell them on the streets until they are sold.
Tomorrow is ANOTHER holiday. I don't know what it is. I can't keep track of all of these holidays. I do know that last night the Catholic church across the street sang an incredible version of "Ave Maria" starting with a man doing the traditional rendition and then kids doing a modern, upbeat version. I was so tempted to break Jairo's rule and go to the church by myself. But I didn't. Later I was glad I didn't because the church set off fireworks in front of my house. I could have been struck by a stray firework as I walked across the street and Jairo would not have been happy. (JOKING - kind of.)
Actually the real reason I didn't go to the church is because of a conversation I had with Jairo last week. We were talking about how I have adapted to living in Honduras. I told him that when I first got here I thought I would feel confined, or trapped, or at least bored because I have to be inside my house every night by 5:30 unless I am with someone from the church. I am surprised that I don't have any of those negative feelings. He said it's because I understand. He said when you understand why it is easier to accept that you have to do these things. That is true. I am better at following rules when I understand why they are necessary. So even though I really, really wanted to step 50 steps outside my gate last night to see what was going on at the Catholic church, I stayed home alone in my house. I did, however, vow to myself that I will visit that church with Fany and watch the choir once before I move to the mountains.
Before church I had a bad morning. I lost the paper for blood work that the dermatologist asked me to complete next week. I was dreading having to tell Jairo that my birth certificate won't be here before the deadline on my passport expires. I couldn't figure out how to make my internet work even though it has been explained to me by at least three different people.
Losing things frustrates me! I remember that I had the paper for my blood work when we were at the pharmacy. Now I have all the other things from the pharmacy, but not the one paper that I still need. Dug through the garbage, cleaned the house. Then deep cleaned. It's not here.
Church turned things around though. We had a guest speaker. To be honest, I didn't really get his point, but he was funny. Marlin sat with me. I felt better when she said, "I have no idea what he is talking about." At least it wasn't a language barrier. Marlin didn't understand either. We agreed we'll have to ask Lourdes what we missed.
Greeting time is so different for me now than it was 6 months ago. The kids are happy to see me. Even though they spent all week with me they greet me at church with big smiles and give me hugs. Now I know most of the adults. Not necessarily by name, but I know who they are and we usually have something to talk about other than, "How are you?" "I'm good. How are you?" For the first time in my life I don't dread greeting time at church because I like to get up and say hello to the Moms from Los Pinos who I only see on Sundays, and other church members. Christian (Conejo)'s Mom is always so sweet and happy to see me.
Some of the girls sang and danced. Some of the younger teens did a really neat skit about seeds falling on fertile ground. It was very creative and fun!
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| Honduras' own Blanca Flor |
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| Kebelin |
At the end, Lourdes announced that I will hold classes of conversational English starting every Tuesday at the church. The first person who assured me that he wants to attend was Dr. Gustavo. He is the Dr who was coming to the church every Tuesday and Thursday. Now he only comes if there is a patient. He is great. If someone gets sick, he will meet them down at the pharmacy and assess them there - almost like we have our own private Dr on call. I learned last week that he has a daily radio show too. We go to church 2 hours earlier each day now because Joss's college classes are earlier, so we listen to the show on the way to church. Last week he had a radio show about headaches. I was wishing I could have heard the whole show, since I often suffer from headaches.
By the time I left, a girl I've never met before said she wanted to attend the class. Shelly, the psychologist's daughter, is coming and bringing a friend. And three other people have already said they want to attend as well. I am really excited. I am trying to think of ways to blend culture and language, so they can learn a little about the different cultures as well. I think most of them are there to learn English to use at their jobs. So culture is not as important as building confidence in their abilities. I have already spoken to most of the people who will attend. They just need some practice and some confidence. They are already more proficient than they realize.
I was trying to think of a North American snack or drink that I would bring on Tuesday. Maybe brownies. People here don't bake much. That would be a huge treat. But what drink would represent us? (Beer is not an option.)
Each person will make a donation to the church, so I hope the class gets big! But 6 is perfect to start out.
I told Jairo I had some bad news - my paperwork for my passport won't be here until the day it is due at the very earliest. He was not at all perturbed. He said, Well, we'll just have to pay a fine. I said, So you won't ship me off to Costa Rica? He said no. He'll check with the lawyer, but he thinks it will be less expensive to pay a fine than to leave the country and have my passport stamped before the 18th. I am so grateful that he doesn't get upset easily. For some reason I was thinking he might be frustrated over this. I should have known better because that is not typical for Jairo.
We had another feast after church. I feel bad because Doña Albertina's doughnut sales are suffering with all of the good food we've had for the past few weeks after church. She makes dozens and dozens of doughnuts to sell after church. Usually she leaves with an empty bin. Today it was still pretty full, so she'll have to go sell them on the streets until they are sold.
