Karla just called. I have no idea what she really said because she speaks so quickly that I can't understand her on the phone. I only know that I should be ready between 9-9:30 tomorrow to go to La Tigra!!! Oh, and I am supposed to bring a cake. But I'm making brownies instead because she called me at 10pm. Did you know that Gringos are known for their baking skills? I didn't until recently. Hope I don't disappoint! I had no measuring utensils so I had to eyeball everything. Smells good in the oven so far.
Me encanta La Tigra - I love La Tigra! It is a rainforest up above the city, so we will be getting away from any violence that may occur. I have had some really great times there. I was baptized there in 2008. I love hiking there too. I will take lots of pictures.
While I was on the phone with Karla I had another encounter with a giant cockroach. Earlier in the evening I heard something fall inside my closet, and I even thought, "That sounds like a giant cockroach." But then I decided I was being paranoid. So I'm talking on the phone with Karla and a giant cockroach crawls out of my closet. I swear, the next time I'm going to take a picture. Its antennae alone are tremendous! I started screaming and she is asking me what is wrong, but I am so horrified I can't think of the word for cockroach in Spanish, although it's one word most people who don't even speak Spanish still know. So I'm screaming like something is about to murder me but I still can't find the words in Spanish and finally I yell "CUCARACHA!!!" and she yells over the phone, "Kill it!" and I yell, "I'm getting the spray!" and she says "Use your foot!" and I say "It's BIGGER than my foot!" and we both start laughing our heads off. I love Karla. Can't wait to spend the day with her and her family tomorrow. Yay!!!
Monday, April 30, 2012
If I didn't love it here, I would hate it.
Today I posted on Facebook about washing my clothes in the pila, then dropping them in the sand. Some people were saying they admired my hard work. I see what they are saying, but if they only knew how easy I really have it here compared to others. I just ate a half pound of queso fresco con chilis (fresh, handmade cheese with cilantro and chunks of jalapeños), then was still hungry so I ate a full dinner and even had some desert. Most people here are not so lucky. In some ways, life here can be difficult. Even for me. If I didn't love it so much, I'd hate it.
I'd hate the mosquitoes and the man eating ants. I'd hate the heat with no air conditioning. I'd hate the shower that only has one temperature and water from the faucet that I can't use for drinking or brushing my teeth. I'd hate washing all of my dishes by hand in cold water. I'd hate walking into the house to find a matchbox car sized cockroach, lying on it's back in the middle of my kitchen floor. I'd hate not being able to walk to the store by myself. I'd hate having to rely on other people to take me everywhere. I'd hate reporting to Jairo every place I go and who I am with at all times. I'd hate having spotty internet access, no mail system, and only talking to my family only on occasion.
But I honestly don't dislike any of those things. Except the mosquitoes. The rest I see as a challenge or as something to learn about, learn from, and adapt to. None of those things can outweigh the happiness and peace I feel here.
Today I woke up early. (Another thing I am getting used to here is darkness by 6 p.m. and sunrise at 5:30 a.m.) I painted my nails watched some tv, read a book and fell back asleep until the phone rang at 10:30. It was one of those "I have no idea where I am or what time it is" experiences as I reached for the phone. Jairo was outside, waiting for me to go to the church with him. I threw on clothes, brushed my hair and teeth as quickly as possible, (Tooth brushing still takes me forever with no running water.) grabbed my stuff and headed out the door.
It was so nice to see Eunice sitting at her desk when I got there! For close to 3 weeks she has spent every day with her son in the hospital. We hugged her and told her we were happy to see her. She seemed happy to be back at work, but concerned about her son having to carry a lot of homework after school. I helped clean out her office, which we had turned into a temporary storage unit when some folks from K2 came and blessed the church with a ton of things for the breakfast program. I found a place for all of it, and did a little inventory in the meantime. I am still moving forward as though I will return here after June, so the more I can know about everything, the better.
As soon as I finished, Walter came to buy the food for the breakfast program. We took off together and did all of the shopping. He said he can tell I was taking Spanish classes, and not only has my Spanish gotten better, but it is very good! He said he wants to teach me all of the places to go, since soon this will be my job instead of his. That is if I come back. Then I will buy a car here. Until then it's still his job.
For cheese and eggs we went to a little shop where you stand outside, point at what you want, and pass the money through a hole in a bullet proof window. Then we went to the equivalent of Costco for cereal, hotdogs, veggies, vegetable oil, and a few other things. Third we went to a chicken store. It said, "The Secret of Chicken" on the wall outside. Walter said we would learn the secret of chicken inside, but I must have missed that. We bought a huge garbage bag full of random pieces, spent enough money that Walter was able to enter a Mother's Day drawing for a chicken for his mother, and left. Then we stopped at the strangest store I've ever seen. Well, I really didn't get to see it because I had to wait in the car. Imagine a bright orange, two story cement building, with the windows locked down with metal covers. One window has a hand written sign that lists the store hours. (They go to lunch from 12-1:30 every day.) Surrounding the whole building is a sturdy metal fence - not a chain link fence, but like metal bars from the ground to the top of the building. The fence is also painted bright orange. There is about a body's width between the fence and the building. You walk through a door in the metal fence to wait in line until it is your turn at the window and buy whatever it is you need. We bought rice and beans. They were out of oatmeal. There was a big line of people. I'm not sure if the line was long because of the cheap prices, or because the store was supposed to open at 1:30, but nobody came back from lunch until 2:10. Welcome to Honduras. If I didn't love it here, I would hate it.
Tomorrow is the Honduras' Labor Day. However, it is not a day of relaxation here. Instead, Jairo asked me to stay inside my house, or Karla and Jose's house, because it will be a dangerous day. Since so many people don't have jobs it will be a day of protests, or "manifestaciones" as I wrote about so many times during my last visit here. Jairo and Eunice both are both worried about the protests. I am hoping everything will be fine because I would like to go watch the guys from the church play fútbol in the evening with Jose. But I have experience from my last visit about how quickly these things can get out of control. Today stores closed early so employees could go home and be safe. I already texted Karla and told her I understand if it is better for me to stay home tomorrow for safety reasons. As Walter was dropping me off, they almost wouldn't let me into my gated community! They asked a bunch of questions I've never been asked before, like which block I live on. There are no street names or addresses here, so I had no idea how to answer that question. I just told them I live by the church. They gave us a long once over and finally let us through. Security is definitely heightened. But I told Walter they asked that because he has a face that looks like he is up to something.
In the meantime, I have a well stocked fridge, and can stay home as long as necessary. I have gotten to know Fanny, the lady who lives in the front house, so if I need anything I can always go to her. She is nice. I like her.
Oh. One more thing. I was telling Walter that the driver told me I could walk to the super. Walter looked at me like I'm crazy. He asked if I had asked Jairo about walking to the super. I said no. He didn't say anything more, but it was very clear that he believes I should NOT walk to the super. I wonder if his girlfriend can walk to the super. She lives nearby. I don't know if it is dangerous because I am a gringa, or if it is just plain dangerous. I will not walk to the super. If I didn't love it here, I would hate it.
I'd hate the mosquitoes and the man eating ants. I'd hate the heat with no air conditioning. I'd hate the shower that only has one temperature and water from the faucet that I can't use for drinking or brushing my teeth. I'd hate washing all of my dishes by hand in cold water. I'd hate walking into the house to find a matchbox car sized cockroach, lying on it's back in the middle of my kitchen floor. I'd hate not being able to walk to the store by myself. I'd hate having to rely on other people to take me everywhere. I'd hate reporting to Jairo every place I go and who I am with at all times. I'd hate having spotty internet access, no mail system, and only talking to my family only on occasion.
But I honestly don't dislike any of those things. Except the mosquitoes. The rest I see as a challenge or as something to learn about, learn from, and adapt to. None of those things can outweigh the happiness and peace I feel here.
Today I woke up early. (Another thing I am getting used to here is darkness by 6 p.m. and sunrise at 5:30 a.m.) I painted my nails watched some tv, read a book and fell back asleep until the phone rang at 10:30. It was one of those "I have no idea where I am or what time it is" experiences as I reached for the phone. Jairo was outside, waiting for me to go to the church with him. I threw on clothes, brushed my hair and teeth as quickly as possible, (Tooth brushing still takes me forever with no running water.) grabbed my stuff and headed out the door.
It was so nice to see Eunice sitting at her desk when I got there! For close to 3 weeks she has spent every day with her son in the hospital. We hugged her and told her we were happy to see her. She seemed happy to be back at work, but concerned about her son having to carry a lot of homework after school. I helped clean out her office, which we had turned into a temporary storage unit when some folks from K2 came and blessed the church with a ton of things for the breakfast program. I found a place for all of it, and did a little inventory in the meantime. I am still moving forward as though I will return here after June, so the more I can know about everything, the better.
As soon as I finished, Walter came to buy the food for the breakfast program. We took off together and did all of the shopping. He said he can tell I was taking Spanish classes, and not only has my Spanish gotten better, but it is very good! He said he wants to teach me all of the places to go, since soon this will be my job instead of his. That is if I come back. Then I will buy a car here. Until then it's still his job.
For cheese and eggs we went to a little shop where you stand outside, point at what you want, and pass the money through a hole in a bullet proof window. Then we went to the equivalent of Costco for cereal, hotdogs, veggies, vegetable oil, and a few other things. Third we went to a chicken store. It said, "The Secret of Chicken" on the wall outside. Walter said we would learn the secret of chicken inside, but I must have missed that. We bought a huge garbage bag full of random pieces, spent enough money that Walter was able to enter a Mother's Day drawing for a chicken for his mother, and left. Then we stopped at the strangest store I've ever seen. Well, I really didn't get to see it because I had to wait in the car. Imagine a bright orange, two story cement building, with the windows locked down with metal covers. One window has a hand written sign that lists the store hours. (They go to lunch from 12-1:30 every day.) Surrounding the whole building is a sturdy metal fence - not a chain link fence, but like metal bars from the ground to the top of the building. The fence is also painted bright orange. There is about a body's width between the fence and the building. You walk through a door in the metal fence to wait in line until it is your turn at the window and buy whatever it is you need. We bought rice and beans. They were out of oatmeal. There was a big line of people. I'm not sure if the line was long because of the cheap prices, or because the store was supposed to open at 1:30, but nobody came back from lunch until 2:10. Welcome to Honduras. If I didn't love it here, I would hate it.
