This last week was quite emotional, one because I was leave and two because I missed my family who were constantly calling me, to tell me that they’re very excited to see me again. Everyone who we met wanted to celebrate are departure. As a token of their appreciation I was given a bag pack by my supervisor, a wallet from my host mom and a bracelet from an organizer. I was not expecting any gift from them because they had already done so much for me. It was nice to be surprised with little fiesta to wrap. The next day workers coordinated to take us to the beach and had lunch prepared for at the office. It was truly a week of thank you’s, not just from the workers but also for us interns.

As for the family that we got to know and to live with, they were very heart broken that we were leaving. I will say that I will miss all of them but I am lucky enough to have their contact information, so I can keep in touch. I have already received Facebook messages were the workers are emailing me about the next visit. Although I made it clear that the internship programs like to give everyone the opportunity to learn about the maquila industry they still are very hopeful that one day I will return. I’m sure that Honduras has not seen the last of me and I am sure that I will come back to visit my family in Honduras who have told me many times that I will always have a home in Honduras.

Joanna

As July comes to an end, it makes me recall all the memories I have made in Honduras. It’s sad to think that my internship is almost over! Already my host family has been asking me “when are you coming back?” But I know very well that I might not come back. What can someone say in a situation like that? It breaks my heart to plan out the next week in front of them, because the family would love us to stay. This crazy week was full of factory visits, final visits to union and workers. However, the most exciting plan this last week was a visit to the CDM (the center for women’s rights). The CDM is a non-profit that serves women of the community to learn about globalization, domestic abuse and law violations among other topics. The center certifies women as union promoters at the end of the 12 week program. There I attended a class that was made up of unionized women from different industries (farm/maquila) with two lawyers and community organizer as their teachers.  It was amazing to hear all the women’s point of view on society and the treatment of women in everyday life. All the women at their graduation which I attend as well spoke about the importance of the CDM because they don’t even teach that type of material at universities. This organization highly impressed me and even inspired me, because the women really were transformed into great leaders.

Joanna