This morning, I didn't want to get out of bed for anything. I told Matt I was going to call in sick, and he just pushed me on out of the bed. I sure am glad that God gave me the strength to get out of bed today. This morning, at CdE, things were going pretty calmly, and I ran down to my mom's for a minute to get something. I had not been there 2 minutes when Cindy came running as fast as she could saying Any (pronounced Annie) and Yair (pronounced Ja Yeer) are here. I took me a second to realize what she was talking about, but when I realized it, I took off in a foot race with her (which I lost) to go meet these two precious souls.
Any and Yair came right before we arrived in Honduras, but their mom got papers from the judge very soon after that which put them back into her custody, for about 5 days. Her new boyfriend didn't like them, so she gave them back to IHNFA. IHNFA wanted to assure that she could never get them back, so they have been stuck in the system for about the last three months while they said they were working on paperwork. Being that both Karen and my dad are out of the country, they could not get a hold of anyone to let us know that they were coming; therefore, it was a big surprise to everyone.
Any remembered CdE, but she was still very nervous. She will be four in February, but she only weighs about 20 pounds and is several inches shorter than Haley. Yair will be two next week, he is small, but not like his sister. Yair doesn't remember being at CdE, and he is very nervous. He did not take a nap this afternoon, and when we saw him this evening, he was crying.
My mom and I had already planned to run some errands and leave at 1:00. We only had a couple places that we were going, but with two extra kids, we needed some presents for the two new additions. We decided the soft fleece blankets and pjs were to be delivered tonight. On the way home, I found that the ink tag had not been taken off of the pjs for Any. We gave each kid their blanket and gave Mirian (the house mom) the pjs for Yair. Any was running around wearing her soft, pink, blankie like a cape. She held my hand and showed me her bed, and her baby doll that I gave her earlier. She was so happy to be home.
Before I left, Mirian and I were discussing a few things. As I walked out the door, Any said "adios tia, te amo," meaning: "bye bye auntie, I love you." Yair snuggled up to me and stopped crying for a minute. Pleas pray for these two precious souls as they adjust to their new life.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Christmas shopping for 19 kids -- Only one week before Christmas
I haven't blogged much lately, but today was truly a blogworthy experience.
We have a family of 5 here that wanted to do something different for Christmas this year, so they are here bringing a little Christmas joy to the people of Honduras, especially the kids at CdE. My dad has planned to go skiing this week with my brother for much longer than this family had planned on coming this week. Therefore, Matt is running things. This week is pretty light: shopping today, feeding center tomorrow, build Tuesday, dump Wednesday, CdE Thursday.
Malls are all the same internationally on the last full shopping weekend before Christmas. My dad and Karen decided a while back that this year would be the year of no toys for Christmas, only things they could actually use. I promise you toys would have been much easier. We decided that each kid would get shoes, jeans, and a shirt.
Now imagine 8 gringos and 3 Hondurans going into the most crowded store in the mall to shop for 19 kids. I thought it would be easy, but I thought wrong. For shoes, I only had a traced cutout of each child's foot, and for clothes, I only had my best guess. More shoes than not seemed to not have the size we wanted. After the clerks bringing us at least 75 different shoes saying, "This is the biggest size we have," we only left the Carrion store 5 pairs of shoes short of what we hoped for.
Here we are not allowed to carry the shoes with us until we buy them. They must wait with the cashier until we are ready for checkout. We got someone to carry the shoes downstairs so that we could purchase everything all at once. My main job was to make sure each child ended up with right sizes and sending each person off to pick things out. I think I said some thing like this: 3 tens, 1 twelve, 2 eights, 3 six, oh i'm forgetting someone. I counted and recounted to make sure that we ended up with the right number pants and shirts. I sure hope we did. We are still short one pair of shoes. Brayan really wants cowboy boots, and the only ones we saw were really expensive.
Tomorrow, my mission is to find wrapping paper (more difficult than you could imagine here), bows, stuff to make cookies and gingerbread houses. While I hated being with everyone else that lives in Tegucigalpa this afternoon, I am thrilled to be able to see the excitement on each person's face when they get to open their gifts.
We have a family of 5 here that wanted to do something different for Christmas this year, so they are here bringing a little Christmas joy to the people of Honduras, especially the kids at CdE. My dad has planned to go skiing this week with my brother for much longer than this family had planned on coming this week. Therefore, Matt is running things. This week is pretty light: shopping today, feeding center tomorrow, build Tuesday, dump Wednesday, CdE Thursday.
Malls are all the same internationally on the last full shopping weekend before Christmas. My dad and Karen decided a while back that this year would be the year of no toys for Christmas, only things they could actually use. I promise you toys would have been much easier. We decided that each kid would get shoes, jeans, and a shirt.
Now imagine 8 gringos and 3 Hondurans going into the most crowded store in the mall to shop for 19 kids. I thought it would be easy, but I thought wrong. For shoes, I only had a traced cutout of each child's foot, and for clothes, I only had my best guess. More shoes than not seemed to not have the size we wanted. After the clerks bringing us at least 75 different shoes saying, "This is the biggest size we have," we only left the Carrion store 5 pairs of shoes short of what we hoped for.
Here we are not allowed to carry the shoes with us until we buy them. They must wait with the cashier until we are ready for checkout. We got someone to carry the shoes downstairs so that we could purchase everything all at once. My main job was to make sure each child ended up with right sizes and sending each person off to pick things out. I think I said some thing like this: 3 tens, 1 twelve, 2 eights, 3 six, oh i'm forgetting someone. I counted and recounted to make sure that we ended up with the right number pants and shirts. I sure hope we did. We are still short one pair of shoes. Brayan really wants cowboy boots, and the only ones we saw were really expensive.
Tomorrow, my mission is to find wrapping paper (more difficult than you could imagine here), bows, stuff to make cookies and gingerbread houses. While I hated being with everyone else that lives in Tegucigalpa this afternoon, I am thrilled to be able to see the excitement on each person's face when they get to open their gifts.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
A special prayer
When I got to work yesterday morning, Karen and Dorian were not here. They had gone to the hospital to try to stop labor, but at 10, my dad called and said they could not stop labor, but the baby was breech, so they did a c-section. At that point, I gathered the staff and all of the children and told them that Karen was going to have the baby now, and that we all needed to pray for her health and for the baby's health. We all gathered in a circle and held hands. I prayed first, and allowed everyone else in the room who wanted to pray.
All but one or two kids wanted to pray, even little Josue wanted to pray for his mommy Karen. When Dilcia, one of our employees prayed, she cried and cried with worry for the baby and for her dear friend Karen. Each child said the most heart felt prayer. After they were done, it was obvious that many were very worried about the situation. Some were reserved and quiet, yet others were just plain ornery with their nerves. When we received news that Korbin was born and he and Karen were healthy, everyone cheered.
Even this morning, I did a project where the kids wrote things they were thankful for, and they all wrote that they were thankful that Korbin was healthy.
All but one or two kids wanted to pray, even little Josue wanted to pray for his mommy Karen. When Dilcia, one of our employees prayed, she cried and cried with worry for the baby and for her dear friend Karen. Each child said the most heart felt prayer. After they were done, it was obvious that many were very worried about the situation. Some were reserved and quiet, yet others were just plain ornery with their nerves. When we received news that Korbin was born and he and Karen were healthy, everyone cheered.
Even this morning, I did a project where the kids wrote things they were thankful for, and they all wrote that they were thankful that Korbin was healthy.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Sisi
The past week Sisi has been really down in the dumps. She has always cried very easily, but this week it has been worse. Today, she was crying and wouldn't stop. She wasn't in trouble, she hadn't been in a fight, and no one had said anything mean to her.
I finally found out why she was crying, but I knew it was something more. I knew she had told my dad earlier this week that she wished that she had a family. I asked her if she was feeling sad and felt like she needed a mom. With big tears in her eyes she said yes. I told her she could call me "Mommy" and that I loved her. With that she smiled the biggest smile I have ever seen. She really needed someone to tell her that they love her and that she is part of their family.
Matt came up to her and said he would be her daddy, and she embraced him tightly. Pray for Sisi this week. Pray that she knows how special she is and that she has someone to love her.
I finally found out why she was crying, but I knew it was something more. I knew she had told my dad earlier this week that she wished that she had a family. I asked her if she was feeling sad and felt like she needed a mom. With big tears in her eyes she said yes. I told her she could call me "Mommy" and that I loved her. With that she smiled the biggest smile I have ever seen. She really needed someone to tell her that they love her and that she is part of their family.
Matt came up to her and said he would be her daddy, and she embraced him tightly. Pray for Sisi this week. Pray that she knows how special she is and that she has someone to love her.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Summer Vacation
Here in Honduras, the kids are on summer vacation. There are only 2 seasons here in Honduras. The rainy season is winter, and the dry season is summer. The kids just got out of school, and they will go back about mid-February. We made a weekly schedule of what they will be doing to occupy their time during the break. Recently, I have been deciding each day exactly what we will be doing.
Last night I planned several weeks of Tuesdays, art day, and Thursdays, exercise day. The next several Tuesdays we are making several different Christmas crafts. We will be making journals for them to write out their life stories, and we will be making a children's book.
On Thursdays, the children will be occupying their time with obstacle courses, relay races, and silly games. I am also trying to incorporate some self-esteem building activities.
If you have any neat craft, exercise, or self-esteem building ideas, please let me know.
Last night I planned several weeks of Tuesdays, art day, and Thursdays, exercise day. The next several Tuesdays we are making several different Christmas crafts. We will be making journals for them to write out their life stories, and we will be making a children's book.
On Thursdays, the children will be occupying their time with obstacle courses, relay races, and silly games. I am also trying to incorporate some self-esteem building activities.
If you have any neat craft, exercise, or self-esteem building ideas, please let me know.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Rosy and the dog
Rosy is a young lady here at CdE. She is deaf and cannot speak, but she is not mute. We can all hear her very well when she is excited or mad about something. She goes to a deaf school in the city, and often is left out of things that are going on here. All though she is in the room, she cannot participate in devotional or hear what is happening in the movie. One things she can communicate with well however, is Tibbie. It is like she pours every ounce of love she has into the doggie.
She can communicate everything she wants to Tibbie, and the dog always listens to Rosy. It often times is hard to get Rosy to help with much of anything, but when it comes to Tibbie, she always wants to offer a helping hand. I am thankful that Tibbie can be a good outlet for Rosy. I am praying that one day I will learn sign language and be able to effectively communicate the gospel with her.
She can communicate everything she wants to Tibbie, and the dog always listens to Rosy. It often times is hard to get Rosy to help with much of anything, but when it comes to Tibbie, she always wants to offer a helping hand. I am thankful that Tibbie can be a good outlet for Rosy. I am praying that one day I will learn sign language and be able to effectively communicate the gospel with her.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Our Newest Family Member
We have a new family member. She ways about 11 pounds and has blonde hair. She was a gift to us. Her name is Tibbie. She comes from a champion line. She and Haley love each other. Many times it is interesting to have a toddler and puppy at the house.
The other day when I was at the hospital with my mom, Tibbie peed in the floor. As soon as she did that, Haley pulled down her pants and peed in the floor. When Matt told her she couldn't pee in the floor, she looked at him with a confused look and said, "Tibbie peed floor first."
The kids here at Casa love Tibbie here too. They are always wanting to play with her during play time.
The other day when I was at the hospital with my mom, Tibbie peed in the floor. As soon as she did that, Haley pulled down her pants and peed in the floor. When Matt told her she couldn't pee in the floor, she looked at him with a confused look and said, "Tibbie peed floor first."
The kids here at Casa love Tibbie here too. They are always wanting to play with her during play time.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Adventures with Teleton
I think I have mentioned before that one of my responsibilities here at CdE is taking 5 kids to their Teleton appointments in the city. Maryuri goes for numerous reasons and several times a month. Their appointment booklets, especially hers is at times confusing. It is not in date order. Maryuri was scheduled for appointments on both November 9 and December 9. On Monday when I was checking to see what time we needed to be there, I looked at the time for December 9, and it said we needed to be there at 6:00 AM.
I woke up at 4:30, cleaned Tibbie's poo and pee in my parent's house, brushed my teath and hair and was ready to go at 5:00 as planned. Because we left so early, the 2 hour trip in heavy traffic only took 45 minutes. We got in the line to secure our appointment, and about 30 minutes later, I was looking at Maryuri's booklet while we were in line only to realize that Maryuri's appointment for November 9 started at 11:30. I planned on being back in Santa Ana to pick Matt up from the hospital when he got out. As usual, in Honduras, nothing went according to plan.
I had to figure out what to do for the next 5 hours with a 7 year old. I didn't want to spend much money or gas. I decided that first we would go to Dunkin Donuts. Maryuri was so excited to get to pick out her own flavor of donut. She had a strawberry one, and I ate my favorite - doble chocolate. That lasted all of 30 minutes.
