tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49865105695024043212024-03-05T14:48:47.313-08:00Neighbors Far AwayWilliam and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-32816637897228121842023-11-27T10:19:00.000-08:002023-11-27T10:19:08.339-08:00Second Simplicity<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: left;"></p><p>In his book, “Falling Upward”, Richard Rohr describes the journey through the first and into the second half of life. We move from a necessary focus on self-image, security and status, on to a paradox-filled pilgrimage, destined for the discovery of our true selves and of God’s deeper purpose for us.</p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">If we make a healthy transition to the second half of life, we offer the wisdom of an elder, but from a childlike stance of inclusion, and with a “both-and” attitude — a “Second Simplicity”. We encounter a bigger world, and are loved by a God who is more expansive and more mysterious than the One we knew before. We allow space for the unknown and the immeasurable, and become more welcoming to the stranger and to the “other”.<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps for the two of us, the volunteer work we have been describing represents signposts on this labyrinthine path to growth. Though we are far from making the spiritual transformation described by theologians and mystics, our experiences clearly underscore that “one cannot give more than one gets in return”. With every broad smile and warm hug we have received, with every playground wound and scrawled birthday card, God’s ocean of mercy has washed us with undeserved favor. Like the Central American sun, God’s loving embrace warms us and renews our Spirits.<br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> <br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">As the calendar now prompts us to celebrate gratitude, gift-giving and grace, may you, too, be surrounded by God’s everlasting, loving kindness. Happy Holidays.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div></div><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22n0JUsnusw0fpMm7Eo-aDH79bmBcW8gZFGwxo2df4wqaKDB668qEjIbL5qkB6tLJTQdyzBuIhDJ4bU6oKio5z1Qw3Py6o-uCtflMiLx-r5v81bPhFwaz1OVI2k7WKMk-JcaXAUZwNM6TY8krJ8bw4YLZoEx_lvPjoTxCsyR-F1woDiy-6iUledB2RzQ/s1001/thumbnail_Image%2011-22-23%20at%2011.13%20AM%20(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1001" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22n0JUsnusw0fpMm7Eo-aDH79bmBcW8gZFGwxo2df4wqaKDB668qEjIbL5qkB6tLJTQdyzBuIhDJ4bU6oKio5z1Qw3Py6o-uCtflMiLx-r5v81bPhFwaz1OVI2k7WKMk-JcaXAUZwNM6TY8krJ8bw4YLZoEx_lvPjoTxCsyR-F1woDiy-6iUledB2RzQ/s320/thumbnail_Image%2011-22-23%20at%2011.13%20AM%20(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 13px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p><br /></p>William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-36608250434313777202023-04-11T06:07:00.002-07:002023-04-11T11:24:59.028-07:00Unconditional Love<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Love is shown more in deeds than in words.” <br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">-St. Ignatius</span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And the deeds of unconditional love show brightest of all.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Father William Wasson — the founder of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos — explained unconditional love as “seeing Christ as He lives in others.” He instilled in his children a sense of such love which lives on today.<br /><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our days here surround us with a no-strings-attached type of love. We are privileged to have a glimpse of </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Father Wasson’s message in action.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Photos often say it best.</span></div><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsm-4MU5nioupih2m1v11zfLuZ5EDTgz49kEFzGT5RO8noE9M-00kqKP_U0gOXUTiEIA30uxv4KN59hIeyztJBOZJYj7Y6jKGIIa-QFPHgZqeCBC1braeOmp8g6jBDzFBIBaOyTwikjvmHmNn8ypC1Gbz9Rq6IOC9KvNCbN360ybA7XXaJAoEBLei/s586/thumbnail_IMG_0096.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="586" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMsm-4MU5nioupih2m1v11zfLuZ5EDTgz49kEFzGT5RO8noE9M-00kqKP_U0gOXUTiEIA30uxv4KN59hIeyztJBOZJYj7Y6jKGIIa-QFPHgZqeCBC1braeOmp8g6jBDzFBIBaOyTwikjvmHmNn8ypC1Gbz9Rq6IOC9KvNCbN360ybA7XXaJAoEBLei/s320/thumbnail_IMG_0096.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="415" data-original-width="425" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaeCVN0S36XLQvvR49qZ4sPmVsNkG25Vif10mQD2UIL8wIswGiBpCQnvT-4dB2mfVzz6ab9TYeuMrSP__u7WQw7PTyIcOYGqTwTPjP3c1-FkVAyfwBuujpNTo31AaLQNJXRoy90DiS_-8XSPgzxoY5TNBKyeZ_7-JwpKbOa4I5P0eIreVNvrwEDDYn/s320/thumbnail_IMG_1766.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rNNPYy89RQfZN39XjdMLOVUS9AtmzY_NZRAiFyGnk-xPR9X9l_WL-8XR8w7C9thyzr3Vau7KldT2jEfn8Om0DP0jMWHzURgUPc8RwppbVaQfwEZzlBWxJz7uej3EQkhIRe_HC1G1vvPQ3Nr3zyqpHsQnn2wb3bSbi2gjelLfz24TQwdFPPTUQkE8/s357/thumbnail_IMG_3295.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="357" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rNNPYy89RQfZN39XjdMLOVUS9AtmzY_NZRAiFyGnk-xPR9X9l_WL-8XR8w7C9thyzr3Vau7KldT2jEfn8Om0DP0jMWHzURgUPc8RwppbVaQfwEZzlBWxJz7uej3EQkhIRe_HC1G1vvPQ3Nr3zyqpHsQnn2wb3bSbi2gjelLfz24TQwdFPPTUQkE8/s320/thumbnail_IMG_3295.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="455" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR98g1NrUITm4duwTKFMsP8Q3bwi4QJ77kQ5dVu3HT_JRnmSTyQFnpcVsZ2m3K8A-YZifUb9AUOQxgiOZ35DsPdhYANRN_aaUKTwhaSE546x6rbdGHterYawUmauPKXUDKaNf5ByIzWeqXf5JAIoMudQTtWAxU48LiKiMEJns6-nCftbmIeIM5fNwz/s320/thumbnail_IMG_5320.jpeg" width="303" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKSTUPBXFgokM0L0fdADqJVZ9K1nX5W0Wo9k_doxAp5ZnDVghCte0E2sYJrbwwXzhcQGXq0lELdVAHYEBLJ7t5YbrQIhWGkP7A3BfGfsMYMVlP5aRLZrSuYTMQdGU8E0-WMBBKK5p0BP4l-xeYPzeU9ljw2GHl-w_XoykktHOjJo6IBRRUsJ7TRQS/s479/thumbnail_IMG_6987.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="479" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimKSTUPBXFgokM0L0fdADqJVZ9K1nX5W0Wo9k_doxAp5ZnDVghCte0E2sYJrbwwXzhcQGXq0lELdVAHYEBLJ7t5YbrQIhWGkP7A3BfGfsMYMVlP5aRLZrSuYTMQdGU8E0-WMBBKK5p0BP4l-xeYPzeU9ljw2GHl-w_XoykktHOjJo6IBRRUsJ7TRQS/s320/thumbnail_IMG_6987.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMBFNJznl65dSeh4SMpPaJNe7J_BmRE-hfMjMnlPUwyVBGEOQNuvG25Azn45OFgqAOMh792bE2IQT0Z3TZiWertIBOgtcZKvStuwa0aNFEZDWu8H7YdrES_1UfiiUdQ5PtEglrDtp7B9KbfR-RXbVgflR56ZiGaHtgwIeFN1f9rH9iFXXK9uYjPZN/s635/thumbnail_IMG_7125.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="635" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMBFNJznl65dSeh4SMpPaJNe7J_BmRE-hfMjMnlPUwyVBGEOQNuvG25Azn45OFgqAOMh792bE2IQT0Z3TZiWertIBOgtcZKvStuwa0aNFEZDWu8H7YdrES_1UfiiUdQ5PtEglrDtp7B9KbfR-RXbVgflR56ZiGaHtgwIeFN1f9rH9iFXXK9uYjPZN/s320/thumbnail_IMG_7125.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-9480344845930251332022-06-21T14:17:00.001-07:002022-06-21T14:22:18.741-07:00St. Joseph and Father’s Day<p> <br />Every June, Father’s Day sees Americans give salute to and celebrate our fathers. What better model of fatherhood could we look to than St. Joseph — the protector of Jesus, and the loving husband of Mary?