It's been one month.... part 3

 Psalms 72:8
He shall have dominion also from sea to sea,
And from the River to the ends of the earth.

Is a scripture verse that is a part of Canada's constitution.
It's also the verse that we used as our theme when we went into the one of the schools of Hope last week. We had two days of "Canada day" Celebrations, even though Canada day was more than a month past.

We talked to them about letting God have dominion over things in their lives, their neighbourhood, their family.

  On the first day we divided each of the six grades into teams and had relays planned for them. Honestly remembering this school in the past I expected total chaos, but it ended up going fairly smooth all things considered. The kids  loved it, even the older children.  Kids in grade 6 in Canada would not enjoy these games. At least I don't think so.  They would have thought them to be too young or childish, but for these kids I think it was a rare treat; something different from the usual. These kids don't have all the distractions that kids in Canada have. No computers, or internet, no electronics. It's like how it was when I was a kid, when the simple things in life were enough to make me happy.

Some of the games we had were puzzles, pin the tail on the beaver,  mini hockey competitions, water relay,  plastic  Easter egg relay, get dressed in scarves, mitts, boots (crocs) relay faster than the person on the other team.

The game I was in charge with was the pinning the tail on the beaver. I also had two other pinning things going on at the same time. Pinning the maple leaf on the flag, and pinning the antlers on the moose. Some of the older boys got a little silly with the tail on the beaver and were pinning it somewhere else. I guess even in Honduras boys will be boys!

A couple days later we were back up in the mountain at the same school.  This time we had presents to hand out to the school director and teacher of the month.

We had beautiful piñatas made by Victors' wife.  One was a Canada flag and the other was a Honduran flag. Victor lives in the neighbourhood of the schools and is one of our translators. He is also pastor. He is a gentle, fun, loving little guy. Such a heart for his community and for the Lord. He is like Jesus to these kids. You can see him in the blue in the photo below.

We also served the hotdogs for lunch and had Price Smart make two cakes decorated like the Canada flag. A nice change from the beans and rice that some kids may tire of day after day.
The other thing we did was dedicate the school's feeding program. The director of the school and Judy cut the ribbon and the new kitchen was opened.

It was another great day at the school. I day I am sure the kids will remember for a while.

It's been one month.....part 2

One of the things we have been doing since arriving in Honduras is heading up to our kids school for various appointments. All along we thought they were starting August 8th; when in reality it is this coming Monday, August 26.
We have already purchased their uniforms with the exception of white socks for Elisa. Ben and Elisa are not looking forward to wearing the uniforms. Elisa was downright grumpy about it after we brought them home last week. She thinks they are ugly and I tend to agree with her, but I totally get the whole wearing a uniform thing. Stay tuned for photos.

Any of the handouts we have been given at these meetings with important information are all in Spanish. That's a little frustrating since at the moment we know very little Spanish. So, in reality we are signing forms that we have no clue what we are signing. Well, we  have a general idea I suppose as most of the information is covered at the meetings. Thankfully they did have an interpreter there for us.  Hopefully none of the guidelines are broken by our kids as there are consequences. . I know the boys have to have their hair kept nice and trim and around the ears; and no low riding for my oldest, no make up for Elisa. The are different uniforms for different days of the week as well, and you can't show up in the wrong uniform.

This week alone we have to be at the school four different times. Three of the meeting times are at 5pm. I asked Judy about the time because to me it seemed odd to have a meeting begin at 5pm when that is dinner time...at least for my family.  On more than one occasion I have noticed this. The other time was when we attended CEAD church they had announced an evening of praise and worship this coming Sunday from 5-7.  Again, I thought to myself  "why in the world have a meeting start at 5pm?"
Apparently in Honduras most people eat their evening meal later on; 7 or even 8pm. It makes total sense now why the meetings begin at 5.

One day this past week Dale and I stopped in at a language school to look into language training. It is so imperative that we get started on this immediately. It is probably the biggest struggle right now is being in the dark about everything; not understanding what people are trying to communicate with you. There are many times when I get the gist of it, but basically no comprende.
It was like that when we attended the Spanish speaking church service at CEAD. It was all in Spanish so we didn`t have a clue what was being said. The worship was amazing, and we were familiar with the songs as they were Hillsongs United, but again didn`t know the words so sang them in English.
Once we have the language down pat it will make things so much better. Not just for understanding what people are saying to us, but for getting to know them, getting to know their heart, what their needs are and being able to minister to them effectively.

