Let the little girls be little

It's pouring! Thundering, lightening and dripping on my pillow. I'm happy for the rain, but worried about Erika's house which is perched precariously on the side of the mountain and could wash away with a strong rain.

I pulled up in front of the house just as it started coming down. In my rush to get inside, I opened the gates, then tried to get into the car at the same time as I was opening the door which resulted in a nice purple egg on my head. Who does that? What do I say to people who ask why I have a lump on my head? "I walked into my car door," sounds like something an abused woman would make up to cover for her abuser. I am not being abused folks. I was just in a hurry to get inside and out of the rain.

My first devotional at my new "job" was even cooler than I imagined. My boss plays the guitar and we sing worship songs. Then we prayed and talked about the life of Moses from a psychological point of view. So interesting! A man raised by two very different families, in two different cultures. We talked about how his childhood may have effected his behavior as an adult. We prayed that all of our choices and actions this week be led not by emotion, but by God's calling because that is when we are most effective.

After the time of devotion we broke into teams according to the area we serve, and shared what happened last week. Some people from my team were out training teachers. The teachers reported that kids are harassing them, popping their car tires and being threatening. One of the kids is a boy we serve. The team had already talked with his teacher and with his mother. Our boss decided that we are going to send the head of our security into the school to "straighten things out" and train the teachers. I thought that was so cool! Way to step up and make changes.

I thought I'd get sent home after the meeting, but I was asked to stay and help the interns finish planning for a training this week. We worked on that in the morning. This afternoon 21 area teachers came in and met with us. We are going to their classrooms Wednesday - Friday to teach pregnancy prevention and sex ed. It is a three day campaign for 4th-6th graders in our areas. We discussed our campaign with the teachers. They loved it and are really excited for us to come talk to the kids.

Working with these people is more like what I am accustomed to from my experiences in the US. They are more progressive in their ideas.

For example, I have been extra frustrated and concerned about the way little girls are treated in Honduran culture. A couple of days after I posted in this blog about how little girls learn to pose in a sexual way, a Honduran friend posted this:

Translated it says, "How they dress the girls today" and "How they dressed me." It's talking about clothing, yes, but look at the poses! I felt a little better knowing that other people are upset by what they see.

Last week I was talking to a friend while her daughter was trying to run around us. She complained she couldn't run fast because she was wearing high heels. She is 3 years old. I commented to the mother that my mother didn't allow me to wear heels while I was in 4th grade - much older than this little girl. I remember I wanted clogs desperately, but my mother said no. This mother replied that this is what the little girl likes.

Today in the meeting they talked about 6 year old kids showing up at school in heels. They said by the time kids are 12 years old they are so "grown up" it is scary. They are right. It is scary! But who is buying the shoes for the 6 year old or the 12 year old? Their parents. So who is allowing and even encouraging this behavior? The parents. Because they say it's cute.

I like working with people who realize this is not cute. I like working with people who are willing to take a stand against things like this. I don't feel like the lone, crazy gringa with my crazy gringa ideas. These people are all Honduran people and they see things from the same point of view. I hope, through the teachers and the programs we are serving through, we can help these little girls. I believe we can.

Finally I found a place where I fit in.

Wednesday, Thursday and Friday we get picked up from the office at 7 a.m. and taken to the school in Villa Nueva. Our program starts at 8 am and ends at 5 pm. By the time the kids leave and our transportation picks us up to go home I am figuring on 11 - 12 hour days, but it will be worth it!

Saturday we have a time of prayer with the families of Villa Nueva from 10-12. The teen program is from 12-2. Afterward I was invited to spend the afternoon with my friend Oneida.

Oneida and her family (her father, 4 of her 8 siblings, her kids and nephews) are part of my church. She is probably my closest friend from church. We don't get to spend much time together, but we just hit it off. It's Oneida's father's birthday. I am going to celebrate with them. Last week after the retreat I went to their house and had the BEST time. They all have houses on one property. It is so peaceful there! Oneida's family all are eager to take me in, since I don't have family here. So, I am invited to the birthday celebration this weekend.

Tomorrow I have a day of rest, which means washing clothes and preparing for no free time until next Monday afternoon. It feels good to be part of such cool things! I am excited to see where this will lead. So far this position is exceeding my hopes.

I am not allowed to take any photos at my new "job". I am only allowed to share what they share publicly. BUT this week I am in charge of taking photos at the events. I hope they will publish some of my photos on Facebook so I can share them with you.

Photos today

Pastor Paysen and the discipleship class

"Discipleship and Leadership" workbook

Worship time

Beautiful kids

Jorge Sarmiento sharing the message

Kids reciting the verse they learned today

Why I love my church

Tomorrow is the start of my first full week at the new position. Last Monday and Tuesday were holidays. I am excited to experience Monday devotional for the first time. What a cool way to start out the work week. Everyone in the office joins together for a time of devotion!

Church today was fun. I was there from 9 am until 3 pm, yet it didn't feel too long.

The message was excellent. It was something I have been thinking about a lot lately - "A house divided."

I see so much division in the world, but I don't see people working at unity. To me, it appears that this lack of unity is the source of many problems - within the US, within the church, within families... We live in a world so strongly focused on division, we forget how successful we can be if we work together.

Of course there are the basic divisions between political parties. Those are necessary and will always exist. They should! But recently we have taken things too far in our division. People seem to believe "It's my way or NO way." Intolerance. Being so deeply planted in their own stance, they can't consider the possibility of another point of view. It feels unsafe to even take a peek at why "the opposition" may believe the way they do. We can't put themselves in another person's shoes. No empathy. A lack of general humanity.

Where is it getting us?

I see more racial division than I have experienced in my lifetime. It makes me really sad. Guns, police, homosexuality, immigration are all hot buttons. Meanwhile, education is a mess and health care is dysfunctional. Some are pro-immigration as long as the immigrants are not trying to enter the US. Churches don't have each other's back, even within the same religion.

That is the only political rant you will ever hear from me. I don't care what side you fall on any of these issues. Because it's not about taking sides. That's the bottom line. Our division makes us weak and ineffective.

