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Hi Everyone!

Well Michelle and I made it home safe and sound.
Once again thank you to all those that supported the infant care center.
I will be returning again late Jan for a month and I'm collecting now for this trip.
If you have any supplies you would like to get there just let me know.
You can see the wishlist for the center at www.themorganjayneproject.com
It was wonderful to come back to the bright gold and red leaves that are still on the trees. It is a nice change from blue and green!

Happy Halloween to All,

Karen

Last Day at the Infant Care Center

Hi Everyone,

Today was my last day helping out at the Infant Care Center.
It proved to be quite chaotic as usual.
Air Conditioning has been donated and the workers arrived today to install the units.
Five workers buzzed around with equipment among the babies and toddlers.
Michelle has enjoyed her time here as well. She has been charmed with Baby G and her big smile and happy disposition.
The twins are busy as ever, Baby T is recovering well from her cold.
Boy Wonder is still growing like a weed and sleeping for long periods.

The weather has been beautiful the last couple of days. Today we enjoyed the breeze, sun, and serenity on the dock.
The sunset was spectacular!

If all goes according to plan we will arriving back on Sunday. I'm hoping there will still be leaves on the trees.

Thank you once again to all who sent donations, they are much appreciated.

See you all Soon!

Karen

Rainy Season Arrives With Michelle

Hi Everyone!

All is well here on Roatan.
My friend Michelle arrived on Saturday. She is spending this last week here with me.
The luggage did not arrive with her but it did miraculously show up yesterday.
Jane was very happy to receive all the baby food and supplies. Thank you everyone that contributed.

A big storm arrived on Monday with rain and high winds. The power was out most of the day Monday.
Today the sun is appearing again so Michelle will have a few days of good weather.

One of the little ones at the infant care center is battling a chest infection. She requires some maskings to help her breathing. I was happy to see her condition improved on Tuesday when we arrived to help.
All the other little ones are healthy and doing wonderful.

We are attending a murder mystery dinner this evening at the Oasis Lounge. Everyone attending are also characters in the murder mystery. It should prove to be a great evening.

We are off to West End today to enjoy some of the local flavour and check out the shops.

Stay Well,

Karen

Water Flowing Again

All is well at the infant care center today.
The past 3 days have been difficult as the pump supplying this area with water was broken.
Not having water is very challenging. No baths or laundry being done.
Today things are back to normal.
It seems so much quieter since baby S. was returned to her birth father.
The twins are still two little balls of fire. They can stand holding on to things and once they are walking it is going to be wild!
Baby G. is happy as ever. She is growing like a weed. We will need larger size girls clothing 12-18months soon for her and the twins soon.
Boy Wonder is also getting big. He is more alert for longer periods of time but still sleeps the most of all the babies.
Baby E is beginning to smile a little more. She will fall asleep being rocked but if you try to set her in bed she awakes immediately and screams to high heaven.
There are new security bars on the front porch as well now. Soon we will be able to take some of the little ones outside.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to All.
I celebrated with a large group of Canadians and Canadian Wannabees!
The Blue Bahia hosted a party with a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings.
It was excellent food, company and music. You gotta love Stompin Tom!

The weather is still fabulous with sunshine and warm breezes. The nights are a little cooler and I'm told we will be able to turn the fans off soon.

Looking forward to a visit from my good friend Michelle. She is arriving on Saturday and we will be flying back together the following Saturday.

Stay Well,

Karen

Water Flowing Again

Another Sad Day

Good Morning Everyone!


Things are a little quieter this morning at the Infant Care Center.
4mos old Baby S. was returned to her birth father after the court hearing a few days ago.
I hope and pray she is cared for as she has special diet needs and is a difficult baby.

There was a huge loss overnight. A new little one with special needs was spending his first night. The family was being assisted as he had some chronic conditions and mom needed help.
Sadly and unexpectedly he passed away early this morning. It is believed he had a bacterial
infection. Some thorough cleaning is going on to prevent any transfer of infection to the other babes. Our thoughts and prayers are with this family!

The weather remains sunny, hot and breezy. I am not looking forward to the snowy season that is approaching quickly at home.

