So we just realized that it's April Fools Day...
Go us.
We started the day off with a visit to the Hogar farm. The farm included fruit bearing trees, chickens, pigs, goats, cows, dogs (guarding the area), and an empty talapia pond. The farm was not like those in Minnesota because of lack of water, irrigation systems, storage, and crops in general. Currently the Hogar is in the process of building a water tower and an irrigation system for the many trees and future crops. The hope is to have the water tower finished by Monday. Volunteers from Canada plan to finish constructing an irrigation system.
Right now the boys are dropping like flies. Three guys have had to leave the hogar early due to feeling under the weather.
We made sock puppets with the second and third graders today which was very chaotic due to a lack of communication. Several kids would hide the materials in their desks and would ask for another sock or two. One kid decided he was going to wear his instead of using them for puppets. We manaed to get a few tables done today but it's still slow going.
Everyone is in the process of making dinner for all the kids tonight which includes hot dogs, mac & cheese, jello, beans, and tang.
At this point we are all very tired. Those of us who are staying at the volunteer house aren't planning on a good sleep.
None of us are looking forward to saying good-bye to the kids tomorrow. It will be difficult to say good-bye with the kids' sad faces and giving that final farewell hug.
Off to make dinner now. Thanks for reading.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Wednesday midday
Hola amigos
Jeff and Jack posting to the blog. The last couple of days have been eye-opening in many ways. Yesterday we paid a visit to a brick making location in Comayagua. We essentially saw one dozen or so long 1/2 acre plots of land, each of which was it's own brick making business. Imagine 85-90 degrees, bent at 90 degrees most of the day and having a job that required you to make 350 mud bricks per day, in forms on the ground. Then imagine be
ing paid the equivalent of about $12 per day for that work. While the laborers had pride in their work and politely explained how the did their trade, many of us found it difficult to stand there in our clean clothes, with a few cameras in hand, like tourists. Later, Annie, Debbie's daughter who lives in Nicaragua explained to us that $12 was a very good wage in Honduras. Made the entire experience all the more surreal. I'm glad we went. It's important to be pulled out of your comfort zone in that particular direction.
ing paid the equivalent of about $12 per day for that work. While the laborers had pride in their work and politely explained how the did their trade, many of us found it difficult to stand there in our clean clothes, with a few cameras in hand, like tourists. Later, Annie, Debbie's daughter who lives in Nicaragua explained to us that $12 was a very good wage in Honduras. Made the entire experience all the more surreal. I'm glad we went. It's important to be pulled out of your comfort zone in that particular direction.
Later in the day we visited the comedor (sp?) which is an outdoor, covered "soup kitchen" for children run by those who run the Hogar. About 20 children at there including children from the Hogar and children from the area around the Hogar. They had a better meal than I expected and many of them read books with us before and after they ate. Most were 11 years old or less and the boys in particular ate like any young boy I've seen. They ate heartily and wore some of what they ate.I've been building shelves for a computer room. My father would be proud. Measure twice, cut 
once. I'm remembering that most of the time and Bob has been very patient with us desk-job types. Jack and I went to the local school yesterday and today with cameras, a printer and materials for frames and worked with 20-25 kids to take, print and frame pictures. They took some beautiful pictures of each other and those at and around the school. It's quite a contrast to see their school and then to see the students in their bright white shirts/blouses and blue pants/skirts.
once. I'm remembering that most of the time and Bob has been very patient with us desk-job types. Jack and I went to the local school yesterday and today with cameras, a printer and materials for frames and worked with 20-25 kids to take, print and frame pictures. They took some beautiful pictures of each other and those at and around the school. It's quite a contrast to see their school and then to see the students in their bright white shirts/blouses and blue pants/skirts.Last night we wrapped up the day discussing what was the same and what was most different from home. Many agreed that the love shown and behavior of kids is much the same as at home. The differences we discussed are too great to mention but included everything from the living conditions, to the definition of poverty here versus the US, to the constant security we see on streets (guys in uniforms with big guns), to the definitions of needs and wants.
I think that's it for now. It's been a great experience already and we have several more days to look forward to.
Peace
Jeff and Jack
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
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
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
Kate's first blog - 31st de Marzo
Hola a todos.
When we first arrived at the Hogar, it was hard not to notice the smiling faces and loving eyes. We have been spending a lot of time communicating and doing activities with the kids. Through this, I know that I have learned a lot about the lives of the children and what they need in the future.
Yesterday, a group and I helped some children in the school reply to letters from EPHS students that we brought to the Hogar. The younger ones seemed to enjoy drawing pictures and watching us write out what they were saying. The older children decorated the edges, added stickers and wrote a lot about themselves. Near the end they were able to keep the letters, they seemed to love this.
Today Allison and I made sock puppets with the kindergartners and preschoolers. It was crazy and fun with glue all over and fabric glue on their faces. The two teachers did a tremendous job and there is no way we would be able to do it without them. The end result was a classroom full of proud children. They loved to show off their masterpieces to friends and volunteers.
This program has been very well organized in my opinion. We are able to spend quality time with the children and time working on things they need. But before and after our hard days work we have "cultural experiences". We have visited the wood shop, the market, the brick "factory," and the fruit stands. Also, each meal has opened us to new tastes and smells. Thank you Bob(ito).
So far I have noticed so many things that I wish that I could include in a blog, a typed document. Unfortunately, this is not possible. The experiences are unimaginable and unexplainable. I cannot put into words what this spring break has done for me so far--and it's only Tuesday. I wish that people would or could take the time out of their busy, fast paced lives to stop for a moment, and watch the world around them.
This honestly feels like the longest week of my life, but I wouldn't change it for a thing. The "Honduran time" as some people call it is... so much different. It's calming in a sense. I can wrap my head around what I'm doing and analyse every bit without hesitation.
Well....at this point I am just rambling.
So maybe I'll try and type some more later. Take care and thank you for reading.
Kate (Cati) Johnson
When we first arrived at the Hogar, it was hard not to notice the smiling faces and loving eyes. We have been spending a lot of time communicating and doing activities with the kids. Through this, I know that I have learned a lot about the lives of the children and what they need in the future.
