Honduras

Giving Thanks

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This past Wednesday, Tom and I arrived home safely from Honduras. When we first arrived for our month long stay, Ana was apprehensive and expressed her concern that we would become “bored” (not a chance!) and “fall more in love with the children” (absolutely correct!).

Our time went by more quickly than we could have imagined. Along with treating high priority medical cases, working within the local medical community and interfacing with various agencies, we also had time to really go “deeper than the surface” with some particular families.

Not only did we  join all our neighbors in the daily quest for clean water (generally available 2-3 hours per day), we also witnessed their struggle of trying to feed their families on the bare minimum (ie. one pound of chicken feet for 50 cents, for a family of five), and then there were the more “luxurious ” obstacles of obtaining necessary medicine or school supplies. It was exhausting and enlightening.

One of the greatest blessings was meeting with Ms. Lourdes Pena, a local psychologist. She is a dynamic woman, filled with compassion, insight and knowledge.  Meeting with Lourdes gave us the opportunity to express our visions for Esperanza, and she was able to share her knowledge of the Honduran culture and the realities of life in the Third World. Lourdes will be there to provide Ana with emotional support who we acknowledge has the most difficult position of all. We are able to “escape” back to the States, but Ana is the one who everyone seeks out, looking for help from the “Americans.” Often times, it is Ana who has to say “no” and turn people away, trying to protect us from “burning out.”  Lourdes is working with some of our patients who are in need of evaluations and further counseling so that we can really get to the root of their issues and how to address them.

Thanksgiving is in two days, and I find myself even more aware of all the things I have to be thankful for…family, friends and health are always at the top. Certainly, I will be overwhelmed by the abundance of food, and reflecting back to the empty fridge above and many harsh reminders of living in poverty. I will try not to dwell on it, and be thankful that Tom and I have found “our purpose” and are fortunate enough to be living our dream…can’t imagine  life without Honduras.

Pictures from Emily & Tom’s Trip 10/19 – 11/16

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Check out some of the great pictures Emily took of their trip to Honduras!

Pictures from Emily & Tom's trip

Halfway Point of the Trip

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We´re about half way through our month long visit to Honduras. When we first arrived, Ana was afraid we would become bored, staying this long. That certainly isn´t the case….we haven´t had the time. Right now, the children are in exams for 2 hours, so it gives me a chance to be at the internet…alone. In the past two weeks, the only time I have spent by myself is the 20 minute ride from Comayagua to Flores, after dropping the kids off to school. I treasure that time because of the quietness and the chance to reflect on what we are experiencing. There is so much I want to share, and I am jotting down notes along the way.

For years Tom and I have been dreaming about the day we would could stay in Honduras for longer than a week or two, and that day has arrived. We were filled with anticipation, but over the years had developed an awareness that we needed to go into the experience with no expectations…whatever happens, happens and you have to learn to adapt. It is not easy, and can cause stress between the two of us and with others, but it is what makes the experience more meaningful.

Being here for a longer time has given us a deeper understanding of the daily struggles people face. IT IS THE MOST HUMBLING EXPERIENCE. We live amongst the poor…every single family lives this way, it´s simply a matter of the severity. We see their constant struggle for the basics…food, clothing and shelter. Some are fortunate enough to have tortillas, rice, and beans, and others often go without. We see people who do not have a single pair of shoes, and others who wrap their babies in a make shift blanket. Their homes range from ones constructed of plastic or scraps of metal, to ones made from adobe to the “upscale¨ homes made out of hand made cinder blocks.

Undoubtedly, there are people living in poverty in the U.S., but there are also soup kitchens, food pantries and homeless shelters available. Here there are none.

Updates from Emily and Tom in Flores

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Emily & Tom

I spoke with Emily and Tom last night, and got to hear how extremely busy they have been since going down to Honduras. Noel, Stefany, Astrid, Chippy, and Daniella have all spent a few nights sleeping over, and Emily and Tom are getting to experience first hand many of the challenges Honduran kids and their parents face when it comes to school work. For example, Noel had a homework assignment where he had to cut out an image that was an example of “strength.” How do you do this when you don’t have a magazine or newspaper to use? Also, they were amazed at the amount of homework each child is expected to do even in 1st and 2nd grade.

As happens with every trip to Honduras, Emily and Tom were sought out by someone looking for medical help. This time it was a mother and her son with heart conditions, who also happened to be relatives of Noel. In order to better understand what they were looking for and to get past the language barrier, Noel translated back and forth for Emily. Noel’s grandmother was brought to tears by how proud and amazed she was seeing him in action.

Emily and Tom have also got to see friends they have met over the years including Gloria, Blanca, and German. As I get more updates I’ll continue to share what they have been up to.

This post was written by Rick Lania

(Don’t) “Love That Dirty Water”

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Dirty Water in Honduras

Three days away from our departure to Honduras. I have spoken several times this week with our friend, Ana. During one conversation she announced, “the (tap) water looks like coffee!”

Clean water is something I truly appreciate every day, although it does impact me more strongly just before I leave for, and when I return from Honduras. One day this week, I found myself thinking about it as I was simultaneously filling the dog’s dish, placing a pot of water on the stove, running the dishwasher and the washing machine. Many things happening at once, but oh, so simple when you have accessibility!

