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!!
Monday, March 9, 2009
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.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Green thumbs and weighing babies
I fell in love today...
with gardening :)
Tehehe. Yes yes, I'm not sure how green my thumb actually is...but I certainly -want- it to be green. And what is that quote...if we will it, it will be? Anyway...I planted some seeds over the weekend and delightfully discovered yesterday that they have sprouted into little seedlings! I have little cherry and beefeater tomato sprouting in pots, as well as some different kinds of peppers. And in the actual garden there are cucumbers, basil and bush beans sprouting up. Watching them grow is almost like watching a child grow...only faster! So I am really excited about my garden project. Thanks especially to my mom and grandma for all their advice. Hopefully there will be more news to come!
Also...work is insanely busy of course. I even agreed to work this Saturday at 8 in the morning...I know, I know. But its not like its an everyday thing. I also made my March calendar and every single day is booked with something. Wow. Luckily I will be taking a =much deserved= vacation to Belize in April! Woohoo!
with gardening :)
Tehehe. Yes yes, I'm not sure how green my thumb actually is...but I certainly -want- it to be green. And what is that quote...if we will it, it will be? Anyway...I planted some seeds over the weekend and delightfully discovered yesterday that they have sprouted into little seedlings! I have little cherry and beefeater tomato sprouting in pots, as well as some different kinds of peppers. And in the actual garden there are cucumbers, basil and bush beans sprouting up. Watching them grow is almost like watching a child grow...only faster! So I am really excited about my garden project. Thanks especially to my mom and grandma for all their advice. Hopefully there will be more news to come!
Also...work is insanely busy of course. I even agreed to work this Saturday at 8 in the morning...I know, I know. But its not like its an everyday thing. I also made my March calendar and every single day is booked with something. Wow. Luckily I will be taking a =much deserved= vacation to Belize in April! Woohoo!
Monday, February 16, 2009
2.16.09
As of Friday, I have been living in Honduras for a year. Wow. In some ways, it makes total sense that I have been here for a year, I feel really integrated in my community, my Spanish rocks, I have work and friends and am generally happy. :)
Last week was absoutely insane. I was out the door before 8am every day and didnt return home until after 6 at the earliest. Whew. Totally worth it however. Wednesday was probably my favorite day...I went with the Health Center to do \"Paquete Basico\" in a -seriously out there- community, which consists of the doctor visiting with sick patients as well as vaccinating kids, distributing vitamins and other medicines and general health education. We went to Las Crucitas, which is where a midwife that I know lives so I was really excited to see her and just get to know more of the outlying areas of El Negrito. Arriving there was quite an adventure as always, I ended up in the bed of the pick up truck, surrounded by a 5 other Hondurans and boxes upon boxes of medical supplies. (wait...did I really just say, \"other Hondurans\" implying that I myself am Honduran? Ohmigosh...) At one point, the road was -way- too muddy and the truck couldn\'t climb up the hill so we all jumped out to start throwing rocks in the road to help with the traction. At one point, one of the nurses threw a big rock near me and low and behold, smackdab in a puddle of mud, which immediately splashed all over me. I was covered...from my feet to my face. It was ridiculous but hysterical at the same time. We finally arrived at the community and after chowing down on delicious coffee and baleadas, we got to work. I mostly observed, the doctor extracted worms from a little boys bottom and an ingrown toenails from a young man. I helped give a few polio vaccines and handed out vitamins. My midwife friend was -so- happy to see me and I left with coffee, lemons, cilantro and a promise to come back and visit soon. We stopped on our way back at a house to see a few more patients, where I encountered a 13 year old girl that was pregnant. Clearly, my work is not finished here. :\\
I finally made it home at 5:30, covered in mud and sweat but happy. Friday was another fun day, we went up to San Jose, the largest aldea in El Negrito and gave a workshop on weighing and measuring kids under 5 to the volunteers in the area. I got to see a few areas that I didnt know and play with some local kids which always makes my day. The weekend was as relaxing as possible, I finally acquired cow manure so hopefully I can get started on my garden asap before it gets too hot. Also, really exciting news...my mom and stepdad are coming to visit in March which I am so stoked about!! My first (but hopefully not last) visitors!!
