This morning I have to do home visits.
I don't want to leave my house.
I don't want to leave my house.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
4 a.m. Thoughts
I am lying in bed wondering how I will answer the questions that people are bound to ask me today.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Moving on...
This afternoon I had a meeting with the woman who trained me to teach literacy class. I figured it was best to talk to my boss first and discuss the class's most recent developments. I couldn't leave my boss out of the loop.
My boss is a woman of action. Most of the time I appreciate that quality about her. But sometimes the same characteristic that I appreciate is the reason I hesitate to tell her things. I know she will take action. And sometimes I am not ready.
The meeting with the literacy class trainer put me in a time crunch so I decided to get it over with. I called my boss and asked for a meeting, but we ended up working everything out over the phone. In the same conversation she somehow ended up moving me to serve in a different community!
I tell you she is a woman of action. I'm still trying to remember exactly how it all happened. I remember that I was very relieved because she told me that we had to cancel the literacy class, but that the students could continue at a different location within their community if they choose. After that it all becomes a blur.
Remember last week I wrote about wanting to focus on one community? Well, that is exactly what she suggested! I didn't even have to ask. She said effective today I am now full time in one community.
I was surprised, but happy. I told her I think it will be very beneficial to me and to the people I serve. She agreed. She said she loves my work and wants to see me continue to flourish. She emphasized that I should not see this move as limiting, but rather as a chance to grow. (That's exactly what I wrote about here four days ago!)
I had to call my coworker and tell her that I will no longer be running the club with her. My coworker was not happy. She said she is going to talk to our boss because she needs my help. I know she can handle the club on her own, but I told her that if our boss changes her mind I will be happy to continue to work with her.
My boss said possibly I will run a club on my own. I told her the problems I am experiencing in the communities right now, with people thinking that I am there to give them things for free. I also said that I believe my Spanish skills are lacking. She said she will look into Spanish classes for me! She also understands completely what I mean about my skin tone affecting the way I am received in the community. She said for now I will have plenty of other ways I can use the gifts God blessed me with, so I shouldn't worry about running my own club.
Hooray!!!! This is exactly what I was hoping and praying for. God answered my prayer in only four days! My Heavenly Father spoils me.
Speaking of being spoiled, I received feedback from the lady who is in charge of the literacy program. She has been to the class and met the students. She knows our dynamic. She told me I did a very good job and thanked me for serving the people of this country. She could tell I was sad. I think she believed I was blaming myself for the class ending so abruptly. I was able to explain that I am sad for my students. I want the best for them. I want them to be successful.
Three times she told me, "Ignorance is suicide." She said she sees it all of the time. People have an opportunity to better themselves, but they don't due to their own ignorance.
She also told me that I may have coddled my students. She is right. In my attempt to love them and help them, I spoiled them. I tried to do too much of the work for them. I didn't let them struggle enough.
Basically, I did exactly what I always preach against in this blog.
I didn't give them material things, but I did disempower them. I passed by each of their doors and reminded them to come to class each week. They were never allowed the opportunity to show up (or fail to show up) on their own. When they said they didn't do their homework, I tried to be understanding. There should have been a consequence.
I'm not blaming myself for the class ending the way it did, but my students needed to learn about responsibility and commitment. I didn't fully allow them to experience those things. In my effort to be loving and caring, I robbed them of a learning experience. From this point on, it is my fault if I coddle people. Today I learned that just because I am not giving away material things, doesn't automatically mean I am treating people in the most healthy way.
On my way home from the meeting I had the opportunity to talk with some of the drivers and security guards. They all asked if I was going to class. Although they would never say so, I know they don't really like to drive up there. The road is so rutted from rain that it has ruined one four wheel drive truck. The rain washed out the sides of the road so much there is just barely enough room for a car to squeeze through. There is no space to pass if another car approaches from the opposite direction. It's a driver's nightmare. But they are all good sports about it.
Today I told them they will not have to drive me to class anymore. I asked if they were glad. Very seriously, they said no they are not glad.
Sometimes I talk their ears off, especially on the way home from class when I am excited about something that happened that day. They know about the struggles and all of our successes in the class. They said they know how much I loved that class and how much it was benefiting the people I served. Although the road is horrible, they are not happy that the class is cancelled.
We had a long talk about education and its importance. Then we had a long talk about God and how He calls us to serve. The security guards reminded me that God tells us to love our neighbor, but He also tells us not to spoil anyone. It was a nice opportunity to get to know the drivers and guards on a different level - outside of their cars when they are not focused on their work.
One undercover police officer came over and asked what was going on. He could tell something was up and asked if I were moving back to the United States. I tell you, that is what everyone assumes. Before I had a chance to answer they all spoke up, "No! She is not going anywhere!" said a security guard.
"She loves it here. She is almost Honduran," a driver joked.
Then one of the drivers said, "You've just got to dye your hair darker and (he motioned broadening his arms and shoulders) get a little more stout so you look Honduran," he joked.
I really love the organization where I serve, but today I appreciated it even more than usual. I love that my boss is a woman of action. She answered my prayers without even knowing it. I love that she made sure my students will have a place to continue their education if they choose. I also love that I will be able to focus on one community from now on. And I think that it's super cool that I can stand outside the office and talk to the drivers and security guards about God and how we should serve Him.
For the rest of this week I will be at a retreat for English speaking women in a beautiful spot outside of the city. It's all free! A team from the US comes down each year and pampers us for three days. Female missionaries from all over Honduras are given the opportunity for rest, renewal, and worship in our native language. It's super nice. This year I am most looking forward to getting out of the city for a little while, but in the past it has been a life changing experience.
My boss is a woman of action. Most of the time I appreciate that quality about her. But sometimes the same characteristic that I appreciate is the reason I hesitate to tell her things. I know she will take action. And sometimes I am not ready.
The meeting with the literacy class trainer put me in a time crunch so I decided to get it over with. I called my boss and asked for a meeting, but we ended up working everything out over the phone. In the same conversation she somehow ended up moving me to serve in a different community!
I tell you she is a woman of action. I'm still trying to remember exactly how it all happened. I remember that I was very relieved because she told me that we had to cancel the literacy class, but that the students could continue at a different location within their community if they choose. After that it all becomes a blur.
Remember last week I wrote about wanting to focus on one community? Well, that is exactly what she suggested! I didn't even have to ask. She said effective today I am now full time in one community.
I was surprised, but happy. I told her I think it will be very beneficial to me and to the people I serve. She agreed. She said she loves my work and wants to see me continue to flourish. She emphasized that I should not see this move as limiting, but rather as a chance to grow. (That's exactly what I wrote about here four days ago!)
I had to call my coworker and tell her that I will no longer be running the club with her. My coworker was not happy. She said she is going to talk to our boss because she needs my help. I know she can handle the club on her own, but I told her that if our boss changes her mind I will be happy to continue to work with her.
My boss said possibly I will run a club on my own. I told her the problems I am experiencing in the communities right now, with people thinking that I am there to give them things for free. I also said that I believe my Spanish skills are lacking. She said she will look into Spanish classes for me! She also understands completely what I mean about my skin tone affecting the way I am received in the community. She said for now I will have plenty of other ways I can use the gifts God blessed me with, so I shouldn't worry about running my own club.
Hooray!!!! This is exactly what I was hoping and praying for. God answered my prayer in only four days! My Heavenly Father spoils me.
Speaking of being spoiled, I received feedback from the lady who is in charge of the literacy program. She has been to the class and met the students. She knows our dynamic. She told me I did a very good job and thanked me for serving the people of this country. She could tell I was sad. I think she believed I was blaming myself for the class ending so abruptly. I was able to explain that I am sad for my students. I want the best for them. I want them to be successful.
Three times she told me, "Ignorance is suicide." She said she sees it all of the time. People have an opportunity to better themselves, but they don't due to their own ignorance.
She also told me that I may have coddled my students. She is right. In my attempt to love them and help them, I spoiled them. I tried to do too much of the work for them. I didn't let them struggle enough.
Basically, I did exactly what I always preach against in this blog.
I didn't give them material things, but I did disempower them. I passed by each of their doors and reminded them to come to class each week. They were never allowed the opportunity to show up (or fail to show up) on their own. When they said they didn't do their homework, I tried to be understanding. There should have been a consequence.
I'm not blaming myself for the class ending the way it did, but my students needed to learn about responsibility and commitment. I didn't fully allow them to experience those things. In my effort to be loving and caring, I robbed them of a learning experience. From this point on, it is my fault if I coddle people. Today I learned that just because I am not giving away material things, doesn't automatically mean I am treating people in the most healthy way.
On my way home from the meeting I had the opportunity to talk with some of the drivers and security guards. They all asked if I was going to class. Although they would never say so, I know they don't really like to drive up there. The road is so rutted from rain that it has ruined one four wheel drive truck. The rain washed out the sides of the road so much there is just barely enough room for a car to squeeze through. There is no space to pass if another car approaches from the opposite direction. It's a driver's nightmare. But they are all good sports about it.
Today I told them they will not have to drive me to class anymore. I asked if they were glad. Very seriously, they said no they are not glad.
Sometimes I talk their ears off, especially on the way home from class when I am excited about something that happened that day. They know about the struggles and all of our successes in the class. They said they know how much I loved that class and how much it was benefiting the people I served. Although the road is horrible, they are not happy that the class is cancelled.
We had a long talk about education and its importance. Then we had a long talk about God and how He calls us to serve. The security guards reminded me that God tells us to love our neighbor, but He also tells us not to spoil anyone. It was a nice opportunity to get to know the drivers and guards on a different level - outside of their cars when they are not focused on their work.
