Dear friends,
Our final day at El Hogar started a bit more leisurely because there is not a 7:00 am devotion/ morning meeting on the weekends. We slept a bit later, had coffee and pancakes and began the job of packing up for our trip back to the States. Because our flight was later than in previous years and because our Despedida, or farewell party, had taken place the night before, we had several hours to just be with the children which was wonderful. We played, we drew, we snuggled, we hit baseballs and I took many last pictures.
As in years past, one of the things I love about being the “paparazzi” is getting to be present for the special moments between children and their new sponsors. Friday morning I witnessed Liz translating for Janet and her new little guy, Carlos (with bunny ears on just to complete the picture!) and for Louise and Mychael. On Saturday morning Liz K translated for Liz F who had decided to sponsor Marivel, the girl who came to El Hogar this week with her brother, Ivis. Then, we found Ivis and let him know that Epiphany would resume his sponsorship. It seemed appropriate- he was our sponsored child when he left El Hogar years ago and he returned to El Hogar when an Epiphany team was there- feels like it was meant to be! It is a blessing to witness these encounters because I have seen and know how transformative these relationships are for both sponsor and child. For a child to have a special someone in their life who is specifically “theirs” puts an enormous smile on their face and reminds them that they are important and that they are loved. This is more significant than we can imagine for a child who has no one else in their lives to provide that.
Late morning, we handed out some fruit snack treats that we had brought for the children and then started to say our final goodbyes. We gathered our luggage to be put in the van. Fortunately for weepers like me, at noon, the children were called to line up for lunch so we were able to pile in the van and leave without the children gathered around us, all waving! We had a quick trip to the airport, easy check in and a chance to get some food (that did not include rice, beans or tortillas) and some last minute souvenirs. We boarded our flight at about 3 pm and headed to Miami and then on to Boston, arriving at about midnight. Liz’s husband, Jason, and Karen’s son, Jamie, were there to meet us- thank you, Jason and Jamie!
I have been privileged to travel to El Hogar every March for the last 4 years. Every year brings new experiences which are exciting but equally important is what stays the same. The children of El Hogar continue to be lights shining in a world with much darkness and the staff at El Hogar continues to love, shelter and protect each of these children so that they have a chance at a better future. No one does this more fiercely than the Director, Claudia Castro. She is an incredibly remarkable, strong and passionate woman. I appreciate the opportunity that I have had to understand more deeply the importance of the work being done at El Hogar.
Lastly, I want to thank Liz, Liz, Claire, Karen, Janet, Maureen and Louise for being a fantastic team. I appreciate your laid back attitudes (no amount of bad press coming out of Honduras was going to deter you), your open hearts and your conga line skills! Sharing this past week with them was an experience that I will always cherish. I will close the trip blog with the following Franciscan Blessing. It is something we read together more than once over our week together. It speaks to our experience and the new or renewed commitment we feel as we return to our American lives of comfort and abundance.
May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our hearts.
May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor. (Source: http://aheartforjustice.com)
Until next year…
With love and gratitude,
Betsy
Monday, March 12, 2012
Sunday, March 11, 2012
March 9, 2012
It is so hard to believe that it is Friday and we are about to return home and back to our "normal" lives. We are cherishing these last few minutes with still more to see and experience and many more hugs to give. It has been a memorable and emotional time for us all and will be cherished always. What an amazing spot here, El Hogar, and it will always hold a special place in our hearts.
With three new roommates, Christine, Wendy and Brooke the next volunteer group is beginning to arrive. They are the dental team here to get to work on the children´s teeth. For us it was hard to believe that many of the children were seeing a dentist for the very first time. The boys from the farm school were the first patients to be seen and came bearing great news. The cow had delivered a healthy baby calf at 8am this morning and both mother and baby were reported to be doing well.
Most of our day was spent off campus as we completed the last of our site visits. We started our day once again with our 7am devotional and this morning the discussion was about making good choices. The math teacher, Professor Denis, lead the discussion and in summary was talking to the children about how everyone in life has to make choices, but those who make good choices will meet with greater success. His encouraging words were that he hoped that they would make good choices in their lives.
It was back to the classrooms to offer our support and encouragement and spend time with the children. Claire continues to be a huge help to the Spanish teacher doing a lot of one on one reading, writing and helping with the early year assessments. Karen, Maureen and Louise spent time with the 1st and 2nd graders helping to form letters of the alphabet and then on to an art project where the children made rabbit masks representing the letter "R". The children were so pleased with their colorful masks and proudly paraded them around the square.
