Despite the fact that I was working for most of it...I had a fantastic weekend.
Friday night the power went out after I huge thunderblot struck so I spent most of the evening at my neighbor's house, gossiping, and eating and just hanging out with her family. Saturday morning I woke up and headed to Las Brisas and Jocomico [the 2 communities where we are working in the Olla Comun project] and spent the morning cooking with the mothers which is always fun. I washed some clothes at home and then spent the rest of the evening at Shawn's mom's house which was so fun...his entire family was there so it was quite a full house. I adore all of them so much...between them and Reina's family, I feel so blessed to know all these people who treat me like family :)
Then yesterday I spent the entire day helping with the fundraiser for the Nutritional Center which was such a great time...I got to hang out with Los Rebeldes and all the girls that work at the Center...we raised a lot of money, ate yummy food and just goofed off which was so fun.
Today I went to the communities for Olla Comun again and I was asked to be the godmother [madrina] for 2 different women's daughters. I was so touched by them asking...that I said yes right away. I never knew it would be so possible to feel so at home in another country where I have a completely different culture and background from everyone else.
I've said it before and I'll say it again...life is so beautiful and I am so blessed and happy to be here.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Friday, June 19, 2009
reconnect
I have -so- much to write about...I don't even know where to start.
Life is good...life is beautiful and wonderful and I am so blessed to be here and be having this experience and to have people cross my path and influence my life.
Work is busy busy and I am completely enjoying the projects that I am working on right now...mainly I am working with my youth group who is slowly but surely preparing to give HIV charlas in the high school and also I am working on a project called Olla Comun [Common Pot basically] where we are teaching groups of mothers with children who are underweight how to cook more nutricious.
[That last sentence was probably awful English...I swear the longer I am here, the worse my English gets. Haha.]
Last week when I went up to Santa Lucia to weigh kids under 5 for the monthly AIN-C meeting [basically its monitoring kids under 2 years old in communities but in SL there are a lot of problems so we weigh all kids under 5] and where the mothers recieve a nutricious snack and nutrition counseling. In May, one of the girls had lost weight because she had been sick and I gave the mom some tips for nutrition and foods to give the girl. Well this month the girl put on weight and was in the appropiate category again for her age and the mom told me that she started giving the girl eggs to eat because I had told her that they were good for her. And she thanked me for the advice and said it was so helpful.
I can honestly say that that one experience is more than enough to have me be completely satisfied with my service. :)
I think for a bit of time I allowed myself to get really consumed with minute issues and was so concerned with things that, in the big picture, don't matter at all. I forgot -why- I am here and sort of lost my way. I feel competely on track now and refocused which is a great feeling. I am genuinely happy...despite all the frustrations and everything else, I absoutely -love- my job and I couldn't be happier about my decision to join PC.
Life is good...life is beautiful and wonderful and I am so blessed to be here and be having this experience and to have people cross my path and influence my life.
Work is busy busy and I am completely enjoying the projects that I am working on right now...mainly I am working with my youth group who is slowly but surely preparing to give HIV charlas in the high school and also I am working on a project called Olla Comun [Common Pot basically] where we are teaching groups of mothers with children who are underweight how to cook more nutricious.
[That last sentence was probably awful English...I swear the longer I am here, the worse my English gets. Haha.]
Last week when I went up to Santa Lucia to weigh kids under 5 for the monthly AIN-C meeting [basically its monitoring kids under 2 years old in communities but in SL there are a lot of problems so we weigh all kids under 5] and where the mothers recieve a nutricious snack and nutrition counseling. In May, one of the girls had lost weight because she had been sick and I gave the mom some tips for nutrition and foods to give the girl. Well this month the girl put on weight and was in the appropiate category again for her age and the mom told me that she started giving the girl eggs to eat because I had told her that they were good for her. And she thanked me for the advice and said it was so helpful.
I can honestly say that that one experience is more than enough to have me be completely satisfied with my service. :)
I think for a bit of time I allowed myself to get really consumed with minute issues and was so concerned with things that, in the big picture, don't matter at all. I forgot -why- I am here and sort of lost my way. I feel competely on track now and refocused which is a great feeling. I am genuinely happy...despite all the frustrations and everything else, I absoutely -love- my job and I couldn't be happier about my decision to join PC.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Earthquake!
So no worries everyone...I was in Tegus when the earthquake hit and I slept right through it. Thanks to everyone that called to make sure I am okay, it is much appreciated!
Last week was spent traveling. Shawn and I went up to La Ceiba for Carnaval [their fair which is quite famous and well-known for being crazy fun.] He has some siblings that live up there so we stayed with his brother which was a lot of fun. It's always better when you stay at a house as opposed to a hotel. We saw the parade on Saturday and then went out to dinner and dancing with some volunteers that night. Shopping, trips to the beach, and playing with Shawn's nieces filled the rest of my trip, which was much needed.