Tomorrow is the Honduras' Labor Day. However, it is not a day of relaxation here. Instead, Jairo asked me to stay inside my house, or Karla and Jose's house, because it will be a dangerous day. Since so many people don't have jobs it will be a day of protests, or "manifestaciones" as I wrote about so many times during my last visit here. Jairo and Eunice both are both worried about the protests. I am hoping everything will be fine because I would like to go watch the guys from the church play fútbol in the evening with Jose. But I have experience from my last visit about how quickly these things can get out of control. Today stores closed early so employees could go home and be safe. I already texted Karla and told her I understand if it is better for me to stay home tomorrow for safety reasons. As Walter was dropping me off, they almost wouldn't let me into my gated community! They asked a bunch of questions I've never been asked before, like which block I live on. There are no street names or addresses here, so I had no idea how to answer that question. I just told them I live by the church. They gave us a long once over and finally let us through. Security is definitely heightened. But I told Walter they asked that because he has a face that looks like he is up to something.
In the meantime, I have a well stocked fridge, and can stay home as long as necessary. I have gotten to know Fanny, the lady who lives in the front house, so if I need anything I can always go to her. She is nice. I like her.
Oh. One more thing. I was telling Walter that the driver told me I could walk to the super. Walter looked at me like I'm crazy. He asked if I had asked Jairo about walking to the super. I said no. He didn't say anything more, but it was very clear that he believes I should NOT walk to the super. I wonder if his girlfriend can walk to the super. She lives nearby. I don't know if it is dangerous because I am a gringa, or if it is just plain dangerous. I will not walk to the super. If I didn't love it here, I would hate it.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Love, Joy, and Gratitude
With love, joy, and gratitude - that's how I ended a letter to my prayer team tonight. I think that might be my new thing. It sure is fitting for now.
I had another super good day. I got up and got ready for church. When nobody came to pick me up I figured they were just running on Honduran time and were a little late. Then I decided that I must be confused about what time church starts, but I still wasn't worried about it because you can't miss church when you ride there with the pastor. When Jairo called I expected him to say he was outside. But instead he said "Karla and Jose are here!" I was confused. Well, it turned out that we had a miscommunication. I thought I had said I might spend time with Karla and Jose on Saturday. He thought I was spending the day and the night with them. So when he saw them at church without me he wondered where in the world I was. In the middle of the service he had to talk to them to find out what was going on. Ooops! So he called me and told me to take a private cab. He told me what to say exactly, and how much it would cost. So I set out on my first adventure in a private cab. (I used to take private cabs a lot on my last visit, but I always used the same driver who was a family friend.) I made it to church just fine and for less money than Jairo had expected. Plus I got the low-down on grocery shopping from my driver, if I ever go alone. He said I can walk to the "super" (short for supermercado or "supermarket") and if I need a ride home it should cost about 60 Limpiras. I asked if it was dangerous to walk there and he said it is much more dangerous near the church than it is at the super.
At church Josue was there. His family was asked to speak. They all walked up on stage together, stood close to each other, his father took the microphone and was unable to speak. I wouldn't have been able to speak either. Jairo and Evelin Michelle's father, Boris, went up and stood with him in support. They brought tissues and glasses of water. Everyone had cameras and cell phones taking pictures and most people were crying right along with them. We all firmly believe that Josue was dead and God chose to bring him back to full health. Hector, Josue's father, said he is so glad that Josue has no memory of what happened. He was in a coma most of the time. He quoted scripture, told everyone to take every opportunity to show love to their children, and spoke from his heart. It was beautiful, and sad, and amazing to see a boy who had been physically dead on March 11th, standing, thin but healthy, next to his family. Eunice spoke too. She was not her usual poised self, but how could she be? She was overwhelmed with emotions and praise for God. Josue will go back to school tomorrow! This experience has brought many people closer to God. One of Josue's friends is now committed to going to church every week, along with her family, after seeing what God did for Josue. (And she is a beautiful girl who seems very interested in Josue.)
Jairo called all of Josue's friends to come onto the stage. There were at about 20 of them all surrounding Josue. Jairo pointed out that, like Josue, most of these kids grew up in the church. They are like family. Therefore, when something like this happens to Josue, it is like something happens to your own son. He talked about how life is very fragile, not to take it for granted, to live each moment because tomorrow is not guaranteed. And then he sprayed perfume all over everyone - but that is another long story.
Yesterday two people my age were buried in the US. I wasn't particularly close to either of them. One was a girl I went through grades 7-12 with. The other was the brother of a very special ex-boyfriend. They were 41 and 43 years old respectively. That is too young to die.
After church I was anxious to go home, as usual. The whole social scene is just not my thing. I can never remember people's names and everyone wants to talk to me and it is just uncomfortable. But I'm getting better at it. And I do appreciate that people go out of their way to make me feel welcome and thank me for my work. I'm pretty sure that last week I wished happy birthday to three different men, when I thought each time it was Lourdes' brother. Ooops! It is getting easier now that my Spanish is getting better. Today a woman thanked me for knowing Spanish because she wanted to talk to me but she didn't know English. I thought about all of the people in the US who are so self righteous about everyone speaking ENGLISH in the US, and I thought about much more I liked her approach of appreciation, rather than condemnation.
BE ADVISED, THIS IS A PERSONAL RANT. SKIP THIS SECTION IF YOU'D LIKE: That is something that really bothers me - the whole "learn English" thing - because I know people in the US who don't speak English did not choose to be born into situations where they were barely able to survive. They escaped horrible circumstances for opportunity. I've talked to many of them in various jobs I had in Chicago and Denver. They would love to know English. They would also love to have food on the table and be able to feed and shelter their families. I think the people who post things on Facebook and say negative things about people who don't speak English are clueless about other parts of the world. To me, one of North America's greatest flaws is that many North Americans are ignorant. They have no idea how the rest of the world lives and they assume that everyone is just like them. That everyone does, or should, live just like they do. Many illegal immigrants come to the US from Honduras. They can't get an education because they have to work at a young age in order to eat! They can't work because there are no jobs. So they save every penny and risk their lives to go to North America. We were all immigrants at one point in our family history too. I'm pretty sure nobody reading this blog is 100% Native American. So who are we to judge? Okay I am done with my rant.
After church we all sat around and ate a delicious soup with vegetables, corned beef, and sausage in it. Lourdes expected me not to like the corned beef. I told her it is one of my favorite meals with cabbage and potatoes in the US. She was surprised. She continues to think I am a STRAAAANGE gringa. We sat around for two hours, eating and talking and saying "Que Calor!", which I generally think is overused, but was actually fitting for today. It was HOT outside!
My landlord asked me how long I plan to stay in the house. I explained that if I can't raise funding I will have to go back permanently in June. I don't think anyone had ever told her that because she seemed to expect me to stay. But I have been making it clear to everyone that I am not yet fully funded to live here. I sure am glad that I came at this time though. Eunice said it made it easier for her to be at the hospital with her son, knowing I was here to help Lourdes and Jairo. And there have been quite a few days when God had me trying to fill Lourdes' big shoes too, which is impossible, but still I try. I have no doubt in my mind that this was not of my own doing, but of God. And that is why I am so confused about why I am having to struggle with fundraising? Is it possible that God is done with me in Honduras now? It sure doesn't feel that way to me. But it will be clear if I can't come up with enough money to live here. Because God does meet all of our needs. As I told Eunice today, this is only money. God will surely provide if it is his will. After all, He gave her son LIFE when no doctor could.
Link for donations: https://worldoutreach.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=117
Since I got home I have been thinking a lot about my future. About what life could hold for me if I do return to live in the US and what it would be like to live in Honduras indefinitely. For some reason I feel like Honduras is in my future. But I can't say why. It's just a feeling I have inside.
My neighbor keeps bringing me food tonight. First fried green platanos from the tree that fell down. She knows I am sad about that tree. Then she showed up with bananas. Big fat ones that are chubby but short. I ate the whole bowl of fried green platanos. I still like the sweet, more mature ones better. I wonder if I'll continue to lose weight with no exercise, eating like this. I have no idea what my body is doing with all of this food.
After the platanos I sent my weekly letter to the prayer team, and then got busy on this. And now it's time for bed. I just learned this afternoon that there is no breakfast program tomorrow or Tuesday because Tuesday is Honduras' version of Labor Day. I asked Jairo how I could help out and stay busy, offering to iron for Lourdes since it is really hard on her back. He said I can help do the grocery shopping for the breakfast program. (It will be my job if I live here permanently.) We are also going to clean Eunice's office. Jose invited me to spend Tuesday with his family. I'll stay busy, I'm sure. And even when I'm not busy, I have been very happy and peaceful lately. God is Good. Life is Good.
I had another super good day. I got up and got ready for church. When nobody came to pick me up I figured they were just running on Honduran time and were a little late. Then I decided that I must be confused about what time church starts, but I still wasn't worried about it because you can't miss church when you ride there with the pastor. When Jairo called I expected him to say he was outside. But instead he said "Karla and Jose are here!" I was confused. Well, it turned out that we had a miscommunication. I thought I had said I might spend time with Karla and Jose on Saturday. He thought I was spending the day and the night with them. So when he saw them at church without me he wondered where in the world I was. In the middle of the service he had to talk to them to find out what was going on. Ooops! So he called me and told me to take a private cab. He told me what to say exactly, and how much it would cost. So I set out on my first adventure in a private cab. (I used to take private cabs a lot on my last visit, but I always used the same driver who was a family friend.) I made it to church just fine and for less money than Jairo had expected. Plus I got the low-down on grocery shopping from my driver, if I ever go alone. He said I can walk to the "super" (short for supermercado or "supermarket") and if I need a ride home it should cost about 60 Limpiras. I asked if it was dangerous to walk there and he said it is much more dangerous near the church than it is at the super.