We stayed there and talked until 8 when the pharmacy opened and I could buy new minutes for my phone. My next plan was Mall Cascadas. I figured that I could easily entertain her in Wal Mart and the play ground until time to go to her appointment. (Walmart is the only store in the mall open before 10). Maryuri played for about 10 minutes before she told me she was ready to go home. I convinced her to keep playing. At 10, my dad called to tell me he would meet me in 30 minutes with Matt and Haley.
We got back to Teleton a few minutes after 11. At 11:30, I went to the psycologist's door and knocked, but didn't receive an answer. I asked a nurse if she was there today, and I was assured that she would be out in a minute. Thirty minutes later, Vilma came out and told me that they had a meeting since 10. She had tried to call the number that Maryuri was registered with, but that is a number of an employee that no longer works at Casa.
As annoying as Teleton appointments are sometime, the thing I like most about them is the relationships I build with the children. I especially love when it is just me and Maryuri. She becomes very clingy to me for many days following her appointment. Today, when we walked into the psychologist's office, she said "This is my mommy." This afternoon, she wanted to be right by me, and if one of the other kids asked her to play something else, Maryuri would say, "No, I am with my Mommy." While my plans were changed to day, (like always, I live in Honduras), it was special to give Maryuri a little bit of special attention.
I woke up at 4:30, cleaned Tibbie's poo and pee in my parent's house, brushed my teath and hair and was ready to go at 5:00 as planned. Because we left so early, the 2 hour trip in heavy traffic only took 45 minutes. We got in the line to secure our appointment, and about 30 minutes later, I was looking at Maryuri's booklet while we were in line only to realize that Maryuri's appointment for November 9 started at 11:30. I planned on being back in Santa Ana to pick Matt up from the hospital when he got out. As usual, in Honduras, nothing went according to plan.
I had to figure out what to do for the next 5 hours with a 7 year old. I didn't want to spend much money or gas. I decided that first we would go to Dunkin Donuts. Maryuri was so excited to get to pick out her own flavor of donut. She had a strawberry one, and I ate my favorite - doble chocolate. That lasted all of 30 minutes.
We stayed there and talked until 8 when the pharmacy opened and I could buy new minutes for my phone. My next plan was Mall Cascadas. I figured that I could easily entertain her in Wal Mart and the play ground until time to go to her appointment. (Walmart is the only store in the mall open before 10). Maryuri played for about 10 minutes before she told me she was ready to go home. I convinced her to keep playing. At 10, my dad called to tell me he would meet me in 30 minutes with Matt and Haley.
We got back to Teleton a few minutes after 11. At 11:30, I went to the psycologist's door and knocked, but didn't receive an answer. I asked a nurse if she was there today, and I was assured that she would be out in a minute. Thirty minutes later, Vilma came out and told me that they had a meeting since 10. She had tried to call the number that Maryuri was registered with, but that is a number of an employee that no longer works at Casa.
As annoying as Teleton appointments are sometime, the thing I like most about them is the relationships I build with the children. I especially love when it is just me and Maryuri. She becomes very clingy to me for many days following her appointment. Today, when we walked into the psychologist's office, she said "This is my mommy." This afternoon, she wanted to be right by me, and if one of the other kids asked her to play something else, Maryuri would say, "No, I am with my Mommy." While my plans were changed to day, (like always, I live in Honduras), it was special to give Maryuri a little bit of special attention.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Terribly 2
Today and many other days I am at a loss of what to do witj Haley. She is such a sweet little girl. But she has a mind of her own. No discipline that we do to her seems to work. Although, we try to be consistant.
The biggest thing right now is in the car. She doesn't want to stay in her seat, and is quite the Hudini of getting out. Today, I went to TeletOn with Guadalupe and Fernando. With Matt being in the hospital, Haley got to make the trip with me.
From the city, back to Santa Ana, Haley got out of her seat at least 6 times. Each was follewed by a spanking, an explaination of the danger that is involved in getting out of her seat, and me re-strapping her in as tight as I could. I would get out of the car and Ask what was going to happen. She responded "pow pow." I would ask how many, and she would say 3. Then after three firm swats on her hiney, she would look at me like nothing had happened to her.
Later, she purposely poured water on on the ground and the furniture and for the next several minutes kept leaving her timeout area until I finally held her there for a complete timeout duration.
I love her and she is the biggest blessing. I just don't think any discipline sinks in with her. Advice is welcome.
The biggest thing right now is in the car. She doesn't want to stay in her seat, and is quite the Hudini of getting out. Today, I went to TeletOn with Guadalupe and Fernando. With Matt being in the hospital, Haley got to make the trip with me.
From the city, back to Santa Ana, Haley got out of her seat at least 6 times. Each was follewed by a spanking, an explaination of the danger that is involved in getting out of her seat, and me re-strapping her in as tight as I could. I would get out of the car and Ask what was going to happen. She responded "pow pow." I would ask how many, and she would say 3. Then after three firm swats on her hiney, she would look at me like nothing had happened to her.
Later, she purposely poured water on on the ground and the furniture and for the next several minutes kept leaving her timeout area until I finally held her there for a complete timeout duration.
I love her and she is the biggest blessing. I just don't think any discipline sinks in with her. Advice is welcome.
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Hard Week
Right now I feel like Satan is trying to attack our family. Last weekend, my mom and I went to a very uplifting retreat. We got back Saturday evening excited that 4 of the kids at Casa were going to be baptized Sunday afternoon.
Sunday morning my dad called me very early to tell me that my mom was in the emergency room in Tegucigalpa with symptoms very similar to those that she had a year and a half ago when she had a serious operation. We needed to be at the children's home at 7:00 to be with the kids. I was stressed and worried about my mom. I think the kids felt my stress.
As soon as we could, we headed down the mountain to see my mom. The traffic going in to the city was at a standstill because a bus had collided with a car. When we got passed that, we quickly got to the hospital. Monday we we worked until about 4 then I dropped Matt and Haley off at home and went back to the hospital. At 7:30 a Dr. came in and said he thought they would operate on her at 9 that night. So, instead of going back home, I stayed the night. At 9 the Dr. came in and said they wanted to wait to do the surgery on Tuesday because they weren't exactly sure what the problem was.
Matt and I left the hospital at about 11:30 to go for some lunch and we planned on picking up some groceries of our own because the Dr. had told me they would decide by 3:00 what type of operation they were going to do. I thought that meant we had at least until 4 before they operated on her. At noon, right as we sat down to eat, my dad called to let me know they were going in to surgery. We ate our food and went right back to the hospital.
We spent the rest of the day at the hospital. Wednesday, we were with the kids of a morning, and we drove to the hospital again that evening. I spent the night there, and Matt stayed at home with a sad Lili who was missing her mommy.
The room where my mom was staying was hot. It was on the 6th floor. Even after the nurse turned the air conditioner on, it was still really hot. After Matt came to pick me up on Thursday, we went back to the children's home to work the evening shift.
We worked Friday, and went again to the hospital. Friday morning, it looked like Matt had a bite on his leg, but by yesterday, it had covered most of his calf. We decided after I went to several hours of meetings at the kids' school that we would go to the hospital. Honestly, I thought they would prescribe some pills and a cream for him and we would be on our way to town to get the groceries and some stuff for the dog.
However, Matt went back there to see the doctor, and about 45 minutes later, a cleaning lady came back to the waiting room to tell me that my husband wanted to see me but I couldn't take Haley back to the room where he was. I was at a loss of what to do. Do I leave Haley with a stranger to go see Matt? Or do I take Haley to my parents then go see Matt? I ended up leaving Haley with the cleaning lady and going to see Matt.
He told me he had a staph infection, and they were going to have to keep him there for three days. I can't visit him but 3-5. He has to have shots every 6 hours and heavy antibiotics. Please pray that his leg heals and that the infection doesn't spread.
Yesterday, we were both at our limits on stress. We were pretty snappy at each other for very small things. Then to top it all off, Matt ended up having to stay in the hospital yesterday. I was very stressed out yesterday. Please pray that this week is much better.
Sunday morning my dad called me very early to tell me that my mom was in the emergency room in Tegucigalpa with symptoms very similar to those that she had a year and a half ago when she had a serious operation. We needed to be at the children's home at 7:00 to be with the kids. I was stressed and worried about my mom. I think the kids felt my stress.
As soon as we could, we headed down the mountain to see my mom. The traffic going in to the city was at a standstill because a bus had collided with a car. When we got passed that, we quickly got to the hospital. Monday we we worked until about 4 then I dropped Matt and Haley off at home and went back to the hospital. At 7:30 a Dr. came in and said he thought they would operate on her at 9 that night. So, instead of going back home, I stayed the night. At 9 the Dr. came in and said they wanted to wait to do the surgery on Tuesday because they weren't exactly sure what the problem was.
Matt and I left the hospital at about 11:30 to go for some lunch and we planned on picking up some groceries of our own because the Dr. had told me they would decide by 3:00 what type of operation they were going to do. I thought that meant we had at least until 4 before they operated on her. At noon, right as we sat down to eat, my dad called to let me know they were going in to surgery. We ate our food and went right back to the hospital.
We spent the rest of the day at the hospital. Wednesday, we were with the kids of a morning, and we drove to the hospital again that evening. I spent the night there, and Matt stayed at home with a sad Lili who was missing her mommy.
The room where my mom was staying was hot. It was on the 6th floor. Even after the nurse turned the air conditioner on, it was still really hot. After Matt came to pick me up on Thursday, we went back to the children's home to work the evening shift.
We worked Friday, and went again to the hospital. Friday morning, it looked like Matt had a bite on his leg, but by yesterday, it had covered most of his calf. We decided after I went to several hours of meetings at the kids' school that we would go to the hospital. Honestly, I thought they would prescribe some pills and a cream for him and we would be on our way to town to get the groceries and some stuff for the dog.
However, Matt went back there to see the doctor, and about 45 minutes later, a cleaning lady came back to the waiting room to tell me that my husband wanted to see me but I couldn't take Haley back to the room where he was. I was at a loss of what to do. Do I leave Haley with a stranger to go see Matt? Or do I take Haley to my parents then go see Matt? I ended up leaving Haley with the cleaning lady and going to see Matt.
He told me he had a staph infection, and they were going to have to keep him there for three days. I can't visit him but 3-5. He has to have shots every 6 hours and heavy antibiotics. Please pray that his leg heals and that the infection doesn't spread.
Yesterday, we were both at our limits on stress. We were pretty snappy at each other for very small things. Then to top it all off, Matt ended up having to stay in the hospital yesterday. I was very stressed out yesterday. Please pray that this week is much better.
Monday, October 31, 2011
4 New Brothers and Sisters
Yesterday, four of the kids at Casa were baptized. Matt and I have been studying with Ana for a while, and she was very interested in becoming a Christian and was full of questions. Her decision sparked Pamela and her brother Antonio, or affectionately, Fito, to ask Pastor Jorge to come over and study with them about baptism on Thursday. Saturday morning, the youth group was going around town inviting others to join their youth meeting that evening, and Brayan asked Jorge to study with him as well. At that point he made the decision to become a Christian and to be baptized on Sunday afternoon with the other three.
Yesterday after the little kids got up from their naps, we walked to the church, and Jorge baptized Ana, Pamela, and Brayan in the ice cold water. Then Denis baptized Antonio. I know the angels in heaven are rejoicing with us.
Yesterday after the little kids got up from their naps, we walked to the church, and Jorge baptized Ana, Pamela, and Brayan in the ice cold water. Then Denis baptized Antonio. I know the angels in heaven are rejoicing with us.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
God is working in Ana's heart
A couple weeks ago, Matt promised Ana that we would start studying the Bible with her this week. I have never seen someone so excited to study the Bible. We read 2 chapters each day, and she is allowed to ask whatever question she wanted. Yesterday, she began asking a lot about a lot about baptism. She knew that the act of baptism is giving one's life over to Jesus. She asked if there was a certain age to be in order to be baptized. We explained to her for a long time what it meant, and she told us she thought she was ready. We told her she could pick the day, and we would all go up to the church. She asked my dad to baptize her on this coming Sunday afternoon. Please pray for Anita as God continues to work in her heart, and praise God for the work he has already done.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Just a little Stuck
The other day I wrote here about my adventure going to town with two kids and my car not working as it should. Well, the shop was unable to do anything for the car because they could not find anything wrong with it, so Luis brought it to the airport where we were dropping the group from California off. After Matt, Haley, Melissa, Liseth, the boys and I said our goodbyes, and ate some fried chicken, we headed up the mountain to our home in Ojojona. The return to Ojojona was uneventful, it was as we were pulling into our house that things became exciting. We thought the mud was had dried up enough to drive through, but it hadn't.
