Whatever happened to the flower of Honduras?

Students of Utila Private School performed in a puppet show promoting the yellow-napped parrot sponsored by BICA.

By Gunther Kordovsky
Special to Honduras This Week

UTILA - I arrived 30 years ago on a hot July day on this jewel of the Caribbean which former President Policarpo Bonilla called the Flower of Honduras.

And rightly so, in all the 30 years I've spent on this beautiful island, I still get excited about the breathtaking view of the reefs, the clear turquoise blue water, the lovely coves, the sparkling, sandy beaches, the green lush of the jungle and the magnificent jagged cliffs. Especially on a rough day, when the east breeze howls (Utila's natural air conditioner) and the breakers cast the spray 30 feet in the air, a sight in itself.

When I came to the Rock, a local nickname for Utila, because of the miles of jagged cliffs which make dynamite cavern and cave diving; the oceans were teeming with sea-life and the beaches mostly clean.

But unfortunately ignorance, indifference, and often, plain stupidity and greed has left this jewel in a pitiful state. Progress? Yes. More money? Yes. More vehicles (most of them totally unnecessary with road system of less than 10 miles)? Yes. Progress, but at what price?

The flower has wilted. Over the years the once pristine beaches have been littered with tons of garbage carelessly dumped or washed up from Roatan, the neighboring island, the mainland or passing ships. The oil slicks that periodically wash in are proof of that; and thank God they are small, so far.

The reefs have also been victims of pollution where numerous other concerned divers and I have made a difference by cleaning up during our dives on a regular basis. There has also been an uncontrolled flow of mostly low-income natives from the mainland. This, in turn, brought the crime rate up, and is obviously not conducive to promoting tourism. Also local punks have been preying on tourists.

Strong opposition to BICA
My concerns as I saw this beautiful island decline were mostly ignored by the ones in power; and the Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA), of which I am a founding member, was a dirty word among locals. Anybody with five cents worth of brain could see the urgent necessity of installing permanent buoys to protect the reef for the increasing number of visiting divers from all the world, our main income. At this point yet the locals fought us tooth and nails and even cut our first prototypes till we designed a model that could be cut. 

The new mayor of Utila, Alton Cooper, has contributed greatly to cleaning up the beaches after just a few short weeks in office.  

The same with the garbage disposal that BICA also started: opposition. One would think that environmental protection should be agenda number one on an island, which by now is living mostly of tourism.

Unfortunately our past administrations and the general publics are extremely lukewarm on the subject. The abuse, threats and lack of cooperation BICA members had to put up with was staggering. 

New mayor initiates clean up
And now after 30 years of decline I see hope with our new Mayor Alton Cooper, a dynamic young man who has progress in mind but not at the cost of the environment. 

After only a few weeks in the office, he has already done more for the wilting flower of Honduras than all the last administrations put together. I heard several people say and I agree.

He has started an all out effort to clean up the island in every aspect; a big undertaking considering the pitiful state this island was in. 

Utila is getting a badly needed facelift and BICA is again breathing freely after being suppressed by the non-cooperation of past administrations. Administrations in which the BICA President even got punched in the face by a disgruntled developer in front of the Mayor, with no repercussions. BICA, now reformed, with a new Board of Directors, is ready to work hand in hand with our new Mayor. 

It is ironic that foreigners from thousands of miles away are more concerned about the wilting flower than the ones who should be, the locals who are living of tourism! At the least the tide is turning and again we are having nice clean beaches, that are being taken cared of. The streets are cleaner; there are plans for better garbage, power and water systems also. 

I see a lot of good, positive energy coming from our new administration and perhaps at the end of our new Mayor's term of office, Utila again deserves to be called, "The Flower of Honduras."