Yesterday, a group and I helped some children in the school reply to letters from EPHS students that we brought to the Hogar. The younger ones seemed to enjoy drawing pictures and watching us write out what they were saying. The older children decorated the edges, added stickers and wrote a lot about themselves. Near the end they were able to keep the letters, they seemed to love this.
Today Allison and I made sock puppets with the kindergartners and preschoolers. It was crazy and fun with glue all over and fabric glue on their faces. The two teachers did a tremendous job and there is no way we would be able to do it without them. The end result was a classroom full of proud children. They loved to show off their masterpieces to friends and volunteers.
This program has been very well organized in my opinion. We are able to spend quality time with the children and time working on things they need. But before and after our hard days work we have "cultural experiences". We have visited the wood shop, the market, the brick "factory," and the fruit stands. Also, each meal has opened us to new tastes and smells. Thank you Bob(ito).
So far I have noticed so many things that I wish that I could include in a blog, a typed document. Unfortunately, this is not possible. The experiences are unimaginable and unexplainable. I cannot put into words what this spring break has done for me so far--and it's only Tuesday. I wish that people would or could take the time out of their busy, fast paced lives to stop for a moment, and watch the world around them.
This honestly feels like the longest week of my life, but I wouldn't change it for a thing. The "Honduran time" as some people call it is... so much different. It's calming in a sense. I can wrap my head around what I'm doing and analyse every bit without hesitation.
Well....at this point I am just rambling.
So maybe I'll try and type some more later. Take care and thank you for reading.
Kate (Cati) Johnson
Day 2... or 3... I dunno
I have basically lost track of time--I have no idea what day it is. I don't think it's the heat although it is quite warm.
Some deep thoughts from yesterday...
Today was funny. I spent most of the morning working on videos and Skyping with Kali’s class. Meanwhile Kali was busy having the preschool kids cling to her. She went to their class for a while and they hung all over her.
The afternoon was filled with laughter as we chased kids around, tickling them when we caught them. Our kite making class turned into a fiasco as we could find only one pair of scissors. Kali, Allison and I began cutting the kites out, but only produced 6 in an hour. We had planned to make 20; needless to say we weren’t very productive! We had six kids decorating their kites when we made the next “mistake.” Pulling out the balloon rockets before finishing the kites didn’t work in our favor as most of the kite makers became more interested in the balloon rockets. The kites didn’t get finished, but the kids had a blast with the balloon rockets.
Kim
.
Today wasn’t the most productive but it was still fun. I worked in the preschool in the morning. It was hot and stuffy in the room. They ended school earlier than the regular school so we went to their room to change into casual clothes and the music was playing so they started dancing in their underwear. I dance with them. We had lunch that the Parkers put together. Mmmmmmmmmmm. After that we went to play outside, but not many kids were out because they were doing their homework. They didn’t finish for about 2 hours. Once they were finished, we started making kites with the kids. As we were doing that we made a big mistake by bringing out the balloon rockets—though they were a big hit! We went to dinner and when we got there four kids from the Hogar were there—what a great surprise! After, we went to the town square where we saw lots of families visiting and a huge church. Then we had ice cream and walked home.
Kali
Our beautiful friend, Karolina, had our camera most of the day… most of these videos are from her.
Okay--- MAJOR difficulties uploading the video--either my patience is dwindling (ha-- if you know me at all- you get that), or attempting to upload for 6 hours just isn't worth it-- I'll try again manana (that's tomorrow for anyone that isn't as fluent as I (I'm cracking myself up-- again, if you know me at all, you'll get the humor cuz MI NO HABLO ESPANOL- not even un poco!)
Some deep thoughts from yesterday...
Today was funny. I spent most of the morning working on videos and Skyping with Kali’s class. Meanwhile Kali was busy having the preschool kids cling to her. She went to their class for a while and they hung all over her.
The afternoon was filled with laughter as we chased kids around, tickling them when we caught them. Our kite making class turned into a fiasco as we could find only one pair of scissors. Kali, Allison and I began cutting the kites out, but only produced 6 in an hour. We had planned to make 20; needless to say we weren’t very productive! We had six kids decorating their kites when we made the next “mistake.” Pulling out the balloon rockets before finishing the kites didn’t work in our favor as most of the kite makers became more interested in the balloon rockets. The kites didn’t get finished, but the kids had a blast with the balloon rockets.
Kim
.
Today wasn’t the most productive but it was still fun. I worked in the preschool in the morning. It was hot and stuffy in the room. They ended school earlier than the regular school so we went to their room to change into casual clothes and the music was playing so they started dancing in their underwear. I dance with them. We had lunch that the Parkers put together. Mmmmmmmmmmm. After that we went to play outside, but not many kids were out because they were doing their homework. They didn’t finish for about 2 hours. Once they were finished, we started making kites with the kids. As we were doing that we made a big mistake by bringing out the balloon rockets—though they were a big hit! We went to dinner and when we got there four kids from the Hogar were there—what a great surprise! After, we went to the town square where we saw lots of families visiting and a huge church. Then we had ice cream and walked home.
Kali
Our beautiful friend, Karolina, had our camera most of the day… most of these videos are from her.
Okay--- MAJOR difficulties uploading the video--either my patience is dwindling (ha-- if you know me at all- you get that), or attempting to upload for 6 hours just isn't worth it-- I'll try again manana (that's tomorrow for anyone that isn't as fluent as I (I'm cracking myself up-- again, if you know me at all, you'll get the humor cuz MI NO HABLO ESPANOL- not even un poco!)
Day 2 at the Hogar fue muy bueno
Day 2 at the Hogar!
Hola, this is Holly. Today was just another amazing day in many ways. First, it was blistering hot today. Not that I’m complaining, but it was hot enough that the kids from the Hogar were saying the heat was making their heads hurt. So, I guess that means it was hot. When we arrived on Sunday, the had had no water at the Hogar for the 3rd day. Yes, no water at all. First, you need to understand that they can’t drink the water anyways. But they rely on the water from the city to do wash, cook, take showers, use the toilets, etc. So, for three days there was no water to do the daily chores we take so for granted. In order to carry out their tasks, they had to take huge buckets and pails and go find water somewhere in the area. Sorry, I can’t remember but I know they were lugging water quite a distance, and to think, they couldn’t even drink it when they found it.
