October 1, 2007
Amazing to think the year is almost over! October is usually such a pretty month that I welcome it. In Central America it means lots of rain though, which at times is not so pleasant. This year I will get to experience both the rains and the changing colors of autumn leaves since I have a last minute trip to the States coming up. The joys of visas that expire and paperwork that is still lacking the necessary signatures!. The Lord definitely gave me a clear answer though to my prayer about whether to go to Costa Rica by bus or to the US for my trip out of the country. With the paperwork still not in place, I thought I needed to return to the US to take care of more details. A discussion with the Honduran embassy this morning changed some of those views, but I already have the ticket so I am leaving in a week. And I think that God wants me back there for a short time for some reason so it will be exciting to see what He does.
As I look back on the day I cannot say that it was the best entrance of October in my life. On a day when I needed to find lodging and plan for my stay in the US as well as prepare for a group this coming Saturday, car troubles were not really welcomed. Yesterday driving into the city water started dripping into the car from above the windshield. I planned to get that fixed today but ran out of time because I ended up having to buy a new tire since one had a hole and was irreparable. If things continue like this, I may be in the city longer than I had anticipated for the week. I am also getting settled into the house where I am will be staying for the next 3 months when I am the city. Another time I will have to write about my recent thoughts on living conditions, expectations, and missions. A book I just read made me appreciate even what I have at the camp much more. And so in the midst of the challenges there is always a positive side (where I was when I got the flat tire, people around with the tools to help, it did not rain anymore today so the windshield did not leak…) and I am trying to look for the good and not be overwhelmed or discouraged by the trials.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
The Things That Slow Me Down
September 26, 2007
So perhaps it is not just the culture that slows my pace of life down. I am thinking that my mistakes contribute to why I sometimes do not get much done. First, of all the power outages continue to follow me. Last night at a Bible Study a transformer down the street blew. The house I was staying at did not have electric either and theirs was the house that I escaped to last week when the electric went off somewhere else. Then today, many things slowed my pace down. The first major one was when I went to the post office. I took out my keys and inserted a key into the box, turned it, and it did not open. Looking down at the key, I realized with horror that I had inserted the wrong one (and the two keys are clearly different, but beside each other on the key ring). Try as I might I could not remove the key. I sheepishly went to the counter and asked for help. A man came and gave a try but left again to get pliers. He finally removed the key but had pulled with such force that he fell backwards on the ground (thankfully he was only kneeling and I think he was being dramatic). I did have mail which was a good thing considering all of the trouble I went to to get it. As it turns out the fee for replacing the lock and key was not much so next week all should be well. Typically I only go there once a week anyway because it is out of the way and usually I do not have much mail.
The second event was with the vehicle I was driving – as usual. I was leaving a Coffee shop and when I went to start the car, I could not turn the key. Somehow I had locked the steering wheel in place when I parked it and though I tried, I was not figuring out how to turn the steering wheel and key at the same time or with the right force. And of course this all set the alarm off so I had to silence it every few seconds. A friend was nearby and drove over and unlocked the wheel for me, but I need to figure out how not to do what I did again. By the close of the day I have realized that I cannot blame the culture for its slow pace when I have a knack for creating situations that slow my life down considerably. Maybe I need to consciously choose to slow down and then I will not have to find unplanned ways to slow down. Just a thought.
So perhaps it is not just the culture that slows my pace of life down. I am thinking that my mistakes contribute to why I sometimes do not get much done. First, of all the power outages continue to follow me. Last night at a Bible Study a transformer down the street blew. The house I was staying at did not have electric either and theirs was the house that I escaped to last week when the electric went off somewhere else. Then today, many things slowed my pace down. The first major one was when I went to the post office. I took out my keys and inserted a key into the box, turned it, and it did not open. Looking down at the key, I realized with horror that I had inserted the wrong one (and the two keys are clearly different, but beside each other on the key ring). Try as I might I could not remove the key. I sheepishly went to the counter and asked for help. A man came and gave a try but left again to get pliers. He finally removed the key but had pulled with such force that he fell backwards on the ground (thankfully he was only kneeling and I think he was being dramatic). I did have mail which was a good thing considering all of the trouble I went to to get it. As it turns out the fee for replacing the lock and key was not much so next week all should be well. Typically I only go there once a week anyway because it is out of the way and usually I do not have much mail.
The second event was with the vehicle I was driving – as usual. I was leaving a Coffee shop and when I went to start the car, I could not turn the key. Somehow I had locked the steering wheel in place when I parked it and though I tried, I was not figuring out how to turn the steering wheel and key at the same time or with the right force. And of course this all set the alarm off so I had to silence it every few seconds. A friend was nearby and drove over and unlocked the wheel for me, but I need to figure out how not to do what I did again. By the close of the day I have realized that I cannot blame the culture for its slow pace when I have a knack for creating situations that slow my life down considerably. Maybe I need to consciously choose to slow down and then I will not have to find unplanned ways to slow down. Just a thought.
Monday, September 24, 2007
A Live, Venemous Snake in the Hand
September 24, 2007
I do not really think I have gotten any braver (nor less wise, though some may contest that) since coming to Latin America, but yes I did have a poisonous snake in my hand. The catch though is that it was in a 2-liter Pepsi bottle. There is something a little disconcerting about having a poisonous snake at eye level, inches from your face with only a thin layer of plastic between the two. I have yet to identify what kind it is because all of my books are at camp. And no, the snake was not from camp. A friend found it at the Institute where he works and captured it. I now have it in my possession, but it is dead. I will probably add it to my collection of critters (all insects up until now) preserved in formaldahyde. I need to move them from my house though because they really are not my taste for decorations. They were tolerable at Kensinger's Retreat during the youth group retreats, but I only had to endure them for 3 days.
