One Final Post

What to say? What to say? How do I give justice to the past 6 weeks? In all honesty I don't know if can.

It started off like many of my previous adventures - wondering what in the world I was doing! There were definitely ups and downs along the way but all and all when I look back at my time in Honduras I cannot help but smile.

One of my favorite moments was finding reading glasses for the young girl – as I wrote about in one of my first blogs.

One of my least favorite moments of was saying goodbye to the first set of volunteers!

I don’t think anything put a smile on my face faster than hearing the giggles of patients (especially the older ladies) as they tried on glasses. I also enjoyed the unique style of many of the patients – glasses that I personally found muy feo (ugly) were tan bonita (so pretty) to many ☺

All and all my experience in Honduras was excellent. In fact much of it exceeded my expectations (although in many ways if was much different from what I expected). Working out in the rural areas, talking one on one with warm-hearted Hondurans, helping to provide quality eye care to communities in need, getting to know local staff, building relationships with fellow volunteers, and observing eye surgeries amounted to me feeling completely content and happy.

I have a new perspective on life and realize more than ever how much I have to be grateful for. For example the simple act of drinking water out of the tap or the fact that I can read or write should not be taken for granite. (The first brigada I went on in less than 10 minutes of doing visual acuity 3 women told me they couldn’t read.)

The last 6 weeks had a huge great impact on me – and I think it is because I found something I am truly passionate about. The experience was rejuvenating and awakening on so many different levels. I believe I am headed in a new, better direction because of this experience.

Without a doubt I will continue advocating for global health and volunteering abroad for years to come. Aaanndd if anyone reading this blog is at all interested in volunteering abroad I would without a doubt encourage you to give it a try - clearly I loved it!

Tegucigalpa

Tegucigalpa is the capital, largest city in Honduras and according to the History Channel the 2nd most dangerous city in the world.  Approximately 1.25 million people call Tegus home.  The climate is relatively pleasant due to the high altitude (3,250 ft) and the mountains surrounding the city make the city a beautiful one, unfortunately they also do a good job at trapping in the pollution.

View of the city from El Picacho City Park

In addition, flying into Tegus was quite the adventure.  Never have I been on a plane that descended so quickly while simultaneously turning sharply.  Only after arriving did I learn that the airport (or rather the landing) here in Tegus is frequently said to be one the most dangerous in the world.  The mountains surrounding the city as well as the short runway make for challenging landing.  Special training is required for all pilots to land here.

Note the SHORT runway at the top of the picture!  You can also see the soccer stadium towards the front of this picture. 

There is no denying that Tegus has its fair share of problems but after living here for almost 6 weeks I have become very fond it.  The people are friendly and kind hearted, the culture is vibrant and delicious cuisine is endless.  I have taken my fair share of precautions while being here but all in all I have felt safe.

I have enjoyed a few days of exploring the city.  Tegus has a big soccer stadium, plenty of museums, churches, markets, surprising upscale malls, restaurants.......and more!

Tegus is home of two professional soccer teams - Motagua & Olimpia.

Sonia and I at the stadium here in Tegus.  We watched Motagua play Canada.  The fans were CRAZY! 

To the right is one of the many markets here in Tegus.  There are endless stands of freshly made papusas, tacos and baleadas.  Along with stand after stand of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Statue of Jesus Christ in El Picacho City Park overlooking Tegucigalpa.

Me enjoying the beautiful view offered by the El Picacho City Park. 

Soccer fields are dispersed all across the city.....even in some of the poorer areas.  And they always seem to be occupied with players and onlookers.  

¡Mi Esperanza!

The new group! Carol, Jessie, Estrella, Sonia and Me

 

 

Today the fellow volunteers and I had the privilege of helping some of the beautiful women at Mi Esperanza.  Mi Esperanza is an organization dedicated to the education and skills training of Honduran women living in poverty and was co-founded by Lori, our new friend in Tegus.  (If you remember from a previous blog Lori is married to Mark.  And Mark is in-charge of the the non-profit that builds houses for the poor here in Tegus.)   


Last week as we were finishing up another lovely dinner with Mark and Lori it occurred to me that many of the women at Mi Esperanza, especially those in sewing and computer classes, would likely benefit from reader glasses.  And as Unite For Sight volunteers we happen to be drowning in reader glasses!  (Because every volunteer brings 500 pairs.)  I asked Lori what she thought about us coming by with glasses and she thought it was a great idea.  And so a mini-outreach was set-up and the group and I made our way to Mi Esperanza!     

Here I am performing a simple visual/reading acuity test with the sewing teacher.  She needed a rather high power so I'm a little confused as to how she was able teach such a delicate art.  I don't sew but those needles are small!

 Sonia and I with the sewing teacher.  She seemed particularly happy with her new pair of pink readers.

One of the Mi Esperanza students hard at work with her new glasses!  The work done by these students is really quite amazing.  They make all kinds of bags and dresses.