Today's message addressed division at a familial level, societal level, within churches, countries, and the world. We, Alas de Aguilas, are praying about these different levels. But what are we DOING about it? Sometimes prayer is not enough. Sometimes we have to take action.

We learned about loving each other with patience. It was really stuff we can take home and implement. I love messages like that!

Last week at the retreat Pastor Paysen announced that he will lead a new class of discipleship. He said it is going to be tough and ongoing. I showed up today excited to learn. I got the workbook and enjoyed the first class. But I did notice that some of my friends were missing.

When class was over we all went upstairs to the church. My friends were all up there. I asked why they weren't in my class. They asked why I wasn't in their class! Turned out they were in the class that I have been taking on Saturdays. At that moment Pastor Paysen asked why I was in his class, not in Pastora Ruth's. I explained I didn't know they were meeting. He told me I belong with them. He said the discipleship class is too basic for me. I was shocked!

As a fairly new Christian, I always feel like I am behind others. I was baptized and called to be a missionary a year later! My insecure part thinks I should still be working on a secure base. But both Pastora Ruth and Pastor Paysen said they want me to be in the advanced class! I am really honored, now that I am done feeling intimidated. I am also excited to be in the smaller group. I look forward to growing closer to the people I am studying with. The fellowship will be nice.

To study under Pastora Ruth is always a blessing. Pastor Paysen is a great teacher. He is super knowledgeable. But to me, Pastora Ruth is the ultimate person to study under. SO, I am really excited!!!

I still plan to work through the discipleship workbook on my own. Pastora Ruth said I can always meet with Pastor Paysen and review it with him. Sounds like a great idea. I'll continue working on my strong base in Christianity, and learn with the advanced class at the same time! I love my church. (Insert big smile here.)

A Day of Rest

All week I struggled with what I should do today. I was asked to attend a "Day of the Child" party for my new position. But I had a prior commitment with the church. Every third Saturday we have a "Reunion de las damas". (Women's Group) I explained this to my boss before I started, so she understands. However, I still felt a little guilty that I was unable to celebrate "The Day of the Child" with all of the new kids I will be serving.

At church some of us have been asked to set an example by putting the church as a priority. We are expected to show up early and come prepared. So far I am doing my part. I think it is a fair expectation and a necessary example for others who lack commitment and follow-through.

Today the leader of the "damas" had an emergency with her father so she asked to push the time of our meeting back. I was the only person who answered her. We ended up canceling the meeting and I still missed the party for my new "job".  (I use "job" in quotes so as not to confuse it for work that pays money. To me it feels like a professional job, so I feel most comfortable using that term.)

In the end it all worked out well. I had a very peaceful day of bible study. It was much needed - a day with no commitments. I also painted my nails and have a piece of fish thawing for a nice dinner.

Fany and Laura are not home. I am guessing they went to her in-law's for the night. She'll call later and let me know.

Yesterday we went to the colonia next to ours to get some vegetables. Fany needed to go to the bank but there were 13 people in line inside and more than 10 waiting outside. She decided to skip that. I looked for blouses to wear at the office, but found nothing at my favorite thrift store. I am realizing my wardrobe is perfect for playing with kids or going to church, but I don't have the clothes I need for an office job.

While we shopped Laura was singing, "So they all rolled over and one fell out, 3 bears in the bed and the little one said, 'Roll over. Roll over.'"

The lady at the counter looked at Fany, then me and said to me, "She is your's?"

I looked at Fany. For some reason I felt really embarrassed. "No!" I said. "She is her mother," at the same time Fany exclaimed, "She is mine."

"Oh," the girl said, "She speaks English."

Laura got really bashful. "She's only three," Fany said.

"She will have an easy time when she goes to school! She'll fit right in!" the woman said, assuming Laura will go to a bilingual school.

Fany has been struggling over and praying about this. Laura is so smart. She is truly exceptional. She should go to a private, bilingual school. Public schools here don't even teach the basics. Laura's intelligence would be wasted at a public school. But there is no money for private school for Laura. It breaks her mother's heart.

Two days ago Fany's Aunt in the US sent Laura black shoes to wear when she goes to school. They are too big, but Laura came to my house wearing them yesterday. For months she has been saying that she doesn't have a school uniform yet. (Like it's some deep concern or problem.) We keep telling her it is not time. School is definitely on her mind. She even told her Aunt, "My mother won't send me to a bilingual school." We don't know why she thinks her mother won't send her. But she really wants to go.

Education in Honduras is awful. The expensive private schools hire teachers who don't have a degree in education. It is a bizarre, sad fact. I think the major difference between public schools and private schools is that the teachers of private schools seem to care more. And the school day is longer than four hours. I hope that Laura has the opportunity to attend a private school. She is so smart, and so eager to learn, I would hate to see her gifts wasted in a public school.

A few bumps in the road

What a day! The power went out at my house so I ate cereal and figured I'd have time to buy lunch/dinner between physical therapy and prayer group. But the power was out at the physical therapists so I had to use all but 13 Lempiras ($.50) to pay for my PT in cash.

On the way from PT to prayer group I planned to drop off the paperwork for my MRI.

Today the physical therapist asked how long it would take. I told her I would drop off the papers after my appointment and from there someone would pick up the papers, take them to another office, (hopefully) approve payment, and decide where to send me for the procedure. I figure it will take about 2 weeks. The therapist started having a fit, "Mary! You need to tell them it is URGENT!" "Well," I thought to myself, "I have been asking for an MRI for 6 weeks and it was never urgent when I was the one who thought it needed to be done."

"I have already been like this for nine weeks," I told her. "Two more is not going to make much difference, is it?"

"But something is really wrong! You are not getting better!"

"I know."

No sense in saying that I have been trying to tell her boss that all along.

My phone got enough of a charge in the car on the way to the PT office that I could call the place where I had to drop off the papers. It was 3:08 pm. They told me their office was closed for the rest of the day. I felt really frustrated! Finally this thing with my arm is urgent, and now the offices are closed at 3 p.m. on a Thursday? They didn't bother to tell me that the whole building was on lock down and crawling with police because a lawyer was just stabbed and killed there. When I read that in the news, I have to admit I felt a little better. Not better that the man was killed, of course, but better because I could understand why they needed to close the office early.

