Today, we began with our orientation to Gracias, Honduras, followed by a walking tour of the city. As we strolled through unkempt streets, the crowded farmer's market, and past homes ranging from corrugated steel shacks to painted stucco with ornate iron windows, I was struck most by how happy everyone here seems to be. Our guide, Luis, explained to us that Hondurans are generally positive, laid back people, who just don't stress about things as much as we do. They mostly lead simple lives with comparatively simple homes and basic necessities, valuing family over possessions and personal aspirations.
There's something to be said for being happy and grateful for what you have and forgoing the rat race that is second nature to most of us in the US. People here will literally build their dream home brick by brick over years. Things happen when they happen, and that's just the way it is.
I came here with a goal to offer as much of myself as possible in our short time here, but I realize now that I have much more to learn about patience, humility, and happiness from the people here than I could possibly repay in just a week.
(Today's blog by Cathryn, Habitat Wake's 2013 Volunteer of the Year!)
