In March, Mitch and I had the pleasure of being a part of the crew that went to Tierra Santa. We are unable to go this time, but thanks to Chris and Tricia Kreie we are sending our daughter and her friend (and the son of our very best friends) in our place. Although I am a bit envious, I am still very excited for them as I know what lies ahead. They are going to hate the hours and hours of waiting and the long drives from here to there, but they are going to love spending time with those kids of the Hogar....and I think the kids are going to love spending time with them as well. How cool to have visitors from the U.S.A. that are your same age!
Looking forward to seeing and hearing about how lives have been changed as a result of this trip. Heaven knows Mitch and I have never been the same since the moment the gates opened and we were greeted by little hands, dirty noses and small voices saying "hola"!
Peace and safe travels!
Lois and Mitch Hegland
Monday, December 22, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Questions from Mr. Flom's 6th Grade Class
Prior to our most recent trip to Tierra Santa, Mr. Flom's 6th grade students from Oak Point posed some questions for me to answer following our trip. Here are my responses. Thanks to Mr. Flom's students for their genuine curiosity!
1) What other major problems are in Honduras besides water pollution and how do they affect Tierra Santa?
Water pollution and lack of clean drinking water is definitely an issue. Very few children in Honduras receive the water they need. Most get just enough to survive. And while it may not be a health problem, so to speak, many Honduran families do not have water that flows into their homes. Many rely on water flowing through open canals as the water they use to bathe in, wash their clothes, and wash their dishes. Many, many homes in Honduras do not have indoor plumbing.
Besides the issues around water, Honduras has many of the same issues that affect developing countries around the world. Remember, too, that Honduras is the second poorest country in the Western hemisphere. Honduras has a huge poverty issue, with over 27% of its adults unemployed, adults averaging incomes of just over $2,000 per year, and 22% of families living below the poverty line.
This nation-wide poverty has a huge affect on Tierra Santa, in fact it's the primary reason Tierra Santa exists in the first place. Most of the children at Tierra Santa are not orphans. Rather, they come from families who just can no longer support them. The families do not have enough money, adaquate homes, or sustainable income to provide for the children, so the children end up at Tierra Santa. Tierra Santa can provide food, shelter and an education - things the children's families cannot.
And speaking of education, this is also a major problem in Honduras. Many children do not attend school at all and most of those who do, stop going after 6th grade. Very, very few children finish high school and a very minute number finish college. It is almost impossible for the cycle of poverty to be broken when children are not receiving a proper education. This is another reason why Tierra Santa is such an oasis of goodness in these kids' lives. All Tierra Santa children attend school as long as they live at Tierra Santa. This means that if students stay at Tierra Santa though their teenage years, they are guaranteed of finishing high school. Many Tierra Santa children also continue through to college.
2) How can kids like us help the water situation?
This is a great question, and I'm not sure I have a fantastic answer. Tierra Santa has taken control of its water problem and has done something about it. Through donors from the U.S. and elsewhere, Tierra Santa has constructed a water purification building at the home. It is not yet operational, but will be soon.
The concept behind the water purification building is that Tierra Santa will now be able to take city water and purify it. This has never been done before. Until now Tierra Santa has been forced to purchase all its water in the form of large bottles that are very expensive. Now, not only will Tierra Santa be able to provide its children will all the drinking water they need, they will also be able to bottle water and sell it to the community, thereby providing a source of income for the home.
This is really an astounding step for the kids of Tierra Santa. They will soon be able to drink all the water they want to. Never before have they been able to do this.
So back to your question, how can EP kids help with the water situation. Well, thankfully, this problem has all but been resolved. We can be grateful and say that thanks to the help of others before us, Tierra Santa no longer has a water problem. The next issue to tackle, I suppose, would be food. Tierra Santa struggles every day to provide adaquate food for its children. Maybe this is the issue that you, as EP students, would like to help resolve for the kids of Tierra Santa.
3) What service project can we do to assist the kids at Tierra Santa?
Again, thanks for this terrific question. Right now the Eden Prairie School District through an initiative called Global Connect, has established two ways that we can help Tierra Santa. Those two things are constructing a new boys home for the boys of Tierra Santa and helping to provide funds to keep Tierra Santa children well-fed for years to come.
Currently Tierra Sanat boys live in two rental homes adjacent to the main Tierra Santa home. Over 15 boys are crammed into each of these homes, causing a less-than-ideal living situation for these boys. Also, besides the poor living conditions, these homes are rental homes which means the landlords could kick the boys out on a moment's notice.
It is imperative that Tierra Santa find a stable, suitable home for these boys. The plan is to build a new boys home on the Tierra Santa property. But, of course, this costs money. Oak Point is planning to do a fundraiser this spring to help fund the construction of the home. You, as OP students, could be instrumental in this effort. I'll be looking for OP kids to play leadership roles in this fundraising process. If you are willing to fill one of these roles, you will be helping the kids of Tierra Santa in a huge way! Let me know if you'll be willing to help!
Regarding raising funds for the food needs of Tierra Santa, we are always open to donations. Anytime you would like to donate money, throw a birthday party in which guests give donations to Tierra Santa rather than presents, or have a lemonade stand in your neighborhood, we would welcome that with open arms. I know that you could get very creative regarding ways in which to help the kids of Tierra Santa. They would greatly appreciate any help you could give them! You have the power to make a difference in the lives of these kids!
4) What is your goal to accomplish the next time you go to Honduras?
I will be returning to Tierra Santa over spring break 2009. Once again I'll be joined by a group of EP teachers, students and families. I cannot wait!
As always, one of main goals will be to build relationships with the kids of Tierra Santa. This is the greatest thing we can do for these kids. Remember, that these kids either don't have parents or never get a chance to see their parents. And at Tierra Santa, there are about 12 kids for every adult. These kids just do not get the adult attention that you do, nor do they get the adult attention they deserve. One of our greatest gifts for these kids is to just give them the attention they deserve - sit with them and talk, play games with them, do craft projects with them, whatever. Then most important of all, we continue those relationships with them after we leave Tierra Santa. These kids need us, and deserve our love and attention. Maybe one day you can visit, too, and forge a friendship with a child a world away.
We also hope to continue our work in the Tierra Santa preschool. On our most recent trip we prepped, painted and decorated the preschool room using materials we brought with us from Minnesota. The next step is to make sure the teachers at Tierra Santa have the skills and tools necessary to utilize this room to the best of their ability. Preschool is a foreign concept to most in Honduras. School starts at Kindergarten, unlike in the U.S. where many kids spend one or two years in preschool prior to entering kindergarten. Because of this, teaching preschool is not something teachers know how to do in Honduras. We hope to give the teachers at Tierra Santa the education they need to help teach these little preschoolers. Educating kids at ages 3, 4, and 5 will be a huge jumpstart for them before they enter kindergarten. Preshool has been shown to provide huge results for kids in our country. We hope the same will be said for Tierra Santa kids in the future.
5) What are some differences between the students at Oak Point and the kids in Honduras?
There are so many differences, but also a huge number of similarities. Tierra Santa kids are kids, just like you. They love to play games, they love sports, they love music and fashion, and they love to laugh and enjoy life. I wish you could meet all of them. You would have a blast hanging out with them and discover that they are very similar to you. Come to Tierra Santa with your family and discover this for yourself! Seriously, you can do it!
The kids of Tierra Santa are different from OP kids in some ways, though. This is true. Many of the kids of Tierra Santa had no schooling prior to coming to Tierra Santa, so in a lot of ways they are not as educationally advanced as kids from Oak Point. For instance, you might find a 13-year-old Tierra Santa child in third grade. That is because the child didn't come to Tierra Santa until they were 10, and never had any formal education prior to that. This is the reason why many Tierra Santa kids don't graduate from high school until they are 20 or 21.
