This week promises to be more higgledy piggledy than usual with preparations for a trip to Canada (my 90 day visa is up and I have to leave the country – and it can’t be just to a neighbouring one), the arrival of folks from Canada along with normal routine.
Yesterday, after waiting for Chepe and Laura to finish church and visiting family, we piled into a pick up and, after gassing up, headed down the highway worm hunting. There was a small stop as we located the man from the village who knew where they were located. The man was decidedly listing from a night of drinking but still able to communicate directions. It took several tries but we managed to get a hoody on him so that he could ride in the back without suffering unduly from the heavy mist.
We arrived at one intersection where first indications were that we were to head uphill. There were more than a score of people waiting for rides at the intersection and, as soon as they thought we were heading their way, they began piling in. It was déjà vu from Africa as they shoehorned into place. Bad news though. Our rollicking sailor guide found the next man in the chain and we were directed to turn around and head back for half a kilometre and head downhill. Every one of the new passengers climbed out, we reversed and were on our way.
After threading along the edge of a forest reserve we came to a gate which had a number of trucks parked in front of it. We stopped and our two guides strolled up and away to search for number three. We sat talking to some others who were also waiting. Beside us was a tree with an unusual looking fruit. I asked the name and it was, sure enough and quite aptly, Burro Balls. It is used for medicine although I am not sure just what. I’ll leave any raunchy comments about how to use and what not to your own imagination.
Soon Ernesto, the worm man, arrived and we began talking about Vermiculture and negotiating a deal for four pounds of worms which we can pick up this week. Everyone else seemed satisfied with how easy it was going to be to meet, get them on a bus and transport them. So, who am I to have doubts?
We returned via Lake Yojoa along the road which has numerous restaurants serving deep fried fish and fried banano (spelling is correct there) chips. A lovely meal later, along with some pauses to watch a travelling motorcycle gang (all on 120 cc bikes – not Harleys) race up and down doing tricks (as well as dodging through traffic) and we were headed back home.
In the evening, I went to sing with the music group. We were practising one of the numbers and I was puzzled to see the phrase "Mary’s rabbits". Not being certain of all the Honduran folklore associated with the Virgin, I continued to sing. Fortunately, one of the choir heard my version and checked out the printed words. She discovered a missing “s” in the word rabbit. The frustrating part about learning another language is when you come across what is certainly an error but have no idea how to correct it because you can’t understand the context. We would readily correct the phrase, “He is praying in the sangbox.” However, I had no idea what was one letter away from rabbits. Needless to say, we enjoyed the error immensely.
TTYL
bb
Monday, January 18, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
More Odds Than Ends
A lazy Saturday morning was scheduled. Fortunately, someone in the neighbourhood realized that a sunny Saturday was not to be wasted so they began their musical offerings promptly at six. Happily, the water is running again after almost three days of absence. So, storage buckets are filled, sinks, dishes and other things cleaned and there is time to listen to CBC radio and have some warm tea.
I brewed some tea with honey and had the mug sitting on the small table beside me. After a few minutes of working on a puzzle (thank goodness for Jigzone ) I reached out for the mug only to find that the sugar ants had discovered it with a vengeance. Unbelievable how quickly they find something like that, cover the distance, climb the “mountains” and get busy harvesting. A small stop to run the tea through a strainer and into another container and all is well. Hopefully I won’t feel too many protein bits as I swallow.
One evening this week, I was in one of the Internet Cafes in town which also offers photocopying and other office type services. I noticed that one of the customers was asking them to connect her to a 1-800 number (they offer phone services as well) but kept on with my business. Several minutes later, the lady in charge came over and handed me the phone and asked if I would listen and translate the English message they were getting. Imagine my surprise and bemusement when the number happened to be some sort of live sex chat room. We quickly got offline and things went back to the usual. Of course, now I wonder where or how this lady got the number. Was she going through her husband’s trousers before washing, looking down an old phone bill that got sent home by mistake, mistakenly copying a number for a televangelist or what? Those thoughts are almost as amusing as the situation.
On Thursday we had our first attempt at typing tests. I made up some paragraphs for testing purposes and we had two minute time writes. Well, the results were as expected – catastrophic. Still, everyone realized that our expectations were indeed serious and their practice needed to be done in earnest. My demonstrations showed that I am still in good shape speed wise. Thank you Miss Carrol for such a great foundation .
Yesterday I traveled to San Pedro Sula to check out prices and availability of various things. A man in Canada wants to use the used printing plates from the newspapers to construct solar cookers. I had sent a young fellow to inquire about them but he had no luck. With me in tow, doors opened much more easily. However, we found, not surprisingly, that these plates are sold to a middleman who, in turn sells them to customers for various uses. So, the paper would not tell us a definite price less they ruin the bargaining process for their contractor. But, we now know where to go.
