Our Almost Year in Roatan
I wholeheartedly believe that microfinance is one of the most powerful and sustainable economic development solutions that exist to uplift vulnerable populations. I do not say that lightly, I’ve worked over 20 years with government contractors, foundations, and nonprofits to advance a variety of community development programs. Adelante’s work implementing microfinance in Honduras it top notch and has been life changing for thousands. I’ve seen it first-hand. I have worked with Adelante for the last 3+ years and met dozens of microloan recipients in several impoverished regions of the country. At times I’ve had to hold back tears hearing stories of suffering overcome, but I have always left inspired by the hardworking entrepreneurial women who take great pride in their accomplishments.
My 12-year-old and I spent the last 10 months in Roatan. My goal – support the expansion of a microfinance project to empower underserved women on the island, while also cultivating a budding global citizen. I had visited the mainland and bay islands previously and had helped facilitate the Roatan needs assessment. I thought I knew what I was getting myself into. But life has a way of shaking expectations on the head.
I pictured days of work while Audrey attended school and after school sports, early evenings strolling the beach and exploring the local cuisine. But the first few months were fraught with torrential rains, an adolescent who hated her new school, several bouts of bedridden sickness, multiple accommodation changes, and a lot of growing pains navigating the unpredictable issues inherent to living in a developing country. For every challenge faced, there were silver linings and soggy rainbows. We sought solace with the occasional snorkel, exploration of the region, and met so many incredible people. Whether locals or expats, there was an abundance of people offering support and advice, meals, invitations, rides, and so much more. When you’re out of your normal day-to-day and comfort zone, there’s vulnerability. With every moment of disorientation, an opportunity to laugh it off. We’ve been back in the U.S. for a week, and I already miss the wonderful souls who shared their time, talent, and support so generously.
Being close to the Adelante headquarters in La Ceiba made it super easy to take a 1.5 hour ferry or 20 min flight to meet with local staff, visit client beneficiaries, and conduct impact tours with people visiting the mainland who wished to learn more about microfinance. There is no shortage of beauty on Roatan, but nothing compares to the lush jungles and beautiful rivers of Pico Bonito National Park inland from La Ceiba.
If you were to ask my daughter…she would likely come up with a list of complaints, but I trust she’ll look back at some point and appreciate all the animals she got to pet (even the slightly unpredictable spider monkey next door), the Sunday fundays, even the obstacles she faced and overcame (which has manifested in its own form of confidence). And although the expansion to Roatan didn’t kick off on quite the timeline we hoped for (“manana” is a common phrase and means tomorrow, or on island time, sometime…eventually). All this to say, there has been progress – loan pool funds secured through a Rotary Foundation global grant and we have several incredible people and partners helping to advance it. We are eager to start serving vulnerable women on the island who wish to start or grow business enterprises in the weeks ahead. To anyone who wishes to follow activities in Roatan, please click here. If you plan to visit the island and wish to learn more about the power of microfinance in Honduras, please don’t hesitate to reach out via email.