I will drop off the papers tomorrow. Today I had to ask the pastor to lend me some money to eat. I thought I would spend 2 hours thinking about food, rather than praying. But prayer group was cut short. We prayed for Pastora Ruth's mother and then the Pastora headed home to be with her mom.

Everything I planned to do did not turn out right today.

Alexander taught me how to do the rest of the photography stuff. Turns out, I wasn't crazy. I couldn't do the rest of the things because I didn't have the right programs on my computer yet. But I have those now, so my photos should look extra sharp.

Here are two I am working on now:

Pastora Ruth praying for Saul on his birthday

Nidia opened the church service this week

Catch up

It's been a busy few days!

Saturday I picked up a car full of ladies and we went to a hormone seminar. It was on the side of the mountain near El Hatillo with the most gorgeous view of the city! There was a general presentation. Then we each had a private time to discuss what we are experiencing. We learned a lot and feel hopeful this information could change our lives. It was also a wonderful time of fellowship in a beautiful location.

View from our seats

The ladies

Translating for some of my peers

Beautiful Tegucigalpa

My friends and I

Honduran friends and missionary friends

A storm blew in at the end of the day

Sunday was a looong day. We end our week of fasting with a time of prayer that starts an hour before the church service so we all arrived an hour early. During church the kids celebrated The Day of the Child. The Day of the Child is a huge deal here. Besides Mother's Day, it is the most celebrated holiday in Honduras. I took lots of photos.

Piñatas!

After the service it was my turn to sell food for the weekly fundraiser. We served fried platanos topped with beans, cheese and mantequilla. We sold out so quickly I didn't even get to try one!

When everything was clean from the fundraiser Alexander taught me more about the photo editing program for the church FB page. Then we had another meeting after church to plan for a barbecue fundraiser in October and orchestral concert fundraiser in November. Some of the college kids needed a ride home. By the time I got home it was after 3 p.m. I was starving.

Monday I woke up at a strange sound outside my window. Most people had the day off but Fany was hard at work. The noise I heard was raking with our three pronged rake. She has been hurting lately from her fibromyalgia, so I got out of bed and helped with lawn work, as best I could with my messed up wrist. In the end I had a sore wrist and she had a sore back, but the yard looked beautiful! She chopped branches and trimmed trees until she had blisters from her machete.

Tuesday was Honduran Independence Day. Everything was closed. There were parades all day long. Many people watch the parades live, but a lot choose to avoid the chaos and watch on tv. The main topic of conversation on Honduran Independence Day is about the competitions between the girls who march in the parades dressed in short skirts.

Little girls can become very sexualized in Honduras. At 2 or 3 years old, many are posing with their chest pushed up and rear end pushed out. People from other countries who visit talk about posing like a Honduran girl. It is crazy how young the kids learn to do this. Many times it is their own mother taking the photo, encouraging them to pose that way.

I don't want to post a photo of the kids, but here is a photo of Fisher and her family posing like Honduran women:

Funny for adults. Not so cute if they were little girls

I spent Honduran Independence Day with my church at a one day retreat. Lots of people came, I'd guess about 60. It was a good time of fellowship and re-commitment to our goals. At the retreat I got some good photos, but I don't know how to publish them with the new program Alexander is teaching me to use. Photos to come...

Week End wrap up

Went to what physical therapy today. I thought it would be my last session for now. But I decided to continue. In PT I can do things that I cannot do on my own. The therapist can stretch my muscles further than I can stretch them myself. Until today I thought I had full range of motion in my wrist, but today I learned that I don't, unless the therapist is pushing with one hand and pulling with the other.

Also, I learned today that I have to print out a form, have the doctor sign it, and give it to my insurance company. This is a holiday weekend in Honduras. Tuesday is Honduran Independence Day. Businesses are closed Monday as well. I will have to wait until at least Wednesday, or whenever the doctor is in the office next, for him to sign this form. It will be more than two weeks before I can get the MRI. I think I should use this time for physical therapy.

I went to get a prescription filled today. It cost over $40 for 14 pills! The pharmacist told me the medicine is a pain reliever - like ibuprofen but stronger. I decided that $40 could go toward PT.

I've had some interesting conversations in the past couple of days. This week God placed something on my heart for my friend Andrea. I felt, as we say in Spanish, "inquieta." My heart was restless. I knew I needed to talk to her.

Andrea wrote something on FB last week. It said that she was frustrated with the behavior of people who claim to be Christian. I could see her point. But she also said that she will not go to church because of those people. That is what left me inquieta (restless).

As I washed dishes one night I knew that I was supposed to talk to Andrea about not giving up on the idea of church. I sent her a message on FB, asking if she could talk. She said yes, after she put her son to bed.

We chatted for quite a while and God guided us to the topic. She explained, without me asking, why she did not like the church she is attending. She said the people there are full of hateful opinions.

She is about to move to a different city so I suggested that she might find a church near her future home where she feels comfortable. I didn't want her to feel judged. That's the last thing she needs. God gave me the words to speak with Andrea in a manner that she was able to hear without feeling defensive. In the end, I think she is excited to find a new church when she gets to her new home.

Today I also got to talk to talk to my physical therapist about religion. Last week she mentioned something about her church. I could tell she was trying to address it gently. Today we had a really good, open conversation about our beliefs. Ends up we are on the same page. It was a good talk.

Tonight I had a training about how to manage the Facebook page for the church. I thought it is a manner of giving me the password. Turns out it's a lot more. I got a lesson about how to edit photos. We didn't even finish before prayer group.

People marched outside while we were praying. They are protesting  corruption in Honduras. It's been proven that money from social security went to the president's campaign. People died because the funds were not there when they needed hospital care. Also the government has been caught stealing medicine. Right now the hospitals don't have even the basics, like cotton or syringes. Patients have to bring their own syringe for care in a public hospital.

I am glad the people continue to protest in a manner that is peaceful. Last week they marched in the rain. Nothing seems to slow them down. Some leaders have been jailed, or at least placed on house arrest, so the marches are working.

