Something has hit hard at Casa. Karen, Dorian and Korbin were sick. Little Korbin is still sick, as are the twins. Reina was sick. And Ana. Adonis has not felt well. Nor Sisi. Haley was not feeling well. And now Any. Cris was sick at visitation Friday. Others have been sick.
I pray that everyone is soon well and that the rest of us don't get whatever it is.
Terri
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Girl Time
As work is being done on Matt and Nicole's house, they are living here. I love it. Sweet Haley gets up in such a pleasant mood. Having my daughter around all the time.
Last week, Matt and Marc and all the interns went to Copan. I envisioned Nicole and I having all this wonderful girl time. We were going to eat lunch in town one day, which we did after I took her to the doctor. We were going to go to town one evening for supper. The only night we went to town was to take the three that drank gasoline to the emergency room. I thought we would have gourmet meals and visit late into the night. Ha! We both are too tired at night to do much visiting. Between us, we did good to get any food on the table, the laundry washed and hung on the line and the dishes done. There has been nights of both of us working.
Even though, it didn't work quite like I had it planned, it has been a great week having Nicole and Haley here. Sometimes, you can't plan that special time. It just happens.
Terri
Last week, Matt and Marc and all the interns went to Copan. I envisioned Nicole and I having all this wonderful girl time. We were going to eat lunch in town one day, which we did after I took her to the doctor. We were going to go to town one evening for supper. The only night we went to town was to take the three that drank gasoline to the emergency room. I thought we would have gourmet meals and visit late into the night. Ha! We both are too tired at night to do much visiting. Between us, we did good to get any food on the table, the laundry washed and hung on the line and the dishes done. There has been nights of both of us working.
Even though, it didn't work quite like I had it planned, it has been a great week having Nicole and Haley here. Sometimes, you can't plan that special time. It just happens.
Terri
Friday, May 25, 2012
Gas Guzzlers
Most of us think of a gas guzzler as an SUV or other vehicle that uses a lot of gasoline. At Casa de Esperanza, the term has a whole new meaning.
It has been a long day. A really long day. Matt and Christina are gone. Nicole had a mandatory meeting at Teleton. It was market day. It was visitation day. One car is out of commission, leaving only one to accomplish all of the above. The teachers were striking and all the kids were home with tons of homework to do. Karen, Dorian and Korbin were all sick. It was decided Nicole would go to the market before her meeting since only one car was available. She left here at 10:40 and returned at 6:40. Sounds like one of my days. She did not leave Teleton until after 5:00. She stopped at Little Caesar's and got a hot and ready. I was thankful for that.
Right before she got home, Karen called. Karen was talking so fast I could not understand her. But, I heard the word gasoline. And then I heard some of the kids' names. Three kids drank gasoline from a bottle Reina found. She managed to sneak it into the house and hide it. Then, when no one was looking, she drank some of it and generously shared it with two others. Josue reeked of gasoline. The other two did not smell quite so bad.
Nicole walked in the door with the pizza and I said did you unload the car? She said, "Mom, I am tired and hungry and I want to eat some of this pizza. Then in my fast voice, I said three kids drank gasoline. Somehow, we inhaled some pizza and she got Haley ready for bed while I unloaded the vegetables. Nicole told the three kids to get their shoes on because they were going to the hospital. Cindy, Daniela, and Rosy were quite upset about someone having to go to the hospital. Somehow, Katy missed out on this adventure and trip to the hospital. Nicole took them to the hospital in Ojojona. The people at the hospital said she should take them to Tegucigalpa just to be sure they were ok. Nicole came back here and she and I went to Tegucigalpa. I carried a sleeping Haley up to the car where Nicole and the kids were waiting.
Karen and I both had checked the internet to know what to do. The site I read said that anyone that drank gasoline would burp and pass gas several times for a couple of days. And it would smell like gasoline. Maryuri entertained herself all the way down the mountain by passing gasoline gas. She thought it was so funny.
All three kids were so scared and so nervous. Reina began to say she needed to use the bathroom. Then she started crying. From experience, I know when Reina says she needs to go and then starts crying, she is going to wet her pants. There is not much shoulder on the windy, curvy road down the mountain, but I found a safe place to pull off. Nicole was going help Reina use the bathroom on the side of the road. Reina and Maryuri both jumped out of the car. Nicole held Reina where she didn't go all over herself. Reina got back in the car. Nicole starts laughing. Maryuri is in a one piece zippered pajama. With rubber boots on as shoes. Nicole had to nearly undress Maryuri for her to go to the bathroom. She had to hold Maryuri's arms and the arms of her pj's.
