hope for the children

An Empty Nest

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Bobby and Noel

We have just returned from North Carolina, after sending our youngest child off to college for the first time. Everyone keeps asking, “how do you feel?”, “what are you going to do now?” At the moment, I am “at peace”…Bobby is content, and therefore I am, as well. It is reassuring knowing he is in a great environment, surrounded by many friends and that I will see him in a month.

It has been a big week… Noel returning to Honduras, Bobby leaving for North Carolina and Tony headed to Vermont. This is the time in your life you speculate about far into the future, and it is here. I am so thankful for having the opportunity to have been home full time with my three sons. I will certainly miss them (and all their friends) hanging out at our house and watching their sporting events and other activities. But, I also think we won’t be “child free” for too long…just 2 days after sending Noel home to Honduras I received a call from Shriners Hospital asking if we could host a 7 year old girl.

For now, we’ll take a quiet respite from “Sponge Bob Square Pants” and playing games, and spend some time rejuvenating…however, I know the longing will be back to have another child enter our lives, and our hearts…our home will not be empty too long.

A Little Boy’s Broken Heart

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Noel & BambiThis past Friday night, Noel received a call from home, just before bedtime. This is a fairly routine time of the day when his family checks in with him. I happened to pick up another extension at the same time and could hear his mother crying. I immediately went into Noel’s room and found him crouched on the floor, sobbing into the phone. He quickly shared that his beloved pet deer, “Bambi” had run away. Last summer, Noel had spent two months working and saving for his own deer. After returning from the States, he bought baby Bambi and quickly learned how to bottle feed him. Even though Noel had been raised in a family that has to hunt for survival, he bought this deer to be his special pet, and was the only child around who had one. Noel was so proud of Bambi, and happily showed him off to others. This summer he was once again working and saving with the hopes of buying a female deer (to be named “Princessa”) who could mate with Bambi.

It took a while to console Noel…telling him that maybe Bambi found his way back home. Unfortunately, it didn’t have a happy ending. The next day Noel’s parents called to say they had found Bambi, but someone had thrown a knife at him and he was dead. Ofcourse this news was heart breaking to Noel. Thankfully, Ricky was home to cheer him up and in time Noel was able to move on. Noel told me that “one day he would become president of Honduras and there would be no more killing animals!”  A wonderful dream from an innocent child.

Noel returned home early this morning with new plans for the future. He has decided that it will be too hard to buy another deer and nobody will replace “Bambi.” Now his goal is to buy a cow, which will provide milk for his family…this little guy is growing up, and we couldn’t be more proud.

The Anticipation of Separation

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Noel Cooking

In five days, Noel will be returning to his family in Honduras after spending nine weeks with our family. I am trying to “stay in the moment” and enjoy each day, but saying “goodbye”  does linger in the back of my mind. We have been through this countless times, having fostered many children in the past several years, but having Noel leave is always more difficult for me. This little boy captured my heart over five years ago when his mom first introduced us and explained his need for a life saving operation. Since then, he’s traveled here more times than any other patient and spent extended periods with our family…we’ve shared his hospital experiences, holidays and regular day happenings.

I love children of all ages, and there’s a certain beauty in meeting them at a young age and watching their development. We met Noel when he was four years old, and he was absolutely adorable. He had big brown eyes, and a smile that just radiated. We loved watching him play…one day turning a cardboard box into his own toy, and another day teaching us the art of marbles.

In the past two months, my husband and I have spent nearly every evening hanging out with Noel. Now that he is almost ten years old and fluent in Engligh, he enjoys sharing stories about his home life and community. I really look forward to his stories each night and learning more about the people and country we have come to love. Although we have a home in Honduras and many friends there, we are limited in communicating with them because of the language barrier. Noel, and the other children attending bilingual school, are often our “key” to this other culture.

This summer we have learned about the different animals eaten in Honduras including squirrel, snake, and rats. We have learned about various home remedies…everything from curing illnesses to preventing perspiration. Noel has taught us how his family lives with the most basic supplies and how they improvise when they don’t have a certain tool that we would use. We have a greater understanding of the daily struggles his family (and most others) face each and every day, and a deeper sense of admiration of their survival instincts.