We had a wonderful day with Matt as our host. Our excursion began with a home visit to Ivis and Marivel´s home, the house that Liz had visited on Wednesday and wrote about in her blog. It was quite a shock to us all and very hard to imagine that anyone should have to live like this. The good news is that the children are here safe and happy and seem to be adjusting well. In fact, at the evening festivities Marivel was very much enjoying the dancing and had a huge smile on her face. She has a wonderful future before her as witnessed by our next stop to the girl´s high school home in Santa Lucia.
We had a lovely drive North, this time through the mountains to Santa Lucia about an hour from Tegucigalpa. It was a very different drive from our previous days and we could have been, at times, in Arizona or Colorado. The views were spectacular and we ended up in a lovely and very quaint , almost European village. The streets were very narrow, steep and many were made from cobblestone. The landmark in town is a beautiful church that dates back to the early 1500´s and is the oldest church in Honduras. Santa Lucia was founded by the Spaniards where they mined gold and has grown into a charming town. The main house overlooks a beautiful valley with views out to Tegucigalpa and the air is fresh and clean. The plan is to have the property cleaned up and restored and ready for the first class of girls to enter in Feb. 2013. It will surely provide a cozy and comfortable place for them to call home.
Then we were off to lunch. We stopped at a local resort type restaurant, La Florida, that serves some typical Honduran fare. We enjoyed wonderful meals of tilapia, chicken and a special hors d´oeuvre of melted cheese and beans, served with tortilla chips in a wonderful clay fondue type pot. We had a thoughtful talk with Matt discussing ideas for the school program. He was helpful in reminding us that we should keep an open mind and be respectful of the local culture before we assume that our customs might also work well for them here.
Back on the road again, we set off for our shopping spree to the local artisans village in Valle de Angeles and to help support the Honduran economy. Betsy and Liz were on a tear.... to find some wonderful auction items for the upcoming Fiesta, with us all in tow. They quickly gave us the lay of the land and we dispersed looking for interesting gifts for our friends and family. We found a couple of great leather shops and many stores full of local pottery, wood crafts,and textiles. After doing a little damage and emptying our pocket books we set off to return home.
There were some very special moments in this day..... when Janet and Louise introduced themselves as madrinas "god mothers" to Carlos and Mychael and made two little boys very happy. It was hard to say who felt happier but it was a very moving moment when you could see the sparkle in the boy´s eyes.
The day culminated with a very special send off party. Claire had requested that we all hear the boys play the marimbas and the progam featured so many talented little musicians and singers. It started with three of the younger boys playing guitar, and then moved to a lively combo of Marimbas, drums, bongos and other local percussion instruments which brought everyone to their feet dancing. It was another special moment as the little boys all came running to us asking us to dance. Karen was especially charmed by the young boy who asked her to dance and proceeded to escort her back to her seat with his hand on her back. The highlight for the children was seeing Dona Claudia and Senor Raoul dancing together. The next surprise was to hear Professor Moises and Cesar play guitar and singing Eric Clapton´s, Tears in Heaven. The program concluded with the children and Claudia thanking us for spending this week here and becoming part of their family. Whilst our hard work was appreciated she truly gave thanks for sharing our love and affection with the children. We have touched many hearts and felt that the love this week was a gift given to us.
Looking forward to sharing more of our trip with you all when we return home.
Buenos Noches,
Louise and Karen
With three new roommates, Christine, Wendy and Brooke the next volunteer group is beginning to arrive. They are the dental team here to get to work on the children´s teeth. For us it was hard to believe that many of the children were seeing a dentist for the very first time. The boys from the farm school were the first patients to be seen and came bearing great news. The cow had delivered a healthy baby calf at 8am this morning and both mother and baby were reported to be doing well.
Most of our day was spent off campus as we completed the last of our site visits. We started our day once again with our 7am devotional and this morning the discussion was about making good choices. The math teacher, Professor Denis, lead the discussion and in summary was talking to the children about how everyone in life has to make choices, but those who make good choices will meet with greater success. His encouraging words were that he hoped that they would make good choices in their lives.
It was back to the classrooms to offer our support and encouragement and spend time with the children. Claire continues to be a huge help to the Spanish teacher doing a lot of one on one reading, writing and helping with the early year assessments. Karen, Maureen and Louise spent time with the 1st and 2nd graders helping to form letters of the alphabet and then on to an art project where the children made rabbit masks representing the letter "R". The children were so pleased with their colorful masks and proudly paraded them around the square.