Another difference is that many of the kids of Tierra Santa have had very difficult lives and have experienced very difficult things in their early years. They may haved lived on the streets prior to coming to Tierra Santa, they may have come from abusive homes, they may have faced severe hunger or serious health issues prior to coming to Tierra Santa. Kids in Eden Prairie, for the most part, haven't had to deal with these types of things in life, thankfully. Of course, these types of experiences shape the kids of Tierra Santa. Quite a few children suffer anxiety or depression due to the difficulties they have had in life.
Lastly, not to knock OP kids, but the work ethic of the Tierra Santa kids seems to be stronger that OP kids. Tierra Santa kids are constantly doing work around the home. They don't have custodians to clean up after them. They are responsible for keeping the home and school clean, for washing clothes, and for cooking meals. The kids of Tierra Santa work, work, and work. They take pride in their home and school and take the responsibility to keep things looking good around them.
6) How has this experience affected your life, and how will it help you in the future?
The experience I've had working with Global Connect and interacting with the kids of Tierra Santa has affected my life in huge ways. I'll never be the same because of it. I hope all of you can one day experience what I've experienced. You, too, will never be the same.
I'll never again wish I had a bigger house, or more "things." I now realize that I have enough. I don't need more stuff or more material things. The people of Honduras live with so little. It seems unfair, really, that we in America have so much and people in Honduras have so little.
One thing that struck me from the first instant I was at Tierra Santa was how happy the children and adults that live there are. They all have so little - little food, little water, just the basics in terms of shelter - yet they know how to enjoy life. They seem happy, they seem to know how to live life for the moment and enjoy the things that they do have. We in America have so much yet we struggle at times to be happy.
I've also learned a lot about love - as corny as that may sound. The kids of Tierra Santa are so loving. They open their arms to you for hugs and they have no hesitations about saying "I love you." It's really pretty amazing. Coming back to America I realized how important love is and that I shouldn't have any issues telling those close to me that I love them.
Lastly, I've learned to slow down and not to sweat the small stuff. Life in Honduras is so laid back, and people spend so much time just talking with one another and enjoying one another's company. In our society we're constantly busy, rushing off to the next important thing. In Honduras "NOW" is the most important thing. The other stuff can wait. Talking and chilling out with people is a priority. I really like that and hope to make that a part of who I am.
The lessons I've learned from the kids of Tierra Santa and the people of Honduras are huge. We often think in America that we have all the answers because we're such a rich, successful, powerful country. But we don't have all the answers. The biggest lesson I've learned from these experiences and the lesson I'll take with me in the future, is that you need to open your mind to learn from everyone you encounter in life, even the homeless 6-year-old.
7) Do you think you have made a good impact on these people’s lives, or do you think there is so much more to be done?
Both, really. I know that I've made an impact. Anyone who goes to Tierra Santa and chooses to make an impact, does. It may be small, it may not hugely change the lives of the kids, but going to Tierra Santa and working with the kids definitely has an impact on them. When they see people coming from the U.S. just to be with them, the kids of Tierra Santa feel valued and feel that their lives have worth. We take that for granted in our country, but these kids need to feel valued. Visiting them and becoming their friend, gives them that value.
It's the old saying, too, if I can affect just one kid, then all the effort is worth it. I really believe that. Perhaps one of the kids I meet will be inspired to go to college because of me, perhaps one kid will choose to study English because of me, perhaps one more kid will not go hungry because of me, perhaps one kid will have a roof above their head because of me. If one kid is affected because of my work, then it's all worth it.
But, yes, there is a lot more to be done. We've really just begun our work as partners with Tierra Santa. Eden Prairie Schools Global Connect has many more goals for this partnership. We want to educate as many EP students to the issues facing Tierra Santa and kids from all over the developing world, we want to raise funds to construct the new boys home, we want to lead many future trips to Tierra Santa giving these experiences to hundreds of EP students and families, we want to provide Tierra Santa with the food and resources it needs, and so much more. I hope you can be a part of all of these fantastic projects as we move forward in the future.
8) Because you have seen these kids, has it changed the way you think about how thankful and lucky you are?
YES! Is that a simple enough answer?
We are all lucky to live in the U.S. I know that now for a fact. The problems we have in this country dwarf problems that most Honduras live with on a daily basis. We have drinking water that flows endlessly from our taps, we have food stocked in our fridges and cupboards, we have cars, we have big homes with green yards, we have money to travel and buy the toys we want, we have safe neighborhoods, we have wonderful schools and colleges, we have high-paying jobs, we have garbage collection and clean streets, and we have a government that we believe in and feel a part of. I would safely say that most of us take most of these things for granted. But we shouldn't. We should wake up each and every day and be thankful for what we have.
But more important than being thankful for what we have, we should recognize what others around the world do not have and begin to do something about it. As Americans, we are part of the larger world and we need to remember that. We cannot isolate ourselves from the issues that face people around the globe. This is my opinion, you may disagree, but as members of the world it's not enough that we look out for the concerns of Americans, we need to look out for the concerns of everyone who shares the planet with us.
If kids are starving in Africa, if kids' homes are being bombed in Gaza, if kids are living amongst garbage heaps in India, those are our problems, too. We can't ignore these problems and pretend that they don't affect us. They do. We are very lucky to be America citizens. We need to not just recognize that, but also do something about it to try to make people around the world just as lucky as we are.
Remember, these are my opinions. Don't just read what I say and agree. Learn about these issues and come to your own conclusions. That is the important thing and why you come to school every day.
9) What do you think the process is for water purification?
I'm going to leave this last question unanswered, because in a few days I'll be posting a video that will answer it better than I can in words. You'll see video footage of the water purification building and a man explaining how it works.
1) What other major problems are in Honduras besides water pollution and how do they affect Tierra Santa?
Water pollution and lack of clean drinking water is definitely an issue. Very few children in Honduras receive the water they need. Most get just enough to survive. And while it may not be a health problem, so to speak, many Honduran families do not have water that flows into their homes. Many rely on water flowing through open canals as the water they use to bathe in, wash their clothes, and wash their dishes. Many, many homes in Honduras do not have indoor plumbing.
Besides the issues around water, Honduras has many of the same issues that affect developing countries around the world. Remember, too, that Honduras is the second poorest country in the Western hemisphere. Honduras has a huge poverty issue, with over 27% of its adults unemployed, adults averaging incomes of just over $2,000 per year, and 22% of families living below the poverty line.
This nation-wide poverty has a huge affect on Tierra Santa, in fact it's the primary reason Tierra Santa exists in the first place. Most of the children at Tierra Santa are not orphans. Rather, they come from families who just can no longer support them. The families do not have enough money, adaquate homes, or sustainable income to provide for the children, so the children end up at Tierra Santa. Tierra Santa can provide food, shelter and an education - things the children's families cannot.
And speaking of education, this is also a major problem in Honduras. Many children do not attend school at all and most of those who do, stop going after 6th grade. Very, very few children finish high school and a very minute number finish college. It is almost impossible for the cycle of poverty to be broken when children are not receiving a proper education. This is another reason why Tierra Santa is such an oasis of goodness in these kids' lives. All Tierra Santa children attend school as long as they live at Tierra Santa. This means that if students stay at Tierra Santa though their teenage years, they are guaranteed of finishing high school. Many Tierra Santa children also continue through to college.
2) How can kids like us help the water situation?
This is a great question, and I'm not sure I have a fantastic answer. Tierra Santa has taken control of its water problem and has done something about it. Through donors from the U.S. and elsewhere, Tierra Santa has constructed a water purification building at the home. It is not yet operational, but will be soon.
The concept behind the water purification building is that Tierra Santa will now be able to take city water and purify it. This has never been done before. Until now Tierra Santa has been forced to purchase all its water in the form of large bottles that are very expensive. Now, not only will Tierra Santa be able to provide its children will all the drinking water they need, they will also be able to bottle water and sell it to the community, thereby providing a source of income for the home.
This is really an astounding step for the kids of Tierra Santa. They will soon be able to drink all the water they want to. Never before have they been able to do this.
So back to your question, how can EP kids help with the water situation. Well, thankfully, this problem has all but been resolved. We can be grateful and say that thanks to the help of others before us, Tierra Santa no longer has a water problem. The next issue to tackle, I suppose, would be food. Tierra Santa struggles every day to provide adaquate food for its children. Maybe this is the issue that you, as EP students, would like to help resolve for the kids of Tierra Santa.
