Check out the Concord Journal’s article on the Honduras Prison fire with quotes from Emily. http://www.wickedlocal.com/concord/news/x1640247871/Concord-residents-in-Honduras-during-prison-fire-tragedy?img=1#axzz1nVn9hQB1
Nonprofit
Honduras Prison Fire
Picture from CNN.com
This post is written by Rick Lania
We would like to let everyone know that Emily, Tom, and the Moir family who are currently in Honduras with them are all safe and sound at this time. As many news outlets are reporting, there was a major fire in a Comayagua prison last night. There are discrepancies from what Emily has told me is being said in Honduras and what is being reported online but the death toll is in the hundreds.
Before my family built a house in Honduras, we use to stay at Hotel Santa Maria which is located right next to this prison and is only separated by a soccer field. I’m still in a bit of shock that this place I use to run by all the time is now gone and so many lives were lost.
When I spoke with Emily this morning she told me that they were still attempting to take the kids to school in Comayagua but were unsure if it would be open or if they would even be able to get there because you have to drive by the prison to get there. Emily, Tom, and Ana had also planned on touring a hospital in Comayagua with the Moirs today, to show them the conditions. But now with so many people in need of critical care that won’t be possible.
I’ll continue to keep Esperanza’s blog and facebook page updated as I recieve more information from Emily and Tom. Our thoughts are with all the Honduran families affected by this tragic event.
Our Home Has Become Their Sanctuary
For the past week, three children have been staying at our home. Astrid (7 years old) loves staying at our home because of the “calmness”…a break from her chaotic house which is located in the barrio referred to as ” punta caliente” (hot point because it’s dangerous and drugs are prevelant). Noel (10 years old) loves being at our home because there’s always plenty of food. His family scrapes by on next to nothing….the previous day, they had butter (from their cow) and beans. Jairo (14 years old) loves being at our home because he craves the sense of family. Before going to bed, he will call from one room to the other “good night Mother.” Jairo’s mother went to the USA when he was a little boy, leaving him and his brother with an aunt, for several of their formative years. She met her husband there, and they are now living in Guatemala. Jairo didn’t feel like he belonged and returned to Flores and is living alone.
We will never be able to replace their families or their upbringings but we do hope our love and attention will give them a sense of worth and hope for a brighter future.
Update on Emily’s Trip
This post was written by Rick Lania
Last night I spoke with Emily and got to hear about some of the things she has been doing in Flores since arriving in Honduras almost a week ago. She has a bunch of new cases that she has began working on, including a 26 year old in need of a neurosurgeon. Noel, Wesly, Daniella, and Astrid all have exams this coming week so she has been helping them study.
As with all trips to Honduras unexpected events come up and there is a need react to them. This weeks event was a mentally disabled man walking down the middle of a highway. Ana feared not only for this man’s safety but the on coming traffic’s safety who might need to swerve out of the way to avoid him. A few people from Flores were able to secure this man and take him to a mental hospital. However, when they arrived at the hospital they learned there was a fee to admit him. Not having the resources to get help is a common issue for Hondurans but the people that took him there knew Emily would cover the expenses.
Being able to adapt is a major lesson I’ve learned during my trips to Honduras. As much as you want to set schedules and have a plan, that is not always possible. Unexpected events come out of no where, offices and stores will randomly be closed, people will be on strike, there are lots of power outages, and 100 other things you can’t plan for. You can plan for an end goal that you want to achieve but you have to be ready and willing to change the path to get there.
Update to Our Video/Pics Section
We recently added a new album to our Videos/Pics page of a bunch of pictures from 2011. Check it out!
Update on Ostin
This afternoon I received a text message from Peggy Kipps (Ruth Paz Foundation) that the long awaited drug (OK-432) has safely arrived from Japan. I was filled with both excitement and relief, and immediately called Ana (Hernandez) to share the news. Tom, Ana and I had been discussing this case last night because Ostin’s mother, Carla, had called to say Ostin was having more difficulty breathing. Tom was concerned that his fear Ostin would suffocate, was becoming a reality.
Ana, her sister, and a doctor from Flores went to Ostin’s house to share the news that help was on its way. The extended family gathered round, rejoicing in praise, for answered prayers.
