I just met a new first-year student for next year, about 12 years old, bright-eyed, in awe at everything at the Center, alongside Sister Teresa receiving the grand tour. The young girl explained to me with confidence that she wants to study so that she can defend women's rights. Day made. I know that she will flourish here and am so proud of the Center for being able to give her the opportunity to continue studying. Not only that, but seeing how proud and excited Sister Teresa was in hearing her aspirations gives me hope for these students because they have someone that believes in them.

Today's my last day at the Center and as much as it breaks my heart to know that I won't be able to get to know these lovely young girls who are bound to grow in beautiful ways here, I have hope and faith in what the Center sets out to do.

L'Arche

Ever since I was younger I’ve always been intrigued by people with developmental disabilities. In fourth grade I remember the curiosity I had for my classmate who had a special tutor, and felt comfort in his friendship. From then on I found myself with different opportunities, always learning more about people with disabilities. So last year when I read about Jean Vanier and learned about the L’Arche communities that he formed in the 60’s, I was moved by his vision.

L’Arche was originally created as an alternative for institutionalization, which many years ago went hand in hand with human rights violations. Today the international organization creates permanent residencies- loving homes- for abandoned persons with disabilities. The values of L’Arche are quite beautiful, based on values of community, respect of the individual, developing one’s gifts, and strengthening one’s spirituality.

Knowing that there are two communities in Honduras, I was interested in seeing the strengths and weaknesses of a community in a developing country. In my past months I’ve found a strong sense of community in the face of poverty, so being able to experience an intentional community in the context of an impoverished country was exciting- for me, two things that go hand-in-hand. So on Saturday I ventured to Tegucigalpa, taking my first rapidito out of Guaimaca. I arrived later that morning to a community in Aldea Suyapa, in a house overlooking the city. (And of course being there, the community life felt natural. I asked one woman for how many years she had been with L'Arche. She looked at me and said- I don't know... this is my home.) When I arrived to Casa Nazareth, one of two houses in Tegucigalpa, I was warmly welcomed by its seven residents. The weekend was slow and gave me a good opportunity to learn how the organization’s values were lived out on a daily basis.

Weekdays are spent at the workshop, making different things for the store. Men are in charge of sanding mop handles and women make various crafts.

Before each meal, to start every work day, and every Monday night is prayer time. It was humbling to be part of their prayer services because they were so simply joyful. One woman led us in song with all of her strength (her face was strained the entire time) and complained of a headache afterwards. They just didn’t hold back.

Throughout my entire visit I was a bit frustrated with my inability to communicate. You would think after a year of living surrounded by Spanish speakers that I would’ve learned some more patience. A couple of the residents are unable to speak and rely mostly on gestures or grunts. It made me thankful for my understanding of Spanish and appreciative of other volunteers’ patience in learning Spanish. It also made me think back to my time at Harriman Lodge (a summer camp for adults with disabilities) where I met a man who relied on using a communication box. He told me of a time before he used the device when his caretakers plopped him in front of the tv when he wanted to be doing other things. He ended up writing a book and was on a news program for his efforts. Without that technology he was stuck in a world of frustration and misunderstanding. While this woman at L’Arche is cared for, I wish that she was able to feel that she could express herself more freely and that I could understand her. But despite the barrier, we connected and she shared her joy with me.

Another surprise, but inevitable due to the lack of resources, was that none of the staff (including the director) had received any kind of formal training for their work. They rely mostly on learning from their own experiences and from their co-workers. In fact, they were a bit surprised when I asked if any sort of pre-requisites were required. In the States we’re all about qualifications, certificates, titles. The director shared that they struggle to find willing people to dedicate their lives to L’Arche, so it makes it nearly impossible to find educated persons. (In reality, this goes back to Honduras’ larger problem: lack of a solid educational system that can empower its students to help to rejuvenate the country and a basic value for quality education.)

Something that I’ve frequently observed throughout the year is acceptance. It is an empowering notion when a person is accepted for who they are, but when there’s no reflection, development, challenge, to offer the best of what you have, then acceptance becomes stagnant. In L’Arche they lacked the development of the individual’s gifts. It may have been hard for me to see in my short stay, but it seemed like the community needed more intentionality and guidance.

But while the house lacks a lot of resources, it does offer a lot of love and a dignified life to its members. And I certainly learned a lot. It was a pleasure to have been able to experience L’Arche as I did and to remember the gift of people with disabilities and the simple ways that they can transform others’ lives.