We had a wonderful day with Matt as our host. Our excursion began with a home visit to Ivis and Marivel´s home, the house that Liz had visited on Wednesday and wrote about in her blog. It was quite a shock to us all and very hard to imagine that anyone should have to live like this. The good news is that the children are here safe and happy and seem to be adjusting well. In fact, at the evening festivities Marivel was very much enjoying the dancing and had a huge smile on her face. She has a wonderful future before her as witnessed by our next stop to the girl´s high school home in Santa Lucia.
We had a lovely drive North, this time through the mountains to Santa Lucia about an hour from Tegucigalpa. It was a very different drive from our previous days and we could have been, at times, in Arizona or Colorado. The views were spectacular and we ended up in a lovely and very quaint , almost European village. The streets were very narrow, steep and many were made from cobblestone. The landmark in town is a beautiful church that dates back to the early 1500´s and is the oldest church in Honduras. Santa Lucia was founded by the Spaniards where they mined gold and has grown into a charming town. The main house overlooks a beautiful valley with views out to Tegucigalpa and the air is fresh and clean. The plan is to have the property cleaned up and restored and ready for the first class of girls to enter in Feb. 2013. It will surely provide a cozy and comfortable place for them to call home.
Then we were off to lunch. We stopped at a local resort type restaurant, La Florida, that serves some typical Honduran fare. We enjoyed wonderful meals of tilapia, chicken and a special hors d´oeuvre of melted cheese and beans, served with tortilla chips in a wonderful clay fondue type pot. We had a thoughtful talk with Matt discussing ideas for the school program. He was helpful in reminding us that we should keep an open mind and be respectful of the local culture before we assume that our customs might also work well for them here.
Back on the road again, we set off for our shopping spree to the local artisans village in Valle de Angeles and to help support the Honduran economy. Betsy and Liz were on a tear.... to find some wonderful auction items for the upcoming Fiesta, with us all in tow. They quickly gave us the lay of the land and we dispersed looking for interesting gifts for our friends and family. We found a couple of great leather shops and many stores full of local pottery, wood crafts,and textiles. After doing a little damage and emptying our pocket books we set off to return home.
There were some very special moments in this day..... when Janet and Louise introduced themselves as madrinas "god mothers" to Carlos and Mychael and made two little boys very happy. It was hard to say who felt happier but it was a very moving moment when you could see the sparkle in the boy´s eyes.
The day culminated with a very special send off party. Claire had requested that we all hear the boys play the marimbas and the progam featured so many talented little musicians and singers. It started with three of the younger boys playing guitar, and then moved to a lively combo of Marimbas, drums, bongos and other local percussion instruments which brought everyone to their feet dancing. It was another special moment as the little boys all came running to us asking us to dance. Karen was especially charmed by the young boy who asked her to dance and proceeded to escort her back to her seat with his hand on her back. The highlight for the children was seeing Dona Claudia and Senor Raoul dancing together. The next surprise was to hear Professor Moises and Cesar play guitar and singing Eric Clapton´s, Tears in Heaven. The program concluded with the children and Claudia thanking us for spending this week here and becoming part of their family. Whilst our hard work was appreciated she truly gave thanks for sharing our love and affection with the children. We have touched many hearts and felt that the love this week was a gift given to us.
Looking forward to sharing more of our trip with you all when we return home.
Buenos Noches,
Louise and Karen
Friday, March 9, 2012
March 8, 2012
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
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
Thursday, March 8, 2012
March 7, 2012
We start the day with morning devotional with the children in the school plaza. This week`s theme is on making good decisions in life. This is reflected in their motivation to listen in class and try their best to learn. For three days, we`ve been observing classes and noting the enormous range of academic skills of the children within each grade at this point just 2 months into their school year. In second grade for instance, one older child who was new was trying hard to catch up on learning the alphabet while other second graders could read fluently. In first grade, some children can write their numbers with ease while others reverse their numbers, and their hands cramp with their inexperience in holding a pencil. The teachers are incredibly affectionate with the children while maintaining discipline. The children are attentive and engaged even though they all sit together at a few tables. The Spanish teacher, in particular, is very happy with the extra help we give her by listening to individual children read and answer comprehension questions and the notes we take on their skills. As we`ve come to know the children better, it`s become fun for us to work with them in Spanish, English, or math.
We noticed that today Ivis and Marivel, the two new children, looked cheerful and relaxed during the devotional. They each have buddies who help them get to their classes and introduce them to their classmates.
