Honduras: Our Sixth Day of Distributions!

We just finished day 6 of our 2018 Sleeping Children Around the World bedkit distribution in Honduras and I’m pleased to say that another 500 children are getting a “Better Night’s Sleep” in this developing country.  

Today, we travelled approximately 50 miles outside of Tegucigalpa to a rural area called Comayagua.  The Rotary Club of Tegucigalpa once again partnered with the Rotary Club of Comayagua to coordinate a bedkit distribution, so that the children in this region could receive a bedkit from a donor in Canada.  The children in this community were challenged by a lack of accessible drinking water, malnutrition and poverty to a much greater scale then what we had experienced the first 5 days of this distribution. Despite these challenges, the children were very excited and happy to participate in the distribution.

After the distribution was completed, we had a chance to visit the homes of four past recipients that had received bedkits in 2017. The conditions they lived in were challenging, as the working poor in Honduras lack many of the amenities that we take for granted.  Small dwellings, a lack of food and rooms shared by multiple family members were consistent themes in all the homes we visited. It was nice to see that the bedkits items were still in good condition and shared amongst the entire family. The families that we visited were also very appreciative and thankful for the “Gift of Sleep” that Sleeping Children Around the World had provided them with the bedkit.

As I reflect on the day, I feel very blessed to be able to participate on a bedkit distribution that has such a lasting impact on those less fortunate.  It becomes very evident that the key to Honduras’ success will be the ability for these children, the country's future, to get a better night’s sleep.  If they can be more cognizant at school, they will be able to use education to assist them in pursuing their dreams. We are definitely taking positive steps in that direction with the 500 children we supported today.

Regards,

Sieg Will

Team Leader

Team Honduras 2018
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Honduras: Halfway There!

After an early bedtime for all team members last night we woke up re-energized and ready to face the day. An early start had us well on our way with the expectation of arriving in good time, however we now know to always expect the unexpected. Our convoy was held up by a large group of cows being herded down the middle of the road. If you are not familiar with the attitudes of cows, they like to do as they like, not as we would like them to do!! After a few minutes we were able to proceed to our distribution site in time to see many children already lined up eagerly waiting for what the day was to bring them.

The first group of children through each had special needs, but the challenges they face did not stop them from participating and enjoying their time spent with the team members, Rotarians and Rotaracts.

The distribution ended with a very heartfelt thank you from the school principal on behalf of all the families, children and teachers. These moments of such an outpouring of gratitude, together with the smiles and laughter from the children is the reason the SCAW volunteers and the Overseas Volunteers Partners are continually pulled by our heartstrings and make us want to meet each day, even when challenged by the fatigue that sets in.

We were given a special treat of visiting the Cottage Industry where a presentation of the preparation of the uniform shirts was given. The team was able to ask questions and learned that by having the uniforms made by Honduran ladies the income helped 17 families in the area. We also learned that the 6000 uniforms were made in 2 months and 15 days, this is quite amazing.

Following the visit to the Cottage Industry we were all treated to a very tasty lunch of traditional Honduran fare including Tres Leches (Three Milks) dessert, my favourite part!

The tired but very happy team arrived back to the hotel and look forward to beginning the process all over again tomorrow. Sadly, we will say goodbye to two of our team members who must return home in the morning but the bonds we have formed with them will last a life time.

Sandra for

Team Honduras 2018

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Honduras: Colourful Memories!

Today our team got an early start and travelled up into the mountains surrounding the city of Tegucigalpa.  Mountains are plentiful in Honduras, with peaks as high as 9,347 feet.  In fact, over 80% of Honduras is made up of mountains and is home to the majority of the country’s population.  Today’s distribution was located in one of the many towns scattered throughout the mountainous region of Honduras.

As our van travelled further and further away from the urban centre below, the view outside became more and more beautiful, bright and colourful!  On one side of the road, large, green pine trees, lined the streets and covered the side of the mountain like a thick, cozy blanket. In the distance you could see the clouds moving slowly across the mountain peaks, while the sun rose further into the sky.  It was breathtaking!  On the other side of the road, was a wall of dark grey and white stone, a little peak inside the mountain’s interior.  We also enjoyed seeing horses and the occasional donkey on the side of the road.

