Many people have asked if I'll continue writing my blog after I leave Hondo, and the answer is - sure! Probably not as often, but I'm sure I'll have more adventures in the future! I'll keep you posted.
As for now, my plan is to get through the rest of grad school ASAP so I can get back to Hondo! I've been bitten by the Hondo bug, and cannot wait to get down there again. I'm jealous of Annie because she's there until August 5th.
Also, I'm going to take Spanish 101 and the Community College of Philadelphia in the Fall! I'm so excited! My goal is to be able to ask more than "how are you?" and "what is your name?" the next time I visit. I want to be able to have a conversation with Karla!
Thank you all so much for following blog, and sharing in my adventure with me. I had a great time writing it, and I'm happy that I'll have this to look back on in the future. If you have any questions for me, please feel free to email me at qnovels@gmail.com. Check back here every now and again - maybe you'll get a surprise post! But for now, I'll leave you with the links to my new favorite organizations:
Mi Esperanza
The Heart of Christ
Casa de Ester
TORCH Missions
Breaking Chains
Children's Village of Honduras - Valle de Angeles
Adios amigos!
Friday, July 8, 2011
I'm Coming Home, Coming Home, Tell the World That I'm Coming Home...
Wow...what a trip. It didn't hit me that I was leaving until I was hugging Janet and Annie goodbye. I think I scared them a little by my outburst of tears. Sorry ladies...it snuck up on me.
This experience has truly been amazing and eye-opening. Everyday I realized more and more how lucky I am, and I was constantly reminded that I have a wonderful support system, and family and friends who care a lot about me. Many people that I came in contact with in Honduras don't have any kind of support system, and often times families are missing fathers and suffer all kinds of abuse.
Amazingly enough, I did not fall asleep on my flight from Teguc to Houston. I was too busy crying...I felt bad for the flight attendants, because every time they came by to ask if I needed anything, there was a lot of snot and tears coming from my face - wasn't pretty. I just kept thinking about the people I was leaving behind. I thought about Karla and her life at 16, and about my life when I was 16. All I cared about was getting my drivers license, and who I was going to a high school dance with. Karla has a little boy and has suffered more abuse in her short life than anyone should ever have to bear. I thought about Karin and her life as a deaf 19-year-old woman that no one wanted. When I was 19, I was in college and my biggest worry was about my finals, or what party I could go to over the weekend. No one knows Karin's story yet because communication with her is difficult. I do know that she cleans her plate at every meal, which means she probably spent a great deal of her life hungry. I also know that she has many scars on her body, but I try not to think about the pain she suffered.
I thought about Karina, who is 24, is married, and has a baby. I'm only 25, and my biggest worry at 24 was whether or not I would get into graduate school, and quitting my job at an accounting firm. I complained so much and was so unhappy with the way my life was, but looking back at it now, how selfish was that? I had NOTHING to complain about. Karina is only a year younger than me and came very close to being a sex slave. Her family was so desperate for money that they were willing to send their daughter off to strangers hoping she would be able to bring home more income.
I thought about Melissa who is 21, and has a past that is so scary and horrible that she buries it away. I can remember having theme parties for my birthdays growing up, going on family vacations, and having "girls night out" with my Mom. Melissa's Mom died when she was very young, she spent part of her childhood caught in child trafficking and child pornography, and the other part in a children's home sleeping in a room with 12 girls and sharing a single bed with three other girls. I was fortunate to have parents who could afford to send me to college, help me with an apartment, and make sure I had everything I've ever needed. Melissa works to support her older sister, her three young nephews, and her younger sister. She dreams of going to college and furthering her education, and wants her younger sister to go to college. On the surface, Melissa seems like a normal 21-year-old. She walks among us everyday carrying the weight of her family on her shoulders. Somehow, she still feels compelled to visit her father in Santa Barbara, Honduras as well, which is four hours from Teguc, even though he sold her and her sisters to a random woman for a small sum of money. Do you think you could ever forgive your father for doing that to you?
I know certain things will never leave my memory. When I'm hungry, I'll remember Juliana's great-grandmother, who takes care of her young great-granddaughters, and how they might get a little bit of rice a day. I'll also remember the little girl's rotting baby teeth all because she doesn't get the nutrients she needs. When I get scared or nervous, I'll remember the 30-year-old woman who was held captive by her parents, and had five of her father's children. How she was brave enough to take a huge risk and escape from the hospital after her youngest son was born.
I know that everyone has a story, and some are much worse than others. What's crazy to think about though, is that everything that I heard and witnessed in Honduras is happening somewhere in the United States. We all get wrapped up in our own lives and in our own world - I'm definitely guilty of it. I hope that after you finish reading my blog, you will try to think of others and do what you can to help.
This experience has truly been amazing and eye-opening. Everyday I realized more and more how lucky I am, and I was constantly reminded that I have a wonderful support system, and family and friends who care a lot about me. Many people that I came in contact with in Honduras don't have any kind of support system, and often times families are missing fathers and suffer all kinds of abuse.
Amazingly enough, I did not fall asleep on my flight from Teguc to Houston. I was too busy crying...I felt bad for the flight attendants, because every time they came by to ask if I needed anything, there was a lot of snot and tears coming from my face - wasn't pretty. I just kept thinking about the people I was leaving behind. I thought about Karla and her life at 16, and about my life when I was 16. All I cared about was getting my drivers license, and who I was going to a high school dance with. Karla has a little boy and has suffered more abuse in her short life than anyone should ever have to bear. I thought about Karin and her life as a deaf 19-year-old woman that no one wanted. When I was 19, I was in college and my biggest worry was about my finals, or what party I could go to over the weekend. No one knows Karin's story yet because communication with her is difficult. I do know that she cleans her plate at every meal, which means she probably spent a great deal of her life hungry. I also know that she has many scars on her body, but I try not to think about the pain she suffered.
I thought about Karina, who is 24, is married, and has a baby. I'm only 25, and my biggest worry at 24 was whether or not I would get into graduate school, and quitting my job at an accounting firm. I complained so much and was so unhappy with the way my life was, but looking back at it now, how selfish was that? I had NOTHING to complain about. Karina is only a year younger than me and came very close to being a sex slave. Her family was so desperate for money that they were willing to send their daughter off to strangers hoping she would be able to bring home more income.