Then I headed to Tegus for Midterm Meds aka trip to the doctor for all the health volunteers in my group. I am happy to say that I am 100% healthy...no parasites, cavitives, etc. Yay! It was good to see other volunteers and some Honduran friends that live in Tegus. I got to do some shopping which is always fun, even on my PC budget!
Today is my first day back at work in a week, so it feels good but I also feel lost, so much happened while I was gone [like usual.] Doris is starting a nutrition recuperation project in 6 different communities and I told her that I am more than available and willing to help so I am looking forward to that. I also have my youth group that meets every Tuesday, we are slowly but surely working to give an HIV charla in the high school. My PC boss also asked me to help with 2 big projects while I was in Tegus.
1] I am now the point person for the HIV training that takes place with each group of volunteers during training. This means I will be responsible for coordinating the logistics for training as well as working on editing and improving the manual.
2] I have been asked to assist on a new project called "Quality of Life" which will basically cover a variety of topics related to Maternal/Child Health such as Hygiene, Family Gardens, Nutrition, Weighing Children, etc. The PC Health project wants to put together a workshop in the end of September so I will be helping with that.
I am really excited about both projects because I think given my experience here, I have a lot of offer and contribute. It's nice when your skills are recognized!
Today is JUNE 1st which I almost can't believe. I -know- I still have a year left [less now, 11 months!!] but I always think about my service only being til the end of 2009 because really the last 4 months in 2010 are going to -fly- by.
Who ever knew 2 years could flash before your eyes?
Last week was spent traveling. Shawn and I went up to La Ceiba for Carnaval [their fair which is quite famous and well-known for being crazy fun.] He has some siblings that live up there so we stayed with his brother which was a lot of fun. It's always better when you stay at a house as opposed to a hotel. We saw the parade on Saturday and then went out to dinner and dancing with some volunteers that night. Shopping, trips to the beach, and playing with Shawn's nieces filled the rest of my trip, which was much needed.
Then I headed to Tegus for Midterm Meds aka trip to the doctor for all the health volunteers in my group. I am happy to say that I am 100% healthy...no parasites, cavitives, etc. Yay! It was good to see other volunteers and some Honduran friends that live in Tegus. I got to do some shopping which is always fun, even on my PC budget!
Today is my first day back at work in a week, so it feels good but I also feel lost, so much happened while I was gone [like usual.] Doris is starting a nutrition recuperation project in 6 different communities and I told her that I am more than available and willing to help so I am looking forward to that. I also have my youth group that meets every Tuesday, we are slowly but surely working to give an HIV charla in the high school. My PC boss also asked me to help with 2 big projects while I was in Tegus.
1] I am now the point person for the HIV training that takes place with each group of volunteers during training. This means I will be responsible for coordinating the logistics for training as well as working on editing and improving the manual.
2] I have been asked to assist on a new project called "Quality of Life" which will basically cover a variety of topics related to Maternal/Child Health such as Hygiene, Family Gardens, Nutrition, Weighing Children, etc. The PC Health project wants to put together a workshop in the end of September so I will be helping with that.
I am really excited about both projects because I think given my experience here, I have a lot of offer and contribute. It's nice when your skills are recognized!
Today is JUNE 1st which I almost can't believe. I -know- I still have a year left [less now, 11 months!!] but I always think about my service only being til the end of 2009 because really the last 4 months in 2010 are going to -fly- by.
Who ever knew 2 years could flash before your eyes?
Monday, April 27, 2009
4.27.09 Catching an iguana
This afternoon I was experimenting in my kitchen (using my home-grown squash and cilantro!) when I heard Shawn call my name from the backyard.
I went outside and he pointed up in my avocado tree and said "Want to have iguana for dinner?" I look up towards the tree and while squinting, try to make out the supposed iguana that he is talking about. I can't see a darn thing and while I continue searching, he goes into the house and comes back with his slingshot (I bought it for him while in Ojojona last week giving an HIV training...definitely never thought he'd actually use it. Haha.)
I head back inside to check on lunch and while stirring my squash/onion/cilantro/sausage experiment, I watch Shawn sling rocks into the avocado tree. I yell at him that he is crazy but am definitely enjoying the entertainment.
A few minutes later, I hear the destinctive sound of an animal falling out of a tree. I rush outside to see an iguana trapped under Shawn's foot. He grabs it by the tail as I run back inside to retrieve my camera. I then snap some pictures as he ties it up to wooden chair on my patio.
I'm not sure if we are going to eat if for dinner or what...but it certainly made for an eventful Monday afternoon.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
3.24.08 More pictures
1. My cat Joaquin (isn't he so photogenic?)2. The volunteers in Yoro (we had a goodbye party for 2 that are leaving in May)
3. Myself giving a workshop on measuring and weighing children to the health volunteers
4. Dead snake we found on the way to Las Crusitas
5. Laughing with my women in El Pate
6. The awesome bookshelf Shawn and I made
Monday, March 9, 2009
Same ol' same ol'
So this is way too much info...but I realized the other day that I've had diarrea more in the past year than I've ever had in my -entire- 24 years of existance. That's horrible.