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CULTURAL EVENTS  

MUSEUMS & GARDENS

TEGUCIGALPA 

MUSEO DE HISTORIA REPUBLICANA

The Museum of Republican History is located at the Villa Roy building in Tegucigalpa's Barrio Buenos Aries.  It is open 8:30 to 3:30, Tuesdays through Sundays and features portraits, paraphernalia, and other interesting items from past presidents.  Admission is Lps. 20 for non-resident foreigners and Lps. 10 for Hondurans and Central Americans.  For more information, call 222-3470 or 222-1468. 

CENTRAL BANK MUSEUM

The Central Bank of Honduras located at the Comayaguela annex building is open from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday.  It has a permanent coin and painting exhibit.  For special presentations, call the Emision y Tesoreria department at 237-2270 (-78), ext. 2117 (-2120). [CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.] 

NATIONAL ART GALLERY

The Galeria Nacional de Arte features rock art, pre-Columbian ceramics, colonial paintings, religious art and a wide selection of 20th century Honduran painters.  The gallery is located at the Plaza de la Merced in downtown Tegucigalpa.  It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10-5 p.m. and Sunday from 10-2 p.m.  Admission is Lps. 10 for adults, Lps. 5 for senior citizens, Lps. 3 for students and Lps. 1 for children accompanied by adults. 

IGUANA FARM

The Biosfera Ecocentro Iguana Farm in Colonia La Joya invites the public to come and learn everything about iguanas.  Admission is Lps. 5 for adults, Lps. 3 for children.  The facility is open every day (except Wednesday) from 9 to 5.  For more information, call 230-6346.

COMAYAGUA, COMAYAGUA 

COMAYAGUA MUSEUM OF ARCHAEOLOGY

Located in the city of Comayagua, two hours north of Tegucigalpa, the Comayagua Museum of Archaeology is in the building that served as the seat of government in the 19th century.  Exhibits include prehistoric fossils, cave art, ceramics, and objects used by indigenous cultures during the pre-Colombian era.  The museum, which also has a small library, is open to the public Tuesdays through Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

COMAYAGUA RELIGIOUS MUSEUM

Located in the Casa Cural in front of Comayagua's cathedral, this museum features religious paintings and objects dating back to the 16th century.  Hours are 8-12 and 2-4 p.m., Mondays through Fridays.  For more information, contact Leonardo Letona at 772-0348.

LA PAZ, LA PAZ 

LA PAZ HOUSE OF CULTURE

The La Paz Casa de la Cultura is located in downtown La Paz.  It features an attractive exhibit of the Lenca handicrafts and culture.  It is open Mondays through Sundays.

SAN PEDRO SULA, CORTES 

SPS MUSEUM OF ANTHROPOLOGY AND HISTORY

The Museo de Antropologia e Historia de San Pedro Sula features exhibits on the development of Sula Valley, from 1500 B.C. to the middle of this century.  The museum is open 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.  Admission is Lps. 10 for adults, Lps. 5 for students and children under 12, and Lps. 2 for senior citizens.  For more information, call 557-1496/557-1798 or fax 557-1874. 

MUSEUM OF NATURE OF SAN PEDRO SULA

Sponsored and managed by the Fundacion Ecologista H.R. Pastor Fasquelle, this new museum was inaugurated last December in its current location at the Biocentro on 3 Avenida and 9 Calle Noroeste.  It has 24 exhibits on the environment, natural resources and biology of Honduras.  Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and 8 a.m. until noon on Saturdays.  Admission is Lps 5 for students from public schools and Lps. 10.00 for everyone else.

YUSCARAN, EL PARAISO 

YUSCARAN HOUSE OF CULTURE

Yuscaran's Casa de la Cultura is located at the former Casa Fortin in downtown Yuscaran, El Paraiso department, just 45 km from Tegucigalpa on the road to Danli.  It is open Mondays through Saturdays.

