All work and no play....no way!

We cleaned 250 kids´ teeth, sent 30 to the dentist, did a health review with fun games, performed skits with puppets teaching how to brush and other health related themes to 600 kids, performed 600 eye acuity exams, gave HIV education to 40 employees at Dole, went to Trujillo (one of the most beautiful beaches in Honduras), took a train to a boat for a river tour of the jungle where we saw howler monkeys and a baby crocodile, laid in a hammock and caught some zzz´s, helped build a house for Habitat for Humanity, had a surprise birthday party given by my Intermediate English class and got bit by a monkey. And that is just the last two weeks!

Ok, so of course while I like to think I could, I didn’t do all of this single handedly. We had a team from Toronto that did the cleaning and dentistry. Needless to say I´ve been saying ”eh” without even realizing it. While the three hygienists cleaned teeth that have never been exposed to a scraper, or whatever the technical word for that thingy is, I entertained them with a fun review playing musical chairs and “hot potato”. My role was also logistics, my forte, although I am rethinking proclaiming this after this experience. This was a success on so many levels. First, the kids who really needed fillings and root canals either got them this week or are on a list to be seen. Second, the kids were amazing. Some were scared at first, but only because in the land of Honduras all they do is pull teeth, not fix them, so that is what the kids are used to. After I assured them the hygienists certainly weren’t going to pull, and if they were sent to the dentist he would only pull if absolutely necessary, they were very willing and so well behaved. One kid, Alex, had to go to the dentist 3 days in a row for various treatments, all in all valuing over $4,000. He showed up every day with a smile on his face. Even if that was the only kid that was helped during my entire service it would be worth it, but the great thing is that there are so many more being helped. One of the women with the team asked me a question that had been keeping her up at night one evening over a well-deserved cocktail, “Is it worth it? I know we are here teaching them how to take care of their teeth and that’s great, but are our efforts for naught; do you really think they will continue what we have been showing them?” My response, “If one child does it, it’s worth it”. This is the philosophy that has been keeping me going, advice given to me by my dear friend Susan, a missionary here in El Porvenir.

Speaking of Susan, animal lover and proud owner of Cha Cha the white-faced monkey, I now come to the “got bit by a monkey” part of my intro. So, it was a peaceful day, the breeze was blowing, the sun was shining and I decided it was the perfect day to introduce myself to Cha Cha. She loved me….at first. She climbed up my arm and snuggled my neck and petted my arm, and then, she turned. Teeth sunk into my arm as if I were a prime cut of meat. Susan did what she could but Cha Cha stood strong. As I contemplated my escape it was an eternity before Susan got a hold of her long enough for me to flee for the door. So I didn’t make a new friend that day, but the good news is I didn’t contract rabies either. How many of you can say you got bit by a monkey, pretty cool, eh?

(Abuelito Encillas) Grandpa Gums is the star of our puppet show, a skit teaching kids about the importance of dental care, protection from the sun, washing hands, etc. Along with that we give out toothbrushes and do fluoride treatments. The great thing is we go back every year for a review, so hopefully something sticks, and I don’t mean the plaque on their teeth! An adjunct to our eye acuity exams is discovering problems that have nothing to do with dental or optical health. Ana, a six year old sweetie pie was up for her eye exam when someone from our team asked about what looked like a burn on her neck. Well, a burn it was not, but a horrible skin disease that the girl has lived with since she was four months old. We sent for her father who permitted us to take some photos to show a dermatologist. Ana lifted her shirt and skirt and, to my dismay, uncovered sores all over her body, the worst of which we were informed was in places not suitable to be shown in public. Remember what I said about just one child? What a testament to that philosophy!

Now the fun stuff! Trujillo, aka heaven, is a beautiful coastal town with a bay bound beach. The water is clean and clear and there are no tourists! Picture 80 degrees, sun shining, waves lapping at our feet on the shore, cold drink in hand, and a view of the mountains on either side of the bay, man o man, it just doesn’t get better than that.

One of our volunteers works with Habitat for Humanity in La Ceiba and invited us along to help build a house for a family. It was great fun, a good workout and now I know a little more about mixing concrete and making walls out of concrete blocks. If anyone needs a house built, I`m your girl, well not really, but I can help!

There is a wildlife reserve called Cuero y Salado in a nearby town which we visited recently. You drive to a little train, just one car really, which takes you to a little motor boat. From there you go up a river into a series of channels to find wildlife. We saw howler monkeys, bats and a baby crocodile. Sometimes manatees are spotted. It’s a peaceful place with mangroves, birds and vines all over the place. Just to be out on the water was a treat. Our guide apparently spoke monkey because he would hoo hoo hoo and the monkeys would reply. One of the women from the Canadian team tried and they didn’t respond. I told her they must not have understood her Canadian accent.

