Friday, February 24, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Blog Material
Sometimes, things occur that are just too good not to share on a blog.
Last night was one of those night. Without a doubt.
I usually take a shower during my break from 4-6 because I simply can't bring myself to take a cold shower at six in the morning. So yesterday afternoon, I had just gotten out of the shower and I was still in my towel, chatting with my roommate Michelle.
Michelle was sitting on her bed. This is an important detail to keep in mind.
So, Michelle and I are chatting, and she moves her arm a bit, and then says "I think something just bit me." She turns a bit, and lifts her arm, where she felt the bite. This is when I spot something on her back. A big something. At first I thought it was a walking stick.
I have never been more wrong in my life.
To my knowledge walking sticks don't sting people. You know what does sting people? Scorpions. Yep, you read that right, Michelle had a four inch long, scorpion crawling up her back.
So what do I pick up to defend my roommate? A fork. Why? That is an excellent question. I have zero clue what in my head told me that a fork would be worthy weapon against a scorpion.
Now, remember the details. Michelle has a scorpion on her back. IN HER BED. Meanwhile, I am standing there, still in my towel, with a fork in my hand. A FORK.
My exact words words to Michelle were "Don't move. You may or may not have a tarantula on your back." Apparently, in times of panic, my animal identification is a bit off. Then again, I had also just picked up a fork, so apparently my brain in general is a bit off when it comes to dangerous animal encounters.
My first attempt to encourage the scorpion off Michelle's back, using my extremely fierce weapon, had the exact opposite effect that I was hoping it would have. It instead scurried back up her back. So, I put my fork above the scorpion, so it would scurry down towards the bed itself. Fortunately, this worked and scorpion scuttled off onto Michelle's sheets. Michelle jumped up and ran for the door.
Once I was safely dressed, one of the other volunteers and I shook out Michelle's sheets to find the scorpion. We decided we had to avenge Michelle, since it did sting her, and the scorpion was promptly mushed. Don't worry, Michelle got a photo of it first.
Like I said, perfect blog material.
Last night was one of those night. Without a doubt.
I usually take a shower during my break from 4-6 because I simply can't bring myself to take a cold shower at six in the morning. So yesterday afternoon, I had just gotten out of the shower and I was still in my towel, chatting with my roommate Michelle.
Michelle was sitting on her bed. This is an important detail to keep in mind.
So, Michelle and I are chatting, and she moves her arm a bit, and then says "I think something just bit me." She turns a bit, and lifts her arm, where she felt the bite. This is when I spot something on her back. A big something. At first I thought it was a walking stick.
I have never been more wrong in my life.
To my knowledge walking sticks don't sting people. You know what does sting people? Scorpions. Yep, you read that right, Michelle had a four inch long, scorpion crawling up her back.
So what do I pick up to defend my roommate? A fork. Why? That is an excellent question. I have zero clue what in my head told me that a fork would be worthy weapon against a scorpion.
Now, remember the details. Michelle has a scorpion on her back. IN HER BED. Meanwhile, I am standing there, still in my towel, with a fork in my hand. A FORK.
My exact words words to Michelle were "Don't move. You may or may not have a tarantula on your back." Apparently, in times of panic, my animal identification is a bit off. Then again, I had also just picked up a fork, so apparently my brain in general is a bit off when it comes to dangerous animal encounters.
My first attempt to encourage the scorpion off Michelle's back, using my extremely fierce weapon, had the exact opposite effect that I was hoping it would have. It instead scurried back up her back. So, I put my fork above the scorpion, so it would scurry down towards the bed itself. Fortunately, this worked and scorpion scuttled off onto Michelle's sheets. Michelle jumped up and ran for the door.
Once I was safely dressed, one of the other volunteers and I shook out Michelle's sheets to find the scorpion. We decided we had to avenge Michelle, since it did sting her, and the scorpion was promptly mushed. Don't worry, Michelle got a photo of it first.
Like I said, perfect blog material.
Monday, February 20, 2012
My Luck Day!
Best. Monday. Ever.