I thought about Melissa who is 21, and has a past that is so scary and horrible that she buries it away. I can remember having theme parties for my birthdays growing up, going on family vacations, and having "girls night out" with my Mom. Melissa's Mom died when she was very young, she spent part of her childhood caught in child trafficking and child pornography, and the other part in a children's home sleeping in a room with 12 girls and sharing a single bed with three other girls. I was fortunate to have parents who could afford to send me to college, help me with an apartment, and make sure I had everything I've ever needed. Melissa works to support her older sister, her three young nephews, and her younger sister. She dreams of going to college and furthering her education, and wants her younger sister to go to college. On the surface, Melissa seems like a normal 21-year-old. She walks among us everyday carrying the weight of her family on her shoulders. Somehow, she still feels compelled to visit her father in Santa Barbara, Honduras as well, which is four hours from Teguc, even though he sold her and her sisters to a random woman for a small sum of money. Do you think you could ever forgive your father for doing that to you?
I know certain things will never leave my memory. When I'm hungry, I'll remember Juliana's great-grandmother, who takes care of her young great-granddaughters, and how they might get a little bit of rice a day. I'll also remember the little girl's rotting baby teeth all because she doesn't get the nutrients she needs. When I get scared or nervous, I'll remember the 30-year-old woman who was held captive by her parents, and had five of her father's children. How she was brave enough to take a huge risk and escape from the hospital after her youngest son was born.
I know that everyone has a story, and some are much worse than others. What's crazy to think about though, is that everything that I heard and witnessed in Honduras is happening somewhere in the United States. We all get wrapped up in our own lives and in our own world - I'm definitely guilty of it. I hope that after you finish reading my blog, you will try to think of others and do what you can to help.
Last Day in Hondo
Buenas Tardes!
I had a pretty busy last full day in Hondo! We left Santa Ana in the morning and went to Teguc to see the Mi Esperanza Beauty School graduation! The MEBS is attached to Lori's house, and not too long ago all of Mi Esperanza was located there (i.e. the office, the beauty school, the computer classroom, and the maquila). It was really awesome to see how excited the girls were, and to be able to celebrate their accomplishment with them. Some of the girls were as young as 15 or 16, so this beauty school experience puts them head and shoulders above some of their peers who haven't had this opportunity. The beauty school program is six months long - the first five months are in the classroom and in the salon, and the last month is an internship at an actual salon in Teguc. I think one or two of the girls got hired at salons right after their internships as well - how exciting!
Beauty School Graduates!
These two girls thought I was beautiful and really wanted their picture taken with me. Again, I think it's because they've never seen a fro.
After graduation was over, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed to the Mi Esperanza Center. I'm a procrastinator and had to get my homework done, but then afterwards I pitched in and helped to prepare for a 90 person group to come to the store. Lori nominated me to speak to the group about what Mi Esperanza is, and how I came to become an intern for them, and Janet seconded the nomination. I was a bit nervous, but I pulled it off!
Something exciting happened just before I had to speak too! A new headband had been created in the past couple of days and a name was needed for it. So the Jenny Lovell (friend of Mi Esperanza) suggested that it be called The Quinn Headband! How awesome is that!!!
The Quinn! I'm a good price too, so get one while supplies last!
Jenny Lovell, Janet, and me - I'm rockin' The Quinn!!
So overall, I'd say it was a very successful afternoon! Here are some picks of the store - it has had some improvements since I first got there.
Look how nicely The Quinn hangs on the back door... :-P
The Women of My Hope
The new Statement bag! I have the Statement wallet to match! Such an awesome project - well done EA Ward!
After the big group came through, we went back up the mountain to Santa Ana for a cookout with the group from Mississippi. I also had to pack for my trip home, and I actually fit all of my purchases in my suitcase! I had a great last night!
My girls - Janet and Lori - co-founders of Mi Esperanza and truly inspirational women!
They love me :-) I love them too!
I had a pretty busy last full day in Hondo! We left Santa Ana in the morning and went to Teguc to see the Mi Esperanza Beauty School graduation! The MEBS is attached to Lori's house, and not too long ago all of Mi Esperanza was located there (i.e. the office, the beauty school, the computer classroom, and the maquila). It was really awesome to see how excited the girls were, and to be able to celebrate their accomplishment with them. Some of the girls were as young as 15 or 16, so this beauty school experience puts them head and shoulders above some of their peers who haven't had this opportunity. The beauty school program is six months long - the first five months are in the classroom and in the salon, and the last month is an internship at an actual salon in Teguc. I think one or two of the girls got hired at salons right after their internships as well - how exciting!
Beauty School Graduates!
These two girls thought I was beautiful and really wanted their picture taken with me. Again, I think it's because they've never seen a fro.
After graduation was over, we grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed to the Mi Esperanza Center. I'm a procrastinator and had to get my homework done, but then afterwards I pitched in and helped to prepare for a 90 person group to come to the store. Lori nominated me to speak to the group about what Mi Esperanza is, and how I came to become an intern for them, and Janet seconded the nomination. I was a bit nervous, but I pulled it off!
Something exciting happened just before I had to speak too! A new headband had been created in the past couple of days and a name was needed for it. So the Jenny Lovell (friend of Mi Esperanza) suggested that it be called The Quinn Headband! How awesome is that!!!
The Quinn! I'm a good price too, so get one while supplies last!
Jenny Lovell, Janet, and me - I'm rockin' The Quinn!!
So overall, I'd say it was a very successful afternoon! Here are some picks of the store - it has had some improvements since I first got there.
Look how nicely The Quinn hangs on the back door... :-P
The Women of My Hope
The new Statement bag! I have the Statement wallet to match! Such an awesome project - well done EA Ward!
After the big group came through, we went back up the mountain to Santa Ana for a cookout with the group from Mississippi. I also had to pack for my trip home, and I actually fit all of my purchases in my suitcase! I had a great last night!