As Matt was backing into the carport area, the car stopped. The wheels kept moving, but the car wasn't going anywhere. Then Matt put it into 4 wheel drive but it was too late. We called our neighbor Richard to come to help us. He put some wood under the back tire, and he and Matt tried to dig the tire out. Richard's solution was call Dorian, he had a jack in his truck. I had also called my dad who was also coming back from the city to come help us.
After much digging, jumping on the car, jacking the car up, the final solution was to push the car out. Matt, Richard, Dorian and my dad pushed while I nervously drove. I was scared that I was going to hit the wall only 2 feet behind me as soon as the Trooper got unstuck.
Fortunately, the Trooper got unstuck and no damage was done. Just another adventure in the life here.
As Matt was backing into the carport area, the car stopped. The wheels kept moving, but the car wasn't going anywhere. Then Matt put it into 4 wheel drive but it was too late. We called our neighbor Richard to come to help us. He put some wood under the back tire, and he and Matt tried to dig the tire out. Richard's solution was call Dorian, he had a jack in his truck. I had also called my dad who was also coming back from the city to come help us.
After much digging, jumping on the car, jacking the car up, the final solution was to push the car out. Matt, Richard, Dorian and my dad pushed while I nervously drove. I was scared that I was going to hit the wall only 2 feet behind me as soon as the Trooper got unstuck.
Fortunately, the Trooper got unstuck and no damage was done. Just another adventure in the life here.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Just another day in Honduras
Friday morning, I once again had to take some kids to Teleton. I took my mom's Trooper because Jorge told us that the Mitsubishi was 2 qts low on oil and that he thought it had an oil leak. I wanted to put the oil in it before I drove it to town. So down the mountain we went in the Trooper. First stop, gas station. After we left the gas station, the trooper stopped 4 times as I was driving. When it stopped, nothing worked on the car, not the breaks and not the steering wheel. I would manage to get the car on the side of the road and get it started again. I told the kids when we got to Texaco, I needed to check something on the car. A attendant there checked all of the fluids and told me all was todo cheque with the inside of the car, but that my tire was about to blow out if I drove it much further. I looked at the tire and could see that it was litterally busting at the seams and did not look like it could go much further.
I could not call anyone because my phone was not working. I knew I could get the tire changed across the street, but I did not know what to do with the car and its stopping problem. Fortunately, the only number I know in Honduras is my dad's. I asked a man if I could use his phone, and when my dad didn't answer, the man left. I was sure I wouldn't get a hold of anyone to help me untill they passed me by on their way to the farm in Zamorano. Evidently, the nice man that let me use his phone, called my dad again and told him where I was and that I was having car trouble.
I went across the street to get my tire changed and asked the guy who changed my tire for only 20 limps or $1 if I could use his phone. My dad told me that Milton and Luis were already on their way to rescue me and that after they got there to take a taxi to Teleton. They showed up in the infamous green truck. Milton told Luis he would take the Trooper to the shop that was unable to do anything to help the car, and Luis told me not to worry about the taxi, that he could take us to Teleton.
Luis did not drive us to Teleton, but rather flew us. I was unaware that the green truck could move so rapidly. As we zoomed through traffic, I was having to hide Guadalupe under my legs so that the police did not see that I had a child in the front seat. We made it to Teleton in record time from the Texaco in Loarque. Unfortunately, we did not make it there quite quick enough, because we completely missed Lupita's appointment and will have to try again another day.
Fernando's appointment was so quick I barely had time to use the bathroom and reschedule Lupita's appointment. We were told after we were done at Teleton to go to Mall Cascada and wait. We got to the mall just as stores were opening. Knowing that Byron, a friend of ours, generally uses the free internet at one of the Coffee Shops, we went there hoping that he might be working. There was no such luck to be had. However, there was another kind gentleman that let us use his phone. My dad said entertain the kids until 11:30 and we will be there.
Ok kids, we have an hour and a half, lets have some fun. First we went to the mall playground and played a few minutes. Next we went to Dunkin Donuts where I bought each of the three of us a donut and some coffee for myself. I, however, only got a couple sips of my coffee because 9 year old Fernando and 6 year old Guadalupe drank most of it before I ever got the chance to drink it. We then went to Wal-Mart.
Imagine taking two kids that didn't even know what Wal-Mart was into a store like that. Fernando thought everything was cool. I mean everything. He ooohed and awed over the Christmas decor. He counted every flatscreen TV. He touched every towel. By far, however, the best part of Wal-Mart was the toy section. Both of the kids thought every single toy (both the boy ones and girl ones) were the best things they had ever seen. Fer really loved the Star Wars and Iron Man toys. When we got done looking at the toys in Wal-Mart, I told them I knew of a store with even more toys.
After every toy in the entire mall had been carefully examined and tried out, we went to the wing place downstairs to wait on my dad and the group. As things go in Honduras, it was not 11:30 when they showed up, but much closer to 12:30. I think my dad meant to tell me that he was going to leave the farm at 11:30 not be back in the city then. We walked around a little more and waited a little more. I was very glad when I saw a group of 10 gringos walk through the door because Fernando and Lupita were telling me how hungry they were.
We enjoyed a nice lunch with the group and made it back to Casa just a mere 4 hours after we had planned on being there. It was just another typical day in the life here in Honduras.
I could not call anyone because my phone was not working. I knew I could get the tire changed across the street, but I did not know what to do with the car and its stopping problem. Fortunately, the only number I know in Honduras is my dad's. I asked a man if I could use his phone, and when my dad didn't answer, the man left. I was sure I wouldn't get a hold of anyone to help me untill they passed me by on their way to the farm in Zamorano. Evidently, the nice man that let me use his phone, called my dad again and told him where I was and that I was having car trouble.
I went across the street to get my tire changed and asked the guy who changed my tire for only 20 limps or $1 if I could use his phone. My dad told me that Milton and Luis were already on their way to rescue me and that after they got there to take a taxi to Teleton. They showed up in the infamous green truck. Milton told Luis he would take the Trooper to the shop that was unable to do anything to help the car, and Luis told me not to worry about the taxi, that he could take us to Teleton.
Luis did not drive us to Teleton, but rather flew us. I was unaware that the green truck could move so rapidly. As we zoomed through traffic, I was having to hide Guadalupe under my legs so that the police did not see that I had a child in the front seat. We made it to Teleton in record time from the Texaco in Loarque. Unfortunately, we did not make it there quite quick enough, because we completely missed Lupita's appointment and will have to try again another day.
Fernando's appointment was so quick I barely had time to use the bathroom and reschedule Lupita's appointment. We were told after we were done at Teleton to go to Mall Cascada and wait. We got to the mall just as stores were opening. Knowing that Byron, a friend of ours, generally uses the free internet at one of the Coffee Shops, we went there hoping that he might be working. There was no such luck to be had. However, there was another kind gentleman that let us use his phone. My dad said entertain the kids until 11:30 and we will be there.
Ok kids, we have an hour and a half, lets have some fun. First we went to the mall playground and played a few minutes. Next we went to Dunkin Donuts where I bought each of the three of us a donut and some coffee for myself. I, however, only got a couple sips of my coffee because 9 year old Fernando and 6 year old Guadalupe drank most of it before I ever got the chance to drink it. We then went to Wal-Mart.
Imagine taking two kids that didn't even know what Wal-Mart was into a store like that. Fernando thought everything was cool. I mean everything. He ooohed and awed over the Christmas decor. He counted every flatscreen TV. He touched every towel. By far, however, the best part of Wal-Mart was the toy section. Both of the kids thought every single toy (both the boy ones and girl ones) were the best things they had ever seen. Fer really loved the Star Wars and Iron Man toys. When we got done looking at the toys in Wal-Mart, I told them I knew of a store with even more toys.
After every toy in the entire mall had been carefully examined and tried out, we went to the wing place downstairs to wait on my dad and the group. As things go in Honduras, it was not 11:30 when they showed up, but much closer to 12:30. I think my dad meant to tell me that he was going to leave the farm at 11:30 not be back in the city then. We walked around a little more and waited a little more. I was very glad when I saw a group of 10 gringos walk through the door because Fernando and Lupita were telling me how hungry they were.
We enjoyed a nice lunch with the group and made it back to Casa just a mere 4 hours after we had planned on being there. It was just another typical day in the life here in Honduras.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
My child labor force
Yesterday, I had to price a ton of stuff for the Casa de Esperanza store. There would have been no way I could have done it in one day by myself. So I recruited Cindy to watch Haley and Ana, Jackson, Brayan, and Fernando to help me with the merchandise. Fer lasted only about 3 minutes before he and I mutually decided that he would be better off playing since he wasn't wanting to work. The kids haven't had school in 2 weeks, so doing something productive was a welcome break to some of them.
Having four of us working versus just me while chasing Haley was a million times more productive. Ana made price tags. Jackson cut strings and counted each item. Brian and I taped and tied the price tags to everything. When it came to the toys (especially the sling shots) the boys said they were going to save their allowance till they could buy it. I highly doubt that, but I would be proud of them if they could save their allowence that long. Jackson tried on everything that could be tried. At one point he had on a burlap satchel, a cell phone holder, a head band, a sling shot and a yo yo. I promised them all that if they came back after their chores while the little kids took a nap, I would buy them a coke. Fortunately, we didn't have much left to do because the coke made them all very hyper. I had a fun day yesterday being with only a few kids. I love to see how they act when they are asked to handle a little extra responsiblity.
Having four of us working versus just me while chasing Haley was a million times more productive. Ana made price tags. Jackson cut strings and counted each item. Brian and I taped and tied the price tags to everything. When it came to the toys (especially the sling shots) the boys said they were going to save their allowance till they could buy it. I highly doubt that, but I would be proud of them if they could save their allowence that long. Jackson tried on everything that could be tried. At one point he had on a burlap satchel, a cell phone holder, a head band, a sling shot and a yo yo. I promised them all that if they came back after their chores while the little kids took a nap, I would buy them a coke. Fortunately, we didn't have much left to do because the coke made them all very hyper. I had a fun day yesterday being with only a few kids. I love to see how they act when they are asked to handle a little extra responsiblity.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
A Need for Change
The other day, I wrote about some of the cultural differences that my housemates and I share. I was pretty annoyed about somethings, but I asked you all to pray that in spite of our differences, we could become friends during the time that they are at our house. I must thank you all for praying. I know you have because my attitude has changed, and I have been becoming a little closer to them every day.
Melissa and Liseth grew up in a children's home, one I have always thought was a good one, El Buen Pastor, or known to all of the Americans who have visited there as Good Shepherd. There the kids receive love, discipline, and the word of God. They also are able to receive an education. Some learn a little English, but many do not. When they turn 18 they are no longer permitted to leave at the home.
While in Buen Pastor, the kids are rescued from whatever horrific situation that brought them there, but upon their completion of 18 years they are sent back to the harsh life without the knowledge to get a job, and many times without the skills to obtain a job. She told me that many kids that leave Good Shepherd, turn back to the ways of the streets and leave the way of Christ. They go from living a comfortable life to living in survival mode.
Here Matt and I have come to take in girls. After seeing and hearing so many stories of people growing up in children's homes yet after they leave, they do not have what it takes to find a job in the society which they live. We see it as a necessity to not only provide a place of love, hope and security for children under 18, but we also need to be sure to train them for jobs, teach them how to obtain a job, and provide some sort of in between home so they are not left to figure out the painfulness life can bring alone. We want to see each child that we work with come to know Christ, and we also want to see the cycle of poverty broken little by little. We are aware that we alone can break the cycle of poverty, but we can see it broken at least with each child that we can impact in our home. Please pray for our endevours in this.
Melissa and Liseth grew up in a children's home, one I have always thought was a good one, El Buen Pastor, or known to all of the Americans who have visited there as Good Shepherd. There the kids receive love, discipline, and the word of God. They also are able to receive an education. Some learn a little English, but many do not. When they turn 18 they are no longer permitted to leave at the home.
While in Buen Pastor, the kids are rescued from whatever horrific situation that brought them there, but upon their completion of 18 years they are sent back to the harsh life without the knowledge to get a job, and many times without the skills to obtain a job. She told me that many kids that leave Good Shepherd, turn back to the ways of the streets and leave the way of Christ. They go from living a comfortable life to living in survival mode.
Here Matt and I have come to take in girls. After seeing and hearing so many stories of people growing up in children's homes yet after they leave, they do not have what it takes to find a job in the society which they live. We see it as a necessity to not only provide a place of love, hope and security for children under 18, but we also need to be sure to train them for jobs, teach them how to obtain a job, and provide some sort of in between home so they are not left to figure out the painfulness life can bring alone. We want to see each child that we work with come to know Christ, and we also want to see the cycle of poverty broken little by little. We are aware that we alone can break the cycle of poverty, but we can see it broken at least with each child that we can impact in our home. Please pray for our endevours in this.