OLANCHO 

PECH CULTURAL CENTER

The Pech have built a small house in El Carbon, Olancho to display their modern handicrafts.  An exhibit of archaeological finds in the area is planned.  You can ask to see the collection and/or get a tour of a Post Classic era fortified site.  The Pech Cultural Center also offers medicinal plant tours, nature hikes, Pech dinners, etc.  There is no admission fee to the cultural center.  Hours: If you ask, they will open it.

COPAN 

COPAN ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Located in the village of Copan Ruinas, Copan department, the museum exhibits a splendid assortment of Mayan pieces that have been found in the Copan Ruins Archaeological Park just 1 km away.  

LA PUENTE ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM

Featuring a sizeable collection of Mayan handicrafts and photographs as well as a room with Japanese antique ceramics, this museum is located at the El Puente Archaeological Site, about an hour's drive from Copan Ruinas. 

MAYAN SEPULTURAS MUSEUM

Inaugurated in 1996, this is the premier Mayan museum in the Mundo Maya, featuring the finest examples of Copan's tombs, sculptures and architecture.  Located at the Copan Ruins Archaeological Park, the museum is open Monday through Sunday.

TELA, ATLANTIDA 

LANCETILLA BOTANICAL GARDENS

Located 2 kilometers from Tela on the Atlantic coast highway, the gardens feature one of the largest collections of tropical and subtropical plants, shrubs and trees in all Latin America.  It is open from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Mondays through Sundays.  There is an admission charge.

LA CEIBA, ATLANTIDA 

TROPICAL BUTTERFLY FARM

The Tropical Butterfly Farm & Gardens of La Ceiba is open to the public Wednesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The farm is located at The Lodge at Pico Bonito in the village of El Pino, about 25 minutes west of La Ceiba.  Admission is Lps. 30 for adults, Lps. 15 for children and $6 for international visitors. 

BUTTERFLY AND INSECT MUSEUM

Thousands of butterflies and insects from Honduras and 18 other countries are on display in La Ceiba' private Butterfly and Insect Museum.  It is located in Colonia El Sauce, 2nd etapa, casa G-12.  Visiting hours are 8-12 and 2-5, Monday through Saturday.  The museum is closed Wednesday afternoon.  Fees are Lps. 15 for adults and Lps. 10 for students.  Tel. 442-2874, e-mail: rlehman@ns.gbm.hn

TRUJILLO 

TRUJILLO RUFINO GALAN MUSEUM

A private museum which has a memorabilia section, old chairs, anchors, silverware, beds of famous people locally.  There is an industrial archaeology section on how lights, axes, stoves, sewing machines, typewriters have changed over time.  They have a good collection of Garifuna handicrafts and the best collection of NE Honduras archaeological pieces -- all unmarked.  A written guide to the museum is available at the Trujillo Tourism Office in English and Spanish.  The museum is open 8 to 4, closing for lunch.  Adults Lps. 20, children Lps. 10.  Located on Calle 18 de Mayo, next to the Crystales River and the famous "piscina" or pool, about a 15-minute walk out of town.

ROATAN, THE BAY ISLANDS 

CARAMBOLA BOTANICAL GARDENS

h located in Sandy Bay, Roatan, Bay Islands.  A wide variety of exotic plants is featured here, including "Roatan's most extensive orchid collection."  It is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.  For more information, call 445-1117 and ask for Bill or Irma Brady. 

BAY ISLANDS MUSEUM

A private museum at Anthony's Key Resort, Sandy Bay, Roatan, Bay Islands, it mostly includes archaeological pieces, but there is a small section on the modern Bay Islanders.  Museum admission is included in the cost of the dolphin show at Anthony Key's Institute of Marine Sciences.  Small buses or taxis will take you to Sandy Bay from most Roatan towns.

Casa Alianza runner up in world's children's prize in Sweden

Rene Duarte, a street educator from Honduras attended the ceremony in Sweden.   

Casa Alianza received a special recognition from Queen Silvia of Sweden this afternoon as a runner up in what is known internationally as the "Nobel Prize for children", for it's struggle to defend the human rights of Central America's children.

