Pedro

         I know it's been a while since I've written-I was in the States for 6 weeks but now I am back and boy do I have a story to share! Pedro's story-Pedro is a boy who had cancer in his leg and needed it removed. House of hope paid for him to travel to San Pedro Sula for his surgery and now he is living here in House of Hope so he doesnt have to stop going to school. Also now that Pedro is missing a leg he cant do things for himself and his parents can't take care of him as well as House of hope can. After his surgery he went home and his parents couldnt even get him to the hospital to have his stitches removed. So this morning Pedro and I went to the hospital-they looked at hit nub and they said he needs lay down and you need to hold him. The stitches were suppose to be out 2 weeks ago so they were under skin in some places. He hops up on this mattress with no sheet and lays back and I hold his hands and arms more for support than pressure. There is no power in the hospital at the moment so they use a cell phone for light but they did have gloves, a new sterile kit and she wiped his leg with a alcohol wipe that's all that matters at the moment.

The first stitch wasnt bad it was where she could grab hold without going in his skin-we are all smiles. Second, third and forth a little wince but some movement so I had to put some pressure to hold him still.  Fifth, sixth and seventh there was a little blood she had to go deeper with the tweezers to get the stitch up. Tears start to flood Pedro's eyes down his cheek and mix with the sweat pouring from his face and more squeezing...promises were made for drinks and snacks. Eighth and ninth he lets out a little squeal that only we could hear and he quickly holds his breath so another one doesnt escape because you don't show pain here. Tenth was deep, she took a break for Pedro and her-the nurse spoke to Pedro in Miskito and then she went in and got it out. Eleventh and twelfth were easy and that beautiful smile was back on Pedro's face. He sat up and they wiped it again with alcohol and my hand got one more tight squeeze. He looked at me and I said ready? School is better than this isnt it? He said yes but my coke first please and everyone started to smile and laugh.

3 weeks later...

Pedro is doing amazing!! He is going everywhere with his handcart or on crutches and he also loves going swimming on Sundays with the group. We had some children making fun of him but we worked that out real quick. Pedro is getting more comfortable but still having pains where he has no leg so please be praying about that for him. Also if you are interested in helping please consider going to the Send Hope web page and donating because without Send Hope Pedro would not have been able to travel or get the surgery.

Now on to new about me as some of you already know I came back to Puerto Lempira for my second year and did not move to San Pedro Sula. I am living in House of Hope as a full-time volunteer. I have been posting tons of pictures of what we do here with the children and I hope you all have enjoyed them!!

My next update will be sooner :)