The immersion trip I went on was a captivating experience that allowed me to be a kid and become more educated about HIV/AIDs. Montaña de Luz is a program that empowers children and families affected by HIV/AIDS.

Since this was the first time Buck-I-Serv has worked with Montaña’s program, I really didn’t know what to expect. I came into this trip with an open mind almost expecting everything but nothing at the same time. I didn’t know the severity of HIV in Honduras and how conservative their culture was. I had no idea that so many families were affected by HIV and how discriminative people are toward it as well. We had an HIV workshop that the kids a part of Montaña gave us, and I surprisingly didn’t know the ways that HIV was transmitted.

You see, I didn’t even realize how harsh their healthcare systems were. Having to provide your own bedding when you’re in the midst of being in labor isn’t something I couldn’t even fathom having to worry about. You see, as much as you wish you could prevent the spread of HIV by having a c-section or not breast feeding, 60% of their population doesn’t have jobs and can’t afford proper healthcare. Nor is it given…But we hear and see HIV and think why would we want this to spread? Sometimes it can’t even be helped. With all of these things I learned, it truly impacted the way I perceive HIV/AIDs. Sometimes it can’t be prevented but you have programs such as Montaña that are trying to make change and provide medicine for kids and families so they can live normal lives while their HIV status remains dormant.

Alongside the learning aspect of Honduras culture, we also did service projects that allowed us to do things I didn’t ever think I would do. We learned how to make concrete. Learned the strengths and weaknesses of a language barrier, and also simply being present. The one thing I enjoyed the most about our trip was playing with the kids and feeling like one again. Although these kids don’t have as much resources as I do, they all managed to smile and play and simply be grateful for being alive and well. I was so touched and felt like my childhood self was recognized being able to pay soccer and volleyball and feel included. Having homemade meals that were delicious (or rica as Honduras would say) and dance parties made me so grateful and thankful.

Things worth mentioning that I feel we don’t even think about is their healthcare system. As much as the United States doesn’t have that great of a healthcare system it is a lot better than Honduras. The roads weren’t all paved. They have awful air pollution because they don’t have a trash system so they burn it. But also, I learned one of their main sources of agriculture is sugar cane, but sugar cane only adds to their air pollution. Montaña is a woman led non profit organization that only brings in 400K a year that comes from U.S. donors. In 2003, Honduras first got approved to receive medicine for HIV which was four 10 years after the U.S and all of their medicine even at Montaña comes from the U.S. The kids a part of Montaña are on a very strict scheudle to regulate their shots and HIV status. For a trimester of English classes it is $250 U.S. dollars which is a lot in their currency…But if you do take English classes you have a higher chance at getting a job…Again, all of these things I learned truly changed the way I think about culture as a whole and just the opportunity that I am given…

One of our days was like this..

We woke up and ate breakfast then we went to Capilla. We sang songs with the little kids and we said our prayers holding hands. It was so wholesome and fun to be able to dance with the kids it genuinely made me so happy. I felt so welcomed and free. After that everyone else got up we all got ready for the day and then everyone had their share of breakfast too slowly but surely. We then went to our service site and we found out what we were doing for our projects. We were split in half Carlos told us kind of what to do which again having a language barrier did make it hard to know what we had to do, but we figured it out eventually. One of our trip leaders Anna worked on building the door with Angel. Scarlet and John left with Ronni to get supplies that we need for the draining system we were building and Brad, Lauren and I basically worked on getting all the vines off the fence to prep to take off the gate tomorrow. I raked but the rake was broken but it’s okay it was a good workout. Anna was welding with Angel it was interesting they were translating numbers and measurements too she said she struggled but she found it to be memorable. Divya, Megan, Adrianna, Ella and Madison all worked on making concrete and starting the slab for the foundation of the emergency stove we were building outside. After we finished a decent amount we headed back to Montaña to eat lunch we had lasagna it was so good. We then headed back it was so hot at the site but we worked and finished the fencing and burned all the leaves etc. After we came to a good stopping point and we put all the supplies away. Also we had so many giggles  it was so fun and Sarah (the main leader of Montaña) brought us jello and ice and coke it was so sweet and appreciative everyone enjoyed. We then came back and visited the little shop that Fabiola has and we all bought snacks and drinks. We played volleyball and soccer with the kids which was so much fun! Dinner was so good we had tostones 10/10 best meal yet. After that we ended the night.

This project added so much value to my life and I think I needed the kids more than they needed me. I felt seen, heard, and I never giggled and laughed so much in one week with a group of people I never met prior to this trip. Montaña has such a special place in my heart. We are going to start a club called Club Montaña to fundraise and bring awareness to what they are doing there and try to spread love and joy just like the kids did. I want to continue going on service trips like this because not only did I make a small impact, but this trip made an impact on me. The mountain of light keeps shining!