I visited the children's home (orphanage) that is across the road from my cabana. A couple lives with the 15 children there. The wife speaks little english and asked me to come back when her husband is home. I will return today or tomorrow and see what kind of volunteer help they require.

All is well otherwise. I will be attending a traditional Canadian Thanksgiving Dinner on Monday at a place called The Blue Bahia. I'm looking forward to turkey!

Herman is still hanging out! He jumped out at me this morning when I opened the screen door. What a guy, he even has a sense of humour!

A few stray cats have taken to sitting on my doorstep and crying until I feed them.
I think they usually hang out at my neighbours but she is away for a couple of weeks.

Off to the pool to soak up some afternoon sun, keep my tan and get my Vit D dose for the day.

Stay Well,

Karen

Hi Everyone,

Things are going well here.
The weather is still beautiful so I am enjoying lots of beach walks, swims and lazing by the pool.

All is well at the Infant Care Center. The same group of babes are still here.

All is quiet on the island. Hopefully things will pickup in November when the cruiseship dock is completed.
It is expected that there will be thousands more of the day visitors.
Now there are 2 cruiseships per week and this is expected to increase to 7 or more.

Thanks to Dave and Genny I have a social life. I'm lucky to be invited along to dinners and parties so I'm meeting lots of the expats that have settled here on Roatan.

Hope everyone is enjoying the fall colours and Happy Thanksgiving this weekend.
I plan to attend a Traditional Thanksgiving dinner as well.

Stay Well,

Karen

Arrests made in death of Dallas

Hi Everyone,

Just wanted everyone to know that there have been arrests made in the murder of Dallas Martens. I know that Krissy did an interview with CTV this morning.
There were lots of nasty rumours going around that she was involved etc and not true at all.

I attended the monthly Ladies Luncheon which was held at Earth Mamas in West End.
It's a cool spot where they offer yoga, pilates, workshops and they sell organic, earth friendly products as well.
The proceeds were donated to SOL or School of Life. They offer a community outreach program through sports and education to assist the local children.

I know they are interested in having some of the older teens come to the Baby House and assist with caring for some of the little ones. They are hoping this will be a good experience for them and perhaps be a reality check for having babies too soon.

I am taking the weekend off from the infant care center. We never did get the two new babies and I haven't heard why or what is going on.

Sherry is returning to Edmonton tomorrow and we will miss her. She has been doing laundry steady for the past three weeks. Thanks Sherry, have a great trip to India!

We did a girls night out to the Blue Bahia for a great dinner and drinks. Had a great Lobster dinner. We wanted to show Sherry there is more to Roatan than just the Baby House!

The weather is still beautiful with a light drizzle early morning then sunshine all day.

I'm hoping for calm water tomorrow so I can enjoy another amazing swim and snorkel out to the reef.

Stay Well,

Karen

new little ones arriving soon

Hi Everyone,

Another beautiful day here with warm gentle breezes!
I will be going to the infant center again this afternoon. We are expecting two new arrivals anytime.
One is an infant baby, the other a 2 yr old the mother is giving up for adoption.
If you know anyone that loves babies and wants to help send them down! We need more volunteers!

The last couple of days I decided to walk to the center just for the exercise. It only takes about 35 minutes but with the heat it feels like at least an hour.
I can walk along the beach which is beautiful.
One must carry a stick to deal with the dogs that come out as you walk by. They are all bark, no bite.

I will be attending a ladies luncheon on Friday. They are women that support local island causes
and get together once a month. Hoping to recuit some more volunteers from women living here.

It is at a place called Earth Mamas. It was postponed from last week as many people were stuck on the mainland before the curfew was lifted.
Hoping to check out the yoga schedule as well. It would be nice to attend a class.

Stay Well,

Karen

Hi Everybody,

Have just had a very quiet,relaxing weekend.
Lots of reading, swimming and beach walks.

Back to the infant care centre or the "Baby House" as we call it.
The same group of little ones are still there.
The little one that arrived last week is having a very hard time adjusting.
Poor little thing has this blank look on her face and is expressionless most of the time.
The other little scamps are crawling, rolling or walking around.
A new lady is working here now and is very kind and gentle to the little ones.

