I had the strangest dream last night. One of those dreams where you remember every detail and wonder how in the world your brain could think of those things. But it was a good one - all of my family from all over the US, aunts, uncles, cousins, surprised me with a birthday party at 6:15 a.m. in Massachusetts. I told you, strange details. But not a bad way to wake up.
Once again, I was sound asleep when my alarm went off. I have slept really well this week. Possibly from the cold medicine.
Things went well at the Breakfast Program. Javier was back to cut hair for the third day straight. He cut about 12 heads today. The boys all waited in line. He worked for hours. He always takes his time with each boy, no matter how long the line is. He is really good at his job and he makes the boys feel good about themselves. (Javier is a "graduate" of the Breakfast Program who asked to come back and cut the boys' hair for free as his way of giving back.)
I spent most of the afternoon prepping things for the preschool class. It is important that I get as many ideas as I can from the teacher from Canada while she is here. Today I told her in detail about how grateful I am for her help. I was overwhelmed and not sure where to begin. Now the classroom is cleaned out. I know how to use the things that we have. The kids are the appropriate ages and I have techniques I never would have learned if she had not come. She has made a huge difference for both me and the kids.
YAY!!! The power just turned on! I didn't eat much today and was looking forward to an egg, bean and cheese sandwich on a fresh baguette but I got home really late to find we had no power. Had to make due with cereal. Now it's 11 p.m. I'm still tempted to at least heat up some beans for a bean and cheese sandwich.
Lourdes spent the day shopping with the kids who leave for El Sembrador tomorrow. She shopped until they ran out of money. They are still lacking a few things but they have most of the things they need. They leave tomorrow morning at 5 a.m. Today we labeled everything in permanent marker and helped them pack their bags. Most of the mothers came to help. I could feel the kids' excitement and the mothers trying to hold back their anxiety. They are excited too, but it hard for them to say good bye to their sons and send them so far away.
After hours of packing and organizing, Lourdes had a time of prayer. She thanked God for each boy individually and asked God to help them in the specific areas she knows where they struggle. I am worried about one of the boys. My concern is that he may not have the self discipline to study like he needs to. Lourdes prayed that he will focus less on fútbol and more on his studies. I hope he takes this opportunity seriously because this could be his only chance at a decent life. His Mom is mentally ill. I frequently see her in the streets lacking various clothing items. He needs to get away and build a life for himself, starting with an education.
Tomorrow 3 trucks will take 9 boys, 8 moms, Lourdes and her sister, Belinda, to Olancho. Two of the three drivers are already physically exhausted and it is a dangerous drive through areas of heavy narco trafficking. I feel sick every time they do this drive. I have been praying about it a lot and will continue to pray until everyone is safely where they are supposed to be tomorrow. Jairo invited me to go with them. I was excited. But then Jairo heard my cough. It is worse again. I told him I am not feeling very good. He told me I could choose to go, but he would prefer that I stay home in bed for 2-3 days. He asked if I had lots of juice, which I do, and told me that resting does not include doing laundry. But I will have to do laundry if it is sunny.
We were sitting around in the kitchen at church tonight, waiting to go home. Everyone was anxious to get some sleep because they all have to be at the church at 5 a.m. I learned that in Honduras you have to take an eye exam, do a blood test, and pay money to get a driver's license here. A drivers test is not necessary. That explains a lot.
One of the boys asked if I know how to drive. I told him I have been driving for longer than he has been alive. Everyone in the kitchen cracked up laughing. They said I am really funny in Spanish and they bet I'm even funnier in English. You may not think so from reading this blog, but I'm pretty sure that I am funnier in English.
I have been appreciating how easily I understand full conversations now. I don't put together pieces and try to figure out what they are saying, I actually know almost every single word. It is so nice.
I came up with an idea for a new tv series. It is called "Keeping up with Los Sarmiento". It is a based on the true story of a missionary who moves to Honduras with her cat and tries to keep pace with Lourdes and Jairo. I really don't know how they work as hard as they do. I am younger and in better physical shape than each of them (Jairo has diabetes and Lourdes has fibromyalgia), but I cannot keep up with them! Maybe one day I will tell them that they are on bed rest. But I doubt they would listen.
