Well, the thrill over American comforts is wearing off and I sure miss the energy of the ranch.
My "brother" Wik sent me this yesterday:
The transcendence you experience on temporary forays is marvelous, if fleeting. It's only natural that you'd miss it. Don't forget, though, about your significance right where you are. It's harder to see, but more important than any lessons you taught in Honduras. To the Honduran kids, you were one in a succession of people they have come to know, depend on, and see leave. The people you live with and love at home have a level of feeling, dependence, and caring for you that's absent in Honduras.
Good for for thought.
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Friday, July 9, 2010
Home
I have to admit how lovely it was to be in the air-conditioned airport in Tegucigalpa, to see clear water in the toilets, and have choices of hot and cold coffee for purchase as well as a few more souvenirs. I am not claiming to be proud of these attachments, but I must be honest: They are there no doubt.
While at the airport, I spoke with a priest who was on his way to the states, as well as a rambunctious church group from Tennessee. They had been in some village for a week to do DVBS. (Daily Vacation Bible School.) They were super loud and obnoxious I thought. The guys were playing catch above seated people's heads. I couldn't help but wonder if they were acting a bit entitled. Maybe any group that age would act like that, but it bugged me. : /
Meanwhile, a teen-aged Honduran girl walked into the waiting area and she was crying. The women in the large group approached her and I eavesdropped. This young woman was about to fly for her first to meet her father in the states, who she had never met. The group took good care of her and was able to speak some Spanish with her. They held her hand immediately; Latin American style. She seemed to feel better.
I loved the line at customs in Atlanta. It was long and ever so diverse. My nose was busy trying to indentify regions of the world based on the cocktail of scents present in that crowded line!
I admitted this to the woman next to me who laughed because she was doing it too and she was from Tegucigalpa.
Betsy and Dan were there at 11:30 PM to pick me up. It was such a sweet reunion. We filled the car with stories and I couldn't believe how huge the perennials had gotten in three weeks in our yard. I walked in the front door to fresh flowers, many lit candles and the words: Home Together Love.
While at the airport, I spoke with a priest who was on his way to the states, as well as a rambunctious church group from Tennessee. They had been in some village for a week to do DVBS. (Daily Vacation Bible School.) They were super loud and obnoxious I thought. The guys were playing catch above seated people's heads. I couldn't help but wonder if they were acting a bit entitled. Maybe any group that age would act like that, but it bugged me. : /
Meanwhile, a teen-aged Honduran girl walked into the waiting area and she was crying. The women in the large group approached her and I eavesdropped. This young woman was about to fly for her first to meet her father in the states, who she had never met. The group took good care of her and was able to speak some Spanish with her. They held her hand immediately; Latin American style. She seemed to feel better.
I loved the line at customs in Atlanta. It was long and ever so diverse. My nose was busy trying to indentify regions of the world based on the cocktail of scents present in that crowded line!
I admitted this to the woman next to me who laughed because she was doing it too and she was from Tegucigalpa.
Betsy and Dan were there at 11:30 PM to pick me up. It was such a sweet reunion. We filled the car with stories and I couldn't believe how huge the perennials had gotten in three weeks in our yard. I walked in the front door to fresh flowers, many lit candles and the words: Home Together Love.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Last Day
I have an hour before I leave for the airport.
I am well-rested and my heart if very full.
It has been a fabulous trip.
I am afraid to go home. Well, not afraid, but. . . well. . . I know after I went to Haiti, I missed it so much. I dreamed about it for years and years. In fact, I still have recurring "Haiti" dreams.
After the earthquake in January, I wished I had saved something from my summer there. I guess I wanted to connect . . . I had tossed every single thing I had brought back, including my vanilla stained diary.
Well, I am older and wiser now! After talking with many Americans about this, my goal is to re-enter the states with balance. When I returned from Haiti, I was returning to a new home, in a new state for my senior year in HS and I remember wishing I could go back to the orphanage where I was needed, or at least I thought I was and wanted to be. That fall, I learned to swallow my feelings by eating too much. And, maybe it was a reaction to the goat meat in Haiti and I became super impressed with the flavors in Southern California! At any rate, I was depressed. (At least for a few months-- until my science teacher, Mr. Mclellan introduced me to Susan Van Mouwerik who introduced me to her huge network of great friends. I get to visit Susan in this Aug!)
