Saturday morning we cleaned up the volunteer house (another group is arriving later in the day) and set out clothing, shoes and other goods to be donated to El Hogar. When our bags were packed and ready to go, we were then invited to a going away ceremony led by Claudia and the girls and boys of El Hogar.
I've been to a number of these over the years but it never gets any easier to say good bye. This year we were treated to music from the Marimba band (which is comprised of El Hogar students) and a series of thank you messages from the kids. Afterward there were hugs, smiles and more than a few tears as we came to the end of our week.
After the short ride to the airport, we checked in, made a tour of the gift shops, grabbed a quick bite and headed for the plane. I narrowly avoided a disaster when I realized at the last minute that I forgot to pay the $33 Honduran exit tax and had to rush downstairs to settle up. Tim held a spot in the line for me while making friends with most of the other departing passengers.
In Miami our team split into two groups; Tim and Julie went off to San Francisco and the rest of us to Boston. Thankfully Nicole was able to change her ticket and join the rest of us on the same Boston flight. We landed at Logan at 10:20 PM.
Thankfully we all arrived home safely. Now we're doing laundry, catching up on tasks left unattended while away and beginning the process of reflecting on what we've just been through. I'm grateful for the staff of El Hogar, for my travel mates who took the time and made the sacrifices to share this experience and mostly to the boys and girls of El Hogar who are a remarkable example of the power of faith and determination.
Best
Read
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Friday
This morning the whole EH student body, faculty and us volunteers drove across town to watch the team of EH dancers compete in a dance competition against other schools. The contest was held in a basketball gym on the grounds of the Honduran Olympic training village. There may have been 3000 students there. Although our team (made up of 5 boys and 5 girls) didn't win, they represented well and we all cheered loudly for their efforts.
In the afternoon Raul and Rich took our team out to a small village north and east from Tegucigalpa to have lunch and see a new place. There were beautiful views from this small village and we toured a Catholic church that was built in the 17th century.
Friday night we came back to El Hogar and shared a pizza dinner with the students. Three delivery men arrived with @35 pizzas on their motorcycles and we volunteers then served the boys and girls dinner. Then we went back to playing games and Nicole had the kids here draw pictures and sign a mural to bring back for her two children to bring to their school.
Tomorrow AM we'll clean out the volunteer house in preparation for the next group that will arrive in the afternoon. We'll be given a going away ceremony in the morning where we'll say adios to our old and new friends.
It's been a great week.
Read
In the afternoon Raul and Rich took our team out to a small village north and east from Tegucigalpa to have lunch and see a new place. There were beautiful views from this small village and we toured a Catholic church that was built in the 17th century.
Friday night we came back to El Hogar and shared a pizza dinner with the students. Three delivery men arrived with @35 pizzas on their motorcycles and we volunteers then served the boys and girls dinner. Then we went back to playing games and Nicole had the kids here draw pictures and sign a mural to bring back for her two children to bring to their school.
Tomorrow AM we'll clean out the volunteer house in preparation for the next group that will arrive in the afternoon. We'll be given a going away ceremony in the morning where we'll say adios to our old and new friends.
It's been a great week.
Read
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Thursday
Its our second to last night in Honduras. Or Hondo as Tim likes to call it. Today we went to see what's happening at the Agricultural School (Escuela Agricola). We toured the grounds and had lunch with the boys and Balbino, who runs the show there. As usual the graciousness and generosity of the welcome we got was overwhelming. The farm is an amazing place. The boys learn crop farming and animal husbandry - at lunch we ate meat and vegetables and eggs all produced on the farm. The school's program has attracted attention from US AID and the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund has given a grant to the school which is enabling the boys to go back into five local communities and teach the farming methods that they've learned there. Its a ripple effect that, along with everything El Hogar does, helps to break the cycle of poverty that grips this country. The ride to and from the farm is a visual reminder of the reality that most of the world lives not as we do in the United States - but in desperately poor circumstances. Now, more than ever, this has been a reminder that we all needed.
We pulled a lot of nails this afternoon after a couple of days of hauling wood for the new dormitory at El Hogar. Construction in Honduras moves with what we might consider a slow pace but with a steadiness that misses nothing. Every task is done by hand and no material is wasted. Rich told us yesterday that the entire campus at the Technical School was bought and built for $1.5 million. It is, simply put, a beautiful place, and the new chapel will serve the entire community around the school. Amazing.
As I write this post there is music coming from the auditorium where the children are practicing their dancing for a competition tomorrow morning. A joyful noise. El Hogar to me is the sound of joy. The sign above Tim and Julie's room in the volunteer house says "In everything, we give thanks". We give thanks for El Hogar tonight.