At church Josue was there. His family was asked to speak. They all walked up on stage together, stood close to each other, his father took the microphone and was unable to speak. I wouldn't have been able to speak either. Jairo and Evelin Michelle's father, Boris, went up and stood with him in support. They brought tissues and glasses of water. Everyone had cameras and cell phones taking pictures and most people were crying right along with them. We all firmly believe that Josue was dead and God chose to bring him back to full health. Hector, Josue's father, said he is so glad that Josue has no memory of what happened. He was in a coma most of the time. He quoted scripture, told everyone to take every opportunity to show love to their children, and spoke from his heart. It was beautiful, and sad, and amazing to see a boy who had been physically dead on March 11th, standing, thin but healthy, next to his family. Eunice spoke too. She was not her usual poised self, but how could she be? She was overwhelmed with emotions and praise for God. Josue will go back to school tomorrow! This experience has brought many people closer to God. One of Josue's friends is now committed to going to church every week, along with her family, after seeing what God did for Josue. (And she is a beautiful girl who seems very interested in Josue.)
 |
| Josue, his father, his mother and his sister, Elienai |
Jairo called all of Josue's friends to come onto the stage. There were at about 20 of them all surrounding Josue. Jairo pointed out that, like Josue, most of these kids grew up in the church. They are like family. Therefore, when something like this happens to Josue, it is like something happens to your own son. He talked about how life is very fragile, not to take it for granted, to live each moment because tomorrow is not guaranteed. And then he sprayed perfume all over everyone - but that is another long story.
Yesterday two people my age were buried in the US. I wasn't particularly close to either of them. One was a girl I went through grades 7-12 with. The other was the brother of a very special ex-boyfriend. They were 41 and 43 years old respectively. That is too young to die.
After church I was anxious to go home, as usual. The whole social scene is just not my thing. I can never remember people's names and everyone wants to talk to me and it is just uncomfortable. But I'm getting better at it. And I do appreciate that people go out of their way to make me feel welcome and thank me for my work. I'm pretty sure that last week I wished happy birthday to three different men, when I thought each time it was Lourdes' brother. Ooops! It is getting easier now that my Spanish is getting better. Today a woman thanked me for knowing Spanish because she wanted to talk to me but she didn't know English. I thought about all of the people in the US who are so self righteous about everyone speaking ENGLISH in the US, and I thought about much more I liked her approach of appreciation, rather than condemnation.
BE ADVISED, THIS IS A PERSONAL RANT. SKIP THIS SECTION IF YOU'D LIKE: That is something that really bothers me - the whole "learn English" thing - because I know people in the US who don't speak English did not choose to be born into situations where they were barely able to survive. They escaped horrible circumstances for opportunity. I've talked to many of them in various jobs I had in Chicago and Denver. They would love to know English. They would also love to have food on the table and be able to feed and shelter their families. I think the people who post things on Facebook and say negative things about people who don't speak English are clueless about other parts of the world. To me, one of North America's greatest flaws is that many North Americans are ignorant. They have no idea how the rest of the world lives and they assume that everyone is just like them. That everyone does, or should, live just like they do. Many illegal immigrants come to the US from Honduras. They can't get an education because they have to work at a young age in order to eat! They can't work because there are no jobs. So they save every penny and risk their lives to go to North America. We were all immigrants at one point in our family history too. I'm pretty sure nobody reading this blog is 100% Native American. So who are we to judge? Okay I am done with my rant.
After church we all sat around and ate a delicious soup with vegetables, corned beef, and sausage in it. Lourdes expected me not to like the corned beef. I told her it is one of my favorite meals with cabbage and potatoes in the US. She was surprised. She continues to think I am a STRAAAANGE gringa. We sat around for two hours, eating and talking and saying "Que Calor!", which I generally think is overused, but was actually fitting for today. It was HOT outside!
My landlord asked me how long I plan to stay in the house. I explained that if I can't raise funding I will have to go back permanently in June. I don't think anyone had ever told her that because she seemed to expect me to stay. But I have been making it clear to everyone that I am not yet fully funded to live here. I sure am glad that I came at this time though. Eunice said it made it easier for her to be at the hospital with her son, knowing I was here to help Lourdes and Jairo. And there have been quite a few days when God had me trying to fill Lourdes' big shoes too, which is impossible, but still I try. I have no doubt in my mind that this was not of my own doing, but of God. And that is why I am so confused about why I am having to struggle with fundraising? Is it possible that God is done with me in Honduras now? It sure doesn't feel that way to me. But it will be clear if I can't come up with enough money to live here. Because God does meet all of our needs. As I told Eunice today, this is only money. God will surely provide if it is his will. After all, He gave her son LIFE when no doctor could.
Link for donations: https://worldoutreach.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=117
Since I got home I have been thinking a lot about my future. About what life could hold for me if I do return to live in the US and what it would be like to live in Honduras indefinitely. For some reason I feel like Honduras is in my future. But I can't say why. It's just a feeling I have inside.
My neighbor keeps bringing me food tonight. First fried green platanos from the tree that fell down. She knows I am sad about that tree. Then she showed up with bananas. Big fat ones that are chubby but short. I ate the whole bowl of fried green platanos. I still like the sweet, more mature ones better. I wonder if I'll continue to lose weight with no exercise, eating like this. I have no idea what my body is doing with all of this food.
After the platanos I sent my weekly letter to the prayer team, and then got busy on this. And now it's time for bed. I just learned this afternoon that there is no breakfast program tomorrow or Tuesday because Tuesday is Honduras' version of Labor Day. I asked Jairo how I could help out and stay busy, offering to iron for Lourdes since it is really hard on her back. He said I can help do the grocery shopping for the breakfast program. (It will be my job if I live here permanently.) We are also going to clean Eunice's office. Jose invited me to spend Tuesday with his family. I'll stay busy, I'm sure. And even when I'm not busy, I have been very happy and peaceful lately. God is Good. Life is Good.
One Month in Honduras
Although I left the US on 3/27/12, I actually arrived in Honduras on 3/28/12. Therefore, today I am celebrating one month of living in Honduras. I'm not sure how I'll celebrate. First with a walk around my neighborhood, I think. It doesn't feel like I've been here very long, but I can definitely see the improvements in my language. When I'm in a room full of people all speaking Spanish I no longer zone out. I can understand almost all of the conversation. Yesterday Lourdes' mother told Lourdes very sternly not to speak to me in English any more because I must learn Spanish. I do spend the majority of my day using only Spanish - with neighbors, at the store, with kids at the breakfast program, cooking in the kitchen with mothers at the breakfast program, going to prayer groups... I feel submersed, but not submerged.
When I imagined this trip, I never imagined such a beautiful and comfortable home. I didn't realize how well my Spanish would serve me and was very worried about understanding the language. In reality, I've only pulled out my Spanish dictionary ONE time and that was in the hotel in El Salvador, so maybe it doesn't count :)
When I imagined this trip, I never imagined such a beautiful and comfortable home. I didn't realize how well my Spanish would serve me and was very worried about understanding the language. In reality, I've only pulled out my Spanish dictionary ONE time and that was in the hotel in El Salvador, so maybe it doesn't count :)
Friday, April 27, 2012
Adieu Canadians
Today was a happy, peaceful day. It was the last day for the Canadians at the breakfast program. They have been so great with the kids! The kids hang off them all day and they never seem to get tired of it.
We helped the kids with homework, then Lourdes, her mother, and Jairo all took me grocery shopping. Now I have everything I need (like a toothbrush holder) for my house, and a full fridge. I found some Nance fruit, which I love and haven't had since I lived with Jose and Karla. Lourdes says I'm a "Straaaaange Gringa" because I like Nance and queso fresco seco. She says most gringos don't like either.
After shopping we returned to the church where we went through all of the food that was donated again from La Colonia. This time it was not nearly as stinky or sticky. A lot of it is things the store can't sell - gringo stuff like Perrier water, Ragu spaghetti sauce, Rice-A-Roni, and even cleaning products. Plus TONS of juice. Lourdes says the kids won't drink the juice. I suggested we sneak it in with iced tea (which they do like), give them a few extra vitamins and they'll never know the difference.
I came home and got settled, did some laundry in the pila, and made a big dinner. It was interesting because I noticed I have even started to cook like the people here. The fry everything in oil and almost deep fry eggs. Today I almost deep fried my scrambled eggs.
Once again, my favorite part of the day was when the kids prayed. Lourdes asked a six year old girl, Meylin, to pray that I will have enough money to be able to live here permanently. Lourdes explained that I may not be able to live in Honduras after June because I don't have enough funding.
Afterward Lourdes asked if I had heard what Meylin said when she prayed. I heard it, but they were words I didn't know. Lourdes was laughing really hard. She said that Meylin had used very traditional, old fashioned words to ask God in a very desperate, forceful way to make sure I can get the money. She said it was very sweet to hear how intensely Meylin prayed with words that meant something similar to "if she needs to go to the ends of the earth, no matter what she has to do, please make sure this money is provided for her to live with us in Honduras." Lourdes later told the story to others and they all laughed. I guess I need Meylin to pray for me more often. She's a girl who is not afraid to ask strongly for what she wants in prayer.
Rainclouds have been lingering all day, but I chose to wash my clothes anyway. I didn't know that the ground becomes infested with man eating ants after dark. It just started raining so I ran out to grab my clothes off the line. My clothes were also covered in ants, so I had to shake all the ants off while running in place because if I left a foot on the ground it was immediately consumed by ants. It was probably an entertaining sight, but I only suffered one bite and only one ant made it inside the house, so the mission was an overall success.
Despite the fact that my whole life is up in the air as to where I will live in two months, I have felt very peaceful and happy lately. I think I really have turned my future over to God. Tomorrow I have to write a letter asking people to please consider supporting me financially. I'm really good at raising money for the boys here at the private Christian school. But when it comes to asking for money for myself, it's not as easy. I guess I will begin here by asking now. If you are able to contribute, please consider doing so. I need to raise $600 in monthly donations in order to live here. If you have any creative ideas about how I might do this, I would love to hear from you. Also if you could pray that I will raise the funding, I would appreciate it very much. I believe this is where God wants me to be. I am helping this community in ways I never imagined. It is an exciting journey and I love sharing it with you!
Below is a link for tax deductible donations. While every bit of funding helps, only monthly support will enable me to continue to live here.
Just click on my name (Fager, Mary Lynn):
https://worldoutreach.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=117
Thank you in advance for any way you can help.