I want introduce everyone to this place through pictures and stories. That will be the first thing.
My friend, Wik, told me that when blogs first came out, people in CA were wearing T-shirts that said, "No one reads your blog." I suppose there's a lot of truth to that. I mean, I "follow" a few blogs and I am doing well if I peek at them weekly. EVEN blogs I am very interested in get relatively very little of my time and attention. What's up with that? I guess folks would rather speak in person. Dunno, but I do know that my blogging is basically for me, so that I can remember this trip.
That being said, Dan and I are going to host a Honduran Party soon! I hope you will be able to make it. : )
Thank you for joining me on my journey. It's hard to believe I will be at home, with Dan, in our own bed, tonight. . . Yay.
I am well-rested and my heart if very full.
It has been a fabulous trip.
I am afraid to go home. Well, not afraid, but. . . well. . . I know after I went to Haiti, I missed it so much. I dreamed about it for years and years. In fact, I still have recurring "Haiti" dreams.
After the earthquake in January, I wished I had saved something from my summer there. I guess I wanted to connect . . . I had tossed every single thing I had brought back, including my vanilla stained diary.
Well, I am older and wiser now! After talking with many Americans about this, my goal is to re-enter the states with balance. When I returned from Haiti, I was returning to a new home, in a new state for my senior year in HS and I remember wishing I could go back to the orphanage where I was needed, or at least I thought I was and wanted to be. That fall, I learned to swallow my feelings by eating too much. And, maybe it was a reaction to the goat meat in Haiti and I became super impressed with the flavors in Southern California! At any rate, I was depressed. (At least for a few months-- until my science teacher, Mr. Mclellan introduced me to Susan Van Mouwerik who introduced me to her huge network of great friends. I get to visit Susan in this Aug!)
I want introduce everyone to this place through pictures and stories. That will be the first thing.
My friend, Wik, told me that when blogs first came out, people in CA were wearing T-shirts that said, "No one reads your blog." I suppose there's a lot of truth to that. I mean, I "follow" a few blogs and I am doing well if I peek at them weekly. EVEN blogs I am very interested in get relatively very little of my time and attention. What's up with that? I guess folks would rather speak in person. Dunno, but I do know that my blogging is basically for me, so that I can remember this trip.
That being said, Dan and I are going to host a Honduran Party soon! I hope you will be able to make it. : )
Thank you for joining me on my journey. It's hard to believe I will be at home, with Dan, in our own bed, tonight. . . Yay.
Monday, July 5, 2010
Just Enough
I woke up early after a great night's sleep, made coffee, wiped down the kitchen, and came back to my room to survey packing. As I picked up things I had packed, I realized how I had packed "just enough" of everything. . . except socks which were easy to wash out by hand with the tiny bit of detergent. My baggies of sorted personal items are down to two, perfect; one for today and one for tomorrow; two Q-tips, two make-up remover pads, two pieces of gum even. Something about this feels so great.
I practiced living with less, reusing much, and producing way less trash. I slept better, had fewer headaches, lost some weight, spent a fraction of what I spend in the US, used very little electricity, got by with two pairs of shoes, and used very little petroleum; walked, hugged, laughed, talked, sang, and thought more. Prayed more too.
This morning when I left the classroom and said goodbye, the kids looked genuinely sad to see me leave. One very capable boy (that I kept reinforcing) held on.
I guess my challenge is to fit all the goodness into my old shoes. I'm sure they will stretch. It's easier to live without all the stuff it seems. Wow. I wonder how I will digest this experience?
I practiced living with less, reusing much, and producing way less trash. I slept better, had fewer headaches, lost some weight, spent a fraction of what I spend in the US, used very little electricity, got by with two pairs of shoes, and used very little petroleum; walked, hugged, laughed, talked, sang, and thought more. Prayed more too.
This morning when I left the classroom and said goodbye, the kids looked genuinely sad to see me leave. One very capable boy (that I kept reinforcing) held on.
I guess my challenge is to fit all the goodness into my old shoes. I'm sure they will stretch. It's easier to live without all the stuff it seems. Wow. I wonder how I will digest this experience?