One undercover police officer came over and asked what was going on. He could tell something was up and asked if I were moving back to the United States. I tell you, that is what everyone assumes. Before I had a chance to answer they all spoke up, "No! She is not going anywhere!" said a security guard.
"She loves it here. She is almost Honduran," a driver joked.
Then one of the drivers said, "You've just got to dye your hair darker and (he motioned broadening his arms and shoulders) get a little more stout so you look Honduran," he joked.
I really love the organization where I serve, but today I appreciated it even more than usual. I love that my boss is a woman of action. She answered my prayers without even knowing it. I love that she made sure my students will have a place to continue their education if they choose. I also love that I will be able to focus on one community from now on. And I think that it's super cool that I can stand outside the office and talk to the drivers and security guards about God and how we should serve Him.
For the rest of this week I will be at a retreat for English speaking women in a beautiful spot outside of the city. It's all free! A team from the US comes down each year and pampers us for three days. Female missionaries from all over Honduras are given the opportunity for rest, renewal, and worship in our native language. It's super nice. This year I am most looking forward to getting out of the city for a little while, but in the past it has been a life changing experience.
The End
Yesterday afternoon I went to the literacy class. The coworker who normally accompanies me was in the hospital. Security can only accompany me part way so we planned for Luis, my helper, to pick me up at the car. Last week when I arrived nobody was there to meet me. Luis was sick and the rest of his family is not reliable. Although we had just spoken on the phone, nobody came.
Yesterday was the same. I called at noon to ask them to send someone to meet me. I called again to say I was on the way. Once again I got there and nobody was there.
The security guard and the driver were not pleased. They told me in the future I should not go without my coworker. They also asked me to speak to the head of security about a safer plan if my coworker could not be there.
After a third phone call finally my students sent someone to get me. He isn't a student, but he is someone I know and trust. He volunteers for Impacto Juvenil. For the first time, I was angry with my students.
On the way up the mountain we always toss a rock onto the tin roof of one student's house. The pebble on the roof is a secret code. She and her husband always pop out the door and follow me up the mountain for class.
Yesterday I stopped to find a pebble. When I tossed it onto the roof the boy who accompanied me said the couple was not home. I could tell he didn't want to say any more, so I didn't ask. He's not part of the class and shouldn't have to be involved.
As we continued up the mountain I thanked him for coming to pick me up. I asked if Luis was still sick. He said no. Luis and the couple who live in the house all left. They went to pick coffee for two months outside of the city. They will come home on Christmas Eve.
I was shocked. Two of my best students were gone. Graduation is only weeks away. After eight months of studying, they just packed up and left.
When I got to the top of the mountain I called out to another student. She lives on one of the peaks. It took a while for her to answer. All of her neighbors joined in yelling, "Your professor is here!" Finally she poked her head out. She yelled down that she was making tortillas. I asked her to please come when she finished. She said sure, she will come. She never came.
When I got to the class I asked them to take out their homework. Nobody had done their homework. In fact, one student said, "I never thought about the class this week."
I said, "This class is for you. It's your class. I thought about the class this week. I prepared the lesson. I thought about the things that each of you need and brought those things with me. That is all I can do. I am sad that you didn't think about the class this week."
I have been telling them every week that I can only present the information. I cannot put the information into their brains. They must study at home. They have to do their part. We talked about that again. I cannot do this for them.
One student started in with the usual excuses, "I can't study because I have to sweep and mop the floor."
I reached my limit. I put my hands over my ears and said, "I don't want to hear any more excuses. Everyone. EVERYONE has 15 minutes each day if this class is a priority to you. You make time for things that are important."
I listened as they talked about poverty. I listened as they talked about being raised in a time when schools didn't exist. I listened.
And then I told them I have given them every opportunity. They have everything they need. In fact I come each week asking if there is anything they lack. I come to their houses, knock on their doors each week and walk them to class. All they have to do is study and walk a few steps to the classroom. They all looked down at the table. I said if they want to break the cycle of poverty this is their chance! But they have to do their part.
I asked for a commitment - a promise that they would study for 15 minutes every day. That is so very little! We talked about the fact that we have been reviewing and reviewing and we can't advance because they are forgetting what they learn in class when they don't study at home. They all agreed. They can see they have stopped advancing.
The youngest student said that she would like to continue. She made a commitment to study. Two more said they could not commit, but would drop in on classes if they have time. The student who was making tortillas never came.
We had a good time of prayer. I told each of them that I love them and I am not judging or criticizing them. They hugged me and told me they know my love for them.
I asked the youngest student, the one who said she is willing to commit to the class, to please walk me to the car. We talked about the fact that part of the class is also getting me back and forth safely. They all understand the danger.
As we left the building I headed up the mountain. I turned to look behind me. Nobody was there. I was alone. Then I saw the youngest student ducking behind a wall in an effort to get back to her house unseen. She doesn't like to walk. Although she knows the danger, she was not committed enough to walk me to the car.
I called out to her and asked her to walk with me to the car. She objected. Her mother was ashamed and agreed to walk me to the car.
I felt disappointed and hurt.
Last night I looked back over the past several weeks. I realized this pattern has been building for a while. Three weeks ago the whole class forgot how to add 1+1. That was when I saw how little they are willing to invest outside of the classroom. We were working on adding double digits and they forgot basic math.
I've been patient. I've been understanding. I love them! I know they never had much structure in their lives. Attending class and studying is new to them. Maybe I babied them too much. Maybe I should have been stricter from the beginning. Who knows.
I couldn't just leave them hanging. But I can't help them. I can't help them if they are not going to study. I can't help them if they aren't willing to make sure I get to class safely.
They've worked for eight months. I really want to see them have the opportunity to graduate.
Last night I called my sick coworker and told her the whole story. Her response was simple. "They don't want to."
Later, I was sitting in my room with all of the lights off, praying. Fany came to the window. She asked what was wrong. I repeated the story to her. She echoed my coworker's words. "They don't want to."
I called a fellow missionary. She advised me to call my boss.
This morning I called my boss. I asked for an appointment to speak to her. She said sure, then asked what was wrong so I ended up explaining it all over the phone.
Her answer was simple. She said this is a pilot project. She said I gave it my best shot and I did a good job. But if the students are not invested, there is nothing we can do. They have to do their part. She has been working with the literacy program for 16 years. This is something she has run into over and over as we try to capacitate adults in Honduras. Sometimes they are not willing to put in the work for what they want. She said it is time to stop.
My heart hurt.
I said I can't just leave them hanging so close to graduation. She told me there is a classroom really close to them where they can go and finish if they choose. It uses the same curriculum.
I have a meeting with the lady who runs that classroom in an hour. I will ask her if my students can transfer into her class, if they choose.
That plan gave me peace.
I can't go up the mountain alone and I can't rely on them to walk with me.
I can't do the work for them.
But I can give them the opportunity to graduate through this other location which is close and easy to get to. It's in their hands now.
There is a part two to this story, but I have to get ready for the meeting with the literacy teacher and I think this was a lot to digest.
It's finally sinking in and I am finally feeling peace about it. I wish it had ended differently. I wish I could share photos of each of the seven students receiving their diploma. But that is not the ending to this story. What I can say is the Doña Fransica learned she can sign her name. She also learned she is capable of learning. She can no longer say, "I know nothing."
The rest of the students all learned how to read and do basic math. They have the materials they need to continue their studies if they choose.
And, though you may think I'm foolish, the most important thing to me is that every one of my students know that I love them deeply in God's love. I want them to have the best life possible with all of the opportunities in the world. I appreciate and respect them. I hope this class brought them as much joy as it did for me.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Deeper focus
Some new things became clear to me over the past two days.
First, I should improve my Spanish. After a newer car, my next investment will be in Spanish classes. I can communicate effectively in all of the day to day things, but if I were more proficient I could communicate on deeper levels and serve in more profound ways. I have the experience and education, but am lacking in the ability to communicate as well as I would need to for the jobs I am qualified to perform.
Secondly, I really need to know and be known in the community where I am going to serve. I love being in several different communities, but I think I would be more effective if I focus on one place.
Today strangers were coming up to me and asking for things. Yesterday one school director asked what I can give to their school. Unfortunately, this is the mindset of many people in Honduras. On Tuesday a teacher was frustrated. He said kids are being raised to believe they are not capable of becoming independent adults. They think they need someone else to step in and take care of themselves and their family. They grow up and don't bother to look for jobs because they expect a handout, he said.
At the campaign last week a boy came up to me, stuck out his hand, and said, "Give me money." People notice my lighter skin and hair (which I am coloring darker tomorrow for this reason) and think I am going to give them free things. This manner of thinking exists because many North Americans came before me and showed their love in material ways. It's well intentioned. I am positive of that. But it is hurting this country.
In order to combat this I figure it will take about two years of working within one community, amongst the people, so they can see who I am, what I do, and what I don't do. I am here, as my Pastora prophesied in 2009, to serve with my heart and with my words, but not in a materialistic way. Once the people I serve realize that, I will be able to serve them more effectively.
If I focus on only one community I will become more visible there. The people will get used to having me around. They will have the opportunity get to know me for me, not for the ideas that my skin color brings to mind.
I feel excited about this. In the beginning of each year we always have a lot of changes at work. It's perfect timing to explain my thoughts to my boss and see what she says. She is well aware of the problems my skin color brings so I think she will understand.
On a similar but separate note, today I asked my security guard if he thought I could drive myself to my club each week. He is a police officer. I trust his opinion. He said I should talk to his boss, which is the official response he should give.