Last week was absoutely insane. I was out the door before 8am every day and didnt return home until after 6 at the earliest. Whew. Totally worth it however. Wednesday was probably my favorite day...I went with the Health Center to do \"Paquete Basico\" in a -seriously out there- community, which consists of the doctor visiting with sick patients as well as vaccinating kids, distributing vitamins and other medicines and general health education. We went to Las Crucitas, which is where a midwife that I know lives so I was really excited to see her and just get to know more of the outlying areas of El Negrito. Arriving there was quite an adventure as always, I ended up in the bed of the pick up truck, surrounded by a 5 other Hondurans and boxes upon boxes of medical supplies. (wait...did I really just say, \"other Hondurans\" implying that I myself am Honduran? Ohmigosh...) At one point, the road was -way- too muddy and the truck couldn\'t climb up the hill so we all jumped out to start throwing rocks in the road to help with the traction. At one point, one of the nurses threw a big rock near me and low and behold, smackdab in a puddle of mud, which immediately splashed all over me. I was covered...from my feet to my face. It was ridiculous but hysterical at the same time. We finally arrived at the community and after chowing down on delicious coffee and baleadas, we got to work. I mostly observed, the doctor extracted worms from a little boys bottom and an ingrown toenails from a young man. I helped give a few polio vaccines and handed out vitamins. My midwife friend was -so- happy to see me and I left with coffee, lemons, cilantro and a promise to come back and visit soon. We stopped on our way back at a house to see a few more patients, where I encountered a 13 year old girl that was pregnant. Clearly, my work is not finished here. :\\
I finally made it home at 5:30, covered in mud and sweat but happy. Friday was another fun day, we went up to San Jose, the largest aldea in El Negrito and gave a workshop on weighing and measuring kids under 5 to the volunteers in the area. I got to see a few areas that I didnt know and play with some local kids which always makes my day. The weekend was as relaxing as possible, I finally acquired cow manure so hopefully I can get started on my garden asap before it gets too hot. Also, really exciting news...my mom and stepdad are coming to visit in March which I am so stoked about!! My first (but hopefully not last) visitors!!
Monday, February 2, 2009
02.02.09 Long time!
So I know...it has been -ages- since I wrote. It was definitely not my intention but I guess it just happens like that. I don't even know if anyone reads this anymore...but its worth a shot I guess.
Life has been really good lately. I had a nice relaxing 2 week vacation during Christmas and New Years. The staff at WorldVision had a Christmas lunch on the 19th of December which was a lot of fun. We played Secret Santa (I got a beautiful pair of earrings) and ate a tasty dinner. The past 2 months, my relationship with everyone there has really improved and I feel like a part of the team which is really great.
I spent vacation in El Negrito...a lot of time at Reina's house and a lot of time working on house projects. My friend Shawn was a huge help with a bunch of stuff and I can finally say I am content with the way my house looks. We painted my living room and kitchen light blue, built a bookshelf for my living room and also 2 tables, one for my fridge and one for my TV. I put up some pictures of friends and family and also postcards with art. I bought another hammock so I can relax in my carport and people watch. And I am still working on organizing my office (2nd bedroom) but it is definitely looking much better. I spent NYE at my friends Vanessa's house, eating tamales, dancing punta and surrounded by her family.
So I have been back at work since the beginning of January. Things were slow at first but now work is abundant and I am definitely going to be busy...and school hasn't started yet so I will probably be running around like a crazy woman in a few weeks. Haha. But I think we all know I prefer it like that. January was spent helping my counterpart Doris with graphs for when we weighed all the kids under 5 in our community. I also gave a workshop on respiratory infections to health volunteers last week which went well. I have been working with the HIV committee trying to get things started again after the break and figuring out our plan for this year. We had a really nice Christmas dinner at my house in December. :)
My birthday was 2 weeks ago and I had some friends over for a barbeque which was a great time. I even got my own personal cake (3 Leches, my favorite!!!) I know that 24 isn't old...but I freaked out a little about the fact that I am going to turn 25 next year!! I haven't left town since I got back from the States in November which hasn't really bothered me but I have been feeling a little itchy to go to the beach or something so I think a trip plan is in order!