</p><p><br />The Lord instructed St. Joseph to navigate many uncomfortable and perilous situations. Rather than divorce his betrothed-but-pregnant Mary, he took her into his home (Matt. 1:20-21). With great difficulty and sacrifice, St. Joseph escaped danger and fled with his family to Egypt (Matt. 2:13). Finally, he resettled the Holy Family in Nazareth, in fulfillment of the prophets (Matt. 2:21-23). It seems that St. Joseph was a man of simplicity, humility, and few words (the Gospels share none of them with us). However, he was quick to trust in God and courageous in his commitment to God.<br /> </p><p>In his 2022 address to the Congregation of St. Joseph, Pope Francis wrote: “Let yourselves be guided by the meek and concrete example of Saint Joseph. Like him, who, working for Jesus and Mary, made of his own life a ‘sign’ of a higher fatherhood, that of the heavenly Father. Welcome the great call to be dedicated fathers for the youth of today”.</p><p><br />I am fortunate to celebrate Father’s Day twice each year. In Honduras — where I have the opportunity to care for children — Father’s Day is celebrated on March 19, the Feast of St. Joseph. Like many Central Americans, St. Joseph worked with his hands. Also, like many fathers worldwide, he struggled to be a good parent. It is understandable that so many fathers relate to the life of this beloved saint.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1reb4KQ8RNXh1mU1De-vJbGD_af1jwzz91RyHGbHpAVJQH9d-_8wtmA1zNUY6su4ufk5wPNdQsY0xGkcQyJnxvHNp3TXN6TRNHUzGlRv9tyH8XbaBqeOvXrh7gwsmVnVO9wvnd4NeV9K9LLfN4rULwvW0XRIN9ei7XW8VJyc_StlQluSDPENk6-z/s640/Stavinoha.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF1reb4KQ8RNXh1mU1De-vJbGD_af1jwzz91RyHGbHpAVJQH9d-_8wtmA1zNUY6su4ufk5wPNdQsY0xGkcQyJnxvHNp3TXN6TRNHUzGlRv9tyH8XbaBqeOvXrh7gwsmVnVO9wvnd4NeV9K9LLfN4rULwvW0XRIN9ei7XW8VJyc_StlQluSDPENk6-z/s320/Stavinoha.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br />The actions of St. Joseph speak to us more loudly than any words could do. Fathers in every part of the world may find his courage and faithfulness inspirational. This year, may we emulate him as provider, protector, and spiritual guide to our children.<br /> <p></p>William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-6630012779853371672021-11-29T13:29:00.001-08:002021-11-29T13:39:46.253-08:00The Gorgojo<p class="Body" style="text-align: left;"></p><p style="text-align: right;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span style="font-size: small;"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div dir="rtl" style="text-align: right;">November 27
</div><p></p><p><br />One of our favorite morning hikes ascends the mountain trail called “the Gorgojo”. The gorgojo is an invasive pine beetle, responsible for much destruction of the Honduran conifer forest. Midway up the mountain, the majestic, green-boughed pines give way to their denuded, decayed and deceased cousins who have fallen victim to the damaging insect.</p><p><br />However, found within the zones of heaviest destruction are signs of hope and optimism. Crowds of tiny pine saplings huddle together, awaiting their chance to be planted, and to renew and refresh the decimated forest.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNHnXxKOJRgLSVCpRIBtrw-4m9BsD3pVSgpUno5LB_7SYuKZzOMG6huAb_aDu9JWnu4hfYOAEHFQvS7YGzFFrEzp3G_zrEAp3V1TBs0B-UT2zDSJJU20J2RWmNRqTztkc6pwbN1AL2h7Aojpvmbnvjtul3EOuAEBNhgjZCM_UOA6C5DoOZSWn5Wiyo=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNHnXxKOJRgLSVCpRIBtrw-4m9BsD3pVSgpUno5LB_7SYuKZzOMG6huAb_aDu9JWnu4hfYOAEHFQvS7YGzFFrEzp3G_zrEAp3V1TBs0B-UT2zDSJJU20J2RWmNRqTztkc6pwbN1AL2h7Aojpvmbnvjtul3EOuAEBNhgjZCM_UOA6C5DoOZSWn5Wiyo=s320" width="240" /></a></div><p> These pine tree “daycares” call to mind the young, gangly and tender lives with whom we share community. We are privileged to have recently participated in many of their meaningful rites of passage. Quinceañeras, graduations and First Holy Communions have nourished and celebrated their physical, academic and spiritual growth. How joyful we feel to watch as they grow, push their own branches skyward, and become the teachers, journalists, doctors, lawyers and engineers of the future. </p><p><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjY1xpiXcNO_ZU8M7hJDTlOicC-ZZIaY0bFQN7diRSV2UKfhnBP3ZB9COtT1m2FoZQTanhmE4HIsFrYwuDUNAB3HrFZfk6iGKDWkXs_vhaaGymaMs76lkCPBp707_NiGsuLAL-9JytQrNnJLpjsZ8QySG0--_fktXcCOb28C4905N47HnzFRWg0gTsQ=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1280" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjY1xpiXcNO_ZU8M7hJDTlOicC-ZZIaY0bFQN7diRSV2UKfhnBP3ZB9COtT1m2FoZQTanhmE4HIsFrYwuDUNAB3HrFZfk6iGKDWkXs_vhaaGymaMs76lkCPBp707_NiGsuLAL-9JytQrNnJLpjsZ8QySG0--_fktXcCOb28C4905N47HnzFRWg0gTsQ=s320" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWnzCoLJlSyKEq_v6P3jNEtpSL5BoyiA_awLCQ8ExkS8chesNGP1-PIHFS-e7H7NZpFLFTECSKLvxCZI6KvbwCrQmvCL7LZsKOvd1jV1cWEbOTbl34oIg2Z2a4S9iDHcGUA1lnLFExWWzv_di3MlJeVTSG168DCBCU19Le7BHQtb5mQzdTudTj4nPP=s1280" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="953" data-original-width="1280" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWnzCoLJlSyKEq_v6P3jNEtpSL5BoyiA_awLCQ8ExkS8chesNGP1-PIHFS-e7H7NZpFLFTECSKLvxCZI6KvbwCrQmvCL7LZsKOvd1jV1cWEbOTbl34oIg2Z2a4S9iDHcGUA1lnLFExWWzv_di3MlJeVTSG168DCBCU19Le7BHQtb5mQzdTudTj4nPP=s320" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjh_3P0SuHLCtA3FIiRe7eb_uuZL5JvYlVWBCdTsK0e9JuS7q_6VZuqoqmRjGGLVkTACQwzfVOdSeczqoglb1Efe-6kywvBzmZ3HpmJZJc5BY5QNyy2fkMLF1QYSSh7W8i5zUq97d_vvXP7o0cyr3e9Ygf888OFJToQUaUhfKyd01nIuyIDgs2SreUX=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjh_3P0SuHLCtA3FIiRe7eb_uuZL5JvYlVWBCdTsK0e9JuS7q_6VZuqoqmRjGGLVkTACQwzfVOdSeczqoglb1Efe-6kywvBzmZ3HpmJZJc5BY5QNyy2fkMLF1QYSSh7W8i5zUq97d_vvXP7o0cyr3e9Ygf888OFJToQUaUhfKyd01nIuyIDgs2SreUX=s320" width="306" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLvna5bNU3rttLl0aNV_u69mkATCSrEcYkZ5XVqTQ35WJGMiefQEVYzatSYi4jomkuaGphH5cEccFeGgvi8FPeMbt-IGVAZhNRzMSp_6BbibC5NvFjuuykbWZU0zq3bsobHKieZ1ZoqGImWx566N3Oh34NkWq1v-0wp9dZrS8Y7ZK4fUvLIrvE4NZW=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="481" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLvna5bNU3rttLl0aNV_u69mkATCSrEcYkZ5XVqTQ35WJGMiefQEVYzatSYi4jomkuaGphH5cEccFeGgvi8FPeMbt-IGVAZhNRzMSp_6BbibC5NvFjuuykbWZU0zq3bsobHKieZ1ZoqGImWx566N3Oh34NkWq1v-0wp9dZrS8Y7ZK4fUvLIrvE4NZW=s320" width="241" /></a></div><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: small;"></span><span style="font-size: small;"></span></p><p></p><p>Tomorrow is Honduras’ presidential election. <br /> <br />In this country which has many problems, tomorrow ushers in a time to rejuvenate, replant and resolve. Like the saplings lined up to reforest the mountaintop, these young people stand ready to transform the world on their horizon into a better one.<br /></p><p class="Body" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></p><br /><div><div><div><div><div><p><style>@font-face