But, despite what appears to be steep challenges to perform even the simplest tasks, they do it with a smile and a look of gratitude to have what they do have.
Today, we went to the local school. There were about 120 kids all wearing white shirts and either navy blue pants or skirts. They were adorable. What was amazing to me was that despite having no books or supplies in the rooms, they were learning about the internet. Imagine that, in the middle of Honduras, where the water isn’t drinkable and the poverty is oppressive, they are learning about the internet. The dichotomy was amazing. Yet I believe the internet can provide them with an important link to the rest of the world - which leads us the work project we did today.
We began building countertops which will hold numerous donated computers that will allow the kids to study and explore using the internet. I can’t even imagine how their minds will be opened up to new and amazing things. With the help of JR, the son of the Hotel Quan’s owner and a computer genius, some very old computers will be put to great use.
Peace,
The Parkers
Hola, this is Holly. Today was just another amazing day in many ways. First, it was blistering hot today. Not that I’m complaining, but it was hot enough that the kids from the Hogar were saying the heat was making their heads hurt. So, I guess that means it was hot. When we arrived on Sunday, the had had no water at the Hogar for the 3rd day. Yes, no water at all. First, you need to understand that they can’t drink the water anyways. But they rely on the water from the city to do wash, cook, take showers, use the toilets, etc. So, for three days there was no water to do the daily chores we take so for granted. In order to carry out their tasks, they had to take huge buckets and pails and go find water somewhere in the area. Sorry, I can’t remember but I know they were lugging water quite a distance, and to think, they couldn’t even drink it when they found it.
But, despite what appears to be steep challenges to perform even the simplest tasks, they do it with a smile and a look of gratitude to have what they do have.
Today, we went to the local school. There were about 120 kids all wearing white shirts and either navy blue pants or skirts. They were adorable. What was amazing to me was that despite having no books or supplies in the rooms, they were learning about the internet. Imagine that, in the middle of Honduras, where the water isn’t drinkable and the poverty is oppressive, they are learning about the internet. The dichotomy was amazing. Yet I believe the internet can provide them with an important link to the rest of the world - which leads us the work project we did today.
We began building countertops which will hold numerous donated computers that will allow the kids to study and explore using the internet. I can’t even imagine how their minds will be opened up to new and amazing things. With the help of JR, the son of the Hotel Quan’s owner and a computer genius, some very old computers will be put to great use.
Peace,
The Parkers
Monday, March 30, 2009
Monday, March 30th
Hola todos! 
Hoy fue un buen dia - un dia buenisima! Que grupo de Minnesota!
We're having a fantastic time. I suppose I should really speak for myself, but I feel fairly confident to speak for the entire group in this regard.
In a nutshell, we shopped in the morning for food in La Paz at a grocery store and an outdoor market, we worked at the Tierra Santa school helping many of the students write letters back to students in Eden Prairie, some of us got started on building tables for the new computer lab, we played soccer, we constructed kites, we played with balloons, and we began a weeklong art project.
When I say "we", of course I cannot include myself in all those experiences. At any given moment we have two or three various things going on simutaneously. And if you asked the group, they'd probably tell you that I wasn't really doing any of them. Ha Ha. Actually I love to bop between activities and give my support wherever it's needed.
I pitched in this morning at the school helping with the letter writing. Thankfully, so did Debbie. She was a big help in talking with the teachers and making sure we all knew what we were doing. The first class was a bit difficult considering we were working with 1st and 2nd graders. Think about writing letters with 1st graders back home, and you'll know how difficult it is writing letters with students in Honduras who have not had nearly the quality of education that most Minnesota kids have had. In most cases, we read the letters from the EP students to the Tierra Santa students out loud. And in many cases, we also wrote the letters back taking dictation from the kids here. They told us what to write and we wrote it. The second class was much easier. This class was made up of 5th and 6th graders. They seemed to love the project and love the fact that they were corresponding with real live kids an ocean away.
One of my highlights outside of Tierra Santa today was the open air market in La Paz. I just love that place. I started out my stroll by buying a plateful of fresh fruit. Later on when that ran out I bought a donut from the local bakery. I was tempted to later buy some fresh french fries cooking in grease before my eyes, but I held off. Regretting that decision just a bit. I reunited with some old friends in the market. Not really - but I did deliver pictures to some of the vendors I had met last time. They thought it was quite a kick that I had a picture of them in my pocket. One of the guys even stared me down as I was walking up to him. He actually remembered me, and I remembered him. He's my new friend now, Luis.
At Tierra Santa I had a lot of time to hang out with the kids today. I spent a lot of time with Ricky. I am his padrino, or in English, god father. He just stayed at my side most of the afternoon. Earlier in the day, I delivered to him a gift I had brought with me. It was a Twins shirt, Twins shorts, and a Justin Morneau cap. He loved it all. He's a great kid, nine years old just like my daughter Sammie.
One of the best things for me, and I've mentioned this before, is just strolling around the Tierra Santa courtyard and having children yelling out "Christopher" as I pass by. I love the fact that I'm getting to know these kids on a more personal level.
We ended the night with a dinner at La Fonda. We were joined by Jeff and four Tierra Santa kids - Jesus, Henry, Karolina and Yani. After dinner we all strolled down to the central square and enjoyed some ice cream. My favorite moment of the night was watching all the kids, Tierra Santa kids included, playing catch with three juggling balls at the foot of the cathedral. I think that image with stay with me for a very long time. Thanks to all the EPers for a great journey so far!!!
Hoy fue un buen dia - un dia buenisima! Que grupo de Minnesota!
We're having a fantastic time. I suppose I should really speak for myself, but I feel fairly confident to speak for the entire group in this regard.
In a nutshell, we shopped in the morning for food in La Paz at a grocery store and an outdoor market, we worked at the Tierra Santa school helping many of the students write letters back to students in Eden Prairie, some of us got started on building tables for the new computer lab, we played soccer, we constructed kites, we played with balloons, and we began a weeklong art project.
