Dreaming of the Children in the Rainforest

By Norma Love
As the years have passed, my friends still ask me why I continue to care for the children of Honduras, especially the ones who live in the rainforest of La Mosquitia. My family and friends used to call me a dreamer. But I just wanted to help. One day, I came to realize that we are the architects of these children's future. Without our support, there might not exist a future for them. The small villages of the rainforest are like primitive paintings full of life, a work of art freshened by the aroma of its pine forests, the echoes of its mountains, the murmur of its rivers, and the sound of the children laughing as they play innocently in their own environment. Progress is everywhere in Honduras. You can see it in the majesty of the country's buildings, the North American-style supermarkets filled with goods that are only available to the very few. When I look at all of this, I see another face of life... men, women and children who have very little hope... communities fighting because of political, social and economic problems.

These problems have been seriously aggravated by the world financial crisis that contribute to the perpetuation of the vicious cycle of poverty. Poor health, poor education, very low income, delinquency, and the disintegration of the family form a huge burden upon the weakest and less protected, which are the children. For me, each child is special and unique. We must protect these children from injustice, not deny them the right to live with dignity in a more just society.

When I see the children running beside me, I sense in them the possibilities of tomorrow’s Honduras. I see a future president of my country! If you and I, along with others, commit to caring for and teaching these children, then we could ensure that their lives are filled with dignity. Our duty is to build a bridge of peace -- one long and unending bridge of life for all the children of Honduras.

Because of the economic and political situation with which Honduras has been struggling this year, my foundation which serves the people of La Mosquitia has been affected as well. I have returned to the United States for a few months to re-establish and nurture old relationships and build new ones with various individuals and organizations. I hope to find additional support so we can assist children and their families learn to live a healthier life in perhaps the most remote and isolated region in all of Honduras. (4/2/10) (photo of Miskito children courtesy Internet)

Note: The author of this piece is the founder and president of the Norma I. Love Foundation.

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