We went a bit further and Maryuri and Reina both started crying and saying they needed to go to the bathroom again. I told them we were not doing that again and we were nearly to the hospital. I drove a little faster. Maryuri had a complete meltdown for a few minutes. Nicole talked kindly and gently to her. We arrived at the hospital. Nicole is carrying Haley, I am carrying Josue and Reina and Maryuri are running for the bathroom. I guess they were so scared that they just had to keep going to the bathroom.
When they were called, Nicole went with them and I stayed in the waiting room with Haley. We were sitting there talking and watching tv. She turned and looked outside. It was very dark. She saw two doctors walking around out there. They both had on their white lab coats. Haley started screaming and would not quit.
Meanwhile, the doctor is giving the kids very thorough exams. He determined no gasoline got into their lungs. They will have tummy aches for a few days, but he gave medicine to help with that. Other than that, they will be fine.
Since the hospital is right next door to Wendy's, Nicole thought we should get a frosty. All four kids were wide awake and I knew if she got one, they would all want one. A very bad idea at 10:30 at night.. So I nixed that idea and we came home.
I know Karen, Nicole and I will sleep much better knowing the kids are ok.
I hope the next gas guzzler is a car that uses a lot of gasoline and not a kid that drinks it.
Terri
It has been a long day. A really long day. Matt and Christina are gone. Nicole had a mandatory meeting at Teleton. It was market day. It was visitation day. One car is out of commission, leaving only one to accomplish all of the above. The teachers were striking and all the kids were home with tons of homework to do. Karen, Dorian and Korbin were all sick. It was decided Nicole would go to the market before her meeting since only one car was available. She left here at 10:40 and returned at 6:40. Sounds like one of my days. She did not leave Teleton until after 5:00. She stopped at Little Caesar's and got a hot and ready. I was thankful for that.
Right before she got home, Karen called. Karen was talking so fast I could not understand her. But, I heard the word gasoline. And then I heard some of the kids' names. Three kids drank gasoline from a bottle Reina found. She managed to sneak it into the house and hide it. Then, when no one was looking, she drank some of it and generously shared it with two others. Josue reeked of gasoline. The other two did not smell quite so bad.
Nicole walked in the door with the pizza and I said did you unload the car? She said, "Mom, I am tired and hungry and I want to eat some of this pizza. Then in my fast voice, I said three kids drank gasoline. Somehow, we inhaled some pizza and she got Haley ready for bed while I unloaded the vegetables. Nicole told the three kids to get their shoes on because they were going to the hospital. Cindy, Daniela, and Rosy were quite upset about someone having to go to the hospital. Somehow, Katy missed out on this adventure and trip to the hospital. Nicole took them to the hospital in Ojojona. The people at the hospital said she should take them to Tegucigalpa just to be sure they were ok. Nicole came back here and she and I went to Tegucigalpa. I carried a sleeping Haley up to the car where Nicole and the kids were waiting.
Karen and I both had checked the internet to know what to do. The site I read said that anyone that drank gasoline would burp and pass gas several times for a couple of days. And it would smell like gasoline. Maryuri entertained herself all the way down the mountain by passing gasoline gas. She thought it was so funny.
All three kids were so scared and so nervous. Reina began to say she needed to use the bathroom. Then she started crying. From experience, I know when Reina says she needs to go and then starts crying, she is going to wet her pants. There is not much shoulder on the windy, curvy road down the mountain, but I found a safe place to pull off. Nicole was going help Reina use the bathroom on the side of the road. Reina and Maryuri both jumped out of the car. Nicole held Reina where she didn't go all over herself. Reina got back in the car. Nicole starts laughing. Maryuri is in a one piece zippered pajama. With rubber boots on as shoes. Nicole had to nearly undress Maryuri for her to go to the bathroom. She had to hold Maryuri's arms and the arms of her pj's.
We went a bit further and Maryuri and Reina both started crying and saying they needed to go to the bathroom again. I told them we were not doing that again and we were nearly to the hospital. I drove a little faster. Maryuri had a complete meltdown for a few minutes. Nicole talked kindly and gently to her. We arrived at the hospital. Nicole is carrying Haley, I am carrying Josue and Reina and Maryuri are running for the bathroom. I guess they were so scared that they just had to keep going to the bathroom.
When they were called, Nicole went with them and I stayed in the waiting room with Haley. We were sitting there talking and watching tv. She turned and looked outside. It was very dark. She saw two doctors walking around out there. They both had on their white lab coats. Haley started screaming and would not quit.
Meanwhile, the doctor is giving the kids very thorough exams. He determined no gasoline got into their lungs. They will have tummy aches for a few days, but he gave medicine to help with that. Other than that, they will be fine.
Since the hospital is right next door to Wendy's, Nicole thought we should get a frosty. All four kids were wide awake and I knew if she got one, they would all want one. A very bad idea at 10:30 at night.. So I nixed that idea and we came home.