Yesterday was a long day, in that I rode the bus from camp to the city with the 12-14 year olds from the church retreat and then waited around until it was time to go with the Williamsons to the airport at 10:00pm. It ended up being a really good day though. While standing on the sidewalk waiting for all of the youth to be picked up, one of the girls from the ropes course group I had observed, came over to talk with me. She thanked me for my involvement and began to share some of what she had learned from the experience. For a little background, the group was really tough. In reality about four of them should have been removed but that would have been over a 3rd of the group. The boys paid no attention to the girls' suggestions which actually contained many of the solutions. In the end the group did not complete any of the challenges that they were given. With such an ending it is hard to know how to bring a reflection time around to the place where the participants can walk away having learned something, thereby redeeming what would appear to be a failure. We talked about failure and success and learning from mistakes. We also talked about evaluating our hearts and attitudes and seeing what God wants to change. During the discussion time not too many shared anything of depth but a couple were able to express frustrations and what they had learned.
As I chatted with this girl yesterday, I realized that yes, once again God had redeemed an experience that seemed to be "unsuccessful" and that at least one young lady had learned from it. And actually the new facilitators who were faced with a very tough first group walked away from the experience wiser and stronger from it. As for me, as I mentioned before, I need to review and practice Spanish more and more and yet I have to remember that God can work through my weaknesses. The girl had mentioned pride during the one debrief and I realized it is partially because of my pride that I never want anyone to translate my questions into Spanish. I want to do it myself but I think that there are times when I should admit that translation would help the situation and then allow someone else to help me out. We will see what happens this next weekend.
I do not really think I have gotten any braver (nor less wise, though some may contest that) since coming to Latin America, but yes I did have a poisonous snake in my hand. The catch though is that it was in a 2-liter Pepsi bottle. There is something a little disconcerting about having a poisonous snake at eye level, inches from your face with only a thin layer of plastic between the two. I have yet to identify what kind it is because all of my books are at camp. And no, the snake was not from camp. A friend found it at the Institute where he works and captured it. I now have it in my possession, but it is dead. I will probably add it to my collection of critters (all insects up until now) preserved in formaldahyde. I need to move them from my house though because they really are not my taste for decorations. They were tolerable at Kensinger's Retreat during the youth group retreats, but I only had to endure them for 3 days.
Yesterday was a long day, in that I rode the bus from camp to the city with the 12-14 year olds from the church retreat and then waited around until it was time to go with the Williamsons to the airport at 10:00pm. It ended up being a really good day though. While standing on the sidewalk waiting for all of the youth to be picked up, one of the girls from the ropes course group I had observed, came over to talk with me. She thanked me for my involvement and began to share some of what she had learned from the experience. For a little background, the group was really tough. In reality about four of them should have been removed but that would have been over a 3rd of the group. The boys paid no attention to the girls' suggestions which actually contained many of the solutions. In the end the group did not complete any of the challenges that they were given. With such an ending it is hard to know how to bring a reflection time around to the place where the participants can walk away having learned something, thereby redeeming what would appear to be a failure. We talked about failure and success and learning from mistakes. We also talked about evaluating our hearts and attitudes and seeing what God wants to change. During the discussion time not too many shared anything of depth but a couple were able to express frustrations and what they had learned.
As I chatted with this girl yesterday, I realized that yes, once again God had redeemed an experience that seemed to be "unsuccessful" and that at least one young lady had learned from it. And actually the new facilitators who were faced with a very tough first group walked away from the experience wiser and stronger from it. As for me, as I mentioned before, I need to review and practice Spanish more and more and yet I have to remember that God can work through my weaknesses. The girl had mentioned pride during the one debrief and I realized it is partially because of my pride that I never want anyone to translate my questions into Spanish. I want to do it myself but I think that there are times when I should admit that translation would help the situation and then allow someone else to help me out. We will see what happens this next weekend.
The Slow Death of a Light
September 22, 2007
I sit down to write at the end of a long week but a new one is around the bend. This afternoon I observed another ropes course group and their leaders and was able to give some feedback. My involvement in the debriefs reminded me once again that I need to reviewing and attempting to use some of the more difficult rules of Spanish. Partly because of this need to keep using my Spanish more and more, I am planning to housesit for some missionaries who are on furlough until January. Their housekeeper actually stays at the house too but my presence there will allow her to go home and be with her family some. And I will have someone to speak in Spanish with on a regular basis when I am in the city. The house itself is a bit like a resort in comparison to where I live so I think I should be quite comfortable. The biggest challenge will be that it is not a place to call my own or arrange how I want (but if it was my own I would not have all the furniture and such that is there).
Because of several readings in books, I have decided to study darkness and light in the Bible and the other day I had an interesting realization. For weeks I had been walking around camp with my headlamp and batteries that were almost dead. I could hardly distinguish anything on the ground in front of me even with its light, but I wanted to wait until the batteries were completely dead before I recharged them. That is not so easy to do with a light because at some point the light loses its usefulness. A MP3 player or walkman will play and then suddenly shut off. Not so a flashlight. A light dies slowly.
I then got to thinking about my life and communication with Jesus. Lately I have had a lot of decisions to make and some big things on my plate. I have prayed asking for guidance , but it had been a while since I really stopped and listened and was fully recharged. I do not often have intense, focused time when I put my thoughts, ears, and eyes completely on the Lord. Too often I talk more than I listen. And yet to be recharged, I need quality and a good quantity of time or else I will continue on with only a dim light to illuminate my path and reveal the best place to step. The other week I finally changed the batteries in my headlamp and recharged the old ones. What I can see now is so much clearer and of greater distance. If something dangerous is in my path, I should actually be able to see it now. The past few days have been a time to “recharge” my heart by listening with my whole being once again. And how necessary it has been because I have had a few obstacles to step over.
I sit down to write at the end of a long week but a new one is around the bend. This afternoon I observed another ropes course group and their leaders and was able to give some feedback. My involvement in the debriefs reminded me once again that I need to reviewing and attempting to use some of the more difficult rules of Spanish. Partly because of this need to keep using my Spanish more and more, I am planning to housesit for some missionaries who are on furlough until January. Their housekeeper actually stays at the house too but my presence there will allow her to go home and be with her family some. And I will have someone to speak in Spanish with on a regular basis when I am in the city. The house itself is a bit like a resort in comparison to where I live so I think I should be quite comfortable. The biggest challenge will be that it is not a place to call my own or arrange how I want (but if it was my own I would not have all the furniture and such that is there).
