June 29, 2009
What is really happening? That is the question forefront on my mind right now. I hear two sides of the story of the political situation here in Honduras and I wonder who is being deceived – the rest of the world or those in Honduras. I suppose that time will reveal the truth and until then we wait and we pray.
This morning I finally got out for a run and the verse that came to my mind which I believe is important for these next few days and weeks was Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
I have been out at camp since Saturday. We arrived in the middle of some heavy rainstorms. Perhaps because of the rain there were not as many police checkpoints as I thought there might be. Yesterday I feel as if I spent a lot of time on the internet trying to figure out which story was true with regards to Honduras and its politics. As a camp staff we also spent time in prayer for the nation – the people and the leaders. Today I hope to get back to work as normal but I know that I will still continue to try and keep updated on what happens with the emergency meeting of the Americas. I also am going to try and meet up with a group of engineers from Michigan who are currently on “lock-down” in Pinalejo. (They were told to stay put until further notice.)
Daily life at camp continues as normal. We are never alone here. Last night I noticed a dark shadow in the corner of the bathroom and turned on the light. It was a tarantula (not too big though). I scooped it into the dust pan and carried it outside to release it. I usually do not have the heart to kill the spiders. Meanwhile every time I go outside I can still here the munching of the locusts as they continue to devour the leaves, pine needles, and bark. And in the peanut butter jar I had a colony of ants. I probably needed the extra protein though so it was not too bad. In that way life continues as normal.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
From Toddlers to Military Coups
June 26, 2009
Sometimes it is surprising how the daily things of life go on as normal even when outside the house, the world can be on the brink of crisis. That is a little how I have felt today. Lisbeth, the toddler in my apartment, is busy pushing her new plastic chair all around the living room (a tile floor). I am not sure how that constitutes as play or what she imagines that she is doing but the grating of the chair against tile has been going on for at least 10 minutes. I do have to smile at her. I was not smiling though when I heard a noise coming from her bedroom during the time that she was supposedly napping and I entered to find her on top of the desk. She was caught in the act but did not even really have a guilty look on her face. Since her mom had run downtown while she was napping, I had to get her down, make sure she had not eaten anything poisonous (since she also got into the bathroom cupboard and just about everything else in the room), and of course there was her dirty diaper. For the first time I mastered the cloth diaper and safety pins. I then proceeded to do my computer work from the hall way so that I could ensure she was staying put in bed. She discovered how to get out of the playpen (which is also broken so cannot really serve as her bed anymore) so no matter where she "sleeps" we are not assured that she will not leave her bed. When her mom arrived home, Lisbeth was still wide awake and I gladly relinquished any baby-sitting responsibilities.
So that is in the house but outside in the rest of Honduras, there is much tension. The Honduran president has seemingly been trying to find a way to stay in power come this November election and so he wants a fourth box put on the election ballot that would affirm allowing a constitutional change (presumably the part that says a president cannot be re-elected). Things have come to a head this week because on Sunday the president plans to have a vote about whether the fourth ballot box can be added, an action declared unconstitutional and illegal by the Supreme Court. When the military chief refused to provide military protection for the referendum this Sunday, the president fired him. (That was Wednesday). Yesterday the Congress re-instated the military chief and has people investigating the president's actions and from what I have heard, threatening him with jail. Meanwhile Chavez of Venezuela says that he supports the Honduran president's actions. There is question as to whether Sunday's referendum will be peaceful or will turn to violence. Will the president be imprisoned? Will there be a military coup? I have no idea but the warning is out there not to travel on Sunday. I plan to head to camp before then. I think I will feel safer out there away from the city.
I have never been in an area where there was threat of a military coup or a political uprising. It brings many mixed emotions. I think that I have a healthy fear but am not overwhelmed by fear. One of the things that I have been realizing is that probably if things got too bad, I could get out. But what about my Honduran friends for whom Honduras is their home? They do not have a passport that allows them to travel to another country and seek shelter or a new life. So what I am experiencing is still nothing in comparison to the Hondurans themselves. I am praying for peace and that Sunday will not bring violence from either side of the government or people.
Sometimes it is surprising how the daily things of life go on as normal even when outside the house, the world can be on the brink of crisis. That is a little how I have felt today. Lisbeth, the toddler in my apartment, is busy pushing her new plastic chair all around the living room (a tile floor). I am not sure how that constitutes as play or what she imagines that she is doing but the grating of the chair against tile has been going on for at least 10 minutes. I do have to smile at her. I was not smiling though when I heard a noise coming from her bedroom during the time that she was supposedly napping and I entered to find her on top of the desk. She was caught in the act but did not even really have a guilty look on her face. Since her mom had run downtown while she was napping, I had to get her down, make sure she had not eaten anything poisonous (since she also got into the bathroom cupboard and just about everything else in the room), and of course there was her dirty diaper. For the first time I mastered the cloth diaper and safety pins. I then proceeded to do my computer work from the hall way so that I could ensure she was staying put in bed. She discovered how to get out of the playpen (which is also broken so cannot really serve as her bed anymore) so no matter where she "sleeps" we are not assured that she will not leave her bed. When her mom arrived home, Lisbeth was still wide awake and I gladly relinquished any baby-sitting responsibilities.
So that is in the house but outside in the rest of Honduras, there is much tension. The Honduran president has seemingly been trying to find a way to stay in power come this November election and so he wants a fourth box put on the election ballot that would affirm allowing a constitutional change (presumably the part that says a president cannot be re-elected). Things have come to a head this week because on Sunday the president plans to have a vote about whether the fourth ballot box can be added, an action declared unconstitutional and illegal by the Supreme Court. When the military chief refused to provide military protection for the referendum this Sunday, the president fired him. (That was Wednesday). Yesterday the Congress re-instated the military chief and has people investigating the president's actions and from what I have heard, threatening him with jail. Meanwhile Chavez of Venezuela says that he supports the Honduran president's actions. There is question as to whether Sunday's referendum will be peaceful or will turn to violence. Will the president be imprisoned? Will there be a military coup? I have no idea but the warning is out there not to travel on Sunday. I plan to head to camp before then. I think I will feel safer out there away from the city.
I have never been in an area where there was threat of a military coup or a political uprising. It brings many mixed emotions. I think that I have a healthy fear but am not overwhelmed by fear. One of the things that I have been realizing is that probably if things got too bad, I could get out. But what about my Honduran friends for whom Honduras is their home? They do not have a passport that allows them to travel to another country and seek shelter or a new life. So what I am experiencing is still nothing in comparison to the Hondurans themselves. I am praying for peace and that Sunday will not bring violence from either side of the government or people.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
What A Day!