I am grateful Noel is looking forward to returning home to a family who loves him, and is willing to share their son with our family. It is also helpful knowing that we will be seeing him in two months, when we return to the same village as Noel’s, for a month long visit. We will have the opportunity to share some of the experiences Noel has told us about, and for that, we are grateful. Be safe, my friend.

Success Stories

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Previously in our “Success Stories” section we focused on the Honduran patients who have received treatment in the United States. However, that is really only a portion of the work Esperanza does. Whenever possible we try to find treatment for the patients within their home country, allowing them to stay with their family. To learn more about these children who have received treatment within Honduras, check out our Success Stories page. Over the next few weeks we will continue to add more to this section, so be sure keep an eye out!

A Courageous Fighter

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Gerardo

Gerardo Enrique Inestoza Ruiz just turned 15 years old on July 17th. Earlier this year, he was diagnosed with leukemia. Hearing a diagnosis of cancer is difficult enough to handle emotionally, but if you are unable to afford treatment, it can feel totally hopless. Gerardo’s family visited with our Honduran coordinator, Ana Hernandez. to see if we could help. We have been able to provide financial assistance which covers his medical, transportation and food costs. Gerardo is handling his chemotherapy as well as can be expected. The days of treatment are extremely challenging because Gerardo and his dad travel by bus to a city a few hours away. Returning home, tired and nauceous on a bus making frequent stops for passengers and road work, is draining. Each day Gerardo faces many obstacles…trying to stay strong by eating soft foods his stomach can tolerate and wearing a mask to avoid infections. He is a bright student who is sad to not be in school. The family humbly asked if we could buy a mattress for Gerardo because his is full of holes and is so uncomfortable. Such a modest request and we’re grateful we can do something to ease his pain. We look forward to seeing Gerardo in three months and will continue to monitor his treatment from afar. Please hold him in your thoughts…

Living with Congenital Heart Disease

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Noel

As I write this entry, Noel is having an echocardioram (ultrasound). We have returned to Tufts Medical Center for his yearly check up since he had open heart surgery in June 2007. He has already been weighed, measured, and had an electrocardiogram. It is a rather lengthy visit where the doctors do a thorough evaluation of his heart.

It’s a reminder to Noel that it is the reason he receives a medical visa for the U.S., and that he’s not just here for summer vacation! For me, it is a time for reflextion…remembering that Noel has a serious health condition which lasts a lifetime. And my thoughts are also consumed with memories of Mr. Ray Tye and his generosity in offering Noel the “gift of life.” Both Noel and I talk about him often and believe he is still keeping watch over him.

We wish to thank the Ray Tye Medical Aid Foundation for their continued interest and support of Noel. We look forward to visiting Mrs. Tye and Ms. Teri Carlson later in the summer.

Transitioning back to life in the States

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Honduran Students

It has been less than two weeks since I returned from Honduras, and my mind continues to be in overload as I reflect on all my experiences. I always have a difficult time transitioning and this is certainly the case, even after a one week visit.

Ofcourse I am thrilled to have arrived safely home and to be surrounded by family and friends, but my heart is once again torn in two as I leave my friends, past and current patients, and new aquaintances.

My week was actioned packed and filled with tears of joy and sadness. The first day I visited with “Baby Bee” and met her family for the first time. They are an incredibly loving and thankful family and welcomed me with gifts and a new nickname, “Mamasita Emily.”

We held a birthday party for former patient, Stefany who turned nine years old. She was one of Esperanza’s first patients and arrived at our home as a 17 month old, seeking treatment for bilateral clubfeet. Watching her run on the “slip n’ slide”, jump in the pool and swing at the pinata was so very gratifying.

I had the opportunity to attend Astrid’s kindergarten graduation ceremony. Despite the fact she missed four months of school while receiving medical treatment, she still graduated third in her class. Oh, how proud she was to receive her medal!

I visited with ongoing patients and new ones to Esperanza including: 13 month old Adriana (awaiting a heart catheterization), and two people with leukemia, 14 year old. Gerardo, and 39 year old, Maricela. It is heartbreaking enough that they are facing these serious health issues, but not having the financial resources for treatment is so unjust.

