Day 11

My flight departed at 7:45 am. Days later, I still feel the heat of Honduras.

Day 10

On the last day, I joined the other volunteers at the worksite of Villa Soleada. The objective was to dig trenches for laying the cement blocks… HARD WORK! Not only was it hot, but ant colonies continually battled with us over their land. However, it was rewarding to view the progress.
After lunch, I was able to sneak away to the Nutrition Center (my favorite place!!!) I struggled, trying to even comprehend what life was like for these forgotten children. When it came time to leave, I was overwhelmed with sadness.

Day 8/9

I was privileged enough to go back to the nutrition center, where the hugs I received were even heartier than the first time. Again, I was impressed with the staff and fantasized about taking the entire group of children home with me.
Later that afternoon, Alicia and I decided to do some traveling to be adventurous since a new group had come in from the airport and orientation would be taking place. I needed to feel the country out for myself. We took a three hour bus to a town called Ceiba (for five dollars!), hoping to take a ferry from there to the nearby islands, Cayos Cochinos. We were unable to get a hold of any touring agencies, since it was Sunday night. However, optimism kept us motivated and we booked a hotel listed in the Lonely Planet travelers’ guide. Despite a description that depicted an A/C room with mild accommodations, we found ourselves in an ant infested, run-down hotel (and although we had a tube for a shower, we had over 120 TV channels with HBO- just what we needed!). As it turns out, this was the best thing that could have happened! The woman behind the desk was extremely helpful, and contacted a touring agency that agreed to pick us up the next morning. The following morning when a van picked us up, we eagerly asked what our day consisted of. Snorkeling with lunch on an island, we were informed. Unwittingly, we ended up having a fantastic day, snorkeling in two different locations, taking a walking tour of one island, and eating fresh caught fish for lunch. The day couldn’t have been ‘planned’ better.
Later that evening, we caught another bus back to El Progreso.

Day 7

I arrived at the gates of the Nutrition Center, not certain what to expect. As I peered through the bars, I saw about a dozen pair of dark eyes looking back at me. Once I was inside, I was mobbed by several toddlers, some running, others walking, and the rest crawling; all eager for affection. As I have come to learn, the Nutrition Center is a place where malnourished children are sent temporarily. Depending on the cause of their malnourishment, they are subsequently sent home, to the state orphanage, or other orphanages. The cases range and include lack of parent knowledge, poverty, neglect, abuse, or a combination. Several of the children had protruding bellies, a sign of insufficient protein, also known as kwashiorkor. Another common sight was decaying teeth, which can also result from lack of proper nutrition. A few were incapable of walking. While there, we assisted in the “routine.” Basically this includes a feeding, bathroom time with bathing, and then playtime. This is repeated several times a day, with naps here and there. Nearly all of the children, even the youngest, can feed themselves with a spoon- which I found impressive. When potty time comes, they are all placed on their individual “pot,” and all put in a big bathroom area. The sight is adorable! Each time I went there, I saw different behaviors. The first time the children were all silent and well behaved. The following time, several were crying while others energetically raced in their pots across the room. And the last visit, many of the children were singing and clapping in unison. I wish I could share pictures, but unfortunately, it is against policy at the center. Anyways, a picture would be unable to capture the innocence and pure goodness that the children are.
At times I could cry imaging all the hardships that these children have gone through at such a young age. I must say that the staff is excellent. They are loving, kind, patient, understanding, skilled- however, they are not their mother, or their father- nor or they a permanent presence in their lives.

Day 6

The group was involved in the construction project of Villa Soleada. This is the building of new homes for the community that currently lives in Siete de Abril. Certainly, it will change many lives. For the first time, many will experience their own electricity and running water. For others, it will be their first timing owning a house with floors. The community from Siete has worked tirelessly for the last year, constructing their new homes. After working merely one hour in the heat, I was exhausted! We spent hours transporting dirt for the foundations, although the pile was only feet away from its destination! This was because we transported the dirt in buckets, that could only hold about 2 shovels worth of dirt due to the heavy weight. I admired the hard work of the people, who never complained or seemed to grow tired- even after a year.
Later that afternoon, we worked at camp again. As before, they were thrilled to play and have our attention. A bit later when things were coming to an end, I noticed a little boy holding his finger which was gushing blood. I looked around for a piece of cloth to wrap around it and apply pressure. There was nothing in immediate site, so I used my shirt. About a third of his thumb was missing; apparently he had been cutting something with a machete. After, he was brought him to a clinic.
That night we had a ceremony for 4 of the families who were very involved in the building of Villa Soleada. They all said words of thanks to us for our help, and to God for making it all possible.

Day 5

With the holiday, the worksite and camp were not running. We decided to take several local children with us to the beach of Tela. Bathing in the ocean was the cleanest I felt in days.

Day 4

I accompanied the Ohio medical students to their clinic in a different squatter community called Mante. It was every bit like Siete, but poorer. The homes were smaller, dirtier, and without land. The kindness of the people overshadowed the depressing conditions. They always acted with respect, appreciation, and patience. Due to the limited clinical staff, many villagers waited several hours in the sweltering sun to be seen. A variety of illness were witnessed including diabetes (one women had a blood glucose of 514… normal levels are around 100!), hypertension, gastritis, and numerous other afflictions.
In a country were people can hardly afford to eat, seeking medical care is not a priority. Unfortunately, simple sickness can progress to severe problems, and leave the individual more susceptible to other complications. The cycle is vicious and leaves me wondering what the best intervention is, and were to begin when so many problems exist.
Later that day, I joined our group in conducting camp for some of the kids of Siete who were on winter break. All the kids were eager and enthusiastic. The sight of them brought me much joy.