Alex Burke
We pulled a lot of nails this afternoon after a couple of days of hauling wood for the new dormitory at El Hogar. Construction in Honduras moves with what we might consider a slow pace but with a steadiness that misses nothing. Every task is done by hand and no material is wasted. Rich told us yesterday that the entire campus at the Technical School was bought and built for $1.5 million. It is, simply put, a beautiful place, and the new chapel will serve the entire community around the school. Amazing.
As I write this post there is music coming from the auditorium where the children are practicing their dancing for a competition tomorrow morning. A joyful noise. El Hogar to me is the sound of joy. The sign above Tim and Julie's room in the volunteer house says "In everything, we give thanks". We give thanks for El Hogar tonight.
Alex Burke
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Wednesday
Every morning at El Hogar the students attend a devotional at 7AM where Claudia (exec director of el hogar) and/or another member of the faculty give a talk about keeping a positive attitude, working hard, having faith in God and making a better life for themselves. These devotionals are in Spanish so it can be hard to follow but there is no mistaking the intensity and seriousness of the activity or the value to these kids. Some struggle to stand still and pay attention but most watch and listen as though their lives depended on it. And I guess in many ways it does.
Today the devotional was about love. Claudia told the boys that no matter their skin color, their family situation, their age, their looks, how long they had been here, who they knew, etc. etc. etc. that they had to love one another. Further they had to learn to fogive one another and live in love. It was powerful. When she finished we asked her for an English translation and she said; "it's all about love. Today is the day of love." And so began our day.
After breakfast we rode with Raul out to the technical school to tour the facility there. Last year we worked on a new administration building and we were anxious to see the progress and we were not disappointed. Where last year (see previous posts in this blog) there had been piles of sand and stacks of cement mix, now there is a two story building with meeting space and a new library. It's a remarkable accomplishment but just one of four new buildings that have all been constructed since 2004.
After our tour we met with Lazaro who is the director of the technical school. He has been working for El Hogar since it was founded in the late 70's. He is an orphan himself and has seen the program grow from a small group of boys in a single house to a program spread across 3 facilities that now includes more than 250 students. Despite all this he is humble and yet totally commited to serving the needs of his students. He is a man of deep faith and, at least in my eyes, strong courage. I think of all he has been through and then imagine that he has the passion, energy and faith to provide for the 100 boys that are at the technical school. "We can do none of this without the hand of God," he said to a rapt audience of volunteers in his office in the new building. He then proceeded to thank all of us for the week we are spending here with them. Relative to what he has given and then magnitude of his service this was humbling to hear. Lazaro wasn't with us at El Hogar for the morning devotional but it was clearly he knows the message.
Above, Dave throws a memorial load of sand through the screen (focal work activity last year) while the rest of the team stands in the entry way of the new chapel. Raul is at left talking with Read.
After yet another wonderfu lunch from Patti the cook at the technical school we then had a tour of the chapel which is the latest building project at El Hogar. This chapel is scheduled to be completed next month and will be open to members of the surrounding community. It's a beautiful structure and something to behold.
After lunch we returned to El Hogar and resumed work on the wood piles, deconstructing the wood forms and stacking wood in the back to make way for the final push for the new building. Tomorrow we're headed out to the farm to see the 3rd facility of this program.
Left, two El Hogar students prepare for a dance competition to be held Friday morning. We've been invited to attend and are very much looking forward to the event.
(Editor's note; Tim produced technology to allow for photos in the blog so thanks to him for the new material.)
Today the devotional was about love. Claudia told the boys that no matter their skin color, their family situation, their age, their looks, how long they had been here, who they knew, etc. etc. etc. that they had to love one another. Further they had to learn to fogive one another and live in love. It was powerful. When she finished we asked her for an English translation and she said; "it's all about love. Today is the day of love." And so began our day.
After breakfast we rode with Raul out to the technical school to tour the facility there. Last year we worked on a new administration building and we were anxious to see the progress and we were not disappointed. Where last year (see previous posts in this blog) there had been piles of sand and stacks of cement mix, now there is a two story building with meeting space and a new library. It's a remarkable accomplishment but just one of four new buildings that have all been constructed since 2004.
After our tour we met with Lazaro who is the director of the technical school. He has been working for El Hogar since it was founded in the late 70's. He is an orphan himself and has seen the program grow from a small group of boys in a single house to a program spread across 3 facilities that now includes more than 250 students. Despite all this he is humble and yet totally commited to serving the needs of his students. He is a man of deep faith and, at least in my eyes, strong courage. I think of all he has been through and then imagine that he has the passion, energy and faith to provide for the 100 boys that are at the technical school. "We can do none of this without the hand of God," he said to a rapt audience of volunteers in his office in the new building. He then proceeded to thank all of us for the week we are spending here with them. Relative to what he has given and then magnitude of his service this was humbling to hear. Lazaro wasn't with us at El Hogar for the morning devotional but it was clearly he knows the message.Above, Dave throws a memorial load of sand through the screen (focal work activity last year) while the rest of the team stands in the entry way of the new chapel. Raul is at left talking with Read.