3) What service project can we do to assist the kids at Tierra Santa?
Again, thanks for this terrific question. Right now the Eden Prairie School District through an initiative called Global Connect, has established two ways that we can help Tierra Santa. Those two things are constructing a new boys home for the boys of Tierra Santa and helping to provide funds to keep Tierra Santa children well-fed for years to come.
Currently Tierra Sanat boys live in two rental homes adjacent to the main Tierra Santa home. Over 15 boys are crammed into each of these homes, causing a less-than-ideal living situation for these boys. Also, besides the poor living conditions, these homes are rental homes which means the landlords could kick the boys out on a moment's notice.
It is imperative that Tierra Santa find a stable, suitable home for these boys. The plan is to build a new boys home on the Tierra Santa property. But, of course, this costs money. Oak Point is planning to do a fundraiser this spring to help fund the construction of the home. You, as OP students, could be instrumental in this effort. I'll be looking for OP kids to play leadership roles in this fundraising process. If you are willing to fill one of these roles, you will be helping the kids of Tierra Santa in a huge way! Let me know if you'll be willing to help!
Regarding raising funds for the food needs of Tierra Santa, we are always open to donations. Anytime you would like to donate money, throw a birthday party in which guests give donations to Tierra Santa rather than presents, or have a lemonade stand in your neighborhood, we would welcome that with open arms. I know that you could get very creative regarding ways in which to help the kids of Tierra Santa. They would greatly appreciate any help you could give them! You have the power to make a difference in the lives of these kids!
4) What is your goal to accomplish the next time you go to Honduras?
I will be returning to Tierra Santa over spring break 2009. Once again I'll be joined by a group of EP teachers, students and families. I cannot wait!
As always, one of main goals will be to build relationships with the kids of Tierra Santa. This is the greatest thing we can do for these kids. Remember, that these kids either don't have parents or never get a chance to see their parents. And at Tierra Santa, there are about 12 kids for every adult. These kids just do not get the adult attention that you do, nor do they get the adult attention they deserve. One of our greatest gifts for these kids is to just give them the attention they deserve - sit with them and talk, play games with them, do craft projects with them, whatever. Then most important of all, we continue those relationships with them after we leave Tierra Santa. These kids need us, and deserve our love and attention. Maybe one day you can visit, too, and forge a friendship with a child a world away.
We also hope to continue our work in the Tierra Santa preschool. On our most recent trip we prepped, painted and decorated the preschool room using materials we brought with us from Minnesota. The next step is to make sure the teachers at Tierra Santa have the skills and tools necessary to utilize this room to the best of their ability. Preschool is a foreign concept to most in Honduras. School starts at Kindergarten, unlike in the U.S. where many kids spend one or two years in preschool prior to entering kindergarten. Because of this, teaching preschool is not something teachers know how to do in Honduras. We hope to give the teachers at Tierra Santa the education they need to help teach these little preschoolers. Educating kids at ages 3, 4, and 5 will be a huge jumpstart for them before they enter kindergarten. Preshool has been shown to provide huge results for kids in our country. We hope the same will be said for Tierra Santa kids in the future.
5) What are some differences between the students at Oak Point and the kids in Honduras?
There are so many differences, but also a huge number of similarities. Tierra Santa kids are kids, just like you. They love to play games, they love sports, they love music and fashion, and they love to laugh and enjoy life. I wish you could meet all of them. You would have a blast hanging out with them and discover that they are very similar to you. Come to Tierra Santa with your family and discover this for yourself! Seriously, you can do it!
The kids of Tierra Santa are different from OP kids in some ways, though. This is true. Many of the kids of Tierra Santa had no schooling prior to coming to Tierra Santa, so in a lot of ways they are not as educationally advanced as kids from Oak Point. For instance, you might find a 13-year-old Tierra Santa child in third grade. That is because the child didn't come to Tierra Santa until they were 10, and never had any formal education prior to that. This is the reason why many Tierra Santa kids don't graduate from high school until they are 20 or 21.
Another difference is that many of the kids of Tierra Santa have had very difficult lives and have experienced very difficult things in their early years. They may haved lived on the streets prior to coming to Tierra Santa, they may have come from abusive homes, they may have faced severe hunger or serious health issues prior to coming to Tierra Santa. Kids in Eden Prairie, for the most part, haven't had to deal with these types of things in life, thankfully. Of course, these types of experiences shape the kids of Tierra Santa. Quite a few children suffer anxiety or depression due to the difficulties they have had in life.
Lastly, not to knock OP kids, but the work ethic of the Tierra Santa kids seems to be stronger that OP kids. Tierra Santa kids are constantly doing work around the home. They don't have custodians to clean up after them. They are responsible for keeping the home and school clean, for washing clothes, and for cooking meals. The kids of Tierra Santa work, work, and work. They take pride in their home and school and take the responsibility to keep things looking good around them.
6) How has this experience affected your life, and how will it help you in the future?
The experience I've had working with Global Connect and interacting with the kids of Tierra Santa has affected my life in huge ways. I'll never be the same because of it. I hope all of you can one day experience what I've experienced. You, too, will never be the same.
I'll never again wish I had a bigger house, or more "things." I now realize that I have enough. I don't need more stuff or more material things. The people of Honduras live with so little. It seems unfair, really, that we in America have so much and people in Honduras have so little.
One thing that struck me from the first instant I was at Tierra Santa was how happy the children and adults that live there are. They all have so little - little food, little water, just the basics in terms of shelter - yet they know how to enjoy life. They seem happy, they seem to know how to live life for the moment and enjoy the things that they do have. We in America have so much yet we struggle at times to be happy.
I've also learned a lot about love - as corny as that may sound. The kids of Tierra Santa are so loving. They open their arms to you for hugs and they have no hesitations about saying "I love you." It's really pretty amazing. Coming back to America I realized how important love is and that I shouldn't have any issues telling those close to me that I love them.
Lastly, I've learned to slow down and not to sweat the small stuff. Life in Honduras is so laid back, and people spend so much time just talking with one another and enjoying one another's company. In our society we're constantly busy, rushing off to the next important thing. In Honduras "NOW" is the most important thing. The other stuff can wait. Talking and chilling out with people is a priority. I really like that and hope to make that a part of who I am.
The lessons I've learned from the kids of Tierra Santa and the people of Honduras are huge. We often think in America that we have all the answers because we're such a rich, successful, powerful country. But we don't have all the answers. The biggest lesson I've learned from these experiences and the lesson I'll take with me in the future, is that you need to open your mind to learn from everyone you encounter in life, even the homeless 6-year-old.
7) Do you think you have made a good impact on these people’s lives, or do you think there is so much more to be done?
Both, really. I know that I've made an impact. Anyone who goes to Tierra Santa and chooses to make an impact, does. It may be small, it may not hugely change the lives of the kids, but going to Tierra Santa and working with the kids definitely has an impact on them. When they see people coming from the U.S. just to be with them, the kids of Tierra Santa feel valued and feel that their lives have worth. We take that for granted in our country, but these kids need to feel valued. Visiting them and becoming their friend, gives them that value.
It's the old saying, too, if I can affect just one kid, then all the effort is worth it. I really believe that. Perhaps one of the kids I meet will be inspired to go to college because of me, perhaps one kid will choose to study English because of me, perhaps one more kid will not go hungry because of me, perhaps one kid will have a roof above their head because of me. If one kid is affected because of my work, then it's all worth it.
But, yes, there is a lot more to be done. We've really just begun our work as partners with Tierra Santa. Eden Prairie Schools Global Connect has many more goals for this partnership. We want to educate as many EP students to the issues facing Tierra Santa and kids from all over the developing world, we want to raise funds to construct the new boys home, we want to lead many future trips to Tierra Santa giving these experiences to hundreds of EP students and families, we want to provide Tierra Santa with the food and resources it needs, and so much more. I hope you can be a part of all of these fantastic projects as we move forward in the future.