My girls - Janet and Lori - co-founders of Mi Esperanza and truly inspirational women!
They love me :-) I love them too!
Children's Village of Honduras - Valle de Angeles
Buenas!
On the last Thursday I was in Honduras (June 30, 2011), Janet, Lori, EA, and I ventured to Valle, where I had the opportunity to meet with Vahid Moavenzadeh, who is currently working for the Children's Village of Honduras (CVoH). Vahid and I met for coffee, and he told me about how he ended up in Valle.
Vahid practices the Bahá'í Faith, which emphasizes the spiritual unity of all humankind. When he graduated from high school, he decided he wanted to do his year of service in Honduras, and got connected with the Children's Village in La Ceiba, which is on the north coast of Honduras. The man who was running the CVoH in La Ceiba had been doing so for the past 25 years, and also practiced the Bahá'í Faith, which is how he got connect to that area. Vahid went to Honduras for the first time in April 2008, but after three months, country officials were realizing how corrupt the man was in running the children's home, many people outside of the home wanted to shut it down.
It turns out that the man was very powerful, and could pay people off who were trying to investigate what he was doing within the children's home, which housed around 120 children. The man brainwashed the children into believing that he was a good person, when in reality he was abusing them - sexually, physically, and emotionally. The children wore raggedy clothing, the girls had shaved heads because of lice, and the place felt like a prison because the children were not allowed to leave. When country officials tried to send IHNFA (Honduran children's services) in to get the children, someone tipped the man off and he locked all of them inside the compound. He then called the media, and had all of the older children get the younger children to cry so the media would think the children did not want to leave the home.
Meanwhile, Vahid was doing everything he could to try and convince the children to leave, and that this was not a good place to stay. Vahid didn't realize how dangerous the situation was becoming until some of the leaders of his faith came in, explained the situation and how powerful the man was, and got him out of there. From La Ceiba, Vahid went to Costa Rica for three days, but wanted to try to go back to Honduras to get the children. Unfortunately, the coup against former President Mel Zelaya prevented him from getting back into the country, so Vahid returned to the United States (he's from North Carolina). IHNFA and country officials were unsuccessful in their investigation of the corrupt man, and were unable to close the children's home in La Ceiba. The home is still open today, and about 30 children live there.
Two years later (present day) Vahid is back in Honduras. He returned at the end of May to a new Children's Village in Valle de Angeles. Ironically, the CVoH has rented former President Zelaya's old house, and we got to see it! It's so beautiful! About 25 children are were living there when I visited, and 25 more were expected to come this week from the home in La Ceiba. About 60 to 70 children were displaced as a result of the investigation of the man, and are spread out all across the country. Vahid's main job now is to follow leads and look for the missing children in order to bring them back to the new children's home. We saw some of the children walking to school, and they are so happy! The children receive two hours of English per day, and the high school kids have English class at their school. They are all allowed to play in an intramural soccer league, and have been given a childhood.
Front of the house
Front yard and caretakers house
Backyard and garden where Vahid started growing some produce. He had the kids plant pumpkins so they can carve them for Halloween!
Vahid and me infront of the former President's house, that's now the Children's Village of Honduras in Valle de Angeles!
On the last Thursday I was in Honduras (June 30, 2011), Janet, Lori, EA, and I ventured to Valle, where I had the opportunity to meet with Vahid Moavenzadeh, who is currently working for the Children's Village of Honduras (CVoH). Vahid and I met for coffee, and he told me about how he ended up in Valle.
Vahid practices the Bahá'í Faith, which emphasizes the spiritual unity of all humankind. When he graduated from high school, he decided he wanted to do his year of service in Honduras, and got connected with the Children's Village in La Ceiba, which is on the north coast of Honduras. The man who was running the CVoH in La Ceiba had been doing so for the past 25 years, and also practiced the Bahá'í Faith, which is how he got connect to that area. Vahid went to Honduras for the first time in April 2008, but after three months, country officials were realizing how corrupt the man was in running the children's home, many people outside of the home wanted to shut it down.
It turns out that the man was very powerful, and could pay people off who were trying to investigate what he was doing within the children's home, which housed around 120 children. The man brainwashed the children into believing that he was a good person, when in reality he was abusing them - sexually, physically, and emotionally. The children wore raggedy clothing, the girls had shaved heads because of lice, and the place felt like a prison because the children were not allowed to leave. When country officials tried to send IHNFA (Honduran children's services) in to get the children, someone tipped the man off and he locked all of them inside the compound. He then called the media, and had all of the older children get the younger children to cry so the media would think the children did not want to leave the home.
Meanwhile, Vahid was doing everything he could to try and convince the children to leave, and that this was not a good place to stay. Vahid didn't realize how dangerous the situation was becoming until some of the leaders of his faith came in, explained the situation and how powerful the man was, and got him out of there. From La Ceiba, Vahid went to Costa Rica for three days, but wanted to try to go back to Honduras to get the children. Unfortunately, the coup against former President Mel Zelaya prevented him from getting back into the country, so Vahid returned to the United States (he's from North Carolina). IHNFA and country officials were unsuccessful in their investigation of the corrupt man, and were unable to close the children's home in La Ceiba. The home is still open today, and about 30 children live there.
Two years later (present day) Vahid is back in Honduras. He returned at the end of May to a new Children's Village in Valle de Angeles. Ironically, the CVoH has rented former President Zelaya's old house, and we got to see it! It's so beautiful! About 25 children are were living there when I visited, and 25 more were expected to come this week from the home in La Ceiba. About 60 to 70 children were displaced as a result of the investigation of the man, and are spread out all across the country. Vahid's main job now is to follow leads and look for the missing children in order to bring them back to the new children's home. We saw some of the children walking to school, and they are so happy! The children receive two hours of English per day, and the high school kids have English class at their school. They are all allowed to play in an intramural soccer league, and have been given a childhood.
Front of the house
Front yard and caretakers house
Backyard and garden where Vahid started growing some produce. He had the kids plant pumpkins so they can carve them for Halloween!