When I say "we", of course I cannot include myself in all those experiences. At any given moment we have two or three various things going on simutaneously. And if you asked the group, they'd probably tell you that I wasn't really doing any of them. Ha Ha. Actually I love to bop between activities and give my support wherever it's needed.
I pitched in this morning at the school helping with the letter writing. Thankfully, so did Debbie. She was a big help in talking with the teachers and making sure we all knew what we were doing. The first class was a bit difficult considering we were working with 1st and 2nd graders. Think about writing letters with 1st graders back home, and you'll know how difficult it is writing letters with students in Honduras who have not had nearly the quality of education that most Minnesota kids have had. In most cases, we read the letters from the EP students to the Tierra Santa students out loud. And in many cases, we also wrote the letters back taking dictation from the kids here. They told us what to write and we wrote it. The second class was much easier. This class was made up of 5th and 6th graders. They seemed to love the project and love the fact that they were corresponding with real live kids an ocean away.
One of my highlights outside of Tierra Santa today was the open air market in La Paz. I just love that place. I started out my stroll by buying a plateful of fresh fruit. Later on when that ran out I bought a donut from the local bakery. I was tempted to later buy some fresh french fries cooking in grease before my eyes, but I held off. Regretting that decision just a bit. I reunited with some old friends in the market. Not really - but I did deliver pictures to some of the vendors I had met last time. They thought it was quite a kick that I had a picture of them in my pocket. One of the guys even stared me down as I was walking up to him. He actually remembered me, and I remembered him. He's my new friend now, Luis.
At Tierra Santa I had a lot of time to hang out with the kids today. I spent a lot of time with Ricky. I am his padrino, or in English, god father. He just stayed at my side most of the afternoon. Earlier in the day, I delivered to him a gift I had brought with me. It was a Twins shirt, Twins shorts, and a Justin Morneau cap. He loved it all. He's a great kid, nine years old just like my daughter Sammie.
One of the best things for me, and I've mentioned this before, is just strolling around the Tierra Santa courtyard and having children yelling out "Christopher" as I pass by. I love the fact that I'm getting to know these kids on a more personal level.
We ended the night with a dinner at La Fonda. We were joined by Jeff and four Tierra Santa kids - Jesus, Henry, Karolina and Yani. After dinner we all strolled down to the central square and enjoyed some ice cream. My favorite moment of the night was watching all the kids, Tierra Santa kids included, playing catch with three juggling balls at the foot of the cathedral. I think that image with stay with me for a very long time. Thanks to all the EPers for a great journey so far!!!
Allison's First Blog!
So far we have had a wonderful time here in Honduras! The first day was really long, but it was worth all the traveling to be able to meet all these kids. Today Chris, Debbie, Kate, my mom, and I went to the elementary school to give the kids letters that Ausitn and my Spanish class wrote. They then wrote some letters back to the kids! The first and second graders had a harder time with it, but we helped them write and they drew a lot of pictures. The fifth and sixth graders were wonderful and wrote suprising long letters back. It was a neat experience to see their school, and how different it is from anything that I have ever attended. The kids get done with school and noon so when they came back we just hung around with them and talked. I am really surpised at how much spanish I actually know. I am able to communicate really well which really surprised me! 
Kali, Kim, and I found out really fast today that the girls LOVE temporary tatoos. They basically ripped them out of our hands! That was really fun too. They are also very good photographers and i-touch users! It is kind of amazing.
so
The food here is SO good! We had the best chinese food I have ever had on Saturday. Sounds weird right? Well there is actually a fairly large Chinese population in Honduras.
I am bloging from the new building at the Hogar which has a preschool, some computer rooms, and of course the water treatment plant. We got a tour of that yestarday and it sounds really cool. They are really excited for it to be up and running!
Well I have to get back to the kids!
Saludos,
Allison
Kali, Kim, and I found out really fast today that the girls LOVE temporary tatoos. They basically ripped them out of our hands! That was really fun too. They are also very good photographers and i-touch users! It is kind of amazing.
so
The food here is SO good! We had the best chinese food I have ever had on Saturday. Sounds weird right? Well there is actually a fairly large Chinese population in Honduras.
I am bloging from the new building at the Hogar which has a preschool, some computer rooms, and of course the water treatment plant. We got a tour of that yestarday and it sounds really cool. They are really excited for it to be up and running!
Well I have to get back to the kids!
Saludos,
Allison
Sunday, March 29th, 2009
Wonderful Sunday in Honduras.I’ve learned after three trips that the Sunday routine is very much the same. But, that hardly means it’s routine or that I’ve grown tired of the experience on the first day at the Hogar. In fact, after my experience on my last trip here back in December, I’ve learned that this first day, as routine as it is, is one of the best days.
I enjoy it so much largely for the fact that when I walk through those front gates of Tierra Santa I am greeted by name by so many of the wonderful children that I have gotten to know this year. The kids remember me. The kids know me. What a joy that is to have made these connections with so many awesome kids. It just warms my heart to know that I have over 100 friends living thousands of miles away from my home.
Berto was one of the first kids to come running up to me. Berto is probably about seven or eight years old and is the twin brother of Keekay. He ran up to me, called out my name, and opened up his arms for a big hug. Then the rest of the day I was hard pressed to not find his hand intertwined with mine. He didn’t want to lose me during the day. He also kept asking me if I was coming back tomorrow.
As I said, we did all the typical Sunday things including a tour of the home, a banquet of Honduran food at Santiago’s house, then a welcome reception put on by the kids back at the Hogar. In between all that we unpacked donated items and spent tons of time kicking back with the kids, shooting hoops, reading books, looking at pictures and more.
Books were again a bit hit. After unloading some of our stuff, I grabbed an armload of some books written and created by students from Mrs. Holtan’s class back at Oak Point and brought them out in the courtyard. Within seconds, students were swarming around the books, grabbing them and sitting down to read them. It’s terribly rewarding to spend time looking at books with the Tierra Santa kids. They just eat it up. They love to read and they love to be read to. And you can tell that they think it’s really cool to hold in their hands a book created for them by a child back in America. 
