Nueva Suyapa

We spent 2 days and 1 night in Nueva Suyapa, a poorer town near my house. I stayed with a wonderful family who was very excited to have students in their house. We spent the day talking, playing soccer next to the house, and cooking with the family. I taught the older boy how to play some songs on an itty bitty keyboard, and when the Dad came home he was very proud. At night, the boys pulled their mattress next to ours (Katherine stayed with me too, another Calvin student) and we played games into the night. The youngest boy (3 yrs) fell asleep in my arms, and I lay awake all night listening to the roosters crowing and the dogs barking. We came, slept, and left in the same clothes. Their house did not have running water, just water in jugs and an outhouse.

I learned more about a simple life that night. The family did not have a nice house or bathroom, and some walls were made of cardboard. But inside the house were crafts, a tv, and food for the family. I saw a humble family that I hadn't seen before in Honduras, one where the Dad helped cook and clean instead of expecting his wife to do it for him (Machismo). The Dad is a construction worker but is taking classes to become something similar to an Engineer, and was thrilled to know that my Dad is an Engineer. He pulled out perspective drawings and showed me how to draw angles. We chatted about the US, about poverty, about trash, about houses, about school, about everything.

The video is of the youngest boy, Jared (3 yrs) doing a pop-a-wheely (Caballito, or little horse in spanish) for us. He was like a little monkey and got into trouble while we were there and he experienced the harsh side of a belt. I left with a sad heart, and the older boy (Mario) cried because he was sad. I assured them I would return to give more piano lessons and so they can meet my Mom when she comes to visit me on Thursday. Part of me wishes I could live in that humble town every day.

For some reason my internet was fast enough today to upload 2 videos! The second video is of my little sister singing to me. She sings those songs about 20 times a day.






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