The day started a little earlier as we were needed in the classrooms. Unlike yesterday, when we woke up to the sound of giggles as the children were sweeping around our volunteer house at 6 am, today we awoke once again to the sound of blowing car horns. Somehow we`re becoming accustomed to the different local noises, although most of us still go to bed with earplugs. Èvery day the kids are up shortly after 5 and are busy doing chores and having breakfast. By 7 we joined them in the square for the daily devotion led by the new science teacher. She is young and pretty and like all the women, wears VERY high heels ALL THE TIME! Her subject was gratitude and being thankful for the many things in life. She asked students to add their thoughts about what they each were thankful for. It is remarkable to see these 100 children standing for at least 20 minutes during this devotion and at the end of it they all give a round of applause. These past few mornings have been cool and it´s fun to see how many of the children manage to wriggle their arms within their shirts to stay warm. The alternative is to cuddle up to one of us.... which is definitely our preference.
Our more proficient Spanish speakers, Liz and Claire, were requested in the Spanish classroom. They were giving one on one help to those in need of extra support. After a short time helping in the classrooms we went off to work on the gardens. We raked with our hands and were warned not to pull anything green! With kitchen knives the pruning was accomplished. Then the building contractor motioned for his "muscle women" to come and help him. Be it known, this gentleman doesn´t speak any English, and our better native speakers were not with us but we managed to understand what he wanted. Definitely our brawn not our brains! Our task was to move a huge pile of sand, up a hill, and then over a 3 foot foundation, then across one room and into another. After a series of tests, it was determined we shovel sand into a wheel barrow, the barrow was walked up the hill, empty this barrow by shoveling the sand into a second barrow up in the upper area, which was then wheeled over a created ramp into the final destination. WHEW! This was just one more reminder of how difficult life can be here. The contractor smiled with approval once again. After a few hours of that we hit the showers and went in for some lunch.
By the way, the food has been terrific. The usual beans and rice has been nicely complemented with lovely salads and veggies. Someone must have put in a request.
At 1pm we loaded into the van to visit the El Hogar Agricultural School and Farm. We were told it would be a one hour trip. SURE! We hit a major roadblock and spent almost 30 minutes not moving at all. Somehow patience prevailed as we are always in awe of the sights and unusual vistas. A unique one was a truck jammed with live and very huge pigs... perhaps taking their final ride? Then we passed it again and the truck had broken down and young boys were lifting the pigs by ears and tails maneuvering them from one truck to another.... a sight to behold. You Boston drivers have nothing on these Honduran drivers. Once outside the city we went through windy hillside to arrive at the peaceful farm. We were immediately struck by the peace and tranquility of the campus. We were welcomed by Jose who took us for the grand tour including the construction of the director´s new home. Some of the boys were called out of the classroom for a quick photo shoot and they looked handsome, healthy and with smiles greeted us warmly.
We saw the terrace farming, the coffee plants, banana trees, tilapia pond, and many vegetable gardens as we made our way to see the animals. We passed goats, sheep, chickens and then arrived at the cow barn in time for the milking. One cow was separate from the others and laying down. We quickly found out she was in labor and would soon deliver new life. After a group of boys had helped lift the cow back onto her feet, they all piled into the back of the pickup and joyously waved and yelled as they pealed away down the dirt path. They were having a great time as they waved Adios.
With our farm visit complete we hit the road and were blessed by a beautiful sight. It must have rained somewhere as we saw both ends of a magnificent rainbow, with mountains as the backdrop. We made it home in good time. Another great meal was enjoyed and we were able to welcome a few of the dental team who had just arrived.
Devotions are over for the evening and we are off to bed. We are grateful to our prayer partners and for all of your prayers. We look forward to another day of wonder and new experiences.
Buenos noches!
Louise Van Gelder and Maureen Lavely
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