Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Update on Gabriela

Thursday Gabriela had her first surgery. Yesterday she had three more surgeries. If she does her physical therapy, she will be able to walk. Praise God. The only problem with that is physcial therapy hurts and she does not want to hurt anymore. She has hurt for seven weeks. Marc and others are trying to convince how important this physical therapy is.

Tomorrow she is being move to yet another hospital that has a hyperbaric chamber. The doctors think that will be best for her wound to heal.

Lets keep those prayer going up for Gabriela.

Terri

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Beach Trip




Our church planned a beach trip for today. To be perfectly honest, I had not been looking forward to this trip. Riding two or three hours on a yellow school bus with people that don't know what personal space is, is not exactly my idea of a great time. When I came to Honduras, it was not to live in my personal comfort zone. And I thought about how much fun our kids were going to have. I signed on.


Yesterday morning, the forecast for today was hot, hot, hot with the hottest place in the country being right where we were going. I am so spoiled to living in the mountains, I forget Central America is suppose to be hot, hot, hot.


Karen has made preparations all week and the kids' excitement has grown all week.


At 5:30 this morning we began loading buses. It takes a good 30 minutes to load that many people on two buses. I was in charge of Monica and Doris and we were lucky enough to get the seat over the tire. Monica never quit smiling. Doris looked out the window. I am not sure if she was taking it all in or wondering what it was all about.


After the first person vomited, all the windows came down rapidly. Soon after that, we had to make a vomit stop and three people jumped off the bus.


When we finally got to the beach at Delgaditas (which when translated means little skinny) and unloaded the bus, everyone was eager to get in the water. There was a small breeze, thankfully.
We could see El Salvador from where we were. Some of our kids have never seen the beach. You can just imagine the excitement.


Doris loved the water and giggled the whole time. Monica immediately got knocked down by a wave and wasn't too sure about it. The beach was littered with thousands of shells and pieces of shells. Monica and Doris and I took a long walk down the beach. Monica made it her goal to pick up every single one. She didn't quite succeed, but gave it her best shot.


The tide was coming in and the beach was rapidly disappearing. Maybe high tide is when the beach was named. Everyone was back on the buses by 3:00, even though we weren't suppose to leave until 4:00. After the beach disappears, the only thing to do is go get on the bus.


I am always on the bus that has problems and Marc never is. We were detained at a police post for about 15 minutes. Just when we think we are on our way home, we had a blowout. The other bus beat us home by an hour.


It was a really long day. Everyone had a great time and everyone is tired.


I am glad I decided to go and probably will do it again, if it is not too soon.


Terri

Saturday, March 28, 2009

An Afternoon With My Daughter

Thursday afternoon I spent baby shopping with my daughter. She did not fly to Tegucigalpa and I did not fly to Baton Rouge. We set a time, that had to be changed a couple of times, and met on the internet.

I was so excited. I rushed in after I got Rosy home and got on my internet waiting for our shopping date to begin.

We first went to BabiesRUs. We checked out the bedding. Of course, the set we liked the best was the most expensive. We rapidly crossed that one off of the like list. We discussed the other possibilites. We then looked at strollers and bouncers. Maybe I have live in a third world country too long, but I was beyond shocked, when I saw bouncers priced so high that the same money would feed a family of four in Honduras for months. Those weren't the ones which interested us.

We then went to Target and looked at some more bedding. We both agreed if we had really been in Target, it would have been time for a coke and popcorn. (I love the popcorn in Target).
We narrowed the bedding choices down to two. We then looked at lamps and picture frames. Or some of the picture frames. There were 3,466 from which to choose. Consumer overload.

We had a delightful time. We would have had more fun if we had done this in person. But, I was more than pleased that she was thoughtful enough to set up this internet shopping date.

Terri

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Nightmare In Hospital Escuela

Exactly one month ago on February 26, I posted a prayer request about a young lady that had been in an accident and without surgery, would lose her leg at the hip. Here a person missing a leg is usually treated as an outcast, uusally not by family, but by society. They cannot get a job and often have to resort to begging on the streets in order to survive.

As soon as we found out this need, Marc raced back to town. He went to Hospital Escuela, got the prescription for the hardware that was needed, raced across town in afternoon traffic and bought the hardware that was needed. He then had to drive back to the hospital and take the paid receipt to the parents. He came home saying this was a beautiful 19 year old young lady.

