Unforgettable Experiences

            It seems again that the past few weeks have gotten away from me, but they have been quite the adventure. I have been loving my time here. Since the last time I wrote, I have gone on a few weekend trips, a few other excursions, and now I am on spring break.

For weekend trips, I went to the Union and Tela with my group. We went to the Union, about 6-7 hours away, with one of our classes. Our first stop there was a bilingual school. I was very impressed by some of the children’s ability to use English. A few did not even have noticeable accents. A couple of the teachers there that I met were volunteering with a program called Project Trust based in England. It was really enjoyable to be able to talk with them. We also ate dinner with one of the families with students in the school. It was amazing to see how the girls, who had just entered the school a couple years ago, already had a good proficiency in English. One even played the songs on the violin that she had been learning. Although she was just starting, that was music to my ears and a blessing to hear. In addition, on that trip we were able to visit a coffee processing and taste/quality-testing site. It was very interesting to see the livelihood of many Hondurans and others in Central America. It was not necessarily how I had pictured it before. We did not go to a field where there were workers picking the coffee fruit. Did you know that it is actually a fruit that you can eat? The bean is actually like the pit of the fruit that you are supposed to spit out. We also saw the process of taste testing to decide the quality of the coffee. Interestingly enough, if just one bean is bad or there are rocks in the batch, it can affect the taste of the coffee. I did not realize how much every part matters. We also talked with people running the local part of Compassion International. Talking with the women, it sounded like the money for sponsorship is wisely used and solely for the benefit of the children. I really enjoyed that trip. A few weekends later, I took a trip to Tela, which is a beach in the northern part of Honduras on the Atlantic Ocean. Someone in the group organized the trip, and everyone was invited. I was very thankful for a chance to hang out and relax out on the beach for a weekend get-away.

Another highlight was Semana Santa (holy week). We did not have any classes that week, because the university was on spring break. We went to an orphanage one of the days and played with the kids. It was cool, because some of the children there attend the special needs school where I do my ethnographic study. The kids were really sweet, and it was a neat opportunity to be there and see where they live. Semana Santa was also an opportunity to see some of the traditions in the Catholic Church. On Palm Sunday, there was a procession in the street with singing and praying/scripture reading. Everyone carried palm branches. It was neat to recognize a good percentage of the people at mass as compared to the first time I went to mass and only recognized a few of the students from my group. Then on Thursday there was a foot washing mass, which was an amazing picture/enactment of the servant hood. Different pairs (husband/wife, sisters, friends, etc) went to the front to wash another’s feet. I was reminded of how we are called like Christ to serve those around us, regardless of how they might act towards us. The next day for good Friday, we went to a town called Comayagua (about 2 hours) with our moms. There were alfombras- basically like sand art in the streets but made out of sawdust. Then there was a procession/parade. We were walking next to the men carrying the figurine of Jesus. However, the traditional costume for these men is nearly the same as that of the KKK but maroon colored instead of white. I could only see their eyes underneath their costumes. That whole deal actually kind of creeped me out. I never realized fully how things I have learned in the past have so deeply become ingrained in me. For those who have not grown up in the States learning about the KKK, they do not associated these costumes with violence and racism. However, for me, just walking next to them made me feel extremely uncomfortable. Later for Easter Sunday, my whole family went to a pool for the day. Although I really missed my church and family back home on Easter, I think that was one of my favorite memories with my mom and aunt here. Even though they couldn’t swim, they had an absolute ball in the water and it was such a delight to see them like that.

This past week, we had our spring break, and I went to Roatán, which was a blast. It is an island off the northern coast of Honduran and in the Caribbean. It was like a taste of the States after being in Honduras for so long. At first it was a bit of a shock to go grocery store. It was like D&W with American products and real cheese (not white blocks of quesillo). The house that my group stayed in was like a cabiny feel, which reminded me of home too. I was very thankful for the opportunity to go to church with worship in English and an amazing sermon on how God provides. I was able to see God providing in so many ways over spring break. From getting a free ride to church to meeting a family from Michigan that invited us to go snorkeling and hang out/feed us at their condo, God provided in so many amazing ways. Adventures like snorkeling in the second best reef in the world, jumping off an abandoned ship, walking to a chocolate factory, and so many other things were unforgettable. Although I had an amazing time, I am excited to get back to Santa Lucía, see my family, and see what the upcoming weeks have in store for me.