I know Karen, Nicole and I will sleep much better knowing the kids are ok.
I hope the next gas guzzler is a car that uses a lot of gasoline and not a kid that drinks it.
Terri
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Confessions
Once upon a time, Marc was a successful businessman. And he worked all of the time. I would often say, "Just stop. For just a little while, just stop." Sometimes he would and sometimes he would not. We gave up that way of life and moved to Honduras.
I love my job (jobs) at Casa de Esperanza. I can't imagine doing anything else. There is still a workaholic among us. And it is not Marc, even though he works long hard days. It is me. I never stop. Never. Even when Marc says, "Just stop. For just a little while, just stop." There is so much to do and I am never at a stopping point. I never can say, "Everything is done." I can never say the end is in sight. So, I keep working.
God has blessed us with many friends. In the other life, I was fairly regular with communicating, either by phone or email. When we moved to Honduras, one of the things I committed to myself was to be regular in communication. And at first, I was very faithful in communication. But the busier I get and the further behind I get, the less I communicate. Yes, I blog. I try to answer email concerning groups and Casa de Esperanza. I am not even as good at that as I once was. But, I do not communicate with my family and friends like I should. Like I want to. Not even my sweet little Camille.
Last night I facebook chatted with a friend. And, this morning I had a day-brightening chat with Ruthann. Both of these chats lasts only a few minutes. Both made me feel much better. Both made me realize I how I needed to be having these little chats and little phone calls more often. I am blessed with friends and I need you guys. I need to stop working for a few minutes or seconds and send a brief email, or happen to catch you when you are on facebook.
Hopefully, I can put my work aside and communicate better. We will see, won't we?
Terri
I love my job (jobs) at Casa de Esperanza. I can't imagine doing anything else. There is still a workaholic among us. And it is not Marc, even though he works long hard days. It is me. I never stop. Never. Even when Marc says, "Just stop. For just a little while, just stop." There is so much to do and I am never at a stopping point. I never can say, "Everything is done." I can never say the end is in sight. So, I keep working.
God has blessed us with many friends. In the other life, I was fairly regular with communicating, either by phone or email. When we moved to Honduras, one of the things I committed to myself was to be regular in communication. And at first, I was very faithful in communication. But the busier I get and the further behind I get, the less I communicate. Yes, I blog. I try to answer email concerning groups and Casa de Esperanza. I am not even as good at that as I once was. But, I do not communicate with my family and friends like I should. Like I want to. Not even my sweet little Camille.
Last night I facebook chatted with a friend. And, this morning I had a day-brightening chat with Ruthann. Both of these chats lasts only a few minutes. Both made me feel much better. Both made me realize I how I needed to be having these little chats and little phone calls more often. I am blessed with friends and I need you guys. I need to stop working for a few minutes or seconds and send a brief email, or happen to catch you when you are on facebook.
Hopefully, I can put my work aside and communicate better. We will see, won't we?
Terri
Sunday, May 20, 2012
A New Baptistry And Stage
The church in Santa Ana will soon be seven years old. Like many Honduran churches, this one receives some support from a church in the States. But, this church has always tried to do as much as it could without aid.
From the beginning, the baptistry has been outside. That is ok in February, March, and April. But when it is cold and/or rainy, having a baptistry outside is not ideal. It suffices. A while back, it was decided to move the baptistry inside. After proper permission was attained, work began. There was volunteer labor by church members, thus, cutting the cost to only materials. The church ladies brought meals to the men working. Since the church building is right behind my house, I could hear the workers laughing and talking. Fellowshipping as Christians should. It reminded me of the new ceiling in the fellowship hall at Antioch many long years ago.
In addition to the baptistry, a stage was added also.
The baptistry is at the back of the stage and remains covered when not in use. By digging the baptistry into the floor, space was saved.
From the beginning, the baptistry has been outside. That is ok in February, March, and April. But when it is cold and/or rainy, having a baptistry outside is not ideal. It suffices. A while back, it was decided to move the baptistry inside. After proper permission was attained, work began. There was volunteer labor by church members, thus, cutting the cost to only materials. The church ladies brought meals to the men working. Since the church building is right behind my house, I could hear the workers laughing and talking. Fellowshipping as Christians should. It reminded me of the new ceiling in the fellowship hall at Antioch many long years ago.
In addition to the baptistry, a stage was added also.
The baptistry is at the back of the stage and remains covered when not in use. By digging the baptistry into the floor, space was saved.
The children are performing on the stage.
Everyone is so proud of the new baptistry and stage and proud that they were able to build it without outside help.
