FUNDASIDA Donation

Back in late July I visited an orphanage called FUNDASIDA (Translation: National Foundation for HIV/AIDS Prevention, Education and Care) here in the capital.  The organization supports a temporary home that helps children who are ill with Tuberculosis and AIDS.  There are sixty children ranging from one years old to early teens.  Over the last few months I was able to raise over $800 to buy food for these children.  Yesterday I met with some of the children and caretakers to go shopping.  The kids had a lot of fun picking out the necessities they needed and had huge smiles.

A huge THANK YOU goes to my friends Sean and Lindsay Lynch and Generous Heart Ministries, Inc., Destin, FL for their generous donation and our Faith Formation Director, Teresa McClure at Saint Peters Catholic Church in Mary Esther, FL.  Without you, buying food and hygiene items would not have been possible.  

Ken and I purchased some things as well.  Besides birthdays, Christmas is really the only holiday celebrated here.  So while we were purchasing the food I saw a Christmas Tree with lights and bought it.  I am not sure if these children will even get presents but at least they will have something to make them smile :)  

Miami

Ken and I just returned from Miami where we both attended the Security Cooperation Officer's Conference.  I attended the spouses portion and learned quite a bit and met some wonderful spouses.  I think I had more fun since the spouses got one free day from briefings and we visited Fairchild Gardens, The Biltmore and spent a few hours shopping :)  Ken stayed extremely busy throughout the conference while coordinating relief efforts back in Honduras.  Tropical Depression 16 created a lot of flooding and some of the villages were really affected.  Thousands were rescued and 30 are dead with more still missing.  The MILGP and Joint Task Force Bravo (US Military Unit in Honduras) have been assisting the Honduran gov't and COPECO (the country's disaster relief) with humanitarian relief and rescue efforts.  

The best part of the whole week was being able to see family!  My parents, along with two of my aunts and uncle flew down to meet us.  It was wonderful to see them and catch up.  Here are some photos with the family................

It goes with out saying that I made the trip to Target!  And yes, a big box came back with us on the plane full of diapers, wipes and some other goodies.  In Honduras we are very lucky to have US imports unfortunately you will pay twice the amount.  For example, a package of 40 diapers costs close to $30.  So there were some pretty good deals at Target that I could not pass up.  For the last five months I have missed eating at Outback Steakhouse so Ken took me there so I could get my Alice Springs Chicken.  The Children's Place clothing store was nearby so we made a stop there too.  

It was really nice to be back stateside and we miss the roads!!!!!  In Honduras they are very narrow and full of potholes with lot's of crazy drivers.  However, we saw very similar driving techniques in Miami.  Ken and I will probably have to go through a driving course when we return home so we can get rid of the bad habits:)

We have a doctors appt today so I will be sure to post the latest on our little girl.  It is hard to believe we are at 34 weeks.  Not much longer!!!!!!!!!!!   

Ken's Spanish Interview

Here is Ken's big debut!!!!!!  The interview took place a few weeks ago but I was having problems uploading the video to the blog.  It finally worked.  Ken did an amazing job and everyday he sounds more and more like a local :)  I on the other hand have a long way to go but I am getting the accent down.  In the interview, Ken is talking about the security cooperation between the US Navy and Honduran Navy.  During the visit of the USS Kauffmann, training was involved to combat drug trafficking and community assistance in repairing a school.  The week was very long for Ken and the MILGP but the visit was a tremendous success.  

4D Ultrasound

Last Thursday Ken and I got to see our little girl on 4D.  It was amazing!  We saw so much detail of her face.  She was opening her eyes, sticking out her tongue and grabbing onto her feet!  She was even doing her famous hand wave across the face :)  She also had the hiccups, which has been ongoing for the last two weeks.  I did get a little lightheaded due to my blood pressure dropping so it was hard to turn and look at the screen.  However, we have a 30 min DVD that we watched when we came home.  Technology has come a very long way!!!!!!!!!

The best news is our baby is super healthy and right where she should be.  She is 41 cm long and weighing 4 lbs, 3 ozs.  The doc estimates she will be around 7 to 7 1/2 lbs.  Let's hope she is not bigger...........at least for my sake.  The doctor is very pleased and answered a ton of questions about the labor process.  We also met the pediatrician and we feel pretty confident about him as well.  He was highly recommended by my doctor and a lot of US families bring their kids to him.