While not in the classroom, some of us continued with work projects. Since the painting was completed yesterday, we continued with preparing the floor of the expanded dining hall. Today, this involved tamping down the dirt subfloor with mammoth, HEAVY steel posts with flat plates on the bottom. The contractor has been impressed and happy with our female muscles. His smile tells us he´s delighted to have the floor ready for the cement to be poured.
In our first excursion away from the school, we visited Instituto Technico Santa Maria, the middle school vocational program for boys. Here they study academics as well as electrical circuits, furniture making, and welding. Ninety boys, a mix of boys from El Hogar and the surrounding towns, live on a seven-year old campus that used to be a doctor`s weekend place until Hurrican Mitch struck. The shops have state-of-the-art equipment such as a precision lathe and are extremely well swept. Lazaro, the Director, introduced the boys to us in the chapel and they responded with thanks for support and love in beautiful English. They even remembered and could recite our names. The boys are well-adapted even though their bedrooms are spartan by American standards--four bunk beds and eight lockers on tile floors period. They are just beginning to discover Facebook and have a brand new computer lab with 20 Dells all ready for use. It`s amazing that a long bumpy dirt road leads to this treasure trove of resources out in the countryside. The institute is exploring internships and partnerships with local businesses so the boys can move into paying jobs when they become old enough.
Our day ends with playtime with the children before they go off to bed. Today we read The Cat in the Hat and the Three Little Pigs in bilingual books, with them, along with playing the ever popular Uno and gin rummy. The children also strung beads and kicked a soccer ball around. The highlight of their evening was receiving letters from their sponsors. Arturo read their letters to them in Spanish and they wrote back. We think the letters will be ready for us to bring back to the states.
We continue to be amazed with all the children´s joyful, loving approach to us and to life.
Karen Fox and Claire Bahamon
We noticed that today Ivis and Marivel, the two new children, looked cheerful and relaxed during the devotional. They each have buddies who help them get to their classes and introduce them to their classmates.
While not in the classroom, some of us continued with work projects. Since the painting was completed yesterday, we continued with preparing the floor of the expanded dining hall. Today, this involved tamping down the dirt subfloor with mammoth, HEAVY steel posts with flat plates on the bottom. The contractor has been impressed and happy with our female muscles. His smile tells us he´s delighted to have the floor ready for the cement to be poured.
In our first excursion away from the school, we visited Instituto Technico Santa Maria, the middle school vocational program for boys. Here they study academics as well as electrical circuits, furniture making, and welding. Ninety boys, a mix of boys from El Hogar and the surrounding towns, live on a seven-year old campus that used to be a doctor`s weekend place until Hurrican Mitch struck. The shops have state-of-the-art equipment such as a precision lathe and are extremely well swept. Lazaro, the Director, introduced the boys to us in the chapel and they responded with thanks for support and love in beautiful English. They even remembered and could recite our names. The boys are well-adapted even though their bedrooms are spartan by American standards--four bunk beds and eight lockers on tile floors period. They are just beginning to discover Facebook and have a brand new computer lab with 20 Dells all ready for use. It`s amazing that a long bumpy dirt road leads to this treasure trove of resources out in the countryside. The institute is exploring internships and partnerships with local businesses so the boys can move into paying jobs when they become old enough.
Our day ends with playtime with the children before they go off to bed. Today we read The Cat in the Hat and the Three Little Pigs in bilingual books, with them, along with playing the ever popular Uno and gin rummy. The children also strung beads and kicked a soccer ball around. The highlight of their evening was receiving letters from their sponsors. Arturo read their letters to them in Spanish and they wrote back. We think the letters will be ready for us to bring back to the states.
We continue to be amazed with all the children´s joyful, loving approach to us and to life.
Karen Fox and Claire Bahamon
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
March 6, 2012
The rain was still falling when we awoke this morning, but it was just a spitting drizzle as the children lined up for this morning's devotional, led by Arturo. After breakfast, we headed off, half to the classrooms to work with the children one-on-one. They work especially hard to read when one of us is sitting at their side. The other half of us headed off to finish painting the Science classroom (having scored a ladder so we could finish the eaves) and to start on the English classroom, trying to cover a shocking yellow with mint green, and clearly needing two coats.