When he and the driver came back to pick me up the two of them had obviously talked about it. The driver asked why I wanted to drive my own car. I told him sometimes I feel like a burden. It seemed safe enough, I'd only be stepping out of my car and going three steps into the building. He asked what happens if my car gets scratched and nobody is willing to say who did it? I didn't expect him to think about my car.
Then the security guard spoke up. He said you cannot go there in your own car. You have to go with security. I explained that sometimes I feel bad because none of my coworkers have security. I want to be like them. This morning my coworker traveled with security for the first time, only because she was with me. It was kind of a pain in the neck because we have to plan everything ahead and we have to time everything perfectly. We didn't get to visit two houses because we ran out of time and had to get back to the place where the car was coming to get us.
Both the driver and the security guard said that I should not feel like a burden to anyone. This is their job and they are here to serve. Then the security guard said that the places we serve are too dangerous. The fact that I look different than everyone else attracts attention. He said I absolutely must travel with security.
So, I guess I don't need to ask his boss. And I won't feel bad for asking for transportation. I am glad to know that they see it as necessary. Sometimes I worry they think I am lazy and I don't want to walk or take public transportation like the rest of my coworkers.
I am really blessed to work in a place that takes my personal safety so seriously. They have a lot of very important people to keep safe. Other people within my organization are fighting corruption in high places. They have their lives threatened on a daily basis. But the drivers and security still care about little old me.
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| Working on a needlepoint project for school |
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| I loved seeing two boys busy with needlepoint! |
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| I loved meeting this lady. She was so proud of her tortillas! She would like to sell other types of food because she said everything she cooks turns out great! Right now she is making tortillas because it is the best schedule for her, as a single mother, to care for her children. She said she is capable of anything she puts her mind to. ♥ |
As a final note, a special friend asked me to share a prayer request. She says it better than I could:
"I would like to ask you to pray for our friend Mike. He goes to our church, is only 41, has a wife and 5 young children. He was having trouble swallowing and went to the doc. Well, to make a long story short, his life changed in an instant when he was told that he has stage 4 cancer in his throat, lungs, and liver. :( :( It's absolutely devastating. He is such an amazing man of God and is doing God's work throughout the community in many ways. The doctor said it will take nothing less than a major miracle for him to survive this. SO WE ARE ALL PRAYING FOR MIKE'S MIRACLE! Please join us."
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
School visits
This morning I got the opportunity to do home visits with a coworker. Since this is the last week of school, we did not actually go to any homes. We visited the schools instead.
At the first school we learned that a family had been lying, saying their son was going to school. He wasn't. He dropped out three weeks ago. They finish classes this week. What a bummer. The teacher made a big point to look at me and say in other countries the parents could be punished by law, but in Honduras that law is not enforced. She clearly wished it was enforced here.
We talked to the director of the school about how we can work as a team to keep this from happening in the future and how we can work together to support the children. I was impressed by that director. She was very strict and on top of things. She asked for a list of every kid who will be on scholarships next year so that she can help ensure they maintain good grades to keep the scholarships.
Teacher after teacher talked about the fact that the kids are dropping out of school for of lack of financial resources. Either parents are sending the kids off to work and bring money into the house, or they don't have the money to send the kids to school. Even public schools here cost money which many families simply don't have. They are often told they have to pay for special materials and if they don't bring the materials they are not allowed to come to school that day. It's insane, but all of the schools do it.
In the second school no parents or other adults are allowed to enter. My coworker knew someone who snuck us in. The rule of "no adults" was implemented after a parent started a physical fight with a teacher during school hours inside the school. Now the teachers have to work on Saturdays in order to meet with parents. I believe it may also have to do with gangs. They were hanging out on the street outside that school.
In the third school the director was strange. She kept looking at me and addressing me. The strange part is that my coworker was conducting the meeting, so I had absolutely nothing to say. I avoided eye contact with her and focused on him, thinking she would get the point and look at him too, but she didn't. At the end he shook her hand and said goodbye. She took my hand to shake it and wouldn't let go! What a shame. She clearly thought that I held more power than my coworker, when in fact that is far from true. Just because he is Honduran and I am not, she treated the two of us totally differently - racism against her own people.
In the fourth school the teachers were great. They talked about a student who has changed considerably. He went from never taking notes in class and never turning in homework, to arriving on time each day with his homework prepared and ready to pay attention. We figured out that the change happened after he and his mother began Familia Fuerte! He is also in counseling with a psychologist from Impacto Juvenil. The teacher said he is "100% different" than he was before. I love news like that! The program is working!
Unfortunately we were also there to see a boy in her class who is not doing well at all. She asked if he could get therapy too. He has been offered therapy but never shows up for appointments.
We had lunch at my coworker's house. I asked ahead if I should bring lunch but he said no. His mom gave me the last of their meat and gave him the last of their beans. She filled our plates with spaghetti and rice and offered us a big plate of tortillas. I felt horrible eating the last of their food. I wasn't even hungry, but it is rude not to eat when offered food. (Even/ESPECIALLY when it's all they have.) I gave my meat to my coworker saying I couldn't possibly finish the whole plate. I had two apples in the car which I left for his niece and nephew who also live there.
Since we were on the streets all day, I didn't carry my phone. When I got to the club I noticed I had a missed call from Ana. She never calls me, so I called her back quickly and apologized for missing her call. She said she had a huge favor to ask. I couldn't imagine what it would be. She never asks me for favors.
Yesterday her blender died. In Honduras we use blenders for everything. I make refried beans, a basic staple, at least once/week with mine. She said she was "liquefying" chicken when hers died. She has a small job making snacks for all of the Impacto Juvenil meetings in Los Pinos, which means she is cooking for an extra 100+ people each week.
A month ago my blender died. For over a week I tried to get it to work, but the blades wouldn't spin. After I bought a new blender I tried the old one before throwing it away. It suddenly came back to life! Since you can't return things here, I ended up with an extra blender.
I immediately thought of Ana. Jired came over to help paint my house. He said his mom had a blender. I figured someone would need a blender at some point. Turned out Ana did need a blender. I was just two weeks early.
The kids continue to enjoy the library. For the first time a book came back looking like someone had rolled it up. We talked again about taking good care of the books. We played games and did puzzles that showed them all of the reproductive systems. We had a scavenger hunt where the kids had to find little pieces of paper that made up a list changes boy and girls go through in adolescence.
We read a story about a young girl who lived in a poor community. She had the opportunity to make money for her family. All she had to do was make a video tape. The story didn't go into any detail, but said she was abused. It talked about how her whole life changed. The kids sat in silence, listening attentively. Afterward they said they know that this could happen to any one of them if they are not careful.
We had a good game of soccer and then the rain came. First it was a drizzle. Then it poured really hard. The side streets were like waterfalls, coming off the mountain and feeding the main road that was now a rushing river. At some points the water was deep. The most dangerous thing about driving in heavy storms is the debris that comes down off the mountains. Big rocks can be carried down and hide under the deep water. Manhole covers also come off and leave a huge hole in the road. But I made it home safe!
I also saw the boy who was beaten in the head with the gun. I wrote about him recently. His head is covered in gauze, but he seemed okay.
Playing "Peel the Onion". (My coworker and I had to peel the kids apart.)
At the first school we learned that a family had been lying, saying their son was going to school. He wasn't. He dropped out three weeks ago. They finish classes this week. What a bummer. The teacher made a big point to look at me and say in other countries the parents could be punished by law, but in Honduras that law is not enforced. She clearly wished it was enforced here.
We talked to the director of the school about how we can work as a team to keep this from happening in the future and how we can work together to support the children. I was impressed by that director. She was very strict and on top of things. She asked for a list of every kid who will be on scholarships next year so that she can help ensure they maintain good grades to keep the scholarships.
Teacher after teacher talked about the fact that the kids are dropping out of school for of lack of financial resources. Either parents are sending the kids off to work and bring money into the house, or they don't have the money to send the kids to school. Even public schools here cost money which many families simply don't have. They are often told they have to pay for special materials and if they don't bring the materials they are not allowed to come to school that day. It's insane, but all of the schools do it.
In the second school no parents or other adults are allowed to enter. My coworker knew someone who snuck us in. The rule of "no adults" was implemented after a parent started a physical fight with a teacher during school hours inside the school. Now the teachers have to work on Saturdays in order to meet with parents. I believe it may also have to do with gangs. They were hanging out on the street outside that school.
In the third school the director was strange. She kept looking at me and addressing me. The strange part is that my coworker was conducting the meeting, so I had absolutely nothing to say. I avoided eye contact with her and focused on him, thinking she would get the point and look at him too, but she didn't. At the end he shook her hand and said goodbye. She took my hand to shake it and wouldn't let go! What a shame. She clearly thought that I held more power than my coworker, when in fact that is far from true. Just because he is Honduran and I am not, she treated the two of us totally differently - racism against her own people.
In the fourth school the teachers were great. They talked about a student who has changed considerably. He went from never taking notes in class and never turning in homework, to arriving on time each day with his homework prepared and ready to pay attention. We figured out that the change happened after he and his mother began Familia Fuerte! He is also in counseling with a psychologist from Impacto Juvenil. The teacher said he is "100% different" than he was before. I love news like that! The program is working!
Unfortunately we were also there to see a boy in her class who is not doing well at all. She asked if he could get therapy too. He has been offered therapy but never shows up for appointments.
We had lunch at my coworker's house. I asked ahead if I should bring lunch but he said no. His mom gave me the last of their meat and gave him the last of their beans. She filled our plates with spaghetti and rice and offered us a big plate of tortillas. I felt horrible eating the last of their food. I wasn't even hungry, but it is rude not to eat when offered food. (Even/ESPECIALLY when it's all they have.) I gave my meat to my coworker saying I couldn't possibly finish the whole plate. I had two apples in the car which I left for his niece and nephew who also live there.