Cheerios seem to be a big hit around here. I also discovered that little G girl who is a very fussy eater loves avacados.

The weather is still beautiful. Today I will be attending a pool party potluck.
It's always nice to meet some new folks.

Stay Well,

Karen






























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Happy Birthday Naomi

Today is Naomi's 11th birthday. It's hard to imagine her as anything but a little girl. Happy Birthday Sweetheart!

Back to the baby house again today. I spent the whole day there as it is so busy and I feel guilty to leave Rosa alone with 5 little ones.

Just as I was about to leave Val arrived with another little one in her arms.
A one year old little girl. So sad to see this one with her hair done up and wearing her best party dress.

Another crack addicted mom that walked into her office and said "I'll be back in 5 minutes". Apparently this is not the little ones first visit to the baby house.

All the other little ones are wonderful.
The twins are two little scamps. Beware of allowing D to get too close with her face as she is a champion head butter.

T has two wonderful front teeth. Beware she is capable of finger tip amputation.

Boy Wonder is waking up and is now hungry man. We've finally clued in he's no longer a newborn and needs a full bottle not just half.

S had a new view of the world from a vertical position. She had her first stay sitting propped up in the baby walker on wheels.

G is smiling and such a happy girl. She is teething and enjoys the icy chewy rings from the freezer.

The twins big sister G girl had a special day with my friend Genny. She spent the day swimming and spending special time away from the other toddlers.

All is quiet on the island. The curfew was lifted so it is back to business as usual.

The rain finally came yesterday and gave the plants a drink. Today is breezy and much more comfortable.

The roosters don't seem to be as loud as before.
The monkey la las are scurrying about. They are little lizards that look like miniature dinasaurs. They walk on all fours and then stand on their hind legs and run away saying "Ha Ha you can't catch me"

Herman still gazes through the screen wondering how much longer I plan to be around.

Stay Well,

Karen

Had a calm, quiet day at the infant care center yesterday.
All the babies are thriving.

A few days of food, drink, sleep and lots of loving have revived the twins to their active, happy dispostions.

The 3 mos old is much more content with soy formula and the medication for thrush is clearing up her sore bottom.

The 6 mos old is much happier than she was the other day. She is a beautiful, happy girl and will be a treasure for whoever adopts her.

G girl is cute as a button. A big helper for her 2 little sisters.
She has been busy doing puzzles this morning and has devoured a few freezies.

Boy Wonder is his same old sleepy self. He seems to have grown a few inches just in the las week. He is a great contributor to the heaps of laundry with his regular up chucking.



With the arrival of Mel Zelaya on the mainland there was a curfew issued last evening. This means no being out and about.
It is now noon here and word has come the curfew has been lifted for Roatan.

The weather has remained sunny and hot. It's a little more comfortable now with a steady warm breeze and much more comfortable for sleeping.

The locals are wishing for rain as it has been so dry and the vegetation needs a drink. There is such lushness with palm trees swaying, blooming hibiscus and so many other tropical plants.

The hummingbirds continue to dart from flower to flower, they love the red hibiscus.
My resident gecko I've named Herman. He stares at me through the screen on the porch as I enjoy my morning coffee. I swear he seems disturbed I have invaded his peace and quiet.

The waters are calm so I plan for another amazing snorkel at the reef.
I really need a fish book to identify all the diffent fish. Such brilliant blues, yellows and pinks.

It has been wonderful to practice yoga out on the dock.
Always a breeze and surrounded by the sand and azure blue water.

I will send photos when I figure out how.

Stay Well,

Karen

Sad Day at the Infant Care Center

The first baby that came to the Infant Care Center is now a year old.

Dallas and Krissy are a young Canadian couple that are in the midst of adopting him.
They came to Roatan and met the baby and fell in love with him.
They moved here and took jobs as teachers at one of the schools and were prepared to do whatever was necessary to adopt the baby.

Friday evening was their first wedding anniversary and they celebrated by going out for dinner. Baby B. was not with them.
With a long term plan to stay on the island to see the adoption through, they had stoppped after dinner to look at a house they knew was for sale. Although it was dark they parked their truck with the headlights facing the house. The house was not being lived in at the present time.