There are times when I feel so emotional. Please don`t misunderstand me. I am happy and excited to finally be here, but there are times when I feel lonely and sad. Grumpy even.  I miss my family and my friends back in Canada a lot. We are trying to fit into a culture that we really don`t belong in. Some things may look like Canada on the outside but in reality it isn`t Canada and it`s so different. One has to be more cautious here. Always on the alert to your surroundings.  For someone like me who is used to being on the go all the time, I find this very difficult. I can`t just walk to the mall or coffee shop if I need to get out of the house. There have been times where I feel cooped up. I know it`s all an adjustment and God is helping me get through it and giving me the strength each day. I am learning that it`s ok to just rest...rest in Him and draw closer to Him because without the Lord I would never be able to get through each day.

I am learning patience....slowly! Things here take longer than they do in Canada. Even when purchasing office chairs from Office Depot is an outing that is not as simple as just buying a couple chairs. Nope. They open each box and take each part of the chair out piece by piece and slowly very slowly...in slow motion, take it out and look at from each angle inspecting it piece by piece. It`s funny now but in the moment when you are in a hurry and wanting to get on to the next thing it`s not so funny. Everything within me is saying hurry up!!. Why is this taking so long!  Opening a bank account took two hours! So it`s a learning process as we adjust to life here in Honduras. Life in the slow lane except for when you are in traffic when no one has any patience and cars are honking at you to move when you have no where to go. It takes getting used to.

I was reading in my devotions the other day and the words kind of jumped out at me..
Romans 5.3-5 ( The  Message)
There`s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we are hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we`re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary- we can`t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit.


sign at the kids school.

So that being said....please continue to keep our family in your prayers as we adjust to a new culture and new country.  It`s an adjustment for us all. We appreciate your prayers so much.

It's been one month .....part 1.

It's hard to believe that just more than one month ago we boarded a plane for Honduras. In a lot of ways it seems like we have been here a lot longer. So much has happened in a relatively short period of time. I was going to write all that I wanted to write in one post but I have a feeling it will be too long so I will do it in a couple parts.

For the first couple weeks we lived in the team house while we looked for housing; a process that was almost draining.  We looked at nine homes in all.  Eight houses and one apartment. All of them I liked; except for the run down place with a bat flying out of one of the bedrooms. But even it had a lot going for it if it were fixed up.
  So many things to consider in looking for a home in a foreign country where everything is so different from everything we are familiar with, everything we know to be "normal".  I guess nine may not be that many to some, but by the end of it we were just done; ready to make a decision.

 I had been praying long before we even moved that we would be settled in a home before the kids started school on August 26th. One thing about God is he knows our hearts desire;  and when it came to timing of the house, He delivered right on time!
We ended up after much prayer deciding on a lovely home where we offered less than the asking price for rent. The real estate agent who had shown us the home told us that she would never go for that....but the land lady did! What a blessing and surprise that was. God never ceases to amaze me in how He blesses us. He is so good!
One of the things we had wanted was a view and this house definitely has views...some of the best in Honduras I  think. One cannot sit outside on the terrace, look at the view and not feel blessed by God; not feel His peace. We see his beautiful creation just outside our door or in looking out our windows.

The house itself is not in the best of areas. However, we are safe as we do have a gate and walls surrounding the property that are topped with razor wire and an electric fence.  It isn't safe for me to walk outside  of that gate, and those who know me, know how difficult that is, as I am such an outdoor kind of girl.   But, we do go to a place where I feel safe to walk and Dale can run. I also do walk in my area of three houses....up and down the hill and around the court yard and the top and bottom. Crazy I know; but it works for me.

We have been in our home for two weeks already. Slowly we are picking up furniture ( some of it hand crafted in Honduras and stained with nothing more than shoe polish) It is starting to look and feel like a home. We love it aside from the ants we can't get rid of . In all honesty they drive me crazy. I have almost been in tears over them...waking up and finding my counter and floor covered in hundreds of tiny ants. However I have been told that it is a part of tropical living and there really isn't a lot we can do about it. So I put up with them and try not to stress about it.  We are also getting used to no hot water....it's tepid but definitely not hot. I guess that is one of the "perks" of living in a third world country.

