First few days

Hola from Honduras!

These first few days have....how do I put it...Interesting. 

After several hours of traveling, we finally arrived in Pimienta.  We were picked up by Fernando, Dr. Ugarte's (the Mayro and Public Health doctor) son.  The only issues we had with being picked up were the fact that we were picked up on Latin time...meaning, they get around to it when they get around to it.  I am still trying to learn Latin time and it drives me crazy because normally I am bound to a strict schedule. 

When we arrived we went straight to the Municipal to meet Dr. Ugarte.  As we entered into his office I saw a few men building a wheelchair out of plastic outdoor furniture, bike tires and metal.  I found out they were donated by an organization called Free Wheelchair Missions (www.freewheelchairmission.org) and were going to be given to handicap people in the village for free. For those who know me and my family background, you know that I have a soft place in my heart for wheelchair bound people, so this really meant a lot to me.  I encourage you all to check out the site, possibly make a contribution?!?!?

We are sleeping and eating in what they call a Bodega (warehouse).  I like to call it more of a compound.  The interior is secured by brick walls, gates and barbed wire.  We don't get to leave the Bodega unless a local guy, or someone from the municipal (city hall) is with us.  The crime in Central America is so bad, so I appreciate their protection.  Only, we feel a little confined in the evenings.  This morning I woke up and "worked out"....push-ups, jump rope, sprints and climbing stairs....I did it for about 30 minutes and broke a serious sweat.  Here is the kicker....the water in the town wasn't working which meant NO RUNNING WATER....thus, I had to literally shower out of a bucket.  It was interesting. 

Today we walked around the city of Santiago...We ran into an english speaking pastor who asked us what our plans were.  Brooke (one of the engineers) gave a brief description of what we were doing in Santiago and he brought up the issue of water.  We learned that the people in the village are scared of calcium in the water, and fear that the calcium is actually a parasite making them sick.  So, Brooke and I are putting together a presentation on the real issues with water...which is the fecal chloroform and other bacterias...not the calcium.  We will present next Monday at church.  We hope to also ask the village their thoughts chlorinating the water as a method to help save them money from not having to purchase bottled water.  As it is right now, they spend roughly 300 Limpera (~$15-$20) a month for bottled water when chlorination could be as little 50 Limpera a month.  I know $15-$20 a month is no big deal to us, but it is a lot for them.  So, we are going to spend some of our time educating them on these things....and educating them on the fact that it isn't the calcium in the water that is necessarily bad, it is the bacteria!!!

Tonight is the night I hope to start PhotoVoice....but, then again, we are on Latin time.....ugh.  I'll update you and let you know.  As it is right now we are doing a lot of walking around, asking questions and getting a feel for the village.  Tonight we are going to a village fair to mingle and dance (yo quero Bilar!!!!!!  Todo la noche!!!) and on the way I hope to visit with a local squatter village.  If not tonight, then tomorrow.  That will be incredibly humbling. 

Anywho, that is it for now....Keep watching! 

Hasta Luego,

SheWhoTravelsForJustice