Nicaragua and Más

Sorry for the delay in writing this post—it’s incredible how busy three weeks can be. But where to even start… the major couple things that have happened is starting my ethnographic study and our group trip to Nicaragua.

For my ethnographic study, I am spending 2 days a week at a special needs school and 2 days at a hospital. The school, Prepase, mostly focuses on children with cerebral palsy. For the duration of the semester, I will be in the physical therapy room, because there is not an official room for nursing. This week, I observed as the physical therapist worked with a 2-3 year old and later an 8 year old. Already, it has been a blast to be around these kids. Even though the ones I was with, in specific, were unable to talk, seeing their smiles and generally joyful spirits was very rewarding. I am excited to observe there in the future. In addition, I have been observing in the maternity/delivery ward at the hospital, San Felipe. It has been quite the experience. So far, I have witnessed a couple C-sections and several births. After seeing this, I think all mothers deserve a special shout-out for all that they go through to give birth. Sometimes, the labor and delivery room is very quiet and other times several women are about to give birth at the same time. The room is staffed with a pediatrician, nurses, doctors and other med students. I have enjoyed talking with some of the personnel such as the pediatrician. He has been trying to explain the different complications and necessary steps of action for unhealthy babies. For instance, after the one C-section, the baby had a problem with her respiration being too fast. In this case, we watched his different methods for helping the baby. The next day, we saw the baby in their neonatal unit. While I am unconvinced that labor and delivery will be my specialization of choice, I may enjoy the neonatal unit. Vamos a ver- I guess we’ll see.

The second eventful part was our 5-day trip to Nicaragua. We enjoyed a whole week of no classes and let me tell you—that was a Godsend. After the week before of getting up to catch the bus at 6 am every day for ethnographic studies, I needed a break. It seems a bit crazy to me that while Nicaragua is fairly close, the landscape and such is very different. There are a lot less mountains and a whole lot more heat in Nicaragua. However, I was thankful for the opportunity of sunshine and warmth after our cold front in Santa Lucía. In Nicaragua, we went to the cities León, Grenada, Masaya, and Managua. Much of the architecture was very beautiful. The buildings are constructed in the same style as those in Spain. But some highlights from that trip include:

·      Swimming off the beach of private islands on a really big lake

·      Zip-lining: there were about 11 different platforms and one time I even went upside down

·      Touring various museums and the cities

·      Bargaining in the local market

·      Watching a parade with traditional dances

·      Watching local break dancers and musical groups at dinner (specifically a handsome youth who sang to us like J-Biebs for free)

But while I loved all of this, I was glad to get back to Santa Lucía. The other day, I was talking and without thinking, referred to this place as home. That is what it has been for the past month and a half and that is what it will continue to be. Since I have been here, I have grown a lot. Yesterday, my professor was talking to someone in our group, and I heard my name. When I asked, she simply said that my Spanish and my confidence in using it have improved dramatically since the beginning of the semester. That was a huge affirmation for me. Overall, it has been a great little bit and I have enjoyed it fully.

Prayer request:

• Health- I was slightly sick this weekend after Nicaragua
• Continued growth in relationships
• To not fail my final for Spanish history
• For learning what God has for me in my ethnographic studies

1-Month Mark

It has now been exactly one month in Honduras, and I thank God for every day that I have been able to be here. Every day is a different adventure. In the past couple of weeks, we had classes and a whole bunch of other random things. We took a trip to La Florida- not to be confused with Florida in the United States. But La Florida is a small town about 6 hours away from Santa Lucia by bus. We actually passed very close by El Salvador and could see some of the country from our drive in the mountains. We stayed there for about 5 days and painted murals in a Health Center and School. I personally helped with butterflies and flowers, because I’m not actually that artistic. Others in the group helped create Noah’s Ark and other smaller murals. Later I was able to help clean and reorganize the storage room for medicine. It was actually interesting to see the different antibiotics in their storage closet and I even recognized some of them- they were very close cognates to the English version.