After a short lunch break, we headed back to our tasks. Liz Kinchen(pronounced by the children all as one word - LeeezKinchen) had been off with Dona Claudia going over various administrative matters and came back to our almost green classroom to report that her meeting had been bumped by a father who showed up at the gate with his two children, asking for them to be taken in. While it is unusual, his son(the older of the two) had been at El Hogar for a while when he was younger (and in fact had been one of the children sponsored by POE - his name was Ivis). After some more back and forth, Liz left and returned and then came bursting back into the room and said Claudia was going on a home visit to this family and they could take one more person but it was right now because the car engine was running - so I jumped at the chance (thinking only later that it might have been wise to grab a passport or any form of ID).
We got in the van - Arturo driving, Claudia in her white suit and high heels, Jonathan for additional security, Liz Kinchen and I, with the father and two children tucked into the way back. The father pointed the way up the hill, and we drove less than a mile from El Hogar. The neighborhood was poor, though not that bad, but we had trouble figuring out where the house was. Then it became clear it was necessary to go down the rubble-filled alley between two houses over a slope that had been significantly washed out in the rain (Claudia making this journey in very high heels), finally reaching a dirty ditch, and turning right to see a couple of doors in a concrete building with a tin roof. There was a wood fire burning outside with a large pot, and the father led us past the first open room where a mother was feeding tortillas (and it looked like nothing else) to a handful of dirty children. A couple of rooms in was the room where the family in question was living - the father, the two children (his daughter was 8 or 9 and Ivis who would be in the sixth grade), and two older brothers who were not there. The mother had committed suicide four months ago, and Claudia believed the father had issues with alcohol, although he said he had just gotten a job and could not take care of the children. He proudly, but sadly, showed us a picture that looked to be about a year old of the mother and father and the two of the children in graduation robes.
The room was about 6x6 and was filthy. A single bed mattress lay in one corner, covered with junk and no bed clothes. There was no light, no window, no door for safety....dirty water was down the hall (and a man in a towel had just finished bathing in it). All five family members - the little girl, three older brothers and her father - slept on that single mattress in that tiny, dark and dirty room. Claudia looked around, picking up the pot that was on the hot plate and noting that there were scraped off refried beans that were several days old. There was no other food visible (but for a dried shallot or two) - the family had probably not eaten in a while.
Claudia interviewed the father, and also his landlord who was hanging around. She quickly decided that the situation was not safe for the children, particularly the little girl. Because Ivis (and his older brothers) had been at El Hogar in the past (and their parents would not let them stay at that time) Claudia decided we would take the children with us to El Hogar and the father could come back tomorrow to do the paperwork (full of hope that this time, unlike the last, he would be supportive). So, the children took a few minutes looking for their things and came out with a bag (which was no bigger than a small baggie) that held their clothes/possessions. We piled back into the van, without the father, and returned to El Hogar.
When we arrived, Claudia was out of the van like a shot, children in tow. She went straight to the courtyard by the classrooms and the other children were lining up for their afternoon workshops. Claudia introduced the new children, telling the others to welcome them into the family. She put the new ones in their lines and appointed a buddy for each. As she was introducing them, Ivis could not look at the group, he was looking away and large slow tears started streaming down his face. It is hard to imagine the feelings he had, being back with at least some boys he knows, having lost his mother a few months ago, now losing his father and brothers, but being somewhere safe and happy. Dona Claudia gave him a reasurring rub on the shoulder and warm words. His sister was quickly surrounded by the rest of the fourth grade girls and she was soon going off holding hands with her buddy, Daniela. Eventually, the older boys with hands in their pockets stood near Ivis and seemed to connect, and he too went off with a group. All in about an hour, their lives were changed.
After some more painting, one of our afternoon tasks was getting the bodega arranged with things we had brought and sorting out things for the farm and the institute where we will visit in the next two days. Liz and Betsy were there when Ivis and his sister came by to get things. They were able to choose several outfits and brand new shoes, in addition to their uniforms. then they were shooed off to the showers. Shortly afterwards, she came down in her new purple shirt and pink capris and Ivis looked dashing in a yellow tee shirt and new jeans. They were both clean and beaming, simply glowing. They had big smiles on their faces, as Betsy took them off to take their pictures. I suspect they will not always be smiling, but it was remarkable to see the light in their eyes after such a tumultous day.
El Hogar seemed full already, but Claudia found room both in her heart (where I do not think there are limits) and in the dorms. It is remarkable work that is done here. Dona Claudia spoke to us yesterday about the project of constructing lives, and today she really showed us.
