Honduras

“Sounds like it'll be a rewarding adventure. I'll look forward to the trip report and pictures when you get back.”

“Thanks for taking this journey on. Kudos for the work everyone is doing.”

“Thank you..! I have to say I selfishly go...wanting to help but knowing I will be the one receiving the reward. They are such great people. Americans could take a few lessons.”

“Hey CG, me again!! I'm going back, too. Last summer was pretty amazing--I went twice, and was in San Pedro Sula working with some gov't run orphanages that are really just holding tanks for street kids that have been picked up and dropped off there. Pretty violent, desperate conditions. Very different than the church run orphanages I've worked with in Santa Barbara and Copan. Now I'm torn--medical missions in the mountains, or street kids in SPS. My heart has been broken and left behind in both places. Blessings on your trip.”

“You gurlz are the best!

Sunny, you should join us in West Virginia in March on The North Fork Trail.”

“Sunny...I was hoping you would post. I've heard that SPS is really rough. Am I correct that the largest gang in Central America is there?

I will be in Taulabe...not far from Santa Barbara. I have some friends who hosted some kids that came here from an orphanage there. They stayed for 6 weeks and returned. Was amazing.

I understand your heart break. I am having my own struggles remembering that I am a steward to the girls for a time. Things are different there and they have their own dreams. My dreams for them are to go to university but they may not happen & I have to accept that. It has been hard. The one girl I sponsor finished school this year (6th grade = to HS here) and is no longer a ward of the state. Her future is up in the air..as far as what will happen next.

Thanks for the reply!”

“My sister lived near Copan for a couple years, trying to do educationa nd anti-poverty work, as well as increase respect for the wildlife protections in the national parque.”

“CG--yeah, SPS is one dangerous place. When we drove there we were told NEVER to roll down the windows, and not to get out of your car for too long. I never felt that uncomfortable, so don't know how true it is, but I do know the orphans we saw there were very violent--I even had to stop one boy from choking another one with a plastic tie, and stopped 4 boys from throwing rocks at a kid in a wheelchair. They have their own "gang" system even in the orphanage! Other kids were as sweet as could be, and would just want to be held and loved on. There is only one orphanage in Santa Barbara and it is one I know well and am in contact with during the year. I have watched those kids growing for 8 years, and it has been rewarding. Puts my struggles paying the mortgage in perspective.
Pedxing--Copan is stunningly beautiful, kudos to your sister for her work protecting the wildlife. I hope one day to do a long backpack trip in the mountains around there--some cool hidden waterfalls, rivers, and awesome views
Marko-I'll check out the trip page. We need to get the DC area bunch together for a beer.”

“One of the girls that came from Santa Barbara is Gabby (Gabriel) & her mom is a teacher at the school there. Do you know her? Just a chance. When do you think you will go back?

The animals break my heart they are all starving.”

“http://deezy.zenfolio.com/p758051069

Hey guys and gals....I have returned from my adventure...two weeks ago :-( I'm sorry it has taken me so long to post the photos.

It was a wonderful time and my heart is still longing to return. If I had the money I would go tomorrow.

This year was much different than last time. I stayed mostly around the casa where we stayed and interacted with the village kids and the girls of the Fuente de Vida home. (we are trying not to call it an orphanage any longer...I suppose political correctness travels across cultural barriers as well)

The weather was BEAUTIFUL on Monday, in the 80's and we took the girls as well as other children to the pool. There was a total of 44 in all. However, it rained the rest of the time. It was a very chilly 50 degrees most days. I'm thankful I had a hoodie...one of the ladies had brought 'hand warmers' which the girls loved! They thought it was magic. I'm not sure why she brought those but it was a hit!!!

I had some amazing local food...and one night we even ate at the chinese restaurant. The rain played havoc with the power while we were there...so we didnt' have electricity regularly. The water was even more speradic!!! Thankfully there was a 'pila' in the back of the house that would fill up when the water was on & we used that for flushing!

Showers were like taking a dip in a cold mountain stream...I began to love the 'outdoors' look!!! Despite all the little challenges and little 'hiccups' it was amazing....incredible & I want to move there!!!!

I escaped without any tummy troubles this time...or so I thought. Two weeks out it has caught up with me...but that coudl also be the malaria meds.

Hugs to all... Dee”

“Welcome back! :-)”

“Nice pictures, too bad it rained so much. Temps in the 50's sound cold for down there.”

“Thanks for sharing your report and the pictures. It was nice to be back in Central America, if only for a few minutes. Glad to hear from someone doing some good!”

“Thanks!

Where were you NS? Panama wasn't it?

I would like to stay longer than a week. It is so hard to leave and I would like to experience more than just a 'visit'. I would like to be more emersed in the culture. I suppose I need to learn Spanish first.”

“Hey CG! I'm kicking myself for not staying up on things here. I have a friend that left for Santa Barbara 3 weeks ago, to stay a year. He is working with the orphanage there to teach them farming techniques so they can grow some cash crops. He left some valuable seeds here and I am looking for someone to take them to San Pedro Sula where he can pick them up from the airport. I could mail them, but am not sure how they would survive, or if they would arrive safely. Know anyone heading down there soon? I head back down myself in June.”

“We have a group going in April. Will they make it through customs? Lois, the guy that is in charge of our micro economic projects have requested us bring tomato seends...but he told us they should be in small packs and in our carry on luggage.

I've been back a bit over two weeks.

Wish I could go back with you in June. How long are you staying? Will you be in Santa Barbara or are you staying in San Pedro with the city kids?
last edited: 2/24/09 4:08:46 PM”

“Hey CG!! I have a situation with a friend in Honduras and need to get papers to him ASAP. what date are your friends leaving? Can you contact me at my e-mail? sdaisy123@hotmail.com”

“Wish I could of helped but glad we got in touch! Thanks Fridge!!!”

“So fun connecting with you! Thanks for the call. Now that we've met, we definitely should plan a cloud forest trip--maybe see a jaguar or two!”

“High Stovie, I'm a 'Honduras' thread and I'm dying to meat you.”