Friday, January 19, 2001

Afternoon,

I have not made a mistake and no you are not seeing double, there really are 2 updates for Friday. I just came back from the compound and just had to write some more. Oh how I wish you could see the sight at the playground! Children were everywhere, laughing, giggling, swinging, and climbing. Doing the kind of things that children all over the world should be able to do. I don't think there was a foot of free space anywhere near that large playground. George Hasche who helped build the set and also is known for his heart of gold was right in there with the children, all having fun. There are swings, monkey bars, a tree fort, trapeze ropes and other things I don't even know what to call, other than fun. The playground was the brainchild of Eric Young our Co-director of this mission project, and I know his heart had to be touched when he saw it come to fruition. Our construction crews have worked so hard everyday, working on all these projects. Many of the team staying way past the time the bus leaves so to make sure the work was finished.
The playground is right next to where the water supply for the compound is. Each day the children and adults must go to the water spigots and fill tubs and buckets full of water to carry home for the families use. Now, as the children struggle to do this heavy chore, they will be able to swing for a moment before carrying the heavy load back home. Some are carried in buckets; some are carried in pans balanced on top of the head.
The soccer and basketballs we brought were left with the social worker and the mayor of the village. Three area projects, Habitat for Humanity, ADRA and a Catholic village has a soccer team that they are very proud of. The ball that they had to use though could hardly be called a ball any longer, so when we presented ours, they were ecstatic. We presented them with 10 soccer and 10 basketballs.
At the optical clinic, the remainder of the glasses were put out on a table for the last few people to go through and see if any helped. Almost all the glasses we brought were used, other than the trifocals.
The medical clinic closed down at 2:30 after seeing 435 patients. They had to close in time to allow the pharmacy to catch up and also to pack and take down all of our gear. The dental clinic also had to close by 2:30 in order to take down partitions and equipment. Our men and women were working fast and furious to be able to get at much done as possible before closing down.
We started to hand out clothes at the end and it turned into a riot, it became so serious and dangerous that it had to be stopped immediately. We put all our give away items in an empty, lockable house and left it for the social worker to distribute as she sees fit. We cannot endanger our people.
I was able to spend a few minutes with Evans Daniels,M.D. after the clinic closed. He has his practice at the Veterans hospital in Ct. and has been on 12 missionary trips. He saw the majority of the children and said one of the biggest problems were with skin infection and worm infestation along with the respiratory ailments that are so prevalent here.
Treden Rousseau just came in to our room to show us the necklace that the wash lady gave her. If you remember I told you how the two of them had made friends and Treden would try to help her as she does with everyone, especially in the kitchen. This is one very sweet Christ like young girl.
Now with all this written I will prepare for tonight's meeting.
Remember, Jesus always loved you best.

Happy and thankful in Honduras, I send you a smile,

Jennifer Young