June 20, 2009
What a day! Today was my first day to do any physical work and it exhausted me. I did not realize that two weeks of inactivity and the flu would take such a toll. Sadly the physical “work” that I did was mostly walking around camp up and down the hills. It did include lifting some blocks and 4x4’s but still it was not enough work that it should have exhausted me.
After lunch I lead a group of Deacons in several ropes course activities. The time went well and I was ecstatic that for once my lack of Spanish did not seem to interfere with the debrief. God worked and brought some conviction, and I was able to compose the necessary questions. My group had the task of passing a long rope through the Spider’s Web without the rope or their arms touching the web. Anything with the Spider’s Web seems to bring up the issue of integrity and this time was no different. Several people had touched the web but said nothing because they did not want to frustrate the rest of their group by having to start over again. But in the end they did not feel that they had real victory after completing the challenge. What followed was a good discussion with application to our daily walk. Another aspect of our discussion was how sometimes we lose focus of the goal because we are so caught up in the details in front of us. Someone mentioned how we can do that when serving God as well.
As soon as the last debrief was over and we climbed the hill to main camp two things happened. A torrential downpour and what seemed to be a migraine headache. The headache had been brewing all afternoon but thankfully did not hit until after the activities. I had to wait out the storm a bit before heading to my cabin to try and sleep. The latter did not work and so after an hour I decided to drive over to the Williamson’s and get some aspirin. The power had been out for about 3 hours and it was still raining as I left. Getting in my car I was met with a swarm of termites, the kind that emerge after the first rains of the season. They joined me in the car which was not a pleasant experience. It was not pleasant either to see that no one had picked up the ropes course supplies and that I would have to get at least some of them together.
I got some aspirin and planned to head back to my cabin. Cindy prayed with me before I left and I decided to wait a few more minutes because even the 30 second drive could have been too much since I preferred to have my eyes closed. Then all of a sudden (either the aspirin had kicked in or the prayer) I could open my eyes and the pain was gone. What a relief! I had not been having migraines for quite a while and I am not sure what triggered this one, but I hate them. I would even give up chocolate if it meant never having a headache again. Whether it was overworking myself, possible MSG in the chicken I ate, or something else all I know is that I am so thankful to feel better and have been able to read and write this evening. The power came back on too which is another blessing. I suppose that maybe I will not try and get in a run tomorrow since I do not seem to be in great health. I will have to take it slowly this entering back into normal routine.
What a day! Today was my first day to do any physical work and it exhausted me. I did not realize that two weeks of inactivity and the flu would take such a toll. Sadly the physical “work” that I did was mostly walking around camp up and down the hills. It did include lifting some blocks and 4x4’s but still it was not enough work that it should have exhausted me.
After lunch I lead a group of Deacons in several ropes course activities. The time went well and I was ecstatic that for once my lack of Spanish did not seem to interfere with the debrief. God worked and brought some conviction, and I was able to compose the necessary questions. My group had the task of passing a long rope through the Spider’s Web without the rope or their arms touching the web. Anything with the Spider’s Web seems to bring up the issue of integrity and this time was no different. Several people had touched the web but said nothing because they did not want to frustrate the rest of their group by having to start over again. But in the end they did not feel that they had real victory after completing the challenge. What followed was a good discussion with application to our daily walk. Another aspect of our discussion was how sometimes we lose focus of the goal because we are so caught up in the details in front of us. Someone mentioned how we can do that when serving God as well.
As soon as the last debrief was over and we climbed the hill to main camp two things happened. A torrential downpour and what seemed to be a migraine headache. The headache had been brewing all afternoon but thankfully did not hit until after the activities. I had to wait out the storm a bit before heading to my cabin to try and sleep. The latter did not work and so after an hour I decided to drive over to the Williamson’s and get some aspirin. The power had been out for about 3 hours and it was still raining as I left. Getting in my car I was met with a swarm of termites, the kind that emerge after the first rains of the season. They joined me in the car which was not a pleasant experience. It was not pleasant either to see that no one had picked up the ropes course supplies and that I would have to get at least some of them together.
I got some aspirin and planned to head back to my cabin. Cindy prayed with me before I left and I decided to wait a few more minutes because even the 30 second drive could have been too much since I preferred to have my eyes closed. Then all of a sudden (either the aspirin had kicked in or the prayer) I could open my eyes and the pain was gone. What a relief! I had not been having migraines for quite a while and I am not sure what triggered this one, but I hate them. I would even give up chocolate if it meant never having a headache again. Whether it was overworking myself, possible MSG in the chicken I ate, or something else all I know is that I am so thankful to feel better and have been able to read and write this evening. The power came back on too which is another blessing. I suppose that maybe I will not try and get in a run tomorrow since I do not seem to be in great health. I will have to take it slowly this entering back into normal routine.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Am I a Hypocrite?
June 18, 2009
That is the question of the evening. To me it seems hypocritical to try and teach what I cannot even do myself and yet that is what I attempted to do this evening. Evelin has wanted to learn a little bit on the guitar and I have had my guitar here in Honduras for the last 2 years. I can count on one hand the number of times I have actually played. Emily, my old roommate, practiced on it much, much more than I. But this evening we got the guitar out and after attempting unsuccessfully to tune the guitar, I moved on to showing Evelin several chords. Thankfully for her there is a book with pictures too 1.) because I am not a very good teacher and 2.) I probably will not be here when she wants to practice.
I pity the neighbors as I strummed a few notes on an out of tune guitar. The fact that I can never actually tune the guitar is what most often keeps me from playing. I have enough trouble making it sound musical that being out of tune from the start is not good. I will have to call upon the help of the Williamson's the next time they are in the city to get the guitar in tune and then hopefully Evelin can learn to play a little something. She needs to do some finger stretches and exercises first because her fingers do not quite reach from one fret and string to the other.
Forgetting the sound of the out of tune guitar, another delightful sound did fill the house just a few minutes ago. It was the sound of rain on the aluminum roof. Until this past Monday when we had a quick downpour, I do not think it had rained in over a month. I am ready for some rain to bring life and a little coolness to the city.
Tomorrow I head out to camp after a long spell in the city, thanks to the flu. It will be good to be out there again and connect with the staff as well as lead some activities on the ropes course on Saturday.
