Monkeys, Medical Brigades and More Shenanigans

Let me tell you about a Honduran cowboy...

This cowboy traveled an hour and a half on horseback with his two children to be seen by a visiting medical brigade. I had the honor of doing some translating for said brigade, and the even greater honor of meeting this cowboy and his children.

As the three walked together into the school classroom that served as a consult room, I was in awe of the simple image of this father with his children, all wearing their Sunday best. The cowboy and his son were nervous. The daughter, no more than 10 years old, was unfazed in her colorful dress and shiny headband.

When I heard the family had traveled on horseback to arrive to the pueblito where the medical brigade was set up that day, I asked if either of the children knew how to ride. The cowboy proudly responded that yes, his little girl can already ride a horse on her own - she confirmed with a reserved but confident smile.

When asking the cowboy how he dealt with certain symptoms of a medical condition to pass, I asked him: “usted solo espera que pase?” (Do you simply wait for it to pass?). The cowboy responded: “pues solo espero en Dios” (I just hope to God). Same word, different meaning. Subtle difference, dramatic implications. Gut-wrenchingly beautiful simplicity.

As I left the classroom where patients were being seen, I saw a saddled horse tied up behind the school that I can only assume belonged to the cowboy. I wish I could have watched the family riding together into town on that horse.

I don't know much, but I do know this: that cowboy is 29 but looks about 40, he has to take his children on horseback to see a doctor for maybe the only time in a year, and he has something I probably will never have.

--

Not pictured below;

• We welcomed Alicia as our eighth resident in the missionary house!

• Played in a soccer game in the outside community with the men from Mojaguay. There was a mudpit in the middle of the field. There was a scuffle. There were fans on the field. I had a blast.

• Saw a troop of howler monkeys on the side of the road coming back from retreat.

Padres Juan and Jose from Slovakia hosted us for an incredible retreat in Sangrelaya.

Rode several hours in the back of a pickup truck to said retreat. It poured rain. It was awesome.

Rolled up to Sunday mass with the fellas in the back of a pickup truck.

The daughter of one of the security guard's was presented in the church in Mojaguay. One of my favorite traditions here.

I absolutely nuked my first attempt at wood fire oven baked artisanal bread.

Tried on some slippers with the older girls.

The little boys and I decided who needs winter school anyway we're gonna be famous musicians.

We had to travel by boat to reach some of the towns the medical brigade was visiting.

We made shish kabobs with freshly cut bamboo as the skewers. I think that made them taste better.

We had a celebratory lunch for Sor Feli before she left the Finca for a new assignment. She will miss J and J will miss her.

A monkey showed up in our backyard. His name is Willy and he's pretty cool.

A shepherd gazes upon his sheep and the two new lambs.