A heartfelt farewell

Hi everyone. This is the last journal entry From Lauren's Mom.... And only because Lauren asked me to write about the things I think I will miss most about Honduras. :)
Before I do, I want to say that the last week I was there was so much fun. I guess we just tried to squeeze every last thing we were able to in the remaining time I had left. But also so many people that I met there, made the effort to stop by to see me one more time before my trip back home. Several brought me gifts, and unique food items that I would never find in the states. And then the night before my trip home, the house was filled with group after group of folks stopping by, one group arrived about 8pm, and showed up at her front door singing! The neighborhood must have thought there was a party going on. hahah It was so absolutely endearing,and of course I cried. At first I asked Lauren what was going on, her face beamed and she said "They're serenading you Mom!" :D
About 25 people stood on her doorstep, then paraded into the house still singing. It went on for about an hour, then they presented me with a certificate. There were lots of tears and hugs and well wishes. But it wasn't over...after they left another group came, this one brought a cake! The famous "tres leches' cake that is so popular there.
It was truly an experience that I will never forget. I can only wonder at the farewell that Lauren will receive in 07 when it's time for her to leave.
Which brings me to the one thing I will miss the most, second only to our daughter, Lauren, and that's the people I met there.
Every little thing you do for them, even just a verbal exchange of friendship is something of great value to them. Their hearts are so big. I just love them.
They also gave me a stack of thank you cards, which they designed and wrote a message on for me to mail to all of you who donated to the library project.

I had a chance to read the report Lauren had prepared before she submitted it to Peace Corp headquarters there, and it basically detailed the latrine project. I was really impressed.
I think the number was 139 families that benefitted directly from the latrine project. To clarify that, it was supplying a latrine for families that up to that point did not even have the luxury of using a toilet. Yes, they would just find a bush or something outside. That is something that is so foreign to any of us, that is to imagine a home without a toilet.
The latrine project was started and nearly completed by the previous PCV, but Lauren sort of put the finishing touches on it. One of Lauren's biggest projects is the stove. That entails not only knowing how to build one, but giving classes to the families interested in getting one, in Dulce Nombre, San Juan and Concepcion. The poorest houses, are usually mud houses with dirt floors, have only one room, no bathroom, and any cooking is done inside, using wood, but with no air ventilation.
The stove requires about $25 of supplies, including the metal stovetop, and cylinder tubing which goes through the roof , directing all the smoke outside. Such a simple thing, yet it is something so valuable to the families that are able to receive one. Lauren's goal is to supply 100 families with a stove. Often times, those fortunate enough to receive one, share the benefit of it to a great extent with their neighbors.

What else will I miss.....? I will miss the beautiful sight of the green lush hillsides and mountains surrounding Dulce Nombre, the gorgeous sunsets, and the stars. There, the night sky is especially beautiful with so much less light pollution.
I'll miss the clip clopping of the horses on the cobblestone streets, and shopping for dinner items at the pulperias.
I'll miss the quiet moments we spent together, reading and talking....and washing our clothes in the pila. No kidding....I loved using the pila. ;)
I'll miss her garden. (we sort of bonded)
And I'll miss Piropo, her crazy kitty. He really has a lot of personality!

But I have to confess, I am really enjoying my hot showers! ;)

Now we are looking forward to Lauren's visit in May, In the meantime she has several other upcoming visits from friends which I am sure she will share with us.

Keep up the good work there Lauren, we are all so proud of you! May God continue to keep you safe and fill your life with blessings and goodness.