The interesting news is the expected date of arrival is now 8 December.  So we will be ready b/w 28 Nov to 8 Dec.  I just hope she arrives before my brother heads back to Hawaii.  She has been so active and kicking like crazy (she got me good today) that we hope she will be more than ready to come out and meet us!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ken's Commander's Conference starts next Monday so we are leaving Saturday for Miami and will be there a week.  It will be nice to be in the states for awhile but we are thrilled b/c my parents and aunt and uncle plan to meet us there.  It will be so nice to see family!!!!!!!!

31 Weeks

Ken and I just returned from the doctor's office with a glowing report.  Baby Girl Rodriguez is 3 1/2 pounds and 41 cm long.  Her heart rate is 136 so she is right in the middle and all her bones and joints are forming perfectly.  We got some great shots of her face and her upper lip is normal so no worries about her having a cleft pallet.  Her mouth was moving non-stop, it was adorable!

The delivery date looks like 29 November, but I guess we will find out the day when "she" decides or not.......  My weight is 130 so I am doing real good and can't complain.  The 4D ultrasound is planned for 9 October and the next appt with my doc is 13 October.  Ken and I can't believe we are 7 months into the pregnancy.  It is amazing how the time has flown by.

I just found out that some of the military spouses are hosting a baby shower for me which was a huge surprise, but very thoughtful.  So more info to come............

We are heading to the beaches of Le Ceiba this weekend with 4 other families.   The resort looks very nice and we are planning to go on a wildlife refuge tour.  We are taking a train to the site and then a 2 1/2 hour motorboat ride where we will see mangroves, Howler monkeys, more than 200 birds, alligators and manatees.  So I hope to get some great photos! 

The Lamb Institute in Tegus

Last Friday Ken and I visited an orphanage that was founded by a US woman who has lived in Honduras over 15 years.  It is called the Lamb Institute and there are two facilities, one in La Cantera and the other in Flor de Campo.  Both facilities are located in impoverished inner city neighborhoods in Tegucigalpa.  The one we went to on Friday is about 15 minutes from Ken's Office.  There are over 50 children living full time in the residential program and another 200 children in the daycare/school program.  I think there are 8 staff members that provide formal kindergarten and primary education for children with an emphasis on Biblical principals.  The institute provides a food bank to help out the local neighborhood, which I have been told needs support.  Most of the kids who live in the neighborhood and come to the facility for school get lunch and two snacks.....which is the only food they will probably receive (each day).  Another facet of the organization is education for people who live in the neighborhood but have not had the opportunity to receive a formal education.  

This is an organization that really tries to reach out to the community and I think Ken and I have found our calling to where we would like to volunteer our time.  We really enjoyed visiting the kids and getting to know them.  The MILGP supported the org's event "Day of the Child" by providing the funds to buy food and toys for the children living there.  I am hosting an Embassy Spouses Coffee in the next few weeks at our house and we are going to discuss volunteer opportunities so I hope to get some support and see what we can do as a team!!!! 

For more info on the organization, website is www.lambinstitute.org

Centro Integral

About two weeks ago I traveled with the wife of the Chief of Defense to a very small orphanage that houses 23 little girls and 3 little boys, aging from 4 years old to 15 years.  There are two ladies who look after these children 24/7 and provide education to them.  Basically the building is 4 rooms containing a kitchen, classroom and two large rooms for activities but turn into bedrooms at night.  The kids basically sleep on very thin mattresses.  With the limited space you do what you can.  The hard part is seeing these young children in such a harsh area of town surrounded by barb wire fences.  We had to have armed escorts b/c the area we were in is in a very bad part of town.

The children earn their keep by doing chores and making / cooking bread and cookies.  Can you imagine a 4 year old kneading dough to make bread to survive.  It really touches your heart!  I got to try some of their cookies which reminds me of sugar cookies back home and they were very yummy.  We spent a few hours with the kids and had pizza, cake and candy......Yes, I had a good time at the store buying all sorts of candy.  I have noticed the candy goes over big, my concern is the children obviously do not receive dental care unless it provided to them through donations.  The MILGP has supported this orphanage through funding for a stove, bread maker and fridge.  Others have contributed by getting clothes from friends and family back home in the states.  Every little bit helps!  Some of the photos are a little blurry........camera issues.