I got a phone call first thing this morning telling me I had not one, but TWO packages waiting for me in the office.
I am currently sitting at my desk surrounded by so much yummy goodness I can hardly stand it!!
My Mom and Dad sent me hot sauce that I have been craving since I got here (FYI: No one comes to Honduras for the food), and tea that I love and am currently drinking.
Jill sent me MAC AND CHEESE!! Which is my favorite food in the world. Two chocolate bars, though now I only have one because I ate the other in about 30 seconds. Emergency - C and my nerdy Spanish book that I was sad I didn't bring along.
Like I said:
Best. Monday. Ever.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Real live children
Tuesday night was my first official “solo” proyecto night. (Reminder: Proyecto is the family night the volunteers do. See “Proyecto” post from last month). This meant that two of us new volunteers did it without the help of an old volunteer.
It went fairly well. One of the girls, Jessica (pronounced Yessica), is in my Hogar, and has been reminding me we have Proyecto every night since she found out last week.
I took this as an opportunity to finally pull out my camera, and provide proof that I am really and truly working with kids
Jose is autistic so this is as close to a family picture as we could get. In fact, this photo pretty much sums up the energy level of the night!
It went fairly well. One of the girls, Jessica (pronounced Yessica), is in my Hogar, and has been reminding me we have Proyecto every night since she found out last week.
I took this as an opportunity to finally pull out my camera, and provide proof that I am really and truly working with kids
Saturday, February 18, 2012
Rooooooom!!
Last Sunday, when we got back from Tegus, all the newbies got to do a very exciting thing -
Move into our new rooms!
It is already crazy how much more settled and at home I feel here. There is something about unpacking that makes this feel far more permanent. Like I am living here, and not just visiting. It is nice.
Here is a quick peak at my new digs!
Move into our new rooms!
It is already crazy how much more settled and at home I feel here. There is something about unpacking that makes this feel far more permanent. Like I am living here, and not just visiting. It is nice.
Here is a quick peak at my new digs!
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| It is a bit of a mess but what else is new |
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| My fancy new closet |
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| The back hallway and the courtyard |
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| I was really trying to get a photo of a massive spider in this picture, but here is our hammock |
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| Again, this was suppose to be a spider photo |
Friday, February 17, 2012
Woah
Today, my blog officially hit 800 views. That is far more than I ever expected.
Thanks for reading!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Just a phone call
I just finished a phone call with someone and I am about as happy with myself as can be!
Want to know why? Because the entire call was in Spanish! It was my first official work call, and it went as smooth as can be.
I was really really nervous but my job involves a lot of phone communication, so I decided to stop procrastinating it and just go for it.
He understood everything I was saying, and even better, I understood all of his responses.
It seems small but, the thing about living in another country is that even the little things take more energy or more thought than they otherwise would. I had to think about what I wanted to say ahead of time, and make sure I knew all the vocabulary I needed to ask my question. I doubt I have ever had to do that in English.
Hooray!! Who knew a five minute phone call could make you so happy!
Want to know why? Because the entire call was in Spanish! It was my first official work call, and it went as smooth as can be.
I was really really nervous but my job involves a lot of phone communication, so I decided to stop procrastinating it and just go for it.
He understood everything I was saying, and even better, I understood all of his responses.
It seems small but, the thing about living in another country is that even the little things take more energy or more thought than they otherwise would. I had to think about what I wanted to say ahead of time, and make sure I knew all the vocabulary I needed to ask my question. I doubt I have ever had to do that in English.
Hooray!! Who knew a five minute phone call could make you so happy!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Vocab Quiz
Here is a quick Vocab quiz to see if you have really been paying attention to my blog.
Tengo (I have) piojos.
Yep. It is true. Actually, now it should be in the past tense.
Blog Fail
I have been trying to blog at least a little bit each day, to keep people updated. Plus, I just really enjoy it.
However, that didn't happen this weekend. This weekend was despidida (farewell) weekend for the departing volunteers. This is usually a pretty big deal, as the folks that are leaving have been at the Ranch for at least a year. As is traditional, we spent the weekend enjoying ourselves in Tegus.