Because of several readings in books, I have decided to study darkness and light in the Bible and the other day I had an interesting realization. For weeks I had been walking around camp with my headlamp and batteries that were almost dead. I could hardly distinguish anything on the ground in front of me even with its light, but I wanted to wait until the batteries were completely dead before I recharged them. That is not so easy to do with a light because at some point the light loses its usefulness. A MP3 player or walkman will play and then suddenly shut off. Not so a flashlight. A light dies slowly.
I then got to thinking about my life and communication with Jesus. Lately I have had a lot of decisions to make and some big things on my plate. I have prayed asking for guidance , but it had been a while since I really stopped and listened and was fully recharged. I do not often have intense, focused time when I put my thoughts, ears, and eyes completely on the Lord. Too often I talk more than I listen. And yet to be recharged, I need quality and a good quantity of time or else I will continue on with only a dim light to illuminate my path and reveal the best place to step. The other week I finally changed the batteries in my headlamp and recharged the old ones. What I can see now is so much clearer and of greater distance. If something dangerous is in my path, I should actually be able to see it now. The past few days have been a time to “recharge” my heart by listening with my whole being once again. And how necessary it has been because I have had a few obstacles to step over.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Holding loosely to time
September 20, 2007
Life with its ups and downs. Here I sit in San Pedro with a list of things to do and laundry sitting half washed in the washing machine and there is no electric. Everyone says that San Pedro always has electric but I seem to be in the city every time that the electric goes out. Perhaps it is me. I head back to camp this afternoon and if I cannot get on-line before then, I will probably be unable to do anything till Sunday. I guess that it could be a way of God answering a few of my prayers about what to do with my visa running out next month. Maybe I am just to wait and see and not jump on the current opportunity for a cheap ticket to the States.
I am wondering how much I am to learn to plan ahead and be prepared for power outages at any moment even in the city or whether the lesson is to just relax and go with the flow. I am learning to hold time more loosely and wait, not knowing when or if intended plans will actually happen. As of yesterday morning the plan was to get together with a Honduran friend in the evening. We had not set a definite time though and the plan was for her to call me after work. But it was 7:00 till she called because it was the one day where she had to work late. By that time it was too late to do anything since neither of us had a car. And so the time in the city has passed without any time with Honduran friends.
It just seems to be one of those weeks. Thankfully I have transferred locations to another home where there is still electric. I will be able to make the phone calls and do the things I need to. It took several hours to reach this point though because the couple whose house I was staying at could not open their gate to get their truck out because of the power outage. Even the generator would not work well enough to open the electric gate. These are the situations that make it so difficult to get things done. And I am challenged to learn as Paul did, the secret of being content in any and every situation.
Life with its ups and downs. Here I sit in San Pedro with a list of things to do and laundry sitting half washed in the washing machine and there is no electric. Everyone says that San Pedro always has electric but I seem to be in the city every time that the electric goes out. Perhaps it is me. I head back to camp this afternoon and if I cannot get on-line before then, I will probably be unable to do anything till Sunday. I guess that it could be a way of God answering a few of my prayers about what to do with my visa running out next month. Maybe I am just to wait and see and not jump on the current opportunity for a cheap ticket to the States.
I am wondering how much I am to learn to plan ahead and be prepared for power outages at any moment even in the city or whether the lesson is to just relax and go with the flow. I am learning to hold time more loosely and wait, not knowing when or if intended plans will actually happen. As of yesterday morning the plan was to get together with a Honduran friend in the evening. We had not set a definite time though and the plan was for her to call me after work. But it was 7:00 till she called because it was the one day where she had to work late. By that time it was too late to do anything since neither of us had a car. And so the time in the city has passed without any time with Honduran friends.
It just seems to be one of those weeks. Thankfully I have transferred locations to another home where there is still electric. I will be able to make the phone calls and do the things I need to. It took several hours to reach this point though because the couple whose house I was staying at could not open their gate to get their truck out because of the power outage. Even the generator would not work well enough to open the electric gate. These are the situations that make it so difficult to get things done. And I am challenged to learn as Paul did, the secret of being content in any and every situation.
Sunday, September 16, 2007
From one day to the next
September 16, 2007
I find it amazing how the way things are going can change so rapidly. Up until Friday, I was having a great week. Thursday afternoon I was in the city and found an apartment I really like – except for the price so I doubt it will actually work for me. I met up with a guy I knew from the camp I volunteered at in Costa Rica and was able to honestly say that things were going well. His family had moved to Honduras several years ago and they admitted that the transition was hard. And that was only from one Latin country to another so I felt a little better about the fact that it has been a hard transition for me too.
I have been reminded that seeing familiar faces is so good. Last weekend another LAM missionary family visited us at camp. I had been in Language school with them and not seen them since April. On Wednesday I finally got together with one of my Honduran friends. I think it had been at least a month since we last chatted in person. I am discovering too that it would probably be cheaper for me to call the States with my cell phone than it is to call many phone numbers within the country of Honduras. It does not make phone conversations with friends here very appealing, especially when they are also in Spanish and I struggle to follow Spanish on the phone.
Anyway, I got back to camp on Thursday evening and Friday by lunch time I had a terrible headache. I thought briefly (and with horror) that it might be from lack of caffeine. For the past week I drank either tea or coffee everyday and though I did not think an addiction could happen that quickly, it was my one hypothesis. An attempted nap did not really alleviate the pain or tiredness and sleep was elusive since the electric was off and the house was extraordinarily hot. Thankfully I woke up Saturday feeling better. Because the Williamson children have been sick off and on the past couple of days, I think I may have had a virus and not an addiction to caffeine. Yeah!