Day 3

Today was a heavy emotional day. We traveled to 3 orphanages, all which varied greatly. Our first trip was to an HIV orphanage. Many of the children we interacted with had just returned from a morning at the hospital receiving their antivirals. This was evident in the low energy of several; however, most were excited to have visitors. We created arts and crafts, performed a dance the volunteers devised, played twister and numerous other games.
Many questions floated in my mind: How did the children get HIV? Why has their family deserted them? Why are they separated? It seemed apparent that a separation existed between these children and society. It seemed impractical to expect the children to live normal lives if they are labeled as having HIV, and are not properly integrated into society. I wonder how much they truly understand about the disease, because it is certain that society believes many myths.
Next we traveled to the state run orphanage, INFA. The bus stopped in front of a tall steel wall, with barbed wire securing the top. Once we were inside the facility, dozens of children stormed us; asking for anything they saw, a hug or their picture taken. I had bought a simple bead key chain made by the HIV orphanage, and 3 children asked me for it. I imaged that they owned no personal possession; and it seemed to be true, based on the fact that the entire time, I saw no toys. They were desperate for attention. Many of the children who jumped into my arms were soiled and wet, despite being older than 5. Evidence of abuse was clear in the behavior and appearance of many of the children. The majority of the boys had shaved heads due to lice. Children were hitting each other, and fighting; receiving no correction from staff- who seemed to have no presence or control. The scene reminded me of Lord of the Flies; survival of the fittest was all these children seemed to know. To escape the chaos of downstairs, I went up to the room where the infants were kept. Similarly, the babies were wet and soiled. There was 3 women staff for about 15-20 babies. I couldn’t say whether they were trained or not, but I think a caring attitude is almost more important; I couldn’t say if this was true or not either. One child in particular obviously required more intensive care. Although he was 7, he could not talk and suffered from many disabilities. His thighs were not even half the size of my forearm. He was obviously sick because he had a fever; later when I returned to his crib, his face was in a puddle of vomit. No one seemed to notice, or care, so I told one of the staff who eventually cleaned him up. The situation at INFA was very discouraging. I find it difficult to accept that any country would keep an institute in such conditions.
Last, but certainly no least, was a private orphanage. The institute was successful, and many of the girls went on to college and on to other bright futures. They also boasted a school that was bilingual, and a facility that outshined the others. It was uplifting to end the day on a positive note, knowing that better situations were possible.

Day 2

Today was another surreal day. I joined a group of medical students from Ohio to assist in the clinic that they set up in the village we had visited the previous day. I performed triage... taking pulses, blood pressure, weight/height, and glucose levels. We took off at about 7:30ish and returned this evening around 4:30. It was a long and exhausting day. I am quickly falling in love with the people. They are very welcoming, friendly, and above all, hopeful. The children and many other residents of the community spent most of the day inspecting the unfolding events. The mothers and I got along well, despite the language barrier. They gave me their babies to hold, and laughed at me as I tried to talk in Spanish, or when I played with the children of the village. It was frustrating at moments because I wanted to communicate more. But I felt inadequate and incapable. It was great to be laughing so heartily, and feeling invited and appreciated. They give so much without evening knowing.

Day 1

On the first morning, the group 15 and I, adventured to the center of town where vendors scattered the streets, along with the starved dogs and trash. We went on a scavenger hunt for certain foods that we would later take a squatter community called Siete de Abril. It was hard to communicate, and even harder to bargain with the few Spanish words I know... but 50 cents per pound of rice and beans seemed reasonable.
Afterwards, we traveled to the community of Siete de Abril. It was a sight similar to those on the TV of dilapidated shacks, and protruding bellies of little children, starving animals, and colorful trash decorating the dirt. The poverty I witnessed was beyond comprehension. Electricity and running water were nonexistent. Our group separated and joined individual families to help them cook with the food we had purchased. The sight inside was just as deplorable as those on the outside. The woman that I was with had 11 children (this is a typical family size) with accommodations of 2 rooms...a kitchen and a bedroom with 3 beds- both with dirt floors. Despite conditions that would be unbearable to most, the people seemed unaffected. Optimism is a way of life. As I wrote in an email: “the flowers and birds do not worry because they know God will provide for them. This is also true of the people here.” Certainly I pray that these conditions will always remain uncomfortable to me.

Arrival in Honduras

I got an official Honduran welcome upon my pick-up at the airport. We discovered a mysterious flat tire...and only moments later, someone offered their help...for a price. Convenient. We declined the help, and I enjoyed the opportunity to learn how to change a tire. This, however, only partially happened. After we jacked the car up, took of the flat tire, and got down the spare, we quickly recognized that that 5 lug spare was not sufficient for our 6 lug car… Oh, well! Shin, one of the founders of SHH picked us up.

Opportunities Awaiting Me :)

WHY?
2/3 of humanity is living in poverty. It can be paralyzing to think about the enormity of the situation, and often, that is why we feel there is nothing we cab do. For so long I did not know where to start, what to do,how and when. Yet, I have always desired to work with the underserved, and I have found an organization that will empower me to do so.

WHERE? WHEN?
Honduras, El Progreso
Dec. 27-Jan. 7

WHAT?
There are numerous projects I will be able to get involved in. Examples include:
*Tutoring/Playing with the Children of the Copprome Orphanage (40% of the population is under the age of 14!)
*Working in the Nutrition Clinic (primarily dealing with malnurished children)
*Building Homes in Villa Soleada with Clean Ventilation (a leading cause of death is indoor house polution)
*Learning about the culture