First Day

Started at the new position this morning. Hardly slept last night. I was excited about my first day.

I had to walk up to the gas station to meet people who walked me to the field office.  They were there right on time to walk over to the office in Villa Nueva with me. I liked the office. It's converted from an apartment. It's cozy and nice. The more that I get to know the people who work there, the more I like them.

Villa Nueva is like Los Pinos. It's on the other side of the mountain from Los Pinos. The homes are the same and the poverty level is equal. I am the only one who works in that office and does not live in Villa Nueva.

My new co-workers showed me around, included me in conversations, and told me more about the program. The therapist invited me to go with her to a Youth Impact group. She said this is her most difficult group because the parents don't support the kids or encourage them to attend, so the kids don't come.

One boy was right outside the whole time, but refused to come inside for the meeting. Only four of the eight kids showed up, so the therapist decided to postpone the meeting until Saturday. They've completed four of the six week program. The therapist is hoping to include them all in the next to meetings. The four kids who were there were super sweet! They are from 10-14 years old. They were full of hugs and smiles.

On the bus ride back to the office, the therapist asked if I am bothered by the way people stare. I told her I do not even notice anymore. She was shocked. She said that everyone on the bus stared at me. She said when I got off they all shifted and stared out the window at me. I try to be alert and aware of my environment, but I guess I have grown accustomed to stares.

I remember the days when I felt like everyone at the supermarket was staring at me and thinking that I am a stranger from a strange place. It's been a long time since I felt that way.

This afternoon I went to the Orthopedic doctor. He showed me new stretches to do and told me to come back in two weeks. I asked why I am not getting an MRI. He thinks my wrist can still heal from stretching. The doctor said I can get an MRI, if it will give me peace of mind. He said he would be surprised if anything were abnormal in the results.

Fine. I hope we see nothing at all. By my hand is swollen and lumpy and hard. It hurts to drive, cook, wash dishes, wash my hair, zip a zipper, and read a book. I can't fit into any of my clothes because I haven't exercised in months. And I want to get better. NOW. So we started the process for the MRI. I hope that I am the one who is surprised and there is nothing wrong.

My wrist and the side of my hand are still noticeably "inflamed" (swollen). It's been eight weeks. To me, eight weeks seems like a long time for the swelling not to go down. The doctor said I can continue in PT if I want to go, or I can do the stretches on my own. Since I can stretch at home for free, that is what I'll do.

Reminder from Embassy

Today I received an email from the US Embassy saying that "criminal activity" has increased in the area around the most expensive private school - American School. I can see how it would be a target because there are a lot of people there with money.

The email said to be careful in that area. They also wrote this:

The Embassy would like to take this opportunity to remind all U.S. citizens to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times and in all locations, especially when entering or exiting their homes, hotels, cars, garages, schools, and workplaces.  Whenever possible, travel in groups of two or more.  It is also advisable to avoid wearing jewelry and carrying large sums of money or displaying cash, ATM/credit cards, or other valuables.  Avoid walking at night in most areas of Honduras or walking alone on beaches, historic ruins, and trails.  Motorists should avoid traveling at night and always drive with their doors locked and windows up to deter criminals from robbing vehicles stopped at traffic lights and on congested downtown streets.

I have written about how I can't roll down my windows here, or leave the house after dark. But here it is from the US Embassy.

Tomorrow I start at my new position! I am excited, but a little nervous. I have gotten accustomed to visiting Los Pinos and the people there have grown accustomed to me. Going into Villa Nueva will be a new experience. I don't know people there. Knowing the people, and God, is what kept me safe in Los Pinos. I will be wearing a hat and vest which identifies me as part of the Juvenile Impact program. That is very helpful.  The program is well known in the area.

Yesterday was a hot day. I thought maybe the rain was over, as it did not rain the day before either. But last night I woke up to rain and today it has been cloudy and dark. We hope the rain will continue!

It's Official!

It's official! I had the last interview today. Thursday I start a new volunteer position which seems like it was made for me, and I was made for it.

Let me give you a little history. The association does a lot of different things. Part of the organization is focused on human rights and advocating for women or children. Part is doing social work. The social work part is the safer part and the part I will work in.

Initially they served youth. They started a program called Juvenile Impact. But they realized that no matter how much they did, the kids still had to go home to unsafe, unstable home environments. For that reason another program, Strong Families, was created.

Strong families is not only about supporting the families of the teens. They send psychologists who offer weekly therapy to both the parents and kids, separately and together. They provide education and ongoing support.

As therapists met with families, the need for a third program emerged. It is called Strong Women to help women who are, or were, in abusive relationships.

As I get to know each program better I will share the details with you. It all seems so perfect for me! I have experience in each of these areas after doing social work in the US for 17 years. This is where my passion lies.

Thursday I begin training. What an exciting opportunity!

New Assignment

I have a new job. Exciting! Really it is more an assignment than a job.

For 10 months to the day, I have been attending my church, Alas de Aguilas. I am there every Sunday, I take part in the weekly prayer group, participate in every class that is offered, and meet with my Pastors regularly. I've helped out with events. I bring items for the pantry, snacks for the kids, and a meal to sell when it is my turn. But so far God has not shown me how He would like me to serve my church on a regular basis.

About a month ago I shared that Pastora Ruth invited me to be part of the group of people who "gets things done".

So far we built an altar for the church using pallets and plywood. Now we are working on raising money to cover the pallets with carpet. We all think our plywood alter is beautiful because we've been wanting it for so long. But a visitor who didn't appreciate how much prayer and work went into the wooden altar might not see the beauty. It does need carpet, for sure. We are just excited to have an altar, period.

This is how the alter looks today.  We still need to finish one side and cover it with carpet.

Today we had a meeting about how we are going to raise more money for the carpet, sound equipment, and a sign outside so people will know where we are. We are going to have a barbecue in the church parking lot.  Part of our advertisement will be through our personal pages on Facebook and through the church's FB page. At the end of the meeting I suggested that we all send invites to our friends to "like" the Ministerio Alas de Aguilas FB page. I also suggested that we let people know what we are doing on the page, so they can see how they could help out.