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{page:WordSection1;}</style></p></div></div></div></div></div>William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-41617995065283469572021-09-29T15:32:00.000-07:002021-09-29T15:32:08.435-07:00Back at the Ranch<p style="text-align: left;">September 17, 2021</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">The full-body bounce as the wheels set down …. the seatbelt’s sustained tug on the waist …. the smile and the feeling of relief that follow …. we are back in Honduras.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">A familiar one-hour drive from the airport to Rancho Santa Fe in the pine-covered mountains of central Honduras returns us to the place that 222 of our favorite children call home.<br /><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SUyw7qKdFQM_BhD8ZJIAX5kECekIDKsWcweCVy0wkqUPCRg8AvPznSISBfP05w4pfcDxFmlf0xtCz88fFmaUL_ZjaGCcTTGrikI9RbwwayTgI_WQe1_Mcp9GJdm4fxdJJ59GkVEN-cU/s854/3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="497" data-original-width="854" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3SUyw7qKdFQM_BhD8ZJIAX5kECekIDKsWcweCVy0wkqUPCRg8AvPznSISBfP05w4pfcDxFmlf0xtCz88fFmaUL_ZjaGCcTTGrikI9RbwwayTgI_WQe1_Mcp9GJdm4fxdJJ59GkVEN-cU/s320/3.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Though much appears the same, the worldwide pandemic has substantially changed life for these young people on The Ranch. The past eighteen months have seen eager learners who had packed their classrooms, make the move to sterile on-line educational settings. Ranch-wide activities and traditions such as the beloved “Olimpiadas” have shrunk into events whose participants were a small cohort, functioning in the bubble of their own home.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIo_z5wBOymog9zHyiRyifBoBvdNta74QaxAhtrRRd6ZSNYz_CW_hk0Pgsdu2cCj4tDPjvM7XbT3y9KWDWEcJTSVRGyDBTbsUmreJmErBY2Mkkn6hHiH7KSQoL6knCnzEv3zLv8zU4bLY/s1252/6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1252" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIo_z5wBOymog9zHyiRyifBoBvdNta74QaxAhtrRRd6ZSNYz_CW_hk0Pgsdu2cCj4tDPjvM7XbT3y9KWDWEcJTSVRGyDBTbsUmreJmErBY2Mkkn6hHiH7KSQoL6knCnzEv3zLv8zU4bLY/s320/6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Fortunately, thanks to strong leadership, innovative management and dedication to safely, every day here sees steps which move life on The Ranch back toward normal. Today, fifty-seven children — ages 12 to 15 — received their first of two COVID-19 immunizations. The vaccines were a recent donation from the United States. Young people filled the school auditorium’s spaced-apart chairs, the medical staff shuffled vaccine records and rosters, then ushered each recipient up for his vaccination. “I felt happy to get the shot” reported Rony, a 5th grader wearing an FC Barcelona T-shirt and a broad smile.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> </p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcpHa5D-3J8OLoVrKVg4gDuOpxrj7fF0UHQ06PemUdbH9ZOwklxVfDXwE0P3_v043c6myChEv__iMXlnnqYiqEUWP6OMq4EBG6BzrDDoynqB_iZjMqB9Th21qwBJCy8s7ZnAbCxZneK8/s929/1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="929" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWcpHa5D-3J8OLoVrKVg4gDuOpxrj7fF0UHQ06PemUdbH9ZOwklxVfDXwE0P3_v043c6myChEv__iMXlnnqYiqEUWP6OMq4EBG6BzrDDoynqB_iZjMqB9Th21qwBJCy8s7ZnAbCxZneK8/s320/1.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">One of the children’s homes has been repurposed for the care of COVID-19 patients. In spite of NPH Honduras’ strict adherence to health precautions — including masking, distancing and hand washing — some become infected. Happily, today’s COVID-19 census was only four patients — all with mild symptoms — who now eagerly awaited completion of their isolation so that they may return to their homes.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyPC_02DqW1tJxvkyZi3YKo5KtzEdu_QzgyJb52xnahyaTsHnAYdHd2Y5Rz46B-RSGuF9ehRGOy66Rlcuwoh6ncJZkyBMXhngfNIGv7IJjWPZruddTHQodt0zXh-Y1vP-n4Y9KQTB-rc/s996/2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="996" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZyPC_02DqW1tJxvkyZi3YKo5KtzEdu_QzgyJb52xnahyaTsHnAYdHd2Y5Rz46B-RSGuF9ehRGOy66Rlcuwoh6ncJZkyBMXhngfNIGv7IJjWPZruddTHQodt0zXh-Y1vP-n4Y9KQTB-rc/s320/2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4X2EiIrPD_u1fKmdmoJm0NiGYx7UALy4xO0zO_3yCVJ8UEQi5OXFsyv5e2gOEno4VpTns9kXXh1Y7asEcgY-TMM44P67yv3DkQh-j10JmSYHe86R30Cq2gIdczs3v-s9FrrHaRObUXk/s953/5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="953" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge4X2EiIrPD_u1fKmdmoJm0NiGYx7UALy4xO0zO_3yCVJ8UEQi5OXFsyv5e2gOEno4VpTns9kXXh1Y7asEcgY-TMM44P67yv3DkQh-j10JmSYHe86R30Cq2gIdczs3v-s9FrrHaRObUXk/s320/5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div> <br /><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">It brings great joy to be back where we feel called to be. Working together with the lovely people of Honduras — a country with few resources — gratifies us. In pandemic times, our hearts are particularly buoyed up by witnessing such a country lifting itself up, while the helping hand of the world outside pulls with equal force.</p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-MJpNgHmnJEd_eaUn9n4ghrRHSwKTxnhsr97FH6Ou0twm-goK44RYYBKhz0RQ4JQ9oz2M6uzTgN5-wYLCOlxAhSzeV37oGP-PiTnILecUpOzNkX-A_lSxOpxCU9KU-_NXusVu8xFFUs/s955/4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="955" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-MJpNgHmnJEd_eaUn9n4ghrRHSwKTxnhsr97FH6Ou0twm-goK44RYYBKhz0RQ4JQ9oz2M6uzTgN5-wYLCOlxAhSzeV37oGP-PiTnILecUpOzNkX-A_lSxOpxCU9KU-_NXusVu8xFFUs/s320/4.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-17501515453122069222020-08-04T20:05:00.001-07:002020-08-04T20:10:44.674-07:00“We are number one!”<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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This seemed to be the message that Carlos was giving me upon entering the exam room.</div>
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Carlos — a smiling 12 year-old from a neighboring village — continued to extend his left index finger as we chatted about his visit and started his exam. Six months earlier, he had received a cutting injury to his palm, had it sutured, and eventually saw his skin heal nicely.</div>
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The cut flexor tendons of his finger, however, left Carlos’ hand in his permanently-celebrating position. “Could this be fixed?” asked his eager mother.</div>
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A single thought struck me as I reflected on this mother’s hope for her child’s healing, and on the privileged relationship a physician has with his patient. That thought was how fortunate I was, to be at that place and in that time. To participate in this healing profession, and to do so in a simple and unobstructed setting, provided me with a pure taste of what it is to be a physician.</div>
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On a sunny Spring morning at our surgery center, Carlos had reparative surgery on his disabled hand. The surgeon — who repaired the tendon to restore Carlos’ grip and dexterity — also rejoices at the opportunity to bring her skills to neighbors in need.</div>
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Some wound care and physical therapy are in Carlos’ future. He will receive those from the health care professionals who collaborate with our local physicians — some of whom, like me, volunteer through Mission Doctors of America.</div>
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Soon, Carlos will be celebrating with his index finger extended, but this time he will do so with all ten of them working.</div>
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William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-53278326450154953942020-03-23T12:52:00.000-07:002020-03-30T21:07:27.050-07:00Cancel that Corona<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-size: small;">20 March 2020</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Very possibly, yesterday I did something that no one else has ever done.