We helped the kids with homework, then Lourdes, her mother, and Jairo all took me grocery shopping. Now I have everything I need (like a toothbrush holder) for my house, and a full fridge. I found some Nance fruit, which I love and haven't had since I lived with Jose and Karla. Lourdes says I'm a "Straaaaange Gringa" because I like Nance and queso fresco seco. She says most gringos don't like either.
After shopping we returned to the church where we went through all of the food that was donated again from La Colonia. This time it was not nearly as stinky or sticky. A lot of it is things the store can't sell - gringo stuff like Perrier water, Ragu spaghetti sauce, Rice-A-Roni, and even cleaning products. Plus TONS of juice. Lourdes says the kids won't drink the juice. I suggested we sneak it in with iced tea (which they do like), give them a few extra vitamins and they'll never know the difference.
I came home and got settled, did some laundry in the pila, and made a big dinner. It was interesting because I noticed I have even started to cook like the people here. The fry everything in oil and almost deep fry eggs. Today I almost deep fried my scrambled eggs.
Once again, my favorite part of the day was when the kids prayed. Lourdes asked a six year old girl, Meylin, to pray that I will have enough money to be able to live here permanently. Lourdes explained that I may not be able to live in Honduras after June because I don't have enough funding.
Afterward Lourdes asked if I had heard what Meylin said when she prayed. I heard it, but they were words I didn't know. Lourdes was laughing really hard. She said that Meylin had used very traditional, old fashioned words to ask God in a very desperate, forceful way to make sure I can get the money. She said it was very sweet to hear how intensely Meylin prayed with words that meant something similar to "if she needs to go to the ends of the earth, no matter what she has to do, please make sure this money is provided for her to live with us in Honduras." Lourdes later told the story to others and they all laughed. I guess I need Meylin to pray for me more often. She's a girl who is not afraid to ask strongly for what she wants in prayer.
Rainclouds have been lingering all day, but I chose to wash my clothes anyway. I didn't know that the ground becomes infested with man eating ants after dark. It just started raining so I ran out to grab my clothes off the line. My clothes were also covered in ants, so I had to shake all the ants off while running in place because if I left a foot on the ground it was immediately consumed by ants. It was probably an entertaining sight, but I only suffered one bite and only one ant made it inside the house, so the mission was an overall success.
Despite the fact that my whole life is up in the air as to where I will live in two months, I have felt very peaceful and happy lately. I think I really have turned my future over to God. Tomorrow I have to write a letter asking people to please consider supporting me financially. I'm really good at raising money for the boys here at the private Christian school. But when it comes to asking for money for myself, it's not as easy. I guess I will begin here by asking now. If you are able to contribute, please consider doing so. I need to raise $600 in monthly donations in order to live here. If you have any creative ideas about how I might do this, I would love to hear from you. Also if you could pray that I will raise the funding, I would appreciate it very much. I believe this is where God wants me to be. I am helping this community in ways I never imagined. It is an exciting journey and I love sharing it with you!
Below is a link for tax deductible donations. While every bit of funding helps, only monthly support will enable me to continue to live here.
Just click on my name (Fager, Mary Lynn):
https://worldoutreach.org/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=117
Thank you in advance for any way you can help.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Gratitude
Today I am choosing to be grateful. Actually I am a little bit angry and sad. But I will also be grateful.
You might be more interested in why I am angry and sad because that's human nature. I'll get that out of the way first. I am angry because a girl I went to high school with died today. I am also sad because she died today. But I don't think she would want me to be angry, or sad. I know that is not the right way to handle things. So I will choose to be grateful.
In this moment, the thing I feel most grateful for is to be sitting on my bed, in my home in HONDURAS. My heart has longed to be here for more than two years. Now, with financial support from my church, family and friends, it is finally time. I am grateful that God called me to be here. I am grateful that I feel safe here. I am grateful that this home has running water. I am grateful for the garden outside with all of the different fresh fruits. I am grateful for the screens in the windows that keep out horrible mosquitoes. I am grateful for the breeze that keeps me cool every night. I am grateful for the yummy food in my fridge (especially the queso fresco), and my new stove. I am grateful for every single thing that people have let me borrow - tables, chairs, a bed, sheets, pillows, shower curtain, bathmat, nightstand, reading lamp, TV, entertainment center, clothes when my suitcase was missing for 8 days, curtains for the windows and I am sure there is more I appreciate, but have left out. I am grateful for the gorgeous woodwork and the big closet that make me feel like I am living in luxury. It is true that this home is nicer than some of my apartments in Chicago.
I am grateful to live on a street where the people sweep off their front steps and wash down the sidewalk in front of their houses. Today I saw a lady washing her front gate and the front of her house. I am grateful that I live in a gated community where the guards take your ID and write down your license plate number before you can enter. I am grateful that the guards recognize me now. I am grateful that the pulperia down the street has everything I need, from mantequilla and platanos, to ant spray. I am grateful for the Catholic Church across the street that provides me with a nightly backdrop of the most glorious music I have ever heard. That is the truth. I am grateful to have the privilege of sitting in my home and listening to their music every night. I am grateful that everyone, everywhere, always greets me with "Good morning", "Good afternoon" or "Good evening" as applicable. Yes, it is a cultural requirement to do so here, but I am still a gringa and I appreciate it all the more for that reason.
I am grateful for the community that has taken me in here. I am grateful that I can ask for what I need and trust that my needs will be met. I am also grateful that I am learning to ask for what I need and I am learning to trust, since these are areas where I needed to grow. I am grateful that the people here are teaching me more about God. About who God is and who He is not. About what He expects of me, and what he does not expect. About how to follow Him, honor Him, worship Him, love Him and receive His love. I am grateful to live in community with people who are teaching me about unconditional love in ways I never knew before. I am grateful for people whom I barely know that hug me, ask how I am doing, then genuinely wait for a response because they care about how I am doing. I am grateful when they say, "It's good to see you. We are so happy you are here." I believe they truly mean each word.
I am grateful to serve at the breakfast program. I am grateful for every hug I receive each day (which has to be more than 100). I am grateful for every smile, every hand that holds mine, every belly I can help to fill. I am grateful that I have the privilege of handing out vitamins and putting toothpaste on toothbrushes. I am grateful to pray with 40-70 children every day and help them to learn about God. I am grateful to live in a place that has so much perfect beauty in the ugliness of poverty. I am grateful to be exactly where I am.
You might be more interested in why I am angry and sad because that's human nature. I'll get that out of the way first. I am angry because a girl I went to high school with died today. I am also sad because she died today. But I don't think she would want me to be angry, or sad. I know that is not the right way to handle things. So I will choose to be grateful.
In this moment, the thing I feel most grateful for is to be sitting on my bed, in my home in HONDURAS. My heart has longed to be here for more than two years. Now, with financial support from my church, family and friends, it is finally time. I am grateful that God called me to be here. I am grateful that I feel safe here. I am grateful that this home has running water. I am grateful for the garden outside with all of the different fresh fruits. I am grateful for the screens in the windows that keep out horrible mosquitoes. I am grateful for the breeze that keeps me cool every night. I am grateful for the yummy food in my fridge (especially the queso fresco), and my new stove. I am grateful for every single thing that people have let me borrow - tables, chairs, a bed, sheets, pillows, shower curtain, bathmat, nightstand, reading lamp, TV, entertainment center, clothes when my suitcase was missing for 8 days, curtains for the windows and I am sure there is more I appreciate, but have left out. I am grateful for the gorgeous woodwork and the big closet that make me feel like I am living in luxury. It is true that this home is nicer than some of my apartments in Chicago.
I am grateful to live on a street where the people sweep off their front steps and wash down the sidewalk in front of their houses. Today I saw a lady washing her front gate and the front of her house. I am grateful that I live in a gated community where the guards take your ID and write down your license plate number before you can enter. I am grateful that the guards recognize me now. I am grateful that the pulperia down the street has everything I need, from mantequilla and platanos, to ant spray. I am grateful for the Catholic Church across the street that provides me with a nightly backdrop of the most glorious music I have ever heard. That is the truth. I am grateful to have the privilege of sitting in my home and listening to their music every night. I am grateful that everyone, everywhere, always greets me with "Good morning", "Good afternoon" or "Good evening" as applicable. Yes, it is a cultural requirement to do so here, but I am still a gringa and I appreciate it all the more for that reason.
I am grateful for the community that has taken me in here. I am grateful that I can ask for what I need and trust that my needs will be met. I am also grateful that I am learning to ask for what I need and I am learning to trust, since these are areas where I needed to grow. I am grateful that the people here are teaching me more about God. About who God is and who He is not. About what He expects of me, and what he does not expect. About how to follow Him, honor Him, worship Him, love Him and receive His love. I am grateful to live in community with people who are teaching me about unconditional love in ways I never knew before. I am grateful for people whom I barely know that hug me, ask how I am doing, then genuinely wait for a response because they care about how I am doing. I am grateful when they say, "It's good to see you. We are so happy you are here." I believe they truly mean each word.
I am grateful to serve at the breakfast program. I am grateful for every hug I receive each day (which has to be more than 100). I am grateful for every smile, every hand that holds mine, every belly I can help to fill. I am grateful that I have the privilege of handing out vitamins and putting toothpaste on toothbrushes. I am grateful to pray with 40-70 children every day and help them to learn about God. I am grateful to live in a place that has so much perfect beauty in the ugliness of poverty. I am grateful to be exactly where I am.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Adios platanos :(
Today is a sad day at my house. I washed my clothes in my pila today. The only way it is manageable to wash in the pila is by washing every few days. Otherwise it is too overwhelming for a gringa. Anyway, as I was washing in the yard, I noticed that my platano tree fell down!!!! :( I never realized how much shade that tree provided until today. I no longer have the view of platanos outside my bedroom window. The sun shines into my room now. Boooo! Fortunately, it's not hot outside today. The wind, which I'm sure is the culprit of my downed tree, has been gusting since Saturday.
Lourdes was able to come to the breakfast program today. We had oatmeal with shortbread for dipping and lots of watermelon. This week over 50 kids have attended each day.
It was a relaxed day. The kids had fun. They are learning to trust me with their problems, like when a boy throws watermelon into a girl's oatmeal, or if someone "forgets" to wash their dishes. They used to go to the older girls for help, but now they come to me which feels like good progress.