Now I have a new assignment!  I am to be the English voice and also one of the photographers for my church's Facebook page. I was thinking about it on the way home. It's not a lot of work. I will really enjoy doing it. But it is a big responsibility that I am being trusted with. My publications will be in the name of the church.

Tomorrow I hope to set a final interview with the same people who invited me to the training last week. It will be awesome if we make it official this week.

Visiting friends

Today I took a cab to visit my friend Ana and her kids in Los Pinos.

I have to take a cab now because the only place where my car was safe is no longer accessible. The day that it rained really hard and I thought I was going to get washed away in Los Pinos, the rain took out a bridge on the road above her house. Nobody can drive up there anymore.

In the end we decided it was better anyway. I have a cab driver who is reliable and kind.  He is the only taxi I was allowed to ride in when I first moved here. He parks outside the gates of my neighborhood where the cabs gather, so I have kept in touch with him over the years.

Today he came and picked me up at my house at 1 p.m.  Then we headed into Los Pinos where the kids were all waiting for me at the bridge. I paid him for the return trip in advance, so that I wasn't walking around with cash in Los Pinos.

I got lots of good hugs.  Misael and Meylin were there too.  Meylin has always had problems with her hair. It is sparse and very coarse.  I haven't seen her in a while and I was shocked to see how tall she is and how wonderful her hair looks! It's longer and more thick. I am very happy for her.

Ana cooked rice, beans and chicken for us. I wondered how she had all of the money for that. Her mother brought her freshly cut beans from their land in the country. Later Jired asked for 20 Lempiras (one dollar) and Ana had to tell him that she didn't have any money. I felt horrible. But I was asked not to bring them food, so there is not much I can do. She would have been hurt if I had turned down the meal.

Everyone seems to be doing well. Isa has this new attachment thing going on with me. Last week when I saw her she bawled when I left.  Ana said Isa cried until she went to bed that night, about 3 hours later. Then she woke up in the night and started crying again. Isa's only two, but she keeps saying that she wants to come and stay with me. I don't really understand why she is acting this way.

David, Samuel and I played cards for a while. Then David helped Samuel get dressed in his cadet uniform. Tomorrow Samuel will march with his classmates in a parade. He was adorable in his uniform, with a tie, a beret and even white gloves. Ana has been saving the white shirt since Jired wore it 10 years ago. It's still perfectly white. Everything was ironed and sharp. Samuel was proud of himself.

Samuel and Isa

New stairway up to Ana's house!
Railing coming soon

A new rain gutter to keep the rain from
washing the houses, cars and bridges away.
You can see Ana's nice house in the background.

More rain on its way!

The clouds are rolling in, wind is picking up and rain is on its way again.  I hear thunder!

Oh, I forgot something funny that happened in Los Pinos. The cab had just dropped me off. Samuel, David and I were standing down by the road talking before we headed up to the house. I heard the sound of brakes and looked up to see a pickup truck coming down the hill toward us backwards. The brakes were making an odd sound, but the truck wasn't coming toward us that quickly.

I didn't realize the pickup was out of control until it slowly turned and ran into the side of a wooden building. The people got out of the truck and the woman came out of the building, but nobody seemed too upset. It seems to happen quite often in that spot. I remember not long ago a VW Bug came down the same hill out of control and ended up in the water under the bridge. This pick up was much luckier. Never a dull day in Los Pinos.

I hear rain drops on the palm leaves of the platano tree outside my window. On of my favorite sounds.

Blunders and rain

It's almost 3 & 1/2 years in and I am still making cultural blunders.

This morning I was the first to arrive at the office, which meant I had to stand at the door waiting for our transportation while everyone else entered. When the first person came in I did it almost right. Here is the correct way to greet a person in Honduras:

Good morning.
 - Good morning.
How are you?
 - Fine, thanks be to God. And you?
Good, thanks be to God.

I've got most of it down, although the "Gracias a Dios" part still does not come naturally.  I messed that up all morning. The place where I hope to work is a Christian organization and the "Gracias a Dios" part is extra important there.

My last day of training was great. This week I made new friends who are kind, smart, happy and outgoing. They all call me by name already. As the day drew to an end they asked which team I will be working with. It seemed like they each hoped I'd be working with them. I feel very welcome!

I told them I still have another interview with the head honcho to get through before I am official. Then the plan is for me to tag along with different teams before I jump into anything. They were encouraging and said the believe I will be working with them soon. I hope so!

I had to leave the training early to go to physical therapy.  That was where I made my other blunders.

In Honduras when you enter anywhere - a public bus, or a doctor's office, or a home, it is expected that you will greet everyone.  If it is a group of less than 8ish, you great each person individually.  If it's a waiting room at a doctor's office you say good afternoon in the direction of each group of people.

Today I walked into the doctor's office, went up to the reception desk, checked in and paid. Then I sat down in the full waiting room, pulled out my book and started to read. (Nobody here reads in waiting rooms! I am always the only one.) The next person came in and greeted everyone. I felt like such an ignorant gringa with bad manners.  I know better! But I was a bad example for the people of the US today. I got caught up in my own mind and did not greet the people in the waiting room.

For the second evening in a row it started to rain as soon as I got home. Hurray for rain! More people than ever are starving because we haven't had rain. It rained a few hours for about five consecutive nights in June. We got excited because normally June is really rainy, but then the rain never came. Last year was dry and this year was even dryer. In July it rained one hard rain and two normal rains. In August I can't say it ever rained and it was SO hot, day after day.  We got a few drops from the sky several times, but the drops never amounted to much or lasted more than 10 minutes.

So far September has been good. Last night we got a steady rain for an hour and a half. Today it started raining when I got home and 3 hours later it is still coming down. We need this desperately.

Yesterday I saw a water truck selling tanks of water to the people at the bottom of our hill.  Usually the lower houses have city water. Fany says the city reservoir is dry. Lucky for us I didn't bathe frequently or for long when I had the cast.  Washing dishes or clothes hurts my wrist, so I am accidentally preserving water.

Many public places have a nasty smell inside from the empty water lines. Fany said the hospitals don't have water. I saw Burger King buying a tank of water yesterday. Today we are giving thanks for rain!