 

One really "cool" thing that I have mentioned before is that missionaries that I met on facebook a year ago, right after our dog died...previously lived in this home a few years ago!
 Back then it was very different and the owners have done a lot of renovating to this place...but it's the same home; just different. I can't get over the fact that in a city of 1.7 million people and how many houses that people I know lived here before us.  I have seen some of the before photos too and what a change!

We also bought our vehicle! It's a yellow Nisson and is the same colour as our house!  The great thing about it is that it is an automatic. I don't plan on driving anytime soon though; but perhaps some day I will tire of being a passenger and want to drive myself to the grocery store, mall or where ever.

The driving here is way different than in Canada. There just seem to be no rules to the road. People make their own lanes, they don't signal if they are turning and cars will pass you on the left and the right. If you are going to drive here you need to pay attention. I have been freaked out many times and have screamed several times while my hands are flapping. Not sure what all the hand flapping will accomplish but it's a reactionary thing. That being said, Dale is getting really good at finding his way around the city and at driving Honduras style!

Food prep and cake decorating in Honduras

 This post is going to be a little different than what I usually write but
 I thought I would share it anyway for anyone who might find it interesting to know the way things are done here at least if you are a foreigner when it comes to preparation of produce.

Before you cook your veggies and fruit here in Honduras, you need to be sure to clean them properly to ensure that you do not get sick.
 What I have been doing after purchasing my groceries is washing them all at once so that they are done for a few days. I have to admit I do not enjoy this process as it is very time consuming especially if you have purchased a large amount of produce. It also uses a ton of bottled water. The other day I used an entire 5 gallon bottle.
Below is the way I have been trained by Judy  in the cleaning of fruits and veggies.

Cleaning fruits and vegetables

Vegetables and fruits with hard skins

The first thing you have to do is examine your fruits and vegetables for cracks. If you find any, do not use this procedure; use the procedure for leafy vegetables below

Vegetables and fruits with hard skins such as peppers, tomatoes. Zucchini, carrots. Lemons. Oranges, apples etc….. can all be washed in HOT soapy tap water

Do NOT soak them in soapy water.

Wash them quickly and rinse thoroughly in hot tap water.

Place them in a bowl big enough to allow PURIFIED water to cover them.

Let them soak in a solution of 5 drops of microdine to 1 gallon of water for 20 mins.

If the tops or sides of the vegetables or fruits are not under water, rotate them after the 20 mins and soak for another 20 minutes

Rinse well in Purified water (after the 20 minute solution soak)

Place in to a clean bowl with some paper towel in the bottom to drain the remaining water.

You can remove the paper towel after completely drained

Eat and Enjoy!

 

Leafy vegetables

The first thing you have to do is examine your fruits and vegetables for debris or bugs. If you find any, either throw it out or if it’s not a lot you have an option to use it after cleaning.

YOU WOULD DO THIS SAME PROCEDURE back in Canada but here you just have to be a little more careful.

 

Vegetables and fruits that are leafy or porous such as lettuce, basil, cilantro, parsley, strawberries... can NOT be washed in HOT soapy tap water.

They must be cleaned individually (one leaf at a time, one strawberry at a time) in PURIFIED WATER.

Rinse and clean until you know it looks good such as no more debris or brown colored water.

Wash them quickly and rinse thoroughly in PURIFIED water.

Place them in a bowl big enough to allow PURIFIED water to cover them.

Let them soak in a solution of 5 drops of microdine to 1 gallon of water for 20 mins.

If the tops or sides of the vegetables or fruits are not under water, rotate them after the 20 mins and soak for another 20 minutes

Rinse well in Purified water (after the 20 minute solution soak)

Place in to a clean bowl with some paper towel in the bottom to drain the remaining water.

You can remove the paper towel after completely drained

CAUTION!!!! Do not over soak things like strawberries/ blackberries as they will become very SOOGY.Soak time for these I usually reduce to 15 mins and always make sure they are under water.

A small plate helps keep them down under.

Eat and Enjoy!

 

Onions/ garlic/ Potatoes

Anything that has peeling skins on that you are going to cook or fry can be washed in hot soapy water if you wish. (Onions/ garlic)

“Or”

Vegies with skins that peel can be carefully peeled and cut without washing. (Onions / garlic)

It’s your choice

I always wash my potatoes in tap water only as I am going to cook them.