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>After protecting myself with astronaut suit, mask and gloves, I gave a Clorox bath
to a pickup truck full of watermelons. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Of course, not all by myself. Dra. Dora and I teamed up, and upon receiving the
Ranch’s first Coronavirus-era shipment of food from Tegucigalpa’s crowded
market, we made the 150 much-handled melons safe for the many hands that
awaited them.
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>How dizzying it is to look back at the past eight days. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>First, because of the increasing Coronavirus threat to Honduras, NPH stopped all
its community programs, released all nonessential employees, closed the school,
and discontinued the medical work in the External Clinic and Surgery Center.
Moreover, one of our Volunteers who had shown classic Coronavirus symptoms,
was isolated while we awaited his test results. Unfortunately, Honduras (with only
a handful of Intensive Care Unit beds for a population of 9 million) would face
certain devastation in trying to manage an outbreak. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Sunday, after discerning that staying our entire stint at NPH Honduras was not well
advised, Susan and I rearranged our return flight to Texas in order to leave within
the next few days. Then, we notified the others of our change in plans.
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Not so fast. Sunday night, Honduras closed its borders. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Soon after, a presidential decree also halted bus traffic in the country, and required
residents of the major population areas to stay home. National police enforced the
curfew. Few stores were opened — and those for only limited hours.
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Meanwhile, back at the Ranch: returning High School and University students
were briefed, examined, and then sent into quarantine as they entered the NPH
front gate.
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>All the children were to be in groups no bigger than their own hogar, had to stop
hugging, and were drilled on catching their coughs and sneezes in the angle of their
elbows. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Finally, the dreaded advice from NPH International: all Volunteers should return to
their home countries. They were invited to stay on the Ranch only with a liability
waiver. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Today’s early morning transportation left the Ranch carrying Claire, Michaela,
Erin, Chau-Nhi, Lauren, Sofie, Susan and me. Only seven hours prior, Arielle —
our diligent Volunteer Coordinator — had breathlessly delivered us the instruction
to pack up and be ready to leave Honduras, in what might be our only chance to do
so for a while. Though we were excited and energized, our spirits sank at the
thought of what we were leaving behind. We would miss the camaraderie of our
work, the nightly squeal of the noisy chicharas and the simplicity of the meals. But
mostly we would miss the bonds with our community. Though we knew we would
return to the Ranch next year, we worried about those we love and serve, and how
they might fare in a pandemic in this poor country of limited resources and
unpredictable government.
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Moreover, there was no time for goodbyes. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Once the US embassy representatives confirmed that we were all allowed on the
airplane, we bid Victor farewell and hopped off the van — lugging heavy suitcases
and wearing our N-95 masks and protective gloves. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Now, I sit in the mesh seat of a US Air Force C-130 transport, flying over the Gulf
of Mexico, along with 80 other fleeing US citizens. Our unlikely group is
comprised of people from the diplomatic corps, their families, volunteers, and a US
women’s tackle football team — who had just completed an exhibition tournament
in Central America. Thanks largely to this team and its persistence with US
lawmakers, governors — and even a Fox News interview from the Clarion Hotel in
Tegucigalpa — here we all are.
</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>As I look around the airplane, my heart smiles. What an assortment of Americans!
In spite of the admitted polarization, contentiousness and noise in our days, this is
what our country does well. To put what unites us ahead of what separates us. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>This is also what we human beings do well. To see and to embrace the human
dignity that inhabits each of us. </span></span></span><br />
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</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Tonight, as I lay my head on a pillow somewhere in Charleston, South Carolina, it
will be filled with dreams of a return to a familiar — but changed — America.
Being back in the Lone Star State will be especially welcomed. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Perhaps a slab of brisket at Earl Campbell’s in the Austin-Bergstrom Airport. No
beans, please. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>Perhaps a Shiner Blonde to toast our recent adventure. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span>No Corona, PLEASE ! </span></span></span><br />
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<br />William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-28923147472261060882020-03-16T21:23:00.002-07:002020-03-16T21:23:30.172-07:00NoraToday was to be a Saturday to sleep late, to catch up, and to clean up at the Ranch.<br />
Instead, the little boys gathered early for breakfast, sporting combed hair and<br />
collared shirts.<br />
Instead, incense filled the air, rather than the familiar mop-cleaning solution.<br />
Instead, holy water puddled like potholes at our feet in the chapel.<br />
Instead, it was a morning of stories and song, of laughter and tears.<br />
<br />
Last night, Nora<span style="text-align: right;">*</span> died.
Nora — an 86 year-old long-time resident of the “Abuelo home” — succumbed to
some combination of a fall, subdural hematoma and pneumonia. At her funeral today,
her community put aside its plans, and united in recognition of the life of one of its
own.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfb3-kgzzE4mAPZ0nzXurBbsQQLPNrlJdBZkNYNa49qq-i60325dXMDrAfLvaDJK05F_jbLouomfk2_Hp9gWKCuilE7d4hSOWdHdKAh85arHpqXuVmAn2cb-7CUzEKw8DhrHngOpxj78/s1600/IMG_5555.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="919" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfb3-kgzzE4mAPZ0nzXurBbsQQLPNrlJdBZkNYNa49qq-i60325dXMDrAfLvaDJK05F_jbLouomfk2_Hp9gWKCuilE7d4hSOWdHdKAh85arHpqXuVmAn2cb-7CUzEKw8DhrHngOpxj78/s320/IMG_5555.jpeg" width="228" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The bouquet that tenderly encircled Nora’s coffin was formed by hundreds of faces.
