Pavilion
Our area includes a total of 15.000 square meters. We have 5 buildings as well as 3 mango trees, 3 Avocado trees and 5 coconut trees. However, since we lacked a shady place outdoors, Edwing built a pavilion for us. It now also functions as a gathering place for visitors, or as a place for study as well as a common venue.
Corn Crop
As I mentioned in the last couple of newsletters, we are owners of a cornfield. In August, we were ready to harvest the corn. Our cooks performed a feat for us to savor various corn dishes such as Tamales (corn pastries with peas), Mantuca (corn pastries with pork and chicken), Elotes locos (corn mash), Tamalitos (corn mash similar to polenta), Riguas (corn tortillas) and Fritas (deep-fried corn).
IHNFA
Our children come from the state home (IHNFA). This home repeatedly had problems during the last couple of months, with the staff going on strike in August. Imagine a children’s home with 150 kids and no staff! Our kids participated in a children’s home courier. Our motto consisted in teaching social values to the kids.
Coca Cola
The mountain chain of Merendon is located near San Pedro Sula. It is the only place where one can hike on a “mountain” near San Pedro Sula. The way up took us about an hour. We enjoyed the wonderful view, the green landscape and the colorful flowers during our picknick. The excursion is called Coca Cola because one can spot an oversized Coca Cola sign from the mountain.
Josue’s first steps
We couldn’t believe our eyes when Josue made his first steps without walking aid in September. By now, he’s walking the whole area and also tries to run. When Josue came to us 2½ years ago, the doctors projected little chances of survival. His chances of being able to walk were little, as well, since he suffers from scoliosis and high damages from malnutrition. Thanks to Jousue’s strong determination, many therapies, his walking aid and our patience, he finally made it!!!
Children’s Month
In Honduras, September 10 is children’s day. Schools, churches, and all the places which are visited by children, celebrate this day with games, clowns, gifts, and special food. Of course, the Piñatas are an absolute necessity. Piñatas are fantasy figures made of papier mâché filled with candies, which are hung up. One child after another gets to hit the Piñata with a stick until the candy drops and everyone falls on them. This year, more companies, church groups, university students, and private people than ever before visited. Thus, our girls and boys basically celebrated a Children’s Month.
Once a month, our local group from Gran Commission visits us to play with the children, to act plays, and to teach songs to our children. This month, they set up a special game afternoon, and I enjoy seeing those people identifying with our kids and putting themselves on a level with them.
Our kids’ attitude is very impressive. Since they received a lot of candy and gifts, they gave me lots of candy to share with the “poor kids” (slum kids). Therefore, we went to a slum together for them to distribute their gifts and candy.
Radio-visit
The Honduran radio channel “LA MEGA URBANA” visited us to celebrate children’s day with the kids. Fortunately, most of our kids aren’t shy and had the courage to perform, sing songs and dance the whole day.
Swimming
Our volunteer Marlen Künzli invited all of us to go swimming in San Manuel. The kids enjoyed the water during the whole day. Even the little ones had heaps of fun! On excursions like this one, we’re a big family and our favorite food is chicken and French fries.