February 14th, 2010
Valentines Day Surprises
Today is El dia de amor y amistad (the day of love and friendship) here in Honduras. First thing this morning I had a knock on my door and Telma greeted me with a perfect yellow friendship rose and a fabulous tasting heart shaped candy. Later, Abuelita (little grandmother) brought me a gorgeous red rose in a little arrangement. I am touched by their thoughtfulness. This family has been so good to me and I always feel so at home with them.
I had little toys and heart shaped chocolates that we put together in little bags for the children and it amazed me how much fun they had with the little gifts. I love celebrations and Hondurans really do it up right.
BBQ at Telma's
This afternoon Telma hosted a big barbeque at their new, beautiful home on the hill. It has a swimming pool so the kids were kept busy for the whole time- lamb was cooked and served with tortillas and beans (always), fresh avocado, Honduran cheese and radishes. It was quite the feast.
Tomorrow I had better start focusing on the last tasks that need to be done while I am here. I need to talk to the Doctora about the upcoming eye clinics, and make the transportation arrangemens as well see about translators.
Joel, Telma's nephew
This is Joel. He is Telma’s nephew and has been living with Telma and her family since he was three. He is one of the lucky kids. He had his mother leave when he was a baby and his dad lives in the States. If he didn’t have family to take him in, he could well have been one of the children at the “kids home”. With Telma and Murillo’s love and nurturing Joel has a chance to have a good life.