One of the nice things about living in a country like Honduras is that you can afford to do things that you could never afford in the U.S. For example, this weekend we stayed at one of the nicest hotels in Tegus, for a whopping 25$/night. The president of the Honduran Congress was also staying there.
It was wonderful! I slept on a real mattress. Laid by the pool. Watched television in English. Ate something besides rice, beans, and chicken.
The very best part? I took a hot shower. Actually, I took two. It was amazing!
However, that didn't happen this weekend. This weekend was despidida (farewell) weekend for the departing volunteers. This is usually a pretty big deal, as the folks that are leaving have been at the Ranch for at least a year. As is traditional, we spent the weekend enjoying ourselves in Tegus.
One of the nice things about living in a country like Honduras is that you can afford to do things that you could never afford in the U.S. For example, this weekend we stayed at one of the nicest hotels in Tegus, for a whopping 25$/night. The president of the Honduran Congress was also staying there.
It was wonderful! I slept on a real mattress. Laid by the pool. Watched television in English. Ate something besides rice, beans, and chicken.
The very best part? I took a hot shower. Actually, I took two. It was amazing!
Friday, February 10, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Reality Check
Yesterday morning, the Ranch celebrated Graduation. This included all the kids graduating from 6th grade, Kinder, and High School.
They wrapped up with the graduation of the kids who finished University this year. It was fairly impressive, considering the odds these kids faced.
Today, fittingly, I stumbled upon a brochure from a past visit. It was all about how to donate to the kids education.
A year of university education in Honduras costs 3,300 dollars. Including tuition, transportation, housing, food, medical costs, books and school supplies.
They wrapped up with the graduation of the kids who finished University this year. It was fairly impressive, considering the odds these kids faced.
Today, fittingly, I stumbled upon a brochure from a past visit. It was all about how to donate to the kids education.
A year of university education in Honduras costs 3,300 dollars. Including tuition, transportation, housing, food, medical costs, books and school supplies.
THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS!!
For a year of studying economics, nursing, psychology. You name it. Three thousand dollars.
I probably spend more on coffee in a year.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Snuggles
One of the reasons I wanted to be with younger girls is because they are not too old (ie.cool) to snuggle.
For example, tonight, when were watching a Barbie movie (ie. terrible movie), I had one girl laying in my lap and one girl leaning against my side. I was happy as can be.
Like I said, I love snuggles.
For example, tonight, when were watching a Barbie movie (ie. terrible movie), I had one girl laying in my lap and one girl leaning against my side. I was happy as can be.
Like I said, I love snuggles.
Sick.
It was bound to happen.
This is the thing I hate the most about being outside the states. When I'm sick all I want is comfortable things.
Cold showers do not count as comfortable. Blech.
This is the thing I hate the most about being outside the states. When I'm sick all I want is comfortable things.
Cold showers do not count as comfortable. Blech.
Monday, February 6, 2012
El tiempo vuela
Time Flies!
As of Saturday, I have been in Central America for four weeks. Wow.
It feels like a very very long time ago that I was in the Portland airport getting ready to head out. At the same time, I can't believe how quickly time has passed. It does not seem possible that I have already been gone that long.
I know I'm going to be saying the exact same thing in 12 months. All of the departing volunteers have said that you should hit the ground running, because before you know it, you will be leaving.
In honor of that advice, I need to set up some goals/plans for my coming months. That way I can leave knowing I did everything (or at least most everything) I wanted to do down here.
Stay tuned for a goals post.
As of Saturday, I have been in Central America for four weeks. Wow.
It feels like a very very long time ago that I was in the Portland airport getting ready to head out. At the same time, I can't believe how quickly time has passed. It does not seem possible that I have already been gone that long.
I know I'm going to be saying the exact same thing in 12 months. All of the departing volunteers have said that you should hit the ground running, because before you know it, you will be leaving.
In honor of that advice, I need to set up some goals/plans for my coming months. That way I can leave knowing I did everything (or at least most everything) I wanted to do down here.
Stay tuned for a goals post.