Vahid and me infront of the former President's house, that's now the Children's Village of Honduras in Valle de Angeles!
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Breaking Chains
Buenas!
Last Sunday, we all trekked across the street to go to church. Annie and I sat next to this girl, she was probably seven or eight, and man alive did she love to sing! She only needed to hear the first word of the song, and she would just start singing at the top of her lungs. The amazing thing was when a gringo started singing in English, she knew the English version of the songs too! Yet again reaffirming the fact that I need to learn Spanish...
After church we went down to Teguc and two groups came to shop at the Mi Esperanza store. Afterwards, we went and served pizza and cake at the Breaking Chains Homeless Shelter. This was quite the experience. This shelter is located right in the heart of the city, and many of the people - both men and women - that frequent the shelter are part of gangs. I also noticed the large number of young women who were pregnant, or who had young children running around.
Waiting in line for pizza and cake
Cute little girls - they were so happy to be eating pizza!
Steph and Christian handing out pizza and cake
It was hard to ignore the smell of glue on some of the kids, and many of the adults. They would get high in order to numb the pain of being hungry. Steph told us later that a few of the women almost got in a fight because one of the women was licking the icing off of used plates, and the others felt it was unfair. All the extra cakes were given away outside of the shelter in order to avoid an all out brawl.
I have to admit, I felt completely uncomfortable here. I honestly don't think I could work in this homeless shelter. I just felt on edge the entire time, and this was the only time I actually was scared while I was in Hondo. Don't worry - nothing would have happened to me, and I was surrounded by gringo's the entire time. I was probably scared because there were a lot of men around, and most of them were high. It also doesn't help that Hondurans don't appreciate personal space the way that Americans do, so some of them got a little too close for comfort for me. I talked to Janet about it later that evening, and she made a good point - every individual has their own capabilities, and may be better at one thing over another. I found it incredibly easy to sit with Karla and Karin, to give them hugs, and to play with Alejandro and Moises. Others may feel uncomfortable in that situation. I didn't have any second thoughts about going to Honduras in the first place, but many people wouldn't ever want to go there.
I wish I could do the type of work Amber Foster does with Breaking Chains, and I'm sad I didn't get the chance to meet her while I was there because I've heard she has an amazing story (she had to go back to the States for a wedding). I'm incredibly happy that she and other people have the passion for this type of work. Everyone deserves a fair chance at life, and she's giving chances to some of the poorest people in Honduras.
Buenas Noches
Last Sunday, we all trekked across the street to go to church. Annie and I sat next to this girl, she was probably seven or eight, and man alive did she love to sing! She only needed to hear the first word of the song, and she would just start singing at the top of her lungs. The amazing thing was when a gringo started singing in English, she knew the English version of the songs too! Yet again reaffirming the fact that I need to learn Spanish...
After church we went down to Teguc and two groups came to shop at the Mi Esperanza store. Afterwards, we went and served pizza and cake at the Breaking Chains Homeless Shelter. This was quite the experience. This shelter is located right in the heart of the city, and many of the people - both men and women - that frequent the shelter are part of gangs. I also noticed the large number of young women who were pregnant, or who had young children running around.
Waiting in line for pizza and cake
Cute little girls - they were so happy to be eating pizza!
Steph and Christian handing out pizza and cake
It was hard to ignore the smell of glue on some of the kids, and many of the adults. They would get high in order to numb the pain of being hungry. Steph told us later that a few of the women almost got in a fight because one of the women was licking the icing off of used plates, and the others felt it was unfair. All the extra cakes were given away outside of the shelter in order to avoid an all out brawl.
I have to admit, I felt completely uncomfortable here. I honestly don't think I could work in this homeless shelter. I just felt on edge the entire time, and this was the only time I actually was scared while I was in Hondo. Don't worry - nothing would have happened to me, and I was surrounded by gringo's the entire time. I was probably scared because there were a lot of men around, and most of them were high. It also doesn't help that Hondurans don't appreciate personal space the way that Americans do, so some of them got a little too close for comfort for me. I talked to Janet about it later that evening, and she made a good point - every individual has their own capabilities, and may be better at one thing over another. I found it incredibly easy to sit with Karla and Karin, to give them hugs, and to play with Alejandro and Moises. Others may feel uncomfortable in that situation. I didn't have any second thoughts about going to Honduras in the first place, but many people wouldn't ever want to go there.
I wish I could do the type of work Amber Foster does with Breaking Chains, and I'm sad I didn't get the chance to meet her while I was there because I've heard she has an amazing story (she had to go back to the States for a wedding). I'm incredibly happy that she and other people have the passion for this type of work. Everyone deserves a fair chance at life, and she's giving chances to some of the poorest people in Honduras.
Buenas Noches
My Piglets
This little piglet was right beside our house build site in Santa Ana
These are my little piglets! This is Christian and Emma - Steph and Dave's kids, and Janet's grandchildren. Christian is 9 and will be 10 in August, and Emma is 8. They are quite the pair, and when they first arrived I tried out different nicknames on them. Pickle, tid bit, shrimpie, etc., and eventually piglet stuck, and that was my nickname for the both of them for the rest of their trip. It was pretty neat too - they both answered to piglet! At one point, Steph called Emma piglet, and she responded, "Mom! Only Quinn can call me piglet!" My nickname was Quinnzo or Quizno...I answered to both.
When we went to the fresh food market last Saturday, all Christian could do was talk about how he wanted to buy a coconut. They were sold at the back of the market, so we all trekked back there so he could get one. Oh the piglet, so excited to try this coconut! I'm so proud of myself - I captured him just as he tried his first sip...
Check out that face!! Oh man, I was cracking up! He was so excited for this coconut too! I asked him what was wrong with it, and he said it tasted like water...like coconut water. Not quite sure what he was expecting from a coconut, but I guess it didn't live up to his standards. Oh wow...such a character!
When Janet was talking to Steph the day after they got back to Louisiana, I asked how my piglets were. Steph said they told her that they "were gonna miss us some Quinn!" Oh the piglets...crack me up!
Fresh Food Market (Again) and Handing Out Food!