Sunday, July 4, 2010
The List
Today:
1. The other visitors left.
2. Carmen Maria, a pesquenos (orphan teen) and I went on a walk to the front gate to buy a Pepsi, but it was closed. We met up with some volunteers and decided to walk to Casa Pasionista, which is a home for people living with HIV in its final stages. We met Oscar who told me that he is thankful to God for letting him come here where he can eat and get medicine. He smiled the whole time we were there and seemed very happy to shake and hold our hands. As Trip, one of the (amazing) volunteers said, "These people KNOW how well they have it here. Many of the pesquenos "kids" don't really have a comparison, especially if they were very young when they joined the ranch."
Carmen Maria pointed out the room where her mom lived before she died and the "table" in the chapel she passed on. She walked around slowly and thoughtfully. I asked her how she felt (she knows some English) and she said "happy, but not my brother. He feel sad when he come to here. He hate to come to here." When I asked Carmen to describe her mom, she described herself. : )
One of the other amazing volunteers is playing patriotic songs on a trumpet outside of the volunteer house right now. It IS the Fourth of July! I have never been too awfully patriotic myself, but I really love the sound of those songs today. We have MUCHO to be grateful for with unparalleled freedoms. I may just kiss the ground on Tuesday.
3. A government sponsored pesticide team showed up unannounced around noon to spray all homes in order to prevent further spread of "Denga." (sp?) It is an illness, painful, but not fatal like Malaria, that is pretty widespread in Honduras this summer.
As I walked toward our building to get some water, I saw men walking through the gate that looked straight from the movie Ghost Busters. I asked around and found out that they were spraying for mosquitos and that it was "not toxic."
Knowing better, I asked if I had time to remove my stuff first. They said, "You can ask, but it will do no good." So I assertively shut and locked my door and begged them to leave my room alone. This spray was certainly toxic and I understand the need to spray, but I was so disapponted that we had no time to prepare. This is Honduras.
An hour later, I came back to retrieve a dish and fork for lunch. The kitchen was so cloudy and it hurt to breathe. I got outta there and stayed away all day, until now. . . It's better, but still here.
4. I ran into Donna after lunch and ended up spending the rest of the afternoon with her, which was a treat. She has such a cool job. I plan to attend one of her workshops tomorrow (for the tias and tios) on "Behavior Modification with Love and Logic." I won't know the Spanish, but am well-aquainted with the material she'll be covering. That should be fun. Donna is a vibrant person who will be as effective as anyone could be, I am betting. (Her son is currently employed at NHP Donican Republic and she has been connected to NPH for about ten years.)
5. It's de-lice day here. Many of the girls are working tirelessly on each others' hair, pulling out nits. I am positive I do not have them. Hooray! I wear a hat most of the time which can't hurt.
6. I have gone like 6 days without my favorite snacky foods, milk (which I live on), or wine. I had chances to obtain these comforts (well sort of, but it would have taken some favors and I hate to ask), but I thought it would be good for me to leave them for awhile. I can't say I don't miss them, but I can say I did fine. I also noticed that my pants are falling down. I don't have much of an appetite here.
7. My relationship with Treisy is in process, but in an awkward place. Given these kids' histories with loss, trust, and change, I expected this. Donna shed a lot of light on this progression as well. These kids are used to pushing, pulling, testing, and being survivors. I look forward to exchanging letters with Treisy after tomorrow night. We have a game night planned for tomorrow, my last night here.
8. Tomorrow will be busy. I have plans! First, coffee, of course. Good coffee has been a big bonus during this stay. School after that, then a visit to the vocational school where they teach sewing, shoe-making, cooking, electronics, auto-mechanics, and maybe more. All the school uniforms are made right here! I am impressed by the self-sustaining nature of this place.
Anyway, after vocations, I will take my guitar up to Casa Pasionistas and hang out for awhile, until I go observe Donna's presentation. Dinner, then game night in Treisy's hogarre.(sp?)
After that I PACK TO COME HOME!