Speed racer

I learned today that I have one more interview process before I am official at the place where I would like to volunteer.  This week I am attending a workshop about psychology with them.  It's all been a review, but it is good to get my mind warmed up to social work stuff again and learn the terminology in Spanish. The guest speaker is from Argentina and speaks with a crazy accent, so it is a challenge to understand her Spanish.

I had the coolest experience today.  We always wait inside the office, even though it is located in a good neighborhood. Today a car pulls up, then backs onto the sidewalk so the passengers door is only steps away. The guard inside the office opens the office door and releases us to the security guard inside the car. The driver tells us to get into the car. He asks if everyone is in, looks around, then rolls up all of the dark tinted windows and takes off full speed like he's driving the POTUS! It was awesome. I never thought I could be impressed by stuff like that, but it feels so dangerous and important at the same time! I like it.

Erika's Birthday

Today is Erika's birthday. Last week I asked how she wanted to celebrate. She said she wanted to eat pupusas.

There are several good pupusa places.  The best one doesn't have a great atmosphere, so I didn't think it was best for a birthday. After talking to Fany I chose a place near my church. Fany and I looked at their website. It seemed like a cool atmosphere. I know the pupusas are good, because we order them for carry out on special occasions at the church.

We all got dressed up.  Fany looked great. She had a pretty green shirt with matching green heels. Erika wore a dress that I gave her last week because it's too young for me. I put on makeup.

They left the ordering up to me. I noticed right away the prices were not what I expected. As the waiter approached to take our drink orders I still couldn't find the pupusas. He said they no longer sell them at this location. They have another restaurant down the street with the same name that does sell pupusas.

We were all settled in, so we decided to stay. It was a good choice!

Appetizers
A hot pot of beans with tortillas and mantquilla
A hot pot of real melted cheese and veggies
Platanos, breaded balls of cheese, chips with salsa

Erika, the birthday girl
Marjory reading the menu

Chorizo skewer in front
Veggie skewere and chicken skewer in back

Marjory is walking now!

Everyone loved the lunch. It was so much food!  We only ordered two meat skewers and one vegetable skewer, but there were tons of free appetizers that came along with it. The server brought over an extra table so everything could fit.  When we finished Erika had a nice box to take home to her family.

My phone rang while we were eating, which is strange because the only people who call me were sitting with me at the table.

It was the woman I hope to work for soon. She asked if I can come to an interview tomorrow and, if all goes well, start Wednesday! Of course I said yes.

This afternoon Fany, Erika and I painted each others nails. Then it was time for me to get Erika home. We stopped on the way to her house and picked up a cake. (She chose chocolate - a girl after my own heart.) Her father is working, but hasn't gotten paid in months. They can't afford a cake. She would have never asked for a cake, but I wanted her family to celebrate with Erika tonight.

Erika needed help carrying her gifts (I got Erika her first bible and some lip gloss), the food, and the cake. Erika's Mom and Lorenzo both showed up at my car to help Erika. I got lots off hugs from Lorenzo. Erika's Mom thanked me.  I was happy to be able to spend time with Erika on her birthday!

On the way home I stopped by the bottom of the hill where Ana lives. Ana and the kids came down. They all ran for me with open arms.  Isa sobbed when I left. She and Samuel both wanted to go home with me. It broke my heart. I was supposed to spend tomorrow afternoon with them, but I explained I have the interview. Now we have a date for Saturday.

It was a super day. I think it was everything Erika wanted it to be.

Time vs. Resources

Today I finally finished my job application for the child advocate position.  It was a daunting task as it was all in Spanish and had to be written out in full paragraphs.  I woke up, pulled out the computer and got started. (I exhale deeply here.) It all flowed out of me, easy as pie.  What a relief!

Fany came over to review it, changed two words and told me it was "Muy bien. Perfecto!" I never expected that.  I can talk up a storm, but writing in Spanish is still intimidating to me.

All I have to do now is have an interview with the head of security, and then I can start shadowing people to see where I fit in best.

This has been such a great week. I took some time this morning to sit back and be thankful.

My wrist is going to be fine. No surgery.  Not even an MRI.

Fany has had a wonderful time with her family. Sometimes family visits for any family can be stressful.  She has been under enough stress already.  Last week Fany was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  I think she is still processing it and figuring out what it means for her.  But she seems to be better since the diagnosis.  For that I am extremely happy.  I also love that her time with her family has been such a blessing for each of them.  I heard Fany and her father up late talking together last night. That is a really good thing.

Today I have my first PT appointment.  Then I am driving to Valle de Angeles for a night of worship with friends. I will spend the night and come back in the morning since I am traveling alone.  I'm not sure I'll look forward to physical therapy in the future because it may be painful, but today I am looking forward to starting the healing process.

A week of good stuff and still more good things to look forward to!

Here's a random thought I had yesterday while peeling a pineapple. (Do you peel a pineapple? Is that the right word?) I was looking at how much pineapple I wasted in order to get all of those little pokey things out. Then I flashed back to peeling a carrot in the kitchen of the church where I served previously.  One of the women there told me I was pressing too hard on the potato peeler and wasting too much carrot. I had never thought of wasting a carrot before. Especially using a potato peeler. I was just trying to get the job done quickly so the carrot could start cooking in the soup.

In the United States we are more likely to be wasteful with our resources than with our time.  In my mind, I wanted to peel the carrot and the pineapple as quickly as possible.  I did not want to waste time trying to get every bit of the edible flesh. My time (although I had nothing else to do) was more important or more valuable.

Then I started thinking about this whole thing in relation to birthday cakes.  In the US, we value time. So if someone takes the time to make us a homemade birthday cake, that is very special to us. Now I have a better understanding of why homemade birthday cakes are less appreciated here.

In Honduras, they value the resources.  In the case of birthday cakes, the resource would be the money to buy the cake. For them it is special to have someone purchase a cake at a store because it means someone spent their money (resource) on a cake. They will also take the time to rinse out a Ziploc bag and reuse it. While in North America we would be more likely to through it away and grab a new one.