8) Because you have seen these kids, has it changed the way you think about how thankful and lucky you are?
YES! Is that a simple enough answer?
We are all lucky to live in the U.S. I know that now for a fact. The problems we have in this country dwarf problems that most Honduras live with on a daily basis. We have drinking water that flows endlessly from our taps, we have food stocked in our fridges and cupboards, we have cars, we have big homes with green yards, we have money to travel and buy the toys we want, we have safe neighborhoods, we have wonderful schools and colleges, we have high-paying jobs, we have garbage collection and clean streets, and we have a government that we believe in and feel a part of. I would safely say that most of us take most of these things for granted. But we shouldn't. We should wake up each and every day and be thankful for what we have.
But more important than being thankful for what we have, we should recognize what others around the world do not have and begin to do something about it. As Americans, we are part of the larger world and we need to remember that. We cannot isolate ourselves from the issues that face people around the globe. This is my opinion, you may disagree, but as members of the world it's not enough that we look out for the concerns of Americans, we need to look out for the concerns of everyone who shares the planet with us.
If kids are starving in Africa, if kids' homes are being bombed in Gaza, if kids are living amongst garbage heaps in India, those are our problems, too. We can't ignore these problems and pretend that they don't affect us. They do. We are very lucky to be America citizens. We need to not just recognize that, but also do something about it to try to make people around the world just as lucky as we are.
Remember, these are my opinions. Don't just read what I say and agree. Learn about these issues and come to your own conclusions. That is the important thing and why you come to school every day.
9) What do you think the process is for water purification?
I'm going to leave this last question unanswered, because in a few days I'll be posting a video that will answer it better than I can in words. You'll see video footage of the water purification building and a man explaining how it works.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Prepping for Global Connect Winter Trip 2008-09
EPS staff members and friends, through Eden Prairie Schools Global Connect, will once again travel to Honduras on a service trip. This time we'll be leaving Minnesota winter behind and journeying down south in December. Our group will be gone from December 27 - January 4.
Please come back often during that week or so to learn about our progress. We are all looking forward to another wonderful experience.
Our plans are to do edcational activities with the kids of Tierra Santa and to help establish the first-ever preschool program at the home. Of course there is only so much we can do in the short amount of time we're there, but we hope to lay the groundwork for a program that can last into infinity. Thanks to the bold work of groups that have come before us, a new building has been constructed that will not only house this new preschool, but through a water purification process contained in the building, will provide clean drinking water for the home.
Again, please check back often and post lots of questions and comments for us as we go!
Please come back often during that week or so to learn about our progress. We are all looking forward to another wonderful experience.
Our plans are to do edcational activities with the kids of Tierra Santa and to help establish the first-ever preschool program at the home. Of course there is only so much we can do in the short amount of time we're there, but we hope to lay the groundwork for a program that can last into infinity. Thanks to the bold work of groups that have come before us, a new building has been constructed that will not only house this new preschool, but through a water purification process contained in the building, will provide clean drinking water for the home.
Again, please check back often and post lots of questions and comments for us as we go!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
A Legacy - Honduras – Our Legacy
Like a cigar – a mission trip and a vacation rolled together to make the finest brand.
Like a pastry – layers of relationships and scenery that rise with the sharing of stories among people, baked to perfection, filled with new adventures and covered with a light glaze of the smiles of children.
Like a plant – growing from a tiny seed, planted by a few, sprouting through care, planning and organization to become a tree that blossoms with every experience.
Like a tapestry - threads of intertwining experiences woven and braided, weaving a blanket that spans from Minnesota to Honduras.
We have each experienced our own journey, traveling through differing tastes, sights, sounds, smells and feelings that will forever affect our lives…our very own Honduran legacy.
R. Duchon
Like a pastry – layers of relationships and scenery that rise with the sharing of stories among people, baked to perfection, filled with new adventures and covered with a light glaze of the smiles of children.
Like a plant – growing from a tiny seed, planted by a few, sprouting through care, planning and organization to become a tree that blossoms with every experience.
Like a tapestry - threads of intertwining experiences woven and braided, weaving a blanket that spans from Minnesota to Honduras.
We have each experienced our own journey, traveling through differing tastes, sights, sounds, smells and feelings that will forever affect our lives…our very own Honduran legacy.
R. Duchon
Monday, April 7, 2008
Lessons learned in the Honduras-Part 2
After taking the great leap back into my comfort zone, these are some of my "quirkier " memories:
-Electricity and water can peacefully co-exist in the shower-except in the Duchon's room
-On the highways and byways of Honduras, the right of way exists in this order: cows, horses and other four-leggeds, motor vehicles of any size or horsepower (including those cute red taxis), followed by pedestrians
-Don't lean on the sink!
-Britney Spears is alive and well in the Villa San Antonio, is over 6 feet tall, and has hairy legs.
-When you're a teacher, it's good to let someone else lead for a change.
-The Pepsi truck is so highly thought of, it even has its own armed guard!
-If you've had a long enough day, even a marimba band outside your window won't keep you awake.
-There's no such thing as too much Immodium
-We can successfully push taxis up a hill
-It's great to step outside the "tourist bubble" we usually travel in
-A smile from a child is the gift of a lifetime!
Ann
-Electricity and water can peacefully co-exist in the shower-except in the Duchon's room-On the highways and byways of Honduras, the right of way exists in this order: cows, horses and other four-leggeds, motor vehicles of any size or horsepower (including those cute red taxis), followed by pedestrians
-Don't lean on the sink!
-Britney Spears is alive and well in the Villa San Antonio, is over 6 feet tall, and has hairy legs.
-When you're a teacher, it's good to let someone else lead for a change.
-The Pepsi truck is so highly thought of, it even has its own armed guard!
-If you've had a long enough day, even a marimba band outside your window won't keep you awake.
-There's no such thing as too much Immodium
-We can successfully push taxis up a hill
-It's great to step outside the "tourist bubble" we usually travel in
-A smile from a child is the gift of a lifetime!
Ann
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Last Days
Friday and Saturday were our tourist days. I'm not going to bog this down with all the details (basically because I don't have time as the bus for San Pedro is almost to our hotel) but sufice it to say, we had mucho fun (after the less-than-great bus ride, that is). We did the City of Copan Friday night including a group dinner. Then on Saturday we toured the Copan Mayan ruins in the morning and did various activities in the afternoon. Some did a zip line, others a horseback ride, and others a bird sanctuary. The evening ended with a very special, and great, dinner at Twisted Tanyas in which many of us stood up to say something special that they saw or did or felt
from the trip.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Vamanos a Copan
Copan is a beautiful little city. The ride here, though a bit long and rough was beautiful. We made several stops along the way for some shopping and a short tour of a cave and a coffee factory. We had a great evening of shopping, eating, resting and just hanging out. Some of us were not feeling that great, I think it was a combination of giving all we had during the week at the Hogar and the long bus ride. Most of us are feeling much better this morning as we prepare to tour the ruins and an afternoon choice of activities. Some of us will ride horses, take a rainforest canopy zip line excursion, or visit Macaw Mountain. Too many great choices. We'll check in later to tell you how it was.
Peace,
Mitch
The Trip To Copan
It was different to wake up today and not have the kids of the Hogar on the agenda. I wonder what they are doing. I wonder if they miss us the way we miss them. I wonder when I'll get to see them again. Hmmmm.....
If you like bus rides then you would have loved our day yesterday. The drive was complete with steep mountains, winding roads, beautiful scenery and lovely views. We made a couple stops along the way, which for many of us was a God-send as we were suffering from pretty severe cases of motion sickness....YUCK!
Copan is a beautiful, intimate and interesting city. Today will allow for the tour of the Myan Ruins and some additional adverture walks. Maybe even a 5 Kilometer zip line experience! (THIS IS WHERE MY FRIENDS AT HOME SHOULD BEGIN PRAYING THAT I DON'T BREAK A LEG WHEN I RUN INTO A TREE AT HIGH SPEEDS!)