And being away always makes me thankful to return to a loving community, where I was greeted with familiar faces. Just over a week until Chris and I begin our travels to El Salvador and then Guatemala!

First, I apologize for not having blogged recently. The past few months have been busy, but life here has felt even more like my life, much more than just a really long service trip- making it feel strange to blog about.

Eventually I’d like to share some reflections about my personal growth, what the year has meant to me, etc. But for now, just a few updates:

Two weeks ago was the final closura, similar to a graduation or promotion ceremony. Special students were awarded for their honorable behavior and one was granted a scholarship to continue studying at the Center. It was a nice way for us to congratulate the students for their hard work and acknowledge the value of their education. The bachillerato students danced and we watched a picture slideshow of the year’s events. I thought that the day would’ve been more emotional for me- it wasn’t easy to say goodbye to the students but I was comforted by the memories we shared and the growth I’ve had, thanks to them.

Two of my 8^th grade English students were required to take their second re-take (after failing the first two tests at the end of the second semester). We had the entire semester once a week and then a full week before the second retake to review the material from the entire semester. They both worked hard but in the end only one of the students passed; the other failed. For the Center, unfortunately, that means that she won’t be able to return to the Center. If she wants to continue studying she has to repeat the grade and travel every day to and from her aldea to Guaimaca.

I wasn’t able to attend the service, but there was a neat ceremony for All Souls Day last week. There were a lot of flowers being sold around town for families to decorate the tombs in the two cemeteries. I wish I could’ve seen it because I’m sure it was decorated beautifully, but it seemed pretty common to go with family to visit the deceased. In mass that night there was a special remembrance of those passed- parishioners that bought a candle were called to light it and put it on the altar. Each name was called and by the end the entire altar was covered in shining candles. It was a symbolic way to remember that the memory and spirit of those passed still live among us.

Last weekend Matt and I traveled to El Destino, to visit Digna and her family. We arrived and were put to work making the day’s tortillas- we finally got it down. Her and her sister were giddy to show us their pictures, sometimes running away laughing of embarrassment. At the end of the day I gave Digna a wooden heart that my mom had sent down for Valentine’s Day. I normally don’t re-gift, but it felt appropriate- in more than just a symbolic way was the heart passed on. From the love that I received from my mother is what has helped me to have such an open heart to Digna and to care for her in such a special way. And now I will look for the next place to carry the love that I found with Digna- and I know that she will do the same. We live in each other now.

This week has been a lot of repairs, cleaning, and organization around the Center. Matt will be leaving next week, so we've had a lot of last dinners with friends and co-workers. I'm so inspired by the number of people that are dedicated to the Mission and the support that we've received from them throughout the year. 

On Saturday I’ll be going to Tegucigalpa for a few days to visit the L’Arche community there. I’ll try to update when I’m back because I have no idea what to expect! (Check out Jean Vanier if you want some good readings on community.)

Chris and I will be traveling for the last bit of our time before we head home. The rough plan is to travel to El Salvador to visit Oscar Romero’s chapel and tomb, then Guatemala to chill on an avocado farm/eco-lodge. I am looking forward to the opportunity, not only to soak in more of Central America, but to have time to reflect, between leaving Guaimaca and arriving in the States. 

Digna, myself, and Angeles at the end of the year fiesta

More reflections

An article I wrote for my hometown church's newsletter

The simple things

So this is kind of jumbled and a little outdated- it was meant for two weeks ago (I’m sorry I have been slacking!):

This past weekend was absolutely wonderful. One of my students, Digna, from Primero Ciclo was staying in town with her sister instead of traveling back to her aldea, so I had the opportunity to hang out with her outside of the school day. She’s such a special person and I’m glad to have gotten to know her better over the past several weeks. Being one of the smallest and youngest students also makes her one of the cutest. With her huge smile and big brown eyes, she always knows how to make my day. Recently she’s been coming up to me and saying “hug me” and in a way that isn’t demanding or selfish. (Of course I can't say no!) In class she isn’t the most vocal, but is one of the most studious and responsible. When I asked the students to draw a picture representative of the Center, most drew flowers or maps. But Digna drew a star. When I asked her to explain what it meant for her, she explained what a great opportunity she has and that the Center itself is a shining star. I’m most impressed by her consistent mood: she always seems light-hearted, attentive to others, and genuinely happy. I’ve never felt inspired by a thirteen year old before until I met Digna.