That is the question of the evening. To me it seems hypocritical to try and teach what I cannot even do myself and yet that is what I attempted to do this evening. Evelin has wanted to learn a little bit on the guitar and I have had my guitar here in Honduras for the last 2 years. I can count on one hand the number of times I have actually played. Emily, my old roommate, practiced on it much, much more than I. But this evening we got the guitar out and after attempting unsuccessfully to tune the guitar, I moved on to showing Evelin several chords. Thankfully for her there is a book with pictures too 1.) because I am not a very good teacher and 2.) I probably will not be here when she wants to practice.
I pity the neighbors as I strummed a few notes on an out of tune guitar. The fact that I can never actually tune the guitar is what most often keeps me from playing. I have enough trouble making it sound musical that being out of tune from the start is not good. I will have to call upon the help of the Williamson's the next time they are in the city to get the guitar in tune and then hopefully Evelin can learn to play a little something. She needs to do some finger stretches and exercises first because her fingers do not quite reach from one fret and string to the other.
Forgetting the sound of the out of tune guitar, another delightful sound did fill the house just a few minutes ago. It was the sound of rain on the aluminum roof. Until this past Monday when we had a quick downpour, I do not think it had rained in over a month. I am ready for some rain to bring life and a little coolness to the city.
Tomorrow I head out to camp after a long spell in the city, thanks to the flu. It will be good to be out there again and connect with the staff as well as lead some activities on the ropes course on Saturday.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
A Short Bout
June 17, 2009
It is with great joy that I write to say that Lisbeth did not stay sick long. She definitely did not experience the flu like Evelin and I did. We are thankful for that. I have gotten back into the swing of working with the start of this new week. The week is going pretty well. I had some things to write about but I have forgotten them all. It is 8:40PM and I long ago reached my moment of tiredness. It has been coming early these days.
I have continued to be insensitive to the rumblings of the earth below me. I believe it was Monday that 7 small earthquakes shook Honduras once again and I felt none of them. I do not know where I am when the movement happens that I am so clueless. I have heard that even the nice, expensive hotels around the city are sporting some severe cracks from the first big quake. I believe there may be more damage than meets the eye at first glance.
Since an hour has successfully passed without me remembering any more of what I had wanted to write, I shall sign off. Of course I spent most of that time chatting with a friend so I was not really concentrating on thinking.
It is with great joy that I write to say that Lisbeth did not stay sick long. She definitely did not experience the flu like Evelin and I did. We are thankful for that. I have gotten back into the swing of working with the start of this new week. The week is going pretty well. I had some things to write about but I have forgotten them all. It is 8:40PM and I long ago reached my moment of tiredness. It has been coming early these days.
I have continued to be insensitive to the rumblings of the earth below me. I believe it was Monday that 7 small earthquakes shook Honduras once again and I felt none of them. I do not know where I am when the movement happens that I am so clueless. I have heard that even the nice, expensive hotels around the city are sporting some severe cracks from the first big quake. I believe there may be more damage than meets the eye at first glance.
Since an hour has successfully passed without me remembering any more of what I had wanted to write, I shall sign off. Of course I spent most of that time chatting with a friend so I was not really concentrating on thinking.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
The Week that Disappeared
July 14, 2009
It is the beginning of a new week, but I hardly know where the last one went. Thanks to germs that were spread around camp last weekend during a children's camp, I returned to the city on Monday with the flu. I wondered if it was the H1N1 flu but figured probably not. Nonetheless Tuesday and Wednesday were two days that passed without me remembering much. On Wednesday Evelin caught the flu and she has been much sicker than I. So much so that yesterday I took her to the hospital to get tested. She was told that she has a "casual" flu, not H1N1. All along we were rejoicing and praising the Lord that Lisbeth was still healthy. But now this morning she seems to have come down with a fever too. I am not 100% well by any means but I have the strength to begin working for real tomorrow (since I lost nearly a whole week of work). Evelin on the other hand does not seem to have the strength for herself, let alone for a sick Lisbeth as well. I find myself frustrated as to how I can do my work and yet lend a hand to her. I have already done much of the caring for Lisbeth these past few days.
I keep hearing of more and more people who are sick here in San Pedro -- so much so that it makes me feel like everyone must be sick. I was surprised at how many people were in church this morning because I expected more of the world to be sick. I guess I will see how this week pans out but I do hope it is smoother and more productive than the last. And I pray that Lisbeth will not get as sick as we were (or Evelin still is).
It is the beginning of a new week, but I hardly know where the last one went. Thanks to germs that were spread around camp last weekend during a children's camp, I returned to the city on Monday with the flu. I wondered if it was the H1N1 flu but figured probably not. Nonetheless Tuesday and Wednesday were two days that passed without me remembering much. On Wednesday Evelin caught the flu and she has been much sicker than I. So much so that yesterday I took her to the hospital to get tested. She was told that she has a "casual" flu, not H1N1. All along we were rejoicing and praising the Lord that Lisbeth was still healthy. But now this morning she seems to have come down with a fever too. I am not 100% well by any means but I have the strength to begin working for real tomorrow (since I lost nearly a whole week of work). Evelin on the other hand does not seem to have the strength for herself, let alone for a sick Lisbeth as well. I find myself frustrated as to how I can do my work and yet lend a hand to her. I have already done much of the caring for Lisbeth these past few days.
I keep hearing of more and more people who are sick here in San Pedro -- so much so that it makes me feel like everyone must be sick. I was surprised at how many people were in church this morning because I expected more of the world to be sick. I guess I will see how this week pans out but I do hope it is smoother and more productive than the last. And I pray that Lisbeth will not get as sick as we were (or Evelin still is).
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Slow Down or Else...
June 9, 2009
I have known for weeks that I need to slow down and take some time off. The problem has been that I wanted to use time off for some sort of an adventure and since I had not found an adventure, I just kept working. Now I am paying the consequences. Yesterday about mid-morning I realized that I was getting sick. Over the last 36 hours I have gotten worse with fever, headache, and cough. I keep hoping it is just a cold. But I do know that over the weekend, some of the campers at camp came from schools which had been closed because of confirmed cases of A/H1N1 (I think that is what it is called). All along I have been apathetic to this danger of the flu and felt like everything was exaggerrated. Today though I thought twice before leaving the apartment because if I have it, I do not want to pass it around. I did leave in order to pay some bills and renew my visa which expires on Thursday. Otherwise though I have tried to nap, read, and spend a little time on the computer. This is not how I wanted to spend time off. I guess that makes it clear that I must slow down and rest before I reach the point of sickness.
I am praying that it is just a cold. I have never been one to get the flu much. I certainly do not want to pass on what I have to Evelin or Lisbeth so I am trying to keep my distance. That is difficult with a toddler who does not understand why Tia (Aunt) Jen will not play with her anymore. I hope that I do not have to stay in bed for too many days or at least if I do, that it is without a headache so that I can comfortably read. Time will tell.