By the way, that`s Dr. Bill Kerr the dentist and I in the photo, not the monkeys.

My Proverbial Peace Corps Glass

So, do I see it as time here being one-third gone, or two-thirds remaining? It depends on the day. Let me take you through some of my days here and you can see how the rollercoaster I call my life in Honduras works. Here, more it seems than anywhere I have ever been, there definitely is an equal and opposite reaction to every action, I repeat, opposite reaction. That is to say, it seems for every positive there is inevitably a negative.

Recently I had one of those Peace Corps moments, a moment where all of the trouble, training, cold showers, being away from friends and family were so worth it. A group of 12 women approached me when I first arrived here, when I didn’t know much of anything about anything. They had formed an organization with a name, purpose and list of members and filed it with the equivalent of our Secretary of State. Wow, very organized and determined, of course I would try to help such a group. As I found out more about them and about the municipality I work with, the puzzle began fitting together, at least in my mind, I hoped the other involved parties would agree. The women essentially want to start a business to earn money as mostly single mothers. Great, what kind of business I ask, a seemingly simple question right? Visualize large flood gates opening; Sewing, water purification, childcare, tilapia farms, baking, tourism, you name it, and they probably did too. Ok, problem #1, focus. Whittling down these ideas has, to this day not been completely done away with, but we are getting there and they finally decided sewing is what they wanted to pursue. Great, now where do they get the seed capital to start it up? They naturally assumed I, being the one with the white skin, had it in my back pocket, or better yet, I could call my rich uncle who owns the Fortune 500 in the states and it would just be a matter of filling in the amount on the check. One of the biggest obstacles I have here as a Peace Corps volunteer, rebutting the money tree that everyone seems to think exists. My job is developing people, not spitting out money like an ATM. Luckily, being a Municipal Development volunteer, I am well aware of a pocket of funds called ERP funds (Early Reduction of Poverty) with, what do you know, a specific line item for micro-enterprises for single mothers (a mini Peace Corps moment). Naturally I explain the undeniable connection and, to my chagrin, am refuted and informed that they have been trying to get help from the municipality for years to no avail. Firm, but understanding, I laid it out, if they wanted my help we were going have to start on the inside and work our way out seeking funds. First the municipality, then local non-profit organizations, then, if we had to, further to other countries. Begrudgingly, they agreed. Acting as a liaison between the people and the municipality is a natural fit for me, and, lucky for me, part of my job. We all sat down together with the Community Development person in the municipality, Kelly, who agreed to allow the women to put on a presentation to the municipality. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the presentation due to a prior commitment, but they certainly didn’t need me, (Ok, this is it, the big Peace Corps moment), it was a hit and the municipality loved it and agreed to fund them!! And, then, in true Peace Corps fashion, just as quickly as it had come, it went, well kind of. A week later Kelly casually asked, what happened to your girls, they were supposed to get me their solicitation outlining the project with a budget, etc. Ugghhh! All of that and so much more to go and already the follow through is crashing and burning. Ok, they just need a little pick me up, again part of my job. Just in case they were stuck, I scour my resources the whole day and print out some forms on how to write a project, budgeting, etc. I knew the president of the group would be up at the high school selling fruit to the kids at their break time, so I went there. Just as I had suspected, they didn’t know where to go from here, no problem, that’s why I am here. We scheduled a meeting for the following Monday. Six of the twelve women showed up because it was raining, never mind I had the furthest to walk. It’s a good thing that I am a decent facilitator because they were back to discussing other ideas for projects rather than ironing out the details for the sewing gig. Seriously, let’s focus. Back on track we went through the forms I had pulled answering questions about how their sewing project would help the community, the people involved, etc. Then we slid with a screeching halt into the budget portion. They had no idea how much a sewing machine would cost, how much material they would need to sew one purse, how many zippers and buttons they might need. No, problem, I am good at this stuff, that’s why I am here. I suggested they make a list of the things they would need, equipment, material to last a year until they were self-sustaining and anything else they may need. Diligently the list was made and, while we may have hit up Google for such research, they assigned one of the younger members the task of going into La Ceiba (a larger nearby city) the next day to fill in the blanks on their budget. Perfect! They were scheduled to meet with Kelly in two days to turn in the final solicitation. Of course, after attempting to confirm the turn-in date with Kelly she moved the date to the following week, which was actually an advantage; it gave them more time to work. I called the president to relay the new date and told her I wouldn’t be able to make it, but if they had any questions in the meantime to not hesitate to contact me. D day and I was so proud of the women, and of me for doing exactly what a Peace Corps volunteer should be doing, without too much frustration. I went to the high school for some other business and saw the president of the group selling her fruit. Como le fue? (How did it go?) I ask almost giddily. Fijese que (I believe I have explained this expression, but in case some of you missed it, this phrase is almost always followed by some sort of excuse for not having done something) it was raining this morning and I got up late and had to go to town….. (the list goes on, but I will not bore you). Now, take the exact opposite of the beautiful Peace Corps moment I had experienced before and plug that in here as I let out an exasperated sigh. Certainly the disappointment showed on my face; good, it should I thought. I worked really hard and felt extremely let down and I wasn’t shy about letting them know that. She asked me if turning it in tomorrow was Ok and since the municipality also functions on the same mindset I’m sure it was fine but I told her I didn’t know, today was the day and that’s all I know, as I literally threw my hands up in despair..