Buenas Noches!
First of all, I finally took good pictures of El Picacho from down in the city, so here they are (refer to the "So I Got to See Jesus Today..." post). Enjoy!
So last Saturday, Steph, Annie, Christian and I met up with a new group from Mississippi and took them down to the fresh food market. We all split up into groups again, bought lots of produce, and then made 50 food buckets. I got some good pictures at the market this time.
El hombre
El nino
After we packed up the food buckets, we went to a village named Reynel Funez to pass out the food. **Side note** While we were on the bus, one of the older women in the group asked where I was from. I told her I lived in Philadelphia, and she replied, "Philadelphia, Mississippi??" I had myself a little chuckle in my head, and said that I lived in the city of brotherly love, and not the gambling town that was near where she lived. Actually, I didn't know until later that day that a Philadelphia, MS existed. You learn something new everyday...
Anyway, it was really gratifying to hand out food to the different families. These people didn't know we were coming, and then were given about two weeks worth of food! They were all so thankful! When passing out food, you have to be pretty systematic about it. We couldn't just hand the bag of food to someone on the street; we had to walk to their home and give it to them there so we didn't give one family more than one bag of food. We also had to work quickly, because when the food runs out, people get agitated and may start a riot. No worries though, we were able to pass out a lot of food in a short period of time, and were out of there before anything bad happened!
Some of the homes we took food bags too
Annie, Christian, and Steph, hard at work!
Two cute kids who were very excited to get food!
I had just given this woman a food bag, and she let me take her picture - don't worry, I ask in Spanish!
Aww...look at the perro getting a bath!
First of all, I finally took good pictures of El Picacho from down in the city, so here they are (refer to the "So I Got to See Jesus Today..." post). Enjoy!
So last Saturday, Steph, Annie, Christian and I met up with a new group from Mississippi and took them down to the fresh food market. We all split up into groups again, bought lots of produce, and then made 50 food buckets. I got some good pictures at the market this time.
El hombre
After we packed up the food buckets, we went to a village named Reynel Funez to pass out the food. **Side note** While we were on the bus, one of the older women in the group asked where I was from. I told her I lived in Philadelphia, and she replied, "Philadelphia, Mississippi??" I had myself a little chuckle in my head, and said that I lived in the city of brotherly love, and not the gambling town that was near where she lived. Actually, I didn't know until later that day that a Philadelphia, MS existed. You learn something new everyday...
Anyway, it was really gratifying to hand out food to the different families. These people didn't know we were coming, and then were given about two weeks worth of food! They were all so thankful! When passing out food, you have to be pretty systematic about it. We couldn't just hand the bag of food to someone on the street; we had to walk to their home and give it to them there so we didn't give one family more than one bag of food. We also had to work quickly, because when the food runs out, people get agitated and may start a riot. No worries though, we were able to pass out a lot of food in a short period of time, and were out of there before anything bad happened!
Some of the homes we took food bags too
Annie, Christian, and Steph, hard at work!
Two cute kids who were very excited to get food!
I had just given this woman a food bag, and she let me take her picture - don't worry, I ask in Spanish!
Aww...look at the perro getting a bath!
Monday, July 4, 2011
Casa de Ester
Hola!
So technically I'm back in Philadelphia - longest travel day ever! I was in Denver for an hour. You might ask "Quinn...why would you fly to Houston, to Denver, and then to Philadelphia?" That's a great question, but I'm still trying to figure that out! As you know, Quinner has been slacking with her posts - there was a lot going on in Hondo. Since I'm about a week and a half behind with my blog, let's pretend that I'm still over there, shall we?
So last Thursday (June 23rd), a bunch of people from the group packed lunches to take to the boys and girls juvenile prison (separate buildings) and to the dump. Chick Fil A donated 500 of their food boxes to our group, so we were able to use those for our lunches. Each lunch included a PB&J sandwich, an orange, chips, a cookie, a pack of chicklets, and a napkin. It's a good thing that there aren't any Chick Fil A's in Hondo b/c the people we were handing the lunches out to would have gotten a surprise!
We got a late start going to the girls prison and to the dump, so I didn't actually get to visit with any of the girls. Because Steph's kids are a bit young, she did not want them going to the prisons, and had to pick them up from Janet at the Mi Esperanza center. I needed to meet up with Janet and Lori and go to a reception for a new girls home that afternoon, so we both left without getting to meet the girls. I heard later on that the girls had already eaten lunch, and that since we were late, they didn't get to do many as much as the group had hoped to do with them. Also, a storm went through the area, so the roads to the dump washed out and the group wasn't able to go there either.
My day turned out great though! I got to see Karla, Alejandro, Karin, Moises, Marta, and Gracie again! Janet, Lori, EA (have I mentioned her before? Elizabeth Ann (EA) interned with Mi Esperanza, and has designed most of the bags in the store) and I went to the Casa de Ester open house. Janet and Lori are good friends with Carol Mallasch, who was one of the founders of Casa de Ester, and Carol is also the woman who put Janet and me in contact with Gracie.
A note about Casa de Ester. It will house 30 teenage girls who have been victims of sexual abuse, will provide the girls with academic, spiritual, and life skills to prepare them to live successfully and independently one day. What's exciting is that Casa de Ester hopes to partner up with Mi Esperanza, since ME already offers free sewing, computer, and beauty salon classes to women! So many women will get the opportunity to be prosperous! The new girls home is beautiful! It's so beautiful in fact, that I forgot to take pictures while I was inside - my bad. I have picture of the view from the girls home though!
I think I mentioned at the end of Karin's and Karla's stories that I got to see them again. It was great to see them and to be able to hug them again. I got them each a little something from the ME store, and they were really excited to get them! Gracie told me that she was so happy I came and stayed with them, and that I made a big impact in their lives. That baffles me though...I was only there for about 30 hours, and couldn't really speak directly to them because of the language barrier, yet my being there had an impact on their lives? Karin and Karla's stories have had a HUGE impact on my life! I can't stop thinking about them! I'm happy that we made that connection with each other though, and I honestly cannot wait to go back to Gracie's and see them soon.