On Saturday we went out and ate ice cream in the park and talked mostly about school happenings, but it was nice to share that time with her. On Sunday we went to morning mass together and then came back to the house to eat Matt’s delicious bagels and play cards.

Saturday night was the town carnival, complete with a parade of the Guaimacan queens, giant puppets, and dangerously close fireworks. We ran into a few students and they asked us to go on the Ferris wheel with them. It was fun until some of the lights went out and the guys in charge were fumbling around the mechanical box. But we made it off safe, if not just a little dizzy.

 After mass on Sunday the three of us biked out of town to visit another of my students, Suamy. She and her family live in the middle of an open field on the main road, with lots of fruit trees and corn surrounding their house. It was a nice change of pace from the metal fence and barbed wire in our own front yard. After feeding us grilled corn and tamales, we headed out to visit a park and brook. The park was empty but scattered with benches and even a grill. It was refreshing to be surrounded by pine trees and the fresh breeze. We then headed to the stream where we caught a handful of little fish and a tadpole (sadly, none of which are still alive..) Further downstream was a place to swim. We started hesitantly with just our shoes off and pants rolled up but eventually jumped right in, clothes and all. The day reminded me of the simple pleasures, and I was thankful to be able to share a special place with Suamy. When we returned to her home her mother had more food cooked for us, another sweet corn concoction. Her father brought Matt around to show off the pride for his land while Chris and I got our butts kicked in soccer (even though it was two against one). 

On Friday we went out to dinner with Kenya, Denis, and Daniela, their daughter. They’re a lovely family and have shared their friendship with us over the past few months. We went to a new Mexican restaurant that opened up right down the street which has good food and a tranquilo environment. Denis excitedly shared his experiences with us after he has changed work, from teaching physical education classes to driving trucks with his brother... mostly in reference to the huge plates of food that he gets to eat while on the road.

Like I said, it was a really great weekend and reminded me how much I enjoy life here, being able to spend quality time with people that I care about.

Dia de Lempira

(This was meant to be posted last month!)

July 20 is a national holiday in Honduras, dedicated to Lempira. He was a Lencan that fought against the Spaniards after their invasion.

For weeks the girls have been planning for today’s Indio Bonito contest. They voted on someone to represent their group (most commonly the person who looks most like an indigenous). Each grade made their own dress, made with natural things from their aldeas. They brought coconuts, seeds, leaves, and tree bark to make dresses, headdresses, sandals, and jewelry.

They put a lot of time and creativity into their dresses-the juniors had a colorful map of Honduras made of rice, and the chiquitas had the national seal put together with colored rice! It was quite impressive.

Today they dressed, modeled, shared about their dresses and about Lempira and what it meant for them to be representing a national hero.

There was a panel of adults from outside the school that chose the winner. After the modeling and speeches they chose Lilian from II Bachillerato, a senior. Last year’s Indio Bonito, Lilian's sister, proudly presented the sash. 

There were two skits, the first of a Honduran legend, La Sucia. They say that when men go out by the rivers on their way home the Sucia comes out. At first she’s a beautiful woman, just washing her clothes. Then she turns into an ugly witch and steals the man away. It was humorous watching the students chase each other around but leaves an interesting message.. And the second skit was the death of Lempira. A group of girls did a traditional dance as well.

Then we were invited to try traditional food. Each grade had prepared something different. There were baleadas (flour tortillas with beans and cheese-a simple but delicious snack), catrachas (fried tortilla with beans and cheese), tamales (ground corn with beans, cooked in a banana leaf), pastelitos (similar to empanadas but these were filled with pineapple), sweetened papaya, rosquillas with honey (a hard, bitter cookie), and a corn drink with lime and sugar. Most of it was food that we’ve had here before, but it was lovely sharing a meal with the girls that they worked together to make.

Fanny made sure that we norteamericanos- who didn’t have the slightest idea of what was going on- were dressed in traditional clothing. The girls from Primero Ciclo had decorated something for me to wear around my shoulders and all the female tutors wore long, colorful skirts.

During the day there were a couple parades of school children walking by the Center, all dressed up. They were adorable in traditional dance clothes and dressed as indigenous. 

Overall it was a very special day for the girls and a great opportunity to share in the culture with them and see their pride in their roots.