I have known for weeks that I need to slow down and take some time off. The problem has been that I wanted to use time off for some sort of an adventure and since I had not found an adventure, I just kept working. Now I am paying the consequences. Yesterday about mid-morning I realized that I was getting sick. Over the last 36 hours I have gotten worse with fever, headache, and cough. I keep hoping it is just a cold. But I do know that over the weekend, some of the campers at camp came from schools which had been closed because of confirmed cases of A/H1N1 (I think that is what it is called). All along I have been apathetic to this danger of the flu and felt like everything was exaggerrated. Today though I thought twice before leaving the apartment because if I have it, I do not want to pass it around. I did leave in order to pay some bills and renew my visa which expires on Thursday. Otherwise though I have tried to nap, read, and spend a little time on the computer. This is not how I wanted to spend time off. I guess that makes it clear that I must slow down and rest before I reach the point of sickness.
I am praying that it is just a cold. I have never been one to get the flu much. I certainly do not want to pass on what I have to Evelin or Lisbeth so I am trying to keep my distance. That is difficult with a toddler who does not understand why Tia (Aunt) Jen will not play with her anymore. I hope that I do not have to stay in bed for too many days or at least if I do, that it is without a headache so that I can comfortably read. Time will tell.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Where Are My Senses?
June 8, 2009
I read in the paper this morning that there was an earthquake of 5.7 just offshore from Honduras last night around 11:15PM. The tremors lasted for at least 7 seconds and I felt nothing. Eversince the first large earthquake, I have been unaware of the many smaller ones that followed. I do not know why I am so insensitive to them.
So, I have a little more peace of mind with the start of this week because the rumors that I had been hearing about political tensions, appear to be just that -- rumors -- and nothing more. That is a comfort.
Walking through camp this morning, I was blessed with a glimpse of a large iguana scurrying off to hide. Anywhere you walk these days, the sound of crunching is heard overhead as the locusts nibble on the bark, leaves, and pine needles. I almost want to just take a nap on the ground because there is such a soft layer of pine needles covering it. Sadly though, they should not all be there and it is only because of the plague of locusts. Hmm... I can understand a little better how miserable it must have been for the Egyptians when the locusts swarmed them because I know it was many more than our "small" plague. I do not usually go out of my way to kill insects (except ticks, mosquitos, and other bugs that are "dangerous"). This weekend though I have been trying to take out a few locusts though in an effort to curb their destruction of camp. I know that my efforts are miniscule though and really will not do too much.
All of the activities of the weekend are now over. On Saturday I did my hike with the young children. It went pretty well except that I had planned for 2 hours and ended up with less than an hour. It was hard to keep their attention without being able to do some of the fun little activities I had planned. And we never did make it to hiking through the ravine which was what the leaders had wanted. Since two of the dogs on camp accompanied us on our hike, we had a hard time seeing any animals which was a disappointment.
Yesterday was a baby shower for two the wives of the Honduran staff. It was a new experience for them -- this type of baby shower. I know it was a blessing though to receive the gifts that they did and to have some fun playing a few games. I will post some pictures a little later. For now I want to work on a few more things while still at camp.
I read in the paper this morning that there was an earthquake of 5.7 just offshore from Honduras last night around 11:15PM. The tremors lasted for at least 7 seconds and I felt nothing. Eversince the first large earthquake, I have been unaware of the many smaller ones that followed. I do not know why I am so insensitive to them.
So, I have a little more peace of mind with the start of this week because the rumors that I had been hearing about political tensions, appear to be just that -- rumors -- and nothing more. That is a comfort.
Walking through camp this morning, I was blessed with a glimpse of a large iguana scurrying off to hide. Anywhere you walk these days, the sound of crunching is heard overhead as the locusts nibble on the bark, leaves, and pine needles. I almost want to just take a nap on the ground because there is such a soft layer of pine needles covering it. Sadly though, they should not all be there and it is only because of the plague of locusts. Hmm... I can understand a little better how miserable it must have been for the Egyptians when the locusts swarmed them because I know it was many more than our "small" plague. I do not usually go out of my way to kill insects (except ticks, mosquitos, and other bugs that are "dangerous"). This weekend though I have been trying to take out a few locusts though in an effort to curb their destruction of camp. I know that my efforts are miniscule though and really will not do too much.
All of the activities of the weekend are now over. On Saturday I did my hike with the young children. It went pretty well except that I had planned for 2 hours and ended up with less than an hour. It was hard to keep their attention without being able to do some of the fun little activities I had planned. And we never did make it to hiking through the ravine which was what the leaders had wanted. Since two of the dogs on camp accompanied us on our hike, we had a hard time seeing any animals which was a disappointment.
Yesterday was a baby shower for two the wives of the Honduran staff. It was a new experience for them -- this type of baby shower. I know it was a blessing though to receive the gifts that they did and to have some fun playing a few games. I will post some pictures a little later. For now I want to work on a few more things while still at camp.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Melancholy
June 6, 2009
That would be the word describing my current state of mind. In some ways it has been a long week though most of the action has happened this weekend. I helped with two events here at camp, both in Spanish. Since I am at camp I cannot be watching the Honduras vs. USA soccer team which would have been fun. The Hondurans are listening to it by radio in between their activities. I would be bored hearing it in English so I am definitely not trying in Spanish.
I think the melcancholiness comes from still not having sought out adventure or done something fun for a long while. Then there are the many things I am trying to process as I think about if I should move closer to camp. The whole climate (not just physical though small earthquakes continue) is a bit tense. We are wondering what is going on politcally and what will come of the rumors. Oh, and God is confronting me on some attitudes too which is never so easy, especially when it means moving out of my comfort zone.
Tomorrow there is a baby shower for two of the Honduran staff wives here on camp. That should be fun though different since I have never been at a Honduran one. Evelin and I made a double batch of snickerdoodle cookies for the event back on Wednesday. Perhaps it was eating one of those cookies that made me start missing family and friends again. One never knows what will trigger memories. So anyway, I suppose that I need to find some solo time (even though camp is filled with people right now) and also scheme up some adventure. The latter requires finding some willing parties which will probably be the hardest part. I will see what I can do though.
That would be the word describing my current state of mind. In some ways it has been a long week though most of the action has happened this weekend. I helped with two events here at camp, both in Spanish. Since I am at camp I cannot be watching the Honduras vs. USA soccer team which would have been fun. The Hondurans are listening to it by radio in between their activities. I would be bored hearing it in English so I am definitely not trying in Spanish.
