Daisy's Children Blog

Serendipitous!?!?!?!

2012-01-21T16:08:00.000-08:00

A small piece of white paper. School secretary's message of a name, phone number, and cryptic message. Shuffled to the recesses of my canvas bag. Set aside. Resurfaced. Phone call made. New friend traveling to Honduras in less than 1 month. Strategist for Partners for World Health.Connecting the dots once more to bring vital services to the children of Honduras. Thanks to a neighbor, a well used snow day, and a solid dose of divine serendipitous connect the dots.

A Frigid Morning East Coast Style While Preparing for Return to Village

2012-01-16T05:56:00.000-08:00

This has been a morning of adapting to reality and counting the gifts and reassurances that what Daisy's has become is exactly what we need to be. I have been called many things lately that stretch my comfort zone..... I am a bridge, a conduit, a voice for what I believe is true and right and just in the world.I am always searching for ways to further educate myself as to the valid needs and desires of my Honduran families; ever in awe of the amazing connections that continue to develop on behalf of those beautiful faces and hearts,young and old, the dreams that are now developing in those nourished minds and bodies. I have learned to keep asking, keep redesigning the approach and always keep the myriad of wide eyed faces in my heart,mind and soul. As I prepare to return to my second home in February, new doors open. I will travel with relative strangers to introduce them to our project. I will meet with the new doctor in the government clinic, the mayor to further develop a learning and community center for older students and adults,host a team of professors from U.ME. Augusta designing an alternative break for their students. I will have a chance to see our new 60L/hr. Ecofiltro water filters at work providing delicious cold clean drinking water. And I will walk down that dusty road where clarity will present itself. I will wrap myself in the love and laughter of 100+ children who receive the blessings all of you provide. There are no words for the depth of my gratitude. Please continue to follow us on this journey.We'll be coming to you live from a mountain top soon. (2/18-2/24). Would love to have you share your comments, suggestions, and takes on how we can all make this happen together.

2012...Looming in the Distance

2011-12-30T13:50:00.000-08:00

What lies ahead will rapidly unfold in the next couple of months for Daisy's. New events, new venues, new ventures......all in the name of a group of Latino children in a small village not so far away. I look forward with prayers for new, strong board members committed to what lies ahead. The second Alternative Spring Break group from Northeastern..... Individuals who will enter the village for the first time, in awe, in wonder, in disbelief. Product development within the sewing center and beyond.....mentoring and networking.....wondering who will join the league of believers in the raw fact that they too can be a part of the ripple.....the wave.....the tsunami. One child at a time.....open your heart and just listen to the whisper of sheer possibility!

Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Christmas

2011-12-23T14:08:00.000-08:00

As others around me left Noble High School today, I realized that the decorations I was removing from the Christmas tree in the lobby were the only ones I had handled this Christmas. There was a time in my life that this would have left me saddened. No lights, no tinsel, no personal mementos hanging from the limbs of a fresh tree. Not this year. The paper backpacks served to bring a much richer meaning to this holiday season. I have been witness to the true spirit of Christmas in the grace and generosity of others. I have been blessed to be the conduit to funnel faith and hope and love to the lives of the young of Concepcion del Norte. And I have been given a gift far more valuable than any purchase- renewed faith in the genuine goodness of people when they are given the opportunity to let it shine! Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!!!!!!

Daisy's Beginnings and Concert Video- Wahoo!!!!

2011-11-30T18:35:00.001-08:00

Another dream come true for the founder,Sharon Beckwith. Another voice for the children of Daisy's. Watch this from start to finish. Feliz, feliz Navidad!!!!!!

High School Student Uses Creativity and Talents to Gift Forward

2011-11-27T04:38:00.000-08:00

As most of us are racing through our days, getting prepared for typical family traditions and holiday expectations, Helena Schaeffer is using her talents to reach out to the children of Honduras. Helena has just released her new website, featuring her own creations: http://artnouveausquid.com . She features animals, compacts, pendants, earrings, and more at reasonable prices just in time for giving a unique gift to that special Mom, friend, teacher. Great stocking stuffers too! Helena is generously contributing 10% of her profits to Daisy's. Gifting forward...it's a most wonderful time of the year! Thank you Helena not only for your support but for being a wonderful example of a generation of youth changing the world, one child at a time!!!!!

2011-11-24T06:15:00.001-08:00

To each and every person who has had faith in what we believe is right and just, thank you. To the individuals who have sacrificed their time, talents, and efforts to improve the lives of unknown children, thank you. To those of you who have listened, shed tears, and followed our efforts, thank you. To those of you who will hold these children in your hearts, their hands in yours, a trowel in your hand, a bundle of wood on your back, a raffle ticket in your pocket, thank you. Without you, we are nothing more than a wish or a prayer. With you, we are the difference that changes this world, one child at a time. Much love and blessings as we celebrate with those we call family on this Thanksgiving day. I cherish the opportunity to serve and share our extended Honduran family. Thank you for that gift!

Noggin Factory Helps Daisy's Gift Forward

2011-11-18T09:14:00.000-08:00

To ALL of our followers who hope to give meaningful gifts this holiday season, join us at 53 Washington St., Dover, New Hampshire as Kerry and Jason Wood provide us with the spirit of the season. On Tuesday, November 29th the shop will be open to friends of Daisy's Children for a shopping extravaganza from 7:30-9:00 pm. Pick up toys and or educational supplies that inspire creativity, imagination, and learning while enjoying the company of your friends, refreshments, and complimentary gift wrapping. Not to mention that a portion of proceeds will be donated to Daisy's Children to further support our educational efforts in the village. Great teacher gifts and gift certificates available. See you there. Give the gift of hope this holiday season!!!!

Tis the Season

2011-11-17T10:03:00.001-08:00

As many of us get caught up in the chaos and commercialism, I wholeheartedly invite you to stop, breathe, and do something purposeful, right and just. This season friends and volunteers have joined me in creating the first annual Daisy's ornament. In fact, it's a miniature backpack, handcrafted by someone who believes in gifting forward. Your contribution of $25 will honor someone you love by not only providing them with an ornament for the tree but will also actually purchase an LLBean backpack and/or school supplies for a child in Honduras, providing the TRUE gift of hope to a child unable to attend school without them! All of this is clearly described on an enclosure card contained within your ornament. We will happily ship your gift for an additional $5. Details on our website or contact Sharon directly at daisyschildren@gmail.com.

True Thanks Giving

2011-11-14T03:25:00.000-08:00

As the typical American holiday season approaches, I look back upon 2011 with immense gratitude. I wish I could name each and every one of you. Whether you are a high school student creating venues for serving these children or retired followers collecting returnables in order to educate a child. From the smallest gesture, to the overwhelming opening up of hearts,minds,and homes to support the mission of Daisy's,each holds an ever valid place in the history of our successes. From a sewing center to a daycare feeding over a hundred children daily, how do you measure, measure a year? Amid the gratitude, I look forward to the needs ahead. A vehicle, the desire to initiate and educate our families in the proper use of Ecofiltro home water filtration systems, our second Northeastern University Alternative Spring Break, acquiring land for an orphanage,and vocational center. I pause here. With each step of success, I am also reminded of the devastating need. We have found ourselves at new crossroads.With them come celebration and great sorrow. As we celebrate with family and friends, I hold close the five children of our project who became orphans this year. Without you....without Daisy's....there is no hope of a bright future. Thank you for sharing what you can to create a future for these children. They will shine!

Grace Amid Forward Progress

2011-10-19T13:49:00.000-07:00

As the month has unfolded it has been jam packed with wonders. Our Honduran partner, Maria Elena and her husband Anthony have been in the states since early this month. They are visiting with friends, making new acquaintances and working diligently to promote the work that lies ahead for Daisy's Children. We have spoken at high schools, elementary schools, churches, PTOs, rotary clubs and there's still more to come as we wind up their stay. AS the voices of the children of Concepcion del Norte we have made every moment count. While they are visiting with the founder of AMIGOS, a feeding program started by another individual from Maine, much work is going on to coordinate the next events. November 29th will find us hosting a Shopping Spree at the Noggin Factory, an inviting shop filled with great educational toys, games, puzzles, books, and classroom notions. Got a teacher on your list or important child in your life? Stop by its Central Street, Dover, New Hampshire location during the evening of the 29th! You'll be able to cross a number of them off your list with proceeds to benefit the children in our programs. Also- if planning ahead- pencil in our Community Holiday Singalong, featuring the Funky Divas of Gospel as well as some of the children of SAD 60 at Noble High School Auditorium, North Berwick, Maine on December 10th. Intermission will feature snacks as well as a silent auction. Be looking for our featured ornament for 2011 on our website. The purchase of each ornament will provide for a new backpack to enable a child in Honduras the gift of hope through the opportunity to go to school. The idea of gifting forward......Keep checking as details unfold.

Amazingly Humble Morning

2011-09-25T11:45:00.000-07:00

Quietly grateful for the many blessings!!! Completely humbled by yet another gathering of open, spirited people who literally after my telling the story behind our efforts in Honduras emptied their pockets and wallets to raise $1100. The beginnings of our vehicle funding. I am always pleasantly reminded of the fact that there is SO much good in the world in spite of the headlines and millions being spent on political jockeying so prevalent in our current media efforts. We continue to connect the 'good dots' on the planet, knowing that good and justice do prevail when given the opportunity. To all who attended- the words seem empty. Please walk away knowing that your efforts will spring forward to provide a means to fulfilling our goal. To those who were unable to attend or who wish to do more, please think about sharing your home and circle of friends in a similar way. Together we can and will change the outcome for many of these children, one evening at a time, one contribution at a time. In honor of those we serve, muchas gracias y dios bendiga!

2011-09-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

Anticipation abounds as I prepare for an event to raise awareness as well as $$$$ to fund a vehicle for Daisy's Children in Honduras. Without a new vehicle it is incredibly difficult for the project's Honduran partner to purchase food, attain potable water, transport maintenance materials, seek out medical attention for our children. In essence and reality our project goals become more of a dream than a reality without this key step. We have a firm commitment to the children of this village and their families. We only need to raise $24,000 in order to purchase a vehicle sturdy enough to endure regular travel and transport needs to and from the village. All donations can be forwarded to daisyschildren.org with a notation of vehicle. I know in my heart and soul that together we can make this happen! Come along and change the world, one corner at a time!!!

Seasons Ahead

2011-09-01T15:43:00.000-07:00

As the temperature change of fall becomes evident here in Maine, life moves on in a much warmer village that continues to be enriched by our combined efforts. The Honduran Rooster Run brought triple the financial gain but more importantly; new, willing hearts and hands to support whatever needs were spoken. Young and old, friends and strangers united and created change. Fall brings a slate of new opportunities for sharing the story of Deysi Suyapa Madrid Chavez and a mountainside filled with children like hers, waiting for gifts of hope. From speaking engagements, to first time events we celebrate such opportunities and continue to look for new ways to widen the degree of hope we turn into reality. We welcome your thoughts, ideas and assistance. We look forward to working with each of you as the ripple widens.

Shoot for the Moon

2011-08-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

Just two days before our annual 5K race/run. Feeling excited, ready, anticipatory. Weather is slated to be perfect. Volunteers are ready to do whatever is asked. Sponsors have been generous and pre-registration is higher than in years past. Come see our vendor and informational booth right after the parade. We'll be at the Mill Field Festival in North Berwick throughout the day and into the evening. Come purchase dessert... Shain's Icecream. Nothing like feeding forward in the best sense of the word!!!! Have a great day at a typical Maine festival and help Daisy's Children shoot for the moon and provide our children with hope for the future!

Onward and Upward...Are You With Us?????