I made an impact...who knew?
So technically I'm back in Philadelphia - longest travel day ever! I was in Denver for an hour. You might ask "Quinn...why would you fly to Houston, to Denver, and then to Philadelphia?" That's a great question, but I'm still trying to figure that out! As you know, Quinner has been slacking with her posts - there was a lot going on in Hondo. Since I'm about a week and a half behind with my blog, let's pretend that I'm still over there, shall we?
So last Thursday (June 23rd), a bunch of people from the group packed lunches to take to the boys and girls juvenile prison (separate buildings) and to the dump. Chick Fil A donated 500 of their food boxes to our group, so we were able to use those for our lunches. Each lunch included a PB&J sandwich, an orange, chips, a cookie, a pack of chicklets, and a napkin. It's a good thing that there aren't any Chick Fil A's in Hondo b/c the people we were handing the lunches out to would have gotten a surprise!
We got a late start going to the girls prison and to the dump, so I didn't actually get to visit with any of the girls. Because Steph's kids are a bit young, she did not want them going to the prisons, and had to pick them up from Janet at the Mi Esperanza center. I needed to meet up with Janet and Lori and go to a reception for a new girls home that afternoon, so we both left without getting to meet the girls. I heard later on that the girls had already eaten lunch, and that since we were late, they didn't get to do many as much as the group had hoped to do with them. Also, a storm went through the area, so the roads to the dump washed out and the group wasn't able to go there either.
My day turned out great though! I got to see Karla, Alejandro, Karin, Moises, Marta, and Gracie again! Janet, Lori, EA (have I mentioned her before? Elizabeth Ann (EA) interned with Mi Esperanza, and has designed most of the bags in the store) and I went to the Casa de Ester open house. Janet and Lori are good friends with Carol Mallasch, who was one of the founders of Casa de Ester, and Carol is also the woman who put Janet and me in contact with Gracie.
A note about Casa de Ester. It will house 30 teenage girls who have been victims of sexual abuse, will provide the girls with academic, spiritual, and life skills to prepare them to live successfully and independently one day. What's exciting is that Casa de Ester hopes to partner up with Mi Esperanza, since ME already offers free sewing, computer, and beauty salon classes to women! So many women will get the opportunity to be prosperous! The new girls home is beautiful! It's so beautiful in fact, that I forgot to take pictures while I was inside - my bad. I have picture of the view from the girls home though!
I think I mentioned at the end of Karin's and Karla's stories that I got to see them again. It was great to see them and to be able to hug them again. I got them each a little something from the ME store, and they were really excited to get them! Gracie told me that she was so happy I came and stayed with them, and that I made a big impact in their lives. That baffles me though...I was only there for about 30 hours, and couldn't really speak directly to them because of the language barrier, yet my being there had an impact on their lives? Karin and Karla's stories have had a HUGE impact on my life! I can't stop thinking about them! I'm happy that we made that connection with each other though, and I honestly cannot wait to go back to Gracie's and see them soon.
I made an impact...who knew?
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
A Little Something to Lighten the Mood
Okay, so since I have probably really depressed all of you, I have a couple of stories for you. Feel free to laugh at me!
From the left: Janet, Annie, me, and Maggie
We (Janet, her daughter Steph, Annie, Steph’s kids Christian and Emma and I) were driving back from Teguc to Santa Ana the other night, and drove past a new restaurant – Denny’s. We were discussing how Hondo is pretty Americanized – Wal*Mart has invaded the country, and I said, “look guys, Denny’s is open for 24 whore-as!” Yes, the great Spanish-speaker that I am said “whore-as” instead of “ora’s” for hours. Steph, Janet and Annie laughed uncontrollably for a few minutes – I’m happy I can entertain everyone. I really need to learn Spanish people…
Janet invited some of Christian and Emma’s friends over for lunch after church on Sunday. Their parents, Dennis and Marta, came too. Dennis introduced himself to everyone, and then started asking Janet about me. He was slow to say start, but he asked who I was. Janet said that I was her friend. He then asked where I was from, and Janet told him from the States. He was completely perplexed, and then said, “oh…I thought only white people lived in the United States.” Whoa! Janet was like, no way! There are many different races that live in the states. It turns out that Dennis thought I was Cuban. At least he thought I was Latino…no one else does.
I’m starting to think I’m a walking spectacle here in Hondo.
Now I have caught you up to last Tuesday - eek! I'm still a week behind! I have access to the internet again, so hopefully I'll have more posts soon. These should keep you satisfied for a few days though!
Have a good night!
Now I have caught you up to last Tuesday - eek! I'm still a week behind! I have access to the internet again, so hopefully I'll have more posts soon. These should keep you satisfied for a few days though!
Have a good night!
Karla's Story
This story touched me the most, and there is a lot to it. Please take your time reading it, and feel free to take breaks because there are many dark moments in Karla’s story.
When Karla was a little girl, her parents sold her to another family who changed her name – all of this was illegal. When she got to be about 10-years-old, Karla started asking questions, and her adoptive parents got nervous and took Karla back to her parents because they did not want to end up in jail. By this time, Karla’s mom had had five more children, and her father would beat her mother and the kids. Karla’s mom hated her for some reason (probably because she is so beautiful), and told Karla she would kill her if she ever saw her again. Can you imagine saying this to your child? To your 10 or 11-year-old daughter?
Karla left her mother and father’s house and went to her paternal grandmother’s house to live. She lived there for about a year and a half, and did really well there. She enjoyed school, and got as far as the third grade. Eventually, Karla’s mom got fed up with the domestic abuse, so she left her husband and the other five children. Karla’s father did not want to deal with five children, so he sent for Karla, who was 12 and a half. His idea was to make Karla the mother of the kids, and his wife, so he put a machete to her throat and raped her. Karla’s father raped her every day for a year and a half, would give her cigarettes so she could deal with the stress of it all, and alcohol to make her more compliant. He made her go on birth control because he did not want her to get pregnant.