Since we were on the streets all day, I didn't carry my phone. When I got to the club I noticed I had a missed call from Ana. She never calls me, so I called her back quickly and apologized for missing her call. She said she had a huge favor to ask. I couldn't imagine what it would be. She never asks me for favors.
Yesterday her blender died. In Honduras we use blenders for everything. I make refried beans, a basic staple, at least once/week with mine. She said she was "liquefying" chicken when hers died. She has a small job making snacks for all of the Impacto Juvenil meetings in Los Pinos, which means she is cooking for an extra 100+ people each week.
A month ago my blender died. For over a week I tried to get it to work, but the blades wouldn't spin. After I bought a new blender I tried the old one before throwing it away. It suddenly came back to life! Since you can't return things here, I ended up with an extra blender.
I immediately thought of Ana. Jired came over to help paint my house. He said his mom had a blender. I figured someone would need a blender at some point. Turned out Ana did need a blender. I was just two weeks early.
The kids continue to enjoy the library. For the first time a book came back looking like someone had rolled it up. We talked again about taking good care of the books. We played games and did puzzles that showed them all of the reproductive systems. We had a scavenger hunt where the kids had to find little pieces of paper that made up a list changes boy and girls go through in adolescence.
We read a story about a young girl who lived in a poor community. She had the opportunity to make money for her family. All she had to do was make a video tape. The story didn't go into any detail, but said she was abused. It talked about how her whole life changed. The kids sat in silence, listening attentively. Afterward they said they know that this could happen to any one of them if they are not careful.
We had a good game of soccer and then the rain came. First it was a drizzle. Then it poured really hard. The side streets were like waterfalls, coming off the mountain and feeding the main road that was now a rushing river. At some points the water was deep. The most dangerous thing about driving in heavy storms is the debris that comes down off the mountains. Big rocks can be carried down and hide under the deep water. Manhole covers also come off and leave a huge hole in the road. But I made it home safe!
I also saw the boy who was beaten in the head with the gun. I wrote about him recently. His head is covered in gauze, but he seemed okay.
Playing "Peel the Onion". (My coworker and I had to peel the kids apart.)
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Tuesday, November 1, 2016
Newsletters
Got the newsletter done today. That thing is the worst part about being a missionary. So much pressure! This month's wasn't the greatest. It was more informational. I know people really like to read other stuff, but sometimes I have to let them know what's going on in the day-to-day.
I spend weeks stressing out about the newsletter. Basically, after it's written I start dreading the next one. By the time I finally sit down to write it I've written four different versions in my head and still, it never comes out as I plan.
Yesterday I sat next to my friend who was robbed with me in our Monday meeting. He told me some really bad news. He had to drop out of college. Man. What a bummer.
Here they pay for college month to month. He can't afford to pay for November because he was robbed of $100 while he was with me, and then robbed again when he went to cash the money for his scholarship.
For a while I thought just my coworkers and I are having a bad time, but today a missionary friend told me that she saw on the news that robberies are rampant. December is normally the month that a lot of people get robbed. We are not sure why this is happening in October. Pastora Ruth's explanation seems most logical. The police have closed in on gangs and they are turning to small time robbery just to get by.
My coworker told me another thing that I've been thinking about a lot. On Sunday at his club he pulled one of his kids aside and gave him a stern talking to. The young man has been huffing paint thinner and resistol. Huffing is the drug of choice here, since it is cheap. But it kills your brain cells and quickly makes you crazy.
My friend talked to the boy. Then he left the club and went to buy more drugs. Somehow in this interaction he was beaten over the head with a baseball bat. His best friend was shot at four times, but never wounded by a bullet. Then he was beaten in the head with the butt of the pistol. Both were left for dead. They both are alive, but concerned about further problems from the gang that attacked them. I can't imagine how those boys' mothers felt when they arrived home after being beaten like that.
I am looking forward to the rest of this week. From now on I am accompanying two coworkers on home visits every Wednesday and Thursday morning. Home visits are my favorite! I love getting to know the kids and their families outside of our club. I love learning about the communities we serve and the people who live there. So mornings should be fun.
In the afternoon I have the club tomorrow. A Honduran friend bought a bunch of classic books in Spanish, like Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, Sleeping Beauty, etc. She also got "Legends and Traditions of Honduras" which I think the kids will love. I can't wait to show them their new library books.
And, of course, Thursday is literacy class. I am interested to see how many studied this week. Last week they forgot how to add and I gave them a big lecture about the fact that I can only present the information. They need to study at him because I can't put it inside of their brain for them.
Yesterday I spent several hours writing monthly "informes" in Spanish. It's super intimidating. You already know how I feel about newsletters. Well, this is to my boss and her assistant and it's in Spanish!
Today I got an email from my boss's assistant, who is not know for her kind words, saying how much she appreciates me, my work and dedication, my love for her country, and my heart for the children. That made my day!
I spend weeks stressing out about the newsletter. Basically, after it's written I start dreading the next one. By the time I finally sit down to write it I've written four different versions in my head and still, it never comes out as I plan.
Yesterday I sat next to my friend who was robbed with me in our Monday meeting. He told me some really bad news. He had to drop out of college. Man. What a bummer.
Here they pay for college month to month. He can't afford to pay for November because he was robbed of $100 while he was with me, and then robbed again when he went to cash the money for his scholarship.
For a while I thought just my coworkers and I are having a bad time, but today a missionary friend told me that she saw on the news that robberies are rampant. December is normally the month that a lot of people get robbed. We are not sure why this is happening in October. Pastora Ruth's explanation seems most logical. The police have closed in on gangs and they are turning to small time robbery just to get by.
My coworker told me another thing that I've been thinking about a lot. On Sunday at his club he pulled one of his kids aside and gave him a stern talking to. The young man has been huffing paint thinner and resistol. Huffing is the drug of choice here, since it is cheap. But it kills your brain cells and quickly makes you crazy.
My friend talked to the boy. Then he left the club and went to buy more drugs. Somehow in this interaction he was beaten over the head with a baseball bat. His best friend was shot at four times, but never wounded by a bullet. Then he was beaten in the head with the butt of the pistol. Both were left for dead. They both are alive, but concerned about further problems from the gang that attacked them. I can't imagine how those boys' mothers felt when they arrived home after being beaten like that.
I am looking forward to the rest of this week. From now on I am accompanying two coworkers on home visits every Wednesday and Thursday morning. Home visits are my favorite! I love getting to know the kids and their families outside of our club. I love learning about the communities we serve and the people who live there. So mornings should be fun.
In the afternoon I have the club tomorrow. A Honduran friend bought a bunch of classic books in Spanish, like Little Red Riding Hood, The Three Little Pigs, Sleeping Beauty, etc. She also got "Legends and Traditions of Honduras" which I think the kids will love. I can't wait to show them their new library books.
And, of course, Thursday is literacy class. I am interested to see how many studied this week. Last week they forgot how to add and I gave them a big lecture about the fact that I can only present the information. They need to study at him because I can't put it inside of their brain for them.
Yesterday I spent several hours writing monthly "informes" in Spanish. It's super intimidating. You already know how I feel about newsletters. Well, this is to my boss and her assistant and it's in Spanish!
Today I got an email from my boss's assistant, who is not know for her kind words, saying how much she appreciates me, my work and dedication, my love for her country, and my heart for the children. That made my day!
Thursday, October 27, 2016
Two Thirds of the way through First Grade!
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| Doña Francisca and her flowers I said, "I am so big!" She said, "You are hugging me." ♥ |
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| This is Doña Francisca's grandson, Misael, sporting Doña Francisca's broken glasses |
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| We celebrated being 2/3 of the way through first grade with brownies! The green cups were a huge hit. Everyone took their's home. |
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
Today
I wished today that you all spoke Spanish. I would have video taped the Familia Fuerte class where the parents spoke about the challenges of raising their kids in this environment. I especially wished I could tape a conversation with a lady who makes all of the snacks for our clubs and classes. She is a super sweet lady, but she has a tough side too. She runs her own club as a volunteer within our program, but makes a little money preparing snacks for the five clubs in Nueva Suyapa as well as for our special classes, like Familia Fuerte.
She walks down the mountain carrying all of the food all prepared. Somehow, it is always hot, even though she arrives early. They call it a snack, but today's "snack" was two enchiladas and a fruit juice. For me it's a dinner. That's kind of the goal - to give the kids a good meal.
Today I commented to the snack lady... (You may notice, I never mention my coworkers by name here. It's not for lack of respect. It's for safety reasons.) Today I commented to the snack lady that another coworker is really stressed out. The snack lady said, "Mary Lynn, we are all under a lot of stress. I am going to tell you why. These are things that I normally would never say out loud. In fact, I haven't said them out loud before, because it is our custom to be quiet and not say a word. Even within my house we don't speak of these things because everything has ears."
She said, "If someone knocks on the door, we never answer. In fact, we all remain silent and don't move. We don't dare answer the door to anyone these days. All of my neighbors are the same. All of the doors are shut - where they used to leave doors and windows open for the breeze to pass through - now everything is closed. Even the pulperias (corner stores) close before 8 p.m. because there is nobody on the streets. It is not safe to leave your house."
(My other coworker told me that the only time he was held up, other than last week with me, was when he was inside his gated porch. He looked up and someone had a gun aimed at him. They told him to open the door. Then they came in and stole everything they could carry. Apparently this is common and has been for a while.)