I think the melcancholiness comes from still not having sought out adventure or done something fun for a long while. Then there are the many things I am trying to process as I think about if I should move closer to camp. The whole climate (not just physical though small earthquakes continue) is a bit tense. We are wondering what is going on politcally and what will come of the rumors. Oh, and God is confronting me on some attitudes too which is never so easy, especially when it means moving out of my comfort zone.
Tomorrow there is a baby shower for two of the Honduran staff wives here on camp. That should be fun though different since I have never been at a Honduran one. Evelin and I made a double batch of snickerdoodle cookies for the event back on Wednesday. Perhaps it was eating one of those cookies that made me start missing family and friends again. One never knows what will trigger memories. So anyway, I suppose that I need to find some solo time (even though camp is filled with people right now) and also scheme up some adventure. The latter requires finding some willing parties which will probably be the hardest part. I will see what I can do though.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Where San Pedro Stands Now
June 2, 2009
It is easy to forget that there was an earthquake 4 days ago when here in San Pedro. I have not seen any visible damage here. Yesterday I was in Puerto Cortes visiting with a Houghton College group and there the damage was extensive as you can see in the photo. Instead of the rumbling from earthquakes, I am here the droning of helicopters overhead. The Assembly of the Americas is happening here in San Pedro Sula and the streets are crazy. I tried to get to the church this morning and eventually gave up. The police and military were redirecting traffic so much that it was not worth the time it would have taken to get there.
On Sunday Evelin, Lisbeth, and I went to a nearby road where you can hike up the mountain and on the way there I saw a mini-tank (at least that was what it looked like to me). Perhaps it was just a small cannon with ammunition hanging out of it, mounted on an armored vehicle. At any rate it was not something I expected to see on the street. Monday morning I went for a run and my goal was not to have to pass any of the military but they were standing there on the street corners with their large guns. This morning I decided to skip the run since it was a little disconcerting.
I have not figured out what happened with internet because when I returned to the city on Saturday I had it in the apartment that evening. But then Sunday it was gone again until evening. It seems to be steadily on now so I am not sure how the fiber optic cable under the ocean was repaired so quickly. I am thankful nonetheless. And I continue to be thankful that there was not large scale damage from the earthquakes, nor did a tsunami result from any of them. Hearing what could have happened to Puerto Cortes and the people I know there reminded me that yes God is good.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
More on the Earthquakes
May 30, 2009
After reading the newspaper and checking into some other blogs, it sounds like there have been more than just the one earthquake on Thursday morning. I am pasting in some information from the blog of a North American in La Ceiba who seems to like keeping track of the earthquakes.
La Gringa's BlogicitoLa Gringa's Blogicito: "Here is a summary of the recent Honduran quakes (times are UTC, not local) from the USGS site:
MAG UTC DATE-TIME
y/m/d h:m:s LAT
deg LON
deg DEPTH
km Region
MAP4.62009/05/29 12:51:03 15.359-86.463 10.0 HONDURAS
MAP4.52009/05/29 02:45:44 16.118-87.591 10.0 OFFSHORE HONDURAS
MAP4.82009/05/28 09:06:25 16.353-87.377 10.0 OFFSHORE HONDURAS
MAP7.32009/05/28 08:24:45 16.730-86.209 10.0 OFFSHORE HONDURAS"
*MAP is the measurement on the Richtor Scale
One thing that is amazing is that with all of the earthquakes and tremors, only 6 people have been killed. Part of a major bridge collapses and two other are damaged; 17 people hurt; approximately 100 houses damaged, 10 schools, 6 public buildings, 2 hotels, 3 factories, and 9 churches. The headline of the newspaper said, “!Dios Nos Protegió!” (God Protected Us!)
As for other natural “disasters” or events, the neighbors around the camp are still burning off brush piles on their property so the air pollution continues. It also appears that we are having an invasion of locusts and tree frogs. The latter is a welcome addition to the camp, the former, not so much. This morning I found about 10 locusts chewing the bark off of exposed tree roots. According to the Williamsons these are the same locusts which in past years have taken the foliage off of most of the trees. With the land around us burned, the camp provides the best food source for them. The staff children have been roasting a few of the locust and eating them. I would like to try that… sometime.
After reading the newspaper and checking into some other blogs, it sounds like there have been more than just the one earthquake on Thursday morning. I am pasting in some information from the blog of a North American in La Ceiba who seems to like keeping track of the earthquakes.
La Gringa's BlogicitoLa Gringa's Blogicito: "Here is a summary of the recent Honduran quakes (times are UTC, not local) from the USGS site:
MAG UTC DATE-TIME
y/m/d h:m:s LAT
deg LON
deg DEPTH
km Region
MAP4.62009/05/29 12:51:03 15.359-86.463 10.0 HONDURAS
MAP4.52009/05/29 02:45:44 16.118-87.591 10.0 OFFSHORE HONDURAS
MAP4.82009/05/28 09:06:25 16.353-87.377 10.0 OFFSHORE HONDURAS
MAP7.32009/05/28 08:24:45 16.730-86.209 10.0 OFFSHORE HONDURAS"
*MAP is the measurement on the Richtor Scale
One thing that is amazing is that with all of the earthquakes and tremors, only 6 people have been killed. Part of a major bridge collapses and two other are damaged; 17 people hurt; approximately 100 houses damaged, 10 schools, 6 public buildings, 2 hotels, 3 factories, and 9 churches. The headline of the newspaper said, “!Dios Nos Protegió!” (God Protected Us!)
As for other natural “disasters” or events, the neighbors around the camp are still burning off brush piles on their property so the air pollution continues. It also appears that we are having an invasion of locusts and tree frogs. The latter is a welcome addition to the camp, the former, not so much. This morning I found about 10 locusts chewing the bark off of exposed tree roots. According to the Williamsons these are the same locusts which in past years have taken the foliage off of most of the trees. With the land around us burned, the camp provides the best food source for them. The staff children have been roasting a few of the locust and eating them. I would like to try that… sometime.
Friday, May 29, 2009
The Road Ahead
May 29, 2009
The day is nearing it's end. I have learned a few more details over the course of the day. Apparently an underwater cable that runs from Miami to Honduras was damaged during the quake and for this reason most of the internet providers have nothing to offer at this point. It will take at least 8 days to fix it. So it seems like much of the country will be behind in communication for quite some time. What I wonder is how in the world do you bury cable under the gulf to begin with? Somethings are just beyond my imagination. Camp has internet so I am trying to make use of it before I return to the city tomorrow.