Cook all vegetables in purified water

When you are in doubt do the wash. J

Food preparation/ July 2013/ J. Lundrigan

Now for Cake Decorating

 

Since we have moved here I have made two cakes. The first one I noticed nothing unusual as it was a mix and the icing was canned. By the way it was a flavour I had never seen in Canada....Key lime cake mix and key lime frosting. The frosting was AMAZING! I could have eaten it right out of the can.

 Jake had his 15th birthday the other day and as usual I wanted to make him whatever cake he wanted. It's been the tradition since the kids came to live with us over ten years ago.
  I baked the cake and adjusted the temperature accordingly because we are living in a higher altitude. I made my fail proof buttercream icing. Normally I have to add a little extra liquid or more vanilla to this recipe to whatever consistency I need at the time. However once the icing was made; I noticed it was not the same consistency at all. I ended up having to add more icing sugar and more flour because it was not thick enough.
Icing sugar here in Honduras is not the same texture as it is in Canada or the States. It is almost granulated and the finished result although  delicious, was quite gritty...not smooth the way one would think buttercream should be. Welcome to Honduras!
Next time I need to remember to add a lot less liquid and try and tweak the recipe to perfection. I will be sure to have fun trying anyway!

Honduras is a land of extremes...

There are moments during the day that I forget that I am not in Canada anymore. Times when I am walking through  mega stores like Diunsa, Price Mart, Lady Lee and the beautiful mall near by where things seem very North American. They have many of the brand name stores that we have in Canada and the States and while walking through these stores one would not think this is Honduras; except for the fact that armed guards stand outside each door.
There are also restaurants that we are familiar with; such as Applebees, Ruby Tuesdays, Baskin Robins and even Wendy`s.

There are other times like when I am walking in this gated community that I feel more or less safe but I wouldn't dare step outside the gate on my own because to do so wouldn't be wise. Dale and I have walked to these places together along the busy highway and that's ok to do in this area, but we always need to be on alert.  Traffic is another indication you are not in Canada anymore! Four lanes of traffic could actually become 7 with cars passing on both the left and right and cars or motor bikes zipping between each lane. Dale and I crossed these lanes on the highway the other day and it was an experience! Cars will not stop for you so you need to run and run fast!

 Then there are the peddlers walking between the lanes of vehicles at the traffic lights, selling meringue cookies, back scratchers, cell phone covers and chargers, candy floss and fruit.
It breaks my heart to see even elderly women and little kids walking between the cars at these lights trying to peddle their goods to whoever will buy them,  knowing full well that they cannot come home until they make their quota for the day. Some days; because of the fact they need to earn their keep, they will not make it home. It is beyond sad and I am sure it breaks the heart of God to see the injustice of it all.  It seems so hopeless. The elderly and children were not made for this.  To picture my own mother on the streets having to earn her keep after years of raising my brother and I would be so unfair. Yet, this is reality here in Honduras. These are real people.  People with emotions and needs. People with  real dreams. They are someone's mom, grandma,  sister, or child.  Oh, that I never become immune to it, that it never becomes the norm to see, that it always breaks something in me.

On the drive up to the mountains where the schools of hope are, is also like entering another land. It is a very bumpy, rough and winding terrain.  A grave yard  "The potter's field" lines most of the right hand side on the way up; a place where the poorest of the poor are laid to rest. It's overgrown with grass and make shift crosses mark the resting place of the dead.

Pulperias are  all over the place.  Every few homes you will find one along the side of the dusty path they call a road. They are little boarded up shacks where you can buy pop or chips and perhaps some eggs through a caged window.
If  you  are not able to find what you are looking for at one store, you can just go to another one a few doors down.
 Some moms sell tortillas from their home in order to make a little extra money for their family.  They have little handmade wooden signs above the door of their home "Tortillas para la venta"


 Even the animals are starving here. Dogs roam the paths aimlessly. Dogs are everywhere actually. Many of them you can see every bone in their body.  Cats too. I have never seen such skinny cats as I have seen here.

 There are children outside who should be in school, but because there is a quota on already full classes, there is not room for them all.

 It's an entirely  different world from the city below. You really do go from one extreme to another.

And yet I reminded of this that whether we are rich or poor or somewhere in between, God's love is real and doesn't depend on our financial status. He just loves us as we are. No matter who we are; young or old. Whether we are a little old lady peddling stuff on the side of the road, selling tortillas from our shack, a child washing windows at the traffic lights or living in a mansion in the city. He doesn't love one person more than another and He wants to give us a future and a hope.
Like our theme verse  says..
Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

 

House Hunting

It's a warm 27 degrees as I write this morning. I just returned from a walk around the neighbourhood, and although it is hot, there is always a gentle breeze blowing. One thing I love about Honduras is the weather.