2011-08-05T15:23:00.000-07:00

Just returning to reality after a week of R&R at the lake. I try to give myself some down time but I have to admit that the true sense of urgency for the children of Daisy's crops up even when I think I'm relaxing. I woke up one morning on vaca and was intent on starting our upcoming road race in a particular way. I was conversing with the race coordinator, I affectionately call Uncle Tim. As I realized I must have been dreaming, I let my conscious self calm the inner worrier. Deep breaths allowed me to regain composure and realize that all will be well and good. How do I know this? Faith. Faith that I am on the chosen path, faith in Tim and Nancy and Heather. And faith in you. I know that you will search your soul and your pocketbook and make each deserving child's dream a reality in as much as you are able. It's a simple dream....to be able to go to sleep with a full stomach.....full of food,not parasites. To be able to dress and go to school. To be able to count on tomorrow rather than dread it. Go ahead; think a while....change a life....change a village....change the world. $10 provides 18 meals, $25- 46 meals, $50- 94 meals for a child. You decide.

ONE CAN!!!!!

2011-07-26T02:37:00.000-07:00

One individual can unselfishly give from the heart and potentially change the course of an entire village. I have met this individual only through emails. That individual could be you. I have been that individual and what I have received in return is nearly unfathomable. An evening email of inquiry was followed with our project's response to questions regarding our goal to provide clean water to the children. Currently we purchase bottled water in 5 gallon bottles similar to those we purchase for home and office here at the rate of 26 limpira/$1.37USD.An incomprehensible expense to villagers who make less than $2-$3 USD/day. How can they provide clean water to a family of 6-8? Early morning responses spoke to our projected course of action and costs.These details were disclosed: $76 USD will provide a large filter for a school with a capacity of producing 60L/hr; $37 USD will provide a 20L/hr home system for a family of 6-10 members, with a replacement liner costing $27 USD being required in 1 year. Our hopes are to begin with purchasing and placing four larger filters in our guarderia and three others in each of the village schools; the kindergarten, the elementary school, and the village collegio which serves the equivalent of 6-12th grade. The thoughts are that this will meet the largest population of children in the most controlled or readily trained environment. Nearly immediately funds for purchase and shipping arrived. Follow up has been made to Ecofiltro of Guatemala to determine final costs, educational resources for the key locations, expected delivery, and total costs. Ecofiltro is the selected source as we are familiar with them through work in nearby Guatemala and that the purchase through this company will also support indigenous families like our own. The potential for improved health and the number of children reached will be incredible. Because ONE CAN!!!!! The total American cost to provide drinkable water for a full year to a family of 6-10 is a mere $64 USD (the equivalent of a pair of shoes). Will you be that next individual? Contact us. 'Be the change you wish to see in the world.' Ghandi

It's A New Day for Naun!!!!!

2011-07-25T03:55:00.000-07:00

In 2008, I was blessed with the gift of a return trip to Honduras. I had just returned to Maine with a deep inner connection to three young children and a woman I had never met. I had many questions about why me? How do I do this? What information do I need to convey? I had made a phone call to my travel partner and told her I needed to be back in the village of Concepcion only 5 days later. In fact, we both found ourselves arriving into the welcoming arms of Maria Elena and Anthony only 5 days later. As the days led us through endless hours of inquiry it also brought us new challenges, both physical and emotional. On Monday, Maria Elena quietly informed us of a family she thought needed our program. She told me to get my head ready and Amanda to get her heart ready. Nothing could prepare me for what I would discover. As I stood outside what could only be imagined as a home, Maria Elena urged me to go inside. At that point I thought the home was empty. You could see through the walls. I stood on an uneven floor of concrete and tile, broken and dirty.There was no light, it took several moments for my eyes to focus. As I turned around with my eyes yet focusing, I discovered Naun. On the floor, in a pile of ragged garments, lay a baby covered in dirt and flies. The sight was so moving that the air was taken out of my lungs....I had no voice. It felt like a cement block on my chest. I needed to pull from within and above to find the strength to speak to the mother coming from the river in order to offer what I was about to propose.
We have traveled so far since then......this morning I received an email from a gentleman who wishes to sponsor Naun for a full year!!!!!! Bless him. He brings so much more than food and water to this child. He brings light, promise, hope of a future far different than yesterday's. It's a new day!!!!!!!!

So....Just What Constitutes a Miracle?????

2011-07-20T08:45:00.000-07:00

As I readied for bed last night, I checked my usual Facebook and email messages. I received a cryptic message from a friend of a friend of a friend of a friend, specializing in miracles. Thus I began to examine what would a real miracle for Daisy's look like??? The instant I began to search, in came the human emotions of anticipation,elation,suspicion, and doubt. Today....new day, new perspective....real answer. The miracles of Daisy's all have names and faces and clear eyes. The miracles are the grains of rice and drops of water we get to provide for each day. The miracles are the laughter of a wonderful Honduran woman who has touched my heart and soul beyond belief. She laughs amid such excruciating need all around her. She says her hair hurts thinking about how hard life is for her people. By the end of our conversation we have exchanged sorrows and hopes and dreams and instructions for using the miracles that come in the way of American dollars to ease the burdens of life in this small village. Miracles look like......the opportunity to know and feel and share the pain, the perseverance to realize that sharing this is a true gift within the challenges. Miracle.....being allowed to be the voice of a lot of little miracles......Yester, Lucy, Sindy, David, Gladys, Yahir,Jessenia,Roberto,Carla, Joyeis.........

A Blessing in the Making- We Hope

2011-07-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

Interestingly enough, I came to blog just a short while ago and closed down because I was unsure of where to start. I put down my computer and called Maria Elena in the village. We talked about the details of the latest wire transfer and how funds were to be used to care for our shared children. And then.......Anthony has found a vehicle for the project. Not the shiny new Ford Ranger 4x4 we dream of, but non the less a vehicle suitable for all the travel required for the project. It is a Nissan Frontier 4x4 with a double cabin. The cost will be $9300USD. Nearly half the projected cost of a new Ranger. I know there's someone, some organization, some generous soul who will help us if we only ask. I'm ASKING, I'M ASKING, I'M ASKING. If anyone wishes to help make this a reality please contact us at daisyschildren@gmail.com or 207-651-5558.A test of faith, a test of courage....such great rewards for these innocent children.

Join Coast to Coast Cinco de Mayo Celebration 2012

2011-07-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

We are currently initiating a multi-national search for YOU!!!! We need you to join us as we endeavor to celebrate the life of a woman who made the ultimate sacrifice to save her children from starvation. Deysi Suyapa Madrid Chavez died on May 5,2008. Meeting her children for the first time that July became the impetus for Daisy's Children. In an attempt to celebrate her life, rather than her demise, we are looking for venues to celebrate from North to South and East to West willing to contribute part or all of their proceeds to our efforts to improve life for the children she left behind as well as others in the surrounding region. All happening simultaneously on May 5, 2012. We hope to set up some way of Simulcasting or at least Skype-ing to celebrate all together. Perhaps we'll upload your groups video clip to our website to entice others to join us for 2013. Share your idea and willingness via this blog or by joining the conversation on our Daisy's Fan Page on Fb.

Too Excited to Sleep!!!!

2011-07-12T19:03:00.000-07:00

It may sound like a running theme here but, trust me, it's ALL true! It takes a tremendous amount of faith to not allow myself the very human anxiety that should certainly come with what I'm trying to lead in this effort. Alas, I too, get a few strains of anxiety over the enormity that began as three sad-eyed children on a bench. Then I go to the mailbox, a lunch date, or a meeting and like magic, the next bridge is crossed. It may come in the form of a check, a new idea, another person who believes that they too CAN make a difference in this troubled world by lending a hand. I often sit back after these moments of wonder with gratitude and a heart that thinks how lucky I am to have such fine people surrounding me.You out there who have become a part of those treasured moments, thanks for your faith in me, your smiles, your hearts extended. If you've been looking for that opportunity, reach out. We're an email or a phone call away. You have NO idea how important and loved you can be to a child in need, an amigo waiting for your hand.

Seeking You

2011-07-11T13:33:00.000-07:00

Each time a new challenge has been presented, an answer will soon follow. No matter how difficult it is to wait, a thought,an idea, a gift, a new angel appears with a gift, a talent, an idea. I continually find myself in the middle of grace and awareness that goodness abounds. Mind you, I don't sit idle and wait. A couple of ideas are moving forward. One of which came to me in the shower, out of nowhere, the other in a moment of clarity. The first: why not extend our race to be a virtual race? People can participate in their own version of a 5K, submit their registration, and enter their photo finish to compete as our virtual race winner. Details are formulating so that we can post this as part of our website. Second: we have compiled a letter, seeking the support of 12 churches, civic groups, organizations, families. Only twelve in the next year to commit to collaborating with our board and volunteers. Initiate the conversation, we'll help you do the rest. Contact us via email: daisyschildren@gmail.com. 'Be the change you wish to see in the world.Ghandi'

Urgency at Sunrise

2011-07-09T06:23:00.000-07:00

Morning is here with a new set of challenges. Sadly they are always about money, not what's good and right and just in the world. A phone call from our Honduran partners, Maria Elena and Anthony, has left us with an inevitable crossroads...how to secure transportation for the program. Their personal vehicle which they have so willingly shared with Daisy's has died completely. Would require a new motor which is out of the question when considering the overall age and condition of the vehicle. I know in my heart my primary focus is always feeding the children but without transportation.....there is no access to nutritional food. Not the typical daily challenge for a K teacher but......here it is and now searching for a real way to resolve it has become my focus. Stretch the networking and see what presents itself. I'm completely open to any ideas you may have or any connections you are willing to share. Thanks to those who will reach out.

Can You Feel the Electricity?!?!

2011-07-08T07:54:00.000-07:00

Normally I would have already left the states and be living amidst life in the village. Instead, I am home in Maine with a newly diagnosed case of Lyme disease and more energy than I know what to do with! Not used to being a 'take it easy' kind of girl. Breathe, refocus, use this time well. Celebrating new website being launched! Many kudos to Onpoint and its design crew for such amazing work! It is truly far more than I could have hoped for. It feels like being a kite, with new wind pushing us forward with invigorated passion and strength. Gearing up for the road race. Full on push for corporate sponsorship. Virtual race format developing.Most importantly, new opportunities for you, the reader, to participate in something far greater than any of us and all of us combined. Go ahead, take the step you've been hesitating to take. Change the world through the warmth of a pair of those dark eyes reaching for your hand. Trust me, you'll never be the same!!!

Looking for Unforgettable Opportunity???? Join Us.

2011-03-06T15:40:00.000-08:00

As new opportunities await Daisy's we look toward our followers to aid in our next steps. We are seeking up to four groups of 8-10 people who wish to share a cultural immersion in Central America over the summer of 2011. These groups will live amidst the village of Concepcion del Norte, Santa Barbara, Honduras while supporting the growth of Daisy's Children. Whether you be a group of medical personnel, dental care providers, educators, university students, landscapers, engineers, sewers, bakers, etc. we have ways in which your presence can enhance the lives of the 60-80 children we serve daily. We have two kindergartens to rehab as well as playground structures to construct, not to mention Los Angelitos, our childcare center that serves 60+ children daily. Share your time and talents. Open your heart and watch what comes back to you full circle. Contact Sharon Beckwith, Director @ sharona@maine.rr.com or by phone at 207-651-5558 for more information.

Northeastern Group back in the Northeast

2011-03-05T19:02:00.000-08:00

According to Maria Elena, all is well with the group. They were left at the airport earlier today and should be nestled snuggly in their beds right now. What am I thinking? They're just back from what sounds like a fantastic time and they're young. "They have a lot of energy," Maria Elena says. A shout out to all of you. You left our village a different place. I am looking forward to thanking all of you in person. I hear the playground and garden are beautiful. Anxious to see Ryan's photos. Rest well and know that I can't thank you enough for stepping out of your comfort zone and bringing SO much love to these children who have had my heart for awhile. Mi puebla es su puebla!!!!!! Muchas gracias mi amigas!!!!