I began envisioning how different my life will be next week when we have “clean” water available twice a day at the spigots, at the end of our road. We will fill our gallon jugs and bring them home to use for cooking, washing the dishes and bathing. Having water in limited quantities truly makes you realize it’s importance.

Honduras has a population of 6.5 million people and less than 1/2 of the population has access to clean water. Each year there are 50,000 deaths of children under the age of five who die from contaminated water. Eighty percent of the illnesses in the country originate from the infected water supply. More than 1/4 of the population lives without sanitation.

Our church (Pilgrim Congregational, UCC) has been working with PLAN International to help bring clean to the village of Flores. It has been a very long, involved process but we are excited to report that a technical study is currently under way. Perhaps “our dream” of clean water for Flores, will become a reality.

One Boy’s Compassion… Making A Difference

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Fifteen year old Ben Lania recently organized his own drive for collecting school supplies, over the counter medications and toiletries. His initiative and follow through produced a generous response within his community.

Ben provided us with these supplies for our last trip to the village of Flores. The much needed items were enthusiastically received by children and adults alike. Families go without basic items such as soap or toothpaste due to living in extreme poverty. Children are not afforded the luxury of “back to school shopping” for supplies… they scrape by with what they can find.

All recipients were extremely grateful for Ben’s donations, and their underlying comment was “someone living far away cares.” Children are our future, and this one is making a positive impact. Thanks, Ben!

Berenice’s Check-up

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Berenice

The Friends of Barnabas Foundation’s cardiac team is currently working at Cemesa Hospital in San Pedro Sula. A year ago they were first introduced to Berenice Miranda Garcia and tried to complete a heart catheterization. Unfortunately, the stenosis was too tight and it was unsuccessful. The team determined she would need to travel to the United States for life saving cardiac surgery.

Lori Cordova, R.N. contacted us and soon began the process of getting Berenice to Boston. We gratefully accepted the financial support from the Ray Tye Medical Aid Foundation and were once again placed in the wonderful care of the medical staff at Tufts Medical Center. Berenice’s heart was successfully repaired by Ken Warner, M.D.

Berenice, now 18 months, received encouraging news from F.O.B.F.’s team. Her heart is in stable condition and she is developing well. Berenice will continue to visit her cardiologist in San Pedro Sula and one day will require a valve replacement. Our thanks to all the individuals and organizations that have been a part of Berenice’s journey to health.

Updates to “How to Help”

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We recently updated the “How to Help” section of our site. Please take a minute to check it out. Your continued support is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Thank You

Mourning The Loss

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Our thoughts and prayers are constantly with Dyani and Fredrico Sierra and their family, as they mourn the unexpectant death of their 18 year old son, Alex. We have had the pleasure of meeting Dyani at Shriners Hospital, through our connection of visiting Honduran patients. Their family has been an incredible asset to the lives of so many children from Honduras and beyond.

Dyani and her daughter, Laura, just radiate love and kindness, and children are so very perceptive in receiving these gifts. They also happen to be bilingual, and this is extremely comforting to the children who are often away from their families, facing serious operations/treatment. Dyani has been able to share histories of the children which I would never have the chance to know because of my limited Spanish. She shares  information which is helpful to the staff because children feel comfortable in sharing it with her.

The Sierra family lives close to Shriners and are constant visitors. They are well connected within their church community and have had the foresight to pair particular members with certain patients, to make invaluable support for the children.

Currently, the family is hosting 6 year old Heydy and she truly has become “the shining light” in their family. This little girl is absolutely thriving in their home, and has the most captivating eyes and charming smile! Although she will be returning to Honduras on Wednesday, she will need further treatment and hopefully will have the opportunity to return to Shriners and the Sierra family in the near future.

It is my hope that the Sierras are surrounded by all the love and comfort they so freely give unconditionally to all. Peace be with you…

Miracle Child

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Martha Christina and her Mom

I’ll never forget first learning about Martha Cristina and her grim diagnosis of kidney cancer. This precious 3 1/2 year old, and her parents, approached our friend, Ana Hernandez, with heart breaking news and a plea for our financial assistance.

We weren’t overly optimistic when we heard the news, but if there was any chance of saving Martha Cristina, supporting her with money was the least we could do. Our church, Pilgrim Congregational UCC (Lexington, MA) soon began praying for her on a regular basis.

For the next 66 weeks Martha Cristina endured chemotherapy treatments. This was immediately followed by 24 weeks of radiation therapy. Certainly this took its tole on the entire family…when cancer strikes one member of the family, it affects all. Martha Cristina’s mom became her constant companion, accompanying her on the bus to travel hours for her treatment. Her dad continued to provide for his family, having to travel hours himself, where he could find employment. Family members stepped in to care for Martha Cristina’s brothers.

I am elated to say that Martha Christina has been in remission for the past year and a half. Witnessing this child’s recovery has truly given me reason to believe that miracles do happen. We continue to visit with Martha Cristina and her family, and are thrilled to see her back in school and enjoying her childhood. She will always remain one of my inspirations.

Martha Christina in remission