Olancho, Honduras

Just wanted to share some photos of our weekend trip to Olancho.  It is a beautiful part of Honduras (it is the equivalent of a state) and the air is so clean.  Unlike Tegus, where you have about 1.2 million people living and the pollution is pretty bad.  We stayed at the ranch of the Chief of Defense and had a wonderful time.  Ken and I had a tour of this amazing ranch with over 2,000 beef cows, milk cows and horses and every other farm animal you can imagine.  The area is not overly populated but the economy is real good b/c everyone is into farming.  Although you still have to be careful b/c you never know if you come upon someone with a machete.  Ken ran with one of the Honduran Lt's with an armed escort and came upon a bull being butchered in the middle of the town square.............I would have loved to have taken photos of that :)  As you can see, Ken was playing cowboy.  The horses are absolutely beautiful and very well trained.  The family was wonderful to us and we enjoyed some very good food!!!!!!!  The vice prime minister came by for a visit too - pretty cool when you can arrive to your destination by helicopter.

3rd Trimester

It is hard to believe how fast time is flying...........here is the latest belly shot.  She is moving around so much and it is such a great feeling!!!!!  She is very active especially at night so I have been putting headphones on my stomach playing music and I actually think she chills out.  After 3 or 4 songs the movement subsides (a little).  For about two weeks, I had a hard time sleeping but now I am sleeping through the night.  Ken has been home this past week burning some leave time so it has been wonderful spending time with him and doing things around the house.

We have had workmen at the house doing some repairs.  We had a lot of heavy rain and found some leaks in the ceiling (luckily in places where the water would not have damaged our stuff).  They fixed the holes and came across a few bat nests which would explain the running around and little noises at night.  I saw a baby bat over a month ago and did not think anything of it until we kept hearing noises in our bedroom late at night.  The guys got rid of the nests and placed garlic on the roof.  I guess we can uses crosses next if the garlic does not work. :)

The new ambassador and his family have arrived in country so Ken is looking forward to working with him.  We have a function to attend tomorrow evening to welcome them so we are looking forward to it.  

I drove for the first time on Wednesday.  I think Ken was a little more nervous then I was.  Not that he does not have confidence in me but the drivers here (especially bus/taxi drivers) are very ignorant and erratic.  You always have to be on your guard.  I did not even realize it had been 3 months since I drove, but I did well and feel confident.  We still have our Florida tag and waiting to get our Honduran tag.  It makes me a little nervous to drive with the tag so I hope with get the country tag soon. 

Her room is coming along...........

Ken and I picked up the baby dresser on Wednesday.  We love it!  It matches the crib perfectly and it goes well with the ratan chair and chest of drawers.  I planned on just getting a simple changing table with some shelving but Ken thought it would be a better investment to buy something long term with enough drawer space for her clothes :)  "Good thinking Dad."   

Proud Parents!

We could not be more happy!!!!!!!!!!!  Ken just returned from Guatemala and I surprised him at the airport.  

It's A GIRL!!!!!!!!!

We had much success at the doctor's office yesterday.  Our baby cooperated with the ultrasound and we are absolutely thrilled!!!!!  Our little one is very healthy and weighing 2 lbs.  She has been moving around quite a bit and I feel those kicks especially on the right side.  The doc says I am doing well.  I fell about a week ago due to being clumsy but the baby was kicking like crazy soon after so I was not worried.  The only symptoms I have is occasionally feeling dizzy and nauseous. My blood pressure is low which accounts for the symptoms but I was thankful to hear from my cousins they went through the same thing during their pregnancies and low blood pressure seems to run in the family.  So, I am taking an iron pill once day as well as the pre-natal and drinking a protein shake twice a day.   

As you can see, it's our baby's most recent photo.  29 Sept is the next doc appt and I will have the 4D ultrasound so we are looking forward to that!!!!!!!!

Our Home in Honduras

We finally moved in!!!!!!!  And we have our furniture.  A lot of progress has been made the last 5 days with the unpacking in large part to our housekeeper, Karla.  She is a very hard worker and is always asking me what to do next.  While Ken is at work, I am keeping busy at home.  With Karla around my Spanish is getting better.  

Ken's birthday is 16 August and we plan to go to Soto Cano for the weekend.  It will be a nice getaway from the city.  Also, the commander, Col Rich Juergens' birthday is 15 August so there will be some celebrating :)  Meanwhile, the MILGRP deputy commanders wife and myself hosted a surprise birthday party for Ken and her husband, LTC Tony Espinosa on Friday.  It was a luau theme with a Marimba Band and tacos.  Besides the MILGRP folks the Honduran military leaders showed up too.  It was a wonderful way to get together. 