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
PIZZA AND ICE CREAM, LOTS OF ICE CREAM
Saturday afternoon a small group of 8 came from the San Francisco Bay Area to work for the week. Being that it has rained non-stop for over a weeks, and the kids have not left the house once during that time either to play or to go to school (school gets cancled for rain here because everyone has to walk in it), my dad decided to take the group and all of the kids to Pizza Hut Sunday after church. He only told Karen, but not any of the kids, because he didn't want any of them to lose their priveledge of going. Therefore, the excitement that ensued Sunday after church was grand. Everyone hurried into the play area, very excited to finally do something but sit around the house. Shoes and jackets were everywhere; you would have thought they had never been in public. They did all bring their jackets to me when I asked though.
For the 32 people that were there, my dad ordered 10 pizzas. I know the kids all ate till they were ready to pop, but I am not sure how much they left for the group. Later, another surprise came. Huge ice cream sundaes. While the kids easily could share pizzas becuase they are already sliced, they were ravonous with the ice cream. Many kids were trying to tell me that they hadn't had any, but they were clearly lying because their entire face was covered in chocolate. It was fun to be with the kids in a place outside of the house. All of us had a bit of cabin fever and needed to get out of the walls of the house.
Haley too had much fun playing and eating her favorite foods, but that night by 6:00 she was so exhausted that she fell asleep in my arms. By that time, there were no lights anywhere in Ojojona, so walking back to our house and putting her to bed was quite a challenge.
I know 20 kids and a bunch of adults that had a great time on Sunday.
For the 32 people that were there, my dad ordered 10 pizzas. I know the kids all ate till they were ready to pop, but I am not sure how much they left for the group. Later, another surprise came. Huge ice cream sundaes. While the kids easily could share pizzas becuase they are already sliced, they were ravonous with the ice cream. Many kids were trying to tell me that they hadn't had any, but they were clearly lying because their entire face was covered in chocolate. It was fun to be with the kids in a place outside of the house. All of us had a bit of cabin fever and needed to get out of the walls of the house.
Haley too had much fun playing and eating her favorite foods, but that night by 6:00 she was so exhausted that she fell asleep in my arms. By that time, there were no lights anywhere in Ojojona, so walking back to our house and putting her to bed was quite a challenge.
I know 20 kids and a bunch of adults that had a great time on Sunday.
Friday, October 14, 2011
CULTURE SHOCK
Two weeks ago, a young friend of my dad called him. She told him that she and her sister were both without jobs. Liseth, the sister was being beaten by her husband and in 2 days they were going to be kicked out of the place they were living because they did not have money to pay the rent. Liseth has 3 small boys, Fernando, 5, Alejandro, 3, and Gabriel, 1. My dad is renting a 7 bedroom house in Ojojona, where he houses small groups. We were told we could use two bedrooms, which would allow for 5 more to house groups.
My dad asked me if I minded them living with us for a "little while" until they could get back on their feet. Because I couldn't think of a mom and 3 small boys or of a single lady living on the rough streets of Tegucigalpa, I said yes, it wouldn't be a problem. I also thought a little while would be about 2 weeks.
I am trying to be the hands and feet of Jesus with them, and it is very challenging for me. There are lots of cultural differences. We went to Pricemart on Monday. We had planned out meals for about 10 days and new that we would have enough left to last us close to two weeks. When we got there on Wednesday after not being able to get in on Tuesday, we found that a lot more than we expected had already been eaten. Our chicken had been put uncovered into the refridgerator. Most of our milk was gone, one of our 2 bottles of juice was gone, and several other food items.
I know they were hungry, and had not eaten good food in a long time. But I was frustrated because they had prepared food for themselves on Monday and put it away when we walked in. They could not find my pots to cook with, so they instead used my mixing bowls. They have been asking us to get them things several times, and seem annoyed when we tell them we can't afford it.
Last night, I hit the breaking point. They asked me if they could clean our rooms, and they rearranged our rooms. Cleaning and rearranging are not the same. Also, we had gotten a brand new table with some money our church had given us, and it had been cleaned with some sort of soap that was already messing the stain up. On top of that the 3 year old and 5 year old were standing in the kitchen telling us they hadn't eaten all evening. I don't know if they were put up to it or if they are just in the habbit of begging. It frustrated me because we knew all of our tortillas, some beans, some chicken and several other things had been eaten that day. I was also annoyed that they were climbing all over the furniture and walking into my room and Haley's room without permission.
This blog sounds really whiney, and for that, I'm sorry. I needed a place to vent. I did have to think about the fact that most Hondurans do not have a mentality of saving. If they have enough money for food, they buy it on a daily basis. They would never have 2 weeks worth of food in their house at once, therefore, they probably haven't considered that the food was supposed to last for 2 weeks. Most do not have a fridge in their house, much less a freezer, so they do not know how to treat food that goes in a freezer. Discipline is not a strong suit of Honduran mothers to their children, so we can only pray that they will see an example in us with how we discipline Haley.
My dad has told them they need to find a place to be in 2 weeks. During the next two weeks, please pray for my attitude. Please pray that I remember what Jesus says in Matthew 25, not only in my head but in my heart. Please pray that I don't let the little things bother me so much. Please pray that my heart is more like Jesus. Please pray that we can become good friends during this time.
My dad asked me if I minded them living with us for a "little while" until they could get back on their feet. Because I couldn't think of a mom and 3 small boys or of a single lady living on the rough streets of Tegucigalpa, I said yes, it wouldn't be a problem. I also thought a little while would be about 2 weeks.
I am trying to be the hands and feet of Jesus with them, and it is very challenging for me. There are lots of cultural differences. We went to Pricemart on Monday. We had planned out meals for about 10 days and new that we would have enough left to last us close to two weeks. When we got there on Wednesday after not being able to get in on Tuesday, we found that a lot more than we expected had already been eaten. Our chicken had been put uncovered into the refridgerator. Most of our milk was gone, one of our 2 bottles of juice was gone, and several other food items.
I know they were hungry, and had not eaten good food in a long time. But I was frustrated because they had prepared food for themselves on Monday and put it away when we walked in. They could not find my pots to cook with, so they instead used my mixing bowls. They have been asking us to get them things several times, and seem annoyed when we tell them we can't afford it.
Last night, I hit the breaking point. They asked me if they could clean our rooms, and they rearranged our rooms. Cleaning and rearranging are not the same. Also, we had gotten a brand new table with some money our church had given us, and it had been cleaned with some sort of soap that was already messing the stain up. On top of that the 3 year old and 5 year old were standing in the kitchen telling us they hadn't eaten all evening. I don't know if they were put up to it or if they are just in the habbit of begging. It frustrated me because we knew all of our tortillas, some beans, some chicken and several other things had been eaten that day. I was also annoyed that they were climbing all over the furniture and walking into my room and Haley's room without permission.
This blog sounds really whiney, and for that, I'm sorry. I needed a place to vent. I did have to think about the fact that most Hondurans do not have a mentality of saving. If they have enough money for food, they buy it on a daily basis. They would never have 2 weeks worth of food in their house at once, therefore, they probably haven't considered that the food was supposed to last for 2 weeks. Most do not have a fridge in their house, much less a freezer, so they do not know how to treat food that goes in a freezer. Discipline is not a strong suit of Honduran mothers to their children, so we can only pray that they will see an example in us with how we discipline Haley.
My dad has told them they need to find a place to be in 2 weeks. During the next two weeks, please pray for my attitude. Please pray that I remember what Jesus says in Matthew 25, not only in my head but in my heart. Please pray that I don't let the little things bother me so much. Please pray that my heart is more like Jesus. Please pray that we can become good friends during this time.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Matt's Birthday
We woke up yesterday for the first time in our house. On our way to CdE yesterday morning, we bought a table and chairs from Armando. He makes quality stuff, so we wanted to buy from him. He stained it and Matt and the boys picked it up and carried it to the house (literally, just not from Armando's). There is a massive hole in about 20 yards from the house, so they had to carry the table and chairs from there.
A couple hours after they got home, we brought up Matt's birthday cake. He said for his birthday, he wanted to share a cake with the kids. In order to get the cake at CdE, each person has to give the birthday person a hug.
Several of the girl's gave Matt some homemade cards and stickers. He was most touched by Ana's card, because she said he was her favorite daddy.
Then, last night we went to Chillis to celebrate, and Haley stayed with Grammy and Poppy and got to have pizza for supper. After we got back, we could not get a hold of the ladies staying in our house because they had already gone to bed, so we ended up staying another night at my parents. That worked out though because I had to leave for an appointment at 5 this morning.
Enjoy the pics below...
A couple hours after they got home, we brought up Matt's birthday cake. He said for his birthday, he wanted to share a cake with the kids. In order to get the cake at CdE, each person has to give the birthday person a hug.
Several of the girl's gave Matt some homemade cards and stickers. He was most touched by Ana's card, because she said he was her favorite daddy.
Then, last night we went to Chillis to celebrate, and Haley stayed with Grammy and Poppy and got to have pizza for supper. After we got back, we could not get a hold of the ladies staying in our house because they had already gone to bed, so we ended up staying another night at my parents. That worked out though because I had to leave for an appointment at 5 this morning.
Enjoy the pics below...
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
A ticket, demonstration, and some furniture
Monday is our day off, but yesterday it certainly wasn't a day of relaxing. In theory we were going to drive to town go to Pricemart, go to Walmart and eat lunch at the mall then head to our house in Ojojona and setting things up for a while before we left to go back in to town for a date, celebrating Matt's birthday. But as things go in Honduras nothing went that smoothly.
I told Matt I knew how to get to Pricemart, but I always give bad directions. As soon as we exited, I said, "oops this is the wrong turn, oh well i still know how to get there." We were going, and I thought we needed to turn around (which in the end we didn't). I told him to make a U turn at the light which I don't think is ever illegal in Honduras, and immediately, a cop (on foot) waved us down. Evidently we made the only illegal Uturn in all of Honduras, because he was trying to give us a ticket. I asked how we were supposed to know, and he said we just were. In the end, he told us we could go to transito, pay the ticket, come back with the reciept and get Matt's license. That is not really how things work here. Normally you have to go 2 or 3 days later to transito pay your ticket and they will give your lisence back to you. We tried it anyway. I told a few people what happened, and eventually a very kind police officer asked what I needed help with, and he ended up calling the officer 2 blocks away that took Matt's lisence and going to get it back from him. I left the transito office with Matt's lisence in hand and I didn't have to pay a cent.
We headed on for Pricemart, and traffic shortly thereafter stopped. There was some sort of parade or demonstration happening. We finally got to Pricemart 3 hours after we left the house. We got the things we neeeded there and headed back up the mountain without going to WalMart.
On the way up the mountain we put a deposit on a couch, love seat, and a chair. We got to the road to our house in Ojojona and we could not pass through a certain part of the road without wrecking our car. So we unloaded the truck from there.
Matt said he was going to start putting shelves together while I went and packed the suitcases and brought them over. At this time we were still planning to have our date.
I finally got most of our stuff ready to go, but by the time I got back to Ojojona, it was to late to start back to town, but my parents offered to keep her tonight so we could still have our birthday date. One day I willl quit expecting things to work smoothly in Honduras and then I will be surprised if they ever do.
I told Matt I knew how to get to Pricemart, but I always give bad directions. As soon as we exited, I said, "oops this is the wrong turn, oh well i still know how to get there." We were going, and I thought we needed to turn around (which in the end we didn't). I told him to make a U turn at the light which I don't think is ever illegal in Honduras, and immediately, a cop (on foot) waved us down. Evidently we made the only illegal Uturn in all of Honduras, because he was trying to give us a ticket. I asked how we were supposed to know, and he said we just were. In the end, he told us we could go to transito, pay the ticket, come back with the reciept and get Matt's license. That is not really how things work here. Normally you have to go 2 or 3 days later to transito pay your ticket and they will give your lisence back to you. We tried it anyway. I told a few people what happened, and eventually a very kind police officer asked what I needed help with, and he ended up calling the officer 2 blocks away that took Matt's lisence and going to get it back from him. I left the transito office with Matt's lisence in hand and I didn't have to pay a cent.
We headed on for Pricemart, and traffic shortly thereafter stopped. There was some sort of parade or demonstration happening. We finally got to Pricemart 3 hours after we left the house. We got the things we neeeded there and headed back up the mountain without going to WalMart.
On the way up the mountain we put a deposit on a couch, love seat, and a chair. We got to the road to our house in Ojojona and we could not pass through a certain part of the road without wrecking our car. So we unloaded the truck from there.
Matt said he was going to start putting shelves together while I went and packed the suitcases and brought them over. At this time we were still planning to have our date.
I finally got most of our stuff ready to go, but by the time I got back to Ojojona, it was to late to start back to town, but my parents offered to keep her tonight so we could still have our birthday date. One day I willl quit expecting things to work smoothly in Honduras and then I will be surprised if they ever do.
