Reporting not so live from the wifi bench

Covered in paint and blisters we stomped on cockroches like nobody's business. Before you stop reading let me explain!

Hola! Although, I took a different route from Boston that landed me in Houston for an extended time, I finally made in to the beautiful land of Honduras a whole 24 hours later. This is Sandy with the official dish out on day 3 in land of the Catrachos.

Following another wonderful breakfast the group followed two of the young men from El Hogar to the art room. It was set up very much  like a play space with toys, games, and art projects strewn all over the place in a wonderful way. Our instructions were simple, move everything from the side and paint all the walls, however what seemed like a daunting task was quickly overcome by the climbing ability of our young helpers. They scaled the walls with ease, removing posters, pictures, nails, and banners so we had a blank canvas to start our project. Upon the arrival of the paint, a vital component, the team set out to create a vibrant, colorful space. Joined by a large group of our young friends, we were able to complete the majority of the task. The kids helped at every point along the way, only stopping because it was time for their class to begin.

Lunch was next, and we were once again treated to a masterful blend of vegetables, rice and of course tortillas.

After lunch the team broke off into painting and demolition groups. While one group put most of the final touches on our painting project, the other group proceeded to put their energy towards destruction as opposed to creation. The painting group got treated to a viewing of the many different art projects the kids have done including piñatas, flowers, and baskets made out of newspapers. The demo squad put together an impressive show of force and finesse as they dismantled an old cement banister to create space for a new reading room.

La cena followed, and with it brought the groups first interaction with crema, which blew their minds with its combination of cheese and milk.

After dinner, we enjoyed the evening games that the kids took part in, led by their incredible teachers. Then the group has the wonderful opportunity to hang out with the youngest group of boys, which included hot wheel races, coloring sheets, board games and catch.

Some of the group members stumbled upon Danza folk orica (traditional dancing). Bella and I sat there for a while watching six through sixteen year olds intently listening to their instructor and following the steps to the best of their ability  with a level of skill that impressed everybody. They did all this with huge smiles on their faces and they slowly mastered a big part of their culture. I felt proud for them, because it was incredible to see that they had the want to learn an older form of dance, often chanting "viva Honduras", with a beautiful combination of joy and pride.

In case you had forgotten about the cockroaches...

Eventually the feeling in the room was too intoxicating to not join, and first I and then Jeremy, Megan and Bella all jumped in to learn the dance. It was as if they were waiting for us to do so, because many of the older boys then took the time to teach all of us the steps, which was described as stomping on cockroaches, joining us as partners as well as extremely patiently helping us correct our many missteps. It was a truly amazing experience. Once we learned the main dance, all the younger dancers left to go to bed, while the older boys stayed to practice more with their teacher.

What came next was a truly beautiful site as this group of young men proceeded to dance five different styles of dance with each other and their teacher. The level of comfortability and affection they showed for each other was incredible and ran counter to the often misconstrued form of masculinity that many of us are used to from the States. Jeremy found it inspiring to see these young men take such pride in their dancing.

I'll leave you now, knowing that you all are still wondering what the crema sauce was actually like, and jealous of this incredible weather and experience. Till next time.

          - Sandy