Rumor has it there is a great coffee house just around the corner and I am going to head out now and check it out!
I cannot wait to begin the L-O-N-G journey home tomorrow....I miss my babies!
Lois Hegland
If you like bus rides then you would have loved our day yesterday. The drive was complete with steep mountains, winding roads, beautiful scenery and lovely views. We made a couple stops along the way, which for many of us was a God-send as we were suffering from pretty severe cases of motion sickness....YUCK!
Copan is a beautiful, intimate and interesting city. Today will allow for the tour of the Myan Ruins and some additional adverture walks. Maybe even a 5 Kilometer zip line experience! (THIS IS WHERE MY FRIENDS AT HOME SHOULD BEGIN PRAYING THAT I DON'T BREAK A LEG WHEN I RUN INTO A TREE AT HIGH SPEEDS!)
Rumor has it there is a great coffee house just around the corner and I am going to head out now and check it out!
I cannot wait to begin the L-O-N-G journey home tomorrow....I miss my babies!
Lois Hegland
Chris from Thursday
Hola –
As I’m writing this we are sitting on a bus bound for Copan. It’s about 6:00 a.m. and we’re climbing through some hills outside of Comayagua. We are joined by eight of the students from the Hogar along with Jeff the administrative director and Matt, one of the volunteers living and working in La Villa.
Yesterday was quite the day. I didn’t do my usual writing on the bus ride from La Villa to Comayagua because I just couldn’t. I just needed that time to collect my thoughts about everything I had seen and done during the week. I had ripped a couple CDs from Omar and Jacoba prior to leaving so I just popped in the earphones, listened to some of their music, and thought about the trip.
I have all of these faces of these children in my head whenever I close my eyes. They are all such magnificent kids, smiling and loving and embracing. I cannot believe how much love and affection they showed us. The best times were when we had moments to just sit and be together. The kids just drank up the attention and wanted to touch and hug and be close. I can’t help but think how little of that we give to one another in America. How often do we just sit and touch and hold the children in our lives? Of course I do it with my own children. But it’s rare that I hug and hold my nieces and nephews, and the thought of holding hands with or hugging students in the U.S. is out of the question. We do some things better and smarter in the U.S., but I think we have to bow to the Hondurans when it comes to the way in which they show love and affection to one another.
Yesterday I had a chance to tell Dilcia that I plan to be her sponsor. I found her near the basketball court and asked her to join me. I then grabbed Sarah to help with the translation. It was an awesome moment where we could just sit apart from the buzz of activity and visit with one another. When Sarah told Dilcia that I planned to be her padrino a big smile lit up her face. She is such a beautiful girl. She is a little quiet and a bit serious but she shows me that smile whenever I see her. She has this deep voice that is wonderful to listen to and she seems to need some support. Dilcia is not one of the children who would be likely to approach one of us and just shower us with attention like some of the other children do. She hangs back a bit, watching more than taking part. I cannot wait to build a relationship and friendship with Dilcia.
Dilcia comes from a family of 15 children. She only arrived at the Hogar back in January. I cannot recall exactly how old she is but I believe she is around 10 or 11. I hope that all goes well for Dilicia. She says that she is happy at the Hogar. I hope that is the case. And I hope that she will find some way to blossom in life.
Thursday was just a day of celebration. Our morning was fairly routine as we did some more teaching but also tried to finish up some of the projects we had started earlier in the week. It was a bit more of a laid back morning. I think this was the case because we all knew that this was our last day and we just wanted to drink in as much of the experience as we could with our last few remaining hours.
Around lunchtime I joined Ann at the comidor, which is a soup kitchen paid for and operated by the Hogar. It is a place where children from the village who do not live at the Hogar but who still need food can go and have a nutritious lunch every day. The comidor is operated by Alba who is this amazing lady who lives in this tiny shack herself. She does the cooking in her home then serves the food to the children under an awning in her yard. The comidor was set up as a way for the Hogar to give back to the citizens of the village. It serves about 20-30 children each day.
While at the comidor Ann and I read books aloud to the children as they ate. I read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See in Espanol to the kids. It was a lot of fun and a book with simple words and repetition which made it easy for me to get into. It also made for a convenient English lesson as I asked the kids to practice the English words for the various animals on the pages. It was a lot of fun.
Following the lunch, we distributed gifts of books to the children at the Comidor. Ann had brought with her about 30 books that had been donated by a girls group back in Eden Prairie. Each book was individually wrapped in colorful paper and came with a personalized note from one of the girls. The children washed their hands after the meal and then were each given a book to open and look at. All the books were written in Spanish. This event was hugely impromptu, but proved to be one of the more rewarding experiences in the village for me.
In the late afternoon we had a program in the courtyard. Right prior to the program, however, I said my goodbyes to some of the girls who were leaving on a bus to pick up a group of Canadian high school students from the airport. I climbed on the bus and gave a big hug to all the girls. I don’t remember exactly who was on the bus but I do remember Jessica and Rosa for sure. Then was the program. The first part of the program was us doing our best to entertain the children. Nick did a Brittney Spears lipsync, several of us acted out the Three Little Pigs, Debbie told a cute, little joke, we did a group dance led by Chris, and Mitch and Lois led the entire group in prayer. Following our performances, the kids put on a program for us of dancing and music.
Then the hard part came – saying goodbye. This lasted for a good half an hour as we all tried our best to say goodbye to as many of the children as possible. The kids I remember most from the goodbye ceremony are Mirian, Jacoba, Alba, Dilcia, Simona, Julieth, Idalia, Sarai, Christian, and Jogeni. It was extremely emotional and difficult. I just kept thinking, “Am I ever going to see these kids again,” “I just don’t want to leave these kids.” I worry about what will happen to them in the future, but I really need to remember to be comforted by the fact that they are in good hands, they are well-cared-for, and they are happy. I’ll just hope and pray for these kids as I return home and resume life.
My hope, of course, is that I will return. When that will happen, I’m not sure. I just cannot see myself never coming back here. The relationships I built with some of the kids are too important for me to just let fall away. One of my fears coming down here was that I would get hooked and feel the need to keep coming down. Well, my fears have been realized. I need to come back. I will come back.
As I’m writing this we are sitting on a bus bound for Copan. It’s about 6:00 a.m. and we’re climbing through some hills outside of Comayagua. We are joined by eight of the students from the Hogar along with Jeff the administrative director and Matt, one of the volunteers living and working in La Villa.
Yesterday was quite the day. I didn’t do my usual writing on the bus ride from La Villa to Comayagua because I just couldn’t. I just needed that time to collect my thoughts about everything I had seen and done during the week. I had ripped a couple CDs from Omar and Jacoba prior to leaving so I just popped in the earphones, listened to some of their music, and thought about the trip.
I have all of these faces of these children in my head whenever I close my eyes. They are all such magnificent kids, smiling and loving and embracing. I cannot believe how much love and affection they showed us. The best times were when we had moments to just sit and be together. The kids just drank up the attention and wanted to touch and hug and be close. I can’t help but think how little of that we give to one another in America. How often do we just sit and touch and hold the children in our lives? Of course I do it with my own children. But it’s rare that I hug and hold my nieces and nephews, and the thought of holding hands with or hugging students in the U.S. is out of the question. We do some things better and smarter in the U.S., but I think we have to bow to the Hondurans when it comes to the way in which they show love and affection to one another.
Yesterday I had a chance to tell Dilcia that I plan to be her sponsor. I found her near the basketball court and asked her to join me. I then grabbed Sarah to help with the translation. It was an awesome moment where we could just sit apart from the buzz of activity and visit with one another. When Sarah told Dilcia that I planned to be her padrino a big smile lit up her face. She is such a beautiful girl. She is a little quiet and a bit serious but she shows me that smile whenever I see her. She has this deep voice that is wonderful to listen to and she seems to need some support. Dilcia is not one of the children who would be likely to approach one of us and just shower us with attention like some of the other children do. She hangs back a bit, watching more than taking part. I cannot wait to build a relationship and friendship with Dilcia.Dilcia comes from a family of 15 children. She only arrived at the Hogar back in January. I cannot recall exactly how old she is but I believe she is around 10 or 11. I hope that all goes well for Dilicia. She says that she is happy at the Hogar. I hope that is the case. And I hope that she will find some way to blossom in life.