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Mamitis
Haley has mamitis. Now before you get worried, know that this is not a sickness, it is just a term used in Spanish when a child is clingy to their mom. While she loves the kids here, the last week she has been very jealous of any attention that I give to them. She does not want them to hug us or talk to us. And if they try to take her away where she can't see me, she burst into tears. She is having a harder time with the adjustment than we expected. This week we are moving, and she will no longer be sleeping in the floor of my parents living room, and I think that having a space of her own will help her adjustment a little bit. please pray that she will be more accustomed to be being with all of the other children soon.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Hermanas
We have had a very special relationship with little Cindy since we met her 4 years ago. That special bond has only been strengthened by Haley. She and Ana, also 10 years old, have taken to Haley like white on rice. Almost always, one or both of them is with Haley playing or helping her to do something. They have taught her to say both hermana and sister.
Both Cindy and Ana are willing to take on a little extra responsibility when it comes to Haley. They have helped her in potty training. They are willing to help clean her potty accidents at the pila. They have been working with her to teach her to ride a bike, they do her hair, they share their snaks with her.
Of all of the kids, Ana and Cindy are definately her favorite. She prays for them every night and wants to play with them every day. They are helping her learn everything she possibly can. We are thankful for all of the kids here at Casa de Esperanza, but Cindy and Ana have a very special place to us.
Both Cindy and Ana are willing to take on a little extra responsibility when it comes to Haley. They have helped her in potty training. They are willing to help clean her potty accidents at the pila. They have been working with her to teach her to ride a bike, they do her hair, they share their snaks with her.
Of all of the kids, Ana and Cindy are definately her favorite. She prays for them every night and wants to play with them every day. They are helping her learn everything she possibly can. We are thankful for all of the kids here at Casa de Esperanza, but Cindy and Ana have a very special place to us.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Reina and homework
In the last 2 1/2 weeks, I have done a lot of homework with Reinita. She is 11 and in the 2nd grade. She went to Kindergarten twice and 1st grade twice, but according to Honduran law, she cannot stay in a grade for more than two years. She has learned her letters and numbers really well, but when it comes to putting the letters into words, she is lost.
The school that the kids go to gives a lot of really stupid busy work. Last week, one night that had to find 20 words with AC, 20 with EC, 20 with OC, and 20 with UC along with 20 with AD, 20 with OD, and 20 with UD. On top of that they had to write a sentence with every single word. This would have taken any second grader a long time, but it took Reina about 15 hours to finish it over the course of the weekend. That was the Thursday night homework, Friday night's homework was equally as dumb, but not quite as extensive. I started working with her after chores were done on Saturday morning, and we worked until bedtime Sunday night.
Sometimes Reina couldn't even copy the words correctly. She would copy half a word from one line and half from another. On one set of her sentences, she would write until the end of the line and then start the next sentence. It didn't matter to her that she had not finished the entire sentence. I'm not even sure if she realized it. My paitience is stretched sometimes when I work on homework with her, but I am so proud of her when she actually finishes something.
Last night, I was once again helping her on homework. She had to have 10 words written in cursive for every letter of the alphabet. She really got tickled when I didn't know how to write my capital letters in cursive. I always hated cursive, and I'm not sure if I ever really learned to write the capital letters in it. I wish you could have heard Reina laugh when I was trying to make her to her homework and even I didn't know how to make my cursive letters right. I guess it is time that I go back to second grade.
The school that the kids go to gives a lot of really stupid busy work. Last week, one night that had to find 20 words with AC, 20 with EC, 20 with OC, and 20 with UC along with 20 with AD, 20 with OD, and 20 with UD. On top of that they had to write a sentence with every single word. This would have taken any second grader a long time, but it took Reina about 15 hours to finish it over the course of the weekend. That was the Thursday night homework, Friday night's homework was equally as dumb, but not quite as extensive. I started working with her after chores were done on Saturday morning, and we worked until bedtime Sunday night.
Sometimes Reina couldn't even copy the words correctly. She would copy half a word from one line and half from another. On one set of her sentences, she would write until the end of the line and then start the next sentence. It didn't matter to her that she had not finished the entire sentence. I'm not even sure if she realized it. My paitience is stretched sometimes when I work on homework with her, but I am so proud of her when she actually finishes something.
Last night, I was once again helping her on homework. She had to have 10 words written in cursive for every letter of the alphabet. She really got tickled when I didn't know how to write my capital letters in cursive. I always hated cursive, and I'm not sure if I ever really learned to write the capital letters in it. I wish you could have heard Reina laugh when I was trying to make her to her homework and even I didn't know how to make my cursive letters right. I guess it is time that I go back to second grade.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Seyda
On Friday, I went with Karen to Casitas Kennedy for visitation. While some of our kids were having some time with their parents, I met several girls between 12-16 (the age of the girls that Matt and I one day want to help). One girl really left a lasting impression on my heart.
Her name was Seyda. She was 12. She had no shoes on her feet. She told me that INFHA (Honduran DHS) doesn't have enough money to provide anyone with shoes. I'm not sure on what level it is true or not. I know that INFHA has very little money right now and is struggling a lot though. Seyda almost finished 6th grade this year before she ran away from home. To finish 6th grade here is as big of an accomplishment of graduating High School in the States. She ran away because her mom beat her all the time. She showed me some scars from knives where her mom had tried to stab her.
I don't want to tell Seyda's story only to make you feel sad, because she wasn't sad. I want to tell you Seyda's story to tell you about her hope and faith in Christ. I asked her if she had a dad. She said only her Father in heaven. she continued to tell me that he had brought her through everything in her life and kept her safe. She also said that just because she had had a hard life, doesn't mean that God is far from her, but that has brought her closer to God.
Visiting with Seyda really touched my heart.
Her name was Seyda. She was 12. She had no shoes on her feet. She told me that INFHA (Honduran DHS) doesn't have enough money to provide anyone with shoes. I'm not sure on what level it is true or not. I know that INFHA has very little money right now and is struggling a lot though. Seyda almost finished 6th grade this year before she ran away from home. To finish 6th grade here is as big of an accomplishment of graduating High School in the States. She ran away because her mom beat her all the time. She showed me some scars from knives where her mom had tried to stab her.
I don't want to tell Seyda's story only to make you feel sad, because she wasn't sad. I want to tell you Seyda's story to tell you about her hope and faith in Christ. I asked her if she had a dad. She said only her Father in heaven. she continued to tell me that he had brought her through everything in her life and kept her safe. She also said that just because she had had a hard life, doesn't mean that God is far from her, but that has brought her closer to God.
Visiting with Seyda really touched my heart.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Fran and English lessons
Last night Karen called me saying that a neighbor was looking for someone to tudor her son in English. He goes to a bilingual school and is really struggling in English. I said I could do it one afternoon a week. Yessica (pronounced Jessica) brought her son Francisco over this afternoon.
Fran, as he is called, is a shy 7 year old first grader. I think the other 20 kids here were very intimidating to him. I went through the baby edition of GO DOGS GO with him trying to help him read the words and identify the objects in the book. I drew several objects in his notebook with the word written out. and asked him to learn these objects.
Jackson really wanted to participate in the English class. I kept telling him I could teach him English later. He kept telling Fran that it was easy. Poor Fran would get through a page (there is only one sentance per page) and by the next page not remember the same words he had just learned.
After the class, Brayan, Antonio, and Jackson all asked me if I would teach them to read in English. I don't know how long this enthusiasm will last, but I appreciated it. I told them I was available at anytime and would love to teach them English.
I hope that Fran can catch on to learning a little bit of English, and I hope that the boys here can learn to read in English. If you have any ideas for teaching Fran (7 years) or the boys here (9-13 years) let me know.
Fran, as he is called, is a shy 7 year old first grader. I think the other 20 kids here were very intimidating to him. I went through the baby edition of GO DOGS GO with him trying to help him read the words and identify the objects in the book. I drew several objects in his notebook with the word written out. and asked him to learn these objects.
Jackson really wanted to participate in the English class. I kept telling him I could teach him English later. He kept telling Fran that it was easy. Poor Fran would get through a page (there is only one sentance per page) and by the next page not remember the same words he had just learned.
After the class, Brayan, Antonio, and Jackson all asked me if I would teach them to read in English. I don't know how long this enthusiasm will last, but I appreciated it. I told them I was available at anytime and would love to teach them English.
I hope that Fran can catch on to learning a little bit of English, and I hope that the boys here can learn to read in English. If you have any ideas for teaching Fran (7 years) or the boys here (9-13 years) let me know.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Nana and Grandad
While we were in Baton Rpuge, we spent the month with Matt's parents. Cheryl was not used to having anyone in her house as Ronnie had been out of the country for 2 years. It was a big change for all of us. As much change as Haley went through during the month we spent in Baton Rouge, she was always the happiest when we were at Nana's house.
Haley and Nana have always had a very special relationship, and now Haley has a special relationship with her Grandad too. When we lived in the States, Haley saw Cheryl 3-4 times a week. A couple months before we left, we had to take some classes It was very hard on Cheryl to watch her one and only grandchild leave for another country. I imagine it was even harder to have Haley back with her for a while only to have her leave again.
We didn't know if Haley would remember Nana's house or not, but she seemed to. She loved playing with Nana every night when she got home from work and with Grandad when she woke up in the morning. She loves them both so much.
Not only did Nana spoil Haley with an entire suitcase full of new clothes, she spoiled us with new clothes and lots of time eating out. We really enjoyed our time with Ronnie and Cheryl and look forward to the time that they come to Honduras to see us.
Haley and Nana have always had a very special relationship, and now Haley has a special relationship with her Grandad too. When we lived in the States, Haley saw Cheryl 3-4 times a week. A couple months before we left, we had to take some classes It was very hard on Cheryl to watch her one and only grandchild leave for another country. I imagine it was even harder to have Haley back with her for a while only to have her leave again.
We didn't know if Haley would remember Nana's house or not, but she seemed to. She loved playing with Nana every night when she got home from work and with Grandad when she woke up in the morning. She loves them both so much.
Not only did Nana spoil Haley with an entire suitcase full of new clothes, she spoiled us with new clothes and lots of time eating out. We really enjoyed our time with Ronnie and Cheryl and look forward to the time that they come to Honduras to see us.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Eddie and Karen
Eddie White is the preacher of our church in Baton Rouge. His son Jonathan and Matt were great friends in high school. But the Whites continue to mean a lot to our family.
When we moved to Baton Rouge, Karen reached out to me in a big way and made me feel welcome at South. Since we moved to Baton Rouge 3 years ago and now that we are on the mission field they have always been a huge encouragement to us. Eddie and Karen were missionaries in the Czhek Republic for 10 years, and they have been there to talk to us about many of our goals as well as our fears.
Tuesday night before we left, Eddie sent me a message asking when we were going to be at the airport. I didn't respond to it until after 10 and knowing that Eddie goes to bed early, I didn't think we would see him, but he got to the airport before we did. He knew how special that day was for us, and he wanted to be a part of it with us. While we were checking our bags, he took Haley to a store and ended up buying Haley a little monkey to go along with her big monkey. Haley first named it BABY, but she has since decided to name it after the person that gave it to her, Eddie.
As I have said before, we are grateful for the people God has put into our lives all over the world.
When we moved to Baton Rouge, Karen reached out to me in a big way and made me feel welcome at South. Since we moved to Baton Rouge 3 years ago and now that we are on the mission field they have always been a huge encouragement to us. Eddie and Karen were missionaries in the Czhek Republic for 10 years, and they have been there to talk to us about many of our goals as well as our fears.
Tuesday night before we left, Eddie sent me a message asking when we were going to be at the airport. I didn't respond to it until after 10 and knowing that Eddie goes to bed early, I didn't think we would see him, but he got to the airport before we did. He knew how special that day was for us, and he wanted to be a part of it with us. While we were checking our bags, he took Haley to a store and ended up buying Haley a little monkey to go along with her big monkey. Haley first named it BABY, but she has since decided to name it after the person that gave it to her, Eddie.
As I have said before, we are grateful for the people God has put into our lives all over the world.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Marta
Marta is a friend of mine that lives very close to the children's home property. I met Denis and Marta and their boys Denis, Jr. and Cristian many years ago in a neighborhood called Union y Fuerza. Shortly after they became Christians, they also wanted to get marry and make their union right in the eyes of God. When the gangs in Union y Fuerza were so bad, they were able to mov out here to Santa Ana.
Denis works out here. He is a jack of all trades. He has the chickens plummp and the flowers blooming. Everything he touches flourishes.
Marta, his wife left him a few years ago, and none of us ever saw her again. Last year when I came to Honduras with the BR group, she was back. When she heard I was here, she came over shortly after to give me a bird candlestick holder/vase thing. It was really unique.
Today, I realized that Skillet had wandered off. I hoped that he had just gone to Denis' house (which he did, thankfully.) Marta was there and excited to see me. She told me she was going to come over tonight to see my family. I told her I worked till 8 but she came over about 6. Matt was making dinner and Haley was there. As soon as she realized I was in town, she went to get us gifts. I got earrings, Haley got hair barretts, Matt got about 10 hugs.