The next morning Gabriela had fever and surgery could not be performed. When her fever finally broke, the doctors went on strike and would not do the surgery. Then she had another fever. Marc asked our good friend who is an orthopedic surgeon if he would do the surgery rather than let this girl lose her leg. He said he would do the surgery, but he did not have surgery privileges at Hospital Escuela. I am not sure if doing surgery there is a privilege, but anyway, he could not do the surgery there. A place was found that would allow Gabriela the transfer in order to perform surgery on her. This place needed her paperwork and Hospital Escuela would not give the paperwork to her parents.

Immediately after the request for the paperwork that could not be released, the doctors began to say they would do the surgery tomorrow. Tomorrow came and it was tomorrow. This went on and on. Then they said there was not enough blood to do the surgery. Marc and I were tired that day and we were both williing to drive back to town and donate blood, but before we even left for town, they were saying there was another reason they could not operate. It really was not the lack of blood. The doctors began to try to charge the family "under the table", but were willing to amputate her leg for free.

I don't really know everything that has happened and all the reasons for delay. Marc and Dorian have worked on this for a month. Marc finally convinced someone to transfer this young lady to Vierra Hospital, a private hospital. It is also the hospital at which our friend works.

They took Gabriela by ambulance today. No one from Hospital Escuela would even help lift her onto the cart. Gabriela was in extreme pain.

The plan was to get her to Vierra, start antibiotics and do surgery Monday. After examining the x-rays and such, which Marc got to see, Dr. Zelaya did the first surgery this evening. She is going to need at least three more. She has been in a hospital bed for 44 days and her knee is locked. The rod cannot be put in the tibia with a locked knee. She is going to need a knee surgery and two more.

The leg is in such a mess. It appears it might have been easier for the doctors at Hospital Escuela to cut the whole leg off than to try to repair it. Thankfully,our friend, Mario is doing all the surgeries at no cost.

I think, and hope, that no one in the states would ever have to go through such a nightmare. I hope and pray that no one else in Honduras ever has to suffer through such a mess. I don't really think that will happen, but I can hope.

Please pray for Gabriela and her family as they endure three more surgeries. And thank God as well for our friend who is doing everything he can to save her leg.

Terri

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

A Good Busy Day

Like most mornings, we started early, leaving in both cars around 7:30. We went to the warehouse and were joined by a small group that helped us make sandwiches for the dump. At the same time we were making sandwiches, a truck was being loaded with some of the hospital equipment and supplies from Hunger Plus. The truck was going to San Pedro Sula and was much needed there.

The sandwich people and the equipment people finished near the same time. Marc and the group left for the dump to feed hungry people and they were very hungry today. A driver left for San Pedro Sula and I left to do errands. The bank, the pharmacy, the hardware store for a needed item for school, another pharmacy. I learned a new word in spanish today. Ringworms. It was one we all could have lived without knowing.

I ran errands until it was time to get Rosy.

People fed. Hospitals getting needed equipment. Doesn't get much better than that.

Terri

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Scare

Once we decided to come to Honduras, I never ever regretted that decision. I had to miss some friends' weddings and other events. Had to miss some family events. Most of the time I roll with flow and know that is part of it. Once in a while, as something has happened, I wished I was in the states for an event. Today was one of those days.

Last night we had no electricity and I did not put my phone on the charger. This morning around 11:30, I heard the low battery signal and immediately put the phone on the charger. It came time to get Rosy and I purposely left the phone on the charger so I would have a complete charge. I was just going to get Rosy and back.

When we got back, I walked into Casa to talk to Karen. Her phone rang and she says, "Terri is right here with me." She handed me her phone and said it's Marc. Marc begins to say Nathan and I have been trying to call you, Nicole has been in a wreck. You need to call her. I teared up. I looked at Karen and said Nicole's been in a wreck. Karen hugged me and I took off for my house. I didn't know a middle-aged, overweight gringa could move that fast. As fast as I was moving, I still had time to think and to pray. Praying for her safety. And the baby's. Thinking, dear God, not again. Not again, please no. Thinking I can't get out of here until tomorrow. I knew that last plane for the states had already left. I jerked that phone off that charger and hit her number. I got her voice mail.

