Physically, we are back and enjoying the comforts of life here at home, but mentally, our thoughts frequently return to the people of Honduras and our time there. We visited 5 small villages surrounding the town of Las Vegas. Mila Laura, the mayor, planned and organized our days, arranging transportation, interpreters and meals. We were accompanied by Red Cross workers, 2 interpreters; Mila's son Ramon, and Marco, a municipal worker. We can't say enough about these two young men, who drove us, fixed flat tires, organized the people waiting for care and did just about anything we asked them. Together with Laurie Scudder, her daughter Elaine, Maureen Britton, her daughter Emily, Kristie Thane and myself, we became a team. In partnership with the MAMA Project (www.mamaproject.org/honduras) and the Red Cross, we distributed deparasiting medications and vitamin A. During our daily visits we saw approximately 800 people, treating for hypertension, skin conditions, wounds, infections, gastrointestinal complaints and muscle pain, giving out medicines, counseling and follow up recommendations. We distributing over 30,000 vitamins to infants, children and adults, and new for this year, we distributed 4,000 toothbrushes to the children and their families. Our friendly puppet show taught the kids how to brush their teeth and explained how cavities form, causing pain. And indeed, looking at these childrens' teeth, they are familiar with that pain. We want to thank the many dentists, teachers, students, church groups, girl scouts, friends and family who helped us get the toothbrushes. We also want to thank the agencies and people working with insuring our success on this trip.
I am so happy to have been able to accompany my 2 cousins, Laurie and Maureen, and their daughters, as well as Kristie Thane on this wonderful and moving trip. The experience was one I will treasure, thanks to their friendship and devotion to helping others.
Sincerely,
Donna Reilly
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