Tuesday, March 9

We each took several children out of their classrooms and asked them to read with us individually. We worked with those that needed some extra help but learned that they are working with curriculum that is at an equivalent level to our children. We all learned how to say "I am learning from you" and this is true on many levels. Their smiles are better than the best birthday present and their hugs, given so unselfishly, have such a profound effect on us.

Jenny and Kara completed their job with some heavy lifting by Ann. Is anyone surprised that they got the better of an 8 inch thick brick wall? They created 2 very large windows in the laundry building. This included a chisel and several sledge hammers and it was a sight to behold---and I don't mean the window. Celia joined in on the action as well, wielding that sledge hammer like a warrior. Ann, Susan, Scottie, Claudia finished prepping the new garden and the plants are ready to go in tomorrow morning. Celia and Cory still on paint duty and nearly finished. Claudia translated sponsor letters for hours to the children with her usual energy and animation which delighted them and everyone who was nearby. Suzanne, not feeling herself for much of the day, rallied in the evening and is now feeling much better thanks to Betsy´s good care, with help from Salomon and Ginger from afar.

Barbara McCune, a medical missionary here in Honduras for more 7 years talked with us about her practice in this community. The average age of women having their first child is 14 and only 3% of people have health insurance. These are just a few of the things that we learned. When asked about how difficult it must be to live and work here, Barbara said that your heart breaks at least once a week but hopefully you stretch it so that you can help more people and that the hardened parts continue to soften as time goes on.

Tomorrow we travel to the Technical Institute after reading with the children...

-- Cory Little