I was insane and was wildly searching for another number. I do not have Matt's new number. I called Nicole's mother-in-law. What a relief just to find out Cheryl was with Nicole. Nicole had just gone back to see the doctor. Cheryl told me Nicole had calmed down and both she and Nicole thought everything was ok. I know Cheryl would not lie to me, but that did not help me much. I needed to talk to Nicole. I was crying hysterically.

I walked back up to Casa, with my phone in my hand, and told Karen I would watch the kids that were through with homework. Reina and Elvia were leaving. They both stopped and hugged me. I waited until I could not stand it any longer and called Nicole's number again. Thankfully, she answered this time. She told me the doctor said her and the baby were both fine. Thank you, Lord.

Nicole told she was broadsided on the driver's side. She saw the car and was honking and trying to get out of the way. The woman prayed with Nicole and gave her a $20.00 gift card from Olive Garden telling her she probably needed to eat out and not cook tonight. The mother came out in me. I just could not help it. I asked Nicole if she got the insurance information from the woman. Nicole said you think I would take a card from Olive Garden and NOT get the insurance information.

After I calmed down some, I realized even if I had been in the states, I would have been as far or farther from her. I could not have gotten to Baton Rouge much sooner from Illinois than I could have from Tegucigalpa. But somehow, it seemed as if it would have been better if I had been in the states.

Tonight, I am thankful and rejoicing that my daughter and her baby are ok. Gracias a Dios.

Terri

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Washing Dishes


From the youngest to the oldest, all the children have chores. The chores are rotated every week. Sisi has been on dish duty. There is no way she can reach the sink, so she sits on a stool. I walked in and she is washing dishes and smiling. When she realized I had a camera, she even posed for me. Then with her wet dishwater hands, she gives me a big hug. Of course, I didn't care.


No matter what she is doing, Sisi always has time for a hug or two.


Terri

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Ice Cold Watermelon

If you like watermelon and cantaloupe, and are just waiting for summer's harvest to enjoy, then now is the time you should be in Honduras. The watermelon and cantaloupe season is now. I love both watermelon and cantaloupe. I am buying one or the other every time I go to the market. Last week I bought a great big watermelon for one dollar.

I came home and put my watermelon in the refrigerator and chilled it to perfection. When I cut it open it was red, really red, juicy and sweet. I savored it and enjoyed every bite. The week before I had cantaloupe that were middle-of-the-summer delicious.

If you decide you can't wait til summer to enjoy these wonderful foods, come on down. I will share mine. Or maybe, I will even buy you your own.

Terri

Friday, March 20, 2009

Mornings With Rosy

I had the privilege of taking Rosy to the bus this morning. Mornings are my favorite time of the day. I think Rosy likes mornings as well.

As we left Santa Ana, I tried to get her to look at the beauty of day breaking in the mountains. I am not sure she understood what I was trying to show her. But she looked and smiled. We got behind a big cattle truck. She pointed and I let her know I saw them, too. I looked at her, where she could see my face, and mooed. She tried hard to moo and at least made the mmm sound. She then held her nose with her fingers and I did the same. We agreed that cows don't smell good.

She does well while the car is moving. It is when we stop to wait on the bus, that things begin to change. She was trying, and almost succeeded, to get the car in four wheel drive. She unlocked and locked the doors several times. Finally, I found a wadded up piece of paper and she began to write her name and my name and copy the other words on the paper.

When the bus came, I kissed her and hugged her and sent her off to school.

Terri

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Illiteracy

In the United States, we pretty much take it for granted that everyone can read and write. That probably is not so, but we like to think it is. In Honduras, we know that a huge part of the population can neither read nor write. Even here, I can forget that fact sometimes.

In the past few days, I have been made painfully aware that illiteracy exists this country. The statistics say 32% of children never finish 6th grade. I don't know from where statistics come. Are people asked to fill out a survey? Many children never start school, much less finish sixth grade. Many people live so far off the beaten path, they could never be found to survey. I personally think it would be much higher than that.