I still am enchanted by their prayer. They are the most amazing pray-ers. They pray for the coolest things! Their prayer is very genuine. Many of them start their prayer by thanking God for one more day of life. I am still surprised when I hear a 7 or 8 year old begin their prayer in this way. However, in Honduras life is never taken for granted. The kids thank God for their classes (yes, you read that right) and the opportunity for education. They thank God for helping them to concentrate as they study for exams. They give thanks for the breakfast program, the food, the nutrients and the attention they receive here. Their prayers can be heartbreaking as well. Sometimes they pray their parents will stop hitting each other, that someone in their family will get a job so they can have food at home, for sleep because they have to help their family by getting up at 2 a.m. to help make tortillas for their mother to sell each day. Prayer is something they take very seriously. It is beautiful to see children worship God with such intention and intensity.
Yesterday two of the kids showed up at the breakfast program with cash in their hands, wanting to buy potato chips. They were questioned extensively about where they got the money, since this was unusual. They insisted they got it from their fathers. However, we discovered today they are begging for money on the street . At the breakfast program we give them food and clothes. We talk to them and discourage begging. But sometimes it is encouraged by their parents. Lourdes talked to them today. It is still doubtful they will stop.
Lourdes was able to come to the breakfast program today. We had oatmeal with shortbread for dipping and lots of watermelon. This week over 50 kids have attended each day.
It was a relaxed day. The kids had fun. They are learning to trust me with their problems, like when a boy throws watermelon into a girl's oatmeal, or if someone "forgets" to wash their dishes. They used to go to the older girls for help, but now they come to me which feels like good progress.
I still am enchanted by their prayer. They are the most amazing pray-ers. They pray for the coolest things! Their prayer is very genuine. Many of them start their prayer by thanking God for one more day of life. I am still surprised when I hear a 7 or 8 year old begin their prayer in this way. However, in Honduras life is never taken for granted. The kids thank God for their classes (yes, you read that right) and the opportunity for education. They thank God for helping them to concentrate as they study for exams. They give thanks for the breakfast program, the food, the nutrients and the attention they receive here. Their prayers can be heartbreaking as well. Sometimes they pray their parents will stop hitting each other, that someone in their family will get a job so they can have food at home, for sleep because they have to help their family by getting up at 2 a.m. to help make tortillas for their mother to sell each day. Prayer is something they take very seriously. It is beautiful to see children worship God with such intention and intensity.
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| Sometimes prayer is hard work |
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| Other times, prayer comes naturally |
Yesterday two of the kids showed up at the breakfast program with cash in their hands, wanting to buy potato chips. They were questioned extensively about where they got the money, since this was unusual. They insisted they got it from their fathers. However, we discovered today they are begging for money on the street . At the breakfast program we give them food and clothes. We talk to them and discourage begging. But sometimes it is encouraged by their parents. Lourdes talked to them today. It is still doubtful they will stop.
Monday, April 23, 2012
A good night for sleeping
I'm tired of being sick! Every morning I wake up thinking today will be different, but a few hours into the day I'm exhausted. Almost everyone is sick - Lourdes, Jairo, the Moms and the kids at the breakfast program. I was thinking I have never seen a flu spread like this, but it makes sense. I don't wash my hands as often. People always greet with a hug and cheek kiss. There's no hot water to kill germs. Of course the flu spreads like wildfire.
Friday night I went to bed early and slept late Saturday morning, then hung out in my bed most of the day. I've been watching tv in Spanish. The only thing I don't understand is some of the news. I made a huge dinner, so big I couldn't eat it all. Then I received a call from Jairo inviting me for dinner at his house to say good bye to Kim, Jovi, and Pat. Karla and Jose came to pick me up with their daughters in the car. It was great to see them again! Dana Sopia is now three. She reminds me of Karla with her quippy little sayings. Valery seems more relaxed and calm. She and Dana are almost the same size now.
The dinner was very nice. They thanked Kim and Pat for their time and their devotion. Everyone here is also very grateful to K2, my church in the US. Some of the church elders were also there. I felt great when Jairo asked Kim to please report to K2 that I am working hard here and serving them well. He told the story about how as soon as I got off the plane I was digging through food that smelled like garbage to pack it up and bring it to the church.
There was a tremendous rainstorm that night. The lightening was amazing from the top of the mountain. It is not supposed to rain at this time of the season, but it's been raining very often at 4:30 pm. They wonder why. Many people here are talking about whether it is La Niña or the Greenhouse Effect.
Karla and Jose invited me to come home with them after church Sunday to spend the night with them. I was excited. They have a washer (and I learned after I arrived, a DRYER too!) so they let me bring all of my laundry. We had a nice dinner after church, then napped for a few hours. We ate dinner, watched movies, and I went to bed. Just like old times. Dana Sophia and Valery seemed to be comfortable with me right away. Jose and I wondered if they remember me from when I lived with them. Doubtful, but it certainly felt that way.
Their house is up in the mountains behind the church. Next time I have to take pictures. For a North American, I think it is almost impossible to imagine. It is very interesting because the houses there are all so different. There is extreme poverty with no modern amenities, side by side with a home like Karla and Jose's. For example, their neighbors have 2 houses. One is a normal Honduran home of cement with a back patio and washing machine. Next door, the mother of that family lives in a place that looks uninhabited. There are boards over the windows, an outhouse, and I saw her cooking her dinner outside with a stone oven and oper fire. On the road to Karla's house I saw an outhouse with no walls, only posters strung together. Suffice it to say, it did not cover things very thoroughly. You don't want to know the details. This morning Karla and I walked down the mountain to catch the bus. The road is steep and rocky, with sections washed out from hard rains. Karla did the walk in high heels. I was nervous is flip flops. As we walked I took in all of these strange contradictions. Some people live like folks in the city and some live in falling down shacks. I observe with interest and try hard to imagine what life is like for them. Are they content? Do they wish they could have what the others have? On your way to work today, were you passed by a boy riding bareback on a horse? I was.
There were lots of kids at the breakfast program today. Almost 50 in the morning group. Lourdes was home, sick with the cold flu. I got there early and got things ready with some of the older girls. We finished early. The girls asked if I would practice self defense with them so we had some time to really work on the details. They had clearly been practicing and had improved over the weekend. They love it! It's fun to see them doing something constructive and having fun with it. We end every self defense move with "CORRE!" (RUN!). They even practiced that part.
I wish I could live in the mountains, like Karla and Jose, or like Lourdes and Jairo. It is so beautiful there. Especially at night, looking out over the city or across the valley to other homes on the surrounding mountains. But Jairo explained it is hard to find a property in the mountains which is secure enough for a single person. Here, in my gated community, with my 15 foot brick walls, topped with coils of barbed wire, I am safe.
Today was chilly, even down in the city. I wore a sweatshirt all day for the first time. Greys' Anatomy (Anatomia Aun Greys') and Private Practice are on tv. It will be a perfect night for sleeping.
Friday night I went to bed early and slept late Saturday morning, then hung out in my bed most of the day. I've been watching tv in Spanish. The only thing I don't understand is some of the news. I made a huge dinner, so big I couldn't eat it all. Then I received a call from Jairo inviting me for dinner at his house to say good bye to Kim, Jovi, and Pat. Karla and Jose came to pick me up with their daughters in the car. It was great to see them again! Dana Sopia is now three. She reminds me of Karla with her quippy little sayings. Valery seems more relaxed and calm. She and Dana are almost the same size now.
The dinner was very nice. They thanked Kim and Pat for their time and their devotion. Everyone here is also very grateful to K2, my church in the US. Some of the church elders were also there. I felt great when Jairo asked Kim to please report to K2 that I am working hard here and serving them well. He told the story about how as soon as I got off the plane I was digging through food that smelled like garbage to pack it up and bring it to the church.
There was a tremendous rainstorm that night. The lightening was amazing from the top of the mountain. It is not supposed to rain at this time of the season, but it's been raining very often at 4:30 pm. They wonder why. Many people here are talking about whether it is La Niña or the Greenhouse Effect.
Karla and Jose invited me to come home with them after church Sunday to spend the night with them. I was excited. They have a washer (and I learned after I arrived, a DRYER too!) so they let me bring all of my laundry. We had a nice dinner after church, then napped for a few hours. We ate dinner, watched movies, and I went to bed. Just like old times. Dana Sophia and Valery seemed to be comfortable with me right away. Jose and I wondered if they remember me from when I lived with them. Doubtful, but it certainly felt that way.
Their house is up in the mountains behind the church. Next time I have to take pictures. For a North American, I think it is almost impossible to imagine. It is very interesting because the houses there are all so different. There is extreme poverty with no modern amenities, side by side with a home like Karla and Jose's. For example, their neighbors have 2 houses. One is a normal Honduran home of cement with a back patio and washing machine. Next door, the mother of that family lives in a place that looks uninhabited. There are boards over the windows, an outhouse, and I saw her cooking her dinner outside with a stone oven and oper fire. On the road to Karla's house I saw an outhouse with no walls, only posters strung together. Suffice it to say, it did not cover things very thoroughly. You don't want to know the details. This morning Karla and I walked down the mountain to catch the bus. The road is steep and rocky, with sections washed out from hard rains. Karla did the walk in high heels. I was nervous is flip flops. As we walked I took in all of these strange contradictions. Some people live like folks in the city and some live in falling down shacks. I observe with interest and try hard to imagine what life is like for them. Are they content? Do they wish they could have what the others have? On your way to work today, were you passed by a boy riding bareback on a horse? I was.
There were lots of kids at the breakfast program today. Almost 50 in the morning group. Lourdes was home, sick with the cold flu. I got there early and got things ready with some of the older girls. We finished early. The girls asked if I would practice self defense with them so we had some time to really work on the details. They had clearly been practicing and had improved over the weekend. They love it! It's fun to see them doing something constructive and having fun with it. We end every self defense move with "CORRE!" (RUN!). They even practiced that part.
I wish I could live in the mountains, like Karla and Jose, or like Lourdes and Jairo. It is so beautiful there. Especially at night, looking out over the city or across the valley to other homes on the surrounding mountains. But Jairo explained it is hard to find a property in the mountains which is secure enough for a single person. Here, in my gated community, with my 15 foot brick walls, topped with coils of barbed wire, I am safe.