Since Friday the snack lady has seen three children shot and killed. Kids she has known since they were in diapers are now dead. She saw the two boys I spoke of in my blog yesterday, ages 15 and 17 killed. They were neighbors to her and another coworker who was shaken up and told me about it Monday morning. She admitted the 17 year old is a "cold-hearted thief". She said he robbed people with a knife and would kill them if they didn't comply. But his younger brother is a member of her church and was on the right path in life. She said the gangs are killing needlessly. She also saw a boy shot to death as his sister begged for his life on Friday. She said everyone is extremely on edge.
I asked if she has ever seen violence like this before. She said it has never been as bad as it's been in the past few months. She said it's more violent, more frequent and more senseless.
Then she asked if I heard what happened here (in the place where we hold the club and Familia Fuerte) on Friday. I said, No, I was here on Friday. (I forgot until right this second that I was actually there on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but not on Friday.)
She said she walked outside the door of the club and turned right. Two of my coworkers were behind her a few steps. They walked out and exited to the left. She was face to face with a young man who lifted up his shirt to show that he had several big firearms tucked into his waistband. She yelled back at my coworkers that they had left something in the building. They were able to duck inside. Three more young men came and joined their armed friend. She was able to talk what I would call "street jive" to them and they ended up telling her, "Mother, just go."
Gang members use the word mother to address older women whom they respect. I've heard it before when we climb up to literacy class. They talk to my other coworker that way.
In the end she was safe, and so was everyone else, but she was shaken. She said she has never felt this stressed out in her life. She has never been so afraid to walk the streets.
She was doing home visits for the kids of her club. It is mandatory that we see the kids in their home once each month. She was crossing a bridge when she recognized five of the eight young men who killed the 15 and 17 year old brothers. She said her heart stopped, but she had to act as though she didn't know them. She greeted them as she passed, and kept walking. Then she had to walk past them again to leave. She said her heart was about to explode out of her chest, she was so scared. She asked permission to pass by them because they were on a bridge. They gave her permission and she walked through. She said people know who the five boys are. They are from Los Pinos.
Then her whole demeanor changed. She said there were only five of the eight killers because a police man on a motorcycle saw the shooting of the two brothers. He called in reinforcements and they captured three of the eight killers within an hour. That fact made her very happy, even exited. It's huge progress. In the past over 90% of homicides went unsolved in Honduras, especially in areas like where we serve. Even though five of them are still on the streets, she sees progress and is clearly hopeful.
As I left the club today two coworkers accompanied me the five steps until I was in the hands of the policeman who was standing at the car, holding the door open. I didn't realize it at the time, but looking back now, I see what they were doing. They didn't know that the snack lady told me all they have been through in the past few days. I've noticed they always keep the worst things secret from me. Sometimes something will slip and I know that I wasn't supposed to be told. They always make a special point to watch over me as much as possible. I hate to be an extra burden to them. They clearly have enough stress in their lives already. (I am the only one who doesn't live within that community.)
Our transportation has tightened up even more. They now arrive early instead of at the scheduled time because nobody is supposed to wait for transportation. Today they were 15 minutes early. They are also quicker to jump out and open the door for us. I don't mind opening my own door. I feel silly having a police officer open a door for me. But I am starting to understand why it is necessary.
On the way home I was talking to the officer about the young man with the guns in front of the club on Friday. He was frustrated that nobody had told him. He said as long as nobody speaks about these things the police can't do anything. But he also understands that people are scared to talk. I hope I don't get anyone into trouble by the words I write here, or by talking to the policeman today.
I talked to him about the group of missionaries in Los Pinos this week. He asked if they have good contacts there and body guards. I said I don't know, but I hope so. He said he certainly hopes so too because by their third day (tomorrow), they are going to be in bigger danger there. Everyone will know they are there, the times they come and go, and they will have a plan set for how to rob them.
To clarify, these people are not serving at the church where I used to serve. They are actually inside of Los Pinos at a carepoint which makes it much more dangerous for them if they are not accompanied by the right people. Or even if they are... I am praying for them.
Please keep my coworkers and me and the people of Honduras in your prayers. Part of me hates to share stuff like this. I know it's not fun to read. But I think it's necessary. We need your coverage in prayer.
She walks down the mountain carrying all of the food all prepared. Somehow, it is always hot, even though she arrives early. They call it a snack, but today's "snack" was two enchiladas and a fruit juice. For me it's a dinner. That's kind of the goal - to give the kids a good meal.
Today I commented to the snack lady... (You may notice, I never mention my coworkers by name here. It's not for lack of respect. It's for safety reasons.) Today I commented to the snack lady that another coworker is really stressed out. The snack lady said, "Mary Lynn, we are all under a lot of stress. I am going to tell you why. These are things that I normally would never say out loud. In fact, I haven't said them out loud before, because it is our custom to be quiet and not say a word. Even within my house we don't speak of these things because everything has ears."
She said, "If someone knocks on the door, we never answer. In fact, we all remain silent and don't move. We don't dare answer the door to anyone these days. All of my neighbors are the same. All of the doors are shut - where they used to leave doors and windows open for the breeze to pass through - now everything is closed. Even the pulperias (corner stores) close before 8 p.m. because there is nobody on the streets. It is not safe to leave your house."
(My other coworker told me that the only time he was held up, other than last week with me, was when he was inside his gated porch. He looked up and someone had a gun aimed at him. They told him to open the door. Then they came in and stole everything they could carry. Apparently this is common and has been for a while.)
Since Friday the snack lady has seen three children shot and killed. Kids she has known since they were in diapers are now dead. She saw the two boys I spoke of in my blog yesterday, ages 15 and 17 killed. They were neighbors to her and another coworker who was shaken up and told me about it Monday morning. She admitted the 17 year old is a "cold-hearted thief". She said he robbed people with a knife and would kill them if they didn't comply. But his younger brother is a member of her church and was on the right path in life. She said the gangs are killing needlessly. She also saw a boy shot to death as his sister begged for his life on Friday. She said everyone is extremely on edge.
I asked if she has ever seen violence like this before. She said it has never been as bad as it's been in the past few months. She said it's more violent, more frequent and more senseless.
Then she asked if I heard what happened here (in the place where we hold the club and Familia Fuerte) on Friday. I said, No, I was here on Friday. (I forgot until right this second that I was actually there on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but not on Friday.)
She said she walked outside the door of the club and turned right. Two of my coworkers were behind her a few steps. They walked out and exited to the left. She was face to face with a young man who lifted up his shirt to show that he had several big firearms tucked into his waistband. She yelled back at my coworkers that they had left something in the building. They were able to duck inside. Three more young men came and joined their armed friend. She was able to talk what I would call "street jive" to them and they ended up telling her, "Mother, just go."
Gang members use the word mother to address older women whom they respect. I've heard it before when we climb up to literacy class. They talk to my other coworker that way.
In the end she was safe, and so was everyone else, but she was shaken. She said she has never felt this stressed out in her life. She has never been so afraid to walk the streets.
She was doing home visits for the kids of her club. It is mandatory that we see the kids in their home once each month. She was crossing a bridge when she recognized five of the eight young men who killed the 15 and 17 year old brothers. She said her heart stopped, but she had to act as though she didn't know them. She greeted them as she passed, and kept walking. Then she had to walk past them again to leave. She said her heart was about to explode out of her chest, she was so scared. She asked permission to pass by them because they were on a bridge. They gave her permission and she walked through. She said people know who the five boys are. They are from Los Pinos.
Then her whole demeanor changed. She said there were only five of the eight killers because a police man on a motorcycle saw the shooting of the two brothers. He called in reinforcements and they captured three of the eight killers within an hour. That fact made her very happy, even exited. It's huge progress. In the past over 90% of homicides went unsolved in Honduras, especially in areas like where we serve. Even though five of them are still on the streets, she sees progress and is clearly hopeful.
As I left the club today two coworkers accompanied me the five steps until I was in the hands of the policeman who was standing at the car, holding the door open. I didn't realize it at the time, but looking back now, I see what they were doing. They didn't know that the snack lady told me all they have been through in the past few days. I've noticed they always keep the worst things secret from me. Sometimes something will slip and I know that I wasn't supposed to be told. They always make a special point to watch over me as much as possible. I hate to be an extra burden to them. They clearly have enough stress in their lives already. (I am the only one who doesn't live within that community.)
Our transportation has tightened up even more. They now arrive early instead of at the scheduled time because nobody is supposed to wait for transportation. Today they were 15 minutes early. They are also quicker to jump out and open the door for us. I don't mind opening my own door. I feel silly having a police officer open a door for me. But I am starting to understand why it is necessary.
On the way home I was talking to the officer about the young man with the guns in front of the club on Friday. He was frustrated that nobody had told him. He said as long as nobody speaks about these things the police can't do anything. But he also understands that people are scared to talk. I hope I don't get anyone into trouble by the words I write here, or by talking to the policeman today.
I talked to him about the group of missionaries in Los Pinos this week. He asked if they have good contacts there and body guards. I said I don't know, but I hope so. He said he certainly hopes so too because by their third day (tomorrow), they are going to be in bigger danger there. Everyone will know they are there, the times they come and go, and they will have a plan set for how to rob them.
To clarify, these people are not serving at the church where I used to serve. They are actually inside of Los Pinos at a carepoint which makes it much more dangerous for them if they are not accompanied by the right people. Or even if they are... I am praying for them.
Please keep my coworkers and me and the people of Honduras in your prayers. Part of me hates to share stuff like this. I know it's not fun to read. But I think it's necessary. We need your coverage in prayer.
Monday, October 24, 2016
Changes
Today I learned there is a mission team who came from the US to serve in Los Pinos. The older sister of my high school classmate is on the team.