With blesssings to all from the Home of Love and Hope - Liz Fries
After a short lunch break, we headed back to our tasks. Liz Kinchen(pronounced by the children all as one word - LeeezKinchen) had been off with Dona Claudia going over various administrative matters and came back to our almost green classroom to report that her meeting had been bumped by a father who showed up at the gate with his two children, asking for them to be taken in. While it is unusual, his son(the older of the two) had been at El Hogar for a while when he was younger (and in fact had been one of the children sponsored by POE - his name was Ivis). After some more back and forth, Liz left and returned and then came bursting back into the room and said Claudia was going on a home visit to this family and they could take one more person but it was right now because the car engine was running - so I jumped at the chance (thinking only later that it might have been wise to grab a passport or any form of ID).
We got in the van - Arturo driving, Claudia in her white suit and high heels, Jonathan for additional security, Liz Kinchen and I, with the father and two children tucked into the way back. The father pointed the way up the hill, and we drove less than a mile from El Hogar. The neighborhood was poor, though not that bad, but we had trouble figuring out where the house was. Then it became clear it was necessary to go down the rubble-filled alley between two houses over a slope that had been significantly washed out in the rain (Claudia making this journey in very high heels), finally reaching a dirty ditch, and turning right to see a couple of doors in a concrete building with a tin roof. There was a wood fire burning outside with a large pot, and the father led us past the first open room where a mother was feeding tortillas (and it looked like nothing else) to a handful of dirty children. A couple of rooms in was the room where the family in question was living - the father, the two children (his daughter was 8 or 9 and Ivis who would be in the sixth grade), and two older brothers who were not there. The mother had committed suicide four months ago, and Claudia believed the father had issues with alcohol, although he said he had just gotten a job and could not take care of the children. He proudly, but sadly, showed us a picture that looked to be about a year old of the mother and father and the two of the children in graduation robes.
The room was about 6x6 and was filthy. A single bed mattress lay in one corner, covered with junk and no bed clothes. There was no light, no window, no door for safety....dirty water was down the hall (and a man in a towel had just finished bathing in it). All five family members - the little girl, three older brothers and her father - slept on that single mattress in that tiny, dark and dirty room. Claudia looked around, picking up the pot that was on the hot plate and noting that there were scraped off refried beans that were several days old. There was no other food visible (but for a dried shallot or two) - the family had probably not eaten in a while.
Claudia interviewed the father, and also his landlord who was hanging around. She quickly decided that the situation was not safe for the children, particularly the little girl. Because Ivis (and his older brothers) had been at El Hogar in the past (and their parents would not let them stay at that time) Claudia decided we would take the children with us to El Hogar and the father could come back tomorrow to do the paperwork (full of hope that this time, unlike the last, he would be supportive). So, the children took a few minutes looking for their things and came out with a bag (which was no bigger than a small baggie) that held their clothes/possessions. We piled back into the van, without the father, and returned to El Hogar.
When we arrived, Claudia was out of the van like a shot, children in tow. She went straight to the courtyard by the classrooms and the other children were lining up for their afternoon workshops. Claudia introduced the new children, telling the others to welcome them into the family. She put the new ones in their lines and appointed a buddy for each. As she was introducing them, Ivis could not look at the group, he was looking away and large slow tears started streaming down his face. It is hard to imagine the feelings he had, being back with at least some boys he knows, having lost his mother a few months ago, now losing his father and brothers, but being somewhere safe and happy. Dona Claudia gave him a reasurring rub on the shoulder and warm words. His sister was quickly surrounded by the rest of the fourth grade girls and she was soon going off holding hands with her buddy, Daniela. Eventually, the older boys with hands in their pockets stood near Ivis and seemed to connect, and he too went off with a group. All in about an hour, their lives were changed.
After some more painting, one of our afternoon tasks was getting the bodega arranged with things we had brought and sorting out things for the farm and the institute where we will visit in the next two days. Liz and Betsy were there when Ivis and his sister came by to get things. They were able to choose several outfits and brand new shoes, in addition to their uniforms. then they were shooed off to the showers. Shortly afterwards, she came down in her new purple shirt and pink capris and Ivis looked dashing in a yellow tee shirt and new jeans. They were both clean and beaming, simply glowing. They had big smiles on their faces, as Betsy took them off to take their pictures. I suspect they will not always be smiling, but it was remarkable to see the light in their eyes after such a tumultous day.
El Hogar seemed full already, but Claudia found room both in her heart (where I do not think there are limits) and in the dorms. It is remarkable work that is done here. Dona Claudia spoke to us yesterday about the project of constructing lives, and today she really showed us.