The birth control made Karla sick though, so she stopped taking it. Unfortunately, Karla got pregnant. Somehow the police found her, and they called Gracie because they knew she was pregnant and only 12-years-old – she was really 14…not that it’s any better. The police found Karla’s mother, who had another baby who was four months old. Karla’s mother, her new baby, Karla, and Karla’s five other siblings spent the night at Gracie’s refuge. Karla’s mom wanted Karla to tell the police that she seduced her father, and that it was consensual sex. She also wanted Karla to tell the police that the baby was not her father’s, and that she had a boyfriend. Gracie’s caretaker overheard this conversation, told Gracie, who then proceeded to ream Karla’s mother out. Karla did not listen to her mother - told the truth to the police the next day.
Prior to Karla getting picked up by the police, Karla’s father had given her something to terminate her pregnancy. This “antidote” caused Karla to vomit blood every few days for two months. When Karla got to Gracie’s, Gracie had fed her an ounce of Pedialite in five, ten, or fifteen-minute intervals for six hours so that she could keep some nutrients down. Finally, Karla got the “antidote” out of her system, and began her recovery.
Karla’s father was taken to court for special rape, which is when a family member rapes a minor in the family. The judge ordered a paternity test for Karla because her father denied that Karla was his daughter. He also denied that Karla’s baby was his. Both Karla, and the baby were Karla’s father’s children. The courthouse where the trial was being held was about 40 minutes away from Gracie’s house, and the road Gracie and Karla had to travel was very mountainous. When Gracie and Karla were at court, all of Karla’s father’s family was there and they threatened to murder Gracie and Karla on their way home from court. Because this could actually happen, the police escorted Gracie and Karla home.
Fortunately, this story has a happy ending. As I mentioned before, Karla, now 16-years-old, made it to third grade before she had to drop out. With the help of Gracie’s teacher, Karla finished fourth grade in five months with a 97% exam grade. She is on track to finish fifth grade at the end of June or the beginning of July, and so far she has gotten 97%, 95% and 95% on her quarterly exams. Clearly, Karla is doing very well in school, and she told me that she wants to become a lawyer and help women who have domestic violence committed against them. It’s wonderful that she wants to be able to speak on behalf of women who don’t have a voice, and who are forced into situations like the ones she was in.
Karla’s baby boy, Alejandro, is beautiful!! He is eight month’s old and loves to play, laugh, and bounce! I should mention that Alejandro did not like me when he first met me. Karla would let me hold him, he would take one look at me, make a really angry face, and would start wailing! Karla – or any Hondo for that matter – would take him from me, and he would stop crying immediately. It was so upsetting because I wanted to hold him! I can only imagine his thoughts…”whoa Mommy, who are you handing me off too? Who is this?!?! She’s no Hondo! What’s going on with her hair? GET.ME.OUT.OF.HERE!” Poor Alejandro…so many emotions. Fortunately for me, he got over his fear of fro’s, and we became novio et novia (boyfriend and girlfriend) the next day.
Ahh! What a heart-breaker!
He sleeps...this is the only time when he's not bouncing!
Karla and I had a great time Monday night too. Gracie told me that she loved doing nails, so I asked her to paint mine for me. I told her she could pick whatever color she wanted, and I ended up with blue nails. I said they were mucho bonita (very beautiful), but I’m pretty sure a 25-year-old shouldn’t be walking around with bright blue nail polish on. Oh well, she had a fun time designing them! Karla has beautiful dark curly hair, and she asked me (via Melissa) about my hair, and if I could comb it. I told her I could, and let her touch it – she giggled. I guess not too many people rock the fro around here in Hondo. I haven’t seen one since I’ve been here – what’s up with that?! It’s crazy to me that Melissa, Karla, Marta, Leslie (the caretaker) and I (Karin went to bed early) were able to have such a great time, when I don’t speak any Spanish, and they don’t speak English. I promised them all I would come back, and that I would learn Spanish! Karla has started to learn English as well.
When I left Gracie’s house last Tuesday, Karla gave me a big hug and said, “I love you!” I told her I loved her too. It just amazes me that we had only known each other for a short period of time, but somehow we connected on a deeper level, and we could both tell that we meant a lot to one another. I cannot wait to come back here again and see her and how she is progressing. It was all I could do to not take her and Alejandro back to the states with me! Gracie has a loving home though, and they are doing very well. I’m just jealous that she gets to be with them everyday!
I got to see Karla and Alejandro last Thursday, and luckily my new boo remembered me – no tears! We laughed, played, and bounced for a while at the reception. He gave me lots of baby kisses too – he’s such a sweetie! It was great seeing Karla again too. As soon as she saw me she came running up and gave me the biggest hug! She said, “I missed you!” and then handed me Alejandro. I introduced her to Janet, Lori, and a few other people, and she sat right next to me at the table, looped her arm through mine and held my hand. Lori said that I had a new friend, and I said that she was mi amiga et mi hermana (my friend and my sister). She gave me a big smile, a kiss, and then laid her head on my shoulder. I did not want to leave her!
I seriously cannot wait to see Karla and Alejandro again. I know she is going to do something great with her life, and I’m excited to see how well she does! Mama Nove – pack your bags, we’re coming back to Hondo ASAP!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Moises' Story
This is baby Moises! If you couldn’t tell, his name is Moses in English. Gracie adopted him after his mother, who remains unknown, had him, saw the growth on his body, and left him in a box outside. Moises was placed in INFHA (Honduran child services), and they gave him to Gracie to take care of. I believe Moises is around a year old, and the technical name for the growth on his body is a macrocystic lymphatic malformation of the trunk, or cystic hygroma.
When doctors in Honduras first looked at him, they said he could not be saved, and would die soon. Gracie did a lot of research, and found doctors in Boston and Virginia who specialize in the type of surgery he needs, and were willing to help Moises. We were all having lunch with Gracie on Tuesday, June 21, 2011, when the First Lady of Honduras’ sister called Gracie and said she had a meeting with the First Lady the next morning to discuss Moises healthcare. The First Lady had been following Moises’ progress, was very impressed and moved by Gracie’s work, and said she wanted to do whatever she could to ensure Moises received the necessary surgery. I got to see Gracie last Thursday, and she said the meeting went extremely well, and that the doctors in Boston are reviewing his medical files and are formulating a plan. They are still in the beginning stages of everything, but if everything works out, Gracie, Moises, and Moises’ nanny, Marta, will be traveling to Boston to get the surgery!