I am shocked to hear they are bringing a team of people from outside into Los Pinos. It's been hard for my Honduran friends and missionary friends who live here to enter Los Pinos safely. I am praying for the safety of this team, and wisdom for its leaders. Especially in the days to come as news will have spread that they are there with their cell phones and whatever else they are carrying.
Yesterday I was locked out of the house until dinner time. Fany realized the lock wasn't working well. She said I should have pushed harder. But the security guard and I tried for a half an hour. We couldn't get the lock to budge.
The lock on the garage door has been broken for over a year. I'm hoping maybe both locks will be fixed. But the Honduran way is to keep trying to repair something until it's completely dead. If some oil can fix the lock for now, it will probably take a few more times of us being locked out before the lock is replaced.
Today is the day my coworker will talk to my boss about getting help for Erika and her house. I was hoping my boss would be in a more jovial mood when that conversation took place, but she was stressed out.
We had an interesting meeting with monitoreo (our in house auditors). They review our work and let us know how we are doing. It's a very in-depth process, but necessary since we are a non-profit organization who strives toward transparency and excellence.
There are now 10 different program operating under the umbrella of the place where I serve. I hate writing the name here because four of the 10 programs are fighting for justice, which puts us all in harm's way. Honduras is not used to justice or consequences. Some people are not happy with the work my coworkers do.
The good news is, they are getting a lot done. They are improving the education system. Only three years ago kids were lucky to get 100 days of school each year. On top of that, the kids only have a half day of class and schools only go to 11th grade, so it's an uphill battle. Over the past three years they fixed the payroll so only the teachers who actually teach are paid. They also increased the school year from 100 days to a goal of 215 in 2016. The school year ends in a couple of weeks. I think they will achieve their goal.
The organization I work for also helped clean up the health system by going into clinics and public hospitals and figuring out how the resources are being used. People who were stealing and selling medication were prosecuted, even when they were discovered to be high up in the government. That was a first in Honduras.
In the past year they have been working toward cleaning out the police, prosecuting dirty cops and educating new police who take their place. This will be a long and involved process, as the roots of corruption run deep. It is shocking to people to see the heads of the police force taken down, and not only removed from their jobs but also prosecuted. In the past corruption has not brought any consequences. That is changing.
People believe that the increase in robberies as of late is because the police are arresting more gang members. In the past, gangs paid off the police. Now that there are fewer corrupt cops on the police force, the gangs' hands are tied. They can't bring in all of the money they used to. Unfortunately, this is causing them to act out in more small-time robberies, like what happened to me. While the country is taking positive steps, it is a huge process. I hope what we are experiencing right now is the worst and that it will soon get better. In the meantime I am concerned for that team of North Americans in Los Pinos.
It's all a delicate and intricate system, which is hard for even the people who live in the midst of it to understand. What I do know is that in the past two weeks, three of my friends and I have been robbed at gunpoint. One friend was robbed twice! Two friends were Honduran, one is a missionary. None of us have ever been robbed with a weapon before. To me, that seems proof that random crime is increasing. People are talking. Many are anxious. We agree - something is going on. The outcome is yet to be seen.
I am shocked to hear they are bringing a team of people from outside into Los Pinos. It's been hard for my Honduran friends and missionary friends who live here to enter Los Pinos safely. I am praying for the safety of this team, and wisdom for its leaders. Especially in the days to come as news will have spread that they are there with their cell phones and whatever else they are carrying.
Yesterday I was locked out of the house until dinner time. Fany realized the lock wasn't working well. She said I should have pushed harder. But the security guard and I tried for a half an hour. We couldn't get the lock to budge.
The lock on the garage door has been broken for over a year. I'm hoping maybe both locks will be fixed. But the Honduran way is to keep trying to repair something until it's completely dead. If some oil can fix the lock for now, it will probably take a few more times of us being locked out before the lock is replaced.
Today is the day my coworker will talk to my boss about getting help for Erika and her house. I was hoping my boss would be in a more jovial mood when that conversation took place, but she was stressed out.
We had an interesting meeting with monitoreo (our in house auditors). They review our work and let us know how we are doing. It's a very in-depth process, but necessary since we are a non-profit organization who strives toward transparency and excellence.
There are now 10 different program operating under the umbrella of the place where I serve. I hate writing the name here because four of the 10 programs are fighting for justice, which puts us all in harm's way. Honduras is not used to justice or consequences. Some people are not happy with the work my coworkers do.
The good news is, they are getting a lot done. They are improving the education system. Only three years ago kids were lucky to get 100 days of school each year. On top of that, the kids only have a half day of class and schools only go to 11th grade, so it's an uphill battle. Over the past three years they fixed the payroll so only the teachers who actually teach are paid. They also increased the school year from 100 days to a goal of 215 in 2016. The school year ends in a couple of weeks. I think they will achieve their goal.
The organization I work for also helped clean up the health system by going into clinics and public hospitals and figuring out how the resources are being used. People who were stealing and selling medication were prosecuted, even when they were discovered to be high up in the government. That was a first in Honduras.
In the past year they have been working toward cleaning out the police, prosecuting dirty cops and educating new police who take their place. This will be a long and involved process, as the roots of corruption run deep. It is shocking to people to see the heads of the police force taken down, and not only removed from their jobs but also prosecuted. In the past corruption has not brought any consequences. That is changing.
People believe that the increase in robberies as of late is because the police are arresting more gang members. In the past, gangs paid off the police. Now that there are fewer corrupt cops on the police force, the gangs' hands are tied. They can't bring in all of the money they used to. Unfortunately, this is causing them to act out in more small-time robberies, like what happened to me. While the country is taking positive steps, it is a huge process. I hope what we are experiencing right now is the worst and that it will soon get better. In the meantime I am concerned for that team of North Americans in Los Pinos.
It's all a delicate and intricate system, which is hard for even the people who live in the midst of it to understand. What I do know is that in the past two weeks, three of my friends and I have been robbed at gunpoint. One friend was robbed twice! Two friends were Honduran, one is a missionary. None of us have ever been robbed with a weapon before. To me, that seems proof that random crime is increasing. People are talking. Many are anxious. We agree - something is going on. The outcome is yet to be seen.
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Celebrating Birthdays
Last night we drove to Chilies which in Honduras is THE place to go for Hondurans, as well as TGIFridays. Fany has had her cousin, my landlord, Leonor visiting from Guatemala. At first Fany was all stressed out, but now Leonor has been here a while and I see that she is more relaxed.
All of us are broke, so we decided to collaborate to celebrate Fany's birthday last night. We ordered an appetizer platter to share and margaritas. It was nice to get dressed up and go out with the ladies.
Tonight we celebrated Leonor's birthday. Fany made her special tacos. Once again it was a fun night among ladies.
Today is the first day that it rained very little. I hope the storm has passed. Erika's house is still standing.
All of us are broke, so we decided to collaborate to celebrate Fany's birthday last night. We ordered an appetizer platter to share and margaritas. It was nice to get dressed up and go out with the ladies.
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| Fany with her lava cake |
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| The ladies |
Tonight we celebrated Leonor's birthday. Fany made her special tacos. Once again it was a fun night among ladies.
Today is the first day that it rained very little. I hope the storm has passed. Erika's house is still standing.
I love to hear from you
I just wrote a post about how lately I am feeling "out of sight, out of mind". But after thinking it over, I decided to change the post.
Rather than focus on all of the ways I am feeling alone and emotionally unsupported I would like to thank the people who are taking the time and making the effort to reach out to me. I appreciate you.
I am also grateful to those of you who make time in your lives to read my blog. It makes my day when you say, "Oh yes, I read about that in your blog."
Thank you to Jamie Dorrity who said all of the other stuff about being glad I am alive after the robbery and then added, "Let me know if there is anything I can do to help." That meant a lot to me.
Thank you to Julia for your sweet note and advice. You were right on target.
Thank you to my friend Lynda who bugged me until I opened up and talked to her about everything I am feeling after being robbed.
I am grateful to Erika who, even with her house falling down, takes time out of her day to tell me she loves me.
God blessed me with a church whose Pastor survived a plane crash and is able to give me good advice and warn me about what to expect. Last night when I had three nightmares about someone coming up behind me and putting a gun to my head I didn't feel so scared, because I understand this is my new "normal" for the time being.
Thank you to those who take the time to send a little message when you read my newsletter. I don't expect all 150 recipients to respond. But the 3-10 of you who do respond - even with just one word - remind me that I am not in this alone. I need that!
Thank you to the three of you who send me an email now and then. You have busy lives but I love hearing from you. Usually I read your emails at least three times. Sometimes I take a little while to get back to you, but once I sit down and write, I try to fill my response full of things I think you'll be interested in hearing.
If any of you would like to chat by Skype or FB messenger, let's plan time to do that. Or if you see me on FB, send me a little message. Leave a message here, on the blog! It doesn't have to be frequent and it doesn't matter what method you use. I love to hear from you every now and then.
Rather than focus on all of the ways I am feeling alone and emotionally unsupported I would like to thank the people who are taking the time and making the effort to reach out to me. I appreciate you.
I am also grateful to those of you who make time in your lives to read my blog. It makes my day when you say, "Oh yes, I read about that in your blog."
Thank you to Jamie Dorrity who said all of the other stuff about being glad I am alive after the robbery and then added, "Let me know if there is anything I can do to help." That meant a lot to me.
Thank you to Julia for your sweet note and advice. You were right on target.
Thank you to my friend Lynda who bugged me until I opened up and talked to her about everything I am feeling after being robbed.
I am grateful to Erika who, even with her house falling down, takes time out of her day to tell me she loves me.