Thursday was just a day of celebration. Our morning was fairly routine as we did some more teaching but also tried to finish up some of the projects we had started earlier in the week. It was a bit more of a laid back morning. I think this was the case because we all knew that this was our last day and we just wanted to drink in as much of the experience as we could with our last few remaining hours.
Around lunchtime I joined Ann at the comidor, which is a soup kitchen paid for and operated by the Hogar. It is a place where children from the village who do not live at the Hogar but who still need food can go and have a nutritious lunch every day. The comidor is operated by Alba who is this amazing lady who lives in this tiny shack herself. She does the cooking in her home then serves the food to the children under an awning in her yard. The comidor was set up as a way for the Hogar to give back to the citizens of the village. It serves about 20-30 children each day.
While at the comidor Ann and I read books aloud to the children as they ate. I read Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See in Espanol to the kids. It was a lot of fun and a book with simple words and repetition which made it easy for me to get into. It also made for a convenient English lesson as I asked the kids to practice the English words for the various animals on the pages. It was a lot of fun.
Following the lunch, we distributed gifts of books to the children at the Comidor. Ann had brought with her about 30 books that had been donated by a girls group back in Eden Prairie. Each book was individually wrapped in colorful paper and came with a personalized note from one of the girls. The children washed their hands after the meal and then were each given a book to open and look at. All the books were written in Spanish. This event was hugely impromptu, but proved to be one of the more rewarding experiences in the village for me.In the late afternoon we had a program in the courtyard. Right prior to the program, however, I said my goodbyes to some of the girls who were leaving on a bus to pick up a group of Canadian high school students from the airport. I climbed on the bus and gave a big hug to all the girls. I don’t remember exactly who was on the bus but I do remember Jessica and Rosa for sure. Then was the program. The first part of the program was us doing our best to entertain the children. Nick did a Brittney Spears lipsync, several of us acted out the Three Little Pigs, Debbie told a cute, little joke, we did a group dance led by Chris, and Mitch and Lois led the entire group in prayer. Following our performances, the kids put on a program for us of dancing and music.
Then the hard part came – saying goodbye. This lasted for a good half an hour as we all tried our best to say goodbye to as many of the children as possible. The kids I remember most from the goodbye ceremony are Mirian, Jacoba, Alba, Dilcia, Simona, Julieth, Idalia, Sarai, Christian, and Jogeni. It was extremely emotional and difficult. I just kept thinking, “Am I ever going to see these kids again,” “I just don’t want to leave these kids.” I worry about what will happen to them in the future, but I really need to remember to be comforted by the fact that they are in good hands, they are well-cared-for, and they are happy. I’ll just hope and pray for these kids as I return home and resume life.My hope, of course, is that I will return. When that will happen, I’m not sure. I just cannot see myself never coming back here. The relationships I built with some of the kids are too important for me to just let fall away. One of my fears coming down here was that I would get hooked and feel the need to keep coming down. Well, my fears have been realized. I need to come back. I will come back.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Lunch at the Comidar
One of the great things the Hogar does for the community is offer lunch every day for the neighborhood children. Alba opens her home to 20-30 neighborhood children every week day.
Today, there were about 20 children from age 1 to 11 eating spaghetti and cabbage amidst the dogs chasing the chickens in the yard.
Today was a special day at the Comidar because Ann and Chris K. read books to the kids as they ate. Then, after lunch, the kids washed the spaghetti off their hands and faces and waited for a special surprise. Wrapped in paper, each child received a book of their own. It was so fun to watch them open their gift with such excitement. It will be a lunch to remember.
Larry
Today, there were about 20 children from age 1 to 11 eating spaghetti and cabbage amidst the dogs chasing the chickens in the yard.
Today was a special day at the Comidar because Ann and Chris K. read books to the kids as they ate. Then, after lunch, the kids washed the spaghetti off their hands and faces and waited for a special surprise. Wrapped in paper, each child received a book of their own. It was so fun to watch them open their gift with such excitement. It will be a lunch to remember.Larry
Fishing and Kindergarten day 2
Yesterday, was another eventful day. After my kindergarten lesson we headed out to the fishing pond, where we proceeded to teach the children the basics to our way of fishing. Many have fished before, but never with poles. Sometimes they have used a string and a close pin. Other times they have used a net. They loved casting out and reeling it in. Although we didn't catch any fish, the children had a ton of fun. On my next trip the plan is to make it out to Lake Yahoa, which almost occurred on this trip.After fishing, all 18 of us piled into the truck with the fishing gear. However, there was one small problem, we didn't have any gas. We spent the next 40 minutes walking back to the hogar with all of the gear. The truck we used doesn't have a gas gage, so that makes things very difficult. It was a fun walk, because I got to have a very long conversation with Julisa about life in Honduras. Julisa was the first child that I met when I got off the plane. We road back in the school bus together for four hours so our connection was immediate. Anyway, on our long walk back we talked about hopes and dreams. I have a strong connection with Julisa and plan to correspond with her for a long time.
This morning I spent working in the kindergarten room. We played the "Cheerio Math". It was so fun, but also extremely difficult. I cannot wait to show the video and pictures to my students in Eden Prairie. It was great having a lot of extra hands helping with the project. Thank you Kevin, Jeanine, Larry, Chris, Mitch, Lois, Becky. The kids really started to get it, which is one of the reasons I became a teacher. Many children had the "Ah ha!" moment. It was a total rush. It's great to be a teacher!
Hasta luego!
Nick Windschitl
Beth and Marcela
When i first brought up Hogar Tierra Santa at Eagle Heights, Beth told me that she had been there before. We quickly sat down and shared our experiences and pictures with each other. Beth told me one story of a little girl named Marcela. During Beth's first week, Marcela arrived at the hogar. She was only about a year old and in desperate need of attention. She clung to Beth and called her mama. Marcela and Beth were together everyday while she was here. Beth asked me to check up on Marcela while I was here. Well Beth, Marcela is doing great! When i first got here she ran up to me and gave me a big hug! Shorty after, i sat down with her and told her about Beth. I told her that one of my friends that i work with was here the day she arrived at the hogar. I told her that Beth still thinks about her and loves her. I will never forget the look on her face. She said "really? she remembers me?" And i told her of all of your pictures Beth, and how she is the one you talked about most. She just had this huge smile on her face. It was great. I am going to talk to her more about you today. I just wanted you share that with everyone and with you Beth. I know that this story has made her month...or year. I hope some day you can come back and reunite with your little girl. Lots of love!
Sarah
Sarah
Weepy Wednesday
The day began as most others in my life…chopping the mortar off bricks in the 90 degree weather! O.k., that’s not exactly what I do for a living, but some days at RSM are equally as aggravating...I mean challenging....I mean rewarding!
Next on the agenda for the day was Lice Shampoo treatments for over thirty of my closest girlfriends. This was quite the process but what was most impressive is how the girls, even the two and three year olds, knew exactly what to do and how to use a lice comb. Not a talent shared by many toddlers and teens from Minnesota. YUP, I did save two bottles so we could do a group de-licing before we leave on Friday. Head Lice is a souvenir you do NOT want to take home from Honduras.
Although my natural reaction was to feel sorry for my brothers and sisters of the Hogar, I can’t help but think about how lucky these kids are to have each other and to have this safe place to call home. It certainly may not meet my personal standards, or those of many of us from Minnesota, it is their home, a SAFE home, and they take great pride in it.
There were countless awesome moments throughout the day. I brought a journal along and began to have the kids sign it / write in it today. Those pages will be cherished and read and re-read for a long time. Oh my goodness…how are we going to make it through Thursday afternoon - driving away in the bus and not knowing “tomorrow’s” fate for the boys and girls we have begun to claim as our own? I believe we have indeed found “the least of these” and all we can do is continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers for the days, months, years to come.