As we approached the site of our distribution the first thing we noticed was the beautiful colours of the buildings with turquoise, green, or pink walls, and the well-manicured park in the centre of the town. 

We quickly got to work and began preparing for our forth distribution by securing the straps on the colourful backpacks – orange, blue, pink and purple – that would soon rest upon the backs of the 500 children we would meet that day.  We also checked in on the bedkits with their vibrant fabrics adorned with well-known characters like Mickey Mouse, Dora, Spiderman and Donald Duck.  Everything was in place and ready to go!

As the children entered into the school they were entertained with colourful puppets – a green turtle, a bright orange iguana –  and then organized for their photos.  They then made their way through the distribution site, collecting their backpack and their bedkit and exiting with big, bright, beautiful smiles on their faces. 

As we made our way back down the windy mountain road, we reflected on our fourth distribution and all the colourful memories we made that day. We will all sleep well tonight knowing that close to 2000 children in Honduras have now received the gift of a good night’s sleep. 

Team Honduras 2018
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Honduras: A Challenging, But Successful Distribution!

Today was our most challenging distribution so far… Getting to the site was supposed to be 20 minutes… it actually took us over an hour. Traffic and construction were the cause of it. Once at the school, the configuration was also challenging as the buildings were on multiple levels of hills. Greatly, with the help of everyone on site, we relocated the bedkits by doing a fireman chain. We then had the chance to welcome the kids very safely and efficiently. It is still amazing to see the beautiful smile we get as the kids see what they are receiving and our hearts are warm knowing that another 500 young lovely kids will sleep better. We have been lucky today also to get the most grateful hugs from the children and the community. 

On our way back, we had a quick stop at the market to buy some snacks to satisfy the cravings of the team. After some rest, we had a dinner with the Rotary club at their weekly meeting. Another busy and positive day is ending.

Genevieve Milot for Team Honduras 2018
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Honduras: A Successful Second Distribution!

Day 2 of our distribution in Honduras was full of laughter and gratitude among all those involved. The parents and children giggled at our Northern accents as we attempted to speak Spanish to say simple phrases like “you are welcome.” Somehow when we say, “de nada”, it just doesn’t sound the same as when they say it. And our… well mainly Sieg’s… lack of tongue dexterity when trying to say the letter “n” with a tilda in “niña” and “niño” was all too comical to the children which made us all giggle. Then there was Debbie’s subconscious desire for sangria when asking the children to smile for the pictures – for those interested, the Spanish word for “smile” is “sonría”. With their infectious laughter came heartwarming smiles of gratitude.

During one of Monica’s interviews with a head of school, he shared that many children approached him before our arrival to tell him how grateful they are to have a new backpack for school and a soft place to sleep to replace the cardboard on the ground that they previously called their “bed”. The teachers and heads of schools expressed tremendous gratitude to us “for coming out of [our] comfort zone to help the children in their schools to come to school more rested with less soreness from sleeping on the ground”.  They expressed a sincere interest in learning more about sleep health and asked us if we could send them information that they can take back to their parents to help increase their awareness about the importance of sleep health.

Our team of 8 volunteers smiled and laughed throughout the distribution as the children asked to touch Justin’s hair, kiss Genevieve’s puppets, take a selfie with Sandra and receive their new backpacks and bed from Julia and Kelly. We all left with our hearts warmed by the Army who was there to help and support us, the Rotarians for their exceptional organization, and of course to the teachers, parents, and students for trusting us to be a part of our shared interest in helping all children sleep well and be well.

Team Honduras 2018
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Honduras: The Power Of A Team!

Today was our first day of distribution in Honduras and a whirlwind of joy, learning, emotion and connection. Starting out early with our local partners, we were able to distribute 485 bedkits to beautiful Honduran children over the course of the day! One of the challenges felt by the team was our limited Spanish speaking capabilities, but this was markedly offset by the unspoken binding force of our common goal: the children.

While working in collaboration with the Rotary Club, Tegucigalpa’s Rotaracts, military officials, local sponsors, school teachers and parents may on paper sound like a recipe for chaos, the day was an incredible success due to the strength of commitment that jumped language and cultural barriers to make us all one big team. 