The main prize and US$ 50,000 award went to the late Nkosi Johnson, a 12-year-old South African boy who died as a result of AIDS. Nkosi, who was born infected with the virus that causes AIDS, became an outspoken critic of the South African government, which refuses to provide medication to pregnant mothers who are HIV infected. Such medication could reduce the risk of passing the AIDS virus to their newborns.

The Casa Alianza recognition was received from Queen Silvia by Jose Luis Medina Cortez, a ten-year-old Honduran boy from the city of El Progreso, who spoke out about the murders of children in Honduras. Jose Luis' 16 year old brother Oscar was illegally detained along with his friend by the Honduran police - according to witnesses - and was tortured and then murdered. Oscar is one of the more than 1,160 children and youth who have been murdered in Honduras since January 1998.

The World's Children's Prize ceremony was held in the exclusive 15th century Gripsholm Castle, about 100km from Stockholm, with a crowd of several hundred diplomats, national Swedish leaders and international press. This is the 3rd year of the prize, which is organized jointly by Save the Children; the Swedish Red Cross; Church of Sweden Aid; Forum Syd; the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation; Diakonia and Caritas Sweden.

The Casa Alianza delegation included Salome Us Tino, a former street child from Guatemala; Rene Duarte, a Street Educator from Casa Alianza Honduras; and Bruce Harris, the Regional Director for Latin American Programs. Some 30 children from around the world, including the delegation from Casa Alianza, will make presentations to schools around Sweden regarding the rights of children in their respective countries for the next 10 days.

Ave Maria College offers first class American education in Nicaragua

Patrick Clark of the Ave Maria College on a recent visit to Tegucigalpa.

By SUYAPA CARIAS

TEGUCIGALPA - Central American students have now a better chance to receive a high quality college education without even leaving the region. Since 1999, Ave Maria College of the Americas opened a campus at the community of San Marcos, Carazo, Nicaragua.

Representatives of the catholic institution recently presented the college's features to a group of youngsters and parents from Tegucigalpa, who are currently looking for smart options in regards to their children's professional future. 

Patrick Clark, Executive President of Admissions, explained that the project is an extension of the Ave Maria College Michigan Campus, founded in March 1998 to offer a liberal arts curriculum. 

Inspired by other initiatives in Catholic education such as the Thomas Aquinas College (Santa Paula, CA), the Magdalen College (Werner, NH) and especially the Franciscan University of Steunbenville, Ohio; Ave Maria College was originally constituted by a committee of scholars, clergy, and civil leaders acting at the invitation of the Ave Maria Foundation of Ann Arbor, Michigan.

In addition to Steunbenville, Ave Maria College holds affiliation agreements with Madonna College (Livonia, MI) and with St. Mary's College, located in Orchard Lake, Michigan, in order to benefit students with increased curricular options. At first, it received approval to offer the Bachelor of Philosophy degree. Today, the college offers four-year Bachelor's degree programs in Classical Languages, History, Literature, Mathematics, Philosophy, Political Science and Theology. 

The Latin American campus 
In the summer of 1999 Ave Maria moved to acquire the Latin American Campus in San Marcos. At that time, the University of Mobile (Alabama), who had founded the institution in August 1993, administered the campus. 

During the 1999-2000 school year the campus, still under Mobile, laid the groundwork for a transfer to Ave Maria College on July 1, 2000. 

Since then, the faculty and infrastructure has been augmented and enrollment has risen to 500 students.

"The only American college in the region, Ave Maria College of the Americas, with it's Catholic spirituality, combines faith and reason to provide a balanced education within the liberal arts tradition and in a truly international environment."

Professors at Ave Maria have studied and taught in prestigious universities in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Latin America. Their credentials are extensive, with more than 60 percent holding PhD's and 100 percent with one or more master's degrees.

