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.