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?
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