They loved looking at the “about the author” section at the end of the book to see just who it was who wrote the book. Spending time with the kids and seeing how much books mean to them makes me feel like we, as an organization, really need to keep fostering this love of reading with these kids. They just soak up these good books. And, of course, what a great way for them to learn, to become more literate and to be able to continue to be successful in their education.Sunday, March 29, 2009
Primer Dia y Segundo Dia
Ronny and Austin (3/28 and 3/29):
We started the trip by waking up at 3:00 am, which was terrible. Our plane left at 6:00 am and it was a three and a half hour flight to Miami. We had a two hour layover at Miami where we ate some Chinese and walked around. Our flight to Honduras was a two hour flight and the airport in Honduras was smaller compared to the ones in the US.
We soon found out what the weather in Honduras is like when we stepped out of the airport: hot and sticky. Fifteen kids from the Hogar joined us one the three bus ride to Comayagua from San Pedro Sula. An hour into the bus ride, we stopped at an open air market and bought bananas, pineapples, and a papaya we named Larry.
We arrived at the Hotel Quan in Comayagua and then went to dinner at a Chinese restaurant that was delicious. We packed up the extra food and brought it with us to the Hogar the next day. We went back to the Hotel to swim and watch TV.
Today (Sunday) we woke up and ate a delicious pancake breakfast. We then took a bus to the Hogar where we proceeded to make many friends as soon as we stepped off the bus. All the kids were very excited to see us and were all over us for the rest of the day. We got a formal tour of the Hogar and we could see how the Hogar has been improving over the last twenty years.
After the tour, we ate a delicious lunch at Santiago’s (director at the Hogar) that included tortillas, beans, beef, fried platanos, quesadillas, fresh fruit juice, and taquitos. After lunch, we continued playing with the kids and unloading all the supplies we brought for the Hogar. Before we left, they gave a wonderful welcoming program that included dancing and a fashion show. The kids were so energetic and made the day great.
We walked to dinner at a local barbeque joint and enjoyed the great Honduran food. On our way home, we had our first Honduran riding experience. We had sixteen people jammed into a five person pickup.
Six people were in the cab while the other ten rode in the back and got some fresh air.
We started the trip by waking up at 3:00 am, which was terrible. Our plane left at 6:00 am and it was a three and a half hour flight to Miami. We had a two hour layover at Miami where we ate some Chinese and walked around. Our flight to Honduras was a two hour flight and the airport in Honduras was smaller compared to the ones in the US.
We soon found out what the weather in Honduras is like when we stepped out of the airport: hot and sticky. Fifteen kids from the Hogar joined us one the three bus ride to Comayagua from San Pedro Sula. An hour into the bus ride, we stopped at an open air market and bought bananas, pineapples, and a papaya we named Larry.
We arrived at the Hotel Quan in Comayagua and then went to dinner at a Chinese restaurant that was delicious. We packed up the extra food and brought it with us to the Hogar the next day. We went back to the Hotel to swim and watch TV.
Today (Sunday) we woke up and ate a delicious pancake breakfast. We then took a bus to the Hogar where we proceeded to make many friends as soon as we stepped off the bus. All the kids were very excited to see us and were all over us for the rest of the day. We got a formal tour of the Hogar and we could see how the Hogar has been improving over the last twenty years.
After the tour, we ate a delicious lunch at Santiago’s (director at the Hogar) that included tortillas, beans, beef, fried platanos, quesadillas, fresh fruit juice, and taquitos. After lunch, we continued playing with the kids and unloading all the supplies we brought for the Hogar. Before we left, they gave a wonderful welcoming program that included dancing and a fashion show. The kids were so energetic and made the day great.We walked to dinner at a local barbeque joint and enjoyed the great Honduran food. On our way home, we had our first Honduran riding experience. We had sixteen people jammed into a five person pickup.
Six people were in the cab while the other ten rode in the back and got some fresh air.
Saturday, March 28th
Our first day of Honduras Spring Break 2009 was a good one. With no flight delays we made it to San Pedro Sula on time at about 1:30 in the afternoon. This was appreciated most by me, due to our malfunctioning bathroom experience from the last trip that delayed our arrival in Honduras by many hours.
We were greeted at the airport by about 15 kids from Tierra Santa, along with Bob and some of the Tierra Santa workers. We had a great bus ride. Of course it was a long trip, but that didn’t really matter since we were all having so much fun talking with the kids. Among the kids who met us there were Leonardo, Christian, Jessica, Alba, Sindy, Sisi, Carolina, and more. What kept the kids the busiest, besides talking and eating snacks, was playing with some of the iPods that people had brought with. They were totally taken by the iPod touch.
On the way to Comayagua we stopped at a fruit stand along the road and enjoyed some coconut milk, fresh pineapple, and mini bananas. We all stood around passing the various fruits from person to person, then spent the next several minutes on the bus passing the big banana stalk from seat to seat until they were gone.
As we neared Comayagua the weather got cooler. Some people were even seen putting on a light jacket. Once in Comayagua we said farewell to our new Tierra Santa friends, settled in, then went to Meng Ying for a traditional Chinese-Honduran dinner. J Bedtime followed soon thereafter as we all had full stomachs and were all very tired after a full day of travel.
We were greeted at the airport by about 15 kids from Tierra Santa, along with Bob and some of the Tierra Santa workers. We had a great bus ride. Of course it was a long trip, but that didn’t really matter since we were all having so much fun talking with the kids. Among the kids who met us there were Leonardo, Christian, Jessica, Alba, Sindy, Sisi, Carolina, and more. What kept the kids the busiest, besides talking and eating snacks, was playing with some of the iPods that people had brought with. They were totally taken by the iPod touch.
On the way to Comayagua we stopped at a fruit stand along the road and enjoyed some coconut milk, fresh pineapple, and mini bananas. We all stood around passing the various fruits from person to person, then spent the next several minutes on the bus passing the big banana stalk from seat to seat until they were gone.