23 Weeks and Growing

75% Sure It's A GIRL!!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess our child received the stubborn gene from me :)  Ken and I saw the doctor today and saw some great butt shots of the baby.  From what we could see it looks like we are having a girl.  It was hard to tell for certain because the legs were very close together and we could not see any boy plumbing.  The doc seems to think it is a girl, but obviously wants to wait til the next ultrasound.  So the suspense will carry on until Sept 1st and we hope to know for sure.  The wonderful news is the baby is very healthy and weighs 1 1/2 pounds.  My weight is 123 so I can't complain.  Safe to say the belly is starting to show :)

In other news, the house is coming along.  We were there all day today getting ready for the furniture to show up tomorrow.  Our housekeeper, Carlota was cleaning away and does an awesome job so we are thrilled to have her.  There are a few minor things the contractor has to finish but Ken and I are pleased so far.  After Wednesday we should be in the house permanently.  I will be off line for a few days until we can get internet capability at the house.  So more to come.....................

HOUSE NEWS!

Hello Everyone!  Good news is our house is ready to be occupied.  Our kitchen appliances will be delivered Monday and our household goods are coming Tuesday.  Next week is going to be very busy for us.  However, we moved the baby appointment a day early (Monday) so we can concentrate on the house.  So we will finally know if Baby Rod is a boy or a girl.  We are so excited.  The baby is very, very active and I can actually see my skin move.  I now have a small "beach ball" and it is funny how it just suddenly appeared.  I feel great!  Ken is doing well and always so supportive.  Well, we should have an update Monday evening with our baby news and will post some photos of the house.  

4th of July - US Ambassador's Residence

Here are some photos of us from the 4th.  The Army Colonel is Richard Juergens, Commander of JTF-Bravo, Soto Cano Airbase.  Ken worked with Richard when he was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  Very Small World!!!!!  Although the 4th was not the same for us because we did not see any fireworks but the party was pretty nice.  There were over 1,000 people in attendance and it's supposed to be the biggest event of the year for Honduras.  Ken and I both met El Presidente de Honduras, Manuel "Mel" Zelaya.  He seems nice but I kept thinking I just shook hands with somebody who is extremely good friends with our buddy in Venezuela.

Baby Rod Update

Well, we were hoping to find out today if we were having a boy or a girl......................Baby Rod decided to play "peek a boo" and not cooperate with the ultrasound. The umbilical cord was also between the legs so this made it more of a challenge.  The baby is getting very big and measured 21 cm. The Doc says we are both in great shape and health. My weight is 120 so I am doing pretty good despite the milk shakes from Baskin Robbins from time to time. Our next appt is 5 Aug and I am sure we will find out then.  More info soon :)

What's Happening in Honduras

I got a baby name book from a girl at the Embassy who left for Africa so I sat down yesterday and picked out the names I like. Ken and I decided that we will go through the names this evening in hopes we know what we are having. I felt the baby kick a lot Saturday evening. I felt it a little bit earlier in the week but it was so faint I just was not sure. Ken got to feel it too so it was really exciting.

We signed the contract on our house and we can move in Aug 1 - assuming the owners do everything they are supposed to. We got a house keeper mon - fri from 7:30 to 3:30. She is not a live in and I am comfortable with that. She worked for the Marine Officer who takes care of all the force protection for the Embassy and he highly recommended her. She is very trustworthy and does a great job. It will be nice to have her when our stuff is delivered. I had no clue how I was going to do that on my own. She has worked for Embassy employees for 9 years so that says something.

I started taking Spanish classes so everyday i am speaking more and more. Last night I saw the craziest thing - Ken and I were coming back from the MILGRP and we were at a stop light. A guy walks in front of us with a torch that was on fire, drinks some lighter fluid and blows it on the torch to make it bigger. He obviously was doing this for money so Ken gave him a few bucks................WE THOUGHT IT WAS COOL! With a job like that he is not going to live very long. It is amazing what you see and how sad it is. Saw a guy two days ago hit by car and laying in the street.

Oh, I may be the MILGRP humanitarian coordinator. Basically we can get money to support charities, hospitals, orphanges, school supplies, meds, etc. So Ken's office just needs someone to go out in the community find out what is needed and prepare a $ money request and submit to USSouthCom in Miami to get the funding. It is a total PR job and helps get the word out what the US Military is doing besides helping the Honduran military. I thinking it is going to be rewarding and I am looking forward to doing it.

Baby Bedding

My cousin, Tracy found this baby bedding and I absolutely love it. Our crib is white so it gives me an idea how bright and happy our baby's room is going to be! This is totally what I was looking for!!!!!!!!!!!!!!