Another Leap of Faith

2011-03-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

It is almost unfathomable to be in a position such as this yet here I am. A true test of courage and faith. Maria Elena has communicated a couple of times while in Honduras and since my return. Her heart is heavy and burdened with wrenching decisions. She is overjoyed to be feeding the 60 children within the walls of Los Angelitos, the guaderia (daycare center) created by Daisy's Children. But outside the doors are another 30+ children who come looking for relief from the hunger pangs which are all too common amongst these little ones. "Sister, what do I do? How do I decide?" Again my heart sighs. Though I do not wish to leave anyone hungry, I also know the importance of maintaining the integrity of nutritional levels. Quality and a real difference rather than spreading what's available too thin coupled with the desire to make a valid impact on the needs of any of them. I respond to my sister with," Is there enough food there now?" "Yes." "Then feed them." I know that it is my next urgent step to find or even create the where with all to make it happen. I remind myself it is His next wish and challenge, and I trust that He has chosen wisely when he's left it in my hands (I pray). The way has yet to be determined...the path ahead uncertain but the blessings unfold. "Sister! You know how many childrens I feed today??? 85!!!!!!!!!!

You are beautiful and you are loved

2011-03-04T05:51:00.001-08:00

This morning I woke up early to go down and help with breakfast. It was quite a change of pace. The kids were calm, tired, and bright eyed, waiting for a bowl of porridge, a small plantain, and two cookies. It was slow, easy and comforting, just what I needed at seven in the morning.
One boy stood in the doorway. Quite, apart from the group, barely ready to look anyone in the eyes. Maria Elena, our host mom and on-the-ground project director of Daisy's Children, revealed to me that he is abused by his grandfather. Yesterday he was cowering in the corner as Maria Elena checked him for bruises. After telling us his story, she hugged him and clutched his face saying "I love you so much. You are beautiful, you know that? You are so beautiful and I love you".
It nearly broke my heart wondering how many times he had heard that in his life; if Maria Elena was the only one to say it. I am so glad these children have someone like Maria Elena and a place like Daisy's Children to tell them they are beautiful and loved.
After breaking through his shell, we got him to play with us for a few minutes before we went back to the house for breakfast. He went from crying in the corner to running around with a truck and laughing like any other kid. Looking at him I said to the three others from Northeastern, "how could anyone want to hurt someone so adorable?". I don't think I can ever understand, but I can continue to work with organizations like this and to love each and every kid I meet with all my heart.

-Deirdre Judge, Northeastern University

Tears of Gratitude and Hope

2011-03-03T13:20:00.000-08:00

As I sit in my American living room, my heart returns to Concepcion where the Northeastern group reflects on those ensuing pangs of departure. Daisy's Children has been blessed with their presence and their unconditional love for its children. I look forward to a reunion back here to process their stay and what lies ahead. There is much to do but every bit of it is easy when one recalls the smiling faces of the 'littles' and the unending gratitude of those who surround the project in our remote village. With the trickling effect, our efforts will become reality and more children will come to our doors, to doors which open up a new world of possibilities for any and all who enter in whether a 'little' or a 'not so little'.This blog will continue to bring updates and event postings. Stay tuned. We're in for a miraculous ride in the next year!

My Experience Thus Far in Concepion del Norte

2011-03-03T06:13:00.000-08:00

The moment we stepped off the plane, I have experienced nothing but sincere gratitude. Everyone here in Honduras is so thankful and gracious to us, it's beyond humbling. One of the first times meeting most of the village was at the church service on Sunday. The children sat next to us and smiled, sang for us, and the adults were just incredibly thankful.Concepion del Norte is beautiful not only because of the mountains that surround it but also because of the people here. The children are adorable and so loveable. I can barely speak Spanish and they still cling to me as if I've known them for ages. We have had so much with the kids so far. We play "footbol" with the older neighborhood kids every day and everyday that we've gone to the Guarderia (the daycare that Daisy's Children runs) we have done tons of activities with the younger children. Yesterday we made rice crispy treats, made puppets with paper bags, and started tye dye-ing t-shirts. We have also done a lot of work outside in the yard next to the daycare. An irrigation system is almost finished so the yard won't be flooded and the kids will have an area to play in. There are so many more things that have added to my awesome experience so far but this blog post would probably end up being around 3 pages single spaced. Besides the memories of the activities I have done here, I will take home and share with people how thankful these people are despite their quality of living. It breaks my heart to see the kids come to the daycare so hungry, or hear that they have no food or clean water so the Pastore brings some to them. The sickness that hits the village is another thing that really breaks my heart; leaving kids as orphans because their mother died of cancer and their father isn't around. I wish I could stay here longer or bring more supplies and food, anything that would help the people here. And I really hope more volunteers decide to come here and help out in Concepion del Norte, because it is nothing but an amazing experience. Plus, Marialena is the best cook in Honduras. Or North America. I suggest looking at Marcela's blog for things that I left out. Adios amigos!
-Cassie Gucwa

Sunny, warm, down right amazing....

2011-03-03T05:54:00.000-08:00

Today is the sixth day here and none of us want to even think about the day that is looming in the future when we have to return home. The weather, the people, the food, everything about Honduras has made us completely forget about school and the things that await us upon return such as interviews for co-op or projects for classes.
The children have all stolen our hearts with their ever-present smiles and constant calls of "chiname!," which means "Pick me up!" They call us las gringas, which we see as a term of endearment. Yesterday we were able to go visit Kinder, which in the States is Kindgarten. They are learning very similar things to the children in the States who are the same age. Today we will go visit la escuela primera, which is grades one through six.
Since we haven't been able to blog as often as we would like, I'll go through a typical day. A few of us wake up at 6:00 to go to the day care to help serve breakfast to the children before school. Then everyone gets up and we eat breakfast together, which is always delicious. After breakfast, we split up into two groups of six and some work in side at the day care and some work outside in the backyard in a water irrigation project. We will switch part of the way during the morning. We'll then help with lunch; children from Kinder come back to the day care as well as some of the older children to have a hot lunch. After we go eat our own warm lunch. We usually have downtime after 2:00, during which we make bracelets or play soccer with the local kids or simply hang out and get to know each other.
I could not have asked to be on a better trip. We all get along wonderfully and it feels like we have known each other much longer that we actually have. It's nice to see all of us work together as a team. Everyone steps up and helps.
The weather is wonderful here; everyone will be returning with some color, that is if we return from this amazing place. Also, everyone will definitely be returning with more spanish under their belt, some speaking more and some learning new words.

Hasta pronto! (See you soon!)-
Marcela

How is it Thursday already?

2011-03-03T05:41:00.000-08:00

Nearly a year ago I first learned about Daisy's Children from a passionate and excited Northeastern student. In October I learned that I would be traveling with a group of students to Concepcion del Norte, Honduras for a week of service and cultural immersion. Today, I can't believe that I will leave this beautiful community in just two short days. For a decade, I have traveled and performed community service projects around the globe, but never have I felt so at home as I do here. Every morning and every evening I am greeted with smiles, thank you's, and such love from the children at the daycare, our hosts in town, and community members along the road. Working with an organization that is so connected to the needs of the community is refreshing. It is exciting to watch the transformation that a group of dedicated individuals can have when working towards a common goal. I look forward to completing our projects this week and for staying connected in the years to come.

Sara De Ritter
Northeastern University

Northeastern University Alternative Spring Break in Honduras

2011-03-01T14:50:00.000-08:00

As I finish my first day back in the states much is contemplated amidst a state of fatigue and surrealism. I am wishing my feet were back on Honduran soil amongst the Northeastern University team of enthusiastic, vibrant volunteers. We met them and picked them up at the airport on Saturday. Unfortunately duties back here required that Jennifer and I return to the airport for our departure on Sunday. A farewell of nearly the entire program, villagers, and church members left us both overwhelmed, grateful, and tearful. I left certain that the group was in wonderfully talented and gentile hands with Ryan and the Paz family.Well over 24 hours later we arrived at Jenn's doorstep after a 2+ hour delay in Honduras, sleeping in the Miami airport overnight in multiple cold and contorted positions, and getting to New York only to find we had no room available on our booked plane!?!? A blessing though in that we received sizable vouchers for our next trip, rented a car, and drove home from NYC. Good processing time. A shout out to the Northeastern bunch who were already at work in the guaderia and on the playground when we had reached the rental office in NYC and called Maria Elena in hysterical laughter over the next great part of this amazing adventure! By the way girls- I wore my ASB shirt to school today. Proud to be a part of your group!!!!! Hope you find the opportunity to blog while there. Much love to Ryan and the Paz family!

Over the Moon

2011-02-26T04:30:00.000-08:00

As morning creeps into the village so does the overwhelming sensation of being 'over the moon'. Yesterday brought a day of sheer joy to all as final provisions for the Northeastern University group were purchased, rooms were readied, and necessities purchased in San Pedro Sula for Los Angelitos. Gracious donations allowed us to purchase restaurant sized pans for cooking for the 60 children who come daily to the guaderia for nourishment as well as a tortilla press and hotair popcorn popper. Jenn and Ryan stayed back at the daycare to teach the children how to use the digital cameras we had brought in hopes of gaining images to share. Yester anxiously greeted us with a huge smile as the box of Campero Chicken was produced from the backseat of the car. Fresh danitas (mini delicious bananas) purchased at a roadside stand became a sweet part of a simple supper as we furthered conversations to make certain all was ready for the groups arrival. Today we compose our commitment letter to the mayor to form a partnership to build an orphanage, rehab a school, and construct a combination vocational center and permanent volunteer housing. It's morning, the moon is distant, but somehow like the Little Prince, a ladder is being built to make the voyage for these children, their mothers, and this village a reality. All I have to do is take that first step. I know that those who share the vision will hold the base of the ladder and when I hesitate, they will push me forward with faith and love. The children's smiles will be the fuel that keeps the rocket propelled. Ready to purchase your ticket? Groups are forming as I sit here. Pick up your talents, your tools, your gifts, and come along. The countdown begins. "Houston, we are ready for take off. 10,9. 8.......

A Mountain of Possibilities, True Hope

2011-02-25T04:39:00.000-08:00

The morning has started. The sounds of life in the village fill the air...the local bus engine, the dove in the tree, and of course-my favorite....the multitude of roosters crowing. A rushed moment for reflection and beginning another day certain to be filled with surrealism. How do you measure success is the prevailing question. Is it in the kiss on your neck from a frightened mother as you whisper the love in your heart? Or is it in the speechless stream of tears as a young boy receives the gift of an education in the contents of a backpack give by last summer's volunteer? Perhaps its the firm embrace of a 'little' in her uniform, fresh and crisp as she prepares for a day in Kinder, a child whose mother lies awaiting her final call in a hospital nearby? Or is it in the incredulous look on the face of an elder son who has grown in the program and realizes that the hope of university is in the horizon?? The laughter in the kitchen of the guaderia after hours as Jenn shares her spirit and her peanut butter cookie recipe with the women who work there? The mud covered flip flop of a near stranger playing with the older children in the yard after gathering a multitude of images for sharing this journey? Not to mention the mayor's agreement to provide land in exchange for the rehab of a small school for adult ed classes and our high school students study area. Or perhaps it was the gathering of the children outside as the gravel was delivered for a drainage system for a future playground?? Just a single day in this village, filled with amazing gifts of hope and promise. Join us as we bring these promises to fruition and share the bountiful return!!!!!

Home Sweet home in a Land Far Away

2011-02-23T19:24:00.001-08:00

After a long 2 day journey filled with episodes of distress and fatigue, we were awakened by the myriad of roosters and dogs outside.Celebrations of laughter and tears followed as I entered the daycare for the first time since it became a reality. I felt like I was suspended somewhere between a dream and reality. I was quickly snapped back to reality with the first of a rush of hugs and little voices calling my name. The kindergarteners were already sitting at colorful tables eating breakfast in their new uniforms. The 'littles' were being showered and dressed in the bathroom. Many happy reunions. Not to mention stopping by the municipal office which led to an amazing afternoon filled with an amazing gift to the project. Now exhausted, head spinning, heart full- in need of rest. More tomorrow, I promise. Another incredible story.