Faces of the young, the old, of those who knew and loved Nora, and those who did not.<br />
<br />
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Each person had his chance to say goodbye, to take a look at, and to embrace the box
that held Nora’s body. Each person had the chance to reflect on how their life and
Nora’s connected. Each person could more clearly see themselves in this mysterious
journey of life, and could gain a better understanding of where this road takes us.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtoNHA2uGR_AldtZvUt7J2qpanPrDncjf35uE0CLqxp7pVZjFLs3WP1KFGeXdg4s9c9xizyqQ7IqHmKKnCA0tqc5iGmPsaXX1_dkRo2Zfe7RQiDjYWNktALENcSgNx0_r270vFIcjn1Y/s1600/IMG_5559.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="756" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVtoNHA2uGR_AldtZvUt7J2qpanPrDncjf35uE0CLqxp7pVZjFLs3WP1KFGeXdg4s9c9xizyqQ7IqHmKKnCA0tqc5iGmPsaXX1_dkRo2Zfe7RQiDjYWNktALENcSgNx0_r270vFIcjn1Y/s320/IMG_5559.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Life is like this. It comes to us ready or not, bringing unforeseen detours, amid our
pains and our joys. It comes to us through sights, sounds and smells.<br />
<br />
If it is true that “God comes to you disguised as your life*,” then He has touched ours
with Nora’s. May we all rejoice in this unwieldy gift of life.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, we will clean up.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
*1 Name changed </div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
*2 Paula D’Arcy</div>
William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-17465446649870264922020-03-02T14:03:00.000-08:002020-03-02T14:03:07.899-08:00Blurry Lines<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In a community
like this, the lines that separate one’s roles as</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>- physician,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>- stand-in parent,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>- encouraging advocate,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>- listening friend </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">may become
blurry.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Professional
and social boundaries often direct us to define those lines of separation, and
to remain aware of the “hat that we are wearing.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, life’s situations often make us
realize that we are already wearing more than one:</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sharing a seat on the bus with a
frightened young man with special needs, who </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> had violently </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;">objected to his exam
earlier in the day.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Dressing up and participating in a
play performed by the youngsters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Treating the broken arm of your own
sponsor child, late on a Saturday night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Joining a group of teenage girls in
their effort to cut the grass </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">— with machetes.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Embracing a 5 year-old </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">— his forehead smudged after having
received his Ash </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> Wednesday </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;">blessing from you — who, while still on the altar, asks you to recheck </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> his</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;">ear infection.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In writing
about our connectedness to one another, Richard Rohr recognizes “the presence
of the divine in literally ‘every thing’ and ‘every one’.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Further, he describes the mysterious
relationship between God and man by stating that “God is a mirror big enough to
receive everything, and every single part of you,” . *<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We are also
mirrors to those around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If our lives
truly mirror our Creator to one another, we should put no limits on the light
that shines among us.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">There is a
deep and peaceful beauty in living, working and being in a community where one
does medical volunteering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The beauty is
that the blurring of the lines that separate our roles, in fact, arises from
the softening of human relationships, and from the glare of the reflection of
the Infinite.</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">* <u>The Universal Christ</u>,
p.18,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>p.228 </span><span lang="ES-TRAD"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<!--EndFragment--><br />William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-44882707953667184572019-02-27T20:50:00.000-08:002019-02-27T20:50:24.341-08:00Rolling With the Panchos<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How many uses could I think of for this object that I
am now carrying to the trash?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One – maybe two?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 53.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A broken coffee pot could become a flower planter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 53.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">An unused calling card could serve as a bookmark.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 53.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Wouldn’t this orange juice can make a useful pencil
holder?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Here at NPH-Honduras, Pancho * wins the award for the
most creative uses for a single, discarded roller skate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has converted it into:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 53.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A personal land surfboard</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 53.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A rolling stool</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 53.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A transporter for heavy books</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin-left: 53.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A marketable, extreme experience – for which friends
will offer cookies and candies in order to try.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Pancho shows us that one person’s trash is another’s
treasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also reminds us that when our
eyes see few possibilities, God’s plan for us may be quite the surprise.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNFaFEDhWDowRcLOXOY-SxlUM-hk-D7EcwlKyKdA9cD7eIke1un8lJpbDD2o1Co6cIV5pcogwugi88pfE8bO16_Q57kuTNl19bTYB_y8JqJjBnWtrlPQgejS9xpScuzaZ5pbSrN0wtD0/s1600/Pancho+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="878" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicNFaFEDhWDowRcLOXOY-SxlUM-hk-D7EcwlKyKdA9cD7eIke1un8lJpbDD2o1Co6cIV5pcogwugi88pfE8bO16_Q57kuTNl19bTYB_y8JqJjBnWtrlPQgejS9xpScuzaZ5pbSrN0wtD0/s320/Pancho+1.jpg" width="219" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue8Rq4gXlrkyNx5XZUsQUA8cS3Nf4xDdtsqTQQL9Yk0vshjKYGS88XE5mJ4oUvDNGOfNdWc9cKyimIOWRvMpaORZdX-49nFYuyLO15j8SDtOMXW78hK085b_ndoQFzJ5ws_uXU9lxaTw/s1600/Pancho+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="918" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiue8Rq4gXlrkyNx5XZUsQUA8cS3Nf4xDdtsqTQQL9Yk0vshjKYGS88XE5mJ4oUvDNGOfNdWc9cKyimIOWRvMpaORZdX-49nFYuyLO15j8SDtOMXW78hK085b_ndoQFzJ5ws_uXU9lxaTw/s320/Pancho+2.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUSu_WsF-8Ne2EDtnOilU_itx_qz0SQBCDmrJwoZkzvh7Z1oXSPTCxlmD1rZntQpSvFFpRi_byGvktmbtOL606ziDOH-H5DkykKOa2TRA19PjI2NRllL9ZbUvYAH4E_-uAdzXWyaZIYU/s1600/Pancho+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="783" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRUSu_WsF-8Ne2EDtnOilU_itx_qz0SQBCDmrJwoZkzvh7Z1oXSPTCxlmD1rZntQpSvFFpRi_byGvktmbtOL606ziDOH-H5DkykKOa2TRA19PjI2NRllL9ZbUvYAH4E_-uAdzXWyaZIYU/s320/Pancho+3.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">*<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Name
changed</span><br />
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</style>William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-19642663862107018792019-01-31T13:09:00.000-08:002019-01-31T13:09:29.330-08:00Javier’s Eyes <div class="p1">
The quiet wonder in Javier’s * gaze revealed that he was looking at something he had never seen before.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChA2K-5dJ8uz2yg3DzJT3jLgOXrzDtPzGsg5W50c5r92ooN2EVszpVmK0lbvWpcQKrjTRosEwbvsGavOPegAoZcIvT7OF3alDNOxaV0iaG6eD74tKpwZkLik5hsO0Szbd-ANDIWZEOL4/s1600/IMG_7472.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="423" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjChA2K-5dJ8uz2yg3DzJT3jLgOXrzDtPzGsg5W50c5r92ooN2EVszpVmK0lbvWpcQKrjTRosEwbvsGavOPegAoZcIvT7OF3alDNOxaV0iaG6eD74tKpwZkLik5hsO0Szbd-ANDIWZEOL4/s400/IMG_7472.jpeg" width="263" /></a></div>