I also learned that there is the potential for at least the tremors to continue until June 11. Today there was one around noon, but I did not feel it. When I get back to the city, I definitely plan to sleep upstairs and not be too concerned. Tomorrow I need to go in search of a skeleton -- of an animal that is. There is one somewhere in the jungle that the group found last week and I have yet to see which would help in identifying it. I also need to finish preparations for next weekend and two activities that I am helping with here at camp.
The day is nearing it's end. I have learned a few more details over the course of the day. Apparently an underwater cable that runs from Miami to Honduras was damaged during the quake and for this reason most of the internet providers have nothing to offer at this point. It will take at least 8 days to fix it. So it seems like much of the country will be behind in communication for quite some time. What I wonder is how in the world do you bury cable under the gulf to begin with? Somethings are just beyond my imagination. Camp has internet so I am trying to make use of it before I return to the city tomorrow.
I also learned that there is the potential for at least the tremors to continue until June 11. Today there was one around noon, but I did not feel it. When I get back to the city, I definitely plan to sleep upstairs and not be too concerned. Tomorrow I need to go in search of a skeleton -- of an animal that is. There is one somewhere in the jungle that the group found last week and I have yet to see which would help in identifying it. I also need to finish preparations for next weekend and two activities that I am helping with here at camp.
A Peaceful Night
May 29, 2009
So last night there were no more quakes, at least that I felt. We slept downstairs just in case. This made for a very short night for Lisbeth since she would not sleep with the noise and lights from us moving around. We were up at 5:30AM since we wanted to leave early for camp. It is ironic that I have come to camp to find internet.
Alas the trip here did not go so well since Lisbeth lost her breakfast and milk about 15 minutes before we arrived. I have yet to go clean the car and her. I dropped Evelin off in town at the dentist so I get the joy of clean up. Not something I am looking forward to but it has to be done. Well, I am off to do some cleaning and hopefully put her to sleep so that I can get some work done.
So last night there were no more quakes, at least that I felt. We slept downstairs just in case. This made for a very short night for Lisbeth since she would not sleep with the noise and lights from us moving around. We were up at 5:30AM since we wanted to leave early for camp. It is ironic that I have come to camp to find internet.
Alas the trip here did not go so well since Lisbeth lost her breakfast and milk about 15 minutes before we arrived. I have yet to go clean the car and her. I dropped Evelin off in town at the dentist so I get the joy of clean up. Not something I am looking forward to but it has to be done. Well, I am off to do some cleaning and hopefully put her to sleep so that I can get some work done.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Searching for Internet & Reflections
May 28, 2009 4:30PM
So it has taken me all day to find a place to hook my computer to the internet. Granted I was not looking the whole day but as I was running errands I looked here and there. I will confess that today was one of those days when I would have liked to have a TV so that I could see what had happened. The newspaper had very little news since the quake happened so late in the morning. I could not understand the monotone radio commentary enough to glean much from there so I have been wondering what is going on. From what I have heard from others there have been 4 deaths recorded and numerous houses and buildings with damage. Part of a major bridge collapsed leading into San Pedro from the north.
I have heard rumor that tonight at 7:00PM (9:00PM EST) there could be another quake or aftershock. I pray that the rumor is not true, but do not have time on the internet to look for more information. I cannot quite understand why I had internet immediately following the quake and then it has been out all day but I am thankful that I was able to make an early morning post since I had no idea the quake would make international news.
As I talked with people at the church offices and on the street, the quake was forefront on everyone’s mind. I realized that much of the reason I was not afraid is that besides not really feeling like my life was in danger, death is not the end for me. It is only the beginning of a new life with Christ. Those who do not have the hope of Christ and eternal life will be walking around in much greater fear. I also remember an occasion almost 15 years ago when I was doing an overnight solo in the woods (without a tent) and kept hearing scary noises which I was sure was some dangerous wild animal. At long last I realized that worrying was not going to change anything. If it was my time to die (by being mauled by a bear), then it would happen whether I worried about it or not. And so I managed to fall asleep. I need to apply the concept of not worrying to other areas of my life though and not just in the potential life and death situations.
Tomorrow morning I head out to camp where there is not too much damage. The walls of one of staff houses cracked but it does not appear to be serious. Perhaps more serious out there is the air quality. The landowners around the camp have been burning their fields for over a week and the Williamson’s have been suffering the effects of inhaling smoke for so long. I pray that things clear up there and that no further damage occurs if we would have another quake.
So it has taken me all day to find a place to hook my computer to the internet. Granted I was not looking the whole day but as I was running errands I looked here and there. I will confess that today was one of those days when I would have liked to have a TV so that I could see what had happened. The newspaper had very little news since the quake happened so late in the morning. I could not understand the monotone radio commentary enough to glean much from there so I have been wondering what is going on. From what I have heard from others there have been 4 deaths recorded and numerous houses and buildings with damage. Part of a major bridge collapsed leading into San Pedro from the north.
I have heard rumor that tonight at 7:00PM (9:00PM EST) there could be another quake or aftershock. I pray that the rumor is not true, but do not have time on the internet to look for more information. I cannot quite understand why I had internet immediately following the quake and then it has been out all day but I am thankful that I was able to make an early morning post since I had no idea the quake would make international news.
As I talked with people at the church offices and on the street, the quake was forefront on everyone’s mind. I realized that much of the reason I was not afraid is that besides not really feeling like my life was in danger, death is not the end for me. It is only the beginning of a new life with Christ. Those who do not have the hope of Christ and eternal life will be walking around in much greater fear. I also remember an occasion almost 15 years ago when I was doing an overnight solo in the woods (without a tent) and kept hearing scary noises which I was sure was some dangerous wild animal. At long last I realized that worrying was not going to change anything. If it was my time to die (by being mauled by a bear), then it would happen whether I worried about it or not. And so I managed to fall asleep. I need to apply the concept of not worrying to other areas of my life though and not just in the potential life and death situations.
Tomorrow morning I head out to camp where there is not too much damage. The walls of one of staff houses cracked but it does not appear to be serious. Perhaps more serious out there is the air quality. The landowners around the camp have been burning their fields for over a week and the Williamson’s have been suffering the effects of inhaling smoke for so long. I pray that things clear up there and that no further damage occurs if we would have another quake.
Waking to an Earthquake
May 28, 2009 2:45AM
Ah, waking up at 2:30AM is never fun but perhaps even less so when it is because of an earthquake. In Costa Rica I experienced one or two small tremors and in the moment of the event I always wondered what was happening. This morning was no different. There was a loud noise (like a train rumbling in), wind, and the whole apartment shook. For the first few seconds I did not realize what was happening. When I finally realized what was going on, it was pretty much over. The thoughts that went through my head: "You really should get up and go to the doorway." "Woa, that had to be pretty high on the rictor scale." "There will be an aftershock following, so you should not just stay in bed."