As we neared Comayagua the weather got cooler. Some people were even seen putting on a light jacket. Once in Comayagua we said farewell to our new Tierra Santa friends, settled in, then went to Meng Ying for a traditional Chinese-Honduran dinner. J Bedtime followed soon thereafter as we all had full stomachs and were all very tired after a full day of travel.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Hello all!
The Parker family is getting very excited to travel to Honduras this Saturday. We feel fortunate to be able to take this opportunity to travel together and with others from EP Schools. We look forward to updating you about what we are doing, learning, experiencing, feeling. Thanks for reading.
The Parkers
Jeff, Holly, Allison and Jack
The Parker family is getting very excited to travel to Honduras this Saturday. We feel fortunate to be able to take this opportunity to travel together and with others from EP Schools. We look forward to updating you about what we are doing, learning, experiencing, feeling. Thanks for reading.
The Parkers
Jeff, Holly, Allison and Jack
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Preparing for Spring Break 2009
Global Connect's group from Eden Prairie, MN is just a week away from embarking on another journey to Hogar Tierra Santa in Honduras. Needless to say, we're all very excited and can hardly wait to board that airplane. Take a look at the handsome faces of all the trip goers. The trip is a great blend of generations. We have experienced trip members and several young people including Kali who is only nine-years-old. It should be a great mix and should make for a very entertaining trip.
At Oak Point Intermediate School in Eden Prairie, students have worked the past few weeks to help the children of Tierra Santa. Students from Mrs. Holtan's class, and other classes, have designed and created their own bilingual children's books that will be delivered to Tierra Santa and placed on the shelves of their library. These students did an awesome job, and the books will be wonderfully appreciated by the children who are awaiting our visit.Please stay tuned to our blog as we will begin posting daily updates beginning March 29th through April 5th. Wish us well and chime in with your thoughts!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Eden Prairie Schools Service
Why do we do what we do as teaching staff? Why do we seek to help others around the globe as part of Eden Prairie Schools Global Connect? We all choose to make this commitment for a variety of different reasons. But a common link between us all, I assume, is our desire to give back and our desire to make the lives of others better.
As our nation begins a new chapter in its history, I was struck by a line from the inauguration address of our new leader, President Obama. This is what he said today...
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.
This is the work we, as members of Eden Prairie Schools and Global Connect, have taken on. We stand together in support of our friends from Honduras in hopes to do just what President Obama said. His words couldn't be more appropriate.
Tierra Santa is striving to make its farm productive and flourishing. Global Connect hopes to help. Tierra Santa and its supporters are erecting a water treatment facility to provide clean water to its children. Global Connect hopes to help. Tierra Santa struggles every day to fill the hungry bodies of its children. Global Connect hopes to help. And Tierra Santa seeks to meet the educational needs of all its children. Global Connect hopes to help.
Thank you, President Obama, for reminding us of the importance of reaching out beyond our borders to help others. Global Connect hopes that with the continued support of Eden Prairie staff, students and families that we can follow his advice and continue to make the lives of our Honduran friends better.
As our nation begins a new chapter in its history, I was struck by a line from the inauguration address of our new leader, President Obama. This is what he said today...
To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds.
This is the work we, as members of Eden Prairie Schools and Global Connect, have taken on. We stand together in support of our friends from Honduras in hopes to do just what President Obama said. His words couldn't be more appropriate.
Tierra Santa is striving to make its farm productive and flourishing. Global Connect hopes to help. Tierra Santa and its supporters are erecting a water treatment facility to provide clean water to its children. Global Connect hopes to help. Tierra Santa struggles every day to fill the hungry bodies of its children. Global Connect hopes to help. And Tierra Santa seeks to meet the educational needs of all its children. Global Connect hopes to help.
Thank you, President Obama, for reminding us of the importance of reaching out beyond our borders to help others. Global Connect hopes that with the continued support of Eden Prairie staff, students and families that we can follow his advice and continue to make the lives of our Honduran friends better.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Video Hellos
During my recent trip to Honduras, many of the kids of Tierra Santa asked me about their friends from Eden Prairie who had traveled to Honduras last spring. Take a look at the following video messages from the kids to these friends. And please forgive my horrible Spanish! :)
Damaris Hello to Jeanne and Sarah
Norma, Norma and Maria Hello to Sam and Jeanine
Leonardo Hello to Nick, Shelly, Ben and Holly
Damaris Hello to Jeanne and Sarah
Norma, Norma and Maria Hello to Sam and Jeanine
Leonardo Hello to Nick, Shelly, Ben and Holly
Videos of the Tierra Santa fresh water process
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Final Days
Since the time flew way too fast during our week in Honduras, I wanted to touch base on a few things we did later in the week that didn’t get written about. On Thursday, our last day at the Hogar, Lisa and I enjoyed baking over 250 sugar cookies with about six teenage girls. We all had a great time. The girls stirred, mixed, rolled and decorated. They loved putting all types of sprinkles on each cookie. Kenia was a huge help with the ovens and swapping pans in and out. I was surprised that none of them asked for or tried to take cookies that had just come out of the oven – definitely not the way it is at home. When we were all done, they each enjoyed a cookie. Tita said they would all eat the cookies after supper that night and I was thrilled that we had made enough so each child could have two. I wish I could have seen their faces that night. 
Thursday afternoon was very very hard for me to say goodbye to the kids. Abby and Drew quickly found out how sensitive I am and how quickly the tears come. The week had flown by so fast and it is amazing how quickly relationships formed. On Friday, as we made our way through the Honduras countryside on our way to Tela, I couldn’t stop seeing the kids’ faces in my head and not knowing when I would see them again.
On a much lighter note, we arrived in Tela on Friday afternoon to an incredible view of the Caribbean. Four of the older girls from the Hogar and Jeff, the administrative director at the Hogar, were able to join us in Tela for the last two nights of our trip. It was such a treat to have them along on this portion of our trip and to see the girls experience Tela. On Saturday morning, about eight of us took a boat ride to Punta Sal, a national park, and hiked through the jungle, snorkled, swam and ate a wonderful shore lunch. It was a perfect day!