As you can see, positive and negative effects neatly woven together represent my work here as a Peace Corps volunteer, and this is just one instance. I have similar stories in my artillery, all comprised of both small and significant accomplishments and disappointments alike. Is that how I approached challenges in my past life? I don’t know, the contrast just seems more pronounced here. For now I will concentrate on the positive things amongst some of the angst filled parts like playing in the sand on the beach with some of my favorite kids, teaching my English class, working hard to finally have a functioning high school-community library and playing in the bamboo ridden Lancetilla botanical gardens. In the meantime, I can’t help but wonder,

is the road ahead of me a long one, or not long enough?

I am Grateful

I am grateful for the blister on my foot from where my old shoe rubs, because it means I have shoes to wear.
I am grateful for the few extra pounds around my waist, because it means I have enough to eat.
I am grateful for the rats that crawl around in my roof all night keeping me awake, because it means I have a roof over my head.
I am grateful for the scratches on my knuckles from scrubbing my clothes clean, because it means I have a place to wash my clothes.
I am grateful for all of the armpit stains on every single one of my tank tops, because it means I have clothes to wear.
I am grateful for my aching legs after walking all day long, because it means I am able to walk.
I am grateful for making silly mistakes in Spanish, because it means I am able to speak.
I am grateful for eating beans, rice and tortillas everyday, because it means I am eating, everyday.
I am grateful for my cold shower because it means I am able to bathe when I want and in the privacy of my own home.
I am grateful for the buses that leave me coughing as the exhaust fills my path, because it means I am breathing.
I am grateful for the roosters, dogs, donkeys, birds and kids that wake me up at 5 in the morning, because it means I am waking up that morning.

Mountains and beaches and floods, Oh My!

*****2009 is upon us and if my time leading up to it and the last 9 days are any indication of the coming year, I am in for lots of fun, challenges, progress with my projects and the most beautiful natural landscapes I have ever laid my eyes on. The first two pictures were taken about a month ago when we received inches upon inches of rain in about a day. At some depths it was up to my thigh. The family pictured is the family of Caloi, a man who works for Susan and Scott, a missionary couple who lives here in town. The most amazing part of the experience had nothing to do with the water level, but the strength of the people who were effected. We did what we could to get everything off of the ground and to block the water where we could, but then, as you can see, we made lemonade with those soggy lemons, busted out the canoe and row row rowed the boat gentley down the street.

*****The next set of pictures were taken at a waterfall on a river called Rio Zacate. After about an hour hike just into Pico Bonito the jungle revealed the steaming falls as the light shed through I felt like I was on a movie set, it was just so unreal. We swam for a bit, had a snack, soaked up the glorious view and headed back through the lush green forest. The pictures tell the story far better than I ever could.

*****The motley crew after the waterfall pics are some friends who visited over the holiday season. Chilling on the beach, swaying in some hammocks, enjoying each other, I couldn´t have asked for a better way to ring in the new year.

*****Speaking of chillin on the beach, as you can see I really hated swimming and soaking up some rays on Christmas and New Year´s Days. Definately something I have never done and will not soon forget.

*****Next, Santa and Mrs. Claus, aka Susan and Scott caught on their way to spread Christmas joy with some Hondurans. They do incredible things for El Porvenir and other aldeas all over this region of Honduras from helping the fishermen build forest friendly boats to running 10 feeding centers. I don´t know how they do it all, I am half their age and they run circles around me.

*****The remaining pictures are from a half day hike I did up Pico Bonito. A Honduran guide took me and showed me the flora and fauna, including some tucans. Being quite the nature guy, at one point my arm brushed a cocoon which had natural defense spineys all over it and the pain shot through my forearm. Although I´ve never been stung by a jellyfish, for some reason I feel like thats how this felt. He jumped into action, sliced open the cocoon with his machete until it oozed a clear liquid which he slathered onto my arm where the pain was. Immediately the pain was relieved, good thing he was there. At one point I commented that the mosquitos were biting pretty bad, in no time he tracked down a specific plant, ripped off some leavesl, smashed them up and then handed the mash to me to spread the natural repellent on my body. Deet free and a a fresh woodsy scent, who needs Off??

