Interesting Dynamics of Intercultural Friendships One unique aspect of the Olancho Aid Long Term Volunteer Program is that volunteers get to experience living abroad for an extended period of time. I have lived in Honduras for almost six months now, and one of my favorite parts has been having the opportunity to establish and build connections with Hondurans. The friendships that I have made here have been a huge part of what has made this experience so amazing! That being said, when … [Read more...]
Memories built after a year of volunteering for Olancho Aid Foundation…
Memories built after a year of volunteering for Olancho Aid Foundation... TRAVELING AROUND HONDURAS Roatan was one of the most amazing places I have ever visited. There was nice weather, friendly people, and wonderful beaches. I also enjoyed visiting Copan Ruinas. Learning about Mayan history was something really intriguing and mind opening. NINOS/AS AT MARIA DE LOS ANGELES CHILDREN’S HOME I have enjoyed sharing time with the kids at the Children’s Home. It is a blessing to be able to … [Read more...]
Welcome, Spring 2019 Volunteers!
Welcome, Spring 2019 Volunteers! This semester we are excited to welcome five new volunteers, as well as to welcome back returning volunteers Dani, Stephanie, Jim, Kat, and Karen! Read on to learn about the newest additions to the Olancho Aid family. Gloria Flores, Kindergarten through 2nd Grade Tutor Greetings and salutations, I'm Gloria Flores from Reno Nevada. I enjoy reading, listening to music, and watching movies. I may be more on the quiet side of the spectrum but … [Read more...]
Stepping Outside Your Community to Make a Difference
Stepping Outside Your Community to Make a Difference Have you heard the story of the Dad and his young daughter walking down the beach and it is covered with starfish? The little girl stops to throw one starfish back into the ocean before the hot sun dries it out. The Dad, impatient for his morning walk says, honey you can’t really make a difference for all these starfish. She stops, picks up one more starfish and drops it in the ocean. Smiling at her Dad she says… I made a difference to that … [Read more...]
Christmas Arrives!
Christmas Arrives! Standing in front of my window I watched the stars. They looked more beautiful than any other day and there was something outside in the air that told me that it was not an ordinary day. The world had the special vibe that everyone could recognize; it was Christmas. For many of us it’s the best time of the year, full of combined feelings that mix between the nostalgia of wanting to return to a time and place where we were happy and the joy of living in the present. Every … [Read more...]
Thanksgiving Thoughts
The Five “F”s On behalf of the Olancho Aid Foundation Board of Directors, please accept our gratitude for all the support you provide to our mission through your prayers, donations and solidarity projects. It is my pleasure to share with you the outcomes of our recent annual retreat and planning session. Our 2019 plan can be summarized into the five “F” s. Faith Formation Through our partnership with the Diocese of Juticalpa, we will continue to expand efforts to increase the spiritual … [Read more...]
Teacher Alumni Return for Mission Trip
Recently, Olancho Aid Foundation welcomed back four volunteer alumni who all taught for a year in Santa Clara classrooms. Here is a note from one of them, Dana, describing her experience returning as a mission team member: Going back to Honduras with some of my roommates and co-teachers from the 2014-2015 school year was one I will never forget! At times it felt like we had never left, but it was also great to see the progress that the Olancho Aid Foundation has made over the past few years. … [Read more...]
Joy and Inspiration from St. Philip’s
Joy is the word that keeps popping up for Pat Thompson when she describes her experience in Honduras. Pat was introduced to Olancho Aid about 5 years ago, through a neighboring parish, Holy Family Catholic Church of Brentwood, TN. She joined their mission team so she could participate in the group's clean water initiatives in Honduras. When she returned from the trip, she was full of joy and inspiration. That inspiration turned her into the leader of a mission from her home parish, St. Philip … [Read more...]
“I feel helpless! What can I do to help?”
“I feel helpless! What can I do to help?” There once was a town that was situated next to a river. Day after day, month after month, year after year, they dutifully rescued an ever-increasing number of people whom they found drowning in its currents. Over time they became exhausted and some argued that they could no longer continue. A child spoke up and suggested that they cross to the other side of the mountain to find out why people were falling into the water. When they arrived, they found a … [Read more...]
Ms. Breve’s Lesson
Ms. Breve's Lesson If asked to think of a particularly challenging student, all of you teachers out there would have (at least) one come to mind immediately. Maybe it's a child who needed A LOT of attention, or specialized resources, or more support at home. Maybe it was the first time you encountered a student like him or her and you didn't quite know how to effectively adapt your techniques to be effective for that child. Maybe you realized that every teacher who worked with this student … [Read more...]