Carol in Honduras

The t-shirts that were so graciously donated by the Public Health Nurses at the Johnstone Crossing Community Health Centre and Terry and Marlene Capton were distributed to the children at the Hogar Angelitos Felices (Home of Happy Angels) in Copan.  It’s a little like Christmas and each piece of clothing is enthusiastically examined before the children are given at least one of them.

We brought basic food supplies, cookies for the children and some plastic balls for play after the gifts of new clothes were given out.   A Better World donations continue to supply clean bottled water to the kids home.

Choosing the right glasses

This week has been a great adventure for me and a little like a dream come true.

I can’t find the words to express the quality of the Amigo’s group. The personalities, enthusiasm, professionalism, organization and caring of these young people were nothing less than remarkable. They came to share their skills, time and resources with those less fortunate here in Honduras. SUCH VISION!

The group arrived on Sunday with bins of equipment, glasses and tons of energy.

Daniel (our driver and guide for the week) waited with me as I paced and worried that they would get through the immigration process without any problems. They did and we were soon on the road for the 3 hour drive to Copan.

Clinics were held for 2 days at Aqua Caliente where we saw over 200 people. The clinic process included distance and near vision:

Brad giving an eye exam in Agua Caliente

AND- exams to establish health of the eye

And then our patients were given appropriate medications and fitted with eye glasses if they needed them.

At the end of the second day- two of the town leaders came to express their gratitude for the “help” and “caring”.

The last two days were at La Estanzuela where we experienced quite a different community. There were fewer patients (around 100), and the people seemed more timid.

And- we held an informal clinic in Telma’s kitchen

I want to acknowledge all the people that made this happen. It was truly a team effort.

Jamie working with one of our patients

Mini eye-clinic in the hotel

The AMIGO’s group from Pacific University:

• Dr. Eleanor Becher
• Meg (the team lead)
• Omar
• Brad
• Al
• Steve
• Jamie
• Crystal
• Caroline

Checking Joel and Brayan’s eyes

New toothbrushes

The Volunteers and translators:

• Ellen
• Harriet
• Robert
• Anne

The Grade 8 and 9 students of the Mayatan school

A Better World for the support that they offer me

Barry for being such a good sport and support and staying home to mind the fort

Daniel Our driver, translator, organizer and friend

Telma Our hostess, money changer and resource person

WORLD VISION (especially Saul and Elvin) for organizing sites and their help with the clinics)

We had the opportunity to use these venues to do some dental health education with the children and give out toothbrushes to the children (donated by a dental hygienist in Alberta)

I think and hope that we have had an impact on many lives over these last 4 days.

Matt & Rachel from Urban Promise

It’s my last day in Copan and a day of tying up loose ends. Juan O’Hara (the window and door maker) has his deposit, the budget for the classroom is reviewed and confirmed, desk prices are estimated, the sign for Los Arcos is planned, transportation for the Optometric group is booked and rooms at the Posada de Belssy are reserved. Tomorrow, all I have left to do is buy the supplies for the Los Arcos school that I’ll have World Vision drop off on their next visit.

First thing this morning I visited the “Urban Promise” office and dropped off the tent and balls toy that I brought to Copan with me. They run a community based after school program focusing on academics, and quality learning experiences that are fun. They are an “off shoot” of Urban Promise in Vancouver and I chatted with Matt (originally from Saskatchewan) and Rachel (from the US) for awhile today about their program and long term goals.

From left: Brayan, Me, Abuela

I’m trying to prepare for the quiet at home again. The roosters and trucks and mototaxis in the streets making noise outside my window, the sounds of the family downstairs and people in and out of my room are a huge contrast to home. Quiet will take getting used to once again.

Abuelita (Telma’s mom) lives next door and is in and out of the Posada de Belssy. She is a charming lady and yet one more person who tolerates my poor Spanish and makes every effort to understand it.

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.

Progress at Los Arcos

WOW!   I leave in three days.  I have a huge wad of cash in my room so first thing this morning I will taxi down to the Ferreteria  to pay them for the materials for Los Arcos.  I’m a little nervous having all this cash and there is no such thing as paying with a credit card or a cheque here in Copan.   Saul e-mailed last night to show us pictures of what the folks had accomplished in the two days since our visit and I was amazed at how things were progressing.   Everything is done by hand – with “special”tools like shovels.

Ellen and I had a planning meeting yesterday looking at long and short term goals.   At the top of the list I think is furnishing the new classroom in Los Arcos when it is done.    Good desks will cost about USD$30 a piece and they would need about 30 of them and I am hoping that we can find enough money to provide those to the school.

Christiane left this morning and I’ll miss having her here to bounce ideas off of and help me with translations.   It’s been great to have her here for her input and perspective – and she is fun and great company too.    Safe travels dear daughter and hope you have a great time diving on Utila.

I need to get serious about contracting a sign for the first classroom and firm up transportation plans for the Amigos Optometry group that is coming in March.   Still need to locate translators also.    That should keep me busy enough for the day.

Planning meeting with Ellen

Celeste and Christiane making a friend