From Honduras With Love: A Forever Kind of Change

Even only after a few months, living abroad has instilled a forever kind of change in me. There is something about being catapulted into a whole new life and culture that forces you to rethink your idea of who you are.

You face new challenges, some you never expected to face, and hope never to again. You get to know parts of your mind, body and soul that you didn’t know existed. You’re amazed at the changes within yourself and at the world. You learn, you broaden your horizons. You relearn, unlearn, and after coming down and embracing a few lessons, you start growing as an individual. You evolve. You feel homesick…you begin endless countdowns. You shape memories that will stay with you forever. Memories of my students’ laughter, the many smiles, the man on the corner of the street I pass every day, the woman that knows my Papusa order by heart, the hour and a half hike up to visit the cutest and most kind abuelita. With so many memories I have already made in this town, tugging at my heart.

Below are a few observations/snippets of my thoughts during these past 3 months in Honduras.

WHAT EVEN IS NORMAL?

Living in a different country makes you realize that ‘normal’ only means socially or culturally accepted. When you dive head first into a different culture and a different society, your idea of normality soon crumbles. You quickly learn there are other ways of doing things; one is not necessarily right and the other wrong. After a while, you too take habits you never thought you’d embrace. You get to know yourself better…doing things, handling situations, thinking differently in ways you never imagined in your previous life. You discover that there are differences between the ideals you really believe in, and ideals that are just cultural customs of the society you grew up in.

Time.

It’s as if you were looking through the car window. In the back of the car, everything moves really slowly, in the distance. While life passes by at full speed in the front of the car. In the back of the car, you receive news from home, occasional iMessage from friends, birthdays you missed, family-get-togethers, Badger Saturdays, celebrations you won’t be able to attend. On the other hand, life here seems to speed by full force. Time is so extremely distorted, you learn how to measure it in tiny little beautiful moments. A Skype call with your family and friends, a beer or cheesecake J with the new friends, million dollar smiles from the most beautiful children passed on the streets, the rare free time enjoyed on the hammock with a good book.

The inevitable change.

While there are many things in life that I am still unsure of and are questioning, I know for certain, living here in Honduras has profoundly changed my life and who I am. Living abroad- It will shake up your roots, your certainties and your fears. Living Abroad- 3 short months- I’ve learned, I’ve got scars, I’ve changed, I’m living...I’m evolving.

My mom was able to visit me at the end of October. Her visit was something I will always remember. I am so fortunate to have such a strong support system. It was extremely special to share this experience with my best friend. It is always nice to hear a new perspective, here are her thoughts!

From a Mother’s perspective…

I spent 11 wonderful, fun and adventured filled days with Jenny and her roommates. My impression of Copan Ruinas is it is a beautiful city due to its lush’s surroundings and its simplistic and rugged beauty. The people are kind and family oriented with wonderful smiles. It was very apparent to me that after living there for 3 months Jenny and her friends had already adjusted to life in Copan. The things I saw or experienced for the first time didn’t even register to them as being unusual. A prime example is the lack of a quiet night! Copan has more roosters than any place I have ever been and these roosters must have missed Crowing 101, where they are told to only crow at dawn and dusk….no these roosters crow 24/7 all night long. If by chance they do get tired and take a break their backups are the many dogs who seem to have a lot to say during sleeping hours. I asked for a shot gun and Jenny gave me ear plugs! To see a bike, a motorcycle, a beat up car, a brand new truck and 4 guys on horses walking down the street was a normal occurrence. Once in a while there would be a horse meandering down the road…all by himself…
REALLY??

As with any city, you quickly learn the do’s and don’ts; where to eat, walk, which ATM is safer for getting money without your card being compromised, and most importantly who has happy hour on any given day. They know where the best deals are and shop frequently at the “Farmers” type market opened daily where the fresh vegetables and fruits are delicious and very inexpensive! I have been introduced to Papusas, Plantains and Tipicos…all delicious and won’t cost you more than $2 for a meal.

For a parent to watch their child in their natural setting is a sight to see. I spent 3 days in the classroom with Jenny as Mizz Mary Jo…Room Mom. What I saw those 3 days was a well-organized, confident, patient, caring but in control of her classroom teacher. Jenny’s students are very much aware of when it is time to listen and do their assignments and when it is ok to have a bit of fun. Before walking her class to recess one day the kids were being a bit excitable. Jenny stood silently at the door waiting for things to calm down, when I heard one student say “Shhh, Mizz has that eye face!” and the class quieted down instantly!

I loved every minute of each day. Hiking to see Lucas in the Pottery Village, the adorable kids at Pintada, a three day trip to surf town El Tunco, El Salvador…crossing the Guatemala boarder, walking through town, visiting the Tea and Chocolate Place for some amazing tea and beautiful landscape. Hanging out on the deck of the apartment and picking out cows grazing on the distant hillside. Whether you are in Copan Ruinas or San Pedro the hills/mountains are visible in all directions. Many living in Honduras may not have a lot of material things but they love their families believe in God and seem to live simple but very fulfilling lives.

Below are some pictures from my Mom's visit to Copan Ruinas.

El Tunco, El Salvador