Honduras: Difficult times

From Honduras 2010 Photos

It is the rainy season here in Tegucigalpa. Daily thunder showers are the norm, sometimes accompanied by brisk winds. This combination wreaks havoc: bridges collapse, mudslides make roads impassable, and homes of those already in dire straits are rendered unlivable. Even the national football stadium could not withstand a sudden, but short, gale the other day and a part of it collapsed.

But the hand of fate has been very gentle and kind to us and carried us through all our distributions successfully. We manage to finish our work just as the rains begin and both children and volunteers are spared a total drenching. Finding a spot to take pictures has sometimes been troublesome as the grounds are wet and walking is hampered by sinking ground beneath our feet.

From Honduras 2010 Photos

But the euphoria that carries us from day to day as we help in providing some comfort for the children of Honduras can not be dampened. We know we have touched the lives of many children -- over 3500 to date -- bringing much comfort and ensuring them a good night's sleep. It touches us deeply to see their broad smiles when they realize that the entire bedkit is theirs.

Mothers seem to deem the mosquito net and blanket as particularly important; the children, also recognize the value of these items, but sometimes express great delight to have a pillow - a real treat.

From Honduras 2010 Photos

We have had tremendous support from the Rotarians of Tegucigalpa, their wives and many young Rotaracts. The entire project is also supported by the First Lady's Office and many volunteers under her auspices attend each distribution. We are particularly grateful for Miguel, deemed an honorary member of our team, who assists us at the photo site. He has an ability
to work with children, allay their anxieties and bring assurance particularly to those who are disabled, blind, or upset. Without him, our work would be much more difficult.

On the way home from the last distribution, we heard a song whose lyrics repeated the phrase "we belong here." The presence of SCAW and its commitment to help the children of Honduras is particularly important at a time when the poor have lost their crops, sometimes their homes, due to the heavy rains.

And, indeed, we do belong here.

Irene Harrison
For Team Honduras 2010

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