As well, I had the unpleasant task of tracking down a former employee who has used false information to secure a position with another aid organization. This person is currently facing charges for theft and sexual molestation stemming from his time with us. Obviously such information did not appear on his current resume. The guy had, very cleverly, made sure that he had people set up to answer each of his phone numbers and give positive referrals. I am not good at stuff like this at all.
On the way home last night, I sat beside a woman who had, as nearly as I could count, four children in tow. The youngest were two and three years old and the other two weren’t significantly older. As dusk settled in as we left the terminal, both of the two youngest fell asleep. So, I got to hold one of them and the mother held the other. Late Friday bus and late Friday traffic made for an hour longer trip. Part of the beginning part of the journey was spent “off-roading” bus style as we, along with other buses, headed down alleys, byways and dirt streets to bypass the traffic jam. New scenery before darkness fell.
Tomorrow I head out to travel with two board members in search of more composting worms. It will be an adventure just getting there I am sure.
TTYL
bb
I brewed some tea with honey and had the mug sitting on the small table beside me. After a few minutes of working on a puzzle (thank goodness for Jigzone ) I reached out for the mug only to find that the sugar ants had discovered it with a vengeance. Unbelievable how quickly they find something like that, cover the distance, climb the “mountains” and get busy harvesting. A small stop to run the tea through a strainer and into another container and all is well. Hopefully I won’t feel too many protein bits as I swallow.
One evening this week, I was in one of the Internet Cafes in town which also offers photocopying and other office type services. I noticed that one of the customers was asking them to connect her to a 1-800 number (they offer phone services as well) but kept on with my business. Several minutes later, the lady in charge came over and handed me the phone and asked if I would listen and translate the English message they were getting. Imagine my surprise and bemusement when the number happened to be some sort of live sex chat room. We quickly got offline and things went back to the usual. Of course, now I wonder where or how this lady got the number. Was she going through her husband’s trousers before washing, looking down an old phone bill that got sent home by mistake, mistakenly copying a number for a televangelist or what? Those thoughts are almost as amusing as the situation.
On Thursday we had our first attempt at typing tests. I made up some paragraphs for testing purposes and we had two minute time writes. Well, the results were as expected – catastrophic. Still, everyone realized that our expectations were indeed serious and their practice needed to be done in earnest. My demonstrations showed that I am still in good shape speed wise. Thank you Miss Carrol for such a great foundation .
Yesterday I traveled to San Pedro Sula to check out prices and availability of various things. A man in Canada wants to use the used printing plates from the newspapers to construct solar cookers. I had sent a young fellow to inquire about them but he had no luck. With me in tow, doors opened much more easily. However, we found, not surprisingly, that these plates are sold to a middleman who, in turn sells them to customers for various uses. So, the paper would not tell us a definite price less they ruin the bargaining process for their contractor. But, we now know where to go.
As well, I had the unpleasant task of tracking down a former employee who has used false information to secure a position with another aid organization. This person is currently facing charges for theft and sexual molestation stemming from his time with us. Obviously such information did not appear on his current resume. The guy had, very cleverly, made sure that he had people set up to answer each of his phone numbers and give positive referrals. I am not good at stuff like this at all.
On the way home last night, I sat beside a woman who had, as nearly as I could count, four children in tow. The youngest were two and three years old and the other two weren’t significantly older. As dusk settled in as we left the terminal, both of the two youngest fell asleep. So, I got to hold one of them and the mother held the other. Late Friday bus and late Friday traffic made for an hour longer trip. Part of the beginning part of the journey was spent “off-roading” bus style as we, along with other buses, headed down alleys, byways and dirt streets to bypass the traffic jam. New scenery before darkness fell.
Tomorrow I head out to travel with two board members in search of more composting worms. It will be an adventure just getting there I am sure.
TTYL
bb
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Martha and Hernan
Hernan is studying here at Centro de Enseñanza Fraternidad along with his mother Julia. He is studying Grade 8 and Julia is studying Grade 7.
Shortly after Hernan was born, his father disappeared without a trace. His mother remarried but her new husband passed away just a few years later. Fortunately, Hernan has a brother in the States who sends money home for the family to live on.
When both of his brothers were still at home, Hernan was able to work with them planting maize and beans. Now that they are no longer at home there is very little for him to do in his village. The same problem affects most of the boys his age who have finished Grade 6.