Equality
"We have an overall ratio of 14 students per professor to facilitate communication and learning," he added. According to Clark, one of the main advantages this institution offers is that graduates find privileged access to graduate study in distinguished universities as well as professional opportunities throughout the world. 

San Marcos offers Majors in Business Economics, Finance, Management, Political Science, Global Business, Management and Design of Computer Information Systems, International Relations, Psychology, Marketing, Agri-Aqua-Business, Business Administration, Biology and Aquaculture. Financial aid and scholarships are available.

The campus has 15 classrooms, a library and auditorium, campus dining facilities, dormitories, a faculty office and administrative building, student service building, a conference center and a new 300-person chapel.

"Ave Maria College admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin to all rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded to or made available to students at the school," emphasized Clark. 

For more information about the Ave Maria College of the Americas is available at admissions@avemaria.edu.ni 

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Blessing and dedication of new church in Puerto Lempira

Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez blesses and inaugurates St. Joseph's Church in Puerto Lempira.

PUERTO LEMPIRA - At last the day so desired by the Catholic community of Puerto Lempira, Honduras, finally arrived. On March 17, 2002, Cardinal Oscar Rodriguez presided over the celebration of the blessing and inauguration of the new parish Church dedicated to St. Joseph.

The community of Puerto Lempira was in a festive mood as it received the Cardinal, who for the first time visited the Moskitia of Honduras. It was also the first time in history that four Bishops gathered together in the Moskitia. Joining the Cardinal was Bishop Virgilio Lopez of the diocese of Trujillo to which the Vicaria of the Moskitia pertains. 

Also present were Bishop Roberto Camilleri, auxiliary bishop of Tegucigalpa, and the Capuchin Bishop Pablo Schmitz of the Vicariate Apostolic of Bluefields, Nicaragua. Representing the Capuchin Province of St. Joseph, Detroit, Michigan were Fathers Bertin Samsa and David Bolongea.

Father John Francis Samsa, Capuchin Missionary in Central America for the past 39 years, of which 23 years were spent in service of the parish of Puerto Lempira, recalled that memorable day of September 17, 2000, when the former, small, wooden Church of 33 years closed its doors for the last time to make room the new and bigger temple to serve the spiritual needs of the growing Catholic population in the area.

In his homily the Cardinal congratulated the community of Puerto Lempira for having "the most beautiful building in the city: The House of God." The new Church is circular in shape, spacious, well ventilated and illuminated with the capacity of seating 500 persons.
"Today is a great and happy occasion for the parish of Puerto Lempira because the Lord has been good to us" were the opening words of the ceremony spoken by Father Enrique Alagarda who is the director of the pastoral team of Paulist priest and Sisters of Charity now responsible for the mission among the Miskito Indians of Honduras. 

The parish of Saint Joseph, Puerto Lempira, covers an area of 2665 square miles with a total of 70 villages accessible mostly by boat through a series of connecting lagoons, canals and rivers.

Most of the 200 lay-pastors and catechist of the parish attended the blessing and dedication of the new temple and a typical meal of rice and beans, yucca and beef was served to the 600 specially invited guest. In all there were about 1500 people in attendance to add to the joy of a once in a life time festivity.

The Catholic Christian Community of Puerto Lempira, Honduras, wishes to take this opportunity to thank their friends and supporters world-wide for making this dream come true; especially the faithful of Germany, Spain, Saudi Arabia and the United States.

La Casona del Mar: 
An inspirational retreat for people of the art world

La Casona del Mar

By SUYAPA CARIAS

Hidden amidst the Caribbean sea and the Nombre de Dios cordillera in La Ceiba rises a colonial, three-floor labyrinthine of a house that art and culture lovers will find irresistibly charming: La Casona del Mar, the latest project carried out by outstanding Honduran painter Julio Visquerra.

Conceived as a "Museum-Home," this dream-like habitation took two years to build, but was finally inaugurated earlier this month during a unique artistic program held both indoors and outdoors.

