When I enrolled in this class I have had the experience of learning and living another cultures, Germany, Japan, and Korea.  The one thing that I was not aware of was a country south of the USA and being third world.  While I lived in the other countries, I realized they lived the same way I lived.  In a "westernized culture".  So, I was ready and willing to learn and live with a third world country so I will be able to compare my culture to theirs. I have seen the media's image of poverty by infomercials on "Save the Children", and on the evening news, but I wanted to develop my own image.

     When I made my objective for this class I put a lot of thought in to it. 

1) To understand and learn about Forestry.  I this objective was fulfilled. I felt comfortable to ask any question I had about a forest, the growth pattern, harvest cycle, different species, production, and the quality of a tree.  I was able to learn more about a forest/trees while hiking the Biological Reserve at Jardin Botanico de Lancetilla. I was able to understand the needs of a tree in order to produce their flowers/seeds.  I learned the importance of the reserve for students to have a chance to further research a specific species so the rest of the world will be able to be aware.  One fact I learned on the trip was that charcoal is made from wood. I never knew that. 

2) To expose myself to a third world Country.  I was able to understand and to be aware of how Hondurans survive day to day, complete daily tasks, and communicate with their neighbors.  By spending the day with World neighbors I was able to fulfil this objective. I was exposed to the daily life of a Honduran, and how a family who lives together (grandparents, parents, and children) works together.  The way they communicate with their neighbors was to worship in the Catholic Church in the Central Park. Also gathering on a Saturday afternoon at the Central Park to meet, greet, enjoy each other, and sell your goods. I was also able to freshen' up on my Spanish, which I am glad I had the opportunity to do.

3) So I will be able to compare this experience to my past experience.  This was easily done after two days.  The obvious comparison is their way of life, no running water and electricity, and car in the remote smaller communities.  I had a difficult time remembering not to flush my toilet paper, drink the water, and being able to bargain for souvenirs.

4) To compare Honduran natural resources to the USA natural resources as exports and imports.  I was able to see the Chiquita Banana plantation and a coffee plantation at Finca las Glorias. These crops are the two main exports and somewhat of timber is also an export. Compared to the USA, this is a third world country. We have so much more to offer the world market.  The thing is, they also produce a crop but what they grow is for their personal consumption.