1. The other visitors left.
2. Carmen Maria, a pesquenos (orphan teen) and I went on a walk to the front gate to buy a Pepsi, but it was closed. We met up with some volunteers and decided to walk to Casa Pasionista, which is a home for people living with HIV in its final stages. We met Oscar who told me that he is thankful to God for letting him come here where he can eat and get medicine. He smiled the whole time we were there and seemed very happy to shake and hold our hands. As Trip, one of the (amazing) volunteers said, "These people KNOW how well they have it here. Many of the pesquenos "kids" don't really have a comparison, especially if they were very young when they joined the ranch."
Carmen Maria pointed out the room where her mom lived before she died and the "table" in the chapel she passed on. She walked around slowly and thoughtfully. I asked her how she felt (she knows some English) and she said "happy, but not my brother. He feel sad when he come to here. He hate to come to here." When I asked Carmen to describe her mom, she described herself. : )
One of the other amazing volunteers is playing patriotic songs on a trumpet outside of the volunteer house right now. It IS the Fourth of July! I have never been too awfully patriotic myself, but I really love the sound of those songs today. We have MUCHO to be grateful for with unparalleled freedoms. I may just kiss the ground on Tuesday.
3. A government sponsored pesticide team showed up unannounced around noon to spray all homes in order to prevent further spread of "Denga." (sp?) It is an illness, painful, but not fatal like Malaria, that is pretty widespread in Honduras this summer.
As I walked toward our building to get some water, I saw men walking through the gate that looked straight from the movie Ghost Busters. I asked around and found out that they were spraying for mosquitos and that it was "not toxic."
Knowing better, I asked if I had time to remove my stuff first. They said, "You can ask, but it will do no good." So I assertively shut and locked my door and begged them to leave my room alone. This spray was certainly toxic and I understand the need to spray, but I was so disapponted that we had no time to prepare. This is Honduras.
An hour later, I came back to retrieve a dish and fork for lunch. The kitchen was so cloudy and it hurt to breathe. I got outta there and stayed away all day, until now. . . It's better, but still here.
4. I ran into Donna after lunch and ended up spending the rest of the afternoon with her, which was a treat. She has such a cool job. I plan to attend one of her workshops tomorrow (for the tias and tios) on "Behavior Modification with Love and Logic." I won't know the Spanish, but am well-aquainted with the material she'll be covering. That should be fun. Donna is a vibrant person who will be as effective as anyone could be, I am betting. (Her son is currently employed at NHP Donican Republic and she has been connected to NPH for about ten years.)
5. It's de-lice day here. Many of the girls are working tirelessly on each others' hair, pulling out nits. I am positive I do not have them. Hooray! I wear a hat most of the time which can't hurt.
6. I have gone like 6 days without my favorite snacky foods, milk (which I live on), or wine. I had chances to obtain these comforts (well sort of, but it would have taken some favors and I hate to ask), but I thought it would be good for me to leave them for awhile. I can't say I don't miss them, but I can say I did fine. I also noticed that my pants are falling down. I don't have much of an appetite here.
7. My relationship with Treisy is in process, but in an awkward place. Given these kids' histories with loss, trust, and change, I expected this. Donna shed a lot of light on this progression as well. These kids are used to pushing, pulling, testing, and being survivors. I look forward to exchanging letters with Treisy after tomorrow night. We have a game night planned for tomorrow, my last night here.
8. Tomorrow will be busy. I have plans! First, coffee, of course. Good coffee has been a big bonus during this stay. School after that, then a visit to the vocational school where they teach sewing, shoe-making, cooking, electronics, auto-mechanics, and maybe more. All the school uniforms are made right here! I am impressed by the self-sustaining nature of this place.
Anyway, after vocations, I will take my guitar up to Casa Pasionistas and hang out for awhile, until I go observe Donna's presentation. Dinner, then game night in Treisy's hogarre.(sp?)
After that I PACK TO COME HOME!
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Angel-- special young man
This morning when Angel came by with the laundry, Stephanie, another visitor, handed him a new soccer ball and said "This is for you and thank you for being such a good worker."
I wish I'd had my camera at that moment. . . He was more than delighted.
He started tossing it from foot to head to back to floor to foot to ceiling. It was a great show so I ran for my camera and took my first "video" here. Of course, while he was being filmed, he didn't do nearly as well as he did when he was just playing around.
