Copan Update

It's been a very busy last few days, almost a working vacation of sorts. Between the party of the evening of my last post, the "Santa Rounds" on Christmas Eve and yesterday's activities, I haven't has as much free time to post as I originally expected. In a sense, much of my first week has been a "working vacation" of sorts, mainly in preparation of and then assisting with the "Santa Rounds" on Saturday. As I may have mentioned in a previous post, this entailed preparing and then distibuting "stocking" to poor kids who otherwise may not have much in the way of Christmas. This all day endeavour...we had 109 stockings to give out...was a truly memorable experience of which I'll write in greater detail once I get back home next week. To see the look of sheer surprise and joy on some random little kid's face when we handed him or her a little bag filled with toys, candy, and other little gifts was perhaps the most heartwarming experience I've had to date.

Yesterday's activities were much more laid back and probably the first real "vacation" day since being down here almost a week now. A group of us went up to the hot springs about an hour drive from Copan. As is very common here, we rode in the back of the pickup truck when afforded some fantastic scenic views of the mountains and valleys as we snaked our way up winding dirt roads. We also had a number of "stockings" and candy left over from the previous day, which we distributed on the way to the springs. These were some of the most special of the gift giving moments as the kids we encountered were rural and presumably living in extreme poverty. I can't recall if I've ever seen such looks of complete surprise and huge smiles. As relaxing as the time was at the hot springs...other than the occasional strong odor of sulphur on the trail....the last bit of gift giving made the day memorable.

Must close for now. Hope that everyone had a great Christmas.