As Karen and I have been working with different artesians, buying new products for the store, more than once we have seen a lady who cannot even write us a receipt. She runs next door and asks another person to write it for us. The fourth graders needed a special little workbook. One of the employees went to the pulperia to buy it. The man said his daughter was out for a few minutes and he could not sell the book. He could not sell the book because he could not read. We are actively seeking houseparents or tias for the new cottage. We have a good lead on a woman. She is doing a wonderful job with her daughters, which is something we look for. Marc said he did not think she could read or write. Karen, Ashley, and I sat in stunned silence. How could we hire someone to be a houseparent that could not read or write. Marc reminded us that when we hire Hondurans, we may have to hire someone that can't read or write. That we can't always set our American standards and find what we want. In this particular instance, the child care is going to be more important, if other qualities are what we want.

As I sat at Teleton Monday, I noticed a lot of mothers waiting and very few had a book while they waited. I could not help but wander, how many could read and how many couldn't. Perhaps they could read and not able to buy a book.

When a child has school supplies or a uniform, it is a very small step in overcoming the massive illiteracy problem in this country.

I enjoying reading and think of the people that will never be able to enjoy that simple pleasure the way I do. Today be thankful that you can read and write.

Terri

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Another Day at Teleton

Yesterday we went back to Teleton. Monica, Doris and I left here at 5:15 and went to get Sandra. We arrived at Teleton just a few minutes before 6:30, our appointed time. There was a lot of waiting.

At 7:30 someone came and talked to the whole group of waiting people, explaining procedures. Around 8:15, another person came out and began to hand numbers to those waiting. Sandra got numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5.

Sandra got in and got appointment books for all four of the girls. Then we moved to another area and waited in line to see the social worker. Before Sandra was through with the social worker, someone told her Monica and Doris could start class. I took the girls and got them in class for an hour. I was thankful for the book that was in my backpack.

We finally, left Teleton at 11:30, five hours after arriving. We were exhausted. Monica and Doris were good, really good for that long of time. Again, we went armed with snacks and water.

Though we were exhausted and ready to be home, we left with Doris and Monica enrolled in classes every Monday afternoon. Monica, Doris and Maryuri have future appointment. Sandra will be taking classes on some Mondays and some Tuesdays.

This has been a long process. We are thankful that the girls are finally going to be in classes. And we are thankful for Sandra who is going to the adult classes so we can all better help the kids with some education.

Terri

Saturday, March 14, 2009

Playground Time

With fourteen kids in school, there is a tremendous amount of homework. It takes two or three or more people overseeing that and making sure everyone stays on task. It also takes one person to be outside with those kids that either did not have homework or are finished. I have been taking some of the playground shifts.

Yesterday afternoon I was sitting on the step, watching everyone play. I saw Doris sitting in this Little Tykes wagon. I thought I would get up and go pull her around for a bit. As I neared the wagon, I could see it had no rear wheels. Thanks, but no thanks I was not going to pull a wagon with a child in it that had no rear wheels.

Doris jumped out of the wagon and wanted me to get in. Suffice it to say that it was a really tight squeeze, but I got all of me in that little wagon. Since the wagon had no rear wheels, the more of me I got into the wagon, the higher the front end went. I was going to sit there a minute and then get out. Doris started laughing. And then she grabbed the handle out of my hands and began to pull me. I would not have thought she could have pulled me in the wagon if it had had all the wheels, but with the rear ones missing, I didn't think she would even try. She pulled me a fairly long distance, laughing hysterically all the while.

I wasn't too crazy about this ride and was saying "no me gusta, no me gusta" (I don't like this, I don't like this). She began laughing harder and pulling harder. The groundskeeper heard me and looked to see what was happening and he began laughing.

I was wanting out of that wagon before Marc got home. I knew Marc would laugh. When Marc starts laughing, he is usually funnier than what he is laughing at. I told Doris to stop and finally she did.

It was a lot harder to get out of that little wagon than it was to get in it. It was time for me to go back to supervising the play.

Fortunately, for me, everyone else was busy with homework and no one got a picture of me in that wagon.

Terri

Friday, March 13, 2009

Rosita The Charmer

Today I went to the market and did several other errands in town. I planned it where I would meet Rosy at the bus stop before I headed back up the mountain.