God blessed me with a church whose Pastor survived a plane crash and is able to give me good advice and warn me about what to expect. Last night when I had three nightmares about someone coming up behind me and putting a gun to my head I didn't feel so scared, because I understand this is my new "normal" for the time being.
Thank you to those who take the time to send a little message when you read my newsletter. I don't expect all 150 recipients to respond. But the 3-10 of you who do respond - even with just one word - remind me that I am not in this alone. I need that!
Thank you to the three of you who send me an email now and then. You have busy lives but I love hearing from you. Usually I read your emails at least three times. Sometimes I take a little while to get back to you, but once I sit down and write, I try to fill my response full of things I think you'll be interested in hearing.
If any of you would like to chat by Skype or FB messenger, let's plan time to do that. Or if you see me on FB, send me a little message. Leave a message here, on the blog! It doesn't have to be frequent and it doesn't matter what method you use. I love to hear from you every now and then.
Friday, October 21, 2016
Rain
The kids in the club are finally starting to understand the idea of the library. It's so fun to see! They keep confirming with me, "Can we take the books home?" They can't believe that they are allowed to leave the premises with the books.
Only two kids forgot to bring the books they borrowed last week. I thought that was pretty good. They were really timid, as though they expected me to yell at them or punish them. I just asked them to remember the books for next week and they relaxed.
This week I made the mistake of letting them choose new books before the club started. At one point I looked around the classroom and everyone was reading. The only problem was that my coworker was trying to teach the class.
Next week they will be allowed to borrow the books before class (because they eat after class and I don't want them to get food all over the books) but we will keep the books on a shelf by the door where they can pick up their books on the way out.
It was fun to watch them leave with their books this week. It's been pouring for days. They shoved their books inside of their shirts or sweaters and ran out into the rain. Some made a point to show me how they protected the books under their clothes.
They have also started to say please and thank you with no prompting! This is a big step. I'm super proud of them.
Tuesday we started a new "Strong Families" class. We are training a group of church ladies to teach the class within their church, so there is a new dynamic to this group. Strong Families is such a special program. Parenting skills are not often spoken of here. Verbal communication in general is lacking in this culture, so most of what we talk about is new to the parents.
This week in Familias Fuertes (Strong Families) we talked about the different styles of parenting. (Authoritarian, Permissive, Negligent, and Democratic) Then we discussed the effects of the different styles on the kids. The ladies always start out quiet and kind of awkward with each other. By the end of the class they were laughing and bonding as if they had known one another for years.
Erika called tonight to say that the Alcaldia can't help her. Her home is falling off the side of the mountain. The house below added on a room and excavated the ground under Erika's house. The first rain made Erika's retaining wall fall. It is only a matter of time before the whole house falls. It's been raining non-stop since Sunday evening.
Erika and her family were hoping for help from the Alcaldia (like a mayor's office). Today was their hearing. The neighbor said he will not help pay for the damages because Erika's wall had been on his land, so he had a right to excavate there. Erika has to prove it is her land. She says the family has the paperwork, but is concerned her house will fall down before they get this worked out. She asked me if I could pay for the wall.
Just yesterday she began a beauty school through the Madres Fuertes (Strong Mothers) program through Impacto Juvenil, where I serve. Erika, her mother, her sister, her Aunt, her neighbor and my friend Ana are all signed up for beauty school. Erika and her family all qualify for this program because Erika's younger brother, Lorenzo, is in a club like my club of kids. In addition they qualify for legal assistance and, on occasion, financial help.
I called the leader of the program in Los Pinos and set up a meeting for Erika. It is possible that there may be money available for an emergency such as Erika's house. If there is not money to fix it immediately, it is probable that our lawyer can check into the property papers and see if the neighbor should be held responsible for the costs.
That's what we are praying for now. I can't build the wall for Erika. But I told her I will do everything possible to help. This is the best I can do. Walls are falling in the community where my club is held. This morning coworkers took photos in hopes to get funding for the families through our club. I saw three walls that had fallen on the way to literacy class today. And the rain continues.
This morning one of the literacy students called. They rarely have money for phone calls so I was surprised. All she said was, "Profe (short for professor), you need to bring your umbrella today!" I assured her I would. I asked if it was safe for me to come up. She assured me it is, as long as I have an umbrella.
It stopped raining long enough for us to walk up. Then it poured as soon as we got inside the classroom. Rain dripped down through holes in the tin roof, but nobody paid attention to the leaks. We had a special celebration today with brownies and Coca Cola. We are 2/3 done with 1st grade!
Then the rain stopped and we hiked back down the mountain. As soon as I got home it started raining again and it has been raining ever since. Yesterday both Pastora Ruth and a coworker compared this weather to Hurricane Mitch. They said it started raining just like this and it never stopped. We are thankful there is not any wind. To me, it feels like the worst has past, although I thought that two days ago too. The rain is constant but it's not as heavy as it was 24 hours ago.
Only two kids forgot to bring the books they borrowed last week. I thought that was pretty good. They were really timid, as though they expected me to yell at them or punish them. I just asked them to remember the books for next week and they relaxed.
This week I made the mistake of letting them choose new books before the club started. At one point I looked around the classroom and everyone was reading. The only problem was that my coworker was trying to teach the class.
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| These boys are reading "The Best Nest", a book for much younger children. I love that one boy read aloud to the other. |
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| A children's bible made comic strip style and full of action The kids LOVE this |
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| Our Library! |
Next week they will be allowed to borrow the books before class (because they eat after class and I don't want them to get food all over the books) but we will keep the books on a shelf by the door where they can pick up their books on the way out.
It was fun to watch them leave with their books this week. It's been pouring for days. They shoved their books inside of their shirts or sweaters and ran out into the rain. Some made a point to show me how they protected the books under their clothes.
They have also started to say please and thank you with no prompting! This is a big step. I'm super proud of them.
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| I saw the boys duck into a back room after the club They discovered guitars which were just donated |
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| Enchiladas |
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| She brings her 7 year old brother every week. At first he was shy, but now he fits right in. |
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| Rain doesn't stop these boys from a game of soccer |
Tuesday we started a new "Strong Families" class. We are training a group of church ladies to teach the class within their church, so there is a new dynamic to this group. Strong Families is such a special program. Parenting skills are not often spoken of here. Verbal communication in general is lacking in this culture, so most of what we talk about is new to the parents.
This week in Familias Fuertes (Strong Families) we talked about the different styles of parenting. (Authoritarian, Permissive, Negligent, and Democratic) Then we discussed the effects of the different styles on the kids. The ladies always start out quiet and kind of awkward with each other. By the end of the class they were laughing and bonding as if they had known one another for years.
Erika called tonight to say that the Alcaldia can't help her. Her home is falling off the side of the mountain. The house below added on a room and excavated the ground under Erika's house. The first rain made Erika's retaining wall fall. It is only a matter of time before the whole house falls. It's been raining non-stop since Sunday evening.
Erika and her family were hoping for help from the Alcaldia (like a mayor's office). Today was their hearing. The neighbor said he will not help pay for the damages because Erika's wall had been on his land, so he had a right to excavate there. Erika has to prove it is her land. She says the family has the paperwork, but is concerned her house will fall down before they get this worked out. She asked me if I could pay for the wall.
Just yesterday she began a beauty school through the Madres Fuertes (Strong Mothers) program through Impacto Juvenil, where I serve. Erika, her mother, her sister, her Aunt, her neighbor and my friend Ana are all signed up for beauty school. Erika and her family all qualify for this program because Erika's younger brother, Lorenzo, is in a club like my club of kids. In addition they qualify for legal assistance and, on occasion, financial help.
I called the leader of the program in Los Pinos and set up a meeting for Erika. It is possible that there may be money available for an emergency such as Erika's house. If there is not money to fix it immediately, it is probable that our lawyer can check into the property papers and see if the neighbor should be held responsible for the costs.
That's what we are praying for now. I can't build the wall for Erika. But I told her I will do everything possible to help. This is the best I can do. Walls are falling in the community where my club is held. This morning coworkers took photos in hopes to get funding for the families through our club. I saw three walls that had fallen on the way to literacy class today. And the rain continues.
This morning one of the literacy students called. They rarely have money for phone calls so I was surprised. All she said was, "Profe (short for professor), you need to bring your umbrella today!" I assured her I would. I asked if it was safe for me to come up. She assured me it is, as long as I have an umbrella.
It stopped raining long enough for us to walk up. Then it poured as soon as we got inside the classroom. Rain dripped down through holes in the tin roof, but nobody paid attention to the leaks. We had a special celebration today with brownies and Coca Cola. We are 2/3 done with 1st grade!
Then the rain stopped and we hiked back down the mountain. As soon as I got home it started raining again and it has been raining ever since. Yesterday both Pastora Ruth and a coworker compared this weather to Hurricane Mitch. They said it started raining just like this and it never stopped. We are thankful there is not any wind. To me, it feels like the worst has past, although I thought that two days ago too. The rain is constant but it's not as heavy as it was 24 hours ago.
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| Brownies! But the biggest hit was the green plastic cups. One family took the plates, declaring they were still clean. Another lady was excited to take the green plastic cups. |
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| Lots of clouds but they weren't so dark in this direction |
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Hello France!
I've noticed an interesting turn of events with this blog. There is a large following from France. If the statistics are correct, there are 4x more readers in France than any other country.
Hello French people! Welcome! Please let me know if there is anything you would like to know more about regarding life as a missionary in Honduras. I appreciate your readership.
Hello French people! Welcome! Please let me know if there is anything you would like to know more about regarding life as a missionary in Honduras. I appreciate your readership.