We have only been here a week today and yet it seems as though we have been here much longer.
All this week we have been house hunting. We have looked at nine homes. The first place was rather scary. It was in a secure area, but for whatever reason it didn't feel all that safe. I think it could be the house that made me feel that way. Dark, dingy, and dirty. Mouse dirt all over the floor, the bat that flew out of one of the rooms side swiping Dale in the head, and the dead bird on the balcony were just of the few things it had going against it.

I never thought I would want to live in an apartment. However when we saw the second place we were sold. We were ready to sign a contract and move in. It was in a safe area, had enough space for our family ( though not for guests) and had an amazing view. It was almost at the top of our budget though; not a lot of wiggle room budget wise. Plus the boys would have had to share a room. That would not be good. Jake could have had the maids quarters but it was not even attached to the apartment. It was down a flight of stairs and just outside the gate in the parking garage. I wasn't comfortable with that as a mom and would not have been able to sleep at night wondering if he was ok. Maybe in Canada he would be fine but this is Honduras.

We were cautioned  to take our time, not to rush or take the first thing we see.  We were told to look around and see what we could rent for what our budget would allow. "Don't be in a hurry"
I knew that in my head, but also was anxious to get settled into our own place; to start setting up house for my family. It has always been my prayer from the beginning of this journey that we find something so the kids can get settled in the home before they start school August 26th, rather than have to change their bus route, change the address again for the school after they have begun attending.

We saw a few homes that were far out our reach; couple hundred over budget that I am not sure why we were shown them; except that maybe we could potentially get it for less, or just over budget.  Thing was we didn't want to go over our budget no matter how nice the house was. One thing we wanted was a view, but generally in most of the homes we looked at you look out a window and you are looking at a wall not scenery.

Fast forward seven houses and we have settled on a beautiful home in a gated area. The rent is a hundred and fifty LESS than the apartment we had first wanted and far more space. If company were to visit from Canada we will have the space to accommodate them.  Like all homes here in Honduras it has a maids quarters.  This one; a small building of its own is just outside the side door not far from the laundry area. There is a room enough for a bed and desk and has its own three piece bath. This will be Jake's "man cave" He is looking forward to having his own space.  Also since there are only three houses in this area, and the house is on a hill, there is room for Ben to skateboard there without the fear of being hit by a car or being kidnapped. The street is not rough or cobble stone like everywhere else. For Ben that has been a priority. He would look around a potential  house and say "but where can I skateboard?" I so wanted that for him. For all my kids really, that they could be kids, not locked up in prison so to speak.

I will be honest; at first I didn't think this was the house for us. Don't misunderstand me. I really loved it. It is very cheery, nice and bright, spacious. A dream home with an incredible view of the mountains and of the city.  It has a bath tub in the en suite. Bathtubs are rare in Honduras, and something I didn't even think to put on my wish list because I didn't think we'd ever have one in Honduras.  God knows our hearts desires though even if we don't voice them out loud. He gives us good gifts...even bath tubs!
The house is surrounded by barbed wire topped walls with a thirty foot drop below so no outsider can get in. The reason I didn't want it is this:  Its location.  I would not be able to walk outside the gate. Dale wouldn't be able to run; the two very things that keep us fit.  If I wanted to walk I would have to walk in circles up and down the street of only three houses and back again; over and over.  That would drive me nuts and for sure the neighbours too. Those who know me know I love to walk and outside that gate just wouldn't be possible. I knew Dale loved the house and was sure it was the one. I kind of had my heart set on another one we had seen that was smaller and in a gated area. At least there I would be free to walk. However the location was far from where we will be working and the traffic horrendous. Not only that but it was the top of our budget.

That night I hardly slept; spending most of the night praying about it. As the hours ticked by I felt my heart begin to change and it was clear to me that yes this was the house God had for us.  I felt it clear as as day. I could totally picture my family there, watching tv, myself cooking at the stove and looking out the window at that incredible view and all of us going about our daily activities.  A solution came to my mind or perhaps God whispered it to me. We have an allowance for furniture so we could buy a treadmill that I could walk on and Dale could run.  The rent  was well under budget so that freed up a little cash for something extra like that.  We could situate it right by the window with the view.  I could hardly wait for Dale to wake up so I could tell him.
Not only that but there is an Olympic size track that we visited one afternoon and saw at least a hundred people walking/running on it. So, once in awhile we could walk or run there. Walking wasn't going to be an impossibility after all.