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Across his face – held close to the back window of the bus – coursed the shadows of telephone poles and billboards.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Cars, buses and taxis were magnets to his eyes as they passed.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Silent, but curious, Javier obviously found newness and pleasure in those things that many of us have learned to ignore.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR-mAAuBQKdI3ODPPLyaDnizHXMCxuyspUfx1LN09szH_7EWKX3NiDuVilu-L0WNxJWkcglwDE-YGfKHkDHrd1mh5HO-m8eWTA__MtO9xwL0aErojyZCHWvc4T_TJfXBG9w8ZVv8GpL0/s1600/IMG_7429.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdR-mAAuBQKdI3ODPPLyaDnizHXMCxuyspUfx1LN09szH_7EWKX3NiDuVilu-L0WNxJWkcglwDE-YGfKHkDHrd1mh5HO-m8eWTA__MtO9xwL0aErojyZCHWvc4T_TJfXBG9w8ZVv8GpL0/s400/IMG_7429.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
The eleven-year-old was journeying from the place that had housed him for two years in San Pedro Sula, Honduras to his new home at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The youngest of seventeen boys with disabilities, Javier and his peers were soon to join the NPH community.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfMfTFDBFYO-p2kvCndXpZqCfnKNtrp0MGCwdbDZud8nODfpdKjATcon7oH4po3DEpQO-w0GsLBrVjzcn30tge-_xpj6tQJx0fyBAsj0DGG-3P7BZudCzvbz8TSP_RyOLrpDZop0ui_Q/s1600/IMG_3436.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfMfTFDBFYO-p2kvCndXpZqCfnKNtrp0MGCwdbDZud8nODfpdKjATcon7oH4po3DEpQO-w0GsLBrVjzcn30tge-_xpj6tQJx0fyBAsj0DGG-3P7BZudCzvbz8TSP_RyOLrpDZop0ui_Q/s400/IMG_3436.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="p1">
The morning had seen a juxtaposition of well-laid plans with operational chaos, of Yankee ingenuity with Honduran practicality, of laughter with tears.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Eventually, our caravan of bus, truck (loaded with mattresses and cribs) and four ambulances would wind its way along mountainous terrain to its destination at El Rancho Santa Fe.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The new arrivals – young men from ages 11 to 22 – would quickly be fed, given new clothing, evaluated by medical personnel and situated for the night. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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<div class="p1">
Welcoming smiles and strings of colorful decorations lined the newcomers’ paths into their new home.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Javier caught sight of his name – scribbled in magic marker – on a yellow balloon.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>For this new member of the family, his eyes beheld more than just a bright and attractive object. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></div>
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They witnessed what respect for the human dignity that dwells in each of us can look like.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclobpI6mkPA3T4Q8MOPXOzFUCCzP-c-GsD38_eHU4jZ8zlkg4j_Nb9k5_runXZY-v5121gc166bLQAHwUiH2yk78QKfQskwmW0rwG25PfCRFSrPuNBXXW18I6X6wLwXSJ4bkx_YWg980/s1600/IMG_7481.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="640" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclobpI6mkPA3T4Q8MOPXOzFUCCzP-c-GsD38_eHU4jZ8zlkg4j_Nb9k5_runXZY-v5121gc166bLQAHwUiH2yk78QKfQskwmW0rwG25PfCRFSrPuNBXXW18I6X6wLwXSJ4bkx_YWg980/s400/IMG_7481.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4le1EOdU1doIWiwt2XYQYIK6xdO_GhQl9J2A9iNu5RYulE0-OHpgSvz9iaGWZaqxN9vM0YzaKS9hbt3WxoBt5R7rizcofgcuaqR2AzBexx35O-n6PIueS5d5Kg0Leaj-xvNo1eVE5i-s/s1600/IMG_7539.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4le1EOdU1doIWiwt2XYQYIK6xdO_GhQl9J2A9iNu5RYulE0-OHpgSvz9iaGWZaqxN9vM0YzaKS9hbt3WxoBt5R7rizcofgcuaqR2AzBexx35O-n6PIueS5d5Kg0Leaj-xvNo1eVE5i-s/s400/IMG_7539.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div>
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*<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>Name changed</div>
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**<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>The Stavinohas have returned to NPH Honduras, and continue their connection to Mission Doctors Association.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>They will remain through the Spring of 2019.</div>
William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-71235598315064212242018-07-30T13:46:00.000-07:002018-07-30T13:46:32.602-07:00Corn – egie Hall *
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Today, Susan studied at the apron of the Master.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">After we finished early in the NPH clinic, she decided to
offer assistance at the tortilla hut.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Like most others – a building of brick and tile, located near the center
of the Ranch – the tortilla hut stands out only by its adjacent, open-air,
wood-fired, smoke-belching black cauldron……</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">and by its delicious and enticing fragrance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Doña Gloria directs the daily orchestration of stoking the
fire, boiling the thick, yellow maize, adding the lye, and stirring with her
squat wooden baton until the kernels are softened to her exacting
standard.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The second movement brings large amounts of the boiled
concoction through a funnel/grinder apparatus, to produce the malleable, doughy
masa, which finds itself formed into uniform, flat discs by the hand-cranked
“tortillero”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">At the large, black stovetop, Doña Gloria performs her grand
finale of cooking the tortillas to a spottily-browned, slightly crisp
perfection.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Her spatula effortlessly flips
and rearranges the notes on her page, while towers of finished product rise to
her right.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Her accompanist shuttles the
aromatic, freshly-made tortillas to a large, draped washbasin, used to
transport the precious contents to the insulated termos, and then on to the
hogars for lunch.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Spectators are graced
with samples that – with a pinch of salt in the smoky tortilla air – complete
the experience of ecstasy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">While the floor of her chamber is swept, and the instruments
are cleaned for another day’s performance, Doña Gloria sits and wipes her damp
brow.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">With the face of someone much
younger than her 69 years, her smile reveals a sense of satisfaction and
accomplishment.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">A stout and solid woman,
her dimensions trend toward those of her perfectly-round works of art.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Hands grown strong and tough through years of
hard work smooth back feathery gray hair beneath a well-worn baseball cap.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Work is finished until starting up again before
tomorrow’s dawn.</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Doña Gloria makes 2,000 tortillas daily for all those who
live and work at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Conservatively estimating that one half million tortillas kiss her
griddle every year, in her 50-year career, Doña Gloria would have produced
enough tortillas that if placed end-to-end, would form a ribbon of corn around
the circumference of Dallas, Texas…….</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">68
times.</span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">If tomorrow morning, one is fortunate enough to be cutting
across the Ranch, he should be prepared to experience a whiff of the work of a
virtuoso.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKovjNOijDtLnJEtbtJmB-lzjCRNKJMl6WIzGuJivcE8rvWEW8l85Iyz_EPHB21htp1WJuNxX6XpFTMyNPv-UwJYM1Jgc4D9GisIwqOhxj0VO9xJ9sG0VDB5VeCtiggwBbiN2vujlM5dQ/s1600/tortilla1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKovjNOijDtLnJEtbtJmB-lzjCRNKJMl6WIzGuJivcE8rvWEW8l85Iyz_EPHB21htp1WJuNxX6XpFTMyNPv-UwJYM1Jgc4D9GisIwqOhxj0VO9xJ9sG0VDB5VeCtiggwBbiN2vujlM5dQ/s320/tortilla1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi-gFece1pKXhPVLBM7quoMUishTVNg9EMJJsXlsDOSIOmSgRaJAn0409U60FN8hXZyW_kBIf3624jH4aYE9plQ_M7w02NF1p4TondfVwNvt2tqch03LtHo1CrNv4tuGOUuxEQ4iERi4/s1600/tortilla2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEi-gFece1pKXhPVLBM7quoMUishTVNg9EMJJsXlsDOSIOmSgRaJAn0409U60FN8hXZyW_kBIf3624jH4aYE9plQ_M7w02NF1p4TondfVwNvt2tqch03LtHo1CrNv4tuGOUuxEQ4iERi4/s320/tortilla2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmsRWKwab8ZvuAqpTNYTx_SuAyP01BJrm6ZbTe7bAhv7hEwxy45xge4tXdS5-xRksKEMv7gc9lJvZHetxs1mZne_-Si5gBWYbXRT5DEw2UJvt388IqkAptsBwuyiR_-Qpj7GluWQWTLQ/s1600/tortilla3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmsRWKwab8ZvuAqpTNYTx_SuAyP01BJrm6ZbTe7bAhv7hEwxy45xge4tXdS5-xRksKEMv7gc9lJvZHetxs1mZne_-Si5gBWYbXRT5DEw2UJvt388IqkAptsBwuyiR_-Qpj7GluWQWTLQ/s320/tortilla3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">*</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Stavinohas have now temporarily returned
to the US.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Appearing in </span><u style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Neighbors Far
