A Year in Honduras

 Allen and I arrived in Honduras a year ago and while a lot has happened, the time seems to have gone by very quickly. Looking back, our first five weeks in Copan were an excellent introduction into the country as Copan is a fun small town that is easy to get around in. The immersion Spanish gave us a jump start on the language and since most people in Copan do not speak English, it also gave us a jump start on communicating despite a language barrier. We had a half day of school, a pampered life with our host family and enjoyed air-conditioned cafes in Copan while doing a lot of homework. There were also many fun tourist-type activities and a daily morning walk to enjoy in our free time and many stores close by so we could purchase whatever we needed.

Cafe San Rafael in Copan

When we arrived at the NPH Ranch afterwards, it was a different experience as we had more basic living quarters and simple food (so not the pampering and easy access to cafes and stores). We also had full time jobs and evenings with our hogars so a very busy and full life with not much free time. Communication was still a challenge but little by little we either learned a few words, got better at using our translator apps, or just instilled more patience in those around us to help us understand.

Typical Ranch Meal: Beans, Eggs, Plantain

Over the last year we have become part of this community. Allen’s job takes him all around the ranch into all kinds of situations. I am often known as Allen’s wife and frequently told how hard he works. The other volunteers are delighted to have a friendly and knowledgeable handy man nearby and even the Tias ask him to fix things when he is at Hogar in the evening.

Allen and His Coworkers Checking On the Water Supply

My job gives me lots of opportunities to interact with the children. Whether helping take photos, delivering letters, or going on birthday outings, I get lots of smiles and hugs. So, although the living situation is basic and there is not much free time, the love is in abundance.

Me and My Coworkers at a Padrinos Birthday Outing

I thought by the one-year mark I would be better at Spanish than I am. I still struggle to understand most of the conversation around me and have a hard time saying what I want to say. It is more work than I expected and will require more than a year to get where I want to be – which is able to understand and participate in normal conversation.

Some of the Difficulties of Learning Spanish

Trying to Get This Superpower

The long-term volunteer assignment is for 13 months beginning in either July or January and covering a year plus an extra month to help new volunteers adjust. There is also an option to extend the term for another six months. Three of our original group of eight are choosing to extend. Allen and I were tempted, but in the end decided against it. We miss our home, family, and friends and while they have all been supportive of our efforts here and I am sure would be supportive of an additional six months if we wanted, it felt like time to come home. So look for us back in the US starting August. We will miss the kids and community here, so plan to come back to visit soon – most likely November.