Following that, I decided I was sick of just goofing around with our teen helper and I wanted to know more about him. We had a long conversation through pictures and I learned a lot.
If our communication was accurate, I found out that he never knew his dad and that his mom died when he was 5. His younger sister, Eda (sp?) is mentally and physically handicapped and now lives in a special home in Tegucigalpa (an NPH home). He has an older sister, now 23, who is a student in the city and who has a "nice" boyfriend.
Angel said that he was a really fast runner, loves music (and he songs a long well), likes soccer and baseball, and wants to study agriculture. He is on the path which will lead him to a satisfying future if he stays within the guidelines of service. I will post later about the expected schedule. . . It's pretty cool when former pesguenos return as employees, which does happen.
One of the main doctors, Merlin, started out here in life.
Angel conveyed on paper and in broken English that the ranch saved him and that his friends are his family. He also shared that he has two sponsors, but he has never met them.
I asked him if he would like to tell me anything else in writing and that Kasey (or neighbor Luis) could translate when I get home on Tuesday. He started writing and kept writing. . . I can read only parts of his Espanol: The first line is Los quiero mucho como mi familia.
The sun is shining. It is a gorgeous day. I am looking forward to Mass at 5:00. I get to sit by Treisy.
I wish I'd had my camera at that moment. . . He was more than delighted.
He started tossing it from foot to head to back to floor to foot to ceiling. It was a great show so I ran for my camera and took my first "video" here. Of course, while he was being filmed, he didn't do nearly as well as he did when he was just playing around.
Following that, I decided I was sick of just goofing around with our teen helper and I wanted to know more about him. We had a long conversation through pictures and I learned a lot.
If our communication was accurate, I found out that he never knew his dad and that his mom died when he was 5. His younger sister, Eda (sp?) is mentally and physically handicapped and now lives in a special home in Tegucigalpa (an NPH home). He has an older sister, now 23, who is a student in the city and who has a "nice" boyfriend.
Angel said that he was a really fast runner, loves music (and he songs a long well), likes soccer and baseball, and wants to study agriculture. He is on the path which will lead him to a satisfying future if he stays within the guidelines of service. I will post later about the expected schedule. . . It's pretty cool when former pesguenos return as employees, which does happen.
One of the main doctors, Merlin, started out here in life.
Angel conveyed on paper and in broken English that the ranch saved him and that his friends are his family. He also shared that he has two sponsors, but he has never met them.
I asked him if he would like to tell me anything else in writing and that Kasey (or neighbor Luis) could translate when I get home on Tuesday. He started writing and kept writing. . . I can read only parts of his Espanol: The first line is Los quiero mucho como mi familia.
The sun is shining. It is a gorgeous day. I am looking forward to Mass at 5:00. I get to sit by Treisy.
Friday, July 2, 2010
The One TIme I Forget my Camera, Dang!
With three days left, my camera must go everywhere with me! And wouldn't ya know, I forget it at dinner time and was served CHICKEN FEET SOUP. Yes, I was one of the lucky ones with TWO feet in my bowl! I didn't dare stir in that bowl to see what other chicken parts had made their way in. I just couldn't. I looked around and noticed that everyone was being polite and eating more carefully than usual. Not sure what took over me (I'll blame it on Friday or the great nap I took this afternoon), but I started laughing and holding those feet up, which got others started!
Per usual, I offered the remains on my plate to the night watchmen who always accept. Not tonight. : ) To make matters worse, I threw my leftovers in the trash can instead of in the Organic can. Someone moved them on me! Not my fault! : 0
Oh man, I need to earn back some "visitor points" tomorrow. I lost a bunch today, quite sure.
Stephanie, a frequent visitor, had her godchild (Carmen Maria) over tonight and I asked her if she knew anyone that liked chicken feet. She said, "No EW! It is nutritious." Apparently, the kids eat it.
Next stop was to play cards with Treisy, but she turned me down. Haha! It actually made me feel happy, because after Monday, I am gone and her friends and tias are still here. She motioned for me to join her and this is what I saw: About 30-40 girls of all ages watching a
movie (English, with subtitles) on a small screen while sitting on the cement floor. No popcorn. No pillows. No sodas. But they looked so very content as they sat close and relaxed on a Friday night.
