humble abode

Despite the torrential rain we received yesterday accompanied by a cold, wet and windy 30 minute hitch from work in Agua Calient back into the city, we (Kelly, Jessica and I) were off to visit our "Mountain Friend", Koen on his 24th birthday. After hitting the busy city streets of Ceiba we continued along by jumping in the first taxi to the base of the mountains and were quickly off, riding up in our second hitch of the day up, up, up the bumpy, dirt, jungle road that scenically finds itself winding along the rivers edge to our dear friends home.

Tired, wet and cold we finally made it to his treasured abode nestled on the river side of the jungle in the Pico Bonito mountains. And there he was, Koen of Belgium, with his Honduran purchased, over sized glasses and freshly trimmed mountain shag, lone but occupied while sharpening his machete outside his humble mountain home.

Reaching out to Koen for a big, birthday hug, one can't help but be filled with warm fuzzies as you encounter the contagious Koen smile. Our dear Koen is a valued volunteer teacher at the local Jungle School. Koen continuously gives of himself everyday at the Jungle School and is so thoughtful that early in the day, on his own birthday, he gave every child that squeezed into his wee little house a present to take home.

Graciously being invited into his cozy and quaint home we hungrily gathered around the Coleman stove for warmth, conversation and crepes. Shortly after meeting his 15 year old neighbour with baby and taking a peek at their sheltered new born puppies we quickly packed up our things as we eyed our ride back down the mountain. A short but sweet visit, and positively scorpion free we were content with satisfied bellies, and happy to have made it up for our mountain friends special day.