Fortunately, my spirits were lifted visiting “our” patients who have been successfully treated including 13 year old, Iris, who has cerebral palsy. In the past, she was hunched over, not wanting to bear weight. After operations and physical therapy, she is happily playing and attending school with big dreams of the future. I also had the chance to see soon-to-be eight year old, Martha Cristina. She is absolutely a miracle…diagnosed with kidney cancer 3 1/2 years ago, she is now in remission after extensive chemo and radiation therapy. She is a bright eyed, beautiful girl who is full of spirit.

One of the highlights of my week was attending a dedication service at one of the public schools in Flores. Our church (Pilgrim Congregational, UCC of Lexington, MA) had raised funds for a building project. Although it was a Saturday, the students (in uniform) and their teachers gathered at the school to welcome me with songs (including the national anthem). I had the honor of placing the first brick into a space that will become their outside eating/gathering area. This is an incredibly impoverished school, offering me a reception of gratitude….another tearful moment.

Ana and I met with representatives from Plan USA. They are a group assisting us in the process of bringing clean water to Flores. This has been an incredibly slow process (several years)…our latest hurdle is getting the new lawyer for SERNA to turn over the ownership for the project to the town of Flores. Next, a technical study will be completed. We are getting closer to our dream of bringing clean water to Flores…it will be one of the best ways to prevent many illnesses.

I returned to the states with 9 year old, Noel. He is a patient of Esperanza’s who had successful heart surgery five years ago. Noel will be spending the summer with us.

Tom and I look forward to returning in the middle of October for a month long visit.

Update on Berenice

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Berenice in Honduras

Berenice will be 15 months old on June 10th. She returned to Honduras nearly two months ago (following open heart surgery), and is growing well both physically and developmentally. Berenice is now walking and so much more active with her improved heart. After returning home, she was hospitalized with dengue fever, but thankfully has recovered. Looking forward to seeing “Baby Bee” in 7 days!

Thank you Pilgrim Congregational Church, UCC!

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For the past ten years we have been receiving financial and spiritual support from the folks at Pilgrim Church in Lexington. The memebers and friends of the church have also generously offered their support with supplies of clothing, shoes, school supplies and more.

Every spring, the Honduran Support Group holds a book sale. Proceeds from the sale are used to purchase Spanish books and supplies and/or complete a project at one of the schools in Flores, Honduras. This year, over $1,500 has been donated to construct an outdoor eating and play area at an elementary school.

We wish to thank Mrs. Sandi Gardiner who organizes a fantastic crew to coordinate the book sale, and to Pilgrim’s Mission Committtee for supplementing the proceeds. This project is being enthusiastically endorsed by the teachers in Flores and will be enjoyed by many children.

We Couldn’t Do It Alone

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Emily, Tom, Melissa, and Charlie in the back of a truck

It was on our 2nd trip to Honduras, riding in the back of a pick-up truck when my husband and I looked at each other and knew, “this is what we’re suppose to do.” We feel very fortunate to have found our shared passion, and to have the ability to live our dreams…but we wouldn’t be able to do this without the support of others.

First, and most importantly, is our immediate family. I remember telling “the boys” that we would be hosting our first patients, a 17 month old girl and a 19 year old young woman. Their first reactions were of reluctance. They knew we wanted to help others, but now it was going to impact their lives. I can honestly say that it was the most positive way we influenced their childhoods.They certainly formed bonds with the children and some became as close as siblings, and they were taught life lessons from them, as well. Our boys shared these experiences with their friends, and they too became actively involved.

Noel with Bobby and his friends

My extended family has shared their love and support with our Honduran children. Often times “Abuela” and “Abuelo” (a.k.a. Grandma and Grandpa) have stepped in to babysit and drive to/from the airport and hospitals. My brothers have been actively involved with the children and also shared their expertise in law and finance. Esperanza wouldn’t have been formed without their help.

Collins/Kimball/Lania Family with Stefany

Certainly our friends have made all the difference in the world. They have provided much needed respite…at the exact times we felt pushed to our limits. Friends have welcomed “our” children into their homes, and fully immersed themselves into their lives. I’m thankful to have friends with a common vision, and we have so much fun sharing our memories of the children.

Ricky's friends with Noel

I absolutely agree with the statement “it takes a village to raise a child”…thanks to all who share our journey.