I have three daughters (and a son). Valerie, the oldest, is now "home" (with her daughter), the reason being to help celebrate my father's 90th. I just have to brag on her--that's a parent's right.

Being the first child, she's the responsible one (takes after her daddy). She could read when she was 4, read "Gone With The Wind" at 8, ranked 2nd in her graduating class (should have been #1, but that's another story), played piano and French horn, was admitted into Optometry school in her 4th year at Ind. U. (almost unheard of), and became an optometrist--her lifelong ambition.

In the meantime, she married her high school sweetheart, and has two children (she's now 34).
After one year of being a hometown optometrist, she and her husband decided they wanted to move to Tegucigalpa Honduras, where they had spent some time while on college semester break, treating the "needy" (for a lack of a better word). They both became ultra religious (he first-she followed), and felt the pull to do more. So they packed their belongings and moved to Honduras to "serve the Lord". They've been there 8 years.

When people ask me what they're doing down there, I usually respond with "missionary medical work". My son-in-law is the chief fund raiser for a medical clinic. Money comes from private donations--US churches and individuals primarily. He also oversees new construction and outreach. Valerie is the practicing optometrist and head honcho (honcho-ette?)of the clinic. Plus, she plays the piano and directs choir in their mission church (Protestant) affiliated with the clinic.

While I don't agree with their "mission", I have to say I'm proud of my daughter's dedication and conviction to follow her heart. She's certainly not going to make it rich. Besides, they have no equity, no health insurance, no earned Social Security credits. Their philosophy is "The Lord will provide".

Admiration aside, I do wish they would return "home" for the reasons just stated. Besides, I love my daughter and miss her and my grandchildren. I guess that makes me the selfish one. She returns to her Honduran home in 3 days. Guess who paid for her trip? It was worth every penny to see her!