With blesssings to all from the Home of Love and Hope - Liz Fries
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
March 5, 2012
Today was the beginning of a new week, and our first school day at El Hogar. With some strong coffee under our belts, we joined the children at 7 am for their morning devotions. We were a bit tousled and dressed for work, but they were wide awake, in uniforms and raring to go. They had done chores, eaten breakfast and (mostly) fallen into lines making a neat square in front of their classrooms. There were a few notable exceptions. The newest boys, identifiable by their all blue uniforms and their hands shoved deeply in their pockets were standing back to back in the middle. They needed extra encouragement to line up. Then, with a couple of words from a teacher, they all parted like the Red Sea so that we could join them on one side.
A teacher read the children the Bible passage about the moment on the cross when Jesus tells one of the theives that He will see him that day in paradise and she gave a short homily. Then we were treated to a rousing rendition of the Honduran National anthem and flag raising. During the ceremony, teachers walked around behind the students and handed out what looked like tickets. We later learned from Dona Claudia that they were implementing a positive reward program. They surprised well behaved, attentive children with tokens that could be redeemed at the school store at the end of the week. (The system should sound very familiar to members of my family...) We were given a chance to introduce ourselves, and then the children filed off to class.
After breakfast we met with Dona Claudia. She answered some questions and then described the circumstances the children came from. Using stories and pictures she painted a picture of living conditions that were incomprehensible and heartbreaking. She cried. We cried. She was particularly sad and frustrated about the children she couldn´t help because their families -- particularly their mothers -- presented insurmountable obstacles. We were amazed by her successes, her passion, the personal risks she is willing to take for each child she befriends. It is going to be a very unusual and challenging year for the school. A large group of children returned to their remote and dangerous village on the north coast . Consequently there are 26 first graders this year. Many are tiny six year olds who were running wild in the streets and have never been exposed to structure and routine. She noted that they need lots of extra hugs (and some sponsors, hint, hint, hint.). After waiting VERY patiently, four of those new boys joined us. We were amazed to see the astonishing transformation that has already begun in them.
This afternoon, while the children were in class, we began our first work projects. Five of us painted a classroom while two of us moved dirt around the construction site that is the future dining hall and kitchen. We were about halfway through the job when the skies opened up. We got a good soaking. The crazy gringas (Claire and I) were red faced, sweaty and covered in dust. We kept working, enjoying the cool rain and it´s impact on the dust -- much to the amusement of the Honduran contractor and his crew.
Tonight we played with the children indoors in one of their two lounges. They clearly missed the opportunity to run around like maniacs and skate off cliffs on one rollerblade. There was a lot more card throwing than playing. But a good time was had by all and they were called off to bed before we knew it.
Good Night!
Janet
A teacher read the children the Bible passage about the moment on the cross when Jesus tells one of the theives that He will see him that day in paradise and she gave a short homily. Then we were treated to a rousing rendition of the Honduran National anthem and flag raising. During the ceremony, teachers walked around behind the students and handed out what looked like tickets. We later learned from Dona Claudia that they were implementing a positive reward program. They surprised well behaved, attentive children with tokens that could be redeemed at the school store at the end of the week. (The system should sound very familiar to members of my family...) We were given a chance to introduce ourselves, and then the children filed off to class.
After breakfast we met with Dona Claudia. She answered some questions and then described the circumstances the children came from. Using stories and pictures she painted a picture of living conditions that were incomprehensible and heartbreaking. She cried. We cried. She was particularly sad and frustrated about the children she couldn´t help because their families -- particularly their mothers -- presented insurmountable obstacles. We were amazed by her successes, her passion, the personal risks she is willing to take for each child she befriends. It is going to be a very unusual and challenging year for the school. A large group of children returned to their remote and dangerous village on the north coast . Consequently there are 26 first graders this year. Many are tiny six year olds who were running wild in the streets and have never been exposed to structure and routine. She noted that they need lots of extra hugs (and some sponsors, hint, hint, hint.). After waiting VERY patiently, four of those new boys joined us. We were amazed to see the astonishing transformation that has already begun in them.
This afternoon, while the children were in class, we began our first work projects. Five of us painted a classroom while two of us moved dirt around the construction site that is the future dining hall and kitchen. We were about halfway through the job when the skies opened up. We got a good soaking. The crazy gringas (Claire and I) were red faced, sweaty and covered in dust. We kept working, enjoying the cool rain and it´s impact on the dust -- much to the amusement of the Honduran contractor and his crew.
Tonight we played with the children indoors in one of their two lounges. They clearly missed the opportunity to run around like maniacs and skate off cliffs on one rollerblade. There was a lot more card throwing than playing. But a good time was had by all and they were called off to bed before we knew it.