Needless to say, I found myself sicker than a dog on Friday night...still not sure what caused the problem but I am definitely feeling better now...just tired and a little out of it but I am sure that will pass in the next couple of days.
I am mostly bummed that I didn't even get to enjoy my weekend...I wanted to weed my garden and wash clothes and take a trip to Progreso but instead I spent it sipping Gatorade on my couch. Boo. Thank goodness we now have amazing cable here (no seriously...Showtime, MTV, VH1, CNN!!!! (in ENGLISH!) ABC, CBS, USA, etc. etc.) and it only costs 15 bux a month! Yay Honduras. Haha.
Work is crazy busy as usual...we are still doing the health monitoring in all the communities which I help out with when I don't have another committment. I really enjoy myself when I do go, I love being out in the community and the women are always so thankful that we are giving vitamins and deparasiting pills to their kids. I think gringa = doctor to them so that is pretty funny to me. Last week this guy picked a coconut from a tree and chopped off the top so I could drink the water out of it....yummy!! :) I am also trying to get a youth group started at the high school...we had 2 informational meetings today and hopefully we will get a good turnout when we have the first actual meeting next week. Cross your fingers!!
I also seem to have inherited a cat. My neighbor left to study in Tela a few weeks ago and she left her cat with her mother-in-law but seeing as how people aren't really apt to taking care of animals, the cat found its way to my house and was crying outside my door, searching for food. Being the humanatarian that I am, I tossed him some scraps and he has since taken up residence on the plastic chair in my backyard. He is really cute, gray and white with some black stripes and green eyes...and now named Joaquin. He likes to lay on my stomach when I am in the hammock. :)
Only 3 weeks until my Mom and Jeffrey get here!!
Needless to say, I found myself sicker than a dog on Friday night...still not sure what caused the problem but I am definitely feeling better now...just tired and a little out of it but I am sure that will pass in the next couple of days.
I am mostly bummed that I didn't even get to enjoy my weekend...I wanted to weed my garden and wash clothes and take a trip to Progreso but instead I spent it sipping Gatorade on my couch. Boo. Thank goodness we now have amazing cable here (no seriously...Showtime, MTV, VH1, CNN!!!! (in ENGLISH!) ABC, CBS, USA, etc. etc.) and it only costs 15 bux a month! Yay Honduras. Haha.
Work is crazy busy as usual...we are still doing the health monitoring in all the communities which I help out with when I don't have another committment. I really enjoy myself when I do go, I love being out in the community and the women are always so thankful that we are giving vitamins and deparasiting pills to their kids. I think gringa = doctor to them so that is pretty funny to me. Last week this guy picked a coconut from a tree and chopped off the top so I could drink the water out of it....yummy!! :) I am also trying to get a youth group started at the high school...we had 2 informational meetings today and hopefully we will get a good turnout when we have the first actual meeting next week. Cross your fingers!!
I also seem to have inherited a cat. My neighbor left to study in Tela a few weeks ago and she left her cat with her mother-in-law but seeing as how people aren't really apt to taking care of animals, the cat found its way to my house and was crying outside my door, searching for food. Being the humanatarian that I am, I tossed him some scraps and he has since taken up residence on the plastic chair in my backyard. He is really cute, gray and white with some black stripes and green eyes...and now named Joaquin. He likes to lay on my stomach when I am in the hammock. :)
Only 3 weeks until my Mom and Jeffrey get here!!
This totally made me tear up...
How to Dance in the Rain
It was a busy morning, about 8:30 , when an elderly gentleman in his 80s arrived at the hospital to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health.He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.
He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?' He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.' I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought,'That is the kind of love I want in my life.
'True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have. I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did.
'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.
It was a busy morning, about 8:30 , when an elderly gentleman in his 80s arrived at the hospital to have stitches removed from his thumb. He said he was in a hurry as he had an appointment at 9:00 am. I took his vital signs and had him take a seat, knowing it would be over an hour before someone would be able to see him. I saw him looking at his watch and decided, since I was not busy with another patient, I would evaluate his wound. On exam, it was well healed, so I talked to one of the doctors, got the needed supplies to remove his sutures and redress his wound.While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor's appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me no, that he needed to go to the nursing home to eat breakfast with his wife. I inquired as to her health.He told me that she had been there for a while and that she was a victim of Alzheimer's Disease. As we talked, I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late.
He replied that she no longer knew who he was, that she had not recognized him in five years now. I was surprised, and asked him, 'And you still go every morning, even though she doesn't know who you are?' He smiled as he patted my hand and said, 'She doesn't know me, but I still know who she is.' I had to hold back tears as he left, I had goose bumps on my arm, and thought,'That is the kind of love I want in my life.
'True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have. I hope you share this with someone you care about. I just did.
'Life isn't about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain.
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