February 13th is one year in country (wow time flies!)
Life has been really good lately. I had a nice relaxing 2 week vacation during Christmas and New Years. The staff at WorldVision had a Christmas lunch on the 19th of December which was a lot of fun. We played Secret Santa (I got a beautiful pair of earrings) and ate a tasty dinner. The past 2 months, my relationship with everyone there has really improved and I feel like a part of the team which is really great.
I spent vacation in El Negrito...a lot of time at Reina's house and a lot of time working on house projects. My friend Shawn was a huge help with a bunch of stuff and I can finally say I am content with the way my house looks. We painted my living room and kitchen light blue, built a bookshelf for my living room and also 2 tables, one for my fridge and one for my TV. I put up some pictures of friends and family and also postcards with art. I bought another hammock so I can relax in my carport and people watch. And I am still working on organizing my office (2nd bedroom) but it is definitely looking much better. I spent NYE at my friends Vanessa's house, eating tamales, dancing punta and surrounded by her family.
So I have been back at work since the beginning of January. Things were slow at first but now work is abundant and I am definitely going to be busy...and school hasn't started yet so I will probably be running around like a crazy woman in a few weeks. Haha. But I think we all know I prefer it like that. January was spent helping my counterpart Doris with graphs for when we weighed all the kids under 5 in our community. I also gave a workshop on respiratory infections to health volunteers last week which went well. I have been working with the HIV committee trying to get things started again after the break and figuring out our plan for this year. We had a really nice Christmas dinner at my house in December. :)
My birthday was 2 weeks ago and I had some friends over for a barbeque which was a great time. I even got my own personal cake (3 Leches, my favorite!!!) I know that 24 isn't old...but I freaked out a little about the fact that I am going to turn 25 next year!! I haven't left town since I got back from the States in November which hasn't really bothered me but I have been feeling a little itchy to go to the beach or something so I think a trip plan is in order!
February 13th is one year in country (wow time flies!)
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
More pictures
Top to bottom: 1. Little girls dancing at the World AIDS Day Event
2. The march at the beginning of World AIDS Day
3. Daughters of the motorcycle boys and myself at the Teleton (fundraiser for rehabilitation in Honduras)
4. The beginning of my new garden
5. Working in El Pate, reading nutrition info to campesina women
6. Bananas on MY plant in MY backyard!!!
7. My house!
8. My street
9. Thanksgiving at my Mommas house
2. The march at the beginning of World AIDS Day
3. Daughters of the motorcycle boys and myself at the Teleton (fundraiser for rehabilitation in Honduras)
4. The beginning of my new garden
5. Working in El Pate, reading nutrition info to campesina women
6. Bananas on MY plant in MY backyard!!!
7. My house!
8. My street
9. Thanksgiving at my Mommas house
Monday, December 8, 2008
World AIDS Day
December 5, 2008...one of the best days in Honduras...maybe in my life.
I had a trip to Tegus scheduled to take care of some medical stuff and to see Joel, which of course I was excited about. I was then informed that the HIV Committee had move the date of the celebration of World AIDS Day to December 5th, which was when I was due to be in Tegus. After some fake internal debate, I of course made the decision to postpone my trip and stay in town to assist with the event.
Something I have realized about this town and maybe this country is that nothing is really planned in advance. One of my goals has been to work the Committee to plan things a little more in advance and that way we won't be running around like crazy people on the day of the event. Well that clearly was not going to happen with this event. Naturally I found myself frustrated in the week leading up to Friday. However in the morning, I woke up and said to myself "You are -not- going to be stressed out today. Everything is going to be fine." And let me tell you...talk about working like a charm!! Despite the fact that it was raining on and off, the computer wouldn't print my questions, we didn't have any transportation and about a million other problems...the event went well. We had about 75 people show up for the march from the park to the event location. We had some words of welcome and some beautiful presentations from various youth groups...some had dances, others had poetry and others had dramas...all with the theme of VIH/AIDS. Then we hosted some games and sold baleadas to the sound of music provided by a local company.