September 15th is the Independence Day of Central America and one of the children from camp was in the local parade so a bunch of us were planning to go down and watch her. But the car would not start. Finally we pushed it to where it was facing downhill and then I had my first opportunity to clutch start a car and it worked. We made it to town an hour later than planned but no worries because the parade apparently did not start on time either. Saturday afternoon I went along with a ropes course group to observe the leader who still does not have sufficient hours to lead alone. In the evening I discovered how to substitute regular sugar for powdered sugar by using the blender.
This morning I awoke to no electric and a gentle rainfall. The rain has continued all day and gotten heavier. It actually reminds me of the other week when the Tropical Depression was in the area. Tonight we are having a farewell dinner along with the worship time since it is the Williamson’s last time here for many months. I think that the combination of sicknesses, power outages, and seeing all that the Williamson’s have to do in such a short time (while feeling helpless as far as really aiding them) have created a more stressful atmosphere over the past few days. But I know that it could be much worse and I am just praying that things go smoothly at camp as the Williamsons pack up this week.
I find it amazing how the way things are going can change so rapidly. Up until Friday, I was having a great week. Thursday afternoon I was in the city and found an apartment I really like – except for the price so I doubt it will actually work for me. I met up with a guy I knew from the camp I volunteered at in Costa Rica and was able to honestly say that things were going well. His family had moved to Honduras several years ago and they admitted that the transition was hard. And that was only from one Latin country to another so I felt a little better about the fact that it has been a hard transition for me too.
I have been reminded that seeing familiar faces is so good. Last weekend another LAM missionary family visited us at camp. I had been in Language school with them and not seen them since April. On Wednesday I finally got together with one of my Honduran friends. I think it had been at least a month since we last chatted in person. I am discovering too that it would probably be cheaper for me to call the States with my cell phone than it is to call many phone numbers within the country of Honduras. It does not make phone conversations with friends here very appealing, especially when they are also in Spanish and I struggle to follow Spanish on the phone.
Anyway, I got back to camp on Thursday evening and Friday by lunch time I had a terrible headache. I thought briefly (and with horror) that it might be from lack of caffeine. For the past week I drank either tea or coffee everyday and though I did not think an addiction could happen that quickly, it was my one hypothesis. An attempted nap did not really alleviate the pain or tiredness and sleep was elusive since the electric was off and the house was extraordinarily hot. Thankfully I woke up Saturday feeling better. Because the Williamson children have been sick off and on the past couple of days, I think I may have had a virus and not an addiction to caffeine. Yeah!
September 15th is the Independence Day of Central America and one of the children from camp was in the local parade so a bunch of us were planning to go down and watch her. But the car would not start. Finally we pushed it to where it was facing downhill and then I had my first opportunity to clutch start a car and it worked. We made it to town an hour later than planned but no worries because the parade apparently did not start on time either. Saturday afternoon I went along with a ropes course group to observe the leader who still does not have sufficient hours to lead alone. In the evening I discovered how to substitute regular sugar for powdered sugar by using the blender.
This morning I awoke to no electric and a gentle rainfall. The rain has continued all day and gotten heavier. It actually reminds me of the other week when the Tropical Depression was in the area. Tonight we are having a farewell dinner along with the worship time since it is the Williamson’s last time here for many months. I think that the combination of sicknesses, power outages, and seeing all that the Williamson’s have to do in such a short time (while feeling helpless as far as really aiding them) have created a more stressful atmosphere over the past few days. But I know that it could be much worse and I am just praying that things go smoothly at camp as the Williamsons pack up this week.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Do I really need a car?
September 7, 2007
For the most part the effects of the Tropical depression are past here in Honduras though I am hearing of lots of flooding in the capital, 4 hours from me. Some of the rivers along the main road to the city were very high but the roads were quite passable. This afternoon I arrived in the city with hopes of getting together with a woman I was supposed to meet with last week and had to cancel on because of transportation problems. Of course I could not actually reach her by telephone until I got to the city, but thankfully she readily invited me to her house, even at the last minute. I appreciate that about the Latin culture – ability to change plans last minute and graciously.
So I said that we had electric throughout the storm. That was true until Wednesday night when suddenly the power went off around 7:00PM. I was on the phone with Cindy in the city and I learned that they lost power at the same moment and I figured the problem must be pretty big and might take a long time to fix (the whole country I later learned). But by midnight the electric was back. It did hinder the plans that I had to bake cookies with the two Honduran women and one of their daughters. But even with electric we probably could not have made them because we could not get the oven to work without giving off gas. We sat on the kitchen floor around a candle instead, ate a few chocolate chips, and chatted. Quality moments.
The excitement of this morning was checking out the snake that the dogs had killed the other night. A boa, about 4 feet long. Enjoy the photos! It was quite comforting to hear that the night watchman thought he saw it on the roof of the cabin next to mine shortly before its death. Perhaps the wildlife on camp is a little too prolific. I had to evacuate my house Weds. night for fumigation against the many unwanted insects. When I return on Friday, I will have to do
lots of washing of everything that is now contaminated by the spray. The car issues were supposedly a defective oil filter that exploded so once it was replaced the mechanic said that it should be fine for me to drive to the city. But this evening I noticed oil on the floor beneath the car so I am not so sure it is fixed. At least it has not lost all its oil like last time though. I am considering taking up the recommendation of the one night watchman and buying a horse for my transportation instead. The benefits – 4WD in any type of weather, no mechanical issues to deal with, and if I use my big backpack, I could carry my groceries. Of course the drawbacks are too numerous to mention.
For the most part the effects of the Tropical depression are past here in Honduras though I am hearing of lots of flooding in the capital, 4 hours from me. Some of the rivers along the main road to the city were very high but the roads were quite passable. This afternoon I arrived in the city with hopes of getting together with a woman I was supposed to meet with last week and had to cancel on because of transportation problems. Of course I could not actually reach her by telephone until I got to the city, but thankfully she readily invited me to her house, even at the last minute. I appreciate that about the Latin culture – ability to change plans last minute and graciously.
