The real life.

      Gracias, Honduras. That is the nice, beautiful, friendly, safe, and small town I live in. Before moving to Gracias I had been to Honduras, twice to be exact. I was aware of what to expect from this gorgeous country, I was aware of the poverty, and I was aware of all the headlines. So when I moved to Gracias and got settled in and used to the great neighborhood I live in, my thoughts and opinions did change a little bit. Prior to living here, I volunteered in small villages outside El Progreso where these villages were not all that safe. We always had guards with us, we traveled in packs, and I was with a well known organization. While I always did feel completely safe, I knew if I was not with such a well known and respected organization I probably would not be feeling this safe. However after moving here, I had the exact opposite feelings. I did feel safe without guards, I can walk around town by myself, the town is practically my family. There is something so magical about Honduras, Gracias especially, that I get lost in its beauty and sometimes forget where I am. Or simply the fact that I am in fact living in a third world country. Except today, today I was reminded so much that I was in fact in a struggling country, in a country that needs help, a country that is not well educated. 

     Today after school we decided to play some soccer with a family that goes to our school at a local field. We went their house to meet them and they soon led us to the field. Instead of taking the long way, we took the short cut of a well walked path through a few hills and over some rocks. Along the way one of my co-workers noticed some biohazard waste bags in some ditches. She asked the father of the family who was with us, what exactly these red bags were. He informed us that they were in fact exactly what we thought they were. They were biohazard waste bags from the local hospitals. You know, just some bags that in the states we take very seriously about disposing of properly (not like they might contain needles or blood or anything!!!) Seeing all these bags just piled into a ditch was eye opening and heartbreaking. On the way back home, I stopped to get another look and to see if they really were items from a hospital or just a few dirty diapers (wishful thinking I know). But that wasn't the case, they were from the hospital. I saw old cotton balls, blood sample containers, needles, gloves, the list goes on. It was in that moment that I was so quickly reminded of where I am. Yes, I am in a very nice neighborhood and town, yet at the same time I am still in Honduras. I am still in a country where the fact that just throwing out a biohazard bag on the ground means nothing to them even though that is illegal, I am still in country that needs help and some educating. 

     Aside from that eye opening experience today, I am still in love with my life and my job. I have never been more happy to live life. My kids are awesome! Yesterday was teacher's day so the kids were not shy of showing you love and I got a cute little bracelet and earrings from a student today. I love waking up in the mornings and knowing I get to see those bright and shining faces! So aside from a more "sad" post, I do love where I am, what I am doing, and who I do it with! 

Night y'all! Miss and love you all mucho!