Today was chilly, even down in the city. I wore a sweatshirt all day for the first time. Greys' Anatomy (Anatomia Aun Greys') and Private Practice are on tv. It will be a perfect night for sleeping.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Beautiful Children
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| Blanca Flor |
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| Kebelin |
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| Stephany, Me and Lolita |
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| Lolita and Stephany |
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| Viviana |
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| Angelica |
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| Kebelin |
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| Blanca Flor |
Spectacular Day!
The breakfast program today was extra special because the kids are in exam week, so they all can come at the same time. Therefore, we were able to have a big group with all of them. We prayed, they shared special words with Kim and Pat, since this is their last day at the breakfast program. Then we gave out shoes, socks and undergarments. We also talked to the teenagers about dating (or in this case, NOT dating until they are older).
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| New Shoes! |
After the group was over, we had breakfast. Last week the older girls said they would like to learn self defense. For them, this is more important than we in the US can imagine. Every week I hear of kidnappings and rape and it is happening to people within the church. I was so excited to have God use me in another way I never expected. I took karate for 10 years and can teach the girls self defense!
First we talked about the fact that this is serious, we will only practice together. We will not use what we know to hurt someone unless we are being attacked. I also explained that the class will not always be fun because our muscles have memory and we need to do these movements until our muscles can do them with out our minds having to thing about it. That can be very boring, but it is necessary.
Then we got to work. They did extremely well. My plan is to review each move from the day before and add another move each day.
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| Some of the girls from Self Defense class |
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| These girls are FIERCE! |
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| Holds and Grabs
After the classes I had to say goodbye to Bismar. He was here for the week to heal his stomach. He still is only feeling a little better. The original plan was for us to accompany Bismar back to his school and say hello to the other boys there, but there is too much fighting on the roads on the way there, so it is not safe. We prayed over Bismar, for his safety and for his stomach. I gave him a Spanish version of Dr. Suess' The Places You'll Go. I told him how special he is and that I know he will do amazing things. I really love that boy.
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Monday, April 16, 2012
Wow, I didn't realize how long it's been. I'm tired, so I'll catch you up quickly.
Friday Jairo and I arrived at the breakfast program with the smell of something DELICIOUS in the air. The girls were making pancakes. I think I ate about 8 of them (we had leftovers) with watermelon, which is in season right now. The teenagers have been so helpful with Lourdes gone. She would be proud of all of the kids.
Lourdes went to the doctor in the afternoon on Friday. Saturday when they came to pick me up for the airport, she told she she has fibromyalgia. I knew that was not good, but she just told me she will require a different lifestyle with a lot more rest. She is very relieved to know what is wrong. Now she has a name to put with all of the terrible symptoms she's been having. That part is definitely a relief.
We picked up Kim Fahrenkrog and her daughter Jovi, with their friend Pat, at the airport. Then we went to the church to empty out the 3 of the 4 suitcases they brought, which were full of vitamins and socks, and more socks and more vitamins, as well as lots of other good stuff. We went to a cool restaurant for lunch, sat out on a big balcony and filled up on pupusas, then went back to the church for the girls' youth group. The girls are between 12-14 yrs old and are working hard at memorizing the bible. We also donned party hats, sang and had chocolate birthday cake for their teacher. I let them know that my birthday is in November and I would like the same cake - moist chocolate, with a mousse-like frosting and strawberries on top. Yummy!
Sunday we went to church. It was my favorite service so far. My Spanish has improved enough that I don't have to work as hard to understand, which is nice, and it was about Psalm 139 which is one of my favorites. I could really feel God's presence in church intensely that day. Jairo talked about Josue being so sick, near death, and how his parents must feel. He talked about the healthy boy that was just playing the trumpet for the church band last week and is now unconscious in ICU. But God is clearly healing Josue. Jairo also spoke about taking God's hand and holding on as tightly as we choose. Unlike a mother, when holding her child's hand to cross the road and holds on tight, God holds on only as tightly as we allow. And we can follow in the path he has for us, or wander away.
After church I was invited to attend the equivalent of a small group here. It was great! It was at my friend Evelin Michelle's parent's home. Their home is absolutely incredible. There is really no way to describe it. It is a hodge podge of old architecture which has a ton of character and it's way up in the mountains near the rainforest, so it has incredible gardens. They let me pick my own grapefruit! I was so excited! The food was very traditional and so good - a sort of stew with beef and sausage, platanos, green bananas, and yucca. We also had birthday cake for the 3rd time since I got here. I timed it right to catch a lot of birthday celebrations! The meeting time was beautiful. Even with three gringos present, the members opened up and shared of themselves for the group. Afterward we broke into prayer groups. That was pretty intense, but I liked it. I didn't have to pray out loud, although I would have if asked. Praying aloud in Spanish would have been a new step for me. Evenlin Michelle's family also had a spare tv, which I discovered while watching the sunset from their second story loft. They let me borrow it since I have free cable in my house. On the way home we received a phone call that Josue is no longer in a coma. He is talking and asking to go home, but in reality he is still very sick in ICU.
Last night I watched the news for the first time in almost a month. I was so disappointed to see that, once again, my country has embarrassed itself. I was hopeful that the summit of the Americas could bring about some change in the horrible problems that drug trafficking is causing in Honduras. But instead it seems that everyone was distracted by the 11 secret service men who were sent home and 5 others who were "grounded" (whatever that means) after they allegedly refusing to pay a prostitute and she caused a big fuss.
Today we went to the breakfast program where we served rice, veggies and hot dogs. The kids played board games and colored in coloring books from Pat, Jovi and Kim. They were so happy to have Lourdes back with them again! She taught a lesson, had a time of prayer, and kept things organized. One of the kids' mothers did the cooking today. I spent played with the kids and acted as lunch monitor, making sure dishes got washed and kids were well behaved. Afterward I checked my email and learned that I may not be able to return to Honduras as planned when I go back to get my passport stamped. I am still $600 short of the minimum I need to live here. Unless I am able to raise $600 in monthly donations I will not be able to return. That was a depressing thought which controlled my mind for several hours after reading the email update from my home office in the US.
This afternoon we rested at the church, reading and talking, after the kids left. A thunderstorm rolled in. Aaron went to the Dr for a stomach ache. (He will be fine.) Lourdes napped. Then Jairo invited me to his home for a prayer group with the elders of the church for Lourdes. Although I think they wouldn't mind, I don't have permission to share about that. All I will say for now is that it was an honor to have been invited, and it was an incredible experience. God filled every nook and cranny of that home tonight.
Afterward we had Chinese food, which seems to be what everyone eats if they aren't eating Honduran food. I had 2 plates, then rode home with Karla and Jose. They said they will spend time with me this weekend. Karla will finish her "licensia" in psychology - our equivalent of a bachelor's degree - in September. After this semester she only has 2 more classes. Jose is going to school to be a high school teacher! I didn't even know that. He said it is fairly new. I am excited for both of them.
Friday Jairo and I arrived at the breakfast program with the smell of something DELICIOUS in the air. The girls were making pancakes. I think I ate about 8 of them (we had leftovers) with watermelon, which is in season right now. The teenagers have been so helpful with Lourdes gone. She would be proud of all of the kids.
Lourdes went to the doctor in the afternoon on Friday. Saturday when they came to pick me up for the airport, she told she she has fibromyalgia. I knew that was not good, but she just told me she will require a different lifestyle with a lot more rest. She is very relieved to know what is wrong. Now she has a name to put with all of the terrible symptoms she's been having. That part is definitely a relief.
We picked up Kim Fahrenkrog and her daughter Jovi, with their friend Pat, at the airport. Then we went to the church to empty out the 3 of the 4 suitcases they brought, which were full of vitamins and socks, and more socks and more vitamins, as well as lots of other good stuff. We went to a cool restaurant for lunch, sat out on a big balcony and filled up on pupusas, then went back to the church for the girls' youth group. The girls are between 12-14 yrs old and are working hard at memorizing the bible. We also donned party hats, sang and had chocolate birthday cake for their teacher. I let them know that my birthday is in November and I would like the same cake - moist chocolate, with a mousse-like frosting and strawberries on top. Yummy!
Sunday we went to church. It was my favorite service so far. My Spanish has improved enough that I don't have to work as hard to understand, which is nice, and it was about Psalm 139 which is one of my favorites. I could really feel God's presence in church intensely that day. Jairo talked about Josue being so sick, near death, and how his parents must feel. He talked about the healthy boy that was just playing the trumpet for the church band last week and is now unconscious in ICU. But God is clearly healing Josue. Jairo also spoke about taking God's hand and holding on as tightly as we choose. Unlike a mother, when holding her child's hand to cross the road and holds on tight, God holds on only as tightly as we allow. And we can follow in the path he has for us, or wander away.
After church I was invited to attend the equivalent of a small group here. It was great! It was at my friend Evelin Michelle's parent's home. Their home is absolutely incredible. There is really no way to describe it. It is a hodge podge of old architecture which has a ton of character and it's way up in the mountains near the rainforest, so it has incredible gardens. They let me pick my own grapefruit! I was so excited! The food was very traditional and so good - a sort of stew with beef and sausage, platanos, green bananas, and yucca. We also had birthday cake for the 3rd time since I got here. I timed it right to catch a lot of birthday celebrations! The meeting time was beautiful. Even with three gringos present, the members opened up and shared of themselves for the group. Afterward we broke into prayer groups. That was pretty intense, but I liked it. I didn't have to pray out loud, although I would have if asked. Praying aloud in Spanish would have been a new step for me. Evenlin Michelle's family also had a spare tv, which I discovered while watching the sunset from their second story loft. They let me borrow it since I have free cable in my house. On the way home we received a phone call that Josue is no longer in a coma. He is talking and asking to go home, but in reality he is still very sick in ICU.
Last night I watched the news for the first time in almost a month. I was so disappointed to see that, once again, my country has embarrassed itself. I was hopeful that the summit of the Americas could bring about some change in the horrible problems that drug trafficking is causing in Honduras. But instead it seems that everyone was distracted by the 11 secret service men who were sent home and 5 others who were "grounded" (whatever that means) after they allegedly refusing to pay a prostitute and she caused a big fuss.