Stimulating strategy
According to Visquerra, La Casona del Mar will fulfill several purposes: it will serve as an art gallery where people can view and purchase paintings; and it will provide lodgings to any artist or intellectual who wishes to come here to work and rest, inspired by the joy of the breathtaking, isolated natural ambiance that surrounds it.

"All those involved in cultural matters such as painters, sculptors, musicians or writers are welcome to stay and enjoy," says the owner. He is especially interested in supporting talented, young artists, and in giving the people of La Ceiba the opportunity to experience art first hand.

"I think this is the first project of its kind in Central America," explained Visquerra with enthusiasm, during an informal conversation held on an interior patio.

Personal touch 
La Casona del Mar is located approximately 22 km from La Ceiba on the road to Trujillo. At that point, a sign on the left side of the road points to a dirt road leading there. The Sambo Creek Garifuna village is only minutes away from Visquerra's house on foot.

Even though several construction details have yet to be completed throughout the many rooms and halls, the houses' elegant and imposing flare can't be missed. 

"I decided on white paint for the outside, using its pulchritude to contrast with daring colors on the inside to make the paintings stand out more... I'm a painter, I love color," he continued. Antique and Caribbean furniture, autochthonous decorative items, fabrics and angels have been gracefully distributed along with the paintings, to create different and cozy atmospheres in every corner of the imposing structure.

Cultural feast
For the opening night, the exhibition included 100 paintings by 25 artists, some of whom traveled from San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa to witness and participate in the important event.

Ivan Fiallos, Rosell Barralaga, Dilber Padilla, Dario Rivera and Francisco Pinto Rodezno were some of the signatures we saw. 

The host prepared a delightful program that began with an exquisite piano and violin performance by Honduran Fernando Raudales and Salvadoran Carolyn Masear. Afterwards, tenor Oscar Caceres impressed the audience with a solo opera concert, guests were then invited to the back of the house, in front of the beach, to enjoy the rest of the evening.

The tall, white arches that mark the end of Visquerra's property and the sea behind them were a perfect background for the stage where the Legat Ballet Center performed. La Ceiba's very own singer Guillermo Anderson and his band followed Mimi Escoto's ballerinas, and a local Garifuna group was in charge of closing the program with it's contagious punta rhythm. The Mayor of La Ceiba, Gonzalo Rivera, presented Visquerra a special plaque of recognition.

Annual festival
Given the success of this first experience, Visquerra became excited about starting an annual three-day long art festival at La Casona del Mar in the near future. He is even thinking of bringing international stars to perform here. 

In the meantime, he will be finishing up his lovely Museum Home, creating more paintings of his own and awaiting the arrival of the general public and guests. For more information, call 443-0177, ext. 07144. 

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Japanese students visit first solar community in Latin America


Each solar community has an Education Innovation Room where children learn computer skills.

Motivated by their interest in witnessing the project first hand, a group of Japanese students recently traveled to Honduras to visit the first solar community ever built in Latin America, located in San Ramón Centro in the Department of Choluteca. 
Honduras now has two more solar communities that serve as pilot centers; these are located in San Francisco in the Department of Lempira and in La Hicaca, Olanchito, in the Department of Yoro. 

Developed by the Honduran Council of Science and Technology (COHCIT), these centers have proved that introducing technology and tools such as computers, audiovisual systems and solar energy leads to the development of student talent, stimulates school attendance and diminishes the digital gap. More over, it helps improve the quality of life of the Honduran people.

After these experiences, the government decided to carry out a project to expand technological capacities in poor communities this year with US$8.5 million soft loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

During their tour in San Ramón Centro, the students witnessed the skills the local school children have developed through educational activities by using computers and their level of assimilation.

The visit was sponsored by the Honduran Cooperation Commission in conjunction with UNESCO, and the International Education Association of Japan, as part of a program aimed at allowing them to learn about world heritage sites and ongoing projects being carried out in the country. 