Out of the dark two Spanish men appeared. The details are unclear but it appears they had startled two bandidos involved in another crime.
After all was said and done Dallas was shot and killed. Kristy somehow managed to get a taxi to West End to find the police.

Crimes of this nature are not common here on Roatan. There is usually some connection to drugs, crime, prostitution etc., just like home.

This has shaken everyone and sadly a young couples dream is shattered in a matter of seconds.

On Saturday morning I was summoned to the infant center. Val and Jane went to support and assist Krissy. Many details needed to be attended to.

Genny was already at the center. A couple other volunteers that have lived here for two years had also arrived to help.
They frequently volunteer with the babies and have frequently babysat young Baby B.

Many phone calls were received with the community of expats pledging money for a reward. It is the only hope for finding the culprits as the police are unskilled and inexperienced with no resources.

I will be back tomorrow to help for the day as there is a local wake and Val and Jane will be busy once again assisting Krissy.

I will keep you posted and please send prayers and warm thoughts to this young woman.


Stay Well All,

Karen

Girls Rule around here!

A 4 mos old has a thrush infection and is on meds to clear up a very raw bottom.. Poor little thing can hardly sleep at all.

6 mos old G. is all smiles. Hopefully Jane will find a forever family when she is legally available for adoption.

8 mos olds T and D look like 4-5 mos olds they are so small.
T. is small but mighty and D. is bigger but more listless. She has a heart condition and hopefully will not need surgery in the future. They look identical to me and have the biggest brown eyes you have ever seen.
Today I was able to coax a smile from them and they seem to be coming back to life.

2 yr old G girl is the big sister of the twins. She is a pint size version of Don King (same hair exactly) She hangs with the big kids.

3 yr olds J and M keep everybody on their toes. Their mom is Jane and sometimes they are not so sure what to think of all these baby intruders!

And then there is 1 mos old Boy Wonder. He is the only baby boy in the house and seems oblivious to the chaos surrounding him. It drives me crazy everytime I come in and see his knee socks like we're in the throes of winter.
The socks are cute but sorry off they come when I'm around.

2 yr old K belongs to R who works here. She is not thrilled at all to have mom always busy with other little ones.

Today a couple of teen girls came to volunteer. It is part of their community service for high school and they wanted to be with the babies.

They have lived here on Roatan for the past 5 years with their parents and seem to like living in Central America.

The sunset was spectacular this evening, the colours and cloud formations amazing!
Come see for yourself!

Adios,

Karen

More Little Ones Have Arrived

Hi All,

Wow, is it busy here now. Today there are 3 new arrivals.
All siblings, there are 8 mos old twin girls and a 2 yr old. This is their second visit to the baby center. They had been returned to their home but are not being cared for properly.

I sure hope some more volunteers show up soon as caring for these little ones 24/7 is more than a full time job.
There is a new local woman helping out now. She brings along her 2 yr old so this place is ahopping!

I will go back tomorrow as well.

It is seagrape season which means it is messy with seagrapes covering the ground and wherever they land. They look like cherries and stain everything purple.
The ants are also in full swing, they patrol the countertops whether food is left out or not.

These past 2 weeks have flown by.
The rain hasn't started yet but apparently there is rain in the forcast for the weekend.

Stay Well,

Karen

Melting During the Power Outage

Back to the Morgan Jayne Infant Center to care for the babies.
It is summer here and very, very, HOT!
Yesterday the power went out for about 6 hours. I thought we would die with no fans but we survived. Boy did my afternoon swim and snorkel feel great.

A new volunteer has arrived from Edmonton. She is a personal friend of Valerie's and responded to her pleas for help. She is staying for a month and then is continuing on to a preplanned trip to India for 2 weeks. She is staying with Jane and will be welcome relief for the round the clock care these little ones need.

I plan to check out the orphanage or Children's Home as it's known as. It is right across the road from my cabana at Sundancer so I am curious to see if they have a need for help as well.

It has been a festive time here over the past 5 days. There was a yearly fishing derby on all weekend and West End was closed to pedestrians only with a carnival like atmosphere.
Today is a holiday and the schools are closed as well as many businesses.