So strong was this spirit of purpose that even the security were jumping in to help blow up balloons! The marvelous energy of the team was only surpassed by the kids themselves, who brought infinite laughter, gratitude and hugs to the site. We are settling in for the night with our hearts warmed by the hope that these sweet children will be sleeping well in their bedkits tonight.

Team Honduras 2018
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Honduras: Tourists In Honduras!

Today Team Honduras 2018 was able to do a bit of sightseeing before we start our work tomorrow. The day started with a tour of the Basilica and was followed by a trip out into the countryside. Lunch was traditional Honduras cuisine. Tonight we prepped the bedkit and got our jobs organized for tomorrow. A little late night dinner and conversation before sleep researcher Monica reminded us all that we needed to hit the sheets in order to be ready for tomorrow's work!

Team Honduras 2018
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Honduras: The Team Is Arriving!!

Seven of our eight team members have now safely arrived in Tegucigalpa and we enjoyed a day settling in at our hotel. With beautiful sun and a cooling breeze, it was a relaxing day for the team. In the evening we were welcomed into the home of one of our partner Rotarians and had a home cooked meal with a traditional family recipe. Our predistribution meeting once again confirmed the commitment of our Tegucigalpa partners, some of whom have been working on this project for 17 years. There were many inspiring conversations had by all and we are looking forward to meeting the children soon!

Team Honduras 2018
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Tanzania: RJ's Fourth And Final Distribution!

We just completed our 4th and last distributiin. 

Warren, our team leader, has kept us on a tight schedule all week with departures no later than 6:30am. We still like him.

Today our destination was Kiromo. By 8am, we received a warm reception by hundreds of children, their teachers and the head of school, an amazing lady who runs a tight ship.  They all gathered to sing their national anthem.  We reciprocated by singing ours.

500 bedkits were distributed, a process that requires logistics and time. Time to interact with the children. If language is a barrier, singing, dancing and playing are international. And that is what we did.

Today, 9 parents were interviewed. These exchanges are extremely valuable as we learn that while the current content of the bedkit's offers much needed items, the need for antiseptic cream, closed shoes, books and individual cups is real. 

We were warmly thanked by the teachers to whom we presented gifts for the school ranging from a much needed first aid kit to soccer balls.

Throughout the week, we got the chance to discover Mama Wandoa, whose life is totally absorbed by the need to help others and create a safe place for everyone in her community. MERCI Mama for being who you are!

We cannot end this blog without acknowledging the amazing work of the Tanzanian volunteers who were with us the entire trip.  The distribution of 2000 bedkits in 4 different locations would have been impossible without them.

We are on the way back to the hotel.  The bus is silent.  Some are sleeping while others are simply watching life unfold in Tanzania at the end of a work day! 

RJ goes to Tanzania will soon be coming home

Raymond James' Team in Tanzania 2018
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Tanzania: RJ's Third Distribution!

Another bright and early day for our dedicated group.  We left the hotel by 6:30am but stalled in typical Dar traffic.  Finally we were on our way!

We arrived at the school to waves and smiles from children and parents.

Our traffic delays prevented us from playing with the children first, as we usually do.  They love chasing the bubbles and seeing themselves in our photos so we hope we have more time with them tomorrow.

We thanked the older school boys for helping set up and gave them each a small gift.  We also interviewed parents to gain insight into the health and welfare of their families and how we may improve the quality of the bedkits in the future.  What a great way to learn about the lives of the families.

After the interviews we got down to the job of handing out bed kits.  There were two children that had symptoms of malaria and had to be taken to the hospital so we quickly took their pictures and gave them their kits and mats.  Seeing these children in such poor health, weak and lethargic, really brought home the need for the bedkits.

We moved quickly through the remaining 498 children after which we presented the teachers with gifts.  The soccer balls always bring howls of delight, but in talking to the English teacher, we learned that English textbooks would also be appreciated.  He has a class of 100 students and only two textbooks to share among them.

Next was a side trip to visit Mama Wandoa’s farm. Over the last few years she has been building a church on her property and her congregation has grown from 3 to 30!  She has six acres of farmland and harvests mango, pineapple, and cashews.  She always dreams to do more and she continues to inspire us and I’m sure countless others.