Today we went to the breakfast program where we served rice, veggies and hot dogs. The kids played board games and colored in coloring books from Pat, Jovi and Kim. They were so happy to have Lourdes back with them again! She taught a lesson, had a time of prayer, and kept things organized. One of the kids' mothers did the cooking today. I spent played with the kids and acted as lunch monitor, making sure dishes got washed and kids were well behaved. Afterward I checked my email and learned that I may not be able to return to Honduras as planned when I go back to get my passport stamped. I am still $600 short of the minimum I need to live here. Unless I am able to raise $600 in monthly donations I will not be able to return. That was a depressing thought which controlled my mind for several hours after reading the email update from my home office in the US.
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| Playing "Don't Drop the Monkeys" |
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| SORRY!! |
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| Blanca Flor and her drawing |
This afternoon we rested at the church, reading and talking, after the kids left. A thunderstorm rolled in. Aaron went to the Dr for a stomach ache. (He will be fine.) Lourdes napped. Then Jairo invited me to his home for a prayer group with the elders of the church for Lourdes. Although I think they wouldn't mind, I don't have permission to share about that. All I will say for now is that it was an honor to have been invited, and it was an incredible experience. God filled every nook and cranny of that home tonight.
Afterward we had Chinese food, which seems to be what everyone eats if they aren't eating Honduran food. I had 2 plates, then rode home with Karla and Jose. They said they will spend time with me this weekend. Karla will finish her "licensia" in psychology - our equivalent of a bachelor's degree - in September. After this semester she only has 2 more classes. Jose is going to school to be a high school teacher! I didn't even know that. He said it is fairly new. I am excited for both of them.
Thursday, April 12, 2012
"Espaghettis"
We stopped at my corner store, but I couldn't go in because here someone always has to wait in the car. No matter how hot or how long, if you are in public, like the mall or the grocery store, someone waits in the car. I only had to wait a minute and it wasn't hot, so it was no biggie. He came back all excited to make his spaghetti with the ingredients in his bag.
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| First melt four sticks of margarine, being sure to get every bit off the wrapper by warming it on the pan. |
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| Then Jairo's secret ingredients. And more butter. |
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| Jairo cooking "Espaghettis" for the kids at the Breakfast Program (with the stove and industrial pots from K2!) |
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| Even & "Mi Conejo" I love these two little guys! Every morning they work with Don Juan as grounds keepers to keep themselves out of trouble and to help the church. |
As we left the store I told him that I had a question for him, but since he has told me to be careful about what I say on the phone, I didn't want to call and ask last night. I told him I had seen some men at my pila yesterday. Then when I was washing my clothes I found a baggie with some white stuff in it. I asked if there is a reason to keep a baggie in a pila, or did those men leave drugs in my pila. At first he was very confused because he didn't realize how in the US drugs are sold in baggies, so I had to describe the baggie thing. Plus he was concerned there were men in my yard. But finally we realized that the men were city workers whose job it was to be sure that each pila has at least one baggie in it - because the baggie keeps away mosquitoes. There were no drugs in my pila, but we had a good laugh.
Eunice's son, Josue, had xrays yesterday which showed his lungs were completely full of fluid, so they diagnosed him with pneumonia. But today he is better so much more quickly than they expected that they have no explanation. Apparently yesterday he was almost in a coma and his kidneys were shutting down. Today he is able to urinate and his kidneys seem to be better. He is still very sick, but improving and no longer near death. This healing, which the Dr.'s cannot explain, surely glorifies God and is an example of the power of prayer!
Lourdes stayed home again today, which I know is hard for her but I am happy she is resting. The kids made cards for her. They miss her, but are very well behaved and doing fine. Jairo said she will go to the doctor tomorrow.
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| We close our eyes and pray before the meal |
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| Washing hands - youngest to oldest |
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| Three buddies enjoying "espaghettis" |
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| Uh oh! Mine's almost gone! (A talk of - Should we share? But we're not supposed to touch each other's food follows) |
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| Three cute boys |
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| Daily checkers tournament. With chess pieces. |
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Making "Get Well" cards for Lourdes  
It was a hot one out there today. And I have a strange rash on my shoulder which is irritated by the sun, so it was nice that we were able to leave early today. I ended up napping away the afternoon and waking up to a lovely thunderstorm, accompanied by the music from the choir across the street. It was a beautiful moment.
Then I went to the kitchen and found a cockroach the size of a matchbox car in my sink. Bye-bye perfect moment. I felt ill. I've been saying I need ant spray, but this takes it to a new level! For some reason when I see these things in other peoples' houses it doesn't bother me, but in my own I was frozen with fear and disgust. When I could finally move, I killed it with cleaning spray that had bleach. But then there was the nasty dead body in my sink. I am usually not a wimp when it comes to bugs, but this thing was too much for me. Finally I took a napkin, shoved it into a cup, and dumped it into the garbage. It landed with a thump - that's how big it was. (I did consider taking a picture, but I figured all of you did not need to see the disgusting thing.) Now I'm having visions of it coming back to life and crawling out of the garbage can. Oh boy. I need some super powered bug spray.
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Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Vaya Pues
I had time to sleep in today, but instead chose to get up and take a long shower. I was all ready to leave and had decided to sweep the floor when Jairo called to say I should leave the house now to meet him on the corner. I walked up to the corner store, where I wait for Jairo and Lourdes to drive by and pick me up. But today there was this guy who was whistling and grunting at me. I gave him the nastiest look I could muster. He did it again, but I ignored him that time. The scariest part was that as I was watching for Jairo to come, I had my back to him. I was afraid he was going to come up behind me, so I was praying for Jairo to hurry.
When Jairo pulled up he said that immediately after he called me, he got caught in a traffic jam where police had cars stopped because people were shooting at each other across the highway. This has happened before since I've been here. Jairo was about to figure out another route, which is difficult the way the roads work here, when suddenly the police began to yell, "VAYA! VAYA!" (Go! Go!) so he hurried through and rescued me from the whistling groaner.
We went to the church and two teenagers were already at work making refried beans and scrambled eggs with queso fresco and fresh hand made tortillas. I tried to help, but apparently I was screwing up the eggs, so they took over again. (They had 12 eggs and almost a cup of veg oil in the pan, then they wanted to cook the eggs 45 mins in advance. But I have to hand it to them. The breakfast was delicious and everyone enjoyed it.)
We prayed for Lourdes, who again was home in bed. We also prayed for Josue, Eunice's son, who plays the trumpet in the church band. He had his appendix out last night and this morning had to be transferred to a different hospital because of complications. Everyone was worried he could even die. Lourdes asked me to reach out to my friends in the states for prayer, but I already had. So far all I know is that he was vomiting blood and having respiratory problems. I prayed for him and his family all day. I could not get them off my mind.
Something cool happened when I least expected it. Since I arrived I've been hearing people say, "Vaya, pues." It is used to say goodbye on the phone, or to send someone on their way or even to agree with someone. Translated literally, it means "go, then", but it would really be more the equivalent of "okay" or "all right". I wondered if or when I would ever use "vaya pues" naturally in my own vocabulary, since that would be a sign of the language flowing off my tongue, rather than consciously thinking of every word. Well, today was the day! Not too bad - only two weeks in. A little girl at the breakfast program asked permission to do something and I responded, "Vaya, pues." I felt a little surprised and proud, but I had nobody to share my accomplishment with, because they would think I am crazy for being happy over something as mundane as "vaya, pues".
When I got home I decided to get the sweeping done, which led to mopping, which led to deciding to try my hand at washing clothes in my pila. I actually really enjoyed it. It was very therapeutic. I was able to pray and talk to God about why He has me here, in this place where I can't exercise, where I am still learning the language, where, by North American standards, I really don't know anyone. Although I do. At one point I was standing over the pila crying because I was thinking about how much unconditional love I have here. I'm sure if anyone saw me they thought I was crying over having to wash clothes in the pila.
Originally I had planned to wash 2 shirts and see how it went, but it felt so good I ended up doing all of my clothes and then coming back inside to get my sheets. Everything but the jeans were dry before it started to rain, so I was happy. Then I cooked some fried platanos, which have to be one of the worst things for a healthy diet. In the states a nutritionist told me not to eat bananas because the amount of sugar in bananas outweighs the good that potassium can do. So imagine deep frying bananas and eating them with the equivalent of sour cream. Only mantequilla tastes nothing like sour cream. I compare the dish to a Honduran version of bananas foster. And I eat 2 of them every night. Still somehow, I've managed to lose almost 10 pounds already. It is surely not from lack of eating. I think it's from having fresher food with no preservatives. I can't think of another reason I could lose weight every time I come here because I eat like a pig and I don't exercise.
So now I'm lying on my clean sheets. The Catholic Church sang from 7:30 - 9:30, so I had some nice background music as I was writing. I wish so desperately that I could go watch them sing, so I could have a picture in my mind of where these glorious voices are coming from. But I'm not allowed. Since we don't know anyone in the church, I can't go. It is a risk that someone would notice I am alone and follow me home. So I can't go to the church across the street from my house. I completely understand and respect Jairo for protecting me, but I don't know if I can live a life where I'm so enclosed. I go from my house, to the church, to visit Lourdes and Jairo, then home again, where I have to lock myself in behind tall metal gates topped with rolls of barbed wire. I do feel safe, but I also feel a little trapped. And I worry that I might feel more trapped as time goes by. It's not only me. Even up in the mountains where Lourdes and Jairo live the kids are not allowed to walk alone. They can't even ride their bikes. Things here have gotten so dangerous it has begun to effect everyone, not just certain areas. No other word for it. It's just sad.
When Jairo pulled up he said that immediately after he called me, he got caught in a traffic jam where police had cars stopped because people were shooting at each other across the highway. This has happened before since I've been here. Jairo was about to figure out another route, which is difficult the way the roads work here, when suddenly the police began to yell, "VAYA! VAYA!" (Go! Go!) so he hurried through and rescued me from the whistling groaner.
We went to the church and two teenagers were already at work making refried beans and scrambled eggs with queso fresco and fresh hand made tortillas. I tried to help, but apparently I was screwing up the eggs, so they took over again. (They had 12 eggs and almost a cup of veg oil in the pan, then they wanted to cook the eggs 45 mins in advance. But I have to hand it to them. The breakfast was delicious and everyone enjoyed it.)
