Wednesday, October 15, 2008

A Different Kind of Mission


HONDURAS


So most of you already know that my little sister Cheyanne is volunteering at an orphanage in Honduras. (the link to her blog is here on mine) They are there to teach the kids their alphabet and numbers in english and spanish. Her kids are ages 3-6 (I think) and there are about 5 of them. She has been gone since August 5th and she is having a great time. My mom did say that when she called the other night, she was a little homesick and VERY upset that she has to be deloused on Friday. They told her that she would get lice because all the children have it and pass it around. That is why she has bandannas on all the time. But it didn't work. If you don't remember how long her hair was....it is almost to her waist, it is really thick and it is beautiful. I feel so bad for her.
While she has been there, she has been able to do allot of things that she would not/could not do here. She hiked up and rode a horse up (yes I know she doesn't like horses) an active volcano and roast a marshmallow over the lava. She has also been snorkeling (and in November she will scuba dive), where she faced her biggest fear....sharks. I am so proud of her because she sucked it up and when their guide caught one, she pet it.

She still has a long time to go. She will come back on January 5, 2009. I am so sad that she will not be home for Christmas. We will miss her quirky personality sooooo much.
Can you see the reef?

I forgot to mention that she had to earn the money to go. She and my cousin Nathan, who is there with her, had a car wash and bake sale to help themselves get there. Besides that, she worked 2 jobs. They alsohad family and friends who donated to their "different kind of mission". Again for those who do not know Chey, you should know that she can not talk to strangers, example....if she got onions on her hamburger and had ordered it without onions, she would just not eat before she would go back to the counter and tell them. I think she has been living up to her name. HeHe


She said that this was actually good. It looks disgusting to me.

Washing her clothes by hand.
Chey and Nathan
Some of the volunteers that they live with. They are from all parts of the world and are becoming great friends.
Chey and I have the same sweet blood. (oh come on, you know I do) The mosquitoes were eating her alive so they had to put up her net around her bed.
Some kids in a village (she would know the name of it).
AND Chey doing her favorite thing...reading, probably the Twilight series.

Even though she has been in Utah since she was about 11 and I only see her (if I'm lucky) 3 times a year, I miss her even more now. I guess just knowing that she is so far away and living in a much different world, I can't get her off of my mind. I think the most surprising thing she has done since leaving (besides the shark of course), is that her and Nathan got in a car with a guy they didn't know and had him take them to the ruins. First of all...a stranger and second of all, she can't stand riding in a car with anyone else driving. She holds on to the handle above the door and closes her eyes when you pass a semi. But, she did it. She said that they do not obey any traffic signs or laws for that matter and she just knew she was going to die. She also said that if they were to get pulled over, they would just give the police some money and they will let them go. (I actually think that that is a good idea LOL).

Well Chey, I am proud of you. I am always amazed at the things you accomplish even while thinking that you can't. You are amazing and I can see your confidence growing. I know that when you come home, you will have realized the greatness that the rest of us have seen all along.
The city that she first stayed in.
I LOVE YOU SIS!

4 comments:

Who We Are... said...

She seems to be having an incredible time! I love hearing about how people actively use their time making a difference in the lives of others. It is so motivating. Thanks for sharing this.

Evvie Turley said...

OH my word! I didn't know Cheyenne was doing that; what a girl! She is probably having all kinds of out of this world experiences. I'm proud of her for going. :) How cool! Great pics!

Jennifer said...

I love that last picture of chey, she looks so pretty. I really loved your sweet blood comment, ha ha. I'm proud of chey too.

Kristina said...

WOW that looks like quite the adventure!! Maybe I could trade places w/her for afew days just to go snorkeling in that water!!