            From there, we traveled another 5-6 hours in the school bus to a huge lake, where we were able to take rowboats out on the water. Nearby there were waterfalls that we went and visited. With a guide, we walked behind/through the waterfall, which was absolutely incredible to experience. We also got the chance to go cliff jumping. Don’t worry! It was not from the top of the waterfall! The cliffs were on the side. Of the three different ones, I think the highest was around 25 feet, but it’s hard to actually estimate. At the bottom of the falls, there were the most stunning double rainbow due to the mist. Overall, that has been my favorite touristy destination since coming here. Sadly, I couldn’t actually take any pictures because of all the water.

            This past week, we have been at the university in classes. We visited the hospital, where I will be starting my ethnographic study next week. That is just a fancy label for observing in the hospital. The hospital is definitely different from those in the United States. The part that we toured sort of reminded me of the waiting area of a train station: a ton of people, not overly sanitary, and like will-call booths where you sign up for appointments. Also it surrounded a small courtyard that did not have a roof. But I’m excited to start that next week. I think it will be an amazing experience. Also, I started my first class in the university yesterday! Unlike what I thought previously, I am now taking art appreciation instead of music. However thankfully, the professor today said that he wanted to make this an interesting class and not just a history class. Also thankfully, I could actually understand him pretty well. I think this class is going to be pretty good.

Okay so what have I learned and how have I seen God? Well, I’ve learned that patience goes a long way. You won’t know everything- that’s for sure. Our class schedules are a great example. I literally found out that I was taking art appreciation the day before class started. Our professor for Spanish History is another. He can talk quite rapidly, which is not fun in class, but he’s a person with a story too. He came with us on our trip to La Florida, because there are 22 students and only one program director. Apparently he came from a poorer background, so everything we did was new for him. I could have guessed beforehand that many things would be new experiences, but one kind of hit me out of the blue. He swung on a swing for the first time. I didn’t really realize before what it meant to have all your time and money put towards education in hopes of having a better life. It was also really cool to visit CCI- International Christian Community/Church. I don’t really remember overly what the acronym stood for. During the service, they talked a bit about churches worldwide with which this church is connected. Although I didn’t understand everything, it was much more like a church service that I am used to (in comparison to Catholic mass) and had a more modern feel. It made churches around the world slightly more real for me. There is an entire Christian community in every country of the world. In Grand Rapids, I often forget that other places exist. However, when I was experiencing close to the same thing as in the United States, but in Spanish, it hit me.

Alright seeing as this is quite long, I will end now with a few prayer requests. My mamá here hurt her back and the doctor told her that she should be on bed rest for 2-3 days, so for her to heal quickly and be free of pain. Also continued health and safety for the group. For me to learn the most that I can from the classes I am taking in the university (whether actual class material or from the people I am with). To have open eyes, mind, and heart as I start the ethnographic study. To continue to grow deeper in my relationship with Christ.

First Impressions

I have now officially lived in Santa Lucia for 2 weeks, and I have to say that I have really enjoyed them. So what is my life like here in Santa Lucía?  The food is really good for the most part. It's comical because there are tortillas with almost every single meal.  Life here is slower paced then in the United States. People actually walk at a turtle’s pace and it’s very acceptable. Although there is variety in the each student’s home here (I have visited a handful), all are smaller than United States. However, through personal experience and talking with others in the group, extended family and friends are constantly in the home. In my living room alone, there are at least 10 people hanging out every evening.

I have especially enjoyed getting to know my family. While I thought I knew who lived in my home beforehand, it turns out that there are only the two younger siblings: Josúe and Estefani. The two oldest brothers do not live in the home, but they and my nephew are often at my house. My sister-in-law’s name is also Brenda, which makes me feel right at home (for those of you who don’t now that’s my mom’s name too). My mama and papa are wonderful. My mama especially tries really hard to make me feel a part of the family. I am so thankful, because she is really a godly person. I have much to learn from her.