In reality I was tempted to just stay put. I sometimes have this false, naive sense of indestructability. It is not that I think I am indestructible, but I could not imagine a serious earthquake happening here in San Pedro. I got up during the middle of the aftershock and called to Evelin to bring Lisbeth to a safer place. Evelin was scared and nervous (of which I should have been more). It was probably her first experience and when you feel that kind of thing and hear alarms going off all over the city, it is a little unnerving.
After a few minutes of sweating to death because of not being in front of a fan, we left the doorways and headed back to our rooms to sleep. Nervousness is probably keeping her awake, while for me the desire to write has me here at the computer. The time for a morning run will come all too soon.
In reality I feel like there could be some serious damage in some part of the country because it felt like a pretty strong tremor. I will have to wait until the paper comes out later today or until the Prensa gives an online update. I am sure most of San Pedro Sula is glued to the television right now for the news, but since I do not have one, I have to look for information in other places.
Ah, waking up at 2:30AM is never fun but perhaps even less so when it is because of an earthquake. In Costa Rica I experienced one or two small tremors and in the moment of the event I always wondered what was happening. This morning was no different. There was a loud noise (like a train rumbling in), wind, and the whole apartment shook. For the first few seconds I did not realize what was happening. When I finally realized what was going on, it was pretty much over. The thoughts that went through my head: "You really should get up and go to the doorway." "Woa, that had to be pretty high on the rictor scale." "There will be an aftershock following, so you should not just stay in bed."
In reality I was tempted to just stay put. I sometimes have this false, naive sense of indestructability. It is not that I think I am indestructible, but I could not imagine a serious earthquake happening here in San Pedro. I got up during the middle of the aftershock and called to Evelin to bring Lisbeth to a safer place. Evelin was scared and nervous (of which I should have been more). It was probably her first experience and when you feel that kind of thing and hear alarms going off all over the city, it is a little unnerving.
After a few minutes of sweating to death because of not being in front of a fan, we left the doorways and headed back to our rooms to sleep. Nervousness is probably keeping her awake, while for me the desire to write has me here at the computer. The time for a morning run will come all too soon.
In reality I feel like there could be some serious damage in some part of the country because it felt like a pretty strong tremor. I will have to wait until the paper comes out later today or until the Prensa gives an online update. I am sure most of San Pedro Sula is glued to the television right now for the news, but since I do not have one, I have to look for information in other places.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Ready for an Adventure
May 23, 2009
It is Saturday and I am back in the city. Yesterday I had another Outdoor Education program and it went well but I am always a bit tired afterwards. This time we worked with 6-9 year olds. They had a shorter attention span and some trouble with understanding all of the English, but it worked out. On Wednesday I had driven out to the Copan Ruins to hang out with a Houghton College Mayterm class and to pick up to Recreation majors who were then coming with me to camp to help with the program. I had hoped for a little hiking time or adventure, but I only did one small hike that I had been on before. It was fun to go for an evening run with a group, a bit like cross country runs in college.
I have been feeling the need for an adventure in the great outdoors. A backpacking trip would be nice but I know that will not happen anytime soon. Maybe a nice long hike if I can find a friend who is interested in going along. It seems like it could be a while until I have a full day off to do something like that though.
Right now I am trying to figure out if a school group is coming next Friday and Saturday. Nothing like last minute decisions. It is getting a little too late for us because of all of the decisions we must make that go along with running the program and providing the food. Monday morning they should know if they have enough students committed to the trip. Until then I sort of plan as if there is a group, all the while knowing that there might not be.
It is Saturday and I am back in the city. Yesterday I had another Outdoor Education program and it went well but I am always a bit tired afterwards. This time we worked with 6-9 year olds. They had a shorter attention span and some trouble with understanding all of the English, but it worked out. On Wednesday I had driven out to the Copan Ruins to hang out with a Houghton College Mayterm class and to pick up to Recreation majors who were then coming with me to camp to help with the program. I had hoped for a little hiking time or adventure, but I only did one small hike that I had been on before. It was fun to go for an evening run with a group, a bit like cross country runs in college.
I have been feeling the need for an adventure in the great outdoors. A backpacking trip would be nice but I know that will not happen anytime soon. Maybe a nice long hike if I can find a friend who is interested in going along. It seems like it could be a while until I have a full day off to do something like that though.
Right now I am trying to figure out if a school group is coming next Friday and Saturday. Nothing like last minute decisions. It is getting a little too late for us because of all of the decisions we must make that go along with running the program and providing the food. Monday morning they should know if they have enough students committed to the trip. Until then I sort of plan as if there is a group, all the while knowing that there might not be.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
When It Rains, It Pours
May 17, 2009
This motto has seemed to be true during many phases of my life and tonight I decided that it is happening once again. And for once in Honduras I am not talking about literal downpours of water. This evening I received a call from a teacher who came with her school one week ago for an Outdoor Education program. She called to ask whether I could do a program for another school in a little less than 2 weeks, and this time including 3 meals and an overnight. I have had hardly any programs for 2 years and now within the timespan of 5 weeks there are three programs in the working. It is so little compared to what I did in the States but for here in Honduras it is exciting and even a little overwhelming. And so now I am working with Wes, the director, to put together the packet to offer the school. Unfortunately it is not the only thing I need to do for tomorrow morning since I was already working on revising curriculum to work for the 6-9 year old school group coming this next Friday. But I must admit that it is good to be busy and even have time constraints. Of course this means that the other blogs that I had brewing will probably not happen for quite a while and I will be struggling even more to find a day off. For the moment though I am excited. God is beginning a work and He will also provide the strength to see the work completed.
This motto has seemed to be true during many phases of my life and tonight I decided that it is happening once again. And for once in Honduras I am not talking about literal downpours of water. This evening I received a call from a teacher who came with her school one week ago for an Outdoor Education program. She called to ask whether I could do a program for another school in a little less than 2 weeks, and this time including 3 meals and an overnight. I have had hardly any programs for 2 years and now within the timespan of 5 weeks there are three programs in the working. It is so little compared to what I did in the States but for here in Honduras it is exciting and even a little overwhelming. And so now I am working with Wes, the director, to put together the packet to offer the school. Unfortunately it is not the only thing I need to do for tomorrow morning since I was already working on revising curriculum to work for the 6-9 year old school group coming this next Friday. But I must admit that it is good to be busy and even have time constraints. Of course this means that the other blogs that I had brewing will probably not happen for quite a while and I will be struggling even more to find a day off. For the moment though I am excited. God is beginning a work and He will also provide the strength to see the work completed.