We prayed for Lourdes, who again was home in bed. We also prayed for Josue, Eunice's son, who plays the trumpet in the church band. He had his appendix out last night and this morning had to be transferred to a different hospital because of complications. Everyone was worried he could even die. Lourdes asked me to reach out to my friends in the states for prayer, but I already had. So far all I know is that he was vomiting blood and having respiratory problems. I prayed for him and his family all day. I could not get them off my mind.
Something cool happened when I least expected it. Since I arrived I've been hearing people say, "Vaya, pues." It is used to say goodbye on the phone, or to send someone on their way or even to agree with someone. Translated literally, it means "go, then", but it would really be more the equivalent of "okay" or "all right". I wondered if or when I would ever use "vaya pues" naturally in my own vocabulary, since that would be a sign of the language flowing off my tongue, rather than consciously thinking of every word. Well, today was the day! Not too bad - only two weeks in. A little girl at the breakfast program asked permission to do something and I responded, "Vaya, pues." I felt a little surprised and proud, but I had nobody to share my accomplishment with, because they would think I am crazy for being happy over something as mundane as "vaya, pues".
When I got home I decided to get the sweeping done, which led to mopping, which led to deciding to try my hand at washing clothes in my pila. I actually really enjoyed it. It was very therapeutic. I was able to pray and talk to God about why He has me here, in this place where I can't exercise, where I am still learning the language, where, by North American standards, I really don't know anyone. Although I do. At one point I was standing over the pila crying because I was thinking about how much unconditional love I have here. I'm sure if anyone saw me they thought I was crying over having to wash clothes in the pila.
Originally I had planned to wash 2 shirts and see how it went, but it felt so good I ended up doing all of my clothes and then coming back inside to get my sheets. Everything but the jeans were dry before it started to rain, so I was happy. Then I cooked some fried platanos, which have to be one of the worst things for a healthy diet. In the states a nutritionist told me not to eat bananas because the amount of sugar in bananas outweighs the good that potassium can do. So imagine deep frying bananas and eating them with the equivalent of sour cream. Only mantequilla tastes nothing like sour cream. I compare the dish to a Honduran version of bananas foster. And I eat 2 of them every night. Still somehow, I've managed to lose almost 10 pounds already. It is surely not from lack of eating. I think it's from having fresher food with no preservatives. I can't think of another reason I could lose weight every time I come here because I eat like a pig and I don't exercise.
So now I'm lying on my clean sheets. The Catholic Church sang from 7:30 - 9:30, so I had some nice background music as I was writing. I wish so desperately that I could go watch them sing, so I could have a picture in my mind of where these glorious voices are coming from. But I'm not allowed. Since we don't know anyone in the church, I can't go. It is a risk that someone would notice I am alone and follow me home. So I can't go to the church across the street from my house. I completely understand and respect Jairo for protecting me, but I don't know if I can live a life where I'm so enclosed. I go from my house, to the church, to visit Lourdes and Jairo, then home again, where I have to lock myself in behind tall metal gates topped with rolls of barbed wire. I do feel safe, but I also feel a little trapped. And I worry that I might feel more trapped as time goes by. It's not only me. Even up in the mountains where Lourdes and Jairo live the kids are not allowed to walk alone. They can't even ride their bikes. Things here have gotten so dangerous it has begun to effect everyone, not just certain areas. No other word for it. It's just sad.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Walter's Birthday
Today when Jairo came to pick me up the passenger's seat was empty. Lourdes wasn't there. He proceeded to tell me that she is very sick and even fell to the ground last night, so she is spending the day in bed. He was clearly upset. When we got to the breakfast program it was Jairo who made breakfast. We took a bunch of different boxes from the stuff we picked up the first day I was here and he mixed it all together in a big bowl - Cheerios, Cornflakes, Co-Co Puffs, Lucky Charms, etc. It was a cereal extravaganza!
It was a relaxed morning at the church, so I decided to get out my hacky sack and play with the kids. Since they are amazing at soccer I knew they'd be good at hacky sack. And they were, until I kicked one of them in the face. Wait! Let me explain. I had told him he can use any part of his body except his hands, so he started heading the ball, which was great, until the ball went right to my foot and I kicked it. All I could hear was "CRUNCH" and blood began to pour everywhere. I felt terrible. Jairo came out of the kitchen and I yelled, "Jairo, I think I broke his nose!" We sat him down and got the bleeding to stop. He never cried, but he refused to speak. Jairo checked out his nose, declared it not broken, but told him he had to take it easy for the rest of the day.
One of the littlest girls showed me how to wash the blood out of his shirt in the pila. She was a professional at it. When I told others about her washing skills they said it's because at 6 years old, she is responsible to care for her younger siblings and even for washing neighbors' clothes. I made a personal vow never to let her work while she's at the breakfast program. This is her place to relax and be a child.
Jairo said that although Lourdes was sick, there would still be a birthday party for Walter at the Sarmiento home. I was invited, so I went early and helped prepare. I also showed Lourdes the paper I wrote last night to ask for funding for Ubence's school. Lourdes was very pleased with the paper. She tried to help us prepare, but ended up collapsing in the arms of Belinda and me. We carried her to bed, then continued preparing for the party. Josselyn and I worked together, which was nice. We listened to her favorite Spanish music. I thought it was great. We talked about girl things and teenaged things and growing up. Josselyn has grown to be a beautiful young woman, inside and out. I truly enjoy time with her.
(Josselyn is currently in her second semester of college and loves it! She loves the teachers and never complains about the work. She is so happy to be going to college. She wants to be a graphic artist.)
The food turned out great and it was a very nice party. I love how gatherings here are so meaningful and personal. Once everyone arrived they went around the room and talked about all the ways that Walter is special to them and their families. Some people were funny, some talked about Walter as a child. His Mother talked about his birth. It was lots of family and his closest friends. Then they praised God for Walter and his calling to be a pastor.
I especially enjoyed the party because it was the first time I have been able to spend with Karla and Jose. I saw them briefly when I first arrived, but it was midnight and we were all exhausted, so we mumbled hello, hugged and that was it. It was pretty anti-climatic after waiting to see them for 2 & 1/2 years. But this was everything I was hoping for and more. I spent some quality time with Jose. Then Karla and I caught up on a lot of things. Mostly we giggled. I'm not much of a giggler and really neither is Karla, but when we are together it's like I'm 6 years old again and I love it! Sometimes we look at each other and we just giggle for no reason. Or I'll say something I don't think is funny at all and Karla will say, "Ayyyy... Marileeeeeen!" and we'll both laugh. (People down here have the hardest time with my name.) So Karla and I got in some good laughs, then they gave me a ride home and made plans to get together soon. It was so nice to remember all of the reasons I love them so much. Karla and I have a friendship that transcends words, which is helpful because she doesn't speak much English. :)
We got home at midnight, so I don't know if the Catholic church across the street sang, but since I moved in the have sung every night except Monday. I have to borrow my mother's word to describe it. Their singing is glorious. I love sitting in my room next to the window and listening to them sing. Sometimes I honestly wonder if they might offer a glimpse of how heaven will sound.
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| Jairo making breakfast |
It was a relaxed morning at the church, so I decided to get out my hacky sack and play with the kids. Since they are amazing at soccer I knew they'd be good at hacky sack. And they were, until I kicked one of them in the face. Wait! Let me explain. I had told him he can use any part of his body except his hands, so he started heading the ball, which was great, until the ball went right to my foot and I kicked it. All I could hear was "CRUNCH" and blood began to pour everywhere. I felt terrible. Jairo came out of the kitchen and I yelled, "Jairo, I think I broke his nose!" We sat him down and got the bleeding to stop. He never cried, but he refused to speak. Jairo checked out his nose, declared it not broken, but told him he had to take it easy for the rest of the day.
One of the littlest girls showed me how to wash the blood out of his shirt in the pila. She was a professional at it. When I told others about her washing skills they said it's because at 6 years old, she is responsible to care for her younger siblings and even for washing neighbors' clothes. I made a personal vow never to let her work while she's at the breakfast program. This is her place to relax and be a child.
Jairo said that although Lourdes was sick, there would still be a birthday party for Walter at the Sarmiento home. I was invited, so I went early and helped prepare. I also showed Lourdes the paper I wrote last night to ask for funding for Ubence's school. Lourdes was very pleased with the paper. She tried to help us prepare, but ended up collapsing in the arms of Belinda and me. We carried her to bed, then continued preparing for the party. Josselyn and I worked together, which was nice. We listened to her favorite Spanish music. I thought it was great. We talked about girl things and teenaged things and growing up. Josselyn has grown to be a beautiful young woman, inside and out. I truly enjoy time with her.
(Josselyn is currently in her second semester of college and loves it! She loves the teachers and never complains about the work. She is so happy to be going to college. She wants to be a graphic artist.)
The food turned out great and it was a very nice party. I love how gatherings here are so meaningful and personal. Once everyone arrived they went around the room and talked about all the ways that Walter is special to them and their families. Some people were funny, some talked about Walter as a child. His Mother talked about his birth. It was lots of family and his closest friends. Then they praised God for Walter and his calling to be a pastor.
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| Good luck blowing out the trick candles! |
I especially enjoyed the party because it was the first time I have been able to spend with Karla and Jose. I saw them briefly when I first arrived, but it was midnight and we were all exhausted, so we mumbled hello, hugged and that was it. It was pretty anti-climatic after waiting to see them for 2 & 1/2 years. But this was everything I was hoping for and more. I spent some quality time with Jose. Then Karla and I caught up on a lot of things. Mostly we giggled. I'm not much of a giggler and really neither is Karla, but when we are together it's like I'm 6 years old again and I love it! Sometimes we look at each other and we just giggle for no reason. Or I'll say something I don't think is funny at all and Karla will say, "Ayyyy... Marileeeeeen!" and we'll both laugh. (People down here have the hardest time with my name.) So Karla and I got in some good laughs, then they gave me a ride home and made plans to get together soon. It was so nice to remember all of the reasons I love them so much. Karla and I have a friendship that transcends words, which is helpful because she doesn't speak much English. :)
We got home at midnight, so I don't know if the Catholic church across the street sang, but since I moved in the have sung every night except Monday. I have to borrow my mother's word to describe it. Their singing is glorious. I love sitting in my room next to the window and listening to them sing. Sometimes I honestly wonder if they might offer a glimpse of how heaven will sound.
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