So I said that we had electric throughout the storm. That was true until Wednesday night when suddenly the power went off around 7:00PM. I was on the phone with Cindy in the city and I learned that they lost power at the same moment and I figured the problem must be pretty big and might take a long time to fix (the whole country I later learned). But by midnight the electric was back. It did hinder the plans that I had to bake cookies with the two Honduran women and one of their daughters. But even with electric we probably could not have made them because we could not get the oven to work without giving off gas. We sat on the kitchen floor around a candle instead, ate a few chocolate chips, and chatted. Quality moments.
The excitement of this morning was checking out the snake that the dogs had killed the other night. A boa, about 4 feet long. Enjoy the photos! It was quite comforting to hear that the night watchman thought he saw it on the roof of the cabin next to mine shortly before its death. Perhaps the wildlife on camp is a little too prolific. I had to evacuate my house Weds. night for fumigation against the many unwanted insects. When I return on Friday, I will have to do
lots of washing of everything that is now contaminated by the spray. The car issues were supposedly a defective oil filter that exploded so once it was replaced the mechanic said that it should be fine for me to drive to the city. But this evening I noticed oil on the floor beneath the car so I am not so sure it is fixed. At least it has not lost all its oil like last time though. I am considering taking up the recommendation of the one night watchman and buying a horse for my transportation instead. The benefits – 4WD in any type of weather, no mechanical issues to deal with, and if I use my big backpack, I could carry my groceries. Of course the drawbacks are too numerous to mention.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
In the Midst of The Storm
September 5, 2007
And the rains have come! Since Tuesday around 1:30PM it has been raining almost constantly. Not always heavy showers but a steady rain. It is hard to imagine what the weather would be like if Felix had not downgraded to a Tropical Depression and instead came upon us as a hurricane. This morning I went down to the creek with some of the other staff and it was definitely a different creek than what I have seen previously in my time here. Last evening just before dusk I took a stroll to the woods in between rain showers and with each walk, I have been reminded that I find this weather enchanting and delightful (in small doses – everyday and I would have a different opinion). To walk in a world where green life is all around and the raindrops tumble gently from the drenched branches above. To have the opportunity to wear a long-sleeved shirt all day and not be hot! That is paradise (Okay, not really but delightful just the same).
And the rains have come! Since Tuesday around 1:30PM it has been raining almost constantly. Not always heavy showers but a steady rain. It is hard to imagine what the weather would be like if Felix had not downgraded to a Tropical Depression and instead came upon us as a hurricane. This morning I went down to the creek with some of the other staff and it was definitely a different creek than what I have seen previously in my time here. Last evening just before dusk I took a stroll to the woods in between rain showers and with each walk, I have been reminded that I find this weather enchanting and delightful (in small doses – everyday and I would have a different opinion). To walk in a world where green life is all around and the raindrops tumble gently from the drenched branches above. To have the opportunity to wear a long-sleeved shirt all day and not be hot! That is paradise (Okay, not really but delightful just the same).
I have so much to b thankful for at the moment. The power has stayed on all through the rains except for an hour or so last night, just as I was headed to bed. My roof has not leaked yet though I know that the leak is not really repaired. One of the families stayed on camp rather than going to visit their family on the other side of town and the creek. Had they done so, there is a good chance that they would not have made it back. I am not quite ready to be on camp overnight by myself. I am not even attempting to go anywhere since the price of mototaxis make a trip to town not worth it and they probably could not even make it up the hill. And so I work, eat, and read in the midst of a rain-soaked world that occasionally beckons me to venture out and explore.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
In the Calm
September 4,
Today is a day of waiting -- waiting to see if Hurricane Felix will hit Honduras and effect my area, waiting to see if the Montero will be fixed so that I can leave camp if I want to, and waiting for who knows what else but I am sure that there is something. At the moment, all is calm. Since last evening there has hardly been any wind and we have had sunshine. And yet there is the threat of lots of rain and heavy winds in less than 24 hours. It does not seem like the people of Pinalejo are panicking because of the Hurricane. Eversince Hurricane Mitch in 1998 which destroyed so much of the country, there is much fear associated with the word "hurricane". The Williamsons are in the city and they have said that the supermarkets are emptied of food and yet jammed with people. The threat is being taken seriously. Here at camp we may have to gather in the storage rooms under the dining hall because none of the buildings have very strong roofs. I bought plenty of food when I was in the city over the weekend, but I am realizing that it was probably too much if the electric goes off because some of it will spoil. Because of flooding and mudslides the roads to the city will probably be impassible so my intended trip to the city tomorrow will not happen.
Not that I could have gone anyway because yesterday as I returned from town the oil light came on in the dashboard of the Montero. Since it "devours" oil I figured that it just needed refilled. But as it turns out something exploded and the oil was everywhere except where it should be. The night watchman saw oil all along the road up to camp. I am thankful that it happened when and where it did because I was not on the road to the city or even stuck in town. The mechanic came up to camp this morning and thinks the oil filter is defective and needs replaced. Since the part is probably not found here in the town, the car will not be fixed until he can get to the city. It would seem that God wants me to hang out at camp for a while. I doubt that I will even come to town for a few days after today. I hitched a ride down to town with the mechanic and then I plan to call my first "mototaxi" (I´ll have to include a picture sometime.) and get back up to camp. The adventures continue!
Over the weekend I met a girl from Kentucky, Mary, who is traveling Latin America for several months. It is neat how my life can be enriched from random contacts with people. She has a heart for ministering and is obediently following God without really knowing where she will end up. She studied Environmental Geography in college and so having an interest in camps, she returned to camp with me on Sunday to see the place. We did a little exploring and went for a run in the morning. (It was quite nice to have a running partner other than the dogs which tend to be more of a hindrance than a help most of the time) We also stayed up chatting until 11:30PM (something I have not done for ages), having deep conversations about life and faith. I was blessed by the brief encounter. I love how God can use even people who pass through our lives for such a short moment, to encourage, challenge us, and remind us of just how big He is. Her life and testimony were a challenge to me to consider what affect my life has on other people in similar brief encounters.