February 21st. 2011

2011-02-21T14:09:00.000-08:00

Sharon Beckwith, Jennifer Houghton and Ryan Hennessey left today from Logan International in Boston, Ma. for Concepcion del Norte, Honduras on yet another Daisy's Children project work mission. They expect to be in Honduras by days end today. They will be meeting up with a group from Northeastern University college students using this opportunity as an alternative spring break at the end of this week. Very exciting happenings for the children of Honduras!

Bookmark and watch this blog for their postings of this trip!

TODAY IS A DAY OF CELEBRATION, LIFT YOUR HEARTS!!!!

2010-09-01T04:15:00.000-07:00

For this humble person on the planet, I lift my heart in great celebration! High on a mountaintop, worlds away from life as we know it, a village awakens to a new day. The same roosters are crowing, villagers are walking to have their corn ground for morning tortillas, but there's a new sense in the air. A sense of anticipation, a sense of wonder, a sense of hope all transmitted through the joyful sounds of my Honduran sister, Maria Elena. Unlike any other morning in this village, sixty children will awaken knowing that they are loved by total strangers. Strangers that know they are worthy of life's abundance. Strangers who came, and saw, and played, and worked hard to make this morning a reality. For today doors will open to food, health, and education for the poorest and some of the youngest of Concepcion del Norte. This humble heart is filled with tearful joy. Joy that I know each of the hearts and hands that made this possible, and joy that I know each of the hands that will receive this gift on a daily basis. Thanks to one and all who have and will continue to contribute to this effort. Share the blessing and enjoy the journey!!!

Los Angelitos Opens September 1st

2010-08-28T10:30:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure exactly what to say or how to feel at this moment. So much has come together to make the vision of feeding hungry children a reality. Each step has been gently coddled, moved forward and continually prayed over. Next Wednesday marks an incredible day in the lives of SO many. To those whose efforts to nourish and provide, whether through raising funds or paintbrushes, a tremendous sense of accomplishment and awe. Those wooden doors will REALLY open on Wednesday to the eager sounds of children, 60 of them who will appear at varying times throughout the day to behold a colorful place created just for them. Rooms filled with color, toys, and a monkey or two to entertain little ones as they bathe. Tables and chairs of bright hues with places set for each to receive nutritious food and drink. I can only imagine their thoughts. For the three mothers who will join Maria Elena in providing for the little ones, regular employment and salaries to allow them the dignity of providing for their families. For Maria Elena and myself, moments of gleeful chatter as we celebrate the opportunity to serve the little ones. Whatever your part in past efforts or future ones, please join us on Wednesday in lifting your spirits to know that life IS REALLY good and that you CAN and DO make a difference.

Come Join the Fun and Celebrate Summer

2010-08-13T12:31:00.000-07:00

As I recuperate from ‘culture-shock’ back on North American soil, our organization gears up for dual events to be held on next Saturday, August 21st. The day begins with our 2nd annual Honduran Rooster Run, a fun 5K race with many prizes hand carried from Honduras. Registration 6:30-7:30am. Race start 8:00am. Details available at www.daisyschildren.com as well as registration forms. The afternoon will bring a musical Extravaganza featuring local artists to include the Funky Divas of Gospel. This will take place at 283 Lebanon Road, North Berwick, beginning at 4pm. Food, beverages, and an incredible assortment of musical talent available. All donations for both events will be used to feed 60 children in Concepcion del Norte, Honduras. The summer efforts of a group of volunteers have led to the full rehabilitation of a home which will serve as a guaderia (daycare) center for the poorest children of this village. Here they will receive 2 nutritious meals and a snack each day, combined with hygiene, dental care, vitamins, and access to medical care. As each child approaches the age for kindergarten entrance all necessary uniforms and supplies will be provided. Daisy’s Children’s school aged children will arrive after school for educational support and a hot meal. None of this can happen without your support. Come hear the stories, share the celebration, and change the life of one smiling child waiting for the difference YOU can make. See you on the 21st!

Weary Travelers Head to the States

2010-08-10T19:58:00.000-07:00

Our time here draws to a close. We are at Hotel Ejecutivo, getting a good night's sleep. Ashley and Nicole will return to the states early by heading to the airport at 4:45am with Bruce and Pam Burnham. Amanda and I will be leaving closer to 1:30 or 2. We'll do a quick stop at Guamalito Market to pick up some ordered pottery samples for Daisy's Children. It's always surreal to switch worlds in either direction. Today we leave the mountainous terrain amidst the rain forest to head back to coastal Maine.My brain will take time to transition from thinking and talking in another language. It will take much more strength to transition between economic levels. Kisses, hugs, little faces, and locals all sent us off. Tomorrow will truly be a new day. Preparing for take off and landing in a cultural time and language warp.

This Only Took 3 Days!!!!!

2010-08-08T20:43:00.000-07:00

As the bus sits outside the window of the daycare , idling, waiting to take passengers to Trinidad and San Pedro Sula, my day begins. The roosters are up. Amanda and I are up. And the internet is down, discovered after a full blog attempt. Into Word to save the thoughts. We finally arrived back in the village of Concepcion last evening, after a full 2 days of further attempts at releasing the container. Of course there have been several more glitches to paperwork. We did manage to get the girls out of Hotel Ejecutivo and to Guamalito market for a little air and shopping. A couple more prizes for the rooster run, an import connection for the project. All is well somewhat. As we made the final turn into Concepcion amidst varying degrees of rain, Amanda gets out of the car and says, ”Did you see the tree on our roof? There’s a tree on our roof!” I hesitated to even look. By the time I mustered up the courage to face the damage, our good friend Yester was already in the yard removing a section of the fence he and Noe had built. Within 30 minutes, he and the other boys had managed to cut the tree down with a machete and remove it from the roof. Damage appears minimal, a tear in the tin. Of course we’ll need to check it out more closely this morning, and deal with repairs. I’m sure there will also be further container adventures but truly…..all is well with life. Bruce and Pam, Ashley and Nicole are here with us as we approach the culmination of a long, hard, wonderful trip.

One Never Knows......

2010-08-04T16:31:00.000-07:00

As we wrapped up finishing touches on the rental house for Los Angelitos in preparation for the arrival of our second group, we sat on the porch outside the home of Maria Elena and Anthony. Whenever there has been a few stolen moments of down time,we are somehow reminded of our purpose. Carla, David's mom, came breathless to see the pastor and his wife. Her multi-handicapped child was very ill and couldn't stop vomiting. She was panicked because she had no money to bring him down the mountain to the clinic in Trinidad. She needed 100 limpira, a mere $6. We walked together to get my money from the project house. I gave her 200. I was unaware that what her plan was included getting her sick child and carrying him to the intersection in the town where pavement turns to dirt and flagging down a car, any car, in order to pay someone to drive them to the clinic. That was truly her only hope for getting her child to a doctor. A sign, a reassurance, call it whatever you need to, a definitive that what Daisy's needs is access to its own vehicle. Just another sign we're on the right path and to move forward.Still looking for those 15-20 people ready to take on perhaps the challenge of YOUR lifetime but the outcome...??? The opportunity to HAVE a lifetime. Let's be in touch. I KNOW from the bottom of my heart that this will be possible. How about you????

Morning Report

2010-07-29T10:50:00.000-07:00

So it is bright and early here in Honduras and the roosters are in full swing this morning. It is rare that I am wide awake before Sharon. Most mornings she is wide awake and waiting for me to get my act together. We stayed here with the children yesterday and last night as Maria Elena and Anthony had to make another trip to Puerto Cortes for the container. So instead of making another trip to Puerto Cortes this morning they just stayed overnight to save on travel(3 hours there,3 hours back). Sharon and I woke up really early yesterday morning to finish up the painting on the outside before the sun got too hot, it looks great. I was not sure about the purple and lime green to begin with but now that its all come together the daycare looks fabulous. It is because of all the hard work from our service team along with our Honduran friends that we will be able to open for feeding by the time we leave in August. Today will be a day of cleaning as you can imagine with all the work thats gone on there is alot of it to be done. Its great to think that because we have a facility to accomodate the children we will be able to expand the number of children in our project to 50 children or more. Small children will have the opportunity to get the food they need in a clean and safe environment while their mothers go back to school or work to provide for their families. Its great when a plan works!

'A Little and a Little, A Little and a Little,Sister.'

2010-07-27T07:19:00.001-07:00

These are the words Maria Elena often uses to remind me of how she has enjoyed watching Daisy's grow. She uses the same words when she reminds me to be patient and thank God for how far we have come in such a short time. The house continues to draw close to completion. The soffets have all been replaced around the roof
line to keep the local creatures out. Weather permitting, this should allow us to finish painting the outside. Daniel completed all of the ceramic tiling in the kitchen, leaving it ready to be painted. With a full day today and no surprises we should be near the stage of removing construction materials and a final cleaning. Keep our children and our humble selves in your thoughts and prayers.It's looking like a Grande Fiesta is in the near future!

Work Continues in Spite of Rain and Power Outages

2010-07-26T05:55:00.001-07:00

This is strictly a test...for the next 60 days...... Each time we have faced unseasonable heat, torrential rains, or power outages instead of giving in to conditions, the days work schedule has been altered in order to keep pressing forward. There are always willing hands and open hearts, not to mention counting our blessings in different ways. As I finally have both power and internet, I sit ready to start a new day. A walkway and drainage system to aid with quick water removal around the house has been added. The kitchen now has a counter top,cabinet, and sink. The walls will be ready to paint in the kitchen. The back door has been repaired with new locks. You can feel the energy in the air as we move closer and closer. A little and a little. The happiness that will be a daily presence here is palpable each time we forget to lock the front door and another group of children is led through by one of a handful of excited children of our project. Many locals stop by to admire the progress. We wipe the sweat from wherever, take a quick drink of water, and keep going. Nada es facile pero todas es bueno!!! (Nothing is easy, but all is well.)

Meet Mario Jose

2010-07-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

As we worked in near impossible heat painting walls, the sweat poured down our necks, backs,etc. Drinking water didn't seem to help. Voices could be heard in the front room. One was undeniably Maria Elena, praying, then singing. Curiosity gave me a good excuse to check out what was happening. Maria Elena was praying as a woman stood before her in tears with a very small bundle wrapped in a receiving blanket. The woman had come to the door for prayers. Her two teenage sons had been brutally removed from her home in the middle of the night by four men and killed. One was 16, the other 17. It had happened recently in Tela. She since has moved to Las Flores. I asked to hold the bundle as prayers continued. Opening the blanket revealed a 2 month old boy with obvious Downs Syndrome. As I was feeling weak and tired, another small one had been brought to our project. We conversed with the mom as little Mario continued to sleep. Mario Jose will have a loving place to be cared for, fed, and adored as his mother has the opportunity to work. Even at our weakest, there is always purpose and hope!

Somewhere Between Mother Theresa and Jesus Freak

2010-07-20T20:41:00.000-07:00

Stealing moments between the 2 books I'm reading, The Writings of Mother Theresa and Jesus Freak. As we walk this path, we learn daily that life and the needs of the project change and so we ebb and flow. The AMIGOS container is in Puerto Cortes, a good 3 1/2 hours from the village. Yesterday began day 1 of trying to get papers in order to have the container released. As errands were run to Chiquita, the Banco Ficohsa, etc., we headed back to the village late. The severe thunderstorms of the last several nights left a trail of uprooted trees and debris as well as several new river crossings. As we approached the last hour of travel, the lights on the car went out. After several attempts to determine what happened, Anthony resorted to using the hazard lights to move forward. Fortunately traffic was at a minimum. We made it to Trinidad, 35-40 minutes from Concepcion.The local gas station where we routinely fill up was open, but to no avail concerning the lights. Anthony hired a local tuk-tuk (taxi slash golf cart) to lead the way up the mountain. Shortly thereafter in crossing the flooded road, the tuk tuk got stuck in the river, requiring pushing out of the mud. The words "only in Honduras" rang through the air along with our incredulous laughter. The reality that Maria Elena's and Anthony's car is on its final leg has led us all to the awareness that there is NO program here without reliable transportation. Our return to the states will lead to an all out push with a fundraising challenge. I'll be looking for individuals to join me in this challenge to raise $1000 each in 60 days or less. More details to follow. Take a look at the hole in the road on the throughway to San Pedro Sula!And of course today....more rain and another trip to Puerto Cortes.