The final stop of the day was at a Salvation Army run center for children with disabilities and Albinism.  It was well kept and the children were well cared for.  They go to school and learn other skills such as computers, sewing and gardening.  These skills help to support them in the longer term.

A full and enlightening day.  Thank you Mama and Benjamin for guiding us.

Until tomorrow!

Raymond James' Team in Tanzania 2018
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Sri Lanka: Mission Accomplished!!

What a fantastic final distribution we had! We were paraded into the school grounds and up to where there were 3 flagpoles. Karen,our leader, unfurled the Canadian flag and the Sri Lankan and school flags were also unfurled. We were led into the auditorium where the children, their teachers and some of the parents were seated. It was awesome to hear our national anthem played. This was followed by the children singing their anthem. A young girl- about 10 years old, was the emcee. She addressed us in English and explained who we were and why we were there. Four young girls did a lovely traditional dance followed by a small choir who sang a song in English and a young lad who accompanied them on the violin. Another young girl sang a song accompanied by a lad playing on a tambourine type drum. It was so delightful seeing the children leading the celebrations. From here we set out to do the last distribution of 193 bedkits. The joy on their faces and their wide eyes staring at the bedkit laid out was a joy to behold. What a gift it was for us to witness and partake in. it was a glorious finale.

The team with the final bedkit recipient.

Team Tanzania 2018
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Tanzania: RJ's Distribution Day 2!

Today we got to sleep in until  5am and had a nice breakfast thanks to the hotel for opening their restaurant early.

Off to our 2nd day of distribution. Again we had lots of fun with the children who thoroughly enjoy bubbles and selfies!!

The children were very patient with us while we sorted through the logistics. Getting smiles from the children proved to be a challenge until we found the secret formula that seemed to be a common theme in getting giggles out of them

After the distribution we met with the school teachers and gave them a few extra gifts to share with all the kids. 500 more children will sleep well tonight.

All in all, another successful day and looking forward to Day 3

Diane Groot for
Raymond James' Team Tanzania 2018
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Tanzania: RJ's 1st Distribution!

It was an early 5am start to our first distribution in Kwala.  After a long and bumpy drive, we arrived just before 8am and were greeted by Benjamin (Mama’s son), the Head of School and hundreds of beautiful children.  The team was energized and ready to put smiles on 500 faces!

We enjoyed being a part of their assembly and listening to their national anthem.  Our team leader, Warren, spoke to parents with the use of a translator.  The bedkit was displayed and each piece was explained.  They were also told that pictures would be taken of their beautiful children.  The team received a round of applause from the parents.  

It was time to begin!  The team got organized to take three large group photos.  By the third photo, everything ran like clockwork!  Great job everyone!  

It was amazing to interact with the children, take their pictures or just say ‘mambo’ (Swahili for hello) with a fist bump.  It was an incredible feeling to hand over a bedkit and mattress and see the happiness in their eyes.  The children were very polite and many of them spoke English and said ‘thank you’ or ‘Asante’ (Swahili for thank you). 

At the end of the distribution, the team met with the head of school and teachers and presented them with an assortment of great gifts to share with the children such as soccer balls, tennis balls, sports jerseys, frisbees, pens, pencils, bandaids, crafts, desk kits, etc.  They were thrilled and very grateful.  

As a thank you, Mama Wandoa received a rooster from the head of school.  He was very docile and liked having his picture taken! 

Raymond James' Tanzania Team 2018
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Sri Lanka: Second Last Day Of Distributions!

Our second last day of distribution lead us to two locations, where we were traditionally greeted and welcomed. The receiving of flowers and/or betel leaves gives one a sense of not only be welcomed but that we are honoured guests and a hand of friendship is being extended to us. The crowd of children and parents who align the parade route as we proceed into the distribution location are clearly filled with wonder and expectation. If for no other reason, the trip to Sri Lanka , just to see the wonderful smiling and gentle children, is worth all the time and effort. 