I had just barely got Rosy in my car, when I got pulled over. Getting pulled over is no big deal in this country. It happens all the time. In fact, lately it has been happening a lot more than normal. Usually, if you are nice to the policeman, show your registration and license, they wave you on. And when they find out we work in a children's home, they usually wave us on. Once in a while, one of them likes to hassle gringos, especially gringas. It is a law all vehicles have to have a fire extinguisher and a safety triangle and various other things. They can ask to see any or all of these things and if you don't have them, you can be fined. I don't have a fire extinguisher in my car. I need to take care of that.

After I was pulled over, I began to get my license and registration. Rosy is sitting there like a perfect little angel, smiling the most adorable smile right at the policeman. It could not have been more perfect if I had planned it. Of course, if I had planned it, she would have been not so perfect.

The policeman asked me if that was my child. In near perfect spanish, at least at first, I explained I worked in a children's home and she was deaf. I struggled a bit more trying to say we were on our way home from Manos Felices. The policeman waited patiently as I struggled through that last sentence and seemed as pleased as I was when I finally got it out.

We walked around the car, looked in the back and saw the car was packed with fruits and vegetables. He walked back to the window and said thanks for the work you are doing. Most of the policemen do seem grateful that we are trying to help the children. I know that helped, him not asking to see anything other than my license and registration, but I think the biggest help was Rosy sitting there smiling at him with her little angelic face.

Terri

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Lice

Dilcia carefully checking Cindy's hair
Cindy with her listerine and plastic bag

Living in a third world country, lice is something that has to be dealt with on a regular basis. Many of the children arrive at Casa de Esperanza completely infested. We keep heads clean and check for lice regularly. Since school started three weeks ago, it is no surprise we have a pretty good case of lice right now.


Monday when I arrived home with Rosita, there was a lot of head checking and nit-picking going on. Dilcia was going through the girls' hair strand by strand, a tedious process with us having ten girls with long thick hair. Some of the boys will be buzzed this afternoon.


We have found listerine gets rid of it better than anything. Hair doused in listerine and a plastic bag tied around the hair for a couple of hours.


There will be constant head checking for the next couple of weeks until we are sure all the lice is gone.


Karen said we definitely needed more listerine when I was in town today.
Terri

Monday, March 9, 2009

Teleton

I drove out the gate this morning at 6:45. Monica, Doris, Sisi, and Maryuri were with me and we were on our way to Sandra's house. We had appointments in town with Teleton beginning at 8:30 and lasting until 10:30. Teleton is a agency in Tegucigalpa that we have thought might could help with some education for our learning disabled and mentally challenged girls. Most agencies that provide this kind of help are some kind of ministry. Teleton is not. And it is not supported by any kind of government. Money is raised for this service once a year through a telethon, thus the name Teleton.

The dirt road to Sandra's is always a pleasant country drive, but this morning with the sun beginning to shine over the mountains and what looked like God had reached down and set the clouds on the mountaintops, it was gloriously beautiful.

I soon forgot the country drive and was fighting morning traffic all the way down the mountain and through the city. We arrived at Teleton at exactly 8:30.

This is the fourth time we have had appointments at Teleton. Everybody has to read the files and various things. This was the appointment for evaluations. Each girl and Sandra had a 30 minute appointment with the counelor. I entertained the three that were not in the appointment. The girls were so good for having to wait that long.

At 10:30, we thought we were going to have more appointments, so we pulled out the snacks and juice. We came prepared for as long as needed. The girls had a cheese sandwich, apple, and juice. Monica promptly spilled her juice down the front of her shirt. Things like that don't bother Monica. She just gives a big smile.

Monica and Doris were deemed emergency cases. I think we already had that figured out. Even being called emergency cases, there was no way to work us in for more appointments today. Sandra, Monica and Doris have appointments at 6:30 next Monday.

At this time we know Doris needs more social interaction. She had none before she came to Casa de Esperanza. She probably will be going to classes at Teleton 3 days a week and they will force the school here in Santa Ana to take her. I am not sure what Monica will need.

Maryuri is five, we think. She has the skills, physically, socially, and mentally of a two and a half year old. She will probably be going to classes at Teleton once a week. And Sisi will probably be going once a week. They will continue to attend classes at school as well.

I am going to be doing lots of driving, and lots of waiting and reading.