And so as I continue to wait to see what happens next in Pinalejo, in Honduras, I am at peace knowing that as I read in Psalm 46 this morning, "God is my refuge and my strength an ever present help in times of trouble..." And then the verse that I need to remember if the storm does hit, "Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations..." I think that the next few days could be a great time to get to know the Honduran staff better and to minister to them. Probably there will be an adventure or 2 thrown in there too. We will see.
Today is a day of waiting -- waiting to see if Hurricane Felix will hit Honduras and effect my area, waiting to see if the Montero will be fixed so that I can leave camp if I want to, and waiting for who knows what else but I am sure that there is something. At the moment, all is calm. Since last evening there has hardly been any wind and we have had sunshine. And yet there is the threat of lots of rain and heavy winds in less than 24 hours. It does not seem like the people of Pinalejo are panicking because of the Hurricane. Eversince Hurricane Mitch in 1998 which destroyed so much of the country, there is much fear associated with the word "hurricane". The Williamsons are in the city and they have said that the supermarkets are emptied of food and yet jammed with people. The threat is being taken seriously. Here at camp we may have to gather in the storage rooms under the dining hall because none of the buildings have very strong roofs. I bought plenty of food when I was in the city over the weekend, but I am realizing that it was probably too much if the electric goes off because some of it will spoil. Because of flooding and mudslides the roads to the city will probably be impassible so my intended trip to the city tomorrow will not happen.
Not that I could have gone anyway because yesterday as I returned from town the oil light came on in the dashboard of the Montero. Since it "devours" oil I figured that it just needed refilled. But as it turns out something exploded and the oil was everywhere except where it should be. The night watchman saw oil all along the road up to camp. I am thankful that it happened when and where it did because I was not on the road to the city or even stuck in town. The mechanic came up to camp this morning and thinks the oil filter is defective and needs replaced. Since the part is probably not found here in the town, the car will not be fixed until he can get to the city. It would seem that God wants me to hang out at camp for a while. I doubt that I will even come to town for a few days after today. I hitched a ride down to town with the mechanic and then I plan to call my first "mototaxi" (I´ll have to include a picture sometime.) and get back up to camp. The adventures continue!
Over the weekend I met a girl from Kentucky, Mary, who is traveling Latin America for several months. It is neat how my life can be enriched from random contacts with people. She has a heart for ministering and is obediently following God without really knowing where she will end up. She studied Environmental Geography in college and so having an interest in camps, she returned to camp with me on Sunday to see the place. We did a little exploring and went for a run in the morning. (It was quite nice to have a running partner other than the dogs which tend to be more of a hindrance than a help most of the time) We also stayed up chatting until 11:30PM (something I have not done for ages), having deep conversations about life and faith. I was blessed by the brief encounter. I love how God can use even people who pass through our lives for such a short moment, to encourage, challenge us, and remind us of just how big He is. Her life and testimony were a challenge to me to consider what affect my life has on other people in similar brief encounters.
And so as I continue to wait to see what happens next in Pinalejo, in Honduras, I am at peace knowing that as I read in Psalm 46 this morning, "God is my refuge and my strength an ever present help in times of trouble..." And then the verse that I need to remember if the storm does hit, "Be still and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the nations..." I think that the next few days could be a great time to get to know the Honduran staff better and to minister to them. Probably there will be an adventure or 2 thrown in there too. We will see.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Buried Treasure?
August 28, 2007
Fifteen years ago, I would never have dreamed that one day (August 28, 2007) I would be digging up a snake skeleton in the jungle of Honduras. I would have thought such an idea was insane. Perhaps it still it is, but today I was looking for treasure – the coral snake skeleton. Much to my disappointment, it was no longer intact so what I have is hundreds of small bones. The task was made rather unpleasant because of the heat and the mosquitoes that never overlook the opportunity to feast on me. Hmm… maybe if I would cut all sugar out of my diet they would leave me alone. That is a high price to pay though.
I eventually left the jungle and moved to the pine area for sifting through the rest of the dirt. Here the mosquitoes are not so abundant. And it was here that I first heard and saw the Collared Aracari’s flying overhead (similar to the Toucans). Later I took Teresita, one of the Honduran girls who was not in school because of a strike the teachers were all involved in, down to the creek area to identify the birds for certain. Sure enough a glance through the binoculars revealed the real treasure of the day – the beautiful Aracari’s. They seemed to be passing through and feasting on some of the many fruits around camp at the moment, but perhaps they will stay. Teresita and I did a little more exploring but the venture yielded only the sound of parrots, a couple of passion fruit, and spotting a few woodpeckers. I was glad that she could come along and take a rest from her boredom as she followed her mom around camp, cleaning. Unfortunately she talks so fast that I only understand half of what she is telling me but I try.
Fifteen years ago, I would never have dreamed that one day (August 28, 2007) I would be digging up a snake skeleton in the jungle of Honduras. I would have thought such an idea was insane. Perhaps it still it is, but today I was looking for treasure – the coral snake skeleton. Much to my disappointment, it was no longer intact so what I have is hundreds of small bones. The task was made rather unpleasant because of the heat and the mosquitoes that never overlook the opportunity to feast on me. Hmm… maybe if I would cut all sugar out of my diet they would leave me alone. That is a high price to pay though.
I eventually left the jungle and moved to the pine area for sifting through the rest of the dirt. Here the mosquitoes are not so abundant. And it was here that I first heard and saw the Collared Aracari’s flying overhead (similar to the Toucans). Later I took Teresita, one of the Honduran girls who was not in school because of a strike the teachers were all involved in, down to the creek area to identify the birds for certain. Sure enough a glance through the binoculars revealed the real treasure of the day – the beautiful Aracari’s. They seemed to be passing through and feasting on some of the many fruits around camp at the moment, but perhaps they will stay. Teresita and I did a little more exploring but the venture yielded only the sound of parrots, a couple of passion fruit, and spotting a few woodpeckers. I was glad that she could come along and take a rest from her boredom as she followed her mom around camp, cleaning. Unfortunately she talks so fast that I only understand half of what she is telling me but I try.