I was walking around taking pictures when I paused to take in the view. The rain had stopped and the sun was peaking out from the clouds. I was surrounded by young people playing educational games, my group of peers from the Committee and the beautiful green lush mountains outside of El Negrito and the thick fog climbing off the top. I found myself with tears in my eyes...knowing that I was exactly where I was supposed to be and doing exactly what I was meant to do. So few do these moments pass in life...I felt overwhelmed with joy and happiness...attempting to soak in the moment and remember how amazing I felt in that moment.
As the afternoon was winding down and we were cleaning up the location, we began discussing having an end of the year holiday dinner the following week. The date is set for Wednesday...supposdly around 17 people will be feasting in my house. I am definitely looking forward to it.
That night I found myself at a fiesta in the Club with my good friend Leandro. A lot of my other friends were there and I got to spend the night dancing which of course was the perfect end to a practically perfect day.
To end this entry...I am actually going to refer to Britney Spears. I was watching her MTV interview (please, no jokes) and she was talking about being in the dance studio and that some people think that when you are going through something difficult that you need to go to therapy and talk through it. But she thinks that sometimes you need to just dance out the emotion and that is what helps you get through it best. That no amount of words or therapy could make one feel as good as dancing.
I never thought I would say this but I agree with Britney...110%
I had a trip to Tegus scheduled to take care of some medical stuff and to see Joel, which of course I was excited about. I was then informed that the HIV Committee had move the date of the celebration of World AIDS Day to December 5th, which was when I was due to be in Tegus. After some fake internal debate, I of course made the decision to postpone my trip and stay in town to assist with the event.
Something I have realized about this town and maybe this country is that nothing is really planned in advance. One of my goals has been to work the Committee to plan things a little more in advance and that way we won't be running around like crazy people on the day of the event. Well that clearly was not going to happen with this event. Naturally I found myself frustrated in the week leading up to Friday. However in the morning, I woke up and said to myself "You are -not- going to be stressed out today. Everything is going to be fine." And let me tell you...talk about working like a charm!! Despite the fact that it was raining on and off, the computer wouldn't print my questions, we didn't have any transportation and about a million other problems...the event went well. We had about 75 people show up for the march from the park to the event location. We had some words of welcome and some beautiful presentations from various youth groups...some had dances, others had poetry and others had dramas...all with the theme of VIH/AIDS. Then we hosted some games and sold baleadas to the sound of music provided by a local company.
I was walking around taking pictures when I paused to take in the view. The rain had stopped and the sun was peaking out from the clouds. I was surrounded by young people playing educational games, my group of peers from the Committee and the beautiful green lush mountains outside of El Negrito and the thick fog climbing off the top. I found myself with tears in my eyes...knowing that I was exactly where I was supposed to be and doing exactly what I was meant to do. So few do these moments pass in life...I felt overwhelmed with joy and happiness...attempting to soak in the moment and remember how amazing I felt in that moment.
As the afternoon was winding down and we were cleaning up the location, we began discussing having an end of the year holiday dinner the following week. The date is set for Wednesday...supposdly around 17 people will be feasting in my house. I am definitely looking forward to it.
That night I found myself at a fiesta in the Club with my good friend Leandro. A lot of my other friends were there and I got to spend the night dancing which of course was the perfect end to a practically perfect day.
To end this entry...I am actually going to refer to Britney Spears. I was watching her MTV interview (please, no jokes) and she was talking about being in the dance studio and that some people think that when you are going through something difficult that you need to go to therapy and talk through it. But she thinks that sometimes you need to just dance out the emotion and that is what helps you get through it best. That no amount of words or therapy could make one feel as good as dancing.
I never thought I would say this but I agree with Britney...110%
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