Good Night!
Janet
Monday, March 5, 2012
March 4, 2012
Greetings one and all,
Our trip from Boston to Honduras was smooth and seamless - and one cannot always say that, so we were off to a promising start! After settling in Saturday, tour of the campus, orientation meeting, unpacking and late lunch, we spent the evening outside with the 80 or so children still at El Hogar for the weekend. The other 20 or so were home visiting their families for a couple of days. The evening air was warm and gentle - something we all relished as you can imagine. Games of uno abounded, coloring, pipecleaner creations, rollerblading on one foot - the usual fare for an evening of play at El Hogar.
Sunday brought refreshed ladies after a good night of sleep, albeit some of us had wild and crazy dreams. The church service observed a Holy Lent by silent processions, but otherwise offered the lively upbeat music and warm atmosphere that those who have been to St. Mary´s in Tegucigalpa have come to love. Now six more people have experienced it and also found it like no other. Lunch at Pizza Hut may have at first seemed ordinary for us, but extraordinary for the children new to El Hogar for whom pizza in a restaurant was something never dreamed of. They all savored every bite.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was attending a mother´s meeting held by Claudia Castro, Director of the elementary school. Once a month Claudia gathers any parent interested in and able to come to El Hogar and hear about the work El Hogar is doing in the lives of their children, to encourage them to support their children, and to support her, in her efforts to change the lives of these children. She implored the mothers there to praise their children, to write to them, send them a photo of themselves for them to put by their bed at night, so in the morning they are reminded of how much their moms encourage them in their lives here. Claudia is working with whole family systems, offering support, education, encouragement and teamwork in the raising and educating of these children.
Seeing the mothers leave at the end of the afternoon, with teary goodbyes with their children, is a little heartwrenching, but nowhere near as heartwrenching as leaving a little one back in their life of poverty and desperation. The tears are temporary and we were more than happy to receive the sad ones into our circles of companionship and play. they soon were smiling and coloring and jumping rope like children do when they are safe, fed and loved.
You all must be eager to know what our work projects are...well, it involves painting classrooms, tending to gardens and tamping down dirt. For those who have been here, I know you can picture it vividly!
Our little group of women is wonderful, happy, open and full of love. It is, as always, a privilege to be here.
Dona Liz Kinchen
Our trip from Boston to Honduras was smooth and seamless - and one cannot always say that, so we were off to a promising start! After settling in Saturday, tour of the campus, orientation meeting, unpacking and late lunch, we spent the evening outside with the 80 or so children still at El Hogar for the weekend. The other 20 or so were home visiting their families for a couple of days. The evening air was warm and gentle - something we all relished as you can imagine. Games of uno abounded, coloring, pipecleaner creations, rollerblading on one foot - the usual fare for an evening of play at El Hogar.
Sunday brought refreshed ladies after a good night of sleep, albeit some of us had wild and crazy dreams. The church service observed a Holy Lent by silent processions, but otherwise offered the lively upbeat music and warm atmosphere that those who have been to St. Mary´s in Tegucigalpa have come to love. Now six more people have experienced it and also found it like no other. Lunch at Pizza Hut may have at first seemed ordinary for us, but extraordinary for the children new to El Hogar for whom pizza in a restaurant was something never dreamed of. They all savored every bite.
One of the highlights of the afternoon was attending a mother´s meeting held by Claudia Castro, Director of the elementary school. Once a month Claudia gathers any parent interested in and able to come to El Hogar and hear about the work El Hogar is doing in the lives of their children, to encourage them to support their children, and to support her, in her efforts to change the lives of these children. She implored the mothers there to praise their children, to write to them, send them a photo of themselves for them to put by their bed at night, so in the morning they are reminded of how much their moms encourage them in their lives here. Claudia is working with whole family systems, offering support, education, encouragement and teamwork in the raising and educating of these children.
Seeing the mothers leave at the end of the afternoon, with teary goodbyes with their children, is a little heartwrenching, but nowhere near as heartwrenching as leaving a little one back in their life of poverty and desperation. The tears are temporary and we were more than happy to receive the sad ones into our circles of companionship and play. they soon were smiling and coloring and jumping rope like children do when they are safe, fed and loved.
You all must be eager to know what our work projects are...well, it involves painting classrooms, tending to gardens and tamping down dirt. For those who have been here, I know you can picture it vividly!
Our little group of women is wonderful, happy, open and full of love. It is, as always, a privilege to be here.
Dona Liz Kinchen
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