Reflections

2010-07-18T08:28:00.000-07:00

There are always times in your life that you question. There's amazing peace in giving up the need for answers and following with an open heart and mind. As we worked for hours yesterday on our hands and knees, scrubbing the tile floors of Los Angelitos with paint thinner in 100+ degrees, I knew that this was all part of the path. The whole blood, sweat, and tears thing. Mixed with a lot of laughter. And all for the least (but most precious) of His. Tomorrow we begin the search for the container. We will make our initial call to see if it's in port. From there.......

Group Returns to the States

2010-07-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

The group spent a day and a half in Copan visiting the Mayan ruins, shopping, and visiting a local bird sanctuary known as Macaw Mountain. Communications have been somewhat scanty due to storms, power outages, and the business of leading a group. All seemed to go exceptionally well from this end. We were blessed to have such inspiring people join us in this place that's pretty sacred to Daisy's Children. There's much to be done as the weeks unfold. Construction repairs will continue, we will be going to meet with a special school for young David, visiting Yester and Mirna at Mama Honduras, and awaiting the arrival of the Amigos container.Always gathering information and contacts for the project. Again thanks to one and all at home supporting our efforts.None of this would be possible without each of you!

It's Not Only the Americans Working

2010-07-10T18:09:00.000-07:00

As Steven previously described, we did in fact try multiple times to blog but were taken out by the strength of the tropical thunderstorms. Not to mention that there's NO stopping this group. We manage to split off in teams to mud walls, paint rooms, cut brush, build fences, and a lot of new friendships. The village children often gather in the yard and across the street to watch the transformation. Many of the locals also come to help or bring gifts of vegetables or fruit. We have managed to keep everyone happy and healthy. the group marvels over how well Anthony and Maria Elena have taken care of them. The group has also had time to visit Trinidad and Santa Barbara as well as to have a 'pool party' at our local friend Chilo's pool, which is really a coffee bean soaking tank! The house is really coming along at an unbelievable rate!! We'll be working on the fence for the play yard tomorrow as well as attending church and having a 'feista' to celebrate the group's accomplishments and giving them an opportunity to meet ALL of the children in our program and awaiting the opening of Los Angelitos.DISCLAIMER: I am NOT responsible for anyone being held up at customs because they've tried to carry home their favorite nino, like Jose who worked alongside us frequently, taking great pride in what will soon be a new place for he and his friends!

Daisy's Children- Help The Children of Honduras

2010-07-10T06:40:00.000-07:00

Thursday night 10 PM Update.

2010-07-08T19:16:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone,

The evening of my last post updating the arrival of the service team, after all were tucked into bed for that night, Sharon managed to get online for a few minutes and I actually Skyped by video ,herself and Amanda, it was the first time for us to see each other via the internet. They kept getting kicked off their connection, and in between this happening they told me the lightning was fierce outside. It was making them loose their connection and power.

Each trip to Honduras that Sharon and Amanda have taken, there have been communication hurdles to get over. This trip seems to be following suit with all past trips. I can tell you.. No News is Good News when our family and friends are in Honduras! When there is no news from Sharon or Amanda,it usually means that the internet and cell service in the remote mountain area they are in, has been taken out by lightning or high winds. Utility repair in Honduras as you might imagine is done by donkey carts and a ladder, not CMP bucket trucks! :)

Sharon will post here or be in touch with me just as soon as some type of communication service is restored. From my experience on this end of their trips, I can tell you the team is busy working and doing what they went there to accomplish! Rest assured that if there is an emergency they will travel hours to find communications to let us know back here. So as I said before" No News is Good News" !

I hope this helps ease anyone's tensions waiting for news on progress from your family or friends on this service team.

Steve

Service Team Arrives in Honduras ...Safe and Sound!

2010-07-06T18:58:00.000-07:00

This message is for all the family and friends of the 10 individuals on the service team that arrived in Honduras today! Sharon has contacted me tonight by cell phone and asked me to make this post. Due to lighting showers which are quite common in the mountains, the Internet service is disrupted tonight. She made several attempts to write a blog post herself to no avail!

All members of the service team have made it safe and sound! They are settling in for the evening at their home away from home in the village of Concepcion del Norte! Sharon said that there are many smiling faces all eager to begin work tomorrow on the Los Angelitos' de Deysi Guarderia (Day care Facility)! Jessica is doing very well, with no issues or complications. For those who did not know, team member Jessica Marass injured her ankle on last Friday and left this morning from Logan airport with a walking air cast and crutches along with shear determination to remain "On the Island" as Jessica wrote in an email to me yesterday, when deciding if she should cancel her trip or go! Jessica is "On the Island" and doing fine! As is all the other team members.

Sharon said she will try again tomorrow to update the blog from the mountain tops of Honduras, after their days work ends on the building refurbish efforts! Keep checking here for updates.

Steve Beckwith

Service team - Final thoughts!

2010-07-05T15:54:00.000-07:00

Sharon & Amanda said to make sure to bring work gloves… and if anyone can bring extra bug spray.. Please do! The bugs are bad because of the rainy nights and hot weather. I recommend anything with DEET the highest percentage you can find and probably lotion / liquid type would travel better then spray cans! Deep Woods Off Etc.

Good Morning World!

2010-07-05T06:03:00.000-07:00

Roosters have been crowing for at least the last 3 hours so....it's time to motivate. Apparently I slept through a thunder and lightening storm that Amanda said lit up our room.Hmmmmm!Spent yesterday morning with our families and friends. A good part of it was spent just loving my Honduran grandmother, Amalia. She teetered into the yard, barefoot, with her walking stick, and the earrings I gave her still in her ears. She smothered my neck with kisses as she thanked God for my safe return. She joined me in church until her poor body couldn't take the chair any longer. In between things we interviewed other families by taking a ride in the car, up what they call roads here and poking around. Sad to say you can find hungry children everywhere. Continued work on the house. Steps are being built for the children to access the yard, floors were rebleached and the truck DID arrive as scheduled from Trinidad!Today brings an early trip to San Pedro Sula (2 1/2 hours one way) to purchase final materials, paint, and groceries. More later. Have a great day and enjoy the fact that you get to live elsewhere!

A Whole New Meaning to Hosing It Down

2010-07-03T19:04:00.000-07:00

We just spent well over 6 hours cleaning the house we've rented in a way I would never have imagined. One of our moms, Annabelle, and two of our tweens, Sindy and Zuany, joined Maria Elena, Amanda, and I as we literally hosed down the house. A hose was brought in and connected to the kitchen faucet. Powdered soap was then sprinkled on the side of a broom. We took turns hosing down the walls as others scrubbed the walls and the water was literally swept out the door. When they clean here, they clean. There's not an inch of that house that hasn't been scrubbed, rinsed, bleached, and aired out. We also were able to hire a local man to repair fence posts for the yard and all the window screens. Tomorrow we expect a big delivery from the hardware store in Trinidad with materials to repair the cement walls, sand doors, and generally prepare for painting when the group arrives. Our bodies are exhausted but our hearts are full! Good night all. It's faces like this that make it all worth it!

Saturday Morning Under the Shade Tree

2010-07-03T09:42:00.000-07:00

Up and at 'em early this morning. The yard was bustling with activity. The church was holding a yard sale at the same time that locals were arriving to gain access to the Kalachucha clinic , now housed in a former office of the church. Amanda entertained the local children with her bag of lollipops as I scoured the crowd for candidates for the day care. It was easy to collect several families in dire need of our assistance. The pair in this photo are a set of twins being raised by their grandmother, Diana and Christian. It seems by the grandmothers account that the mother died shortly after giving birth as what sounds like a bad case of post-partum depression led her to not eating. The father left shortly after the death of the mother. I ask for your continued support, thoughts, and prayers as we move forward to embrace those brought to us.Working together we can and will provide these children with what we have been blessed with and often take for granted.

Trinidad or Bust!!!!!!

2010-07-02T18:49:00.000-07:00

I often post to this site as if all who read it know what we are doing here. Trust me, I often leave that up to God because otherwise the conditions of life here could leave one in a constant state of bewilderment. Fortunately I have learned to forget the questions and just seek the next direction. I have learned to accept the small miracles along the way. Like not one penny spent to bring over 200 lbs. of supplies with us, or the group of medical students from LSU on their way to Guatemala who took our card to connect for a possible trip to Concepcion, or Amanda seeing her friend Josue in the airport when we went to arrange transportation for our group. Or the fact that I ran into a book written from the letters of Mother Theresa. Back to what we are doing here... Amanda and I have come a week in advance of our first group of 10 who will arrive 7/6! Much has been arranged. Today began with designing the wrought iron security gate for Los Angelitos, a house to soon be converted to a full fledged guarderia (day care). We then followed the artist to his village to see other designs incorporated in windows, gates, etc. On to Trinidad to order a lot of the building materials to repair the walls damaged by the earthquake of a year ago. Back to the village for the best part of the day, playing with Lourdes, Carlito, Jose, and Marilu. Also quick visits to the sewing center and to watch the teens making jewelry. The best part of the day.... being on the receiving end of kisses blown through the air by Carlito. It's a tough job but I couldn't be happier to do it!!!

High Atop a Mountain in Honduras

2010-07-01T19:21:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone- We have arrived and all is well.We both have noted how much we have forgotten the pace and difficulty of being here and trying to accomplish things that we so take for granted at home. We have spent 24/7 in the heat, in the car, in the city, but accomplishing much to be ready for our first service team.We have spent a lot of time with our Honduran counterparts determining the extent of repairs and equipment we need to move forward once our group is here. For Amanda and I the reality of seeing a center where the poorest and youngest of this village will be safe and able to receive nourishment, drink clean water,and be nurtured is more than a dream come true. Thank you to one and all who have helped make this a reality. We are going to close for this evening as the insects chew at our ankles (seriously-we have DEET!). Please keep us and the children awaiting the opening of Los Angelitos in your thoughts and prayers!

Service Team Members -

2010-07-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone!

If you feel the need to.... Email me your family contact information, Your name, Your contact person's name, Phone numbers and email. If I need to relay any information to your family, Sharon, Amanda, or Maria Elana will most likely contact me in the event of any emergency or news that needs to be relayed!

Steve - EMAIL

Phone call From Sharon June 30th at 10 PM tonight!

2010-06-30T19:10:00.000-07:00

As expected Honduras always seems to dish out obstacles for Sharon and Amanda when they first arrive as well as most every day in Honduras! The country of Honduras was celebrating a Holiday and everything was closed up tight, getting essentials needed for communication with us here in the States was not in the cards. Today they managed to make the trip into the City for supplies for the Day Care and they were able to get a Cell phone for calling home and also the Tigo card for them to get onto the internet and update this blog themselves! They have been dealing with over 90 degree and humid weather, bumpy roads, exhaust fumes, smells and dust all day today and they will work on getting themselves connected to the internet during the day tomorrow. It sounded like the girls needed to get some sleep from my conversation with Sharon tonight! The pounding their bodies take on the roads in Honduras catches up to them!

They are safe, getting the Day Care ready for the service team and working with the children, everything they live for! Keep your thoughts and prayers with them as they continue to work their magic!

Hopefully the next post will be Sharon or Amanda's entries!

Steve

PS.... I have made this site easier for you to post a comment on! Give it a try!

Folks back home still waiting on communications with Sharon & Amanda

2010-06-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

Life in the village of Concepcion del Norte, Honduras is a world apart from life here in the USA. Knowing Sharon and Amanda the way I do, they are up to their armpits in children and families in the project and have not been able to get themselves acclimated into communications with all of us back in the States. As we all wait for news of their adventures and situations they uncover in the village, please keep them in your thoughts and prayers!