Tomorrow is ANOTHER holiday. I don't know what it is. I can't keep track of all of these holidays. I do know that last night the Catholic church across the street sang an incredible version of "Ave Maria" starting with a man doing the traditional rendition and then kids doing a modern, upbeat version. I was so tempted to break Jairo's rule and go to the church by myself. But I didn't. Later I was glad I didn't because the church set off fireworks in front of my house. I could have been struck by a stray firework as I walked across the street and Jairo would not have been happy. (JOKING - kind of.)
Actually the real reason I didn't go to the church is because of a conversation I had with Jairo last week. We were talking about how I have adapted to living in Honduras. I told him that when I first got here I thought I would feel confined, or trapped, or at least bored because I have to be inside my house every night by 5:30 unless I am with someone from the church. I am surprised that I don't have any of those negative feelings. He said it's because I understand. He said when you understand why it is easier to accept that you have to do these things. That is true. I am better at following rules when I understand why they are necessary. So even though I really, really wanted to step 50 steps outside my gate last night to see what was going on at the Catholic church, I stayed home alone in my house. I did, however, vow to myself that I will visit that church with Fany and watch the choir once before I move to the mountains.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
A Visit to the Dr.
Yesterday when Lourdes and Jairo picked me up we went to the Dr instead of the Breakfast Program. I have had hair falling out by the handful since August 3rd, so I figured I better go before I'm bald. Jairo got his teeth fixed while I got my head fixed (jajajaja).
Lourdes accompanied me. We signed in downstairs and were told we were 6th in line, but the Dr had not yet arrived. Here, there is no such thing as an appointment time to see a Dr. You go early, sign in, and hope that you are seen before office hours are over for that day. If not you go back the next day and wait in line again.
The dermatologist came more than an hour late, but we did get in to see her so that it what matters. I thought she was really good. She wants to do blood work, just to be sure it's not related to anemia, hormones or thyroid problems. I feel healthy, so I think I am fine. Actually, last night I remembered that in June I got a really bad sunburn on my scalp. I am guessing that is the cause, because the timing would be right. Apparently with hair, it takes 2-3 months to fall out and then 3-6 months to grow back. Who knows. She said not to expect immediate results or I would drive myself crazy and end up bald from the stress.
She prescribed all natural things to help, which I like. Amino acids and antioxidants in a shampoo, a cream that I have to put on my scalp every night and a special vitamin to take every day. Can't take any other vitamins with it. I read up on antioxidants and amino acids for hair. It said to have a lot of vitamin C, eggs, dairy products and eat certain food combinations like beans and rice, rice pudding, or cheese sandwiches. I already eat all of those things regularly, so I don't think it's a diet thing. But I stocked up on yogurt, ice cream, beans, fruit, and cheese today. Last week I bought the makings for rice pudding, which is good because this week the raisins were no longer by the popcorn at the store.
Jairo took me to several pharmacies, but the Dr had warned us that the medicine would be hard to find so we ended up having to go the the pharmacy she recommended. They didn't have the lotion, so they had it sent in and then I took a cab back there this morning and got the lotion. I was going to have my first venture to the mercado, where all of the fresh veggies are sold every Friday night and Saturday morning. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted someone I know to come with me. There are so many fruits and vegetables here that I am not familiar with. I don't know when they are ripe or how to pick the best one. My taxista agreed to go with me, but I would rather wait until someone I know can go and help me pick out things that I will know how to eat. So I chickened out.
Lourdes, Eunice, Jairo and I did a little shopping yesterday. We really didn't buy much, but I have started to pick up some small things to mail out to my sponsors and friends when I get back to the states. Lourdes is hand making some of the gifts I will send. I know people will love those, especially because they were made by Lourdes. I hate having to go out and search for gifts, just for the sake of having something to give. But it is so fun when you see something and immediately think of a special person who would like/need it. THAT is how gifts should be given. We stopped and Eunice bought us all coffee. I can't drink coffee due to my nightly habit of teeth clenching even without caffeine in my system, so I had a guanabana slushy. Yum! Guanabana is a fruit that I really like, but have never seen in the US. Then we sat and discussed my diet and weight over coffee/slushies.
I believe I am a healthy weight and have a healthy diet. I do eat more sugar here than in the US. Jairo and Eunice say I don't eat enough food. They would like to see me take larger portions. Now I am under watchful eyes every time I put food in my mouth (or don't). Since I can't take vitamins I plan to be more aware of what I'm eating. Jairo brought up the point that gringos eat their big meal at dinner, while here they eat their big meal at lunch. I assured him I am eating a big meal at home for dinner every night. They didn't seem convinced. At least they care about me.
Clara has been in the hospital for a month now. She was supposed to have surgery on her back, so she was in the hospital, waiting for the surgeons to have an opening. She was scheduled for surgery last Wednesday, but right before the surgery they found out she was anemic. With her blood count so off kilter they couldn't do the surgery.