Lois Hegland
Next on the agenda for the day was Lice Shampoo treatments for over thirty of my closest girlfriends. This was quite the process but what was most impressive is how the girls, even the two and three year olds, knew exactly what to do and how to use a lice comb. Not a talent shared by many toddlers and teens from Minnesota. YUP, I did save two bottles so we could do a group de-licing before we leave on Friday. Head Lice is a souvenir you do NOT want to take home from Honduras.
Although my natural reaction was to feel sorry for my brothers and sisters of the Hogar, I can’t help but think about how lucky these kids are to have each other and to have this safe place to call home. It certainly may not meet my personal standards, or those of many of us from Minnesota, it is their home, a SAFE home, and they take great pride in it.
There were countless awesome moments throughout the day. I brought a journal along and began to have the kids sign it / write in it today. Those pages will be cherished and read and re-read for a long time. Oh my goodness…how are we going to make it through Thursday afternoon - driving away in the bus and not knowing “tomorrow’s” fate for the boys and girls we have begun to claim as our own? I believe we have indeed found “the least of these” and all we can do is continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers for the days, months, years to come.
Lois Hegland
Hi from Chris from Wednesday
Guess what? We had another dia fantastica a el Hogar!
As other days, there were just so many activities going on throughout the day. At any point during the day there were probably five or six groups doing five or six different activities. We did everything from lessons in the kindergarten room to window sill repair to tie-dye to lice removal to fishing to reading to the kids. It’s like this constant buzz of activity going on at any given time. I try my best to capture it all on pictures or video and still have time to do some work myself and visit as much as I can with the kids.
Ann and I worked a bit more in the library in the morning preparing for a lesson later in the day. In the course of the last couple of days we had removed some of the outdated books or books that had a great deal of damage. We placed them in a box with the idea that they could be thrown away. But today Iris, Santiago’s wife, took a look at the books and did not seem to like the idea of getting rid of them. Sarah explained to us that for the Hogar it is very difficult to throw anything out. But from our perspectives as librarians we know that if a library is half-filled with books the kids would have no interest in reading that the kids will have less successful experiences using the library. If the kids have to sift through shelf after shelf of poor quality books to get to the good stuff, they’ll get frustrated and just give up. I don’t know how we’ll ever communicate this to the folks at the Hogar, however. But the library job could be a large, ongoing project that, if given the chance, we could really make better. We’ll see what happens.
In the afternoon, Chris A and Karla helped Ann and me organize a library lesson with about thirty or forty of the kids. We held the class out in the courtyard. Chris helped us translate. Ann and I talked to the kids about how to properly take care of and handle books. We also gave them some basic things to think about when using the library. But by far the best part was when we gave the kids time to touch the books, read the books, or have the books read to them by the many adults who helped us. All the books were in Spanish so the kids were able to pick them up and dig right in. The older kids, anyway. The younger kids were read to by many folks from our group, even though many of us don’t really speak Espanol. But we tried, and that was awesome!
We also showed the kids the book that I wrote, which was really fun for me. Because it is a graphic novel, the students I sat with could actually follow the story without knowing how to read the words. They asked me lots of questions and I tried my best to help explain the story.
Beyond the books that were donated by Capstone and Scholastic, the kids also got to take a look at the books that were created by students from Deb Haraway’s 6th graders back at Oak Point. This was super fun! I sat with a couple different groups and read them a counting book about foods. They were able to practice their English words. Another girl sat and read two of the story books. The books were written in English and I don’t think she knew what she was reading, but she pronounced the words very well. The kids from Oak Point should be proud of the gift they gave to the Hogar.
As other days, there were just so many activities going on throughout the day. At any point during the day there were probably five or six groups doing five or six different activities. We did everything from lessons in the kindergarten room to window sill repair to tie-dye to lice removal to fishing to reading to the kids. It’s like this constant buzz of activity going on at any given time. I try my best to capture it all on pictures or video and still have time to do some work myself and visit as much as I can with the kids.
Ann and I worked a bit more in the library in the morning preparing for a lesson later in the day. In the course of the last couple of days we had removed some of the outdated books or books that had a great deal of damage. We placed them in a box with the idea that they could be thrown away. But today Iris, Santiago’s wife, took a look at the books and did not seem to like the idea of getting rid of them. Sarah explained to us that for the Hogar it is very difficult to throw anything out. But from our perspectives as librarians we know that if a library is half-filled with books the kids would have no interest in reading that the kids will have less successful experiences using the library. If the kids have to sift through shelf after shelf of poor quality books to get to the good stuff, they’ll get frustrated and just give up. I don’t know how we’ll ever communicate this to the folks at the Hogar, however. But the library job could be a large, ongoing project that, if given the chance, we could really make better. We’ll see what happens.
In the afternoon, Chris A and Karla helped Ann and me organize a library lesson with about thirty or forty of the kids. We held the class out in the courtyard. Chris helped us translate. Ann and I talked to the kids about how to properly take care of and handle books. We also gave them some basic things to think about when using the library. But by far the best part was when we gave the kids time to touch the books, read the books, or have the books read to them by the many adults who helped us. All the books were in Spanish so the kids were able to pick them up and dig right in. The older kids, anyway. The younger kids were read to by many folks from our group, even though many of us don’t really speak Espanol. But we tried, and that was awesome!We also showed the kids the book that I wrote, which was really fun for me. Because it is a graphic novel, the students I sat with could actually follow the story without knowing how to read the words. They asked me lots of questions and I tried my best to help explain the story.
Beyond the books that were donated by Capstone and Scholastic, the kids also got to take a look at the books that were created by students from Deb Haraway’s 6th graders back at Oak Point. This was super fun! I sat with a couple different groups and read them a counting book about foods. They were able to practice their English words. Another girl sat and read two of the story books. The books were written in English and I don’t think she knew what she was reading, but she pronounced the words very well. The kids from Oak Point should be proud of the gift they gave to the Hogar.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Enseñando a los de Kinder
¡Hola a todos! Hoy pasé la mañana ayudando en el salón de Kinder. Era muy diferente de las clases de Kinder en Eden Prairie. Solamente tuvieron 2 mesas, y aproximadamente 20 escritorios. Habían 3o niños en la clase y una maestra. Los niños aquí también tienen merienda y recreo, pero es muy diferente de lo que tenemos nosotros. ¡No puedo esperar para compartir mis experiencias con todos ustedes!
¡Un beso y un abrazo fuerte!
Srta. Asuquo
¡Un beso y un abrazo fuerte!
Srta. Asuquo
Kindergarten
This morning was fantastic! I just got back from a three hour tour in the classroom that started in the kindergarten room. I was a little nervous to teach my lesson. It's hard enough to teach 22 English speakers in Eden Prairie, but 30+ 5 and 6-year-olds that don't speak English is another story. I wasn't sure if I would be able to communicate as well as I wanted to, but it turned out to be wonderful!
My first activity was to read the book "It looks like spilled milk"to the children. They were very attentive and listened and interacted extremely well with the story. However, after the book I had a painting project that went along with the story. I was surprised that none of the children knew any of their sounds and were unable to write their name. They also looked extremely small for their age. Anyway, there was paint all over the place! I'm not sure they have ever used paint before. Totally crazy, but when the kids folded their paper and then opened it up to see their creations, they were very excited.
After my lesson I went and worked with Natasha, Larry, Jeanine and Chris on some other art projects. After three hours of trying to communicate in Spanish while teaching lessons, I am physically and mentally exhausted. The people taking down the wall have nothing on us. Our work was tough, but extremely gratifying!
Tomorrow I plan to do a cheerio math activity with the kids, which I hope will have less cleanup.
Nick Windschitl
My first activity was to read the book "It looks like spilled milk"to the children. They were very attentive and listened and interacted extremely well with the story. However, after the book I had a painting project that went along with the story. I was surprised that none of the children knew any of their sounds and were unable to write their name. They also looked extremely small for their age. Anyway, there was paint all over the place! I'm not sure they have ever used paint before. Totally crazy, but when the kids folded their paper and then opened it up to see their creations, they were very excited.