Did I mention yet that it gets dark around 6:15-6:30? So, on my way home, I nearly stepped on a toad. Yo! A giganto toad. It was approx 4-5 inches long and FAT.
I did not scream, but I wish I had had my camera. Maybe I'll be lucky enough tomorrow.
Tomorrow's nit picking session has been canceled because the girls have to move out of the dorms so they can be de-bogged (the dorms, not the girls, although technically, we could be talking both.) The cockroaches have moved in and need a firm reminder that they are not welcome. Normally, every Saturday AM the tias and volunteers pull out the lice eggs from the girls' hair. I had even volunteered to help. Phew. I kinda lucked out there, didn't I?
I am enjoying chatting with a visiting employee here named Donna. She is a Behavior Modification Trainer for NPH and travels to many of the orphanages to lead these important trainings. I was so excited when she told me what "curriculum" she uses. She uses the "Love and Logic" series of which I am a huge fan. Donna is also my age-ish and I, once again, am lucky to have been here to meet her. As well as everyone's favorite padre, Father Reynaldo, who gave Mass this morning. Donna told me that he was talking to the kids about inclusion, especially when new kids move into their homes. You could tell he has great rapport with, well, pretty much everyone here.
Okay. . . Winding down. This weekend, I hope to go on a long walk, see the girls' system for sweeping the very long path to the school, (chores are entirely different down here. These kids are skilled!) visit the house for the special needs boys, as well as baby Scarlet, attend Mass for the music and to sit with Treisy, and fall into what else comes along, which is predictable.
I am getting really really excited to see Dan at the airport and have a glass if wine at home!
Woo Hoo!
Have I mentioned yet that I am so fortunate to have been here?
Thank you for taking this journey with me!
Per usual, I offered the remains on my plate to the night watchmen who always accept. Not tonight. : ) To make matters worse, I threw my leftovers in the trash can instead of in the Organic can. Someone moved them on me! Not my fault! : 0
Oh man, I need to earn back some "visitor points" tomorrow. I lost a bunch today, quite sure.
Stephanie, a frequent visitor, had her godchild (Carmen Maria) over tonight and I asked her if she knew anyone that liked chicken feet. She said, "No EW! It is nutritious." Apparently, the kids eat it.
Next stop was to play cards with Treisy, but she turned me down. Haha! It actually made me feel happy, because after Monday, I am gone and her friends and tias are still here. She motioned for me to join her and this is what I saw: About 30-40 girls of all ages watching a
movie (English, with subtitles) on a small screen while sitting on the cement floor. No popcorn. No pillows. No sodas. But they looked so very content as they sat close and relaxed on a Friday night.
Did I mention yet that it gets dark around 6:15-6:30? So, on my way home, I nearly stepped on a toad. Yo! A giganto toad. It was approx 4-5 inches long and FAT.
I did not scream, but I wish I had had my camera. Maybe I'll be lucky enough tomorrow.
Tomorrow's nit picking session has been canceled because the girls have to move out of the dorms so they can be de-bogged (the dorms, not the girls, although technically, we could be talking both.) The cockroaches have moved in and need a firm reminder that they are not welcome. Normally, every Saturday AM the tias and volunteers pull out the lice eggs from the girls' hair. I had even volunteered to help. Phew. I kinda lucked out there, didn't I?
I am enjoying chatting with a visiting employee here named Donna. She is a Behavior Modification Trainer for NPH and travels to many of the orphanages to lead these important trainings. I was so excited when she told me what "curriculum" she uses. She uses the "Love and Logic" series of which I am a huge fan. Donna is also my age-ish and I, once again, am lucky to have been here to meet her. As well as everyone's favorite padre, Father Reynaldo, who gave Mass this morning. Donna told me that he was talking to the kids about inclusion, especially when new kids move into their homes. You could tell he has great rapport with, well, pretty much everyone here.
Okay. . . Winding down. This weekend, I hope to go on a long walk, see the girls' system for sweeping the very long path to the school, (chores are entirely different down here. These kids are skilled!) visit the house for the special needs boys, as well as baby Scarlet, attend Mass for the music and to sit with Treisy, and fall into what else comes along, which is predictable.
