Honduras through my eyes………………a rewarding experience
I arrived at Soto Cano Air Base (SCAB) in the middle of March to support the Medical Element (MEDEL)as a part of my military assignment. The Honduran experience was unforgettable.
The Soto Cano Airbase was originally set up as a temporary base (under Oliver North) as guest of the Honduran Army. The temporary wooden hooch’s were only built to last 2 years. We (the US military have been here 28 years. The base has about 600 persons from all branches of service to support the Honduran military. We are building new housing with bathrooms to house about 700 persons.
Our mission at MEDEL is to provide health service support and force health protection to JTF-Bravo ensuring a resilient and medically ready force. MEDEL is prepared to provide a medical disaster response team with mobile surgical capability in support of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.
In other words we are the 911 service for Soto Cano Airbases (SCAB) and beyond. Be ready at ALL Times.
The organization consists of Preventive Medicine- Public Health, Veterinary, mental health, biogenic engineering; Primary & Emergency Care – Flight Surgeon and Emergency and Clinical Teams; Mobile Surgical Team- anesthesia & operating room; Dental & Ancillary Services- Dental, Pharmacy, Laboratory, Radiology, Patient Administration.
During a Medrette, we provided preventive dental and preventive medicine trainings and provided medical, gynecology, pharmacy and dental services to the local community. I found that those who live in the rural areas are very tough. The dental patients I saw in the community don’t have the typical dental phobias. They are accustomed to pain and live a hard life so anesthesia and extractions didn’t bother them a bit. They are also more appreciative than those in urban areas who are a bit more spoiled by the modern conveniences. The expressions of gratitude after receiving medical care, soap and basic household items was heartwarming.
I feel that our mission was accomplished during my brief time here. We did not have any disasters but we have provided humanitarian assistance, clothing and basic toiletries to many local villages. The surgical team saved many lives and enhanced the medical capabilities in the local hospitals. I was fortunate to observe and assist the surgical team.
Medretes (medical aid) to Guatemala, Belize and Panama preceded my arrival. Visits to Costa Rica, Nicaragua and El Salvador are planned after my departure if funding is available. The sequestration occurred shortly before my arrival BUT I was still blessed to visit a local village to assist the people.
The Honduran people are very friendly as a whole. They always speak to you and smiles are abundant. Their motto is “mi casa su casa”(my house is your house) and they share whatever they have freely. Family is very important and they take care of each other. Although the average salary is approximately $300 a month, their wealth is each other.
In the islands of Roatan, the crime is very low. The prison system works to keep you from breaking the law. The prisons provide no food or bedding. The prisoners sleep on the floor, 7 people to a cell, no food or water provided. If you don’t have family or friends to bring you food, you don’t eat. If you don’t have family to bring you blankets, you sleep on the cold concrete floors.
Those who grew up on the island didn’t know the value of the land they owned until foreigners (that is what the village people call them)like Century 21 came and brought land for hundreds of dollars and made million dollar profits. Now the foreigners own the huge mansions on the hill overlooking the ocean. The villagers now see how others have come in and developed what used to be a jungle for commercial gain. The dollar is still growing. It was 20 lempira to 1 dollar when I arrived. Now the $1 is 23.7 lempiras.
The only cities with real addresses are Tegus and San Pedro. The others use landmarks as addresses. For instance one might say they live 30 km north of the medical center across the street from the big grocery store. Many streets don’t have names either.
Driving here is a real adventure. There seem to be no rules. There is no driver courtesy. You can pass anytime anywhere. Cars are packed with as many people as will fit. Trucks are lined with mattresses with families in the back, many sitting on the sides and seatbelts and car seats are nonexistent. I recently learned why the driving is so crazy here. There is no driving test required. If you have $50.00, you get a license.
I have seen the most beautiful blue butterfly. Its wings were a deep blue color. I chased it like a child hoping it would land just so I could photograph it. Orange, yellow and multicolored butterflies have circled my path. I saw a tree full of white doves. I have seen birds of many unusual colors and heard the varied sounds they make, I have tasted the sweet mangos from the tree, I have smelled the fragrant honeysuckles and azaleas, I have climbed the rocks and mountains with my hands and feet, I have basked in the bright sunshine, I have waded in the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic, I have breezed through the trees and waterfalls as if I were floating on a cloud. I have felt the rain pouring down on me and beating against my skin and the sun beaming and giving warmth to my body. I have listened to the wind, the birds and the gecko’s chirp. I have watched tiny ants move large leaves on their backs unafraid of the giants (people) that tower over them. I have danced barefoot in the full moonlight on the sandy beach listening to a great reggae band. As the songstress, Shadiyah would sing, I have had/am having the time of my life. I am grateful for this opportunity to meet and work with a great group of people from all over the world, to learn other cultures and to share mine, to learn more about medical care, to learn new skills and to view life from other perspectives. Life is a song worth singing
I am learning to make every moment matter and live every moment fully now, no regrets for yesterday or worries about tomorrow. I have known this principle but I have not always practiced it. This assignment has given me the opportunity to get back on track. The challenge will come when I return to the daily tasks that await me. I pray that I will return to these moments in the mountains of Honduras. I see that every place I have been and every situation I have experienced has its own beauty and its own lessons. . I know that there is beauty everywhere. We don’t have to go to particular place to experience it. We simply need to open our senses ;( our eyes, ears, nose, heart, hands to see, hear, taste and feel it. When we are open to it, we will know that we carry it within us. I am grateful for all of my experiences.
Remember the song “I just want to celebrate another day of living, I just want to celebrate another day of life”….. This thought has become my daily reflection. Life is a song worth singing!
Until the next chapter……………………….. Peace, Love and Blessings
Perdita (Malkah) Fisher
2013