Erika's House
We got heavy rains last night. It was the kind of rain that is so loud hard to sleep.
Erika has been in contact with me consistently for about a week, trying to cheer me up after she heard I was robbed. At 5 a.m. she sent a message saying the wall of her house fell down.
Unfortunately, this is a common problem in Los Pinos. The mountains are steep and the material used to build homes is often whatever the people scavenge in the street. These poorly constructed homes perched on the side of a mountain, in an area that receives heavy rainfall, really don't stand a chance.
Turned out it wasn't a wall of the house itself. It was the retaining wall that keeps the house from falling down the mountain. So now she is very sad and worried that the house will fall.
Her neighbors are building a house below and excavated all the earth that was keeping the retaining wall (and the house) in place.
She and her boyfriend went to the Alcaldia, which is like the mayor's office, to see if they could get help. The sad thing is that I'm sure half of Los Pinos needs help today. We've had lots of rain, but none this heavy for a long period of time. It rained for about 10 hours last night.
Fany's house is flooded. Although the sun came out 6 hours ago, there is still water dripping from her ceiling. I am blessed. I only have two leaks and neither is big.
The wooden slats are Erika's house:
I woke up with a fever last night which has now turned into a sore throat and stuffy nose. I'm drinking liquids and waiting for it to pass. All of my coworkers had this last week. They will tell me to take antibiotics. They took antibiotics for one day and they believe the medicine caused it to go away. I am really concerned about the manner the people here take antibiotics. One day an infection is going to come through Honduras and I will be the only person left standing because everyone else will be immune to antibiotics. I don't understand why there is not more education on this topic.
Erika has been in contact with me consistently for about a week, trying to cheer me up after she heard I was robbed. At 5 a.m. she sent a message saying the wall of her house fell down.
Unfortunately, this is a common problem in Los Pinos. The mountains are steep and the material used to build homes is often whatever the people scavenge in the street. These poorly constructed homes perched on the side of a mountain, in an area that receives heavy rainfall, really don't stand a chance.
Turned out it wasn't a wall of the house itself. It was the retaining wall that keeps the house from falling down the mountain. So now she is very sad and worried that the house will fall.
Her neighbors are building a house below and excavated all the earth that was keeping the retaining wall (and the house) in place.
She and her boyfriend went to the Alcaldia, which is like the mayor's office, to see if they could get help. The sad thing is that I'm sure half of Los Pinos needs help today. We've had lots of rain, but none this heavy for a long period of time. It rained for about 10 hours last night.
Fany's house is flooded. Although the sun came out 6 hours ago, there is still water dripping from her ceiling. I am blessed. I only have two leaks and neither is big.
The wooden slats are Erika's house:
I woke up with a fever last night which has now turned into a sore throat and stuffy nose. I'm drinking liquids and waiting for it to pass. All of my coworkers had this last week. They will tell me to take antibiotics. They took antibiotics for one day and they believe the medicine caused it to go away. I am really concerned about the manner the people here take antibiotics. One day an infection is going to come through Honduras and I will be the only person left standing because everyone else will be immune to antibiotics. I don't understand why there is not more education on this topic.
Friday, October 14, 2016
Sexual Abuse Prevention Campaign
A couple of friends have written to ask how I am doing since I was held up at gunpoint last week. I kept really busy and that has made things easier. Yesterday I realized I am not as "okay" as I thought I was. I was traveling home from work, feeling relaxed and safe in a car with a driver and guard. A construction guy stood in the middle of the road and stopped our car so the other lane of traffic could pass. It was a very normal experience. However, my heart stopped and I felt terrified for a moment. For some reason I thought the guy was standing in the middle of the road to stop our car and rob us, although it was clear that we were in a construction zone. My mind is not back to normal yet. I think it will take a little while.
I am functioning fine at work. We had a campaign about sexual abuse prevention in one of the public schools this week. It was fun! But as soon as my mind is free I am really mad at myself for being so stupid. I should have never had my purse with me and I shouldn't have been carrying cash or all of my ID inside of that purse. That was just dumb. I made myself a perfect target.
I lost my phone, $225 in cash, my credit and debit card, my Colorado driver's license, my Honduran driver's license and my residency card.
Thanks to one of my friends in Salt Lake and my pastor, I got a new phone today. My SLC friend ordered a phone with his Amazon Prime and even paid for more than half. He sent to my Pastor's wife who was visiting the US this week.
Monday the head of security from my work heard about what happened. He sent a driver and a police officer with me to file a police report. Then we were able to get my Honduran driver's license and my residency card all in one day, which is a miracle. Sometimes the residency card alone can be an all day affair.
It was super comforting to have them with me, and helpful to have the police officer by my side. There were several things she was able to pull off that I couldn't have accomplished alone. At the DMV there was literally no parking. The lot and the streets outside were full with people who were in an all day class. An officer who works at the DMV took my keys and parked my car in a place that would have been off limits to me. Being accompanied by a uniformed officer was extremely helpful that day. I am grateful to I serve an organization who cares for me so well.
My credit cards were all cancelled with no problem. There was no fraudulent activity. I did learn that my USBank card needs to be cancelled with a phone call, which doesn't work when your phone is stolen.
The thieves who robbed me were after phones, cash, and jewelry, not credit cards. They put their hands down my shirt looking for necklaces. I was happy to be wearing no jewelry, but not so happy to have a man's hand down my shirt.
The only thing that's still lingering is how I'll get my Colorado driver's license. I need someone to sign my name on a one page form and mail it from outside the state of Colorado to the Colorado DMV. Then the DMV will mail my license to their address.
I'm grateful to have most things already replaced. I never realized how much I loved my wallet. Sounds silly, but it was so perfect for me. I miss it.
Of course I am grateful the whole situation was not worse. They could have stolen my car and they could have physically harmed us. But they didn't.
The thieves threw my keys over a wall and down the side of a mountain so they would have time to escape and we could not chase after them. I figured the keys were gone forever. It was so dark and steep. We climbed over barbed wire fences through chest high grass in the pitch black to find the keys. My friend walked directly to where they were, bent over, put his hand down and picked them up. To me, that was a miracle.
In some ways I'm fine. In other ways it will take a while to recover.
The sexual abuse prevention campaign went well and was a nice distraction. Here are some photos:
I am functioning fine at work. We had a campaign about sexual abuse prevention in one of the public schools this week. It was fun! But as soon as my mind is free I am really mad at myself for being so stupid. I should have never had my purse with me and I shouldn't have been carrying cash or all of my ID inside of that purse. That was just dumb. I made myself a perfect target.
I lost my phone, $225 in cash, my credit and debit card, my Colorado driver's license, my Honduran driver's license and my residency card.
Thanks to one of my friends in Salt Lake and my pastor, I got a new phone today. My SLC friend ordered a phone with his Amazon Prime and even paid for more than half. He sent to my Pastor's wife who was visiting the US this week.
Monday the head of security from my work heard about what happened. He sent a driver and a police officer with me to file a police report. Then we were able to get my Honduran driver's license and my residency card all in one day, which is a miracle. Sometimes the residency card alone can be an all day affair.
It was super comforting to have them with me, and helpful to have the police officer by my side. There were several things she was able to pull off that I couldn't have accomplished alone. At the DMV there was literally no parking. The lot and the streets outside were full with people who were in an all day class. An officer who works at the DMV took my keys and parked my car in a place that would have been off limits to me. Being accompanied by a uniformed officer was extremely helpful that day. I am grateful to I serve an organization who cares for me so well.
My credit cards were all cancelled with no problem. There was no fraudulent activity. I did learn that my USBank card needs to be cancelled with a phone call, which doesn't work when your phone is stolen.
The thieves who robbed me were after phones, cash, and jewelry, not credit cards. They put their hands down my shirt looking for necklaces. I was happy to be wearing no jewelry, but not so happy to have a man's hand down my shirt.
The only thing that's still lingering is how I'll get my Colorado driver's license. I need someone to sign my name on a one page form and mail it from outside the state of Colorado to the Colorado DMV. Then the DMV will mail my license to their address.
I'm grateful to have most things already replaced. I never realized how much I loved my wallet. Sounds silly, but it was so perfect for me. I miss it.
Of course I am grateful the whole situation was not worse. They could have stolen my car and they could have physically harmed us. But they didn't.
The thieves threw my keys over a wall and down the side of a mountain so they would have time to escape and we could not chase after them. I figured the keys were gone forever. It was so dark and steep. We climbed over barbed wire fences through chest high grass in the pitch black to find the keys. My friend walked directly to where they were, bent over, put his hand down and picked them up. To me, that was a miracle.
In some ways I'm fine. In other ways it will take a while to recover.
The sexual abuse prevention campaign went well and was a nice distraction. Here are some photos:
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| Learning private and public parts of the body |
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| Good touch/bad touch |
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| Playing games |
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| Security Plan: Say no, scream, and run (Of course, this doesn't work if someone is pressing the point of a gun to your back.) The kids found my rendition hilarious |
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| Check out what is under the monkey bars |
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| The swingset |
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| Soccer during recess |
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| Other volunteers |
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| Cute boys, gorgeous background |
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| Burning the garbage at the end of the day |
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| Girls cleaning the "playground" |
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| This boy is mute. He found a friend in my coworker and never left his side for three days. |
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| The morning group |
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| Festival at the end |
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| Preparing for the festival |
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| Great snacks! |
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| Festival |
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| "I can do everything in Christ" |
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| "I love my body" |
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| This boy shyly asked for a photo. How could I say no? "Take care of your hygiene" |
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| Then all of the kids wanted a photo! "Protect your body" "Say no to drugs" "Care for your body always" |
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