He’s such a wonderful baby! He’s so cute and happy! There is literally nothing wrong with him other than this growth, but because Honduras is such a poor country, they don’t have the knowledge and skills to help him. It’s crazy to think that a mother would just leave her baby outside in a box. I’m so happy he’ll be able to have the surgery, grow up in a loving home, and have a real chance at life!
He's very flexible
Janet holding happy baby Moises!
Karin's Story
Karin is 19-years-old, is deaf, and was found living on the streets of Teguc because her family did not want her. Gracie wanted her though, and she has been living with Gracie for over a year now. She has huge scars all over her body, and Gracie can only imagine what kind of abuse she suffered because she was alone and could not hear or speak. Gracie hired a teacher who is working with Karin on her math, spelling, and reading. They are progressing with their communication with Karin as well because Gracie knows sign language, and Karin can read lips a little bit.
When I first met Karin, she was a bit standoffish, but she started smiling more in the afternoon. We took a walk together, and she would smile at me, and let me take her picture. When I left Talanga on Tuesday, she gave me a big hug and a big smile. I was able to see Karin this past Thursday at an opening of a new girls home, and she seemed excited to see me. Again, I got a big hug and a big smile from her. Hopefully, Karin will continue to get better as time goes on, and Gracie will be able to find out more about her past.
Me and Karin!
Karina's Story
Karina has worked for Gracie for about a year and a half as her Victim’s Advocate. She is 24-years-old, but she got married for the first time when she was 16-years-old to a guy who was very violent and mean. They got a divorce, and Karina went back to school and did very well. When Karina was 18, one of her older friends asked if she wanted to work in a restaurant. She and her family thought it was a good idea, so they agreed to let her do it. Around 11pm one night, her friend took her to catch a bus, but put her in the back of a truck with a bunch of other girls and two men in the front seat. The men took the girls to a club called “Dance in the Night.”
Karina and me at the Special Crimes office
Karina was very scared, but could not get away. The men made her wear skimpy clothing, and wanted her to strip and have sex with the men. Karina said that some of the men who were at the club were police officers and prominent men in the community. Karina’s “friend” was eager for Karina to pick a man to have sex with because if she agreed to have sex with any of the men, Karina would get some money, and her friend would get a bonus. Karina refused to have sex with anyone, and was able to escape from the club. She ran to the nearest phone and tried to call her boyfriend, Joe, but the connection was bad. She then called her mom and told her to tell Joe that she was trapped at the “Dance in the Night” club. Her mom had never heard of the place and did not understand that her daughter was in trouble, but Joe did and rushed to get her out.
When Joe arrived, the owners of the club locked all the girls inside, and made Joe pay them money to get Karina out. Joe was extremely angry because he had told Karina that her “friend” was trouble, and should not be trusted. When, Karina 21, she and Joe got married and they now have a son. She told me that her “friend” is now living somewhere in the United States, and actually had the audacity to call Karina and offer her work. Needless to say, Karina was not interested.
Karina and me at the Special Crimes office
The Story of a 30-Year-Old Woman
Within a couple hours of arriving in Talanga, Gracie took Melissa and me to the pharmacy where a woman and her family were waiting for her. The woman, who is 30, but looks younger than 20, had been held captive by her mother and father for many years. Her father raped her repeatedly, and she has had five of her father’s children. The woman recently had a baby boy, but because he was sick, she and the baby had to stay in the hospital for longer than anticipated. The woman’s aunt – Gracie was not sure which side of the family she was on – came to the woman’s rescue, and helped her and her five children escape once she was released from the hospital. The aunt brought the woman to Talanga where she lives, and Gracie is now helping them pay for the medicines the children need.
Juliana's Story - Told by Her Great-Grandmother
Juliana was an 18-month-old girl, whose stepfather, Rudy, would molest and rape her. Her mother, Ana, knew this was happening; however, she too was being abused, and felt that any abuse done to Juliana’s took some of the abuse off of her. Their neighbors knew what was being done to Julianna as well – they would hear her screams at night. On June 12, 2011, Juliana’s stepfather raped, and then suffocated her.
Here's the link to the news story - it's in Spanish obviously, but I wanted to share it.
Rudy drove Ana and Juliana's body to her great-grandmother’s house in Talanga, dropped them off, and drove away. Her great-grandmother, who is 80 or 90, was so upset and thought she could save her, not realizing she was already dead. Julianna’s neighbors ended up calling the police because they knew she had been murdered, and that her mother and stepfather were trying to get rid of her body. They waited until AFTER she was dead to speak up. Night after night, they could hear Julianna being abused, and did nothing to stop it.
I had the opportunity to meet Julianna’s great-grandmother on June 20, 2011. This old lady, who is dirt poor (literally) and gets maybe a few grains of rice a day, lives in the worst conditions. Two of her grandsons live with her, and both are drug attics. She also takes care of two of her great-granddaughters – one is in the picture below. They barely get any food, and the little girls teeth are completely rotted because she is extremely malnourished. The great-grandmother has two sons, both of whom work in construction, give her money for food when they can.
Fortunately, the police questioned everyone involved, found Rudy and Ana, and the trial was conducted the following Sunday. Rudy received 20-30 years for murder, and an additional 15-20 for special rape, which is when a family member rapes a minor in the family. Because Ana was an accomplice to the murder, she is getting the same sentence of 20-30 years. They are both being sent to special detention facilities because in Honduras with a case like this, they would both be raped and murdered by other inmates in a very short time. It’s great to know that both of these people are in jail; however, it is obvious that Julianna’s mother was being victimized as well. I personally believe that the stepfather should get a life sentence for murdering an innocent child.
Juliana's Great-Grandmother and one of her great-granddaughters
Her drinking water...
The back of her house...
Her kitchen
The hallway
A living room/bedroom
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