Over this past week, I have constantly been thinking about the kids at the Hogar, and wonderful what would they be doing now. I look forward to continuing the relationships and seeing the kids again. This trip was an incredible experience that I will be grateful for always.
On a much lighter note, we arrived in Tela on Friday afternoon to an incredible view of the Caribbean. Four of the older girls from the Hogar and Jeff, the administrative director at the Hogar, were able to join us in Tela for the last two nights of our trip. It was such a treat to have them along on this portion of our trip and to see the girls experience Tela. On Saturday morning, about eight of us took a boat ride to Punta Sal, a national park, and hiked through the jungle, snorkled, swam and ate a wonderful shore lunch. It was a perfect day!Over this past week, I have constantly been thinking about the kids at the Hogar, and wonderful what would they be doing now. I look forward to continuing the relationships and seeing the kids again. This trip was an incredible experience that I will be grateful for always.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Some reflections
Reflecting on another trip is a bit of a difficult thing, as I sit here at the J&B Internet Café on Thursday evening. Just like the trip last spring, so much happened on this trip that it’s difficult to condense those experiences into a few paragraphs.
The group was a true band of dynamos, accomplishing an incredible amount of work in what amounted to about four days. Most impressive in terms of overall accomplishments would have to be the new Susan Seitz Memorial Preschool Room that is located in the new water treatment facility at Tierra Santa.
When we arrived, the room was there, empty and ready to be designed and readied for children. To see the before pictures alongside the after pictures is a pretty amazing thing. From the paint crew to John and Geovani constructing the shelves to the
crew that found perfect preschool furniture at a store in Comayagua, everything turned out fantastically.
Today we needed to finish and paint the shelving, then organize the toys and teaching materials prior to welcoming the kids to their new school room. Santiago and Bob said a few words about the importance of the room and dedicated it to Bob’s wife, Susan. Following that, all the Tierra Santa kids packed into the room to see Bob and Santiago hang a ceremonial photo of Susan on the wall. Both Santiago and Tahire said several words of thanks to our group from Minnesota, as well. It was a very moving experience, and a fine tribute to a wonderful woman.
The rest of the day including Tricia and Lisa baking over 200 sugar cookies with a group of eager girls, Rose doing haircuts in the courtyard, and the distribution of ball caps, soccer socks and hand-created pillow cases to all the kids. There were big smiles all around, including, of course, on the faces of all of us from Minnesota.
Saying goodbye at the end of the day was difficult, but I must say, not as difficult as the last time I was here. I think I now see the reality of myself returning to Tierra Santa often, and the fact that I know I’ll be coming back in March probably doesn’t hurt. The children are so awesome, though, that spending just a couple months away from them will be tremendously difficult. Part of me wishes I could just pack up my entire family and live in the Villa. But service trips from time to time will probably have to do for now.
This trip was a great one. On the list of unexpected things, were the new relationships I formed with a few of the children at HTS. On my previous trip, I spent a lot of time talking with kids, but much of it was laughing and joking around, nothing real serious. But on this trip, I spent quality time with two children in particular, both of which I barely spoke with last time. Those two kids were Kenia and Nancy. Kenia is 21 and is the child Tricia and I sponsor, and I only really met her late into the trip last spring. This time around I talked with her a great deal and really got to know her on a personal level.
Nancy is a girl who I just connected with on this trip, I’m not sure exactly why. She is such a sweetheart. She is 14 years old and in her second year at the secondary school in the Villa. For the first couple of days here, I kept wondering why she constantly looked at me in a confused way whenever I spoke to her. But eventually I figured out that she is slightly hearing impaired. She and I just clicked for some reason and seemed to always have something to talk about.
Last night gave us even more time to interact. Last night we stayed at HTS until about 12:30 p.m. so that we could take in the New Year’s celebration with the kids. Let me tell you, it was really a highlight for me, dancing with the kids, eating with the kids, lighting a stuffed artificial man on fire with the kids (that’s another story). But the best part of the night for me was just sitting and talking with Nancy for a very long time.
For a long stretch, Nancy, Kenia and Argentina sat in the courtyard. The girls practiced their English. Tricia and I practiced our Spanish. We counted, we sang songs, we practiced the alphabet – we did it all.
I guess to wrap up, this experience matched or even exceeded my first experience at Tierra Santa for the simple fact that I got to know the kids of HTS that much better. They remembered me, I remembered them, and we built on the foundation that was created last spring. I can’t wait to continue building on that foundation even more in the years ahead.
The group was a true band of dynamos, accomplishing an incredible amount of work in what amounted to about four days. Most impressive in terms of overall accomplishments would have to be the new Susan Seitz Memorial Preschool Room that is located in the new water treatment facility at Tierra Santa. 
When we arrived, the room was there, empty and ready to be designed and readied for children. To see the before pictures alongside the after pictures is a pretty amazing thing. From the paint crew to John and Geovani constructing the shelves to the
crew that found perfect preschool furniture at a store in Comayagua, everything turned out fantastically.Today we needed to finish and paint the shelving, then organize the toys and teaching materials prior to welcoming the kids to their new school room. Santiago and Bob said a few words about the importance of the room and dedicated it to Bob’s wife, Susan. Following that, all the Tierra Santa kids packed into the room to see Bob and Santiago hang a ceremonial photo of Susan on the wall. Both Santiago and Tahire said several words of thanks to our group from Minnesota, as well. It was a very moving experience, and a fine tribute to a wonderful woman.
The rest of the day including Tricia and Lisa baking over 200 sugar cookies with a group of eager girls, Rose doing haircuts in the courtyard, and the distribution of ball caps, soccer socks and hand-created pillow cases to all the kids. There were big smiles all around, including, of course, on the faces of all of us from Minnesota.Saying goodbye at the end of the day was difficult, but I must say, not as difficult as the last time I was here. I think I now see the reality of myself returning to Tierra Santa often, and the fact that I know I’ll be coming back in March probably doesn’t hurt. The children are so awesome, though, that spending just a couple months away from them will be tremendously difficult. Part of me wishes I could just pack up my entire family and live in the Villa. But service trips from time to time will probably have to do for now.