I love Marta's giving spirit, and wish that I was always as eagar to give of my stuff as she is.
Denis works out here. He is a jack of all trades. He has the chickens plummp and the flowers blooming. Everything he touches flourishes.
Marta, his wife left him a few years ago, and none of us ever saw her again. Last year when I came to Honduras with the BR group, she was back. When she heard I was here, she came over shortly after to give me a bird candlestick holder/vase thing. It was really unique.
Today, I realized that Skillet had wandered off. I hoped that he had just gone to Denis' house (which he did, thankfully.) Marta was there and excited to see me. She told me she was going to come over tonight to see my family. I told her I worked till 8 but she came over about 6. Matt was making dinner and Haley was there. As soon as she realized I was in town, she went to get us gifts. I got earrings, Haley got hair barretts, Matt got about 10 hugs.
I love Marta's giving spirit, and wish that I was always as eagar to give of my stuff as she is.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Potty-training
Yesterday morning, our first full day here, Haley woke up and really wanted to put on her big girl panties. I had planned on waiting a week or two until we got settled, but this was really important to Haley. So I put on her panties with Dora and let her wear them. She did not have one accident yesterday. Today, however, she had 3 accidents.
Everytime she goes into the bathroom she talks about how she is a big girl and wears panties. She is so proud of herself for not being in diapers. We are proud of her too. What kind of child decides on their own to potty train. We thought potty training would make her adjustment harder, but it is making it easier.
Good luck Haley in this new stage of life.
Everytime she goes into the bathroom she talks about how she is a big girl and wears panties. She is so proud of herself for not being in diapers. We are proud of her too. What kind of child decides on their own to potty train. We thought potty training would make her adjustment harder, but it is making it easier.
Good luck Haley in this new stage of life.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
HOME
Five years ago, Matt and I began planning to one day move to Honduras, and today we finally are here. Of all of the places we have lived in the last 5 years, this one really feels like we are at home. We began our day early when we got up at 3:45 so that we would be ready to leave the house at 4:30. We left the house with 6 pieces of checked luggage 2 back packs, a carry-on for Haley, an extra carry-on for Matt, and of course Mojo the monkey under my arm.
When we got to the airport, we saw Eddie White. He had met us at the airport at 5AM just to tell us he loved us and to pray with us. I thought that was very special. There are very few people I would see off at the airport at 5AM when I didn't have to be there. Since Jonathan his son gave Mojo to Haley when she was born, Eddie decided to buy Haley another monkey in the airport. I think she has decided to name it Eddie.
After our sweet happy two year old screamed for most of both flights, we were more than ready to be here. I saw friends Carlos, Patricia, and Josue at the airport. They all work there in some way or another. They greeted our family, but quickly asked where my dad was. I assured them he would be back soon.
We got about half-way between the airport and Santa Ana when it began to rain. That is not unusual because it is rainy season. Unfortunately all of our luggage was back there getting soaked. When we got to casa, all of the older kids that don't have to take a nap were there waiting on us. It was great to hug them and be reminded of how much I love them.
This afternoon, we have been trying to unpack and get settled into my parent's house and into some simblance of a routine. In the midst of unpacking there have been at least 5 times the power has gone out for a few minutes. But that is life here. One thing I know is that tonight I am in the place God has called me to be. I am home.
When we got to the airport, we saw Eddie White. He had met us at the airport at 5AM just to tell us he loved us and to pray with us. I thought that was very special. There are very few people I would see off at the airport at 5AM when I didn't have to be there. Since Jonathan his son gave Mojo to Haley when she was born, Eddie decided to buy Haley another monkey in the airport. I think she has decided to name it Eddie.
After our sweet happy two year old screamed for most of both flights, we were more than ready to be here. I saw friends Carlos, Patricia, and Josue at the airport. They all work there in some way or another. They greeted our family, but quickly asked where my dad was. I assured them he would be back soon.
We got about half-way between the airport and Santa Ana when it began to rain. That is not unusual because it is rainy season. Unfortunately all of our luggage was back there getting soaked. When we got to casa, all of the older kids that don't have to take a nap were there waiting on us. It was great to hug them and be reminded of how much I love them.
This afternoon, we have been trying to unpack and get settled into my parent's house and into some simblance of a routine. In the midst of unpacking there have been at least 5 times the power has gone out for a few minutes. But that is life here. One thing I know is that tonight I am in the place God has called me to be. I am home.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Kin and Donna Ellis
Six years ago I met Kin and Donna Ellis. They came to Honduras with their youth group from Atlanta. I worked with them some, but never thought they would ever be a part of my life the way they are. I remember the next year though being touched by the words Donna said as she led her group in prayer over Casa de Esperanza after a day of working there. Her words were gentle and filled with passion for God to work in big ways there.
Two years after I initially met Kin and Donna, I saw them again in Honduras. Matt and I were married at that point, and we had the great opportunity to spend a couple days with them in Hospital Escuela and at the Special Needs Orphanage. Kin made all of the kids laugh everywhere we went with his magic tricks. I saw them love the children of Honduras in only a way that Jesus could love them. Every child they spoke with smiled, and I know saw Jesus in them.
At the end of the summer, Matt and I had an overnight layover in Atlanta, so we asked to stay at the Ellis home. Kin picked us up and bought us a steak. The next morning when Kin dropped us off at the MARTA station, we hugged and said that we were sure our paths would cross again someday in Honduras.
Two years later, we were living in Baton Rouge when our church hired Kin and Donna to work here with our church. Since the day they moved here they have become a very special part of our lives. We have served the homeless together and eaten many beignets together. They have been here to counsel us and advise us as we prepare to do what God has put before us. We have played a lot of Wii together and eaten many meals. There truly are no words to say how much we love and appreciate Kin and Donna. We thank God for them every day.
Two years after I initially met Kin and Donna, I saw them again in Honduras. Matt and I were married at that point, and we had the great opportunity to spend a couple days with them in Hospital Escuela and at the Special Needs Orphanage. Kin made all of the kids laugh everywhere we went with his magic tricks. I saw them love the children of Honduras in only a way that Jesus could love them. Every child they spoke with smiled, and I know saw Jesus in them.
At the end of the summer, Matt and I had an overnight layover in Atlanta, so we asked to stay at the Ellis home. Kin picked us up and bought us a steak. The next morning when Kin dropped us off at the MARTA station, we hugged and said that we were sure our paths would cross again someday in Honduras.
Two years later, we were living in Baton Rouge when our church hired Kin and Donna to work here with our church. Since the day they moved here they have become a very special part of our lives. We have served the homeless together and eaten many beignets together. They have been here to counsel us and advise us as we prepare to do what God has put before us. We have played a lot of Wii together and eaten many meals. There truly are no words to say how much we love and appreciate Kin and Donna. We thank God for them every day.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Tonya and Trevor
Four years ago our mentor, Marvin, asked Matt and I to participate in an outreach ministry in Searcy where a Bible study group met in a coffeehouse for a time of worship. This group was run by ministry students with the goal of reaching people who were not interested in stepping foot in a church building. There we met Tonya and Trevor. At the time they were engaged. Tonya swore to herself that we would never be friends because all of the students in the advanced ministry program became friends with her and left. She could not bear to form another close relationship, only to lose it.
BUT GOD HAD OTHER PLANS...
God kept putting us in each other's paths where we had only one option, to become friends. By the time we moved away from Searcy, they were so close to us that we strongly considered looking for jobs in Little Rock just to be closer to them. Generally, when people move away, the friendship remains, but is never as strong as when together, but God has drawn us even closer although we are many miles away.
We have spent many hours over the last year on skype, and now Tonya and Trevor have Taven, their sweet little boy. We have had the opportunity to see each other over the last two weekends. I am so grateful that God really wanted us to be friends. A relationship like the one we have with Tonya and Trevor is very unique and doesn't come around very often, and I am so glad they are in our life.
BUT GOD HAD OTHER PLANS...
God kept putting us in each other's paths where we had only one option, to become friends. By the time we moved away from Searcy, they were so close to us that we strongly considered looking for jobs in Little Rock just to be closer to them. Generally, when people move away, the friendship remains, but is never as strong as when together, but God has drawn us even closer although we are many miles away.
We have spent many hours over the last year on skype, and now Tonya and Trevor have Taven, their sweet little boy. We have had the opportunity to see each other over the last two weekends. I am so grateful that God really wanted us to be friends. A relationship like the one we have with Tonya and Trevor is very unique and doesn't come around very often, and I am so glad they are in our life.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Many Emotions
I'm sitting here 11:00 at night with so many thoughts going through my head. I can't believe the time is finally here for us to go to Honduras. We started working on this journey 5 years ago before we were even married. After many obstacles and changes of plans, God is finally allowing us to go and live our dream. But the excitement is grouped with a nervouseness of being in a new place (although it is not new to us, we have never lived there for more than a couple months), a sadness of saying good bye once again to family and friends, stress of trying to get everything crammed into 6 suitcases while only using 300 lbs along with the laundry list of last minute things we need to do before we arrive at the airport on Wednesday morning at 5:00.
Along with all of these things, I am thinking of my sweet girl as she once again has to move houses and change routines. This trip has been hard on that sweet girl. Just now, after being here a month, has she adjusted to being here. At least she will be getting to spend a lot of time with kids who love her.
I am excited to work with Karen, yet a little aprehensive in not knowing exactly what my role is. I am pumped to work with the kids, but worried of how Haley will adjust to my attention being devided.
If you can't tell by these words, my thoughts are everywhere right now. One thing I know for sure though, is that God is great and he is going to use us.
Along with all of these things, I am thinking of my sweet girl as she once again has to move houses and change routines. This trip has been hard on that sweet girl. Just now, after being here a month, has she adjusted to being here. At least she will be getting to spend a lot of time with kids who love her.
I am excited to work with Karen, yet a little aprehensive in not knowing exactly what my role is. I am pumped to work with the kids, but worried of how Haley will adjust to my attention being devided.
If you can't tell by these words, my thoughts are everywhere right now. One thing I know for sure though, is that God is great and he is going to use us.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Xinia
One of the friends I have made during my time here is the secretary at ILE named Xinia. I didn't get to know her until this trimester. Xinia and I did zumba together, and well, lets just say she is about as good of a dancer as me. For those of you her don't know me super well, I can't dance at all. Luckily this was just for exercise. Xinia and I were always at the back of the class laughing and making each other laugh. Over the semester, she became a friend of mine that I talked to everyday. She told me at graduation, she had never gotten close to the students before, and that she was really going to miss me. We loved to joke and be silly together. Xinia is one of the people here in CR that I am going to miss.
More Goodbyes
This week has been full of goodbyes. Goodbyes to teachers who have become close friends. Goodbyes to friends leaving for the mission field. Goodbyes to neighbors and accuaintances that we have come to know at the park.
Today, our church honored us with a painting. They said they always hoped we would remember them and come visit them. Knowing this culture, I knew that if anyone knew this was our last Sunday, Matt would be asked to say a few words, so we jotted something down so he would be prepared. However, it surprised us when they called all three of us up to the front to present us with a gift. As expected, Matt was asked to say a few words. He pulled a note out of his pocket, then they surprised me by asking me to say a few words. Haley also wanted to say a few words (1 actually) She waved to everyone and said, "Hola!!"
We are blessed to have family wherever we go because wherever there are other Christians, we know we have some friends.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Kathia
For the last 8 months, Kathia has been Haley's teacher at daycare. Because Haley was the youngest in the class by at least 6 months, Kathia was always a little more protective with Haley. Haley loves Kathia and Kathia felt the same for Haley. Whenever we would arrive at school, Haley would jump out of her stroller and run as fast as she could to give Kathia a hug. Kathia would greet her with all sorts of complements and have Haley help her to set up the chairs before the other kids got there. Yesterday, when I went to pick Haley up from kinder yesterday, Kathia cried and cried and cried.
Kathia is more than just a daycare teacher. She pottytrained many of the kids even before the parents start the process. She loves the kids like they are her own, and every day she pours out her heart to the little ones in her class.
God, thank you for Kathia.
Kathia is more than just a daycare teacher. She pottytrained many of the kids even before the parents start the process. She loves the kids like they are her own, and every day she pours out her heart to the little ones in her class.
God, thank you for Kathia.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Last Day at ILE
Today was a wierd day. I have been looking forward to finishing my time in language school pretty much since it started. We have been planning to move to Honduras since before we got married. However, today I was not elated like I was when I turned in my final exam in Monte Cox's class 3 years ago, and I did not cheer as I walked out of Ana's class today.
I have been so excited for this day to come, but today, my emotions were heavy. I knew that at the end of the school day 5 of the teachers in our school would be let go due to lack of money and new students coming to the school, not due to the inability to teach. Therefore, the school today was filled with tension, and I think everyone could feel it.