Tonight Genny and I will make our way to a place known as Tranquil Seas. Her husband Drummer Dave is playing there for the evening entertainment along with his friend Ron.

I must run to get down to the dock for another gorgeous sunset!

Stay Well,

Karen

A week has flown by and today I returned my rental car. It would be great to have wheels all the time but it's too expensive.

They assured me when I rented the car at the airport last week they would drop me back at Sundancer when I returned the car. Of course today it's a problem. No surprise for Roatan.

Luckily I bargained with the cabbie and it only cost two and half dollars to get back home.

Spent time between the pool and the dock and had a great beach walk.

Met an interesting woman who is here volunteering with Kids Matter International.
They are building a home for sexually abused girls. They will help these girls to heal and teach them skills for their futures.

She is checking out volunteer opportunities for those who are here a short time. I will keep you posted.
You never know who you will meet at the dock for sunset.

Buenos Noches

Karen

Termites eating the house

Hi Everyone,

We're having a mini crisis at the center. It was discovered there are many termite nests and they are devouring the house.

The exterminator has come once and removed some nests and will spray now on a regular basis.

A donation was made to cover the cost of installing security bars on the doors and windows.

It's necessary as there is a large drug problem with crack and sometimes unhappy parents who have had their babies removed by the Honduran Family and Children Services.

Jane is doing an amazing job caring for these babies and often has no help. She also has two three year olds she has adopted.

She also makes home visits to check on little ones that have been returned to their homes and will remove them again if they are not being cared for.

This is an entirely different culture and standard of care. These babies live in homes with dirt floors and safety does not exist.

On another more pleasant note, I am sitting on my friend Genny's porch with dozens of hummingbirds buzzing around the feeder and me. They are beautiful!

I had an amazing snorkel from the Sundancer dock out to the reef. The water is calm like glass today and this is unusual.

Resting up for a few days and will be back at the baby center soon.

Keep collecting any donations you have. See

Hi from Roatan

Hi Everyone,

The internet is down frequently here so it makes it challenging to post an update.

Hi have spent a few mornings at the infant care centre in Sandy Bay (the morganjayne project).
They have 3 little ones at the moment, 1mos, 2 mos and 4 mos. old. SOO CUTE!
I was so happy to have packed the lactose free formula as little S has been unable to digest regular formula and is now very content for the first time.


I hope to improve on my terrible spanish speaking skills as the local woman who works here speaks no english. We have actually communicated a little.

It's quite funny, she hands me the phone if it rings because she is afraid it will be someone speaking English.

The weather is hot and hotter. I certainly need the ceiling fans this trip.
Hydro has been great, hasn't been out yet!

Have to run, as I am off to the center again this morning with my friend Genny.
She is painting a beautiful mural on the main wall in the living room.

I'm losing my signal,
Will post again soon

Bags are Packed

A big thank you to those who have donated money and items for the morgan jayne infant center.
My bags are FULL and HEAVY!

At the present time there is great difficulty getting lactose free formula which some babies require. If you happen to be coming to Roatan please bring a few containers as every little bit adds up.

I have a friend joining me in October so if you want to send some items after I leave on Saturday send me an email at roatancabana@gmail.com.

Enjoy the beautiful weather we are having this week!
It was wonderful to get a final rowing session in before I leave. Thank you Jackie, Nadia and Margot!

Namaste,
Karen

Preparing to Leave for Roatan

Good Morning All,

I have been busy getting ready to spend a few months on Roatan . I leave on Sept 5 and I'm looking forward to the adventure of volunteering at the new infant feeding center.
This will be the first time I have had a chance to spend some time and really get involved in the local community.

If you would like to help but are unable to plan a volunteer vacation at this time there are many items that would be appreciated.
http://www.themorganjayneproject.com/ has a wish list of the most needed items at this time. Contact me at roatancabana@gmail.com and I will collect anything you may wish to donate.

Volunteer accommodations are at Sundancer cabanas in Sandy Bay. Check out my cabana website at www.roatancabana.com

Stay Well,
Karen