Terri
Friday, May 18, 2012
Date Night
Marc and I have been so busy. Going in different directions. Working on different things. Sometimes, at night I tell him about some things going on at Casa and he tells me about what he has been doing. Next Tuesday the summer interns arrive and then groups begin. It is going to get busier.
Earlier in the week, I said, "Wednesday night, Thursday night, Friday night or Monday night. Pick one of them." Of course, he wanted to know why. Nicole chimed in, "You are taking Mom on a date." Marc chose Friday night. But then, Baby Arturo died and Marc has been with that family for two whole days. Matt and I went to get new product for the store today. I thought I could see my date evaporating. Marc got home and I know he was exhausted. He said he needed 15 minutes of rest and he would be good to go.
Marc's phone rang three times before we got out of Santa Ana. He then turned it off. Yay! We went to Applebee's. We ordered spinach and artichoke dip for our appetizer. We don't often order appetizers. I ate about half of my meal and then ordered a box. I really was looking forward to finishing that meal for lunch tomorrow. I left the box on the table.
Tomorrow, we start all over. Going in different directions. Working on different things. But for over 3 hours tonight, it was just the two of us. I am so thankful for that precious time.
Terri
Earlier in the week, I said, "Wednesday night, Thursday night, Friday night or Monday night. Pick one of them." Of course, he wanted to know why. Nicole chimed in, "You are taking Mom on a date." Marc chose Friday night. But then, Baby Arturo died and Marc has been with that family for two whole days. Matt and I went to get new product for the store today. I thought I could see my date evaporating. Marc got home and I know he was exhausted. He said he needed 15 minutes of rest and he would be good to go.
Marc's phone rang three times before we got out of Santa Ana. He then turned it off. Yay! We went to Applebee's. We ordered spinach and artichoke dip for our appetizer. We don't often order appetizers. I ate about half of my meal and then ordered a box. I really was looking forward to finishing that meal for lunch tomorrow. I left the box on the table.
Tomorrow, we start all over. Going in different directions. Working on different things. But for over 3 hours tonight, it was just the two of us. I am so thankful for that precious time.
Terri
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Another Nightmare In Hospital Escuela
Anyone that has ever visited Hospital Escuela knows the deplorable conditions that exist there. After living here for five years, we have seen and heard some awful things. This is definitely one of them.
There is a couple named Arturo and Katia. Marc met this young couple in the dump and befriended them. When their baby boy was born a couple of months ago, his intestines were on the outside of his body. With some of the money from the dump fund, we were able to pay for the surgery needed for this baby. Marc visited them in the hospital every day and when it was time to go home, Marc took them home so they did not have to ride a bus.
Things went well until Baby Arturo developed an infection and was taken back to the hospital. He was in the hospital for a couple of weeks. On Saturday night, Marc received a call from the dad saying the baby had died. Marc left early Sunday morning to go help the family with the funeral. Minutes after Marc received the call the baby was manually revived. Marc stayed with the family most of Sunday. The baby died 2 more times on Sunday and two more times was manually revived.
Hospital Escuela is a teaching hospital. They were using this baby to teach the medical students and nurses how to manually revive a dead person. There was a new person in the room about every 20 minutes. The baby had no brain function and, for all practical purposes, was dead. The parents were not allowed to leave the hospital with their baby. They he was not going to live. They wanted to take him home and hold him and keep as comfortable as possible until he died. But they were not allowed to leave.
The baby died this morning and Marc is on his way to help the family. Please pray for this family. They have lost their baby boy. But they have been through a horrible week as their child was used by the hospital.
Terri
There is a couple named Arturo and Katia. Marc met this young couple in the dump and befriended them. When their baby boy was born a couple of months ago, his intestines were on the outside of his body. With some of the money from the dump fund, we were able to pay for the surgery needed for this baby. Marc visited them in the hospital every day and when it was time to go home, Marc took them home so they did not have to ride a bus.
Things went well until Baby Arturo developed an infection and was taken back to the hospital. He was in the hospital for a couple of weeks. On Saturday night, Marc received a call from the dad saying the baby had died. Marc left early Sunday morning to go help the family with the funeral. Minutes after Marc received the call the baby was manually revived. Marc stayed with the family most of Sunday. The baby died 2 more times on Sunday and two more times was manually revived.
Hospital Escuela is a teaching hospital. They were using this baby to teach the medical students and nurses how to manually revive a dead person. There was a new person in the room about every 20 minutes. The baby had no brain function and, for all practical purposes, was dead. The parents were not allowed to leave the hospital with their baby. They he was not going to live. They wanted to take him home and hold him and keep as comfortable as possible until he died. But they were not allowed to leave.
The baby died this morning and Marc is on his way to help the family. Please pray for this family. They have lost their baby boy. But they have been through a horrible week as their child was used by the hospital.
Terri
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