We have prayed and prayed about help for Doris and Monica. God is good, all the time. As we depend on Him and He answers our prayers, we see Him truly making a difference, one child at a time.

Terri

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Church

Sometimes, when my kids were little, church was anything but worshipful. And I only had three. Imagine having 15 kids in church. Marc and I don't do that by ourselves, of course. Karen is there. And Ashley. Sometimes other folks as well.

This morning they all walked in and they just scatter for an adult. Sweet, sweet Doris headed my way and sat in my lap. My leg was numb after just a few minutes, but I let her continue to sit there. At least she was sitting still. Fernando was in Marc's lap and he was anything but still. Every muscle in his body was moving. He really wanted my bracelet. Fernando and Rosita were both trying to reach up one row and touch Brayan's head and Brayan did not want them touching his head. Marc and I both were trying to keep Fernando and Rosita from touching Brayan's head.

After a few minutes, Rosita decides she wants to sit with a different adult and gets up and moves. Several of the children do that. And one or two or more always have to go to the bathroom.

After about 30 minutes of singing, the children are dismissed to go to their class. I felt like I needed a nap. Not only do most of our kids leave, many, many others do also. The church building is so quiet after they leave. I am really able to focus on communion and the sermon after the children leave. I am so thankful for the children being in church. I wish you could hear them as they raise their little voices in song.

Terri

Friday, March 6, 2009

Back to Honduras

Last year I read a book called Enrique's Journey. It is a true story about a Honduran boy trying to illegally make his way to the United States. His mother had gone to the states several years earlier in order to get a job and send money back to her family. She left her kids with other family members and did send money back to them. Enrique wanted to go to the U.S. to find his mother.



The book tells of the hardships of trying to get to the states. He, like other illegal immigrants are caught and returned to Honduras, usually multiple times. The Hondurans that try this have to hop trains and travel in stifling hot boxcars or on the tops of the trains. They go days without food, water and bathing. They spend much of their time hiding or running from authorities. Many other difficulties were described. Most think all of the risks and hardships are well worth it, IF they can get to the states.



Today Marc's parents were leaving. We were upstairs in the airport with them. I saw an Xtra Airways plane land on the runway. I had never heard of that airline and Marc said it was a charter. I guessed, wrongly, that it was a mission group coming in to do work for a week.



The first passenger off the plane was handcuffed. Not what we usually see when mission groups arrive. Then came several U.S. marshalls. I stood at the window and watched each passenger disembark. Most were men in their twenties or thirties. Just a very few women. No one was carrying anything with them and there was no luggage to unload. This was a plane full of illegal immigrants that had been caught and were being returned to Honduras.



The marshalls were positioned at strategic positions all around the plane as it was serviced in preparation for another leg. One of the marshalls had a camera taking pictures. I had to laugh. As beautiful as this country is, the Tegucigalpa airport is not the most scenic spot in the country.



When the plane was ready to leave, no new passengers boarded. Just the marshalls got back on the plane.



As I watched them come off the plane, I wondered what each one's story was. Obviously, at least one was running from the law. Others may have been also. Some were probably running from some type of problem. Others were hoping to find a job in U.S. in order to be able to send money home to a wife and kids, parents, brothers, sisters. Hopes of providing food and education. Perhaps money for a needed surgery. Others were trying to escape unemployment and hunger and homelessness.



I am not saying I condone illegally entering another country, but I was saddened to think of the poverty, the hunger, the hopelessness that caused people to leave their kids, their parents, their homes, taking nothing with them and risk life itself for, what they believe, a better life of hope and of feeding families that remain in Honduras.



I have read other things besides Enrique's Journey. I guarantee some of those returnees were on a bus to Guatemala to try once again to get to the United States, the land of hope, before the plane was serviced and off the ground. Some may make it a bit further next time. Many of them will be returned many more times. Some will die trying and very few will make it into the United States.



I know things are bad for many in the states now, but to many, it is better than where they are now and getting there is the only hope for a better life.



Terri

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Traffic Jam

Rosita now has to be picked up between 2:30 and 2:45. I try to be there at the bus stop by 2:30. The days I have errands, I try to plan everything where I can get to the bus stop no later than 2:30. If I have to wait, I keep a book in my backpack.

