laugh til it hurts

While I have had my fair share of despedidas (goodbye parties) in Honduras over the years, none has made my face hurt as much as my recent despedida from the MCC team. Hurting from so much laughing, that is.

They made a tumblr-like rendition of experiences over the years that I attempt to share below. You will likely not find this as funny as I did, but I couldn't help but share it because it is so awesome.

I was unable to capture the other half of my goodbye: the 4 guys re-enacted small "scenes" with Charissa. The way I talk, the way I drive, the way I react dramatically to life...all on display. Humbling and hilarious, it was a great way to go out--laughing til my stomach hurt and I was in tears.

Can't hardly believe its the end of more than 3 years with MCC in Honduras. Through all the ups and downs, the team has supported me. I have been blessed to know such wonderful people and share this challenging, scary, tumultuous (often dramatic) time together. 

Titled: 

Charissa's liiiiiife: moments in Honduras

Cuando combinan tus zapatos, tu cartera, tu blusa, tu esmalte, tu maquillaje, y tus acesorios

When your shoes, purse, shirt, nail polish, make-up and accessories match:

Cuando por fin recibimos nuestras licencias

When we finally get our driver's licenses:

Cuando alguien te pregunta "usted no es de aqui verdad?"

Estas bromeando?

When someone asks you "you aren't really from here, right?"

Cuando algo medico menor requiere una injeccion

When a minor medical problem "requires" an injection:

Cuando un pastor te informa que has roto tus patalones en publico

When a pastor informs you your pants have ripped open in public:

Cuando alguien se mete frente a vos en la fila de migracion

When someone cuts in front of you in line at the immigration office:

When PlanWin finally replicates:

Cuando la persona quien estas esperando "esta en camino" 

Por que me mentis?

When the person you are waiting for is "on their way"

When Kathy Troyer's worms are too close to you:

Cuando por fin introducen Lotus Notes email

When they finally introduce Lotus Notes:

When you want to stop the guy from washing your winshield

or

signal that you don't need a taxi that is honking at you

or 

you want to deny anything

When people spell your name "Karictza"

Every day in Honduras:

where to next? Part II

As many of you may know, I have been in Honduras for 2.5+ years. My first commitment was 1 year in the SALT program and then I took a 2 year assignment with a different MCC partner in Santa Rosa de Copan. In case you were keeping track, that 2 years is up in July. So, many people have asked me--what's next?

A few months ago, I was approached about taking an interim assignment with MCC and staying in Honduras awhile longer, but moving (again!) to another city. This time to San Pedro Sula, the big, bad city, according to all Hondurans not from San Pedro! But I felt that God was opening a door, extending a new challenge my way, and after a lot of prayer, discussion, deliberation, etc, I accepted the position.

So, as of July 1st I will be the Interim country representative for MCC in Honduras! The contract is for 6 months, with the possibility of extending up to one year if they do not find new country reps soon. I will be packing up and moving to San Pedro in June, with the hopes of having a few weeks to settle in, have some more training with the current reps, and then start in July.

I am really honored that they chose me for this position and believe in my potential to fill some very big shoes and take on some very big responsibilities! Many days I wonder if I am up to the task, but I know that I will learn a lot and it will be great experience for whatever comes down the road.

Of course with any transition, there is always anxiety and nervousness about all the "new" to come. I have already learned my way around 2 cities and built a network of friends and "family" in these two very different parts of Honduras. To start again from scratch in a new place is a bit daunting. Also, knowing that it is short term (but not a clearly defined time) adds its own layer of difficulty.

Many also ask, "but what about Henry???!!!???" :) Well, he is definitely still in the picture, and he is very supportive of this new role, recognizing what a great opportunity this is for me. The plan is to take turns visiting each other on the weekends, but we will have to see how it works with our respective schedules and responsibilities. We know it will be a big change from living in the same town to being 3 hours apart, but we are both willing to make it work.

So for now, this is what I know, and this is what is next. I will get to go home at the very end of June and into July, mostly to attend some leadership training with MCC in Akron, PA...but also to meet my nephew who is arriving soon!! Very excited about that. As always, I appreciate your continued prayers and support as I wrap up my time in Santa Rosa and look ahead to all the challenges and changes of moving to San Pedro in the very near future!