Last year Hernan went to the Public School for Grade 7. Only two of the thirty-seven students finished the year. The rest dropped out over the course of the term, primarily because of lack of funds for school books, uniforms and transport. The current economic crisis has affected lives in many ways.
There are no books in his house so Hernan is unable to read anything which would expand his horizons. Without the Centro de Enseñanza Fraternidad program he would have had to stay at home this year. He is very hopeful that the program will expand so that he can continue studies beyond Grade 9.
Hernan turned fifteen on January 3. Since we missed his birthday, we had to give him the royal bumps ten days late. The benefits of a Canadian programme are numerous.
Martha Gabriela Martinez Vasquez
Martha is nearly eighteen years old. She lives at home with her parents and one sister. Two older brothers and an older sister have married and left home. Her older sister is, however, living next door as her marriage has broken up.
Now that she is studying Grade 7, Martha has the opportunity to become the most educated member of her family. Her father, a peasant farmer, has a Grade 3 education and her mother, who works at home, finished Grade 2. Centro de Enseñanza Fraternidad is offering Martha and her family the chance to have someone look to a future that holds other options for living and study.
Martha is fortunate that her family and friends are giving her encouragement. Many of her friends are already mothers but they recognize Martha’s chance to choose an alternative path and they are happy for her. Until she began school, she spent her days helping around the house without opportunity to dream or think of the future.
After Martha finishes Grade 9, she hopes to attend High School and, possibly, study accounting. After one month of classes, she is ¾ finished the first of four textbooks. If she continues at this pace, she will finish the grade in another three months.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
The Gazebo Arrives
My kitchen knife has gradually lost its edge (much like its owner I am afraid). I asked Edel, one of the teachers, where I could go to sharpen the knife. He said it would be simpler just to buy a file and he would sharpen it. That seemed like a good deal to me and I said I would go down to the “No Hay” hardware (we have christened the store “No Hay” because they routinely don’t have what we ask for) and get one. Edel looked at me in a puzzled way and said, “Just go to the Pulperia”. The nearest pulperia is a small, side of the house type shop with a fridge and freezer where you can buy little household stuff. But files? Sure enough, they had them. So, the question to me is, what do people use so regularly that needs a file and makes it reasonable for a soap, toilet paper and milk shop to stock them?
Another mystery to me is the size of vanilla bottles. While growing up we had those tiny little bottles of vanilla which sat in the cupboard for months and months before finally being emptied. Here, vanilla is sold in half litre bottles. I have yet to find the right question to ask to know what those amounts of vanilla are used for. It doesn’t seem to fit with beans, eggs and tortilla menu planning.
We needed some extra space for meetings and small classes. There is an unused cement pad in the yard so I decided to have the welder build a gazebo. The drawings were made and the explanations discussed and Thursday evening just as I was hoping to leave, the gates opened and we spent the next hour carrying and setting it up. I confess to a small mistake on my part. Small, as in failing to measure the entrance before making the plans. Fortunately, the welder had taken a look and had built the gazebo in two parts (which is great should we have to move at some time). The base came in through the gates at an angle and, despite low hanging wires and papaya trees, managed to fit in without trouble. The walls are only two metres high but, even that, is truly beyond the scope of the workers’ ability to reach. Fortunately, we had some blocks in the yard and were able to build little piles for all to stand on when putting on the roof. I designed the roof to have a layer of plywood under the metal in an effort to cut the heat. Unfortunately, the welder chose black as the colour to paint the roof. We will see if the idea works. May have to repaint it white.
Yesterday, after a trip to talk to some men about some land for some projects, I returned via some friends who have some red wriggler worms. I was able to obtain a small group of them and they are now happily, I hope, (they did survive the night I see) adjusting to their new and MUCH bigger quarters. Hopefully they will begin multiplying quickly so that the large quarters are utilized. Until then it will be more of a compost pit than a vermiculture operation.
Some students have arrived for Saturday studies so we will see how that goes. A new student arrived this week to start Grade 7. She is twenty-six, a widow and mother of two. Wow. Talk about having a bad hand. She is incredibly cheerful and working hard. I hope we can get her through the courses in short order.
We are enjoying some simply cloudy weather and the chance for laundry to dry. I developed a lingering cough over the holidays so am busy doctoring it with hot milk and honey, a German recipe I was given many years ago on a choir tour. It tastes quite different with the strong tropical flavour of the honey than with the rather plain clover and canola honey from Alberta.