This trip was a great one. On the list of unexpected things, were the new relationships I formed with a few of the children at HTS. On my previous trip, I spent a lot of time talking with kids, but much of it was laughing and joking around, nothing real serious. But on this trip, I spent quality time with two children in particular, both of which I barely spoke with last time. Those two kids were Kenia and Nancy. Kenia is 21 and is the child Tricia and I sponsor, and I only really met her late into the trip last spring. This time around I talked with her a great deal and really got to know her on a personal level.
Nancy is a girl who I just connected with on this trip, I’m not sure exactly why. She is such a sweetheart. She is 14 years old and in her second year at the secondary school in the Villa. For the first couple of days here, I kept wondering why she constantly looked at me in a confused way whenever I spoke to her. But eventually I figured out that she is slightly hearing impaired. She and I just clicked for some reason and seemed to always have something to talk about.Last night gave us even more time to interact. Last night we stayed at HTS until about 12:30 p.m. so that we could take in the New Year’s celebration with the kids. Let me tell you, it was really a highlight for me, dancing with the kids, eating with the kids, lighting a stuffed artificial man on fire with the kids (that’s another story). But the best part of the night for me was just sitting and talking with Nancy for a very long time.
For a long stretch, Nancy, Kenia and Argentina sat in the courtyard. The girls practiced their English. Tricia and I practiced our Spanish. We counted, we sang songs, we practiced the alphabet – we did it all.
I guess to wrap up, this experience matched or even exceeded my first experience at Tierra Santa for the simple fact that I got to know the kids of HTS that much better. They remembered me, I remembered them, and we built on the foundation that was created last spring. I can’t wait to continue building on that foundation even more in the years ahead.
More videos - this time from Wednesday
Wednesday at Hogar Tierra Santa - Take a look!
We're prepping the preschool and writing letters.
You've gotta like John's bottle rocket lighting technique! The burning men on the chairs in this video? We still really don't understand!
We're prepping the preschool and writing letters.
You've gotta like John's bottle rocket lighting technique! The burning men on the chairs in this video? We still really don't understand!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
The 2nd Best Blog Ever
Today we (Abby and Drew) went to farm in the morning. We were expecting a ton of dirty jobs - feeding pigs, cleaning the tilapia pond, etc - but instead found very little to do. The kids said they were going to start work at about one in the afternoon and didn't need much help. We did, however, clean out the old toolshed. There were a ton of huge cockroaches living in there so it was pretty intense/disgusting. That took about 20 minutes so then we just talked to some of the kids. They taught us some games and we struggled along to play them. I (Drew) was excited to be there because I got to hang out a little more with Geovanni because I hadn't seen much of him this week. So then we left and returned to the Hogar. We took a little Facebook break in the sala because Abby needed to feed her addiction - three whole days is a dang long time. Drew was impressed by his parents immediate response to his nice email (oh wait, it took them over a day to respond - and they don't answer my phone calls). Next, we headed into the preschool room to help out. We got there just in time to help the kids put their handprints on the wall. It was so cute to see their exited faces as they got to play in the paint and help decorate their room. Drew was the best at getting perfect looking handprints on the walls. Then we ate lunch.
After lunch, I (Drew) helped John make the shelves for the preschool. It was really fun and cool to see because Geovanni basically made them himself. He was all over the measuring, drilling, hammering and everything else. It was fun to just chill out and make the shelves rather than run around with kids.
I, (Abby) wrote letters in the school with Rosa and a few other girls. They wrote letters to kids from Oak Point. After that I just talked with Sofia and Sarahi. They showed me pictures and Sofia told me about her family.
After that we went as a group for a tour of the Villa. We saw a huge valley and some of the volunteer's houses for the Hogar. We bought some weird frozen coconut vanilla things and ate them. They were so good! Abby even liked them. Now, we're writing this blog and getting ready for the celebration tonight!
After lunch, I (Drew) helped John make the shelves for the preschool. It was really fun and cool to see because Geovanni basically made them himself. He was all over the measuring, drilling, hammering and everything else. It was fun to just chill out and make the shelves rather than run around with kids.
I, (Abby) wrote letters in the school with Rosa and a few other girls. They wrote letters to kids from Oak Point. After that I just talked with Sofia and Sarahi. They showed me pictures and Sofia told me about her family.
After that we went as a group for a tour of the Villa. We saw a huge valley and some of the volunteer's houses for the Hogar. We bought some weird frozen coconut vanilla things and ate them. They were so good! Abby even liked them. Now, we're writing this blog and getting ready for the celebration tonight!
Rose Leapaldt
December 31 New Years Eve. Today we began our day at 7:15 and visited a tortilla factory in Via San Antonio. They made 16,000 tortillas today rather than the average 8,000 due to the holiday. Next, we visited an outdoor market where various goods and foods were sold. We arruved at the Hogar about 9:30 and began our jobs. I helped complete the Pre-K room by applying a second coat of chalk board paint to the lower part of two walls. We all did hand prints along the boarders along with all the nursery school children. The room looks fantastic, bright and cheery. John B. began building 6 large shelving units and the girls plus some volunteer kids painted each a different color. This room will provide the kids with a wonderful learning enviornment inwhich to attend school.
In the afternoon, I taught a class in stamping. I had two helpers but the kids were very busy and it was a crazy class to say the least! At one point, I saw a little boy paint a girl's hair, another
4 year old grab the roller and take off, two little girls arguing and throwing things, and on and I think I would rethink this painting activity before ever attempting it with such young kids.
Tonight, we will have a wonderful meal and celebrate New Year's Eve. at the Hogar with all the children. They have a program planned for us and have been setting up a stage with flowers and
other fun things.
In the afternoon, I taught a class in stamping. I had two helpers but the kids were very busy and it was a crazy class to say the least! At one point, I saw a little boy paint a girl's hair, another
4 year old grab the roller and take off, two little girls arguing and throwing things, and on and I think I would rethink this painting activity before ever attempting it with such young kids.
Tonight, we will have a wonderful meal and celebrate New Year's Eve. at the Hogar with all the children. They have a program planned for us and have been setting up a stage with flowers and
other fun things.
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