Yes! We finally have internet access! Last night we were so wiped out we had to get to bed. That 5:30 wake up call came at us too fast. So, with that being said and a full 11 hour day of screening behind us, all is well from Honduras!
We are with a team full of Hondurian volunteers as well as members from the US and they could not be more supportive of Riley and I being here. As the team briefed everyone at breakfast this morning, the key word was patience and that stood strong all day. The in country staff expected a larger turn out, but after still working on the 140 or so kids that showed up today, it is probably good that they will get to treat everyone who came. The great thing about Honduras Operation Smile is that they have a clinic which treats children year round and so even if a child could not be operated on this time because of low weight or health, the opportunity does exist in the near future. There was a 40 day old baby that came today with a bilateral, so small, she looked like she was newborn. They have given the mother all the instructions and means to fatten her baby up with the hopes that they can take care of her in the next year. That being said, I did see this mom in tears talking to the psychologist when leaving tonight, so of course, this is still very difficult. The poverty is great here and I am sure this mommy is trying to figure out how to afford the food to make this happen.
So, how did Riley do? Really great! I do not think he can believe he worked for 12 hours today. his little eyes were starting to waver while waiting for pick up. as I expected, the kids loved him. One little boy stuck to his side all day long which I am not sure how he felt about that! There is another adorable child that won his heart and he has said this is the child his $240 will go to. I believe he will be scheduled to get his palate repaired next week. I think the great needs of these children sunk in a little bit for him today. Everything we pulled out to play with the kids somehow made it into the bags of the parents and luckily will get great use. Riley was expecting to hold on to one ball for the week to play with the kids and that snuck out with an older child. I asked him to realize how insignificant this really is to him and how truly significant this is to this boy who may finally own his own ball for once in his life. We'll see if he turns up during surgery week with the ball! The music was a big hit and helped us for musical chairs and red light, green light. We tried to teach them Big Bootie, but they did not pick up on that so well! Maybe Ninja tomorrow?
I have nothing but good things to say about the people here. Our Operation Smile staff and volunteers have done everything right and they are so enthusiastic about helping us and the children. The children are extremely happy and loving, eager to play and engage. Some of the older children took some time to warm up, but eventually were at least close by to watch what we were doing with the younger kids. We did not see many kids with primary lips, mostly younger children a year and younger. Most have had their lips repaired and are back to get their palates done. We did see some older kids who are in desparate need of revisions in hopes that they can look more normal. They will post the surgery list at 6 a.m. saturday morning!
We are staying with Giselle and Gustavo Gomez and their children Giselle and Gustavo. Gustavo is in 5th grade and Giselle in 7th. Riley and Gustavo took no time to be friends and we are lucky for that! Gustavo is very outgoing and happy and so excited to have us here. Tomorrow Riley will go to school for a bit with Gustavo and we will talk to the principal about the Final Mile program. Gustavo has already said he wants to help and with his personality, it is sure to be great! Posted is a picture of Gustavo and his mother with Riley last night.
That is a wrap for day 1. They do not expect as many children tomorrow so we will start at the hospital and then head over the the American School. This weekend, we hope to see a bit of the area and Lopsang, our mission coordinator, has already arranged for a soccer match for anyone who is willing. I only realized tonight at dinner with the Gomez' that the Hondorian team is in the World Cup and they said it has the whole country in high spirits. We will be sure to watch them compete this summer.
We are with a team full of Hondurian volunteers as well as members from the US and they could not be more supportive of Riley and I being here. As the team briefed everyone at breakfast this morning, the key word was patience and that stood strong all day. The in country staff expected a larger turn out, but after still working on the 140 or so kids that showed up today, it is probably good that they will get to treat everyone who came. The great thing about Honduras Operation Smile is that they have a clinic which treats children year round and so even if a child could not be operated on this time because of low weight or health, the opportunity does exist in the near future. There was a 40 day old baby that came today with a bilateral, so small, she looked like she was newborn. They have given the mother all the instructions and means to fatten her baby up with the hopes that they can take care of her in the next year. That being said, I did see this mom in tears talking to the psychologist when leaving tonight, so of course, this is still very difficult. The poverty is great here and I am sure this mommy is trying to figure out how to afford the food to make this happen.