Of course this is a generalization. Not every North American loves homemade cakes and not every Honduran loves cakes from the store.  But it is interesting to see how different cultures have different values and the way those values effect the society's behavior.

There's my Honduran observation for the day.

More good stuff

I went to physical therapy today prepared to tell the doctor that I should not do any physical exercises until I get an MRI. I planned to be humble and respectful, but firm.

She took down all of my information while I sat there bursting at the seams, ready to tell her my personal assessment.

Three pages later, it was my turn.  I told her that I am still in a lot of pain six weeks after the injury.  I said it is intense pain, the kind that makes me want to vomit.  I have been an athlete my whole life.  I am used to soreness and sometimes pain, but I know my body and this is not like that.  It's not normal pain. It's worse.

She asked if I have been taking the pain meds.  I told her no. She said, so you are in pain, but you decided not to take the medicine? I explained that I was worried the meds might mask pain in PT and I could do worse damage. She said she understood my thought process, but did not agree.

She asked what the orthopedic doctor recommended. I told her he recommended PT and the meds. He said if it didn't get better then an MRI.

Then I have her my opinion. I thought an MRI should be done first because if something is torn it could get worse from more movement.  By that point I was almost in tears.  She could tell I was scared. I told her I did not want to be disrespectful, and I was not trying to avoid the work of physical therapy.  I was just really worried.

She told me she would be happy to override the other doctor and send me for an MRI, but in reality she agreed with his assessment. She explained what could happen if I don't start moving my wrist. It was all bad stuff.  But she said that the most important thing is that I have peace.  If I could not have peace in PT, then I should get the MRI first, so I could move forward in peace.

We talked about my options for getting an MRI. It would be at least a week before I could get in for an appointment. I suggested maybe just ultrasound treatment at PT while I waited. She said that could be a good idea.

She measured my strength and range of motion.  All were really good.  Then she poked and prodded to see where it hurt. In the end she said I stretched or maybe slightly tore some tendons.  The tendons are inflamed from the trauma of the fall. The medication would help, if I take it. And if I don't exercise I run the risk of having about six other things go wrong from lack of movement.

She wasn't trying to convince me, but I was convinced. I made an appointment to start PT tomorrow, then came home and took my meds.

At the end I said it sounds like I don't even need an MRI.  She said no, she agrees with my orthopedic doctor. I do not need an MRI.  As he recommended, my wrist needs movement.

Once again, I am grateful for good medical care in Honduras.

Tonight I had dinner with Fany and her parents. We celebrated and gave thanks for all the good things God has done in our lives in the past 2 days. They are so excited to visit the US! Fany's Dad is learning how to use his digital camera so he can take photos on their trip. He took family shots before dinner, pictures of Fany serving the food, Laura with her full plate, me with my fork in my mouth, Fany's Mom chewing, then her empty plate. After each photo he exclaimed how cute it was and showed it around.  It was funny. He is childlike (in a fun way) in his excitement.

Fany's Mom is extremely scared to fly. I didn't realize it and said she should sit by the window so she can see all of the sights below. She looked terrified at the thought. But she is going to face her fears in order to see her family.  I asked how they are going to feel when they touch down in the US.  Tears came to her eyes. I know they will cry tears of joy as they arrive in the United States.

Visa approved

Feeling really thankful today.  This evening I had a sudden flashback to the feelings I felt 24 hours ago when we were gathered together at the church, praying for Karen. My heart ached.  It physically hurt as I prayed for Karen and the people who were searching for her.

Today I give thanks that Karen is home and safe.

Fany's family came last weekend to attend an appointment with the US Embassy this morning.  Fany's father has a sister who lives legally in Miami.  Fany also has a sister who married a man from the US.  I wrote about her a few months ago as she was in labor with her first baby.  Fany felt so far away, scared and helpless, as her younger sister needed a cesarean in the US.

You've also read about Fany's brother who tried (twice) to get into the US illegally. Yesterday he made it back home, to Honduras, after his second and final attempt.

Fany's parent's have not seen their other son who has lived in the US for 11 years. They have never seen their new granddaughter.  They are also eager to see Fany's paternal aunt.  She is the one who filled out all of the paperwork for the embassy so that she could receive them in the US.  She had to document that she was responsible for them and all of their costs during their visit.

We spent the beginning of the week praying.  Last night they prayed all night long.  I woke up at 5 a.m. and prayed.  I heard them leave the house at 5:28 a.m. They went and waited in the line at the embassy. Fany said they were allowed inside the embassy at 7:30 a.m.  They came back out at 8:45 a.m. with shocked looks on their faces.  Fany knew by the looks on their faces - they were approved!

It seems so strange and random, the way that the embassy approves some people and doesn't even seem to give others a chance. Fany's father told me over and over that if God wanted them to go to the US, He would ensure they were approved. He said they have nothing to hide, their intentions are honest - to visit family. If it was not God's will for them to visit their family in the US, Fany's father would understand.

Once it was their turn at the window Fany's mother was asked a couple of questions, her father less, and they were quickly approved.  They plan to spend about a month in the US as soon as they can find a reasonable flight.  Probably in mid-September.  I am happy for them!

This afternoon the orthopedic doctor took my cast off. I told him that my wrist still hurts almost as much as it did when he put the cast on. He said that is not good.  He want me to do exercises in luke warm water, take medication, rub a gel on it, and go to physical therapy.

I ventured into the university near my house to find the PT clinic he recommended.  The university is huge with a great PT program. First I drove in the exit gates. I felt better learning it was the exit when I noticed there was another car in front of me trying to get in too.

When I finally figured out a way into the university and then (purely by accident) came across the PT building, I walked into the building and the person at the front desk said, "Hi Mary Lynn!"  Everyone around her looked at me.  Someone said out loud that I didn't know her.  I had to admit I didn't have a clue who she was.  I thought maybe my doctor had called ahead to say I was coming and they recognized me because my name is clearly not Latina, so it stood out.

Turned out the woman is my mechanic's sister. I've met her many times, but she was never dressed in business attire.  She was kind.  She made sure I understood everything I need to bring tomorrow for my first appointment.