The Service team will be departing early next Tuesday July 6th, to meet up with Sharon and Amanda at the airport in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. The primary focus of this group will be to prepare the newly rented property in the village of Concepcion del Norte to become a Guaderia- ‘Los Angelitos’ de Deysi. (Day Care Center) This center will provide childcare, nutritious meals, health care, etc. to the youngest of the program enabling moms to work, reenter school, or join one of our vocational programs all at no charge to the poorest of families.

I do not have a list of the volunteers going on this service team,. but please send me an email with your names, contact information and any blurb and I will be sure to include you in a post on this blog!

Steve

June 29th The wait for settling news begins from our travelers!

2010-06-29T06:17:00.000-07:00

Having been through this many times with Sharon and Amanda traveling to Honduras, I am getting used to waiting for news after their arrival in the village. For those of you that do not know, after the arrival of the long flight and being picked up at the airport, they have a 3 hour drive, mostly up windy mountain dirt roads and usually many stops for supplies for the village. Trips to the airport in Honduras also include much needed supplies and wares for Maria Elana & Anthony their hosts. Journeys to the city are opportunities for things they otherwise cannot obtain.

After getting back to the village their is much anticipated celebration from the people there upon their arrival, finding time to get into the city to pay for and activate their Tigo internet USB device for communications with all of us, takes a couple of days. This is when Sharon and Amanda's family all get a little on edge in anticipation of news that they have arrived safely and all is well. Rest assured if there were any complications Maria Elana or Anthony would be calling me to let me know of any unsettling details, and no news is still GOOD NEWS when our travelers are in Honduras!

Although it is not easy awaiting their first contact, news will be following soon enough and either they will or I will post it here for all of you!

God is watching over them, I am sure of that!

Steve

Sharon & Amanda Get bumped up to 1st class seats for flight to Honduras!

2010-06-28T11:36:00.000-07:00

The last phone texts I will get from Sharon, for seven weeks were that they had managed to convince the baggage checkers that their bags were full of STUFF for children in Honduras and their $65 over weight fees were waived, then they go to board and they're told they have to sit in the 1st class seats for their last leg flight to San Pedro Sula, Honduras! Tell me god isn't watching over them and all they do!

At this moment they are high above the Ocean, sipping on ice tea and eating their last American meal in 1st class seats!!! How deserving these two are!

I will update when I hear from them again.

Steve

Sharon & Amanda departed Sunday at 5 PM on another seven week journey.

2010-06-28T05:08:00.000-07:00

Sharon and Amanda left yesterday Sunday, June 27th, 2010 for a seven week journey back to the project location in Honduras. They arrived last night in Florida, and were settled into their overnight hotel by 11 PM. This morning they will return to the airport to complete the last leg of their flight to Honduras and will arrive in the village later today. They are ready to get started on the rehab of the "new" day care center and will have things ready for the "first" service team to arrive in early July. With much anticipated work to be done.. the service team is also filled with excitement for their arrival!

Until they are settled and start writing blogs themselves, I will update their activity for family and friends here on the blog.

Feel free to register and make entries of well wishes and notes to them as they blog their happenings for the next seven weeks! Service team members say hi too!

Steve

2010-06-08T16:54:00.000-07:00

Notice .... Watch this blog for 2010 trip postings !

Press Release

North Berwick Maine Teacher Heads for Honduras

June 8th, 2010.

June 27th, 2010 , Sharon Beckwith – Founder & Director of Daisy’s Children will be returning to Honduras, when school lets out for eight weeks this summer. Daisy’s director, Sharon Beckwith, and chair Amanda French who sought the assistance of several volunteers with a common desire, open hearts and willing minds to assist on the first Daisy’s Children service team trip to Honduras, has 12 volunteers that will meet Sharon and Amanda at the airport in San Pedro Sula, Honduras on July 6th and work through July 14th. Volunteers with the following skills: huggers, painters, sewers, jewelry makers, bilingual speakers, spacklers, concrete workers, soccer players, playground builders, all stepped up for the challenge. The primary focus of this group will be to prepare a newly rented property aquired for the Daisy’s Chiildren organization in the village of Concepcion del Norte to become a Guaderia- ‘Los Angelitos’ de Deysi. This center will provide childcare, nutritious meals, health care, etc. to the youngest of this program enabling moms to work, reenter school, or join one of our vocational programs all at no charge to the poorest of families.

Upon their return join us in our Second Annual – Honduran Rooster Run 5K Road Race at the North Berwick 2010 Festival Days, Aug 21st, 2010. More details on race HERE!

Daisy’s Children is a grass roots organization in it’s second year of operation, developing and growing day by day, the children need your help financially and in spirit! More information about Daisy’s Children can be found by visiting their website at DaisysChildren.org. Register at their website and stay informed through newsletters and updates by e-mail.

Join their Facebook page and show your support!

Final Family Meeting

2009-08-09T15:38:00.001-07:00

Meet the first child to break my heart here in Concepcion del Norte. This is Lucy. I met her on my very first trip to Honduras in July of '07. Lucy had come to church in a pair of pants made of purple cloth hand stitched together with embroidery floss. After church I had her mom, Dominga, walk back to the Kalachucha clinic with me as I had a duffel full of flip-flops. Her 3 girls had no shoes, and had walked the rocky mountain road for 40 minutes to get to Sunday School. As I opened the duffel, I turned to see Lucy grabbing from the ground fistsful of a small fruit known as Nancies. She was so hungry she was putting them in her cheeks as fast as she could. A neighbor, Ursula, was with me at the time and quickly went to her yard to pick some oranges and bananas to send home with Dominga. As our group was called in for lunch, sure to be multi-coursed , painful awareness of the disparity on the planet left me in tears and speechless. I needed to take a walk and get some perspective. Part of that perspective has led me to our family meeting today. Guidelines were reinforced regarding medical follow ups and families aiding their children when the Americans are no longer present. The need for hygiene and being pro-active was also discussed. Several of the more fragile children received their Pediasure and all walked away with their vitamins. A big smile and a kiss from Yester, who continued to wave until out of sight, reminds me of how EVERY life on this planet has value and how vital our work is here. Reminds me of the boy on the beach throwing starfish back into the ocean. Miss Lucy is just one of our 27 starfish. There are many more waiting in line on this beach. How about rescuing one.... you'll never regret it!?!?

Time For Departure Draws Near-Reflections

2009-08-07T10:41:00.000-07:00

As Lourdes arrived early this morning for her daily 8ozs. of Pediasure and sat in my lap the pangs of approaching distance set in. It will be most difficult to leave this time. We have truly become a part of this community and a vital link for some of these children. One cannot help but realize the value in each dollar and moment spent with these families. Even the very youngest of them recognize us and greet us with big smiles and want to play. Many of them are well aware that the Americans coming means gifts and extra food, usually more meat and fruit. We have been able to see much over this visit and will adjust some of the parameters of our program accordingly to insure that the children are getting what they need most. Our plans for linking with the schools will have to wait as the children here have only been able to attend for 3-4 days while we have been here due to

consequences of the political unrest. It just means that projects and relationships will be initiated from the States rather than Honduras. We have succeeded with the more critical needs, primarily medical intervention. This morning we again met with the mayor to initiate the installation of running water for 3 of our families. We also began conversations regarding water filtration and hygenics. This afternoon we will deliver bottled water and supplies to Mirna, Yester's mom and begin demonstrating the need for cleaning vegetables and dishes properly along with cooking with only clean water to reduce the rate of serious reinfection for Yester. On Sunday we will also meet with the parents to reinforce our goals and expectations on their parts. It's good to be busy- little time for indulging oneself in sadness. Focusing on moving forward, taking a deep breath, and enjoying the next little hand that takes yours, or the dirty face that peeks around the corner with a big smile just for you. Tough job but somebody's got to do it..... glad it's me! How about you?!?

A Day Filled With Blessings

2009-08-05T19:12:00.000-07:00

The day began early with a batch of brownies in the oven by 6:30 am. A busy morning filled with the Honduran version of catering at Spring Hill, South Berwick, Maine. Food prep everywhere with a couple of bowls and two dull knives shared between four women in a kitchen. Need I say more? Rev. Anthony Paz was hosting a regional meeting of pastors. Nine were in attendance along with several spouses. After a nearly completely American meal, a crowd gathered to watch eight people be baptised, with each pastor having his part in the celebration. Pictured here is one of our moms from Daisy's Children, Dinah Aguillar. In all we had two moms, Deysi's husband Carlos, and our oldest child, Lesbin Noe. Family and friends watched on as many hymns were sung and loud applause followed each submersion. A huge turning point in their lives and an honor to be present. Wet hugs and all.

Yester's Smiling Again!!!!!

2009-08-04T21:17:00.000-07:00

Thanks to one and all who kept Yester in your thoughts and prayers. As we prepared to drive to Santa Barbara to visit Yester, we actually met his father for the first time. He came looking for the Americanos and his son. He had been to Yester's home to no avail after returning from the hospital. Sadly, he was told Yester was released and wasn't there. When the Americans showed up at the hospital I was happy that my position as director of Daisy's Children and my Spanish readily opened the guarded gate. A quick walk to pediatrics found Yester sitting in a chair, his IV intact, munching on a bag of Doritos. Definitely not the same child we saw on Saturday. The doctor reported that he had a parasite infection. He was discharged in our care. A big smile and a kiss on the lips from Yester stole my heart and began our journey home. Follow up will continue. In the meantime our prayers were answered. Yester's already let us know he's looking forward to the next chicken. All in a days travel through the mountains. If we have questioned our journey at any point during our stay, all doubts were erased with a quick embrace and a small kiss that tasted like tangy Doritos!! P.S. Gladys became Yester's amigo. He fell asleep in his mom's arms in the car clinging to Gladys' leg :-)

EMERGENCY CALL OUT TO ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-08-01T16:42:00.000-07:00

If ever you have looked to the heavens or fallen on your knees to ask for anything now is the time to do this in honor of Yester Antonio Perdormo. Call or email your contacts, notify your congregation. This child is in need of a world-wide chain of prayers, soul searching, mantras, whatever you choose to seek in times of need or weakness. PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW. I implore you! A drive to Los Flores found a far graver situation than we were prepared for when we saw Yester. A limp child held in a mother's arms called for immediate action. With the nearest hospital some 40 minutes or more away, we pressed forward. There is NO rapid to it. The road is a dirt one ravaged with the recent rains. Three herds of cattle and two road check points later we were getting closer. The fact that we were identified as Americans with a grave child in the car and again in the emergency room pushed us through channels with little if any detaining us.Amanda drove as I sat in the back, rubbing Yester's forehead or holding his hand. I explained in Spanish to Yester that we were taking him to the hospital in hopes of getting him better. He nodded in acceptance with those sad brown eyes. As he climbed back into his mom's lap after a brief nap on the seat, he reached out the tiniest of hands. When I told him how cute he was, he shook his head yes and said, "I know." Even in his weakest moments his humor and wit shine through. As the doctor examined him and looked at the medications previously prescribed by the pediatrician from San Pedro Sula he openly said, "This child might die." Yester began to cry as yet another emergency practictioner prepared for starting an IV and taking blood samples. We walked to the records department to prepare for his admission where we were told he couldn't be admitted until we gave the man behind the desk his father's name. There has never been a father in Yester's life. Maria Elena went and amazingly came back with Yester's birth certificate from the tattered plastic bag Mirna had brought along. We were told that Yester will stay through the weekend, being sustained with IV fluids and have more tests on Monday. I cannot tell you how hard it was to walk away with a kiss for Mirna and one on Yester's forehead. The few limpira I pressed into Mirna's hand seemed meager when I realized that she was prepared to stay at his bedside with no food. The silence on the ride home spoke volumes to the gravity of the situation.Arrangements were made in Los Flores for a safe overnight for Yester's sister, Sindy. She will spend the day with us on Sunday.Monday we return to the hospital for 7am to be with mirna and Yester. May he feel your love and support. It will be a long weekend on a mountain top in Honduras.