Although both of our locations did not have the greatest of backgrounds for our photos, they were both well organized and things moved fairly smoothly. Our second location at CEF CHILDREN EDUCATION CENTRE, was quite a surprise. It is facility for training preschool (they refer to it as kindergarten) teachers. It is quite unusual as it is a centre run by a Buddhist Monk, who receives most of his support from donors in Japan. He is also unique in that he is a member of the local Rotary Club and has just completed a term as District Governor. It was here that we were treated to a delicious lunch including rice, dahl, chicken, vegetables and fruit. The best of all was distributing 225 bedkits to smiling, appreciative and needy children.

Sri Lanka 2018
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Tanzania: Raymond James' First Sunday!

This morning we were up bright and early to join Mama and Wendy for a 7 am church service. We enjoyed the beautiful voices of multiple choirs and the children who sang to us before they went off to Sunday school. We were introduced to congregation as special guests of Mama.

We visited with the children in Sunday school and then went over to Mamas house to look at the bed kit contents, mattresses and the sewing facility where they make the children’s clothes and backpacks.

We returned back to the hotel and did a bed kit evaluation/ quality control.
The rest of the day we prepared for tomorrow’s first day of distribution.  We are all very excited. 

Goodnight!
Diane Groot
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Sri Lanka: Gratitude!

More than halfway through our distributions, Day 7 marked 12 distributions and over 4000 bedkits handed out to very deserving children.  When arriving at each distribution site, we have been received graciously and welcomed by each Sri Lankan community.  We have been honoured by beautiful welcoming customs including being given bouquets of flowers or a necklace of fresh flowers placed around our necks, being handed leaves representing honour and worship, and receiving presentations from school bands and dancers in beautiful costumes.  During many of the distributions there is a short presentation where the members of SCAW, school officials and rotary members will light a large oil lamp to signify the opening of the celebration. In each case, I feel so fortunate and humbled to be shown such grace and gratitude and will fondly recall the kindness in Sri Lanka.

Team Sri Lanka 2018
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Tanzania: The Raymond James Volunteers Have Arrived!

Left to Right: Teresa Raidl, Thomas Riadl, Annie Lau,  Warren Wagstaff, Diane Groot, Darren Coleman, Susan Coleman, Dominique Vincent

After 24 hours and 3 flights we arrived safely in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania where we were greeted by Benjamin, Wendy and Mama Wandoa. A short drive lead us to our comfortable accommodation and much needed sleep. Next morning we met with Helen, the leader of team one Tanzania. Her enthusiasm was obvious and got our team very excited about what was to come. The entire team was looking forward to the two days before our distribution to acclimatize to the new time zone. The first day was being spent getting used to her new surroundings. Shopping for food and water and exchanging for Tanzanian schillings. A little shopping at some roadside markets. The Tinga Tinga market and Mwenge market was full of paintings and new friends. It was surprising how popular we were! We headed back to the hotel for more rest as tomorrow we will be spending the day with Mama and seeing more of the sights of this amazing place. 

Team Tanzania 2018
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Sri Lanka: Two Interesting Distributions!

Our team had an interesting distribution today.  Our first one had space constraints, but due to the hard work of the SCAW team, we managed to ensure that all the children received their bedkits.  Go Team!!!

Our second distribution was quite smooth and we certainly appreciated the Shoe Company's quick shoe sizing for the children.

Our treat after the distributions was a wonderful meal at Rotarian Ravi's home.  We met his wife Dilhara and daughter Thanukshi.  

Thanukshi's convocation is today at Colombo University.  She is graduating with an International Business degree.  Congrats, and thanks for the lovely meal. Very much appreciated by the team.

 

Team Sri Lanka 2018

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Sri Lanka: Contrasts!

Our second distribution day provided contrast in locations and in feel.  We had a 500 kit distribution in the morning and found ourselves in a small photo location with an outdoor stone wall as a backdrop and minimum space for the children to change, be organized and proceed through the various stages required before receiving their kit.

The afternoon distribution of 200 kits took place on a lush green mountainside with staggeringly beautiful views and plenty of space for our team and the children.  Yet both distributions were rewarding and successful despite their differences.  

We also enjoyed connecting with many children and parents as we visited the home of one of the families who had received a kit.  We were truly honoured to have been invited so warmly into their home and appreciate their willingness to share their lives with a group of strangers.  The small community all came out to see us and we were accompanied back to our van by an enthusiastic group of young boys.

Team Sri Lanka
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