I am getting really really excited to see Dan at the airport and have a glass if wine at home!
Woo Hoo!
Have I mentioned yet that I am so fortunate to have been here?
Thank you for taking this journey with me!
The Blowing Leaf
The blowing leaf was actually a scorpion. I sprayed it with DEET and all it did was little curly action, and move out the door and down the steps; as if it knew it wasn't welcome here.
That little bugger must have bothered me more than I realized because I kept wondering if one would end up in my bed all night. I barely slept. Haha!
Maybe a nap will be in order today.
That little bugger must have bothered me more than I realized because I kept wondering if one would end up in my bed all night. I barely slept. Haha!
Maybe a nap will be in order today.
Thursday, July 1
Today after going to school, I came "home" and make flashcards for clothing items in English and Spanish. One of the other visitors' godchild's sister was here visiting and she was a great help. Who knew that "tank top" was "top" in Espanol? There are so many words that are similar. Learning Spanish should be EASY then, right? : /
I am so motivated to use my Rosetta Stone (knock-off) program when I get home. I went so far as to promise Treisy (in English though) that I WOULD be back next year and that I would know much more Spanish. She smiled and nodded and leaned her head on my shoulder.
The more I get to know Tresiy, the more I think I am beginning to understand how unique she is. She doesn't get as silly as the other girls her age, nor does she want to hop on your lap or cuddle like most of the other girls. She does seem to like to dance or sing or seek out any kind of attention. She observes, gives "directions," points out her few best friends and wants to share everything with them, and works hard. She is extremely capable. Oh my!! Last week I was her carrying a huge and full land basket on her head and last night, when all the other girls were running around after dinner, I spotted Treisy using a rusty hand saw to cut up what looked like an old table or something. She is strong, steady, and rather serious. She focuses well at school and seems smart.
It is obvious that she is the oldest of three siblings (brothers, Harolson, Walter, and Franklin) and has only been here for two years-- after her mom died. I look forward to seeing her grow up and make a future for herself. I can't wait to be able to talk with her.
In addition to meeting Treisy, I have met some very special people here:
I have already mentioned the other visitors; Chistina, Marty, Stephanie and Carol. It's been so great having them around. . . More visitors came yesterday; friends of volunteers Trip and Jessie, a young married couple who are amazing. (They are actually related to one of the people that started the ranch along with Father Watson in the 1950s, I think.) They are in their mid-twenties and I told them I would be their mom while they're here.) : )
Glenda and Yeni work here in the office and we share coffee every morning as well as brief chats. Both are single moms and beautiful women inside and out. This morning, we took pictures together and exchanged email addresses. I can learn so much from these people. Glenda (and probably Yeni) told me that she gets up at 4:30 make lunches for her children before getting on the bus for work. The bumpy ride is between 45-60 minutes. She is bilingual, so we have had some heart-to-heart talks about some of her struggles and her need to be strong and faithful. She said she can't "keep her head down" or she'll never get ahead. . . She wants her ten year old son to have more opportunities.
I have already mentioned Armin, Roxanna and their two sons. I remain fascinated by this unique family where Dad, from Switzerland, met Mom from El Salvador, had two boys and now live here. They live on the rancho and are building a new house in the nearby village of La Venta (?). Armin is go-go-go. Roxanna teaches and directs religious education. (I enjoyed visiting her primary class and have photos, of course.) Being here is like one ongoing Kodak moment. Next visit, I will put my camera away more often. Maybe.
There's Wilfredo the engaging music teacher who could easily be famous with his musical talents and charisma. I heard that he may get to bring a musical group to the USA to promote NPH? Again, none of this is verified. But that would be so cool.
Angel (Anhel) is an angel. He is one of the orphans (15 0r 16 years) that can be trusted to be in the visitor's quarters without walking away with things. He comes by to do bed and bath laundry (for many homes, not just this one), exchange the water jugs, and empty the trash daily. We know he's coming because he can't live without his iPod. He sings along and makes us laugh. We adore him and slip him cool drinks or yogurt, which he never turns down. Angel will be a new pen pal.
And then there's Donna, Fr Reynaldo (sp?), and Stephan, the director. These people are dear and you know it right away.