They did a bunch of blood work and had it sent away for testing. Then the Dr's asked for family to come in to be with Clara while they spoke to her. We knew this was not good news. Last night we learned Clara has leukemia. People from the church have been visiting every day, bringing food and water and clean clothes. It is a long trip from Los Pinos to the hospital. I am happy that Clara's friends from church are being so supportive. The church is helping in every way possible. Since she got the news she has been understandably upset and discouraged. Until this point she has had an extremely optimistic attitude. I will go with Lourdes to visit her next week. Clara has two teen aged daughters who are really struggling in their own ways. Please pray for this family.
The good news is that Pat Pike should be moving to a rehab facility any day now. We saw a picture of him a few days ago and he looks great. It was so nice to see his smile! He is up and walking and talking. We are very excited about his progress.
Lourdes accompanied me. We signed in downstairs and were told we were 6th in line, but the Dr had not yet arrived. Here, there is no such thing as an appointment time to see a Dr. You go early, sign in, and hope that you are seen before office hours are over for that day. If not you go back the next day and wait in line again.
The dermatologist came more than an hour late, but we did get in to see her so that it what matters. I thought she was really good. She wants to do blood work, just to be sure it's not related to anemia, hormones or thyroid problems. I feel healthy, so I think I am fine. Actually, last night I remembered that in June I got a really bad sunburn on my scalp. I am guessing that is the cause, because the timing would be right. Apparently with hair, it takes 2-3 months to fall out and then 3-6 months to grow back. Who knows. She said not to expect immediate results or I would drive myself crazy and end up bald from the stress.
She prescribed all natural things to help, which I like. Amino acids and antioxidants in a shampoo, a cream that I have to put on my scalp every night and a special vitamin to take every day. Can't take any other vitamins with it. I read up on antioxidants and amino acids for hair. It said to have a lot of vitamin C, eggs, dairy products and eat certain food combinations like beans and rice, rice pudding, or cheese sandwiches. I already eat all of those things regularly, so I don't think it's a diet thing. But I stocked up on yogurt, ice cream, beans, fruit, and cheese today. Last week I bought the makings for rice pudding, which is good because this week the raisins were no longer by the popcorn at the store.
Jairo took me to several pharmacies, but the Dr had warned us that the medicine would be hard to find so we ended up having to go the the pharmacy she recommended. They didn't have the lotion, so they had it sent in and then I took a cab back there this morning and got the lotion. I was going to have my first venture to the mercado, where all of the fresh veggies are sold every Friday night and Saturday morning. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted someone I know to come with me. There are so many fruits and vegetables here that I am not familiar with. I don't know when they are ripe or how to pick the best one. My taxista agreed to go with me, but I would rather wait until someone I know can go and help me pick out things that I will know how to eat. So I chickened out.
Lourdes, Eunice, Jairo and I did a little shopping yesterday. We really didn't buy much, but I have started to pick up some small things to mail out to my sponsors and friends when I get back to the states. Lourdes is hand making some of the gifts I will send. I know people will love those, especially because they were made by Lourdes. I hate having to go out and search for gifts, just for the sake of having something to give. But it is so fun when you see something and immediately think of a special person who would like/need it. THAT is how gifts should be given. We stopped and Eunice bought us all coffee. I can't drink coffee due to my nightly habit of teeth clenching even without caffeine in my system, so I had a guanabana slushy. Yum! Guanabana is a fruit that I really like, but have never seen in the US. Then we sat and discussed my diet and weight over coffee/slushies.
I believe I am a healthy weight and have a healthy diet. I do eat more sugar here than in the US. Jairo and Eunice say I don't eat enough food. They would like to see me take larger portions. Now I am under watchful eyes every time I put food in my mouth (or don't). Since I can't take vitamins I plan to be more aware of what I'm eating. Jairo brought up the point that gringos eat their big meal at dinner, while here they eat their big meal at lunch. I assured him I am eating a big meal at home for dinner every night. They didn't seem convinced. At least they care about me.
 |
| Honduras played Panama today. Pierre, Yareli and I showed our support. |
Clara has been in the hospital for a month now. She was supposed to have surgery on her back, so she was in the hospital, waiting for the surgeons to have an opening. She was scheduled for surgery last Wednesday, but right before the surgery they found out she was anemic. With her blood count so off kilter they couldn't do the surgery.
They did a bunch of blood work and had it sent away for testing. Then the Dr's asked for family to come in to be with Clara while they spoke to her. We knew this was not good news. Last night we learned Clara has leukemia. People from the church have been visiting every day, bringing food and water and clean clothes. It is a long trip from Los Pinos to the hospital. I am happy that Clara's friends from church are being so supportive. The church is helping in every way possible. Since she got the news she has been understandably upset and discouraged. Until this point she has had an extremely optimistic attitude. I will go with Lourdes to visit her next week. Clara has two teen aged daughters who are really struggling in their own ways. Please pray for this family.
The good news is that Pat Pike should be moving to a rehab facility any day now. We saw a picture of him a few days ago and he looks great. It was so nice to see his smile! He is up and walking and talking. We are very excited about his progress.
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