Hitting the books

"EDUCATION IS THE PROGRESSIVE DISCOVERY OF OUR OWN IGNORANCE."


Actually we don't really use books -- all our lectures are power point presentations
which we print off in place of buying loads of books. But 2 weeks ago I started in the Dr. William M. Scholl School of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, IL. So far I'm taking Biochemistry, Gross Anatomy, Structure & Function (physiology and histology) and a class called Essentials of Clinical Reasoning. Already I'm astonished at how much can be learned when adequate time is spend staring at/studying it. I think I only studied this much during finals week at Wheaton, but so far I'm enjoying all my classes, but leaning toward Anatomy being my favorite.

End of Summer

Last summer was kind of a blur, but I mostly remember it being relaxing, enjoyable and a time that I could focus on my relationships with family and friends back here in the States. I spent time in Decatur, a bit in Chicago, traveled to GA, MN and WV for friends' weddings, and went camping in MI. I had time to read a lot of books, explore the northern suburbs by bike (no small feat) and learn how to cook for one person. Eventually I moved to an apartment in Lake Bluff, IL which is 3 miles from school, and still close to a couple good Wheaton buddies.
Photo taken at a Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert at the Ravinia outdoor music theatre with friends Beth (pictured), her husband, Graham, and my good buddy Jean.

Sandy's Scholarship

Soon after moving to Honduras, Sandy and I became buddies and she was the one person I felt comfortable chatting with in Spanish.  Not asking for directions or making small talk, but actually having a conversation.  Nick even mentioned when he came to visit how he noticed that I actually tried to tell funny stories to her in Spanish!  Sandy's subtle and sly sense of humor along with her patience with my endless mistakes made her a fun person to learn from -- not only speaking Spanish, but about life as a Honduran girl my age.  I ate meals at her house and visited with her family often, and our friendship really grew throughout my time in Honduras.

(Sandy and me under her birthday sign back in April)

After learning about the educational system and experiencing firsthand the difficulties of the application and entrance process, I felt that God was really asking me "Well, what are you going to do about it?"  I was hesitant at first, knowing it would be difficult to deal with sending money, especially since it was a friend and because I was moving back to the States.  But those excuses were just ways I was looking for the easy way out.  I decided to start a scholarship fund for Sandy which is similar in the setup to the scholarships of the other missionaries in the area.  Sharon Washburn, administrator at the Christian high school, has graciously offered to help with the distribution of the funds on the Honduran end of things so the money is more secure.  Plus I get her added experience of having dealt with this endeavor before.

(Photo taken during first week of living in Honduras!)

 Sandy and her family are very excited that she can continue her education at the public university in the city, which is about an hour away from Rio Viejo.  What a special and extraordinary opportunity for her – the first to attend college in her family!  Sandy is interested in studying business with a focus on tourism industry studies.  She wants to return back to the river valley where she grew up to be involved and affect her community. 

Necessary funds which include tuition, books, housing, food, bus fare, and a little spending money have been estimated and adjusted by missionaries who support students in similar situation as Sandy.  A check will be sent to the administrators of IER who will directly deposit Sandy’s funds in the Honduran baking system.  In this way, Sandy will receive money on a monthly basis directly into an Honduran bank account.  She will therefore be responsible to pay her bills, budget for upcoming expenses, and learn to responsibly manage money.  

I spoke with her the other day on the phone for the first time being back.  We had so much fun catching up and could have talked for longer!

If you're interested in donating to the scholarship, or in more info about the logistics of the process, feel free to contact me at allisonippel@yahoo.com.  

"Bolsas de Brenda"

"Bolsas de Brenda" means Brenda's Bags, the name of the small business of a good friend of mine from Rio Viejo.  By providing an order of handmade purses and tote bags, Brenda is able to work in her home while taking care of her 3 children.  I was blessed by our relationship while living in Honduras and Brenda and I still keep in touch frequently on the phone.

(Me with one of the twins the week before I left Honduras)

 Each handmade bag ($10, tote or purse style available) is designed and crafted by Brenda Carcamo in her home in Rio Viejo, Honduras.  Brenda and her husband, Alfredo, live in a typical Honduran home made mostly of scrap wood, sticks, cardboard walls, and a tin roof.  The children all sleep in the same bed and Brenda’s kitchen is outside her home.  Alfredo works a variety of jobs when he can find work— as a farmer, painter in the city and also doing construction.  Brenda earns money by making and selling snacks and drinks during the snack and lunch bread at the local high school. She is especially grateful to have work during the rainy season (during fall/winter months in the States), as this is a particularly hard time for her husband to find work.

·      The bag can also serve as a reminder to pray for Brenda and her family, and all who are in poverty and hunger all over the world.

·      Reuse your bag at the store to avoid throwing away plastic bags. (The average American uses 492 plastic bags a year!)

If you're interested in learning more about Brenda's bags, please email me!  I will be taking orders for the bags for one more week so that they can arrive before Christmas (they would make great gifts!).  

Brenda Update

Progress with Brenda's kitchen!  

Brenda and I have been staying in touch via cell phone since I've been back in the States and she and her family are doing well, although she mentioned last time that my Spanish has gotten much worse!  

Because of the money she has earned selling the purses and bags she sews, she has been able to buy the bricks for her new kitchen!  Brenda and Alfredo are excited to add a kitchen to their home to keep the chickens from flying on the stove and also to keep the rain out when Brenda is preparing food.  She is hoping to have the construction done before the rainy season starts this fall.  

HAPPY birthday!  The twins turned 2 in July!  Look at their beautiful dresses!  Somebody must've had a little too much fun.

These pictures were taken off of Heather's blog, but sure seems like they had a fun party.  I'm sorry I had to miss it!

Aunt Cristy with the birthday girls (Alesandra and Alejandra).

Honduran friends

Claire, me, Heather, Martin and Wendy (fellow interns along with the Dr. Williams and his wife who I worked with)

Brenda, Alesandra, Minor and Alejandra (Sandy's sister-in-law with her 3 children)

Chris (teacher at IER), Sharon (nurse at our clinic), me, Claire (fellow intern), Allison & Larry Smoak (missionaries living nearby),  and Joel

My buddy, Ronald Joel Velasquez Hernandez

Sandy's birthday

Sandy's sister, Cristy

Elida, the culinary extraordinaire for our short-term teams

Movie night at Earl and Sharon's house (administrators of Instituto El Rey high school)

Maxs, Elmer and Jeremias (boys who attend IER and live across the street at Earl & Sharon's house)

My class farewell

This is a video from my 9th grade English class (the more well-behaved one!).  They sang a song for me in English, "This is the Day".  Enjoy!