Part of the Mi Esperanza sewing class + the Unite For Sight Volunteers

After we finished finding the correct glasses for each of the women at Mi Esperanza we were asked if we would be willing to be "models" for their students in beauty school.  How could we say no? :-) So next Friday Sonia and I are headed to Mi Esperanza's beauty school.  We will be coming back from Honduras with freshly painted nails and beautifully fluffed hair :-) 

W H E N W A S Y O U R L A S T E Y E E X A M

 

The group repping our Unite For Sight T-shirts.

Also, today the patients from last weeks surgeries were bussed back to Tegus for their 1-week post-operative care exam.  The picture to the right shows the chart of one of the patients.  The patient went from only being able recognize movement directly in front of his eye (i.e. a hand moving directly in front of his eye) to 20/100 vision.  This is a HUGE improvement!  YAY for successful surgeries that allow patients to regain much of their independence and allow them to have a better quality of life. 

Una semana llena de cirugías de cataratas.

This week was packed full of cataract surgeries - which means sight restoration!  All the patients from previous brigadas that were in need of cataract surgery were bussed into Tegus.  It was fun to see familiar faces from Marcala, Florida, San Pedro and Opatoro.  As well as new faces from the brigadas previous volunteers had gone on. 

While we did have a successful week of surgeries we were hoping to see more patients. Unfortunately the fear of surgery here is rather high so some patients chose not to make the trek to Tegus.  However, another week of surgeries is planned in September and my hope is that when the patients who received cataract surgery this week return home with positive results the others will be convinced to opt for the surgery.  However I believe the important thing is that over 25 people did receive free cataract surgery this week.  And all them are seeing clearer today and enjoying a better quality of life :-)

Sonia and I outside the surgery room!  When helping with surgery we help dress and undress patients, escort them in and out of surgery and give the patients their necessary eye drops. 

We also are able to view surgeries via a teaching scope.  The first time I watched a cataract surgery up-close like this I have to admit my stomach was a little uneasy.  However the sense of uneasiness quickly faded into fascination.  It is absolutely incredible how they are so easily and quickly* able to remove the clouded, yellow and opaque lens and replace it with a brand spankin completely transparent new lens! 

*Cataract surgeries take about 20 minutes. 

We also help fold laundry.  Not the most thrilling job.....but somebody's got to do it!

The group from Marcala that received free cataract surgery!  A charming bunch if I do say so myself :-) 

All the patients that were bussed in from the various rural areas for cataract surgery also received a tasty breakfast on the clinic patio.

-tortillas, beans, cheese, eggs & chorizo- YUMMY!

Sonia and I gave sun glasses to all the patients that received free cataract surgery.  This caused lots of excitement. The women to the left was especially thrilled.  When I asked her how she was doing rather than the typical “bien” response she replied “excellente”.  She was also super smiley and giggly.....which ofcourse made her that much more endearing.  If you can’t tell I really enjoyed this woman’s company!

 A group of patients waiting to see Dr. Flores and receive their post-operative care.

Ramón caught my eye immediately with his spunk, good humor and sweetness.  Ramón is 90 years old, a vegan and seems to be trucking right along! 







All in all a very successful week at the clinic!  This week I hope to go on another brigada and escape the big city for a few days.

¡Qué Bonita!

Everywhere I look I am in awe by the beauty of Honduras.  After being here for over a month one might think I would have grown accustom to this beauty but that is simply not the case.  I still find my self gaping out the window in total admiration.  Lush, green and mountainous forests sprawl out endlessly, while the clouds always seem to sit perfectly atop the canopy.

Although I’ve done my best to capture the breathtaking landscape on camera, my pictures definitely do not give the true elegance and beauty of Honduras justice.   None-the-less below are few photos.

This is what 90% of the drive to Opatoro looked like!

The view right outside the clinic in San Pedro.

1 of the 3 streets in the quaint town of Opatoro.

The Copan Ruinas

It was pouring!  Good thing I decided to bring my mother's 20 year old raincoat that no longer repels the rain :-)

Our lunch spot in La Tigra (A National Park)

Flower outside the B&B we stayed at in Copan Ruinas

 

¡Ayudé a construir una casa!

The first night Sonia and I arrived in Honduras we went to dinner with our fellow Unite For Sight Volunteers and an American couple (Mark and Lori).  Through the course of dinner I soon learned that I was amongst some incredible people.  My fellow volunteers.......well they are simple the  best.  And Mark and Lori may be some of the most compassionate and loving people I have met.  Mark and Lori live and volunteer their time and skills in Honduras.  (The couple were long time friends with a past Unite For Sight volunteer who was still in town.)    Mark builds homes for needy families (needy being a huge understatement) and Lori runs an organization that works to empower women.  At dinner we expressed interest in helping Mark build a house and last Saturday was our chance to do just that!

Below are few pictures of the house we built:  

The family we built the house for was previously living in the "shelter" to the right.