Away</u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> will be essays from their previous visits to NPH Honduras.</span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-74409068723217570792018-05-29T14:49:00.000-07:002018-05-29T14:49:16.347-07:00Footsteps<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">This saying – attributed to the spirit imparted by St. Francis of Assisi – is but one of many ways to express that our actions speak louder than our words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">A daily reminder of this truth is painted on the side of the church building which we pass on the way to the clinic at NPH Honduras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There, a father lion gives advice to his lion cub, telling his little one to be careful about where he steps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Watch your own steps, then,” chides the youngster, “because they are the ones that I am following”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgee8GsY4IGRTjpn3U3-XbPZadyh8hCZnXyQ6DVscP6yG1sxFRSFok-voa6M9zynHdYeFZBma0x7v_YiPX2O08e7u7oCNylUwfk0FSmAnaqsOx3gjZJKnPP8bDzoOgRCt-kHdGgmSwgkl0/s1600/IMG_1844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgee8GsY4IGRTjpn3U3-XbPZadyh8hCZnXyQ6DVscP6yG1sxFRSFok-voa6M9zynHdYeFZBma0x7v_YiPX2O08e7u7oCNylUwfk0FSmAnaqsOx3gjZJKnPP8bDzoOgRCt-kHdGgmSwgkl0/s400/IMG_1844.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Aren’t we always challenged to practice what we preach?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Here, we have repeatedly witnessed the active embrace of human dignity expressed in so many ways by ordinary people with extraordinary love and respect for one another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their example impacts us much more dramatically than does the painted reminder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Ramon* – who is himself disabled – took special care with his newly-arrived, wheelchair-bound brother, who needed some extra attention at the water park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBO1uAeLFCK43bTp5Xzvg1Hb2IYquozd0pVbVpMWPImK7CCLCXB1THVgM5mCeVv-0AiYCR0h9QVPB9zqY-yUXCMy0Q0cz6nTsIkOKFeHHxGFJe0b-WXkhYps6wvDfPuNgNim-R5j94N0/s1600/IMG_1905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="834" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBO1uAeLFCK43bTp5Xzvg1Hb2IYquozd0pVbVpMWPImK7CCLCXB1THVgM5mCeVv-0AiYCR0h9QVPB9zqY-yUXCMy0Q0cz6nTsIkOKFeHHxGFJe0b-WXkhYps6wvDfPuNgNim-R5j94N0/s400/IMG_1905.jpg" width="257" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Recently, Tia Nena* came to our clinic, suffering from a distressing infection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After receiving medication, rehydration fluid and advice that she rest, she headed back to Hogar San Francisco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That night, however, at the dinner/rosary/movie night, who but Tia Nena was working hard to make sure that her children were clean, fed and put to bed?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Jesus was explicit and plain in telling Peter how to follow Him (Jn 21):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Feed my lambs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Tend my sheep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Feed my sheep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The Feeding and the Tending are more important than the Philosophy and the Terminology.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How often do we – while distracted by our attempts to find the right words – walk past the lambs and the sheep on our very own trail?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Too often.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">May we all quietly put our feet on the path illuminated by our Lord, walk the walk, and put our trust in the Holy Spirit to guide us along.</span></div>
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William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-15470230998084173702018-04-30T13:09:00.000-07:002018-05-29T14:49:54.514-07:00Suffering<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our patient was suffering.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Beatrice*, a 45 year-old woman with metastatic cancer lie in bed in her simple home in La Venta, Honduras.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though chemotherapy had smoothed her head, several tiny new hairs had pushed their way out for a look at the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beatrice’s face revealed a consuming discomfort caused by her tumor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even small movements resulted in penetrating pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She often worked hard to breathe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In addition to our routine of working in the clinics at NPH Honduras, occasionally we have been asked to aid persons in the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beatrice was such a person.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would catch a ride, visit regularly, and attempt to relieve Beatrice’s pain and suffering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As with much of our work in this country, limited resources dictate the appearance of the medical care we can give.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is always challenging to care for a patient’s physical ailments, and at the same time maintain respect for his autonomy and dignity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How often we are redirected to the essential premises and basic promises of our medical profession.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While we would sit at Beatrice’s bedside, within our control was the ability to <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a) make no improvement in her acute suffering, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>b) relieve Beatrice’s pain and breathing difficulty, temporarily replacing it with peaceful sleep, or <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>c) watch as Beatrice’s breathing slowed and ceased.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The force used to push the syringe would determine the result.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately for us, no exact recipe would guide our finger in our endeavor to help Beatrice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Scholars and Saints have given much attention to suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Redemptive Suffering has been described as a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How, though, were we to know what kind of suffering Beatrice experienced?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And most importantly, what were we to do with the syringe?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As unequipped as we felt with our box of modest medicines and supplies, we felt even more unequipped to deal with the deeper and spiritual dynamic of Beatrice’s suffering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Admittedly, suffering is involved in relationships as they change and grow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beatrice’s relationships may have been undergoing much-needed reconciliation in these waning moments of her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In their suffering, Beatrice and Christ may have been finding new union.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">How would we avoid getting between Beatrice and the One who calls her?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ultimately, we aimed our efforts at relieving the pain placed before our eyes, while allowing God’s plan – on His time schedule – to unfold in the life of Beatrice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, Beatrice died.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">To say that she suffers no more is the easy and self-comforting refrain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps, however, we should celebrate that her suffering has accompanied her through an important journey – one which may have seen important healing take place. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">What a privilege our profession offers us – the invitation to be close to someone at their death, and to their intimate encounter with God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztwycuhTByXeAX6Y2H2g1VrUNnwRbDsoF37KkTj_iByhTxcYMr1N6bW7xsyLEULqyHu60Rh-Nw5xsNFlNvruFCtN_wSuyw62wx6k_lCsQbKZ9U79XlfUKq6gQ89VDQvovfC4t3jhRYPE/s1600/IMG_1654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztwycuhTByXeAX6Y2H2g1VrUNnwRbDsoF37KkTj_iByhTxcYMr1N6bW7xsyLEULqyHu60Rh-Nw5xsNFlNvruFCtN_wSuyw62wx6k_lCsQbKZ9U79XlfUKq6gQ89VDQvovfC4t3jhRYPE/s400/IMG_1654.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">*Name changed<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-49909735514580876152018-03-14T12:45:00.001-07:002018-03-14T12:50:17.997-07:00Fun on the Ranch<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-520092929 1073786111 9 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:8.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:ES-MX;} p.MsoNoSpacing, li.MsoNoSpacing, div.MsoNoSpacing {mso-style-priority:1; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:ES-MX;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:11.