While this is my 12th trip to Honduras, the first week has been anything but normal. Usually we stay in hotels, but since this is a more permanent/long-term stay, I’ve moved into the back room in a sweet little grandma’s house. While I still don’t know her real name, I just refer to her as “abuelita”, meaning little granny. Along with the two of us are her granddaughter, Vilma, and the uncle, who again, just is “tio”.
The house is the perfect size for what I need, considering I’m practically only there to shower and sleep. Our bathroom situation is also quite different from what I’m used to. In order to flush the toilet, you can’t simply press the lever. You must pour water on top of your business, and then the toilet proceeds to flush itself? I still haven’t quite figured out how that works, but we use rain water that the abuelita collects in a big bin outside the house. I feel like Jack and Jill - fetching rainwater from the well.
Don’t get me wrong - I am not in any way complaining. I love my little life here I’m beginning. It’s the small things that we take for granted, and I love getting the chance to open my eyes to how the rest of the world lives. The showers aren’t freezing cold, unless it pours rain, and then the pressure is hard, and the temperature is like ice. Unfortunately we are in the middle of the rainy season, and that’s pretty much what every shower has been like. I’m getting used to it, except when I’m shaving my legs - and I feel like I’m cutting off my goose bumps while showering.
As far as what I’ve been doing, I’ve been working with a group from Covenant Church of Christ thru a connection I had with Bill and Ann Katherine Taylor. We went to my favorite village, Mirador del Oriente, for two days to build houses, and it was so great to spend some time with those families I love so much and have watched grow up. The other day I had my first experience on a Honduran bus - which was QUITE the experience. Evidentially the buses are not the safest place to travel, but they cost like less than 30 cents, so I went with my friend’s mom to go grocery shopping. We put our money in our socks and our cell phone’s (turned off) in our bras. People ask how the buses (which are all big, yellow school buses) even make money when one ride is only 30 cents, and I’m assuming its because they seem to fit about 100 people on one bus. Gas is just as expensive here, but everyone uses diesel, so its even pretty bad for small cars.
Been spending a few days at Jovenes En Camino, my favorite little place in Honduras. The boys just arrived back from school, so I’ll write a post about these precious boys later. For now, here’s a picture of Cristian Ochoa, who the Solomon family (aka- my other family) sponsor. Needless to say, he’s been asking me about a million questions all about all 6 of you, and even the newest addition, Megan! He’s excited to meet you one day! Kathleen - he literally can’t stop talking about August and finally getting to see you again. He follows me around like a little puppy, and I can’t get enough of him. I’ll be sad to say goodbye for a few weeks tomorrow when we leave.
Time to go play - love you all, and thanks for your prayers and love! Miss you!!