Monday, August 27, 2007
The Ants Go Marching One by One... or Is It By 100?
August 27, 2007
Over the past few days my annoyance with ants has increased greatly. I suppose that they still have my respect as far as their work ethic and persistence but there are just too many in my life. I never knew that so many species existed in one place – my house. There are the big black ants that love oil and so if there is even a drop or hint of oil on the outside of a bottle, these ants congregate in masses. Then there are the “normal” ants that like sugar and any other piece of food left lying around. The thing is these ants will raid the trash can and carry cracker crumbs up and out and then across the floor to who knows where. For some reason even the leaf cutter ants try to walk in under my front door carrying leaves. I am not sure where they are headed. I would prefer that they carry the dead leaves out which they have done on occasion, thereby being a little more helpful.
But last week the ants went too far. I had brought the food for the Williamson’s dog, Cappuccino, to my porch because it was raining and he was not down at their house to eat. I set it on the porch where I could keep an eye to make sure that the other dogs did not devour the food. After a while I went out to check on the food and found that the ants had taken over. And these are the little ants that bite. I was in the middle of cooking so I figured that I would wait a half an hour until was done to fight with the biting ants. When I went back out to the porch, I stared in disbelief at the empty dog food bowl. They had gone and carried off every last piece of food and these are decent sized pellets! Then I noticed a group of 4 or 5 ants carrying a pellet up the wall towards an electric outlet where I believe some of them have had a nest (hence the outlet does not work). That did it -- those ants and the food went flying with a whack of the broom!
A few nights later I was reading in my hammock when I noticed a big black beetle flailing its legs as it lay upside down on the porch, trying to right itself. Surrounding it were a bunch of ants that seemed to be waiting for either its death so that they could carry it away or for it to stop moving long enough that they could carry it away while still alive. I am quite certain that they were not there for its benefit. On that particular evening my sympathy went to the beetle and I hopped up and helped to turn the beetle right side up. At this the ants dispersed, the beetle hissed and then moved on. For once the ants did not win.
I suppose that my battles with ants will continue indefinitely. Thankfully I am not dreaming of them and since the time they got in my sugar several months ago, they have not in any of my containers. I definitely wear shoes in the house so I do not feel the crunching. I probably should return the Proverbs and remember that which I can learn from the ants currently annoying ways.
Over the past few days my annoyance with ants has increased greatly. I suppose that they still have my respect as far as their work ethic and persistence but there are just too many in my life. I never knew that so many species existed in one place – my house. There are the big black ants that love oil and so if there is even a drop or hint of oil on the outside of a bottle, these ants congregate in masses. Then there are the “normal” ants that like sugar and any other piece of food left lying around. The thing is these ants will raid the trash can and carry cracker crumbs up and out and then across the floor to who knows where. For some reason even the leaf cutter ants try to walk in under my front door carrying leaves. I am not sure where they are headed. I would prefer that they carry the dead leaves out which they have done on occasion, thereby being a little more helpful.
But last week the ants went too far. I had brought the food for the Williamson’s dog, Cappuccino, to my porch because it was raining and he was not down at their house to eat. I set it on the porch where I could keep an eye to make sure that the other dogs did not devour the food. After a while I went out to check on the food and found that the ants had taken over. And these are the little ants that bite. I was in the middle of cooking so I figured that I would wait a half an hour until was done to fight with the biting ants. When I went back out to the porch, I stared in disbelief at the empty dog food bowl. They had gone and carried off every last piece of food and these are decent sized pellets! Then I noticed a group of 4 or 5 ants carrying a pellet up the wall towards an electric outlet where I believe some of them have had a nest (hence the outlet does not work). That did it -- those ants and the food went flying with a whack of the broom!
A few nights later I was reading in my hammock when I noticed a big black beetle flailing its legs as it lay upside down on the porch, trying to right itself. Surrounding it were a bunch of ants that seemed to be waiting for either its death so that they could carry it away or for it to stop moving long enough that they could carry it away while still alive. I am quite certain that they were not there for its benefit. On that particular evening my sympathy went to the beetle and I hopped up and helped to turn the beetle right side up. At this the ants dispersed, the beetle hissed and then moved on. For once the ants did not win.
I suppose that my battles with ants will continue indefinitely. Thankfully I am not dreaming of them and since the time they got in my sugar several months ago, they have not in any of my containers. I definitely wear shoes in the house so I do not feel the crunching. I probably should return the Proverbs and remember that which I can learn from the ants currently annoying ways.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Nature Journal, August 22, 2007
Monday I had the opportunity to wander around camp once again after much time away from here. I was excited by all that I saw. One of the first finds was a small owl (Pygmy Owl?) in a tree on the upper side of camp. I could not see it well enough to identify it but it was definitely a smaller type. Later I caught a glimpse of an iguana in a tree by one of the ravines. I finally got a better look at one of the fowl-like birds on camp and identified it as a Tinamou. The most exciting find of the day though was the passion fruit that had finally turned yellow and was ready for harvesting. There were just enough for everyone on camp and today I had some ”jugo de maracuya.” Fruits and juices always taste better when it is harvested by hand (and comes from free fruit). I always loved picking wineberries and blackberries on camp in PA. The discovery of the passion fruit was a bit like finding pawpaw in PA.
Yesterday Wes reported that he saw 5 toucans down in the jungle which is also exciting news. (I saw 3 of them today. Such beautiful creatures!) On my hike later in the day I saw some Green Jays which are actually beautiful birds – blue and black head, green back, and yellow chest, but I was sad to learn that they are related to Blue Jays. I guess I was trained from my childhood to not appreciate the jays which are loud and mean. I had personal first-hand experience when I ended up too close to one of their nests. I also saw another Jesus Christ Lizard climbing a tree near the jungle. We may have nutmeg on camp which is pretty cool especially if I could figure out how to harvest it and make it useful.
