Despite being called “Erin” a few times at first, everyone eventually adjusted to “nanny # 2” and learned my name (Sarah). This past month, living under the mango tree in the McCann’s backyard, I’ve learned that taking care of children in the Honduran climate is not always pretty, but it’s real. And in that vein, here's a “top 10” list of my own.
Things I’ve learned as a nanny in La Ceiba, Honduras:
1) Never remove a baby’s diaper more than 30 seconds prior to placing him/her into the tub.
2) Bug spray will only slightly reduce the likelihood of getting eaten alive by mosquitoes.
3) Never go anywhere without a pacifier.
4) Don’t eat the salad!
5) Sometimes the best kinds of friends are imaginary.
6) It is possible to sweat profusely even when idle.
7) To Honduran women, bras are only a suggestion. Openly nursing a 3-year-old is also completely normal.
8) The key to a 2-year-old’s heart is always having plenty of snacks and juice boxes.
9) Beware of recipes entitled “brownie pudding cake."
10) Parenting demands unnatural amounts of patience, cheerios, and fresh clothes, but the payoff is a lifetime of free entertainment!
Lord willing, this won’t be my last time under the mango tree. I’ve loved every minute of my stay here in La Ceiba: the good, the sweaty, and the ugly.
I love you, McCanns and will miss you dearly! Thank you for your hospitality and friendship to me this past month!!
Sarah Meyer