Peggy is now in the process of coordinating with Dr. Lopez and the hospital administration for Ostin’s arrival. It is expected that he will be initially hospitalized for 4-5 days. His family anxiously awaits word for when they need to head to San Pedro Sula…and we will be there every step of the way. We are filled with gratitude that this little baby will have a chance at life.
Bien viaje, Jose!
Bright and early this morning, little Jose boarded an American Airline flight to return to his home in Honduras. He was accompanied by Airline Ambassador, Ina Melen who volunteers her time escorting children traveling alone.
Jose had been hospitalized at Shriners Hospital in Boston after suffering burns from a container of hot molasses. Once again, Shriners transformed this little boy’s life in a matter of weeks. The first time we visited Jose, he was behind plastic on the acute care unit. Yesterday, we joined his going away celebration and delighted in watching Jose, full of giggles, running around the physical therapy room.
Recently, Jose has been living with the Sierra family in Boston. When children are ready for outpatient visits to the clinic and don’t have a place to stay locally, the Sierra family has offered their home. Second to receiving state-of-the-art medical care, the experience of living with a loving family is invaluable. Children have the opportunity to develop physically when they are not in the confines of a hospital setting. They also benefit emotionally by being embraced by people who care. Host families have the opportunity to share a bit of their cultures, as well as, offering new experiences that Honduran children never would have had. Often times, host families continue to be an integral part of the children’s lives, and keep the relationships strong by phone calls and visits. Certainly, the patient isn’t the only one who benefits, host families often comment that it is one of the most meaningful experiences in their lives.
Not everyone has the availability to be a host family but you can still be actively involved by visiting children who are hospitalized locally. Esperanza has an ongoing need of large size suitcases, duffle bags and small carry-on suitcases for the children traveling home. Other appreciated items include: new underwear, gently worn clothing, small toys, Spanish books and MP3 players.
Everyone has the chance to bring a smile to a child…and I guarantee it will do the same for you!
A New School Year Will Soon Begin
February marks the beginning of the school year in Honduras. School is provided free of charge by the government but not the school supplies or uniforms, which are mandatory. Six volunteers from Esperanza will soon be traveling to Honduras with duffle bags full of school supplies and we are still in great need of black school shoes in any sizes.
Honduran children living in severe poverty take an average time of 9 1/2 years to complete the sixth grade. There are many reasons for this including children having to leave school to help support their families, teachers being on strike, and others simply lacking the resources.
Stores currently stocking these shoes include: Pay Less, Target and Walmart. Please consider donating one pair of shoes and giving one deserving child the opportunity to attend school this year. No child should be left behind…
What Is So Captivating?
Often times I find myself in conversations about Honduras. People seem intrigued that we go “there” and wonder what we “do” and…”why?” I have never felt that I could adequately explain my answer…my usual responses are: “because of the people”, “our hearts were captivated” or “it just feels like what we should be doing.” But it’s more than that…it is a part of my being.
Sadly, Honduras has become more dangerous over the years and this month the Peace Corps will be removing their volunteers. Others ask me, “will you still go back?” And the answer is, “yes.” Our relationships are too deep and important to not return. People are depending on us and we value the impact we can make.
I need to follow my heart…and don’t want fear to deter me.
A Time To Reflect
As the end of 2011 approaches, I find myself reflecting on the past year. Certainly our work in Honduras continues to be one of our highest priorities and greatest blessings. There are hundreds of memories, and just as many pictures, to remind us of all the wonderful people who have touched our lives.
Without a doubt, one of the greatest experiences was being introduced to baby Berenice. This little girl captured our hearts the moment she arrived in our home. And the bond grew incredibly strong as we prepared for her cardiac surgery, stayed with her during the heart catheterization and open heart surgery, and welcomed her back home while she recovered. During this time, we were fortunate to be in the hands of talented and compassionate doctors and nurses at Tufts Medical Center. We have also been welcomed into Berenice’s family and given the nicknames of “Mamita Emily” and “Papita Tom.”
Over the past 11 years we have been introduced to many Honduran children and they have all made an impact in our lives. We’ve had the chance to spend significant amounts of time with several children and really do love them like family. However, having the responsibility of caring for a sick child in a vulnerable condition, and being able to continue that relationship afterwards, is one of the most intense feelings I have ever experienced.
Looking forward to the privilege of meeting more children and cherishing the ones we do know. Happy New Year!
Esperanza - Hope For The Children 