Carolina Cross Connection
This year, the groups of Carolina Cross Connection, from here on out referred to as the CCC, visited us again for 6 weeks, three times a week.
CCCs’ mission in Honduras is to share the love of Christ with the children and those who care for them. But also to allow them to feel the presence of God and his ability to provide them with all the necessities.
In order to bring across this mission during their visits, they engaged the children in plenty of activities alike painting the outer wall, playing games, singing or dancing together.
After one week, the group had to say goodbye. It was a heartfelt goodbye as always and our beloved American friends had to shed many tears, happy tears….
Birthdays
The organization CEPUDO has put together birthday presents for all our children. Each child receives a surprise on his birthday and they are always impatiently looking forward to the gift. Sweets are also a crucial part during the birthday celebration and this month, our nurse Karin and our girls have baked all the birthday cakes themselves.
For a complete Honduran birthday celebration, the Piñata is a must. For us, it is very important that our children experience a very special birthday, they shall feel unique at least once a year
Amusement park
After its’ opening we visited San Pedro Sulas’ first public amusement park. Our children and teenagers were very excited because it has truly for every age group its’ fun offerings. The little ones were playing around on the towers and swings and the older ones had great fun the gym equipment. They have "trained" for hours which resulted in sore muscles the next morning.
University lectures
On two Saturday afternoons 7 psychology students had visited us. The children were divided into two groups. Afterwards, the students introduced the children to two important topics: self-respect and sexuality. They youngest ones were engaged in a playful way, the bigger ones in group work and the thoughtful approach of the students allowed them to get everyone on board.
For our educational program, it is highly beneficial and supportive to have external professionals to come and talk with our children about such issues to make them aware of the importance of this subject.
Yulissa passed the university entrance examination
Yulissa, our oldest one, completes her vocational training this year. On her 19th birthday she took the university entrance test for the nursing program. If she passes this exam, she will be our first child to enroll at university. The training lasts 5 years and we will support her during this time as she is orphan and has no one to support her. For us, it is highly important to be able to support the children until they have their vocational training completed or until they hold their university degree which sets them up for a promising future.
First flooding
Since Honduras is very close to the equator, there are only two seasons: the rainy and the dry one.
The rainy season lasts from May until November, with the hurricane season beginning in June.
The city of San Pedro Sula was flooded within 20 minutes during this years’ first heavy rainfall. The water could not drain and the level rose up to a meter on the roads.
Fortunately, these thunderstorms have not caused any severe damage. Our courtyard was also under water but luckily nothing within the building. As usual during such storms, there was a long power cut. During some nights we had to sleep without electricity. We were though very accepting of this circumstances as long as our feet stayed dry inside the house.