day 2: fun at the river

Hello everyone! I feel like I should start by saying it is Harper writing today´s blog, so hopefully that can account for any noticeable alterations in diction.

Two days into this journey and it already is feeling like home. We were fortunate enough to have a later start today, which many of us used to catch up on the sleep depravation we had accumulated over the course of our journey here. The boys (Nick, Brian, Ryan and Jesus), who were some of the earlier risers, managed to finish breakfast, meet a Honduran English speaker, and buy a copuple of very ornate and intimidating machetes, all before most of the girls had even gotten out of bed. After everyone had made it out of bed in the various shifts, a few of us went with Kyla to walk to a local supermarket and get our first taste of the culture of La Ceiba. The supermarket was relatively modern, and not terribly unlike any of ours at home, but it was painted in so many varying bold and brilliant colors and had music blaring throughout the whole store, making the shopping experience all the more enjoyable. We also walked down the streets that were lined with venders. There were so many trinkets and smells. I personally enjoyed seeing all of the different kinds of fruits. A few of us sampled some freshly sliced mango that was absolutely delicious!

Once we all made it back to the hotel and had all of our things together, we loaded onto our tiny bus and started driving towards the river. One striking element of the Honduran scenery is the stark difference between city and jungle. If one were to confine their visit to the city life, I am not sure there would be an overwhelming drive to return. Not that the city is altogether hopeless, but it definitely lacks the wealth and overall splendor and excitement we tend to associate with North American cities. It is small, and relatively dirty, and grey. The jungle, on the otherhand, is absolutely breath-taking, and that can be seen even from the confines of a tiny bus crowded with teenagers.

Once we arrived we walked a short distance to get to the river. The water was cool, and refreshing and as we waited for the kids from the Hogar to come and join us (they had been at church) many of us waded in. Brian, of course, was the first one to discover the perfect set of rocks to jump from. Clad in tiny cross country shorts, and dirt-stained running shoes he immediately ran into the river, swam across, scrambled up some rocks, and jumped. Son it became a bit hit, and everyone joined in, even those that were more cautious. Mckenna stood ontop of that rock for a good half an hour, but with more than a little coaching, and bravey, she too finally joined in the fun. Even Mrs. Glennon was talked into to trying it once when coerced by a group of darling, smiling Honduran children.

Already the children are making fast friends with us. Gerson, one of the older boys of the orphanage, already found his favorite in the lovely Brianna M., to whom he gave a hand-made bracelet. Reina, of course, is practically glued to Alexis´ side and is all giggles and smiles around her crush Brian, and Leah and Jesus seem to charm all of the kids with their mastery of the language and their fearlessness in leaping from the rocks.

During our stay at the river we enjoyed swimming, and playing. We ate lunch and we were able to put together a make-shift soccer game: Girls vs. Boys. The girls, of course, were victorious. We even met a sweet, and very skinny dog. Aubrey soon became its favorite as they shared a lovely turkey sandwich together.

Finally around 3:30, we began to pack up. The kids joined us as we drove to another group sponsored by HHK called Grandma´s Kids. In this community, orphans are left in the care of their grandmothers, and HHK helps to maintain their living and provide them with the food and resources they lack. There are about 30 kids who are raised by 2 grandmas. The poverty of this community is absolutely shocking. There seems to be children running around everywhere, each one sweeter than the next. There are emaciated dogs roaming between the sheet-metal shacks. A lot of the children have mental illnesses. This, David (head of HHK) explained, is often the result of incest. We came to this village with toys and candies and the children loved it. Many of us were able to see old childhood stuffed animals of toy cars find a new home and I don´t think that could have been anymore rewarding. The chiildren in the community had fun playing with our cameras and taking pictures of their new friends and their new toys. It was a shockins, but rewarding experience.


We drove home with the children of the Hogar, singing songs and learning eachothers names. Once we dropped them off we came back to the hotel, took quick showers, and then headed off to dinner at beleadas, a Honduran specialty. They seem to be a mix of a burrito and a taco, but they were all hand made, and completely delicious! Many of us helped ourselves to seconds and thirds, while drinking our various bana and grape-flavored sodas.

Now we are all back at the hotel, echuasted. But, of course, being a group of teenagers, instead of making the logical choice in going to bed, we decided to start up around of the game "ten fingers". Though we may all be sleepy in the morning, I think we can all agree that the fun we are having with friends makes it worth it :) more tomorrow!

-Harper