Saturday, February 4, 2012
Sopa de menudo
… Also known as chicken feet stew.
Every few weeks the Ranch serves Sopa de Menudo, which is essentially all of the organs of the chicken AND the feet, cooked up in a very slimy broth.
It is so clearly my food limit. I made a valiant effort this week, but I just can’t get past the feet. The girls were unimpressed.
The kids trade certain organs for extra tortillas, like we traded fruit snacks for chips in elementary school.
This week, after chicken feet stew, I taught the girls some yoga moves. I think I earned a few points back when I showed off my yoga headstand.
Every few weeks the Ranch serves Sopa de Menudo, which is essentially all of the organs of the chicken AND the feet, cooked up in a very slimy broth.
It is so clearly my food limit. I made a valiant effort this week, but I just can’t get past the feet. The girls were unimpressed.
The kids trade certain organs for extra tortillas, like we traded fruit snacks for chips in elementary school.
This week, after chicken feet stew, I taught the girls some yoga moves. I think I earned a few points back when I showed off my yoga headstand.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Virgen de Suyapa
Today we celebrated the patron saint of Honduras, the Virgen de Suyapa.
The day started out with a 6:30 procession through the ranch, followed by an early morning mass.
The most interesting part? The firecrackers! This country loves firecrackers. Any time of the day!
Unfortunately, this meant firecrackers started around 5:15 this morning to celebrate Suyapa. I briefly thought we were under attack when the first one woke me up.
They pretty much continued straight through the morning. Including an especially loud round to wrap up mass. This was new to me.
The day started out with a 6:30 procession through the ranch, followed by an early morning mass.
The most interesting part? The firecrackers! This country loves firecrackers. Any time of the day!
Unfortunately, this meant firecrackers started around 5:15 this morning to celebrate Suyapa. I briefly thought we were under attack when the first one woke me up.
They pretty much continued straight through the morning. Including an especially loud round to wrap up mass. This was new to me.
How to eat a baleada
A VERY common food in Honduras is a baleada. It is very similar to a burrito with refried beans, egg, and mantiquilla*, except it is usually served more like a very large taco.
Last night, I was informed by one of the girls that I was not eating my baleada like a Honduran. In fact, several of the girls commented on the fact that I even bothered to bring a fork to a table. Gasp!
So, here is how to eat a baleada:
1. Put down that silly fork.
2. Pull off a piece of the tortilla.
3. Using the tortilla (and your hand) as a sort of spoon, scoop up the egg bean, and mantiquilla mixture.
4. Lick your fingers.
Yep, that is how you eat a baleada. The power went off as I was being instructed, so I hope your learning process goes smoother than mine did.
Oh, Honduras.
*Mantiquilla was explained to me once as “sour cream that didn’t quite make it.” It really does look like super, super runny sour cream.
Last night, I was informed by one of the girls that I was not eating my baleada like a Honduran. In fact, several of the girls commented on the fact that I even bothered to bring a fork to a table. Gasp!
So, here is how to eat a baleada:
1. Put down that silly fork.
2. Pull off a piece of the tortilla.
3. Using the tortilla (and your hand) as a sort of spoon, scoop up the egg bean, and mantiquilla mixture.
4. Lick your fingers.
Yep, that is how you eat a baleada. The power went off as I was being instructed, so I hope your learning process goes smoother than mine did.
Oh, Honduras.
*Mantiquilla was explained to me once as “sour cream that didn’t quite make it.” It really does look like super, super runny sour cream.
And the winner is…
We got our Hogar assignments tonight! This is the group I will spend the remainder of the year with, ever night and every other weekend.
I got exactly the group I wanted – Hijas de Maria. Girls, ages 7-11.
Remember the lice story? Yep, those girls.
I’m really super excited. I’m already working on what books I want to read with them, and planning out some pretty sweet sleepovers. Yay!
I got exactly the group I wanted – Hijas de Maria. Girls, ages 7-11.
Remember the lice story? Yep, those girls.
I’m really super excited. I’m already working on what books I want to read with them, and planning out some pretty sweet sleepovers. Yay!
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