Don't get me wrong, I am relieved to no longer have homework, tests or papers to do. I am also excited to visit friends and family in the States and be in Honduras next month, but I was torn because I knew some of my teachers, or friends, would be losing their jobs today. Hoping tommorow's graduation is more sweet than bitter, although it will be filled with goodbye's to the friends we have made this year.
I have been so excited for this day to come, but today, my emotions were heavy. I knew that at the end of the school day 5 of the teachers in our school would be let go due to lack of money and new students coming to the school, not due to the inability to teach. Therefore, the school today was filled with tension, and I think everyone could feel it.
Don't get me wrong, I am relieved to no longer have homework, tests or papers to do. I am also excited to visit friends and family in the States and be in Honduras next month, but I was torn because I knew some of my teachers, or friends, would be losing their jobs today. Hoping tommorow's graduation is more sweet than bitter, although it will be filled with goodbye's to the friends we have made this year.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Deus E Bom Pra Mim!!
Yesterday Matt and I returned to Valle del Sol after having not been for a month for various reasons. As Steve met us at the school he said a short term mission team from Brazil would be joining us. We foolishly thought they would arrive at 2 when the Bible School started. They were not there, but tons of kids were. At that point Steve put me on the spot and told me to start singing with the kids. Unfortuneatly, all of the kids songs I know in Spanish, they do not know, and they were in no mood to learn them. So I just tried to get them to sing for several grueling minutes with all of the kids looking at me like the fool that I was. Horacio, who has a CD of children's songs and big poster boards with all of the words shows up and rescues me. A few minutes later, the group from Brazil showed up, and taught the kids some songs in Portuguese.
At one point they had kids go up and sing the song, then the kids said adults should too. So, first Horacio went to sing it, then I did. I was in the back with Haley and kind of learned the words, but I didn't even realize there were motions to go with it, so I had to do it again with motions. The words to the song we sang are:
Deus é bom para mim!
Deus é bom para mim!
Seguro estou, com Ele eu vou!
Deus é bom para mim!”
It means:
God has come for me!
God has come for me!
I am sure with Him I go!
God has come for me!
We left after the Bible lesson because Haley hadn't taken a nap and was getting really grumpy, but they had some activities for the kids to do. It was neat to be able to worship in even another language, and that God understands all languages. Fortunately, Portuguese is similar to Spanish and I could understand some of the people.
At one point they had kids go up and sing the song, then the kids said adults should too. So, first Horacio went to sing it, then I did. I was in the back with Haley and kind of learned the words, but I didn't even realize there were motions to go with it, so I had to do it again with motions. The words to the song we sang are:
Deus é bom para mim!
Deus é bom para mim!
Seguro estou, com Ele eu vou!
Deus é bom para mim!”
It means:
God has come for me!
God has come for me!
I am sure with Him I go!
God has come for me!
We left after the Bible lesson because Haley hadn't taken a nap and was getting really grumpy, but they had some activities for the kids to do. It was neat to be able to worship in even another language, and that God understands all languages. Fortunately, Portuguese is similar to Spanish and I could understand some of the people.
Friday, July 29, 2011
That girl is going to cost me a fortune
Today after our oral proficiency exam, we decided to go to the mall to celebrate finishing. We went to a mall with a playground inside of it to eat Taco Bell (Matt) and Pizza Hut (Me and Haley) and to walk around. After playing, the first store was a shoe store. Haley would say "shoe, pretty; sandals, pretty; boots; pretty." Keep in mind these were all women's shoes. Then she looked at me and said "Mommy, I shoes" (she doesn't use many verbs in her sentances yet). The next shoestore had sandals, crocs, and converse all in her size. Quickly "shoe, pretty" transfered to "I hold it" which is her way of asking for it. She was ok with us saying no, but still in awe of the shoes.
Later we went to Carrion (Think JC Penney). Matt, when we got there told her he would buy her a shirt. At the store in the shoes (women and girls) she thought all were pretty, but some were prettier than others. In the clothes section, she knew exactly what she thought was pretty. At the end she had a polo and a dress. Matt told her she could get the shirt because it was cheaper. The rest of the time at the mall she kept saying "I polo, I hold it."
I know I will have so much fun with this little girl, going shopping with her, but as much as she likes clothes and shoes, and pretty things, she is going to cost us a fortune. Oh well.
Later we went to Carrion (Think JC Penney). Matt, when we got there told her he would buy her a shirt. At the store in the shoes (women and girls) she thought all were pretty, but some were prettier than others. In the clothes section, she knew exactly what she thought was pretty. At the end she had a polo and a dress. Matt told her she could get the shirt because it was cheaper. The rest of the time at the mall she kept saying "I polo, I hold it."
I know I will have so much fun with this little girl, going shopping with her, but as much as she likes clothes and shoes, and pretty things, she is going to cost us a fortune. Oh well.
ECO
The ECO is the oral profficiency test that our school offers. It is usually about 30 minutes of answering whatever question the teacher wants to ask to us. We were assigned to teachers that we have never had as our teacher so that they don't really have a clue what level we are on. It evens the playing field a little bit. I walked, and Eugenia greeted me with "Oh you're Nicole, the famous one that I have heard so many good things about." That immediately eased any anxiety I might have had. Her best friend, Xinia, works in the office, and Xinia and I have become friends during Zumba. The questions were not difficult, and just gave me the opportunity to talk about things I really care about, my family, my ministry, and my interests. At the end she turned off the recorder and told me one of the best compliments I have ever heard. She told me that she has seen that Matt and I both have an obvious passion for the people of Latin America. She said she appreciated how much we love people without discrimination. She said much more. This was someone I had never talked to before today, but she had been watching me and my family and how we interact with others. After she finished all that she had to say, I was deeply touched.
Matt came out of his test, also feeling that he had done well. Monday we have a 16 page grammar test, and we graduate 2 weeks from today. We are one step closer.
Matt came out of his test, also feeling that he had done well. Monday we have a 16 page grammar test, and we graduate 2 weeks from today. We are one step closer.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Beggars
A few times a week, we get beggars asking for things. Usually they ask for food or money. Also, many times they are men and seem to be high. Tonight we heard the typical "UPE!!" Along with the clanging on our gate. Above the attention getters was a baby crying. Most of the time we don't answer because the men aren't always trustworthy, and at times they are dangerous. I asked Matt to look out the window to see if it was a woman. When it is a woman we are much more likely to help because women always have other mouths to feed. The woman had already gone down the road a ways, but I called to get her attention and had a little oatmeal some bananas, apples, crackers, peas and some beans. I asked the lady who all lived with her and she said her, her 5 children, her brother, and her mom. I imagine that it is only one bed room and made out of scrap material. As she was again walking off, our neigbor walked down with a loaf of bread.
I hate that the food she received was not very much, nor was it quality, but I am happy that those 5 kids haves something to fill their bellies tonight.
I hate that the food she received was not very much, nor was it quality, but I am happy that those 5 kids haves something to fill their bellies tonight.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Hopscotch and church.
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| Haley received a birthday/ going away gift from her Bible class teacher. It says Costa Rica Pura Vida and has monkeys on it. |
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| There was two baptisms at church this morning. A man and his wife have been studying with Jose a leader at the church for about a month. Everyone went to the front of the church to gather around them and celebrate in the decision to follow Christ. |
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| Believe it or not, right before this picture, Haley was hugging and kissing on Ronald, the preacher of the church. Just recently, she has started to like him, and now we are leaving. |
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| This is a sweet girl in the youth group that loves Haley so much. |
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| Instead of class today, we just had a time to socialize with everyone. Haley was being helped on the hopscotch. All the boys were playing soccer, and most of the little kids were just running around being silly. It was a great morning at church. |
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Thinking about buying Harry Potter...
I've never once read a Harry Potter book, but now, I am thinking about buying the set - in Spanish. In April when we were in Honduras, Pamela and Ana told me that they enjoy reading. Most of the books at Casa de Esperanza are on a much younger level than that which they read on. I also would love for them to have Narnia or Lord of the Rings in Spanish. This will be some collections that it will take a few years to acquire, but I really want to see these kids having a love for reading. I also think fiction stories are a great way to escape. Who knows, maybe I will even read them too...
Friday, July 22, 2011
Date Morning
Yesterday, Matt and I felt as if we had hit the wall. We didn't think there was anyway possible that we would be able to survive the last three weeks. We both had grammar tests in our first classes so we had to go. However, we decided that we would leave Haley in her class at daycare till we usually pick her up, and we walked to McDonalds and shared a Coke and a McFlurry. We were able to spend an extra two hours relax and talk with each other and not be in the house. The date wasn't big or fancy, but it was great for our marriage and for the survival of our last three weeks in CR.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
101 Things about Costa Rica
We are in the final stretch of our year here in CR. Here are a few things that we have learned while we have been here. Really we have learned soo much more.
1. Walking everywhere wares out, rips holes, and break shoes
2. Just because it is sunny and 85 at noon does not mean that you can go to the park at 3:00 after naptime, because it is frequently rainy.
3. In one day, it is likely to wear a tank top and shorts in the morning, pants and a jacket in the afternoon, and back to the tank top a little while later.
4. Wherever you go, you must watch for poop.
5. You should never leave home without an umbrella.
6. Costa Rican babies drink from a bottle until they are at least 4.
7. If it is below 72 and your small child is not in a jacket and hat, you will be repremanded by other Tica moms.
8. Taco Bell is real Costa Rican food, or at least you would think that if you ever saw their lines.
9. There are a surprising amount of Asians.
10. People don't get offended when referring to people as fat, or "little blacky" (negrito), but if you accidently say stupid, you are in big trouble.
11. People generally want to prevent a child crying at all cost, so if a child throws a fit in church, instead of taking the child out of church, it is better to give the kid a sucker.
12. Babies are worshiped here. If you take a baby to a bank with you, you will immediately be moved to the front of the line. Supermarkets sometimes even have special lines for handicapped, pregnant, and woman with children.
13. A cute little blonde girl can get food from all types of people just by smiling.
14. People don't think it is wierd to give children they do not know food without first asking permission from the parents. For that reason, Haley has received ice cream, candy, chips, and cookies from complete strangers in the park.
15. All bills must be paid in the bank or the supermarket.
16. Sometimes you don't get the bill till after it is due, but that doesn't matter, and it is not due on the same day of each month.
17. Costa Rica is much more expensive than Honduras.
18. Babies might have a bottle till their four (see #6) but if your 18 month old still has a pacifier, they ask why you let your kid have that.
19. Generally, Ticos really do not like Nicaraguans, but the feeling is mutual.
20. Most people here don't believe that any crime that happens here is the fault of their own. Anyone that is poor, robs, or does drugs must actually be from Nicaragua.
21. If you let your kid play in the rain or splash in puddles, people will think you have gone off the rocker because...
22. If you let your kid get wet, they surely will be sick. (Then how do we bathe them?)
23. The cleanliness of the floor is the most important aspect of a Costa Rican home. Therefore, I could never be a good tica.
24. Costa Ricans don't trust many people.
25. Women of all sizes and ages can walk better in heels than in flat shoes.
26. Just because they speak Spanish does not mean they say many of the same things in Honduras.
27. When I arrived the ticos said I sounded Honduran, but when I went to Honduras, they said I sounded like a Tica.
28. Sometimes misplacing the accent of a word can sound like your cussing.
29. In talking about extreme sports you should not say that you would like to climb mountains without "ropa" you should say without "cuerdas." Without "ropa" is without clothes, but without cuerdas is without ropes.
30. It is a common belief that wakling around your house barefoot will make you sick.
31. Because all sickness comes from the ground.
32. Ginger tea with honey is the first medicine of choice when one has a cold.
33. It seems strange to most Costa Ricans that we are not familiar with home remedies and that we do not use them.
34. Children learn a language much quicker than adult.
35. Right now Haley knows more Spanish than English.
36. Being in CR can make you miss things like ribs and good steak.
37. It is possible still to go a year without cell phones.
38. Favorite TV shows of ticos are The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men.
39. Tortillas not Buscuits come with meals at Church's Chicken.
40. Many English words are made into Spanish ones: to facebook - facebookear; to skype - skypear; to google something: googlear, and many others. Also, here they call a playground: el play.
41. Mother's Day is not celebrated on the second Sunday of May, but on August 15. Does that mean I get an extra Mother's Day celebration this year??
42. Being away from friends and family can at times make adults look in their mail boxes like college students hoping for something from home.
43. The way you pronounce a word actually does make a huge difference in what you are saying, and one letter can make a huge difference. How would you like to confuse hilo (floss) with hijo (son)??
44. All young people wear converse.
45. The skaters at the park don't care if there is a soccer or basketball game happening, when they arrive, they think it is their territory. And they like to smoke the mota (pot).