Monday, May 11, 2009
An Outdoor Education Day
May 10, 2009I am not sure how long it has been since I last wrote and with the internet being down, I cannot check. But a lot has happened this past week. Friday I ran an Outdoor Education program for a group of sixth graders from a bilingual school. It went really well despite some worries about whether the other staff person would be able to find a bus to arrive at camp in time to teach. There was neither rain nor thunder until the moment the students were about to leave when I heard thunder in the distance. Perhaps one of my favorite parts of the day was being able to teach in English. After the first Water class that I taught down by the river I suddenly remembered that yes I can teach and get my point across. I can make spiritual applications that make sense. And yet in Spanish I still struggle to be able to effectively communicate. Even living with a Honduran for the past 4 months has not seemed to help my Spanish all that much. Hence I need to evaluate what I can do to improve my Spanish (and pray for God to loose my tongue in this fore
ign language) or I need to look for ways to do more in English here in Honduras.Anyway, the day went really well and the girl who helped me said that on the bus ride home they were all talking about the day and wanting to come back next year. On Thursday just before I had left for camp I learned that another school wants to come in less than two weeks. I hope that they are interested in almost the same program because it would make things much easier. I already have someone trained to help. We will see what comes of my conversation with the administrator tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Fast Work
May 6, 2009
Much to my surprise I received word this evening that electric has been restored to camp, 48 hours sooner than the predicted time. Quite awesome! Tomorrow after lunch I head to camp to set up the last few things for the program on Friday. I am excited to not have to put as much effort into planning my meals as I would have if there still was no electricity, especially since tomorrow evening I have to plan for 3 people and a toddler.
This is probably my shortest blog entry ever but it is late and I am ready for sleep more than for rambling on. And so I say, "Good Night!"
Much to my surprise I received word this evening that electric has been restored to camp, 48 hours sooner than the predicted time. Quite awesome! Tomorrow after lunch I head to camp to set up the last few things for the program on Friday. I am excited to not have to put as much effort into planning my meals as I would have if there still was no electricity, especially since tomorrow evening I have to plan for 3 people and a toddler.
This is probably my shortest blog entry ever but it is late and I am ready for sleep more than for rambling on. And so I say, "Good Night!"
Monday, May 04, 2009
All With One Pine Branch
May 4, 2009
I do not want to even begin to think about all of the things I have not yet written about over the past week or two. For now though I will forget the other things and only mention the latest from camp. Yesterday afternoon I drove out to camp and as I passed through Pinalejo I noted that it must have rained, judging by the many puddles on the side of the road. When I pulled into camp and stopped by the Williamson's house to pick up some of my refrigerated foods I discovered just how big the little storm had been. The winds had blown the rain almost horizontal so it entered the downstairs windows even though they are surrounded by a porch. Most signficant though was the that the rain and wind knocked a large branch off of a pine tree and the first thing the branch hit was some electrical cables. The force of the branch hitting the cables caused the pole that was holding them up to snap. The branch then continued its fall and struck the water pipe and sewer pipe which are above ground, passing over a small ravine. It broke both of the latter. And so there was no electric, no water, and in the area of my cabin -- no septic system.
Needless to say instead of plugging in the little fridge in my cabin I reworked my menu plan and helped Cindy accomodate their food in coolers. Last evening we had church by candlelight and lantern in their living room. I felt as if I was camping except that the cabin was my tent. I had to go across camp to use the bathroom and to wash dishes. I decided to forego a shower until I got back to the city in case camp was without water for a while and the staff needed all the water they could get.
I was the lucky one in that I got to return to the city today. The rest of the staff are still there battling the challenges of no electric and juggling when to open the fridge, how to do homeschooling without much computer time, etc... The water and sewer pipes were repaired shortly after I left but the electrcic will be out for several days. It is a 3-day repairation process and first the money has to be found for the project. The Williamsons are running a small generator every few hours to try and keep at least one fridge cold but even the generator is having problems. This coming Friday I have a school going to camp for an Outdoor Education program. It is actually a good thing that it is just a day program in that lack of electric should not be a big deal -- except that we are cooking for them. Somehow the food has to be kept cold until cooked. I will also have to start thinking now about what I will be planning to eat over those three days that I am at camp. The adventures never cease and sometimes I wish that they would. I pray that the repairs will happen quickly and that the Lord will give grace and strength to the families on camp.
I do not want to even begin to think about all of the things I have not yet written about over the past week or two. For now though I will forget the other things and only mention the latest from camp. Yesterday afternoon I drove out to camp and as I passed through Pinalejo I noted that it must have rained, judging by the many puddles on the side of the road. When I pulled into camp and stopped by the Williamson's house to pick up some of my refrigerated foods I discovered just how big the little storm had been. The winds had blown the rain almost horizontal so it entered the downstairs windows even though they are surrounded by a porch. Most signficant though was the that the rain and wind knocked a large branch off of a pine tree and the first thing the branch hit was some electrical cables. The force of the branch hitting the cables caused the pole that was holding them up to snap. The branch then continued its fall and struck the water pipe and sewer pipe which are above ground, passing over a small ravine. It broke both of the latter. And so there was no electric, no water, and in the area of my cabin -- no septic system.
Needless to say instead of plugging in the little fridge in my cabin I reworked my menu plan and helped Cindy accomodate their food in coolers. Last evening we had church by candlelight and lantern in their living room. I felt as if I was camping except that the cabin was my tent. I had to go across camp to use the bathroom and to wash dishes. I decided to forego a shower until I got back to the city in case camp was without water for a while and the staff needed all the water they could get.
I was the lucky one in that I got to return to the city today. The rest of the staff are still there battling the challenges of no electric and juggling when to open the fridge, how to do homeschooling without much computer time, etc... The water and sewer pipes were repaired shortly after I left but the electrcic will be out for several days. It is a 3-day repairation process and first the money has to be found for the project. The Williamsons are running a small generator every few hours to try and keep at least one fridge cold but even the generator is having problems. This coming Friday I have a school going to camp for an Outdoor Education program. It is actually a good thing that it is just a day program in that lack of electric should not be a big deal -- except that we are cooking for them. Somehow the food has to be kept cold until cooked. I will also have to start thinking now about what I will be planning to eat over those three days that I am at camp. The adventures never cease and sometimes I wish that they would. I pray that the repairs will happen quickly and that the Lord will give grace and strength to the families on camp.
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