I asked where the official entrance since I never found it today.  She tried to give me directions to two different entrances, but I was still clueless.  Finally she said, "Come back in through the sports complex like you did today, or you can call me, or call my brother and he will bring you over." His shop is only 2 blocks away and she's right.  He would bring me over if I couldn't find the entrance to the University.

Last week Fisher, a missionary who is visiting until December, told her mother that I know everyone. I assured them I don't. But today, when I walked into that huge university's PT office and the person working at the front desk greeted me by name, I felt like maybe I do know a lot of people here.

More evidence that God is good

Today God answered prayer in the most amazing way. It was better than I ever could have imagined. I am exhausted and have a headache, but I have to share this awesome testimony before I go to sleep.

I am not good at keeping up with my cell phone. Recently I wrote about the day I had 22 messages when I left my phone in the car for a few hours.  Today I had the phone with me, but somehow I just never checked it.

As I was leaving the vet's office with Jetty, I noticed I missed a message.  It was from Fisher.  She said Karen, a girl who lives at Fisher's ministry and is deaf and mute, was missing.  I called Fisher.  She said that the person who runs the ministry had taken Karen to school today. Someone has to ride the bus to and from school every day with Karen because she doen't pay attention to the world around her.  Once they tried to let her take the bus by herself and followed the bus in their car (Karen didn't know they were following.) Karen never got off the bus. They had to chase the bus down and get her off it.  So, she always has a responsible adult take her to and from school.

Today as Karen was getting off the bus, the caretaker turned to pay the bus fare.  When the caretaker got off the bus Karen was gone.

By the time I learned of the situation five hours had already passed.

We decided to gather together and pray for Karen as a church.  We talked as people arrived.  How could someone be missing for 7 hours?  Kidnapping is common in Honduras.  I have also heard stories for years of people being sold for their organs.  Apparently organ harvesting is quite a lucrative business.  Those were the two most common guesses.  Personally, I thought someone had been scouting out the bus stop, noticed that handicapped kids get off there to go to the nearby school, and grabbed Karen as an easy target to sexually violate her.

We prayed and prayed.  I knew God could solve the problem.  I did have total faith.  But my heart was breaking for what might be happening in that moment.  I prayed hard and sobbed hard - thus the headache.

Afterward I came home and Fany invited me over for dinner.  Catrachas!  My favorite.  Her parents are in town because they are going to the embassy tomorrow.  They will ask permission to visit the US and meet their granddaughter for the first time.  We prayed for them to be given a visa, and for my wrist and for Karen to be found. Fany's parents believed Karen ran off with a boy.  Fany started telling them horror stories about things that have happened to her friends in the city. Then they said they are country folk and in the country missing girls run off with their boyfriends.  But they don't know about city girls.

Meanwhile, with help from a friend and advocate for deaf people, the caregiver put posters all over.  They went to news stations and asked that she be reported missing on the news.  They notified police.  The two of them did all of the legwork.

We prayed and asked others to pray.  I specifically asked God to bring Karen home, unharmed, and  let her sleep peacefully in her bed tonight.

After dinner I walked across the yard and grabbed my phone.  The first message I saw was from Fisher's mom.  SHE IS FOUND!  Then I saw a bunch of missed calls from Fisher.

Here's what I know:  While Fisher was cooking dinner, Karen walked by the window, then came in the door.  Everyone freaked out and hugged her and showed her how happy they are that she is home.

She can't communicate with them because she barely knows sign language and they know none, but basically she communicated to Fisher that she never got off the bus at her school.  The caregiver must have followed a different girl in the yellow school uniform off the bus, thinking it was Karen, but it wasn't.  Karen wasn't paying attention and stayed on the bus, then rode it around the city for hours.

It was after dark when she got home.  She got lost at 10 a..m.  It was a long day for everyone.  Fisher called the caregiver to say that Karen is safe and the caregiver was able to return home.

So, Karen is found.  Praise God.  Karen will sleep in her own bed tonight.  No harm came to her.  She can sleep peacefully.  None of the bad things that, unfortunately are common in Tegucigalpa, happened to her. Not one! We give thanks and praise to the Lord today for bringing Karen home safe. Today could have ended so much differently.  This was a better ending than I ever imagined.  Thank you Heavenly Father for taking care of Karen in her extensive travels today.  Thank you for bringing her home safely.

La despidida de Octavio

Last night we had a going away party for my friend Octavio at church.  He has been good to me since I first started attending my new church.  He is friendly, caring and kind.  Over the past year I have watched him grow into a prayer warrior.  Before I went home in July he said he felt called to go to the US to spread the word of God.  By the time I got back he had tickets and legal US residency!  (It helps that he has lots of family already living there.)

First we gave him a gift - a bilingual bible.  Then we each expressed how much we are going to miss him. Octavio is a big presence in the church.  He constantly raises his voice in song or prayer.  His famous quote is "ALELUUUUUUUUUYITA!"  He says that every time he walks into the church.

I am going to miss him a lot.  I am sure people who know him better will miss him even more.  There will be a vacancy in our church without Ocatavio.

He is the perfect person to go to the US, for precisely the same reasons that I will miss him.  His voice will proclaim his love for God everywhere he goes.  In a place where people are so quiet about their beliefs, in an effort to avoid offending someone, Octavio will be raising his voice in praise of the God he loves.  Being politically correct is not important to Octavio.  He will not be quiet when it comes to expressing his joy in the Lord.

After a time of prayer, anointing and commissioning, we ate pupusas and then we said good bye.  Octavio will be in Miami, at least in the beginning.  He is going to stay inside the US until he has citizenship.  I look forward to seeing how God uses my brother in Christ, Octavio.  I am blessed to have known him.

Here are some photos I took:

Pastora Ruth gave Octavio a bilingual bible

He read each of our messages to him

Wise, loving words for Octavio from Ricardo

Octavio listened intently

Pastor Paysen being goofy with Octavio

Octavio returned his copy of the church's key to Pastora Ruth.
Pastora Ruth gave the key back for Octavio to keep.
Octavio held the key to his heart.

We prayed

And commissioned Octavio to go to the US as a missionary
from Alas de Aguilas

Blessed and ready to go!

We'll miss you Octavio!