As the Sun Rises

2009-07-30T04:56:00.000-07:00

As dawn strikes in the village of Concepcion del Norte I find myself sitting on the porch contemplating the many crucial tasks ahead. The only ones up in this quiet (?!?) place are the local alarm clocks pictured here, the horse in the yard and a scattered farmer moving his small herd of cattle to fresh grazing. The chickens scratch for food, and the local scrawny cat has already been shewed out of the house. These moments should be settling as the sun begins to peer over the trees but they are anyhting but. A sense of urgency as the days here draw nearer to a close. There's much to be accomplished and prioritized. I remind myself one day at a time, trust,faith. This day will bring us to the mayor's office once more to negotiate the placement of water filters in our families' homes. Discussions will begin around the reconstruction of a school. A trip to Las Flores to deliver clean water to Yester's mom, to be followed up with the instructions on mixing his supplements properly being reinforced. While at the mayor's we will also investigate the cost behind installing a bathroom and running water in their home. A future trip to another agency's nutritional support project will be planned. Monday will bring a trip to local schools to begin a sister school program. So much for one day at a time!:-) Somehow under all this lies my conviction that all will be placed before me as it is needed for these children, and with each step will be a new test, followed by a new lesson. What will yours be?!? Enjoy the day you have been blessed with! Dios bendiga!

Reality Hits Hard in Honduras

2009-07-28T20:38:00.001-07:00

A long trip to San Pedro Sula with young Yester in tow. We brought 2 1/2 year old Yester to a pediatric specialist who ordered multiple tests to include bloodwork and urine and fecal samples. The doctor gave him multiple samples of enriched formula and vitamins. She has agreed to be the specialist for the children in our project. The reality that hit hard was that even though Yester has been receiving regular food and vitamins, he is still a year behind in height and weight. The doctor wanted to give him a week with several medications as well as the dietary supplements but felt that otherwise Yester should be hospitalized due to the severity of his malnutrition. My only hope is that our project reached him prior to irreprable damage. Between the office visit and a slew of difficult tests for Yester, a lunch was in order. Yester ate fish, tortillas, and chicken. As you can see he thought the chicken was finger licking good. So good that he demanded a bag to take the rest home for a late afternoon snack. I also gave up my soup with chicken and rice, knowing he certainly needed it more than me. We all had a great laugh when I told Yester that both bags were only for him. He actually clapped and had us all laughing. The reality struck later as we sat on the porch of our Honduran residence. The tears just came as I realized the gravity of Yester's situation. Conversation led to the harsh reality that without immediate and further medical intervention, a child like Yester could become one of the children of Honduras who never reaches the age of five. Look at that face and imagine....... How can we? Such a circumstance for our own is so far from our realm of thinking. I can't imagine the thoughts running through his mother, Mirna's, head and heart as the gravity of the situation and the directions for medicine administration hit home. As I breathe each and every breath, I will do my utmost to prevent Yester from becoming a tragic statistic. Only I can't, and neither can Yester or Mirna do it alone. Your help is URGENT. The funny thing is the life you save may be your own!

Awaiting the Return of Power

2009-07-27T09:41:00.000-07:00

Now that's a heading that could certainly mean different things in this country at this time. I'm taking the high road and avoiding politics, which is pretty difficult when you look into the eyes of those truly being hurt by monetary sanctions. Excuse my lack of postings. We have actually been without power for three days in the village. Our meals are being cooked more traditionally and bedtime becomes when the last rooster crows at dusk. The two girls pictured here are Martha and Maribel. They are the two youngest in the most recent family to receive our aid. There is an older brother, Jose' and an older sister, Gladys. Single mother, Annabel, works in the afternoons doing laundry and cleaning in order to earn a meal for her children. She waits for Gladys to get home to care for Maribel, so she cannot begin work until after 1:00pm. Our goal today is to attempt to get to the city of San Pedro Sula with 2 of our family members in order to get them medical attention. We were unable to do this on Friday as planned due to the political situation. We called the doctor to make sure it was possible to come in. Another long, and albeit impossible, journey for two Hondurans fortunate enough to become a part of our mission. ????? Fortunate enough to have access to medical care that may cost us a total of $80 for the 2 of them. When a single mother makes less than $2/day, one can readily see how such a need is often left unattainable. Hmmmm....... and justice for all. Easy for us to say.... can we live it?????

Over the Mountain and Through the City

2009-07-23T15:22:00.001-07:00

Last night was filled with several hours of sorting food from the AMIGOS buckets in order to prepare a week's menu. It has been decided that the food will be distributed weekly due to the political climate. As a result of the turmoil the children have had 2 weeks off and returned to attend only Monday-Wednesday. A walk from the church to the house was very refreshing in the tropical rain. A sound sleep and an early morning breakfast led to the long ride to San Pedro Sula in order to complete our buying fruit, eggs, and making a trip to the pharmacy. I don't think this American will ever truly adapt to the road condition's effect on my digestive system , the extreme temperatures, or the range of odors one encounters; everything from the overwhelming sweet smell of some tropical blossom to the continuous burning of trash or animal waste. Medicine was bought for Karla, Deysi's younger daughter. We also bought large cans of Pediasure to supplement the dietary intake of the Torres children at left. All of the children are underweight with the physician's primary concern being that Naun is 34% underweight. Naun is standing between his mother and older sister, Lourdes. Naun is the young child I found sleeping in a pile of rags last August. It took all the strength I could muster to have an initial conversation with Trijidia without shedding tears. They came later as we drove away.These children will now each receive daily supplementation thanks to the fundraising efforts of our program known as Los Ninos de Deysi here. Naun, Carlos, and Gladys still wait for a sponsor to insure that such care continues. Each day as we walk ,my heart is heavy with the children in the streets who need our help desperately. When I ask for guidance, I am reassured that the hearts of those at home and abroad will soften to these stories and all will be well. A mere commitment from 44 individuals on the face of this entire planet will allow us to double the number of children who can receive these gifts of sustenance, opportunity, hope, and love. This is the prayer I say as I wake and go to sleep daily, especially as I walk the streets of this village, holding a hungry child's hand or listening to the voice of a child asking for my heart. Please share yours!

A Day at the Clinic

2009-07-22T16:23:00.001-07:00

The morning was spent in Spanish lessons with one of the dads from our project and enlisting his help with the sewing machine maintenance here. The afternoon was spent with Dr. Raz, a government physician who works in the Kalachucha clinic on Wednesdays. I assisted with several patients including the Torres family. Naun is 34% below normal weight and young Lourdes has some pretty serious breathing problems. Treatment measures included medication and a nebulizing treatment. Follow up was requested. The doctor also asked that the children receive a can of Ensure daily. Our goal is to set this up with the mother to come to the home of Maria Elena to insure that the children are indeed getting what they need. We will purchase the Ensure during our trip on Friday to San Pedro Sula for medical treatment for 2 other members of our Honduran family. Thank you one and all for your following this blog, your blessings, and your support.

Faces in Waiting

2009-07-22T06:45:00.001-07:00

Lourdes and Naun stand in the doorway of their home as we arrive with the biweekly provisions. Staples of beans, rice, vegetables, meat, milk, sugar, oil, flour, corn flower, pasta, tomato sauce, soup, cereal,oatmeal, baking soda, and a treat of cookies for the children are among the food delivered. Commodities such as toilet paper, toothpaste, bleach, shampoo, and soap for bathing are also included. On alternate weeks fresh fruit, milk, and childrens vitamins are also given for daily supplementation. As we delivered to our final home, reality for this project struck hard. A little girl followed me in the street as I delivered to the home of Sindy, Carla, and David. She pleaded several times, " Dame tu corrazon! Dame tu corrazon!" What she was saying was," Give me your heart! Give me your heart!" What she meant was urgent. "I am hungry. Please bring me food too." With new worldwide sanctions denying aid to the interim government, it makes my plea to all of you even more urgent. Please find it in your heart to help feed these children who are desperate and need the intervention we provide. Families seek our help daily. It is difficult and often impossible to turn away. A mere $1.70 a day will provide sustenance, opportunity, hope and love. So skip that extra cup of coffee or midday snack and use your pocket change to reach a child desperate for a chance in life.

Meet Gladys Torres

2009-07-19T14:37:00.000-07:00

Gladys is sitting attentively at our Sunday Family Meeting with most of our families in attendance. It was an opportunity for me to meet with them all and share my celebrations as well as concerns. I felt it was important to acknowledge all of the work taking place in the U.S. on their behalf. I also reinforced that they're the first assistance their children rely on. Without their help our efforts will be useless. I reeducated them on the need to regularly pick up their food and vitamins as well as preparing it with the provided clean water. We discussed the need for the children to be clean and drinking the clean water and juice provided instead of the typical coffee and coca-cola. I also made sure that they understood the importance of ongoing medical care and records. Anyone who had a personal health concern or that of their children should let Maria Elena know and arrangements would be made for a visit to a specialist and follow up care. With the provision of school uniforms and other required supplies also comes their responsibility to insure that their children attend regularly. We let them know of the numbers of individuals following our blog from around the world and the significance of them being the first families to demonstrate the success of our project. Their efforts would only help others waiting for inclusion. An opportunity for questions or concerns was given. The only response was that of overwhelming gratitude for all Daisy's Children is doing for their families, lots of hugs, and blessings. The final and most significant response was that of the big smiles on the children's faces as they walked away with their latest care packages- not to mention the spaghetti covered kiss planted by Yester. All in a days work :-)

Gladys Helps Sort and Organize Donations

2009-07-18T14:34:00.001-07:00

For those of you who haven't met yet, meet Gladys. She is part of our flock at F.P.F.C. in South Berwick, Maine. Gladys first participated in our Daisy's flock to introduce our children in Sunday School to how they could both be a member of the flock, and a shepherd by aiding children in Honduras. Gladys has been cared for by several children in our congregation and has decided to join us to assist. As the children gather change in their Daisy's jars to return to church on communion Sunday, Gladys has been sorting the hundreds of donated items now in Honduras. From clothing, to shampoo, to school supplies, and 65 pair of shoes. We have been able to put together gift bags for each of the eight families we currently serve containing toiletries, toothbrushes, an outfit for each child, clothing for the parents, coloring books and crayons, a few small cars for the boys, and shoes for all with Gladys' ever diligent eye. (She really is a GREAT supervisor!) One problem though, she has been seen roaming the hillside in the latter part of the day. She's hoping to find someone who could sheer her wool. She's finding the temperature here very taxing. She's often found taking a siesta midday as she's exhausted.Either that, or she's sitting in the shade with her Spanish dictionary and a sandia! (watermelon juice). Such is the life of a shepherd!

..... and justice for all.?!???

2009-07-17T19:05:00.000-07:00

How easily we recite those words in the United States. This place I find myself coexisting in is such a complex oxymoron. Don't get me wrong. There is no place I'd rather be at this given moment but....... Today we spent taking one of our 25 year old single mothers to a specialist. Because she is poor, single, and lives in this village it was near impossible to obtain the medical attention for a problem that has been chronic for the last seven months. It was one of the first things brought to my attention when we arrived. Another 2 1/2 hour drive into the city to a series of medical offices where no appointment is necessary. You simply arrive, check for the necessary field of medicine posted on the signage outside the door, pick one, have your purse searched, and step into an office. You check to see the number of people waiting and go to the one with the fewest people. She saw both a specialist and had an ultrasound with the given prognosis that it was not as serious as she had anticipated and could be readily treated with the right course of medication. Seven months of illness, fear, and a mere $29.50USD for the specialist visit and an additional $21.50USD for the ultrasound, but as if a $1000USD away for this mom. We will return next Friday as recommended for further blood work and follow up. On the return trip home we managed to attain some shelving for the large number of donations that we carried with us in addition to those sent to our families in the container. MANY, MANY thanks to each and everyone who contributed to this incredible outpouring. We also appreciate the tremendous showing of faith in us, our work, and the many prayers forwarded to us. They have reinforced our assurance that this IS where we belong. Dios bendiga y gracias por todas! The picture is just one of the rocks :-) we go around that toppled from the top of the mountain during the earthquake that happened the week BEFORE we arrived!!!!!