After my lesson I went and worked with Natasha, Larry, Jeanine and Chris on some other art projects. After three hours of trying to communicate in Spanish while teaching lessons, I am physically and mentally exhausted. The people taking down the wall have nothing on us. Our work was tough, but extremely gratifying!
Tomorrow I plan to do a cheerio math activity with the kids, which I hope will have less cleanup.
Nick Windschitl
The Animals and Critters of Honduras
As I lay in bed hearing the dog barks echo through the streets of Comayagua, I thinking about the different animals and critters I see every day. In our backyard, we hear the parrots screech their ever present "Holas" to everyone who walks by. There are blackbirds feasting in the mango trees and geckos scurrying on the ceiling to greet us each night. On the trip to the Hogar, we see horses roaming freely and cows with their calves wandering down the roads. Vulture-like birds circle the sky and all kinds of critters roam the ground. Fire ants, termites and all kinds of beetles are found underfoot. As we walked back to the Hogar, we watched a happy calf eating the leaves from the Mango tree cut down earlier by Evan and Ben. Never seen a more content soul.
Larry
Larry
Laundry
WOW....we have a whole new appreciation for washing machines! We dyed shirts yesterday and today the job was to "launder in the warmest water for the fabric." Well.......water is a different resource here. I thought maybe we could find a laundromat in town to throw a couple loads in. EVERYONE here washes all their laundry by hand the old fashioned way. Even the hotel we are staying at does it this way. So, we used a bar of soap and a washboard and buckets of water we dipped from the pila (rainwater)and washed all approx. 60 shirts we had let sit overnight. It was a humbling and enlightening experience. The clotheslines are full of colorful shirts that each child had labeled and made themselves.
Today we also did a easier version of dyeing with 21 of the younger kids. All we had to do was help them tie these magic dye-filled strings around their shirts, then dip them in salted water, cut off the strings and wa-lah.....they were done. Needless to say the kids liked that they were done so quickly. Their faces were priceless. The yard is filled with colorful drying camisas that are strung on extention cords and ropes. This afternoon we will be doing all the boys camisas and laundering them tomorrow!!
The things we take for granted in the USA like water, machines, and sidewalks are very different here.
We are having an incredible experience and cannot wait to tell you more stories and share photos when we get back.
Hasta luega!!
Jeanne and Darla
Today we also did a easier version of dyeing with 21 of the younger kids. All we had to do was help them tie these magic dye-filled strings around their shirts, then dip them in salted water, cut off the strings and wa-lah.....they were done. Needless to say the kids liked that they were done so quickly. Their faces were priceless. The yard is filled with colorful drying camisas that are strung on extention cords and ropes. This afternoon we will be doing all the boys camisas and laundering them tomorrow!!
The things we take for granted in the USA like water, machines, and sidewalks are very different here.
We are having an incredible experience and cannot wait to tell you more stories and share photos when we get back.
Hasta luega!!
Jeanne and Darla
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Tuesday from the Hogar
Tuesday was another fantastic day! Should I keep saying that or is it getting old? Oh well, I’m just speaking the truth as the days just keep getting better and better.
Today was not unlike yesterday in that we arrived at the Hogar in the morning, did some work, then spent some time in the afternoon just hanging out with the kids.
What was different about today were two things – the outdoor brick factory and the program at the school. On our way out of Comayagua we stopped at a traditional brick factory. It was quite an interesting experience. We were able to watch a man assemble the mud bricks then others firing them in the kiln. If you watch the Amazing Race, there was an episode where the contestants had to make bricks. The way they did it here was exactly the same. What wasn’t quite as enjoyable to see was the kids who came to see us as we walked around the brick factory. They were very cute but unfortunately they were very dirty and several did not have many clothes on. One of the little boys also had reddish bumps all over his body. It was an eye-opener.
At the Hogar one of our first events was to attend a program put on by the children at the Tierra Santa school. They danced for us, sang songs, and sang the national anthem of Honduras. We were very grateful for the show.
Following the program, we all went various directions to do various things. One thing new today for some was the chance to do some teaching. Jeannine, Sam, Nick, Michael, and Natasha taught a drawing and beading class for the 4th-grade students. The beading was an especially big hit and many kids later in the day continued to bead with Jeannine.
Perhaps my biggest highlight of the day was watching Chris A teach a dance to many of the girls. They had so much fun and provided so many smiles for those of us watching. Kudos to Chris for preparing for this and pulling it off big time. I hope the girls do the dance for us a few more times before we leave. It’s been hinted at that we might put on a program for the kids before we leave on Thursday. Maybe Chris and the girls will perform for us all once more.
I spent the rest of my time today doing some work in the library, playing soccer with a bunch of the boys, and visiting with many of mis nuevas amigas. I honestly can say that I have never, ever had so much fun practicing my Spanish. The kids are so accepting of my slow speaking and how I butcher many of their words. They are so patient and give me every chance to get it right. I’m using my phrase book and any words I can pull from deep inside my brain. I know I’m not very good, but I’m doing better than I thought I would be doing. I haven’t ever had a chance like this to really speak the language, where the person I’m speaking to knows English less than I know Spanish. It’s the best experience ever! Will I continue to try and learn more Spanish when I get home? I sure hope so.
Another great thing about speaking the language here is that those of us in the group who do speak fluent Spanish don’t step in and correct us poor speakers very often. They let us struggle through, which is great, but then they are always there when we need them. I am so thankful that we have Debbie, Sarah, Holly and Chris with us on this trip. You’re all the best!!!
Today was not unlike yesterday in that we arrived at the Hogar in the morning, did some work, then spent some time in the afternoon just hanging out with the kids.
What was different about today were two things – the outdoor brick factory and the program at the school. On our way out of Comayagua we stopped at a traditional brick factory. It was quite an interesting experience. We were able to watch a man assemble the mud bricks then others firing them in the kiln. If you watch the Amazing Race, there was an episode where the contestants had to make bricks. The way they did it here was exactly the same. What wasn’t quite as enjoyable to see was the kids who came to see us as we walked around the brick factory. They were very cute but unfortunately they were very dirty and several did not have many clothes on. One of the little boys also had reddish bumps all over his body. It was an eye-opener.At the Hogar one of our first events was to attend a program put on by the children at the Tierra Santa school. They danced for us, sang songs, and sang the national anthem of Honduras. We were very grateful for the show.
Following the program, we all went various directions to do various things. One thing new today for some was the chance to do some teaching. Jeannine, Sam, Nick, Michael, and Natasha taught a drawing and beading class for the 4th-grade students. The beading was an especially big hit and many kids later in the day continued to bead with Jeannine.
Perhaps my biggest highlight of the day was watching Chris A teach a dance to many of the girls. They had so much fun and provided so many smiles for those of us watching. Kudos to Chris for preparing for this and pulling it off big time. I hope the girls do the dance for us a few more times before we leave. It’s been hinted at that we might put on a program for the kids before we leave on Thursday. Maybe Chris and the girls will perform for us all once more.I spent the rest of my time today doing some work in the library, playing soccer with a bunch of the boys, and visiting with many of mis nuevas amigas. I honestly can say that I have never, ever had so much fun practicing my Spanish. The kids are so accepting of my slow speaking and how I butcher many of their words. They are so patient and give me every chance to get it right. I’m using my phrase book and any words I can pull from deep inside my brain. I know I’m not very good, but I’m doing better than I thought I would be doing. I haven’t ever had a chance like this to really speak the language, where the person I’m speaking to knows English less than I know Spanish. It’s the best experience ever! Will I continue to try and learn more Spanish when I get home? I sure hope so.
Another great thing about speaking the language here is that those of us in the group who do speak fluent Spanish don’t step in and correct us poor speakers very often. They let us struggle through, which is great, but then they are always there when we need them. I am so thankful that we have Debbie, Sarah, Holly and Chris with us on this trip. You’re all the best!!!
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