Today, I came out of PriceSmart, loaded the groceries in the car and it was 1:20. A lot of time before I had to meet the bus, but not really enough to park and go in some other store. I slowly headed to the bus stop.

Thankfully, I had that extra time.

I soon saw traffic backed up and realized it was backed up at the exit to the bus stop and ultimately home. Things are not like they are in the states. Where I live, there is no alternate route home. I sat there and sat there and once in a while would move one car length. I was watching the minutes tick away. When I finally got on the Choluteca highway at 2:30, I was hoping I was ahead of the bus. It took me twenty minutes to inch along the next two blocks. I fought my way into the proper lane so I could make a left turn to the bus stop. I was already dreading trying to make a left turn back into that mess. I got to the bus stop and the bus came almost immediately. He did not come from the normal direction. He came a street further down and came backing up the street. I guess, being a Honduran, once he got into the mess, he at least knew a way around it. Even if it did not put him where he needed to be.

Rosita jumped out of the bus letting me know she was hot. Weren't we all. If I were made of sugar, I would have surely dissolved. Safely in and buckled, I made a uturn in the middle of the street and easily made a left back into the mess. I knew I had to stop for gas, especially if I was going to be sitting in traffic much longer. Rosita went to sleep. It took me another 30 minutes to get the short distance to the gas station. Rosita woke up as soon I pulled into the gas station. After I bought my gas, I ran into the station and bought Rosita some cookies. She is always hungry and I had no idea how long we would be before we got home. Cookies brought a big smile to her face. She pulled the cookies apart and ate the middle.

Shortly after I pulled away from the station, traffic began to move steadily. Not fast, just steadily. Constant slow movement is better than no movement. I thought we would be going that slow all the way up the mountain. I was glad, after several kilometers, that traffic began moving at a somewhat normal speed.

I usually get home with Rosy around 3:15. At 4:20, Karen called to see where we were. Thankfully, I was just a few feet from the gate.

I was hot and tired. It had been a much longer day than I planned. The groceries still had to be unloaded. One thing for sure, that Country Crock soft butter was much softer when we unloaded it than when I put it in the cart at PriceSmart.

Terri

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

The Bird Man

My father-in-law, the bird man

Aren't they cute?

Scarlet macaws


Toucan. He doesn't look real, does he?


Last week Marc's parents came to see us. We are glad they are here. Unfortunately, they have had to ride with us as have done our errands and watch us take care of business. We decided before they even got here that we would go to Copan for a couple of days. Copan is one of our favorite places.


We left Sunday after church. It took a long time to get there due to some very slow driving because of road construction and places that needed to be under construction and zonas de derrumbes (zones of devastation which means part of the road has fallen off). We went directly to Jim's Copan Pizza, the best pizza we have ever eaten. Anywhere. Then we checked into a nice little place called Calle Real.


It was unseasonably cold for this time of year in Copan. But, that did not keep us from having a good time. We walked aroud Copan and went in some shops and bought seven pounds of coffee and a few other things.


Then we drove out to the bird park. The bird park is rescue operation. Birds that have been injured or people have bought as pets and decided not to keep are brought there. The injured ones are rehabilitated. The park has nice walking trails, a guide, and an interactive area.


We saw many scarlet macaws, the national bird of Honduras. We saw other macaws, parrots, parakeets, and toucans. We enjoyed the bird park.


We kicked around Copan yesterday afternoon and drove back today. Copan is a long way for such a short time, but we had a great time.


Tomorrow, it is back to work for everyone as Marc's parents will go feed at the dump with us.


Terri








Sunday, March 1, 2009

Good Things in Mirador Oriente

Many good things are happening in the village of Mirador Oriente.

Mi Esperanza will soon be having sewing classes in the women's center. Anything that a woman can learn that will help her earn some income is a good thing.

As I have said before, water is an issue in that village. The women's center is not even open everyday, as we had hoped, because some days there is no water. Yesterday morning we met with John Finley. He works with a well drilling ministry. We have been waiting on this for a while. There is a huge need in this country for wells. We are finally on that list. There is not a start date yet, but what a well will do for this community and the women's center will be a great blessing.

Thanks be to God for these two good things.

Terri