AMIGOS from Amanda's Perspective

2009-07-16T16:38:00.000-07:00

Wednesday began with much anticipation for the AMIGOS container after many days back and forth to Puerto Cortes. It still amazes me how much work goes into getting the buckets in the States and then getting them out of the port and then to Concepcion del Norte. It is no easy task on Maria Elena and Anthony's part as once the container gets to the port it means back and forth several times, lots of gas, driving, and time away from their family. Maria Elena describes it much like child birth in that you have some painful moments but once the container is released what it means for the children is hope and a full stomach and it's worth all the work. We had a great crew of people both young and old and the mayor acquired two larger trucks to haul buckets up the mountain(which made for fewer trips.) Everyone is excited with the arrival of the food, supplies for the clinic, and sewing machines for the women. They send many "Thank Yous" to everyone for their donations. I would like to extend a special thank you to Rita Anderson for all the time and energy she put into sewing the clothes for the children and the women's skirts. Some of the children in Concepcion del Norte only have an outfit or two so when they receive a new shirt or skirt it means a lot to them, so thank you. Sharon held her first English class in the church yard today. We only had 4 people show up but I think it is a good start and once more people find out about the class, more will come. Maria Elena and Anthony had to go to San Pedro Sula today so Sharon and I had a chance to cook supper for a change. We cooked spaghetti and it is no small task in Honduras. Everything is harder here and there's more steps to the simplest of things. It's hard. It's important with as much time as we spend here to learn how to clean our food and prepare it so we don't get sick, but it is a long process. I am happy to report that I only have 4 bug bites that I know of which is a lot better than in past trips. I'm usually covered by day 8. We are having a great time with our kids and some new friends too. It is still very overwhelming to us that everyone wants to know us here, and talk to us, because we're different. It's nice. Maria Elena made fresh mango juice to go with our beans and rice today from mangoes in the yard.Iit was so delicious. I will close for now. It's almost time for my Spanish lesson, more later.
Amanda

Hurry Up and Wait.........................

2009-07-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

We spent until 1:30pm waiting for the anticipated early morning call for the delivery of the truck again. Many people from the village gathered in the church yard to help. Some of them were here as early as 8:00am. Being of the like mind of never missing an opportunity that presents itself, Amanda and I spent this time deepening relationships with some of our children. We managed to feed young David some mashed mango and a 1/2 bottle of milk while we played with him. While David rested in a nearby playpen, Amanda began a game of catch that evolved into a game where if you didn't catch the ball you had to sing in Spanish in the center of everyone. Of course the teacher in me made adults play as well as children. Lo and behold it rapidly became a bilingual lesson and a lot of all out laughter.(We've been reported to have been spotted dancing like ducks, during this time of political unrest.) Of course our prayers are still with these people for a speedy resolve. I sometimes feel our sense of humor often sharpens here because it is such a heart breaking place to be a part of. The child, David, that Amanda is holding is 2 1/2 years old and has an obvious birth defect, similar to what we know as cerebral palsy. David's mother had never been able to take him to a specialist prior to participation in our program. Sadly a visit to a physician here does not bring her much more satisfaction or answers to her concerns about caring for him properly. There are few if any schools for children with special needs here. We will research this more. (If anyone out there knows more- please share this information.) My wish- a sponsor, and lots of prayers for David. He is often left with his sister who is 11 while his mother works. Not an easy job for a girl so young! Should your heart soften for the little one known as le novio de Sharon in the village (my boyfriend)- only $1.70/day can change his life!

Nothing Is Easy in Honduras

2009-07-14T10:07:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was spent as another typical day of frustration trying to attain the release of the container. It takes an ENTIRE day just to travel, 3 hours to and 3 hours back, along with the 5 trips between the transport office and the port. In total we have spent 3 full days traveling back & forth, and the container is still being held in port. On top of that Maria Elena has spent 5 full days. Though Maria Elena says it is much easier for her than others. She said her Menonite friends also have a container that comes and it is the norm for it to take 3 months to jump through all the hoops to actually have it released. We left yesterday being told all was fine and that the truck would be here this morning. Lo and behold after several hours of phone calls back & forth, the paperwork was not in order and we were told the container will come tomorrow. This is a picture of the mayor. We met with him yesterday to have him arrange the municipal trucks for bringing the contents up the mountain as the road is nowhere near passable for a tractor trailer truck. He is very saddened by the government turmoil. He says the government is not sending him money for salaries. He also said his people are going hungry in the village because the tiendas/stores are not accepting anymore credit and noone here has any money. He is worried about how long it will continue. We have checked the embassy sight which hasn't been updated since the 8th. I am beginning to be able to translate most Spanish even on the television. Last nights report is that the curfew has been lifted. Also that Zelaya has been paying 400 people with government money, the problem being that none of them were actually working. Hmmmm........ though I remember that just like in the US the media feeds you what it wants you to believe. Off to Trinidad to obtain shelving for our food and donation bank. Oh- and by the way, you can buy a calculator for converting limpiras and dollars in Concepcion del Norte but you have to travel for 40 minutes to buy 2 AAA batteries! Count your blessings!

Get a Load of Those Eyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-07-13T06:27:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd experiment with learning how to upload an image and at the same time introduce you to one of the reasons it has been SO easy to be drawn to this place of abject poverty. Meet my friend Yester Antonio Perdormo. Yester is 2 1/2 and from verbal reports has a kidney problem. He has spent a week in a government hospital within the last year. This in and of itself lets me know how serious it was. His mother must find a way to get to Santa Barbara, at least an hour away over treacherous mountain roads. At times his kidney shuts down and his body fills with fluid. Our goal in this visit is to obtain whatever scanty medical records are available and get him to a specialist in the city. My concern is that he is still visibly tiny even though he has been receiving improved nutrition, vitamins, clean water, and access to the Kalachucha clinic now in Concepcion del Norte. Our concerns warrant further investigation. I will also meet with the mayor to access the installation of clean water and a bathroom outside his home in Las Flores. It will cost our project a mere $100USD. Alarming isn't it!?! Yester is a playful, loving child who deserves all the same amenities in life as you and I. Please consider sponsoring Yester and helping us assure that he has ongoing access to the medical treatment he deserves.

2009-07-12T11:07:00.000-07:00

Sharon...Just a gentle reminder of your love for "roosters" back in the USA! ...Your Costume has arrived!!!

The First Annual Honduran Rooster Run 5 K Road Race... Aug 15th... More Info Click HERE, then click on Scheduled events tab!!

An early mountain chorus line

2009-07-12T05:49:00.000-07:00

We are coming to you live from our bedside. We compose this propped up with pillows and a good sence of humor. Morning began somewhere around 2:30-3 with a full orchestra of tropical birds and a thousand roosters, but wait it's now 6 am and the solo starving dog who's howling has just started in. A rooster purched on the roof is competing for center stage. Only in Honduras can one lay in bed wanting to blast the head off your alarm clocks! :-)" That's real spiritual Sharon." says Amanda. Today is a holiday for all pastors in Honduras, it is actually called Pastors Day where the congregation celebrates their pastor. We are excited to think that our families from the mountains and Las Flores will be in church today.It is rumored that one of our mothers is expecting another baby. Many thanks to those who are watching our progress and sending us comments, it's nice to feel connected in a world so different from our own. More later. The day begins.

Saturday in a Place Far,Far Away

2009-07-11T20:27:00.001-07:00

It always is a reawakening of many feelings when I return to this village an eternity away from the life I'm familiar with. All is different. The temperature of the air, the sights, the sounds, the smells. One learns quickly to reassess all that is a part of your life. Even getting to Honduras took on new meaning during the political unrest publicized by our media. Though this country is facing many uncertainties with the ousting of Zelaya, it is sincerely unevident in this village amongst the clouds. All seems quiet and normal. Even while traveling in the cities of San Pedro Sula and Peurto Cortez, life seems to be moving as usual. We have only seen a handful of men in military uniforms, but it is typical to face stops along the roadways to have papers checked. The sense of tension is not palpable. I waited and recalled a simple statement I heard in church recently. Faith not fear. When I consider what the people in this village face on a daily basis, it is easy to be guided by my faith. For days before coming, I received many calls and e-mails with concern, and asking me to reconsider. It was never even a question. I registered with the embassy here and read all that was forwarded to me. And I trusted that roadblocks would be along the way if I was truly supposed to remain in the states. Right down to our first flight from Boston to Houston. The flight was delayed in the air and we only had a 40 minute window to make our connection. By the time we approached Houston, our connecting flight should have left. Amanda and I had to run down the entire length of the airport. We were the last 2 passengers on the plane. The door closed, we took our seats, and we were underway. Next sign- we sat with another American traveling to Yuro with his mission group from Texas. His words, "I see the warnings didn't stop you from his work." Hmmmmm! One final sign before I close....... the first person I recognized when I got off the plane, an unexpected person waiting for me.... Joyeis, Daisy's oldest daughter. Her smile of recognition was the only sign I really needed.
I spent a good part of the afternoon with Dr. Paz, a retired physician who owns a home we are considering for our project, in hopes of obtaining it for a volunteer residence and accomodations for groups who wish to travel with us. more about that tomorrow. Hopefully, we'll be able to post with pictures tomorrow. Until then, asta manyana mis amigos y dios bendiga!

We Have the Technology!!!!

2009-07-10T18:26:00.000-07:00

After a very long day travelling through many miles of mountain roads in the heat the dust and the traffic we have gotten our phones and internet access. Unfortunately due to many circumstances I'll explain at a later time, we are yet to attain the release of the AMIGOS container. After traveling since 7am, we returned to the long and treacherous mountain road from Bien Nueva to Concepcion del Norte. I am learning more and more that NOTHING is easy in Honduras. A torential thunder and lightening storm in the dark, led us to cross a river in the road. Home now. More tomorrow

Fences to Build and Chickens Being Purchased

2009-07-10T04:26:00.001-07:00

Sharon and Amanda are working on gaining access to the internet, they are having technical issues related to finding the correct cords and service for their laptop to get on a local "dial up" access to the be able to update this blog themselves. They spent several hours yesterday, with no luck, trying to locate phone cards for their Honduran cell phones so they can call home to relay information to all of you. They are using Maria Elena's cell phone to make short calls home until they can acquire their own phone minutes. They had high hopes when I spoke to them last night, that they would go to a close by city to find the things they need to get either phone cards and or internet access to keep us informed of their trip.

Today's adventures (Friday July 10Th) will include a return trip to the city to locate communication devices and then they return to Concepcion del Norte to build and paint a fence, for the arrival of chickens, they are purchasing, for the families to raise for eggs as a food source.

Until Sharon and Amanda get reconnected with us electronically, I will continue to relay the information they provide to me by phone on this blog. Steve

Sharon and Amanda Arrived In Honduras!

2009-07-08T16:47:00.000-07:00

I received a phone call from Sharon at about 7:40 PM EST. July 8, 2009, they were on route to the village from the airport at that time. Everything is going well and they expect to communicate through this blog some time during the day tomorrow. I also received a call from Barbara French with a similar report that Amanda had phoned her mother as well. Hopefully Sharon and Amanda paid attention with their blog lessons before they left and they will be updating their progress themselves, and adding photos soon! Steve

Daisy's Children

2009-06-09T13:48:00.000-07:00

Photo at left: Roberto, 3, Carla, 6, and Joyeis, 7, of Concepcion del Norte, Honduras. Their mother Deysi (Daisy), died on 5/5/08 of starvation, rather than look into the hungry eyes of her children.

Travel with Sharon and Amanda on their trip to Honduras during the Summer of 2009, by checking this blog often!

Sharon will be posting, from Honduras, news & photos daily as her time allows between July 8th and August 12th, 2009, on this blog. Bookmark this page on your own computer and learn first hand of their progress!

http://daisyschildren.blogspot.com/

Sharon and Amanda will be able to view your comments while they continue to do their work for the children and their families. We encourage you to send your thoughts, prayers and encouragement using the comments area as they continue on their daily journey to make a better life in the village of Concepcion del Norte , Honduras!

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