Just this afternoon we decided to make an offer without appliances for a ridiculously low amount for the house...two hundred less than our budgeted amount just to see if they would take it. The realtor said "no way will they go for that " but she said she would ask. This is where we see God's hand at work because the offer was accepted! We can totally see God's hand at work in the renting of this house. It is such a blessing and far better than I ever imagined in my wildest dreams. We just put a deposit on it today and are hoping to move in by next weekend. The timing of it is perfect because we should be moved in just in time for Jake's 15th birthday. Also in time for them to start their new school while settled in their new home. We are looking forward to this next step of our Journey IN Honduras.

 

 

Our home is in Honduras.

The night before we flew out, our parents and my brother came to the apartment for an early birthday party for Jake and Elisa.  My parents bought pizza and my mom's yummy "three step salad; a salad with candied almonds and mandarin oranges and a tangy dressing. My in laws brought ice cream cake...yum!!
It was our final goodbye with them. One last hug, until who knows when. I didn't want to let go when I gave them a hug goodbye at the door. After they left the tears flowed. Elisa and I were a mess.

Sleep evaded me all that night. So many emotions and thoughts swirling around in my mind. I had a lot of what ifs... what if we have too much luggage? Thirteen bags, do they even allow that? What if the bags are too heavy? What if they confiscate some of our food items and don't allow us to bring them in? What if the kids don't do well on their exams? What if, what if?  I was also afraid if I fell asleep I would sleep through the alarm and not get up in time. The alarm was set for 2:45 and needless to say I didn't sleep at all.

It was early afternoon yesterday when we arrived at the airport in Tegucigalpa.  Four of us with our thirteen hockey bags, four carry ons and two lap top bags.  Jake is arriving later on because he is doing ministry at Braeside camp with the Rubber Chicken Company.  One funny thing at customs was Ben's question " hey...why are there only four passports?" He has his blond moments and that was one of them..:-)
 We managed with all our luggage without getting too stressed. We were able to load them up high on two small luggage carts. Dale and Ben steered them and couldn't even see over the top.
The only mishap was a large container of baking powder I brought. Somehow the lid came off and though I had secured in a tied bag, the contents went everywhere! What a mess.

Not long after we arrived at the team house we had a lunch of salad and sandwiches. Then Randy took us to the bank to see if we would be able to set up a bank account. The bank was so impressive. (Except for their logo. It looks like angry birds.)  Apparently that is the running joke in Honduras. That's according to the lady behind the desk who heard our conversation and understood English. Armed guards everywhere at the bank. Very modern and high tech. We entered at a "private" entrance and were given a card that you swipe. Without it you can't get anywhere in the bank. Security is that high.
After what seemed like forever, we had our bank account. It took almost two hours. I've heard from more than one person that was fast! I was getting inpatient wondering why on earth it was taking so long. I realized that is pretty much the norm and I need to get used to that. God is going to be teaching me patience. I am going to need it because I am not one to like to sit and do nothing.

After this we headed to La Colonia; the grocery store. We purchased a few supplies to last us a couple days until we get to the market on Saturday. I found the prices more or less comparable to Canada with the exception of a few items. Milk was more. Cereal was more. Crackers are almost five dollars a box...so I guess that will be an occasional treat. We were told not to buy our meat there, but to buy it at Price Mart. ( Cosco)

Their are certain things to remember. Things like not flushing the toilet paper. Following up with hand sanitizer after you wash your hands. The way we wash dishes. Washing in hot soapy water and then rinsing in bleach water. The way we prepare fresh produce is quite a procedure. It's different ways depending on the fruit or veggie. I really need to write it all down so I can refer to so it's engrained in my mind and becomes like second nature. I don't want my family getting sick!

Please remember to keep my kids in your thoughts and prayers this afternoon as they do their entrance exam for school. I have no idea what it entails but I can't help but feel nervous for them.

In closing I just want to say that as we were flying into this beautiful land of Honduras yesterday I didn't feel like I was a tourist or that we were just passing through. I felt like I was coming home.