• A few new/interesting things that I have seen/visited:
• The tradition of a gift exchange for the celebration of the Three Kings with my extended family
• Touristy town Valle de Angeles and to the National Park “La Tigra”
• The Basilica, which is the biggest cathedral in Honduras
• The local zoo and Picachu, which is a park that overlooks all of Tegucigalpa
•  The local fair and watched their version of a mini-pageant
• Soccer game of the different towns playing each other (I have also played a bit of soccer too which is always fun)
• The Honduran National Police Headquarters. Our group was the first to walk through their newly constructed building for their offices.
• Church/mass with my family in a town 1.5 hours away from Santa Lucia

While there have been many excursions and fun things, life here does also include classes. I have a test tomorrow in Spanish History, so we’ll see how that goes. Pretty much that class includes me praying every day that my professor will not call on me to answer because I really don’t understand what is happening. However, every day gets a little bit better, but your prayers would also be much appreciated! We also have started our class about justice and poverty in Honduras. A friend gave me this poem by Sir Francis Drake before I left and I think it encapsulates much of my sentiments from this class. It says:

“Disturb us, Lord, when

We are too pleased with ourselves…

Disturb us, Lord, when

With the abundance of things we possess

We have lost our thirst

For the waters of life…

Disturb us, Lord, to dare more boldly,

To venture on wilder seas

Where storms will show Your mastery…”

During this class, we have already learned of much of the corruption and injustice that is happening both in Honduras and in the United States. You could say that I have definitely been disturbed. However, there have also been many examples of how in fighting injustice, God has done some incredible things. I am thankful and excited for the chance to view the world anew as God does and see where God would have me go next.

Alright if you read all this, thank you for your dedication! I really appreciate all your support and prayers for me. So on that note, a few prayer requests:

• Continued health (there have been several people sick already) and safety
• Spanish History
• Being a witness to my family as well as learning from them
• Better understanding of Spanish
• Getting enough sleep (we have to get up at 6 am every day)
•  That I would form deeper relationships with Christ and the other people in my group

Thank you so much!

Jenna

The Adventure Begins

            In less than 36 hours, I will be off on a new adventure for about 4.5 months in Honduras. While there are many unknowns, I do have a few details that I know that I can share with you all. I’ll be taking classes in Spanish history, literature, poverty development, music, PE (I think), and Honduran culture with the 21 other students from Calvin. Some of the classes will be taught by Calvin professors. The music and PE classes will be at the local university, so that will be an adventure. I’ll be staying with a host family in Santa Lucia (about 45 minutes northeast from Tegucigalpa). My mamá is Doña Gloria and my papá is Oscar. There are 3 siblings living in the home: Estefany (12), Josué (25), and Osman (34). They speak only Spanish and I am supposed to speak only Spanish for the duration of the trip, so I will hopefully learn very quickly how to communicate well. Otherwise gesturing might become my future for a while. I will be observing at a hospital for half of the semester and volunteering at Teletón, a rehab center, for the other half.

            All right, so that’s most of what I know concretely about my future in Honduras. Well question number 2: how do I feel? Am I scared? Nope, I’m terrified. Staying with a family that I only know by a picture and 4-sentence description, living in a new place without any of the familiar comforts of home, communicating solely in a language that I am far from proficient in, seems just slightly daunting. However, there is also peace and comfort in not really knowing fully. I do not know what to expect, so I can just take everything in like a sponge. I’m sad to leave you all, but I’m excited for the people, culture, food, and geographical location that I will learn to love. I’m excited to experience the lessons that God will teach me—for having the opportunity of fewer distractions and for getting closer to Him.

I believe that I am meant to be in Honduras for this next semester and have been preparing for it. When I was in Haiti on a missions trip a couple years ago, I remember the leader saying that this trip might not change your life, but rather be a preparation for something else that God has in store for you. Being surrounded by poverty, cold short showers, going without really knowing any details—there are many parallels that I could never foresee. BUT God did. God has already written every minute detail of this adventure, and all I have to do is experience it. For that I am excited. Life will be hard and challenging, but God will be with me at every step. Knowing that God is at my side, I can have courage to make that step into the unknown and begin this adventure.