After yet another wonderfu lunch from Patti the cook at the technical school we then had a tour of the chapel which is the latest building project at El Hogar. This chapel is scheduled to be completed next month and will be open to members of the surrounding community. It's a beautiful structure and something to behold.
After lunch we returned to El Hogar and resumed work on the wood piles, deconstructing the wood forms and stacking wood in the back to make way for the final push for the new building. Tomorrow we're headed out to the farm to see the 3rd facility of this program.
Left, two El Hogar students prepare for a dance competition to be held Friday morning. We've been invited to attend and are very much looking forward to the event.
(Editor's note; Tim produced technology to allow for photos in the blog so thanks to him for the new material.)
Tuesday
This morning we were formally introduced to the entire El Hogar staff and students. And treated to not only the opportunity to witness the morning routine, which involves an inspirational speech (to the children as well as to the volunteers), but also to a personal welcome from Claudia. During this welcome, we learned more about the school, the history, and certain children`s personal stories in particular. Despite the past tragedy in these childrens lives, we were all awestruck by the ability of these children to heal and to smile in the supportive environment of El Hogar.Tim and the boy he sponsors at El Hogar, Jason.
We then visited the classrooms and got to observe the learning environment – at each level, there was always the atmosphere of well-behaved students eager to learn, despite what on the surface might seem to be subpar classroom physical conditions.
After lunch, we began our first real session of physical work. For over three hours, the seven of us worked together to haul lumber used to support the concrete construction, taking it from inside the building to the outside, to be used again. Despite the humidity from the rains, and the weight of the wood, the exercise and team “sport” of it was thoroughly enjoyed.
We then visited the classrooms and got to observe the learning environment – at each level, there was always the atmosphere of well-behaved students eager to learn, despite what on the surface might seem to be subpar classroom physical conditions.
After lunch, we began our first real session of physical work. For over three hours, the seven of us worked together to haul lumber used to support the concrete construction, taking it from inside the building to the outside, to be used again. Despite the humidity from the rains, and the weight of the wood, the exercise and team “sport” of it was thoroughly enjoyed.
Photo to left; Nicole, Sherri, Dave and Tim move wood for the new dorm at El Hogar.
Personally, the highlight of my day was to (re) introduce myself that morning to the child I sponsor – Yeison Flores, a nine year old student here in the 2nd grade. When I told him that I was his “padrino” (literally “godfather”), his eyes – and my heart – lit up. I got to spend time with him again that night throwing a football, and after hugging him and saying goodnight, I was able to put a tangible face on the impact we can have here personally. Simply spending time with children that so badly need to know that they are cared for is one the most important roles we can play here – and what motivates us all to spend as much time with as many kids as possible. It was an amazing reminder of what a big difference a “little” gesture can make, and all the others have had similar experiences. We slept well, not just from the labor, but for seeing the joy on these kids faces.
Tim Lyons
Monday
Monday the 20th is a national holiday in Honduras so most of the faculty here is off for the day. Subsequently our volunteer team was asked to help the 2 regular staff members watch over the 50-60 kids who were here for the day. Approximately 70% of the students here have at least one known relative and many have permission to visit with these relative(s) on the weekends and days off. The rest of the students either don't have known relatives or they are in such bad circumstances that El Hogar won't let the kids leave with them.
Sherri was assigned to watch over the girls (there are 9 of them here as the first class of girls was admitted just last year.) The girls were having trouble pronouncing Sherri but seemed quite content to call her She-she. This nickname has stuck and now we hear regular calls of; donde esta she-she? (where is Sherri?)
Dave plays cards with some of the boys right.
The rest of us were assigned various groups of kids to watch over but before long many of us couldn't figure out who we were supposed to be watching and what all the various activities were. Games of soccer, basketball and chase broke out all over the campus. Paper and markers appeared and soon drawings of all sorts were covering the ground.
Julie and Alex playing with the boys. Tulio is front left in the photo.
Play is an activity that seems to transcend boundaries of language, culture and age. Our little hosts literally grab hold of you and draw you into whatever game or activity they are involved in. First time visitors can feel a little overwhelmed but usually these hesitations last only as long as it takes for someone to start playing or drawing or smiling.
At the end of the day Claudia thanked us for our help and we retired to the volunteer house for a dinner of beans, rice and cheese. Tomorrow we will meet with Claudia for an official introduction to the students and to speak with her about the program and then in the afternoon we will begin working on the new dormitory which appears to be nearing completion.
All are well and we're enjoying one another's company.
