Day 2

Hola from Jeff. Day 2 at the Hogar started at the outdoor market. We went to buy fruit for lunches that we eat together. Fruits I’d seen and fruits I’d never seen being sold in the open air next to clothes, pop in a bag, meat, jewelry and about anything you can imagine. We went from there to the grocery store. We were buying food for our lunches – simple stuff like bread, meat, crackers and then hot dogs, chips, and home made cookies for 120. No, that’s not a typo. Can’t imagine how we looked in the grocery store. The cost in the local currency was four figures in the local currency, lempira, which on conversion was remarkable cheap in dollars.

The kids are amazing. Affectionate! Oh my gosh. My hand has been held and I’ve been hugged by more kids under four feet tall than I can count. And the older kids, some shy, some not, are also anxious to sit and talk. Many of wish our Spanish was better so we could have deeper conversations but a lot of communicating is going on. Everyone is trying. For Holly and me, it’s great to see Jack and Allison using their Spanish. Jack is asking questions and having a ball with the kids (futbol today) and Allison is playing with the kids and translating for Holly and I when necessary.

The contrast between our lives and the lives here couldn’t be more stark but the importance of friendship and love is the same – a common bond, a common need. We’re all touched by the beauty and friendliness of these children and those who care for them. After two days I think we all see the world a bit differently. Can’t imagine what it will be like after a week.

Appreciate your life.
Jeff and the rest of the Parkers