El Dia De Accion De Gratis

Here's a look at my Honduran Thanksgiving! A lot of our Honduran staff came which was wonderful. We had somewhere around 40 people over. We're still sorting thought leftovers. haha.

During the dinner we explained the meaning of Thanksgiving to everyone and went around the table stating what we were thankful for (in español, of course). :) It was a great night.

We just got a Denny's!!!

Tegucigalpa just got a Denny's, and man is it classy! Open 24 hours, free WiFi, and bottomless coffee??!.. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new office.. :)

A preview of my wonderful weekend in the community

Update to come soon!




~ Hollie

HAPPY THANKSGIVING AND THANK YOU!!

Hello friends and family,

Although far away, I hope you all have a beautiful Thanksgiving. Living here has really made me realize what I'm thankful for. You guys have shown so much support even though I am nearly 2,000 miles away. For that, thank you.. I am thankful for all of you. I have never been happier or felt more fulfilled in my life.

Growing up, I was never sure if I'd find a job that made me really happy, one that I was proud of and excited about.. I am so fortunate and blessed because I am doing work that is above and beyond my hopes and dreams. The staff here are a second family to me and we share the same passions. Seeing the poverty and lifestyle of some Hondurans will change you thoughts on what happiness and wealth is. I've seen families with nothing feel content. I've seen clean running water change a life. What makes you whole? What makes you content?

Today is a day of appreciating the simple things and appreciating family. I appreciate mine.

On a special note, in less than 20 hours we've raised more than enough money for Emerita, the woman from my last blog post!! We hope to post about her follow-up so you all can see how her life has changed. :)

Again, thank you. Now, go eat some turkey!!!

LOVE and THANKS,
Hollie

URGENT: Meet Emerita de Jesus Zambrano

Hello friends and family,

I am not one to ask for charity, but this woman we met in Honduras needs serious help. If you're looking to give back this Thanksgiving PLEASE read this article and consider donating even $5...

Meet Emeritia (seen on the right):



64 year old Emerita has been pregnant 12 times, however after many pregnancy issues, she has only 7 surviving children. She has delivered all but one of her children alone in her community. The other time she had a midwife. The image of bravery and strength, Emerita has lived a loving life with her family by her side.

Several months ago, one of our Global Brigade doctors met Emerita and heard about her current health condition...

For the past 10 years, Emerita has suffered from a total uterine prolapse. This means that her uterus is currently hanging outside of her body. She has trouble controlling her bladder, and these issues causes severe rashes, smells, and itching.. The embarassment and health issues this has caused her are unimaginable.

We at Global Brigades cannot provide for every heart wrenching story we hear. However, we can publicize to those who are interested in helping out. We have recently started a Patient Referral Program, where we can display specific patients under extreme need. Global Brigades is confident that our community of brigaders, friends, and supporters can help raise the $700 necessary to give Emerita the surgical procedure she desperately needs. You can help by spreading the word about this important fundraising campaign: forward and post this appeal to Facebook and email it to your personal networks.

After hearing her story, my colleagues and I have decided to publicize her story like crazy, fundraising for her. A local doctor has offered to perform the simple surgery she needs without pay. The other hospital bills only add up to $700.

If you are interested, or if you have been thinking about what you are thankful for this weekend, PLEASE consider donating. Again, I don't like to ask for charity... We all have our lives and I know money is tight. However, if this interests you, please donate at the link below. $5, $10, $50, the price of the latte you planned on buying this afternoon.. Whatever you'd like. $700 is a small amount, but it will change the rest of her life..

If you're a friend or family member of mine, please consider a donation to Emerita my christmas/channukah present. :) :)


Click HERE to donate.


THANK YOU!!!

El video del partido de futbol

Here's a video of the action I was talking about in my last blog.

They jump like this the entire time. We also play "where's the drum?" Nobody has won yet.. We just can't seem to find the drum in the crowd, but we can always here it.

This was a tame game... No, but seriously. This is nothing.

Enjoy.

Olimpia vs. Necaxa

This past Sunday some of my housemates went to a football... or excuse me.. "soccer" game. Although uneventful on the scoreboard, we had a wonderful time. The fans are CRAZY, screaming, jumping, chanting, and lighting off fire crackers for the entire game. I've never seen anything like it.

Apparently the stadium is very dangerous. We were careful, however I was able to get a few photos without worrying about my camera being stolen.. again.. Hahah.

Welcome to my culture. Please notice how much we stand out in the crowd.

I think we gathered more attention than the game...






Just a quick update... Have a great week everyone!

-Hollie

Global Brigades Travel Team

Meet my team!!



We recently had an all staff retreat. Members flew in from the states and Panama to meet up in Honduras. Although I know my team well and love them all, this is the first time we have ever all been together in the same country at one time. Momentous occasion!

This picture was taken at one of our compounds, Rapaco. In picture (Left to Right): Danielle Starry (my boss), Kimberly Hanson, Hollie Roberts, Danny De Valdenebro, Emily Kenney, Jennifer Grasso, and Jackie Hyland.

Gotta love 'em. ♥

I like this :)

"Sarah Palin Doesn't Speak For Me"

Just a reminder....

Although you folks just experienced Daylight Saving's Time, we in Honduras did not. So in relation to the U.S., I'm am now on Central Time, two hours ahead of the West Coast.

Just thought you should know. :)

-Hollie