46. On Sunday afternoon Parque Copa becomes Parque Gringo.
47. The walk to church is literally up hill both ways.
48. Just because you can understand Spanish well does not mean that you can understand church well. Somehow a toddler and a room with a really bad echo makes it difficult to pay attention to church.
49. Cake and donuts here are usually dry, but if you can get them fresh they are good.
50. Our child is more accostomed to buses and taxes rather than cars.
51. We haven't used a car seat in a year with the exception of when we visited family at Christmas.
52. It is common for people to come to our gate asking for food.
53. Women always receive some of our food when they knock.
54. People may not ever remember our name, but everyone remembers Haley's or "Lili." Whereever we are in town someone always comes up and says Hola Lili!
55. Honduas and Costa Rica are not as close together as they look. The whole road between San Jose and Tegucigalpa are mountainous. We were going to visit multiple times until we realized that.
56. It is a big treat to by goldfish.
57. Sometimes we make a special trip downtown just to by Dr. Peppers.
58. Traveling here is not the same as living here. We have been here a year and not been to the beach.
59. January and February bring bright orange blooms on trees on the mountains. It is called "fire on the mountain."
60. Poisettas are actually trees.
61. So are Bouganvillas (actually they are vines, but they are as big and wide as trees).
62. Many other houseplants grow to be 8-12 feet tall.
63. The most important possessions to a tico are shoes and umbrellas.
64. We often think of little things from the States that would be nice to have; usually it is certain food things.
65. Costa Rica now has Wal-Mart.
66. Wal-Mart is not the cheapest place but one of the most expensive.
67. Saturdays usually consist of donuts, followed by buying fresh produce at the neighborhood farmer's market.
68. Many times people think you are rich just because you are an American.
69. Everyone assumes that you can't speak Spanish. No matter how bad your Spanish is, it is usually better than their English.
70. Jesus Adrian Romero is the most popular Christian artist in Central America.
71. Everyone is jealous of blue eyes.
72. Many ticos have much fairer skin than most people in Latin America.
73. Therefore manytimes I have mistaken a Costa Rican for a Gringo.
74. Generally, Tica moms are much more protective of their children. Their 6-7 year old children are frequently scared to climb the same things that my 2 year old climbs.
75. I thought it strange that Haley quit trying to walk on her own when we got here, but when she started back up again at 15.5 months, people here thought it was so early for a child to start walking on their own.
76. People of all ages wear Sesame Street T-shirts.
77. Newborn baby girls get their ears pierced in the hospital unless the parents say otherwise.
78. Parents of newborn baby boys have to aske to have their baby circumcized. Otherwise it may not even be mentioned to them.
79. Spanking is highly illegal, but most people still do it.
80. There are no street times or house numbers.
81. All city blocks are said to be 100 meters whether they are 20 or 200.
82. You give directions from the nearest landmark.
83. For example, when I call a taxi, my address is: De parque sauces, 200m west and 50m north, and I live in the white and tourquoise house. Really it is about 100 meters west and 15 north.
84. Tourist books say that Cafe Britt is the best, but really it is just a more expensive gimmick for gringos.
85. Trash comes Wednesday and Saturday. You cannnot put it out the night before because people or dogs will dig through it, but many times it comes before 7:00 in the morning. Othertimes, it doesn't come till Thursday.
86. Some days we walk under two miles, but that is rare.
87. ESPN espanol usually only shows soccer or boxing.
88. Soccer is the only sport people here really care about.
89. Costa Rica has a female president.
90. Costa Rica has more teachers than soldiers because CR doesn't have an army.
91. A woman's outfit is incomplete without a necklace.
92. Just because you live in apartment #2 does not mean that the water bill that says #2 is the one you should pay. We learned that the hard way when our neighbors in #1 paid their #1 bill a day late and our water got cut off.
93. Latin American literature doesn't have much redeeming value to it.
94. Santa doesn't bring gifts at Christmas, instead "el nino" (the boy, refers to Jesus) brings them. At least it has to do with the reason for the celebration.
95. Fireworks go off at all times of the night.
96. So do car alarms, but not necessarily because someone is trying to rob them. It is usually because the wind blew too strongly.
97. Earthquakes are scary. Thankfully none of them cause any damage.
98. Giggle, chuckle, laugh, and snicker all translate to the word reirse.
99. There is an on-going border controversy with Nicaragua.
100. You kiss on the cheek when you greet here, but not an actual kiss, just touch cheeks and make a kissing noise.
101. We do everything in Kilograms not Pounds, Centimeters not Inches, Meters not feet or yards, and Kilometers not miles.
1. Walking everywhere wares out, rips holes, and break shoes
2. Just because it is sunny and 85 at noon does not mean that you can go to the park at 3:00 after naptime, because it is frequently rainy.
3. In one day, it is likely to wear a tank top and shorts in the morning, pants and a jacket in the afternoon, and back to the tank top a little while later.
4. Wherever you go, you must watch for poop.
5. You should never leave home without an umbrella.
6. Costa Rican babies drink from a bottle until they are at least 4.
7. If it is below 72 and your small child is not in a jacket and hat, you will be repremanded by other Tica moms.
8. Taco Bell is real Costa Rican food, or at least you would think that if you ever saw their lines.
9. There are a surprising amount of Asians.
10. People don't get offended when referring to people as fat, or "little blacky" (negrito), but if you accidently say stupid, you are in big trouble.
11. People generally want to prevent a child crying at all cost, so if a child throws a fit in church, instead of taking the child out of church, it is better to give the kid a sucker.
12. Babies are worshiped here. If you take a baby to a bank with you, you will immediately be moved to the front of the line. Supermarkets sometimes even have special lines for handicapped, pregnant, and woman with children.
13. A cute little blonde girl can get food from all types of people just by smiling.
14. People don't think it is wierd to give children they do not know food without first asking permission from the parents. For that reason, Haley has received ice cream, candy, chips, and cookies from complete strangers in the park.
15. All bills must be paid in the bank or the supermarket.
16. Sometimes you don't get the bill till after it is due, but that doesn't matter, and it is not due on the same day of each month.
17. Costa Rica is much more expensive than Honduras.
18. Babies might have a bottle till their four (see #6) but if your 18 month old still has a pacifier, they ask why you let your kid have that.
19. Generally, Ticos really do not like Nicaraguans, but the feeling is mutual.
20. Most people here don't believe that any crime that happens here is the fault of their own. Anyone that is poor, robs, or does drugs must actually be from Nicaragua.
21. If you let your kid play in the rain or splash in puddles, people will think you have gone off the rocker because...
22. If you let your kid get wet, they surely will be sick. (Then how do we bathe them?)
23. The cleanliness of the floor is the most important aspect of a Costa Rican home. Therefore, I could never be a good tica.
24. Costa Ricans don't trust many people.
25. Women of all sizes and ages can walk better in heels than in flat shoes.
26. Just because they speak Spanish does not mean they say many of the same things in Honduras.
27. When I arrived the ticos said I sounded Honduran, but when I went to Honduras, they said I sounded like a Tica.
28. Sometimes misplacing the accent of a word can sound like your cussing.
29. In talking about extreme sports you should not say that you would like to climb mountains without "ropa" you should say without "cuerdas." Without "ropa" is without clothes, but without cuerdas is without ropes.
30. It is a common belief that wakling around your house barefoot will make you sick.
31. Because all sickness comes from the ground.
32. Ginger tea with honey is the first medicine of choice when one has a cold.
33. It seems strange to most Costa Ricans that we are not familiar with home remedies and that we do not use them.
34. Children learn a language much quicker than adult.
35. Right now Haley knows more Spanish than English.
36. Being in CR can make you miss things like ribs and good steak.
37. It is possible still to go a year without cell phones.
38. Favorite TV shows of ticos are The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men.
39. Tortillas not Buscuits come with meals at Church's Chicken.
40. Many English words are made into Spanish ones: to facebook - facebookear; to skype - skypear; to google something: googlear, and many others. Also, here they call a playground: el play.
41. Mother's Day is not celebrated on the second Sunday of May, but on August 15. Does that mean I get an extra Mother's Day celebration this year??
42. Being away from friends and family can at times make adults look in their mail boxes like college students hoping for something from home.
43. The way you pronounce a word actually does make a huge difference in what you are saying, and one letter can make a huge difference. How would you like to confuse hilo (floss) with hijo (son)??
44. All young people wear converse.
45. The skaters at the park don't care if there is a soccer or basketball game happening, when they arrive, they think it is their territory. And they like to smoke the mota (pot).
46. On Sunday afternoon Parque Copa becomes Parque Gringo.
47. The walk to church is literally up hill both ways.
48. Just because you can understand Spanish well does not mean that you can understand church well. Somehow a toddler and a room with a really bad echo makes it difficult to pay attention to church.
49. Cake and donuts here are usually dry, but if you can get them fresh they are good.
50. Our child is more accostomed to buses and taxes rather than cars.
51. We haven't used a car seat in a year with the exception of when we visited family at Christmas.
52. It is common for people to come to our gate asking for food.
53. Women always receive some of our food when they knock.
54. People may not ever remember our name, but everyone remembers Haley's or "Lili." Whereever we are in town someone always comes up and says Hola Lili!
55. Honduas and Costa Rica are not as close together as they look. The whole road between San Jose and Tegucigalpa are mountainous. We were going to visit multiple times until we realized that.
56. It is a big treat to by goldfish.
57. Sometimes we make a special trip downtown just to by Dr. Peppers.
58. Traveling here is not the same as living here. We have been here a year and not been to the beach.
59. January and February bring bright orange blooms on trees on the mountains. It is called "fire on the mountain."
60. Poisettas are actually trees.
61. So are Bouganvillas (actually they are vines, but they are as big and wide as trees).
62. Many other houseplants grow to be 8-12 feet tall.
63. The most important possessions to a tico are shoes and umbrellas.
64. We often think of little things from the States that would be nice to have; usually it is certain food things.
65. Costa Rica now has Wal-Mart.
66. Wal-Mart is not the cheapest place but one of the most expensive.
67. Saturdays usually consist of donuts, followed by buying fresh produce at the neighborhood farmer's market.
68. Many times people think you are rich just because you are an American.
69. Everyone assumes that you can't speak Spanish. No matter how bad your Spanish is, it is usually better than their English.
70. Jesus Adrian Romero is the most popular Christian artist in Central America.
71. Everyone is jealous of blue eyes.
72. Many ticos have much fairer skin than most people in Latin America.
73. Therefore manytimes I have mistaken a Costa Rican for a Gringo.
74. Generally, Tica moms are much more protective of their children. Their 6-7 year old children are frequently scared to climb the same things that my 2 year old climbs.
75. I thought it strange that Haley quit trying to walk on her own when we got here, but when she started back up again at 15.5 months, people here thought it was so early for a child to start walking on their own.
76. People of all ages wear Sesame Street T-shirts.
77. Newborn baby girls get their ears pierced in the hospital unless the parents say otherwise.
78. Parents of newborn baby boys have to aske to have their baby circumcized. Otherwise it may not even be mentioned to them.
79. Spanking is highly illegal, but most people still do it.
80. There are no street times or house numbers.
81. All city blocks are said to be 100 meters whether they are 20 or 200.
82. You give directions from the nearest landmark.
83. For example, when I call a taxi, my address is: De parque sauces, 200m west and 50m north, and I live in the white and tourquoise house. Really it is about 100 meters west and 15 north.
84. Tourist books say that Cafe Britt is the best, but really it is just a more expensive gimmick for gringos.
85. Trash comes Wednesday and Saturday. You cannnot put it out the night before because people or dogs will dig through it, but many times it comes before 7:00 in the morning. Othertimes, it doesn't come till Thursday.
86. Some days we walk under two miles, but that is rare.
87. ESPN espanol usually only shows soccer or boxing.
88. Soccer is the only sport people here really care about.
89. Costa Rica has a female president.
90. Costa Rica has more teachers than soldiers because CR doesn't have an army.
91. A woman's outfit is incomplete without a necklace.
92. Just because you live in apartment #2 does not mean that the water bill that says #2 is the one you should pay. We learned that the hard way when our neighbors in #1 paid their #1 bill a day late and our water got cut off.
93. Latin American literature doesn't have much redeeming value to it.
94. Santa doesn't bring gifts at Christmas, instead "el nino" (the boy, refers to Jesus) brings them. At least it has to do with the reason for the celebration.
95. Fireworks go off at all times of the night.
96. So do car alarms, but not necessarily because someone is trying to rob them. It is usually because the wind blew too strongly.
97. Earthquakes are scary. Thankfully none of them cause any damage.
98. Giggle, chuckle, laugh, and snicker all translate to the word reirse.
99. There is an on-going border controversy with Nicaragua.
100. You kiss on the cheek when you greet here, but not an actual kiss, just touch cheeks and make a kissing noise.
101. We do everything in Kilograms not Pounds, Centimeters not Inches, Meters not feet or yards, and Kilometers not miles.
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