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:ES-MX;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:8.0pt; line-height:107%;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We are definitely not suffering.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Lenten sacrifice<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">desert experience<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>…. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">doing without things<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>….</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">None of those images seemed to inform the light and joyful atmosphere surrounding today’s breakfast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Balloons and colorful hand-made posters covered the clinic walls, wishing Dr. Marta a happy birthday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Welcomed by the aroma of rich “café de palo,” we sat down to authentic enchiladas and fresh cupcakes.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXz7TI26nAcWzl6bmFcdSBNWp8kbloRkSaViZQdlBamEE9Amx-xpftEjPzHUY5OuwYECW2hVBiPZiC_c4q__F9_3T7bAAmdhBP0ZfpXg5PGelFcy6XogL6T9oUgJab0DlAabYA4JjYhiQ/s1600/IMG_1789.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="640" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXz7TI26nAcWzl6bmFcdSBNWp8kbloRkSaViZQdlBamEE9Amx-xpftEjPzHUY5OuwYECW2hVBiPZiC_c4q__F9_3T7bAAmdhBP0ZfpXg5PGelFcy6XogL6T9oUgJab0DlAabYA4JjYhiQ/s400/IMG_1789.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72nz7z0kTf4efoOf66PcbkEvBtDnwJk_mQMd_w0ltOd43pALFfQzpZz7Acu9ynvvrxAe1MFmioBJV84B2qIaLrRxUaDiItx7QAaX0db7AQfLvUEcB9R6m2m9FnWwGsnCw3fs8henWqWs/s1600/IMG_1785.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72nz7z0kTf4efoOf66PcbkEvBtDnwJk_mQMd_w0ltOd43pALFfQzpZz7Acu9ynvvrxAe1MFmioBJV84B2qIaLrRxUaDiItx7QAaX0db7AQfLvUEcB9R6m2m9FnWwGsnCw3fs8henWqWs/s400/IMG_1785.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Being “grandparents-in-residence” to a wonderful group of children at Rancho Santa Fe turns out to be a dream realized.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, love is given freely, and received readily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are fortunate that the abilities we bring can be put to good use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Spanish – though not excellent – is good enough for the shouted greetings across the courtyards, and for reassurance in the quiet moments with a frightened little one.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Playing hopscotch with an 8 year-old<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>….<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">hoola-hoop competition for prizes of cookies and candies<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>….</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">indulging in a big bag of freshly-picked mandarin oranges<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>….</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAmFgFTuCZFe7jmcRp31VuzYIclkXtOpPQ00zT9IqrQPDfmrooRlewED9EfPiq_fw4C5ugbW6yMPOLrbohpgL49gH1Y3ovJ0C_OLwvQfAIrYSp2xU0vKqGgFWVAg5sZz6WeFJN1XITgk/s1600/IMG_1739.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="640" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiAmFgFTuCZFe7jmcRp31VuzYIclkXtOpPQ00zT9IqrQPDfmrooRlewED9EfPiq_fw4C5ugbW6yMPOLrbohpgL49gH1Y3ovJ0C_OLwvQfAIrYSp2xU0vKqGgFWVAg5sZz6WeFJN1XITgk/s400/IMG_1739.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyLQdAUmDvtC1tV86kFMOyIB1gzf2witl3f49XZp06tkM8al-mrtSWYumvyuXs8Js-XEQpv0zIpsYi8F86h5DyHquYUVl6SD7-5kLCfSKqWBc7YNxbg_7M_ieHGdQP3tDK_DQZmPzFbc/s1600/IMG_1736.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjyLQdAUmDvtC1tV86kFMOyIB1gzf2witl3f49XZp06tkM8al-mrtSWYumvyuXs8Js-XEQpv0zIpsYi8F86h5DyHquYUVl6SD7-5kLCfSKqWBc7YNxbg_7M_ieHGdQP3tDK_DQZmPzFbc/s400/IMG_1736.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Perhaps we are having more of a DESSERT experience.</span></span></div>
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William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-6423672320098376952018-02-27T14:41:00.000-08:002018-03-06T21:43:38.917-08:00NFA – A Leaky Roof<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Last week, as I slept during a nighttime rainstorm here at NPH-Honduras, a repeated cold drip on my face broke my slumber. It brought to mind the proverb: “A leaky roof can fool the sun, but it cannot fool the rain.”</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">As I wiped my face, the truth of this saying became clear on many levels. Indeed, the imperfections atop our small casita allowed in the unwelcome precipitation. Similarly, in our personal lives, while the sun shines on our days, our defects and brokenness leave us to postpone needed repairs. However, with the arrival of the personal downpour of crisis, rejection or loss, we scramble for the basins and the mops.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Upon looking around this place, I see young lives which experience the brightest of sunny days – while having endured the blackest of thunderstorms. Only three years ago, Delia* – an engaging 16-year-old with a sparkling smile and quick wit – was abandoned by her family, while lying in a hospital bed, suffering from a life-threatening disease. Upon witnessing the love and support given to a hospital roommate, Delia appealed to join the NPH family as her own.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now an NPH “Pequeña”, Delia is healthy, thriving and surrounded by unconditional love. She now helps at the home for her most disabled brothers and sisters, while proceeding through school to catch up to her age-appropriate grade level. She plans a teaching career for her future.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Delia’s story is but one of innumerable miracles we are privileged to witness in our time spent at NPH-Honduras. Working to be part of the patch for the leakiness in these children’s lives is a joy and an honor beyond measure.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, I gaze out the window, looking at the red-tile roofs of this loving place. Though the roofs may be in need of structural repair, they shelter children who are nurtured, prized and protected – regardless of the weather conditions.</span></span></div>
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William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4986510569502404321.post-51401388743204336542018-02-05T13:05:00.000-08:002018-02-05T13:05:54.726-08:00<style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:auto; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-520092929 1073786111 9 0 415 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} p.MsoNoSpacing, li.MsoNoSpacing, div.MsoNoSpacing {mso-style-priority:1; mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:11.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi; mso-ansi-language:ES-MX;} .MsoPapDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; margin-bottom:10.0pt; line-height:115%;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">How can we simplify our lives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can we continue to use our medical skills as we move toward retirement?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can we enrich both our own lives and those of others?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can we gain a better understanding of neighbor by living and working with him in community?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">For us, these questions are being answered with the help of <a href="https://www.missiondoctors.org/">Mission Doctors Association</a> (MDA).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through MDA, we have volunteered our medical services yearly, and are now serving for five months at <a href="https://www.nph.org/">Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos</a> (NPH) in Honduras, Central America.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">At NPH Honduras, we live among many young Hondurans from disrupted homes, who grow up together in a setting of safety, security and love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each has the chance to advance educationally, to grow spiritually, and to know what it is to be family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Surrounded by dedicated local adults and international staff and volunteers, these youth are given the opportunity to build new lives for themselves, and to make their country a better place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">On a typical day, we may start with Mass at the home for elderly residents, followed by a walk to the NPH community clinic to see patients in a primary care setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After a lunch of beans, bananas and rice with the Honduran staff and volunteer nurses, we may return to the two-room casita we call home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The afternoon may find us playing games with the young children of Casa Suyapa, helping the surgical brigade in triage activities, or hiking together on a mountain trail lined by fragrant pines.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12.0pt;">We invite you to join us on our journey at “Neighbors Far Away”, and to learn more about Mission Doctors Association.</span></div>
William and Susanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12067876389286766766noreply@blogger.com0