It has poured nearly every day since I have been here.  Translation - With a "shelter" like this one, the family living here has been rained on, with no where to go, everyday since I have been here. 

The 12' by 12' shelter is coming along! 

Once again someone is taking the hammer away from Sonia.  She was just to dangerous with it! :-)

Helping to put the roof up! 

Max and I relaxing and feeling accomplished atop the roof we just completed!    

Sonia looking out the single window of the house.  Note the beautiful view.  Property like this would go for a pretty penny in the states.   

When the house was finished all the little kids were excited and running around everywhere!  It was nothing short of chaos.  I'm playing a form of tag here.

To the left is the family we built the house for.  They were so very thankful.  When the house was finally built......many tears of happiness were shed by the family.

 It started pouring not even 20 minutes after we finished the house..........they were dry :-)

Max, Me, Mark, Sonia, Lori, Sherrie

Again note the amazing view!


I'm so happy and blessed to know each one of the beautiful people to the right!












The work I did building the house was very different from the basic eye care I have been providing on outreaches and at the clinic in Tegus but it was equally enjoyable and rewarding.   It seems my smile is here to stay in Honduras :-) 

Florida - San Pedro - Opatoro

The last four days have been filled with lots of new experiences, lots of learning and lots of joy.   On Tuesday morning we (the crew of volunteers and Victor, the optometrist) set out for a 3 day brigada.  Our first stop was in Florida, then San Pedro and finally Opatoro.

The brigada in Florida was held at the quaint church above.  When we arrived a long line of people were already waiting.

 

We saw over 500 patients in 3 days - yes we were very busy and yes I’m going to bed early tonight!  The people we saw were all very endearing, genuine and thankful.  In addition they are very patient.  Some patients end up waiting for hours to see the optometrist and receive their glasses.  The fact that they are still so pleasant and happy after hours of waiting still puzzles me.....but I'm very thankful for it.

A group of patients crowed into the small church during the torrential down pour!

 During this brigada I had two patients that were particularly memorable.  One was a little girl from San Pedro whose poor vision was affecting her ability to read.  I was able to fit her with reading glasses and her big smile as she named off the tiny letters is something I won't soon forget.

And here I am fitting the little girl with glasses!

  Another was a couple from Opatoro.  I was able to fit them both with reading glasses - the old women was particularly excited that she would be able to sew again!  I also gave them each sunglasses.  They each tried on multiple pairs and giggled the whole time (which I thoroughly enjoyed).  I found their choice of sunglasses very interesting! 

Here is the picture of the couple.  When I asked if I could take a picture of them, the women immediately began ordering the man around.  They were just so charming!

  Ohh and I guess I can't forget the sweet old man in San Pedro who was struting a bright blue t-shirt that read "I'm not a gynecologist but I can take a look".

We got a flat tire on the rough rode to Opatoro.  Normally this would have been a cause of frustration but here in Honduras, where the pace of life is so much slow it was FUN!

Our accommodations in Opatoro.  I would call them 5 star rustic because we did have running water (it was freezing) and some access to electricity.  We were also awaken promptly at 4 am by the roosters. 

 

The Toyota land cruiser that gets us everywhere!

There are always people walking on the roads and the use of mules for packing things is very common.

Sonia is filling up a bucket in order to "flush" her toilet.  Ohh the adventure :-)

The Crew!  Bozho, Sonia, Max, Lindsey

 Things are going very well and I’m feeling very refreshed and content.

And the adventure begins......

Thus far my Honduran adventure has been nothing short of amazing!

The journey began at about 1:30 in the morning in Fresno, CA with an In-N-Out burger and fries.  Three and a half hours later Sonia and I arrived at LAX.  (A big thanks to Colin and Megan for making the midnight trek to LA and getting Sonia and I to the airport safely.)  LAX is overwhelming......but LAX at 5 am is incomprehensible.  Sonia and I (in our matching Unite For Sight T-shirts) quickly noticed that we were the only ones speaking English, everyone else was speaking Spanish.....very fast Spanish.  Although I was catching a conversation here and there I think my personal train of thought was something like "Ohh S***".  All and all though our trip to Tegus went very well :-) 

When we arrived at our new home, the ApartaHotel, we were quickly welcomed by fellow volunteers.  Although I think Sonia and I were ready to collapse, we went to dinner with them anyways and discovered that we were surrounded by some beautiful people.
 Early on Wednesday morning I left, along with Sonia and Sherrie (another volunteer), for a brigada in Marcala.  A brigada is basically a rural outreach.  We provide basic screenings, patients meet with an optometrist and we also hand out glasses.  We saw over 180 patients in 2 days!  My 1st brigada experience was rather amazing and as I'm sitting here I'm realizing hard to explain.  So because I want to go to bed I think I will contemplate this later......but I will say that the majority of the people that we saw at the brigada have close to nothing yet they all seem to be content.

Pictures to Come!