*****As for work, it´s really starting to take off. I gave my first English test on Thursday and they did really well. Coming up we are having a community meeting to discuss the uniform exchange program. School is going to start back up at the beginning of February so we will start the Healthy Living Program where we go into each classroom with puppets, games and activities teaching the kids about oral hygiene, general healthy living and HIV-AIDS. Also, I can´t wait to work with the already existing environmental groups in the schools to really concentrate on getting a workable recycling program going in our town. After a fun and restful holiday break I am so ready to sink my teeth into the meat of my work here.

Feliz Navidades

It was about halfway (maybe a little less, in my defense) through training and we were scheduled to have a meeting with the safety and security guy from Peace Corps. He had been on leave as his wife had recently given birth to their second child. I was all set to properly bestow upon him the proper wishes for such an occasion, a very heartfelt Congratulations. I wanted to be the first one to say it (what am I in first grade?). He walked in and I blurted it out, Feliz Navidades! His cheeks flushed a little and then his face told me the ah ha went off in his brain and he graciously thanked me with a slight giggle. Of course my fellow trainees were not as forgiving, the entire room erupted into laughter, then my face went beet red. One of my friends explained that not only had I wished him Merry Christmas, but Merry Christmases! It was an honest mistake, congratulations is felicidades, I just merged the two words for Merry Christmas. What a rookie I was (hopefully this is a past tense and I have advanced at least a little past rookie status). As such, I wish you all Feliz Navidades and Happy Holidays from the bottom of my heart. May you enjoy this time with good friends, loving family and happy hearts. I have found new friends and family here in Honduras, not to replace the old ones, but to add to my classic collection.

Hogar dulce hogar

I can hardly sleep, I feel like a kid on Christmas Eve that has already peeked at my gifts and now am imagining all of the possibilities how to play with my new toys when they are actually in my possession tomorrow (not that I would know what that feels like Mom). I move into my new house tomorrow, my very own Honduran casa, complete with mango and coconut trees! My host family has been and will continue to be precious to me, just as the other two were, however it has been more than 5 months since I moved to this wonderful country and I have lived with generous families ever since, it´s time to spread my newly grown Honduran wings. Not only is this the first time I´ve lived out of my own country, but it´s the first time ever I will be living alone, wooohooo! At this moment I have exactly zero furniture, not a bed, not a stove, not even a chair or a pot to you know what in, but the whole echoing place is mine, all mine I say! There are three bedrooms, only two of which I have access to as the owners are storing something in the third (only in Honduras, right?). Worried at first that it might be bodies or drugs I was relieved when the realtor revealed the owner was a doctor and stores medical supplies there. The house is in a really safe neighborhood complete with watchman riding around on bikes, not to mention the necessity to unlock three locks before you can even step foot in the house. Did I mention there is also a 15 foot concrete fence surrounding the perimeter, very Fort Knoxish. The yard is huge with lots of shade from trees, a seemingly perfect spot for a vegetable garden, however seeing as I have never grown a vegetable in my life stay tuned for the result of this theory. I am looking forward to making it my own with a little paint and a lot of thrifty imagination. Any money saving tips on furnishing and-or decorating would be greatly appreciated. Does anyone have experience making furniture out of paper mache?

Going postal?

Being patient and flexible has been crucial to my success thus far in Honduras. Things are constantly being changed, people don`t show up when they say they are going to and things take 10 times as long to get done here than I`ve ever experienced. I am surely rolling with the punches. The most recent jab was received last week when I went to the post office (aka the house of a women named Yolanda where the mail for my town is delivered from a nearby larger town). She came to the door and began, ¨Fijese que...¨ which in Spanish translate to something like,¨Here´s the thing...¨. She proceeded to tell me that after 14 years of providing this service to my town of El Porvenir that it will no longer be provided. So, not a big deal, I have rented a PO Box in the La Ceiba, so I do have a new address for you to continue sending all of the wonderful things you have been sending. Yesterday I got the announcement of my best friends new son, last week a dear friend sent fall leaves pressed in wax paper to give me a taste of the Northeast Ohio autumn I missed so dearly and a few weeks ago I received 18 individual letters from my friends classroom of students asking some great questions about what I am doing here and Honduras. Thank you so much for all of the great mail. I received some good news today that I may be able to move into my new house as soon as this weekend and when I do I can`t wait to decorate my walls with all of the beautiful pictures I`ve received. Here`s the new address:

Jessica Dillworth

Apartado Postal #911

La Ceiba, Atlantida

Honduras, Central America

Don`t worry about the letters and packages currently in route, they will get to me. Believe it or not my Spanish is good enough that I was able to go to the post office, explain what I needed and that I was still waiting for mail going to my old address and rent a PO box! This patience thing is really paying off!