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Published: February 17th 2010
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Dancing
Some of the older kids learning some folkloric dance We start with Christmas and end with Valentine's Day...
A friend of mine from home decided that this year for Christmas, her Christmas presents with her immediate family would be instead to spend the money on shipping a box of her son's old baby clothes to me in Honduras to donate to the people here. I was touched and felt truly blessed to have such a friend.
The box took a few months to arrive but it came in perfect timing. I was heading to Comayagua this weekend to visit Walter, and would be able to take the box to the centre (where Walt teaches) where I would distribute the clothes to those in need.
Friday was a "Winter Holiday" from school. Sarah and Jimmy were heading to Comayagua to see Jimmy's family and so they gave me a ride.
Once I arrived, Walt and I had lunch together, before returning to the centre so Walt could finish his day of work. I sat and did some grading of papers I needed to finish and was very happy to see Walt training his replacement - meaning he's that much closer to leaving Comayagua and moving to Tegus
Watching
Many of the families looking on with me! Later that afternoon we went jogging for awhile and then I sat and watched him play basketball with his friends. That night we went to Sangria's (Morgan's bar) with Sarah and Jimmy to enjoy some food, good company, and watch the Olympic opening ceremonies. Was SO proud to be Canadian with such a good show. My friend Monique was dancing in the tap and fiddle number too! Didn't see her but super proud of her as well.
Saturday we woke up and head to the centre. Apparently Walt had told many of the families a few days before to come on Saturday morning for the clothing, because when we arrived there were already about 10 mothers with small children, looking to receive some free clothing for their babies.
After a group prayer thanking God for the generous sponsors of all the children, as well as the kindhearted gifts donated by others, Walt and I placed ourselves in a little room and started calling in families one by one. I felt like such a monster, as many of the kids didn't want to try on the clothes and were super shy with me. Some sat graciously for
a photo while others screamed. The mothers seemed very happy with their new gift though. These were families who truly needed it. One mother I recognized from our home visits last summer when we took clothing from my mother's friend to her house for her young daughter. I remember her baby boy lying in a stroller with no diaper... simply a dirty t-shirt thrown over his body. This baby boy was now the young child we were now dressing in a pair of jeans and button-up collared shirt.
After we gave 1-2 pieces to each child small enough for the clothing, we still had mothers approaching us, asking if we had anything for their 3 year old or a sibling that was at home and didn't come to the centre that day. Although we had to say no to some, as much of the baby clothing was too small for their other children, I was also amazed to see some mothers squeezing their child into whatever they could. Pants that I thought would be too small fashioned as capris or shorts.
It was funny to see these stylish little babies running around the centre. Once I gave them
Sleepy baby!
Showing off his new sleeper all a sticker on their hand they were no longer afraid of me either. They kept staring at me until I'd make a funny face and they'd turn in giggles, retreating to their mothers.
Felt good to see these families enjoying something. Thank you Britt for your amazing generosity. A little heart definitely goes a long way.
As for the rest of my weekend, Walt and I went after work to play basketball with his friends (well, I knitted and watched while he played) then enjoyed a quiet Valentine's night in. We made dinner together at his house then had some wine and some really great conversation. He shared a lot about his family. His grandfather died last week so he was explaining a lot of the family history, which then gave me a lot more insight into Walter. We talked about the future and our values and how we believed a family should be raised. It was nice to enjoy each other's conversation and company. We had every intention of going to the park to enjoy a concert but with the cool weather that night, I was huddled under a woolly blanket and asleep in no time.
Not so Happy
Many of these children were not so impressed with having to change clothes or having me take photos! Sunday we enjoyed a nice lunch at our favourite Chinese restaurant before heading to the gas station to meet Libby and Pam, who were driving past Comayagua from their weekend in Lago Yojoa, offering to give me a ride back to Tegus.
It was sad to say goodbye to Walt after such a good weekend. Both of us not wanting to leave the other. A wonderful Valentine's Day thanks to the generosity of a friend, the company of friends, and the love of MY valentine.
"When all you have left is love, give it away."
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Mom
non-member comment
So cute and heart breaking at the same time - this brought me to tears. I'm sure you are like an Angel to them - lovely of your friend and her family to do this