November 9th, 2007
I write from my bed. I have been here for two days now trying to recover from a sore, swollen throat and fever. The weather changed a week or two ago bringing us cold to your bones weather. I was not prepared for this and spent the first part of this week wearing every layer I brought to this country and wishing I had a hat, scarf and gloves. While I shivered, I caught some germs which has forced me into my bed. I am tired of watching Quinton’s silly movies (today: The Devine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood, Vin Disels The Pacifier, and Legally Blonde II) and could use some fresh air. This evening we will venture into town for groceries and Chinese food. Hopefully they will have some hot and sour soup (my favorite soup for sickness). While I am starting to feel like I have merged onto the high speed road to recovery I will keep pushing fluids and eating vitamin C.

I did have my first Honduran doctor experience. When I had amoebas I just pooed into a jar and sent it off to the lab without seeing a doctor. This time I went to Dr. Oscar Suez. This man is about 5 feet tall and speaks just enough English. He was not in his office when we first arrived so we sat in his little waiting room. Compared to the various labs I have visited in Siguatepeque this office was pretty fancy. All evidence of home life was hidden if in fact the place was Dr. Oscar’s home at all. When he finally returned he invited me into his office where on his shelf was a book called Grey’s Anatomy. Who knew it was more than just a television series?? He peered into my throat and instantly started writing a prescription for some antibiotics. Over the years I have gotten pretty good at looking into my own throat, feeling my own glands and wishing I had a pad of prescription papers and a fancy signature instead of kicking down an arm and a leg to see a doctor. Here it was no big deal really, because that tongue depressor Dr. Oscar used and the piece of paper to write the prescription plus the comfort he gave me in knowing for sure that I needed some antibiotics was a mere $5.00. And the prescription itself? I can’t be totally sure as Khalila got those filled for me while I checked my email at the internet. I would guess no more than $10.00.

Quinton came with me to the doctor, just to be supportive, and ended up also seeing the doctor. He was sick earlier in the week and though felt much better was forced in by Khalila. He was given more allergy medicine….apparently Quinton has developed an allergy to cold weather. He should not worry - lots of Honduran’s, Khalila included, take allergy medicine when the weather turns cold. Strange.

November 10th, 2007
I am still writing from bed, but that is because I just woke up. The sun is shining for the first time in a long time and hopefully will dry up some of the mud. I am feeling better than I have in awhile though I am not totally sure if it is my mood that is more pleasant or if I am just feeling altogether better. Maybe both.

I have had plans for a week to go to Comayagua today to visit my friend Oscar (not to be confused with Dr. Oscar). Comayagua is the capitol of my department (also called Comayagua). Way back in the day it was the capitol of all of Honduras and has lots of historic buildings and little cobble stone streets. At Easter all the Catholics come out and they have a huge celebration on the streets, complete with saw dust carpets of our favorite bible stories and parades where fake Jesus’ hang on crosses. Apparently if you are over the beach scene, Comayagua is the place to be for Holy Week. I have heard great things about Comayagua and am eager to see more of Honduras.

I will close this with birthday greetings. I have been thinking about you birthday and wish I could pull it together to make a real celebration out of your birthdays! Ethan, Erin, Laura, Katie (still a few weeks, but I am thinking about you!), Damion Young, Dwight Page.

hasta tardes.