So, how did Riley do? Really great! I do not think he can believe he worked for 12 hours today. his little eyes were starting to waver while waiting for pick up. as I expected, the kids loved him. One little boy stuck to his side all day long which I am not sure how he felt about that! There is another adorable child that won his heart and he has said this is the child his $240 will go to. I believe he will be scheduled to get his palate repaired next week. I think the great needs of these children sunk in a little bit for him today. Everything we pulled out to play with the kids somehow made it into the bags of the parents and luckily will get great use. Riley was expecting to hold on to one ball for the week to play with the kids and that snuck out with an older child. I asked him to realize how insignificant this really is to him and how truly significant this is to this boy who may finally own his own ball for once in his life. We'll see if he turns up during surgery week with the ball! The music was a big hit and helped us for musical chairs and red light, green light. We tried to teach them Big Bootie, but they did not pick up on that so well! Maybe Ninja tomorrow?
I have nothing but good things to say about the people here. Our Operation Smile staff and volunteers have done everything right and they are so enthusiastic about helping us and the children. The children are extremely happy and loving, eager to play and engage. Some of the older children took some time to warm up, but eventually were at least close by to watch what we were doing with the younger kids. We did not see many kids with primary lips, mostly younger children a year and younger. Most have had their lips repaired and are back to get their palates done. We did see some older kids who are in desparate need of revisions in hopes that they can look more normal. They will post the surgery list at 6 a.m. saturday morning!
We are staying with Giselle and Gustavo Gomez and their children Giselle and Gustavo. Gustavo is in 5th grade and Giselle in 7th. Riley and Gustavo took no time to be friends and we are lucky for that! Gustavo is very outgoing and happy and so excited to have us here. Tomorrow Riley will go to school for a bit with Gustavo and we will talk to the principal about the Final Mile program. Gustavo has already said he wants to help and with his personality, it is sure to be great! Posted is a picture of Gustavo and his mother with Riley last night.
That is a wrap for day 1. They do not expect as many children tomorrow so we will start at the hospital and then head over the the American School. This weekend, we hope to see a bit of the area and Lopsang, our mission coordinator, has already arranged for a soccer match for anyone who is willing. I only realized tonight at dinner with the Gomez' that the Hondorian team is in the World Cup and they said it has the whole country in high spirits. We will be sure to watch them compete this summer.
Missing you, dave, alec, will and isabelle.... thinking of you alot and hoping you had a great day. hasta manana..
love, riley and mom
Hey guys!
ReplyDeleteSounds awesome so far! Isn't it great interacting with those kids! I loved it! It brings me back to Nicaragua! That's great that Riley has a 5th grader to stay with, now he has an international buddy! Anyway, have a great time, we miss you but your doing such good work there! Soak it all in! Bye!
Crissy
PS. Garrett got invited up to Richmond to play with Nike this weekend so he's pumped!
wow! sounds like you all had a great first day. it will be exciting to talk to riley when he's back and hear his perspective. we had a nice lunch today with isabelle- she is doing well no worries and well taken care of:-) take care and look forward to more updates. m
ReplyDeleteIt's actually Alice..Hey guys.. such great pictures. I know you'd love to be there much longer and sounds like Riley is really enjoying it. We can't wait to hear all about it. We're here in Richmond with the boys..first game bright and early tomorrow. Alec wants to say hi..
ReplyDeleteHey mom! its alec. an riley. hello my loveey doveey bears. u two r so sweet to go out an help out those who are less fortanate. hope u r having a wonderful time. Love with much compassion. ALEc