Visit from Gerard and Teresa
Since the beginning of the Covid19 pandemic, this was the first time that our Foundation Board member and friend Gerard came to visit us again with his wife Teresa. The joy was therefore all the greater. And as usual, our agenda was again full to bursting...
On the first evening, they invited our 4 oldest girls for dinner. We laughed and talked with them for hours. The atmosphere was so nice and relaxed that Gerard and Teresia even started dancing.
To get an insight into our daily work in the western part of Honduras, Teresa and Gerard visited the projects in Santa Rosa de Copan.
On Sunday, they were the guests of honor at the sod-turning ceremony of the 100 houses project. On the last evening of their visit, they invited us for pizza, which has become a tradition. They found out that the children have grown during the last years and can eat more as this year almost 50% more pizza was eaten than before. As a gag, our girls even took pictures of the past and present: same drink, same food, same place - only 9 years in between.
The children have organised a little farewell party for our two dear friends. Hopefully it will be a «hasta pronto...»
Sod-turning ceremony for 100-home project
Two years after the 2020 hurricanes Eta and Iota, we made it and broke ground for the 100-houses project.
Unfortunately, everything moves very slowly here in Honduras. So the purchase of this land was also very slow. But "gracias a Dios", as they say here, the approx. 56'000 m2 now belong to the foundation "yo quiero ser..." to build the 100 houses for the hurricane victims.
In addition to Teresa and Gerard, the mayor of Quimistan, Ruben Dario Pacheco, and the deputy of Cortes, Dunia Jimenez, were present to witness the start of work on the construction site. The ceremony was held as a symbolic act, with the children of the children's home "yo quiero ser...", friends and acquaintances of the Foundation, as well as members of the Quimistan municipal council present.
After the speeches, the first symbolic cement blocks were placed. Afterwards, there was a walk-through of the site followed by a presentation of the construction plans. Finally, fine tacos were served to all the guests.
Information on the 100-houses project will follow with the presentation of the pilot project of 14 houses.
Excursions: Cinema, KFC, Coca-Cola
When you have a power cut throughout the day at over 35°C, everyone is happy to cool down in the air-conditioned Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) with a refreshing ice cream.
When you have a power cut throughout the day at over 35°C, everyone is happy to cool down in the air-conditioned rooms of Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) with a refreshing ice cream.
To get the children out of their daily routine, we do something on a regular basis. For example, we climb the Coco-Cola Mountain as often as possible. This is a good opportunity to walk in the great outdoors, to experience flora and fauna, it's free, the children use up energy and are tired in the evening...
End of school year
One can imagine how much school material could not be taught in two years of distance learning during the Covid19 pandemic.
Fortunately, our children had the opportunity to participate in the lessons via the internet. With the support of our teachers, we were able to keep the Covid-related educational gap as small as possible.
Daniela and Dominick completed pre-school, Geovanni, Wendy, and Anahy completed secondary school and Anahy even received an award as best in class.
New Children
Accepting or rejecting new children is one of the most difficult decisions of all. The need is enormous and nearly every day we receive calls to take in new children. Unfortunately, we often have to say no...
In the last few months, we first welcomed Hana and Maria Esther, 8-year-old twins and their younger, seven year old sister Julissa. Shortly afterwards, two brothers Alexis, 5 years old and Axel, 1 year old also came to us. The two were allowed to celebrate their birthdays and open presents for the first time in their lives.
It is unbelievable what such small children must experience in their first years of life and what blows of fate they have already been confronted with.
Dental Brigade
Three dentists examined all the children and issued a report for each child.
Brushing the teeth three times a day shows a positive effect. Over a third of the children have healthy teeth without cavities. With the others we now have to go for caries treatment and 6 older ones will get braces.
We have also received fluoride tablets for one month. This essential part of dental care kills harmful bacteria and strengthens the enamel by demineralizing it.
Christmas visit (GK, TRC, ROOM, Melanie Family)
Fortunately, the situation is getting back to normal after Covid19 pandemic. This year, our friends from Grupo Karim, the company TRC, K y B, the organization ROOM and many other friends and families visited us after two years of absence.
They celebrated pre-Christmas with our children several times. Each time, a Father Christmas came along and gave the children nice presents. They also brought delicious and special food such as cake, piñatas, cotton candy and had lots of fun with bouncy castles, face painting, games, and many other activities.
Our children always feel very honored and loved because when so many groups and people visit us, play with them, and shower them such lovely gifts.
Christmas
On 24 December, we were very surprised when the electricity suddenly went off in the home, just as we were about to put the juicy ham in the oven. We packed up the ham and drove to another part of town where the electricity had not gone out to finish baking it there.
Three mothers visited their children on Christmas Day. We gave each a full Christmas basket to take home.
On Christmas Eve, as every year, the children received new clothes for the festivities. We started the evening with fine tamales for an aperitif. Afterwards, the well-known ham with stuffed chicken, Hungarian rice and salad was being served.
After a short Christmas story and subsequent reflection, each child received a Christmas gift. Afterwards, there were homemade brownies, fresh apples, and grapes for dessert. For entertainment, the children had rehearsed dances and songs in groups. Shortly before midnight, we lit the fireworks and at midnight, as a highlight, we toasted to Jesus' birth.
New Year's Eve
On the last day of the ending year, everyone helped with the preparations for our New Year's Eve party.
While some children prepared the Muñeco 2022 and the Muñeca 2022 out of old clothes and firecrackers, others helped in the kitchen with the preparation of the dinner.
The New Year's Eve menu consisted of dishes that everyone loves: chips as an aperitif, followed by a barbecue and at the end a tiramisu.
After dessert, we reviewed the year 2022 and all the children received a piece of paper on which they could write down all the "unpleasant" things, moments, and experiences of the year. They then put the notes in the muñecos. Afterwards, these dummies were set on fire and burned with all the negative experiences.
Afterwards, everyone wrote their wish for 2023 on a piece of paper and, whoever wanted to, could announce their resolution to the others. We were ready for the new year!
Later, the popular dance party took place until shortly before midnight, when we gathered on our sports field to light volcanoes, star throwers and light tubes. At midnight sharp, we toasted together to a happy new 2023.