A story to be softly told

Teresa ( the S.M.A.R.T. organization Director ) with "La Princesa." In for corrective eye surgery.

By DON PEARLY

The report you are about to read and the pictures you are seeing are extra special to me because I lived and worked with twenty-seven volunteer Doctors, Nurses, Anesthesiologists, Surgeons and helpers for three days and nights. I say days and nights because they worked tirelessly on twenty-hour shifts, and slept for four hours only to return to full waiting rooms. They were motivated by someone or something to not only pay their own airfare to and from Honduras, as well as their own hotel accommodations and food while they worked here, but to work as if they were at home tending to their own private practices. They also brought with them thousands and thousands of dollars worth of equipment and medication, a lot of which will be donated to the Hospital in La Paz after they are through.

This was the thirty-fifth such professional team to come into Honduras and perform major and minor surgery at no charge to the patients. Now I live here and had no idea such a fantastic operation was on-going so let's find out who puts it all together from raising the money for such a project to enticing high paid medical professionals to give of their time and talents over and over again. Who paves the way with the Honduran government, procures the required permits, sets up the transportation, who makes all the detailed arrangements so that an enormous program such a this goes without the usual red tape and hitches slowing it down? Who has harnessed the power of the local Police Departments? Who has off duty "Cobras" pushing patients around from room to room, driving their own vehicles taking Doctors and staff to and from the hospital for meals and rest breaks. Just who is responsible for all of this?

Behind it all is a spark plug known simply as "Teresa". Some refer to her behind her back as Mother Teresa but her real name is  Teresa Andrews De Searcy, B.A. Th. They say if you want something done, ask a really busy person to do it. She has a handle on everything and everyone and keeps wheels turning day and night. What motivates the motivator? Dr. Teresa told me this is her seventy-fourth trip to Honduras alone and she does it because after the first visit she felt compelled to return and help the less fortunate in our country. She felt God had sent her for this very purpose, she felt at home. Her organization is called, S.M.A.R.T." which stands for Surgical & Medical Assistance Relief Teams.

I am certain many Honduran men, women and mostly children will walk a lot prouder after having conditions such as cleft pallets, burn scars, birth disorders and accident caused deformities corrected. Honduras does not have the highly trained specialists that the United States has, and if they did they could not be expected to work without pay as these Doctors and Nurses do. I saw newborn babies, infants, children, young boys and girls and adults all the way up to a 101-year-old lady go through the examination process to determine if they could be helped. There were many instances of conditions such as blindness that could not be helped by anyone anywhere, and that was sad, but there were many more conditions that could be improved upon. These people changed the lives of many Honduran men and women and hope was given to many more for future visits when they have more equipment to work with.

Now, how can you help? How can you one million readers in the United States alone help? Pick up your phone and call 913 814 3700 during Kansas working hours. You may make a contribution using your credit card right over the phone and of course it is fully tax deductible. You will be given a written receipt from a recognized American charitable organization with a 501 (C) 3 status, and you can take that to the bank, or at least to your taxman. If you are an e-mail person, more information is available by writing to Teresa at 
rxhelpca@ix.netcom.com Believe it or not, with everything working the way it does, and considering all of the free time and talents donated by the medical teams, the hard costs come out to be only three hundred U.S. dollars per operation. How many people would you like to help each year?

To the local Honduran authorities, how can you help? By calling someone high up in Hondutel and asking when the thirteen telephone poles and one transformer that were paid for on the 20th of April of 1998 will be installed so that telephone numbers 766 2960, 766 2961 and 766 2055 can be activated helping Dr. Teresa do her good work. Also someone in authority could assist with the Personeria Juridica Teresa has been waiting for over two and a half years to be blessed by Congress. And finally, maybe someone can obtain a duty free concession for vehicles needed here in the country for transportation purposes. 

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