Several students finished the first book this week which means they are a quarter done their course work in less than a month. That is great news. Now to make sure that all the other requirements are met and everything in order for the officials. They are, I am told, a bit puzzled by people being able to move more quickly than a yearly grade. We will have to struggle with that I am sure. On top of this is the lack of salaries these people are getting so incentive to innovate is obviously lacking.
TTYL
bb
Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year
A rainy Monday morning but a bright start to the New Year. We have had two days of solid drizzle interspersed with heavy showers. For a sunny Alberta boy, such grey weather is a challenge. The humidity is obviously sky high and papers sitting out on the desk are very limp and bedraggled. Origami sculptures would have a tough time I think. At night, the bed feels rather damp as well until it warms up. The good news is, though, it is delightfully cool ... almost cold.
Students are obviously stuck at home because only a couple have showed up so far this morning. Many homes are not in a fine state of repair and these cold, several days of rain stretches find all the cracks and holes and leave homes rather miserable. One of my walls is showing the effects of heavy rain as all the mortar joints become damp and show through the paint. I have no idea how the street people fare in such weather.
In early November, we had an attack of leaf cutter ants in our compound. Overnight trees were stripped bare of all leaves. How they can strip that much foliage in one night is truly amazing. We took the occasion to prune back a bunch of the ornamental shrubs. Finally, I notice, the leaves are beginning to fill out again and our yard is looking prettier.
At about 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, it began pouring so the party I was invited to basically washed away. I headed home when the downpour settled into light rain feeling that a five minute wetting was easier to face than an hour or two huddling under dripping eaves. Fortunately, the rain let up for midnight firecrackers to be set off and the artillery barrage let in the New Year in fine style. Thanks to Skype, I was able to phone a few friends and family at the same time.
Saturday, I took the bus into San Pedro Sula. My shopping list was to find earrings and necklaces for the girls on my daughter’s soccer team. Of course, sending someone with my complete lack of skills in jewellery shopping on such an errand is laughable. Fortunately, there was not a lot to choose from at the tourist market so the chance for error was slightly lessened. One of the artists featured in one shop is an interesting case. He suffers from some sort of schizophrenia which is controllable by medicines. However, when he has been on the medicines for awhile he begins to feel better and stops taking them. Very quickly he is back on the street until his family can find him, return him home and get things under control again. He does lovely work but at such a cost to himself and his family.
It is time to make new spreadsheets for the bookkeeping. Fortunately, friends in Canada give me a helping hand with design and formulae. It truly seems miraculous what these spreadsheets will do and all the calculations that can be made instantaneously. Having taking my High School accounting classes before the advent of calculators these spreadsheets are a never ending source of amazement and warm fuzzy.
May you find satisfaction and joy in the upcoming year.
Peace,
bb
Students are obviously stuck at home because only a couple have showed up so far this morning. Many homes are not in a fine state of repair and these cold, several days of rain stretches find all the cracks and holes and leave homes rather miserable. One of my walls is showing the effects of heavy rain as all the mortar joints become damp and show through the paint. I have no idea how the street people fare in such weather.
In early November, we had an attack of leaf cutter ants in our compound. Overnight trees were stripped bare of all leaves. How they can strip that much foliage in one night is truly amazing. We took the occasion to prune back a bunch of the ornamental shrubs. Finally, I notice, the leaves are beginning to fill out again and our yard is looking prettier.
At about 10 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, it began pouring so the party I was invited to basically washed away. I headed home when the downpour settled into light rain feeling that a five minute wetting was easier to face than an hour or two huddling under dripping eaves. Fortunately, the rain let up for midnight firecrackers to be set off and the artillery barrage let in the New Year in fine style. Thanks to Skype, I was able to phone a few friends and family at the same time.
Saturday, I took the bus into San Pedro Sula. My shopping list was to find earrings and necklaces for the girls on my daughter’s soccer team. Of course, sending someone with my complete lack of skills in jewellery shopping on such an errand is laughable. Fortunately, there was not a lot to choose from at the tourist market so the chance for error was slightly lessened. One of the artists featured in one shop is an interesting case. He suffers from some sort of schizophrenia which is controllable by medicines. However, when he has been on the medicines for awhile he begins to feel better and stops taking them. Very quickly he is back on the street until his family can find him, return him home and get things under control again. He does lovely work but at such a cost to himself and his family.
It is time to make new spreadsheets for the bookkeeping. Fortunately, friends in Canada give me a helping hand with design and formulae. It truly seems miraculous what these spreadsheets will do and all the calculations that can be made instantaneously. Having taking my High School accounting classes before the advent of calculators these spreadsheets are a never ending source of amazement and warm fuzzy.
May you find satisfaction and joy in the upcoming year.
Peace,
bb
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