High Heels in Honduras By Monica P Flood Prairieville, LouisianaThrough the hole in the roof…The bugs scurried in.The wet trickled in.The dust swirled around carelessly.A unpleasant carpet of dirt and grime replaced the students that once gathered here eager to learn.Poverty can be shaming.People are afraid to look it in the eye because it’s too real - too immensely painful.Poverty calls us to pay attention and act.I said yes because I wanted my friend to … [Read more...]
Celebrating Differences and Encouraging Inclusion
Celebrating Differences and Encouraging InclusionThe end of March and beginning of April were an especially busy time at Nazareth Special Needs School. On top of day-to-day school work, students found time to visit with mission teams, practice and perform a dance on Father's Day, and even to lead the community of Juticalpa in celebrating two very important days: World Down Syndrome Day and World Autism Awareness Day.All over the world, individuals with special needs face troublesome … [Read more...]
Hope and Transformation
Hope and Transformation Volunteering?…Letting go of old ideas, ways of life, and allowing god to guide my life changing me into the person he wants me to be for the good of myself and others?Change is not easy. It can be difficult, scary, uncomfortable, and just plain different from how we are used to living our lives. However, ultimately change is inevitable. If we are aligning ourselves with god, and open to change, we discover a new beautiful world.It has taken me many years to … [Read more...]
Interesting Dynamics of Intercultural Friendships
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...]
We’re looking for volunteers!
We’re looking for volunteers! In additional to the traditional volunteer program, this year Olancho Aid is seeking experienced volunteers who are experts in their field to serve as mentors and administrators at the Foundation. Our most pressing needs are for an early education specialist, a human resource specialist, and a mission team assistant.The early education specialist will provide support to preschool and kindergarten teachers by providing feedback and … [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 HOMEI 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...]