The Homecoming

Though I had experienced many different emotions during my travel across the US and Honduras the beginning of last week, I received several reminders of why I love it here. The children greet you as if they were your own nieces and nephews, running out of their houses, yelling your name with arms wide open, ready for that huge hug that only children can give. People visit with each other on buses as if they were old friends even if they just met. Even adults run out of their houses to greet you. When I arrived at the apartment, I found everything clean and in order. My roommate had even washed my sheets and bought me a new shower curtain and my very first toilet cake! A sister in the church fixed me a meal even though it was 9:00p.m. Though I’ve been gone a couple months, in many ways it feels like I never left.

My first week back has been a busy one. When I arrived, I was informed that there was a group from Mississippi holding medical clinics in the Christian school and that they could use some help translating. During the day, I´ve been translating for the clinics, children´s classes and women´s seminars, going to church in the evening, and seeing what carnaval is all about at night. It seems to me that it mainly has to do with drinking and dancing but there are some special events like parades in which the high school bands play, and the crowning of the barrio princess.

I´ve been told that another group from a different part of Mississippi is coming to do some construction projects at the Christian school this coming week. I plan to help them as needed, but need to find time to do little things like grocery shop. The seemingly little things can be some of the hardest to do in this culture...