I have been so fortunate to have landed here.
I am so motivated to use my Rosetta Stone (knock-off) program when I get home. I went so far as to promise Treisy (in English though) that I WOULD be back next year and that I would know much more Spanish. She smiled and nodded and leaned her head on my shoulder.
The more I get to know Tresiy, the more I think I am beginning to understand how unique she is. She doesn't get as silly as the other girls her age, nor does she want to hop on your lap or cuddle like most of the other girls. She does seem to like to dance or sing or seek out any kind of attention. She observes, gives "directions," points out her few best friends and wants to share everything with them, and works hard. She is extremely capable. Oh my!! Last week I was her carrying a huge and full land basket on her head and last night, when all the other girls were running around after dinner, I spotted Treisy using a rusty hand saw to cut up what looked like an old table or something. She is strong, steady, and rather serious. She focuses well at school and seems smart.
It is obvious that she is the oldest of three siblings (brothers, Harolson, Walter, and Franklin) and has only been here for two years-- after her mom died. I look forward to seeing her grow up and make a future for herself. I can't wait to be able to talk with her.
In addition to meeting Treisy, I have met some very special people here:
I have already mentioned the other visitors; Chistina, Marty, Stephanie and Carol. It's been so great having them around. . . More visitors came yesterday; friends of volunteers Trip and Jessie, a young married couple who are amazing. (They are actually related to one of the people that started the ranch along with Father Watson in the 1950s, I think.) They are in their mid-twenties and I told them I would be their mom while they're here.) : )
Glenda and Yeni work here in the office and we share coffee every morning as well as brief chats. Both are single moms and beautiful women inside and out. This morning, we took pictures together and exchanged email addresses. I can learn so much from these people. Glenda (and probably Yeni) told me that she gets up at 4:30 make lunches for her children before getting on the bus for work. The bumpy ride is between 45-60 minutes. She is bilingual, so we have had some heart-to-heart talks about some of her struggles and her need to be strong and faithful. She said she can't "keep her head down" or she'll never get ahead. . . She wants her ten year old son to have more opportunities.
I have already mentioned Armin, Roxanna and their two sons. I remain fascinated by this unique family where Dad, from Switzerland, met Mom from El Salvador, had two boys and now live here. They live on the rancho and are building a new house in the nearby village of La Venta (?). Armin is go-go-go. Roxanna teaches and directs religious education. (I enjoyed visiting her primary class and have photos, of course.) Being here is like one ongoing Kodak moment. Next visit, I will put my camera away more often. Maybe.
There's Wilfredo the engaging music teacher who could easily be famous with his musical talents and charisma. I heard that he may get to bring a musical group to the USA to promote NPH? Again, none of this is verified. But that would be so cool.
Angel (Anhel) is an angel. He is one of the orphans (15 0r 16 years) that can be trusted to be in the visitor's quarters without walking away with things. He comes by to do bed and bath laundry (for many homes, not just this one), exchange the water jugs, and empty the trash daily. We know he's coming because he can't live without his iPod. He sings along and makes us laugh. We adore him and slip him cool drinks or yogurt, which he never turns down. Angel will be a new pen pal.
And then there's Donna, Fr Reynaldo (sp?), and Stephan, the director. These people are dear and you know it right away.
I have been so fortunate to have landed here.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Tropical Downpours
The warm rain falls steadily and heavily for hours and there is very little thunder or lightening (at least from what I have seen so far.) Hurricane weather must be very different, of course.
Last night was the second long-lasting rainfall (pour!) since I arrived on June 17. The first one was last Saturday on the all-day walk and we all got drenched, but last night we got to observe it from the "porch" which surrounds the courtyard/garden- implanted with tropical foliage, including mango trees and some crazy birds.
Carol, an elderly visitor, and I had so much fun pretending to be National Geographic photographers! We both got some great shots.
Last night was the second long-lasting rainfall (pour!) since I arrived on June 17. The first one was last Saturday on the all-day walk and we all got drenched, but last night we got to observe it from the "porch" which surrounds the courtyard/garden- implanted with tropical foliage, including mango trees and some crazy birds.
Carol, an elderly visitor, and I had so much fun pretending to be National Geographic photographers! We both got some great shots.
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