Best
Read
Sherri was assigned to watch over the girls (there are 9 of them here as the first class of girls was admitted just last year.) The girls were having trouble pronouncing Sherri but seemed quite content to call her She-she. This nickname has stuck and now we hear regular calls of; donde esta she-she? (where is Sherri?)
Dave plays cards with some of the boys right.
The rest of us were assigned various groups of kids to watch over but before long many of us couldn't figure out who we were supposed to be watching and what all the various activities were. Games of soccer, basketball and chase broke out all over the campus. Paper and markers appeared and soon drawings of all sorts were covering the ground.
Julie and Alex playing with the boys. Tulio is front left in the photo.Play is an activity that seems to transcend boundaries of language, culture and age. Our little hosts literally grab hold of you and draw you into whatever game or activity they are involved in. First time visitors can feel a little overwhelmed but usually these hesitations last only as long as it takes for someone to start playing or drawing or smiling.
At the end of the day Claudia thanked us for our help and we retired to the volunteer house for a dinner of beans, rice and cheese. Tomorrow we will meet with Claudia for an official introduction to the students and to speak with her about the program and then in the afternoon we will begin working on the new dormitory which appears to be nearing completion.
All are well and we're enjoying one another's company.
Best
Read
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Arrival Oct. 18th 2008
October 18,2008
This is my 6th year coming to El Hogar. This is an Episcopalian orphanage in Tegucigalpa, Honduras that cares for almost 250 Honduran boys and girls. It is an amazing operation that survives on the generosity of donations from North America and the devout faith of a remarkably talented staff in the US and Honduras. (Please see http://www.elhogar.org/ for more information.) My wife Jill and I came for the first time in 2002 at the invitation of a group from Winchester, MA. We've been huge supporters ever since.
Above, Alex with Juan Carlos after church service. Juan Carlos is one of two boys she sponsors at El Hogar.
This is the second year a group made up of folks from Trinity Church and friends have made the trip. If you want to read about our trip from last year, scroll down and see last year's posts.
We live here on the campus of El Hogar in the capital city in a bunk house with room for about 13 volunteers (with only 7 of us it's quite spacious.) Each year the ammenities in the bunk house improve slightly; better lighting, new tiles in the bathrooms, new furniture etc. It's still quite sparse but the effort is appreciated and most end up feeling very well cared for. There are seven of us here for the week; Nicole Allen, Alex Burke, Julie Garrison, Tim Lyons, David Paquette, Read Norton & Sherri Ryan. Jill Norton, Justin Burke and Mary Perkins had all hoped to make the trip as well but were unable to come this year.
We arrived on the same flight on Saturday from Miami and were met at the airport by Raul Castrol (project team coordinator at El Hogar) and Rich Kunz (exec. director.) Tim & Julie flew overnight from San Francisco to Miami on Friday night and we then all shared the same connecting flight to Tegucigalpa.
We spent Sat. afternoon playing with the kids and settling into the volunteer house. Sunday we went to a church service at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Tegucigalpa where Bishop Lloyd Allen presided. Afterwards we had lunch at a church fundraiser and then took a group of boys to get ice cream on the way home.
Tomorrow (Monday) we will stay at El Hogar and help watch the kids (there are almost 100 of them here) since Monday is a national holiday and most of the faculty will be away.
More to come
Read Norton
This is the second year a group made up of folks from Trinity Church and friends have made the trip. If you want to read about our trip from last year, scroll down and see last year's posts.
We live here on the campus of El Hogar in the capital city in a bunk house with room for about 13 volunteers (with only 7 of us it's quite spacious.) Each year the ammenities in the bunk house improve slightly; better lighting, new tiles in the bathrooms, new furniture etc. It's still quite sparse but the effort is appreciated and most end up feeling very well cared for. There are seven of us here for the week; Nicole Allen, Alex Burke, Julie Garrison, Tim Lyons, David Paquette, Read Norton & Sherri Ryan. Jill Norton, Justin Burke and Mary Perkins had all hoped to make the trip as well but were unable to come this year.
We arrived on the same flight on Saturday from Miami and were met at the airport by Raul Castrol (project team coordinator at El Hogar) and Rich Kunz (exec. director.) Tim & Julie flew overnight from San Francisco to Miami on Friday night and we then all shared the same connecting flight to Tegucigalpa.
We spent Sat. afternoon playing with the kids and settling into the volunteer house. Sunday we went to a church service at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Tegucigalpa where Bishop Lloyd Allen presided. Afterwards we had lunch at a church fundraiser and then took a group of boys to get ice cream on the way home.
Tomorrow (Monday) we will stay at El Hogar and help watch the kids (there are almost 100 of them here) since Monday is a national holiday and most of the faculty will be away.
More to come
Read Norton
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