Last evening I got to walk home in my first torrential downpour and be witness to how quickly rivers of water take over camp. Erosion is a huge problem. I enjoyed the short walk to my house even though I waded through many a puddle. There is something fun about being in a woods at dusk during a downpour. I had a rain jacket too so I did not get drenched. This morning the woods were misty after a good rain and were awesome for a morning run. Today’s hike in the woods also revealed more cool bird findings. A Chestnut-colored woodpecker, a Yellow throated Euphonia, and I couple of birds I have yet to identify.
My experiences and sightings out in the woods have helped me become very thankful again to be where I am at. True the power is going off a lot with the rains, but there is plenty of water now. Yes, my roof has a little leak but thankfully it is over a spot without furniture and so when I returned to my house after being gone for 5 days, only the floor was wet.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Trust
August 19, 2007
This past week I spent several days in Tegucigalpa where I worked on getting one last document for my residency. I was successful in that I actually have the paper even though the office told me I did not need it. I opted to be safe and get it rather than have to make another 4 hour trip to the capital. The trip was also successful in that I found the couple I stayed with 8 years ago when visiting Honduras with a college class. I ended up staying with them for part of my time there and it was good to reconnect and be able to talk with them at a deeper level since my Spanish has improved.
But I think that the trip was most successful because of some of the things I began to realize. Trust would be the word to sum up the main lesson of the week. In Tegucigalpa I did not have a car available to drive wherever I wanted so I had to rely on public transportation – the very thing that many people warn against because it is too dangerous and you cannot trust either the drivers or the passengers. Well, I had no intentions of being housebound while my hosts were at work so I took taxis and I took the bus. I probably paid more than I should have a time or two with the taxis but I did barter down the price to what the locals had said was reasonable. I even took a collective taxi from downtown back to a shopping center – the taxis that take more than one person at a time. On Friday I decided that I wanted to go to an Agricultural University outside of the city to check out their bookstore for some books on trees, so I found the local bus and hopped on. It was during this ride that I was able to chat with the teenage girl beside me. I was surprised when she bought me a dessert to eat from one of the boys selling things along the road. With her help I figured out where to get off the bus.
At the university I had no success in finding the book, but the views from the mountain and the opportunity to converse with Pamela made the trip worth it. Not to mention the fact that I love feeling safe enough to venture off into the unknown. I wanted to keep going though and find a hiking spot or waterfall but I knew that would be beyond the line of appropriate risk as the moment. I returned to the city and tried to find a bus to a different university, and in the process I discovered that one should ask the driver where they are headed before getting on the bus because I ended up going in the wrong direction in spite of what the bus declared as its’ destinations. I, therefore, had to take more taxis to get where I needed to go.
On my final bus back to San Pedro which was one of the executive types, comparable to the coach buses in the US, I spent a good portion of time chatting with the girl beside me. She works in a factory in some type of management and we got to talking about how a Challenge Ropes Course is great for building teamwork in employees, so perhaps I will meet up with her again at camp someday.
Anyway, throughout this week I have also been reading a book called Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L’Engle, and in one chapter she tells the story of a father who wants to protect his son from all pain and hurt and so he warns the boy not to trust anyone. At one point he asks his son if he trusts him and the son replies affirmatively. The father then tells the boy to jump down from a few stairs into his arms. The son does so but the father steps aside and lets him fall to the ground. The father’s words: “You see you must trust nobody.” I can only imagine the scars that would leave on a young child, to go through life unable to trust anyone but himself. To face life with the opinion that no one can be trusted would equal a lonely life. Probably everyone in our life will hurt us at some point and let us down, but we have to trust and depend on others anyway. And we can trust the Lord though even with Him our lack of understanding of His ways may lead us to think initially that He let us down too.
I realized through the week’s experiences and readings that I must trust people around me. Yes, there are taxi drivers who are dishonest and thieves but for the most part they are simply men doing their job. Yes, there are thieves on the buses, but there are also lots of people in need of a smile, of someone to care. I think that if I avoid public places I will be missing out on connections and opportunities to share God’s love. And so as I pray and choose when to venture out into public transportation or the more “risky” areas of life where I have less control, I have to trust too that the Lord is guiding and guarding me (not that that means I will never get hurt).
This past week I spent several days in Tegucigalpa where I worked on getting one last document for my residency. I was successful in that I actually have the paper even though the office told me I did not need it. I opted to be safe and get it rather than have to make another 4 hour trip to the capital. The trip was also successful in that I found the couple I stayed with 8 years ago when visiting Honduras with a college class. I ended up staying with them for part of my time there and it was good to reconnect and be able to talk with them at a deeper level since my Spanish has improved.
But I think that the trip was most successful because of some of the things I began to realize. Trust would be the word to sum up the main lesson of the week. In Tegucigalpa I did not have a car available to drive wherever I wanted so I had to rely on public transportation – the very thing that many people warn against because it is too dangerous and you cannot trust either the drivers or the passengers. Well, I had no intentions of being housebound while my hosts were at work so I took taxis and I took the bus. I probably paid more than I should have a time or two with the taxis but I did barter down the price to what the locals had said was reasonable. I even took a collective taxi from downtown back to a shopping center – the taxis that take more than one person at a time. On Friday I decided that I wanted to go to an Agricultural University outside of the city to check out their bookstore for some books on trees, so I found the local bus and hopped on. It was during this ride that I was able to chat with the teenage girl beside me. I was surprised when she bought me a dessert to eat from one of the boys selling things along the road. With her help I figured out where to get off the bus.
At the university I had no success in finding the book, but the views from the mountain and the opportunity to converse with Pamela made the trip worth it. Not to mention the fact that I love feeling safe enough to venture off into the unknown. I wanted to keep going though and find a hiking spot or waterfall but I knew that would be beyond the line of appropriate risk as the moment. I returned to the city and tried to find a bus to a different university, and in the process I discovered that one should ask the driver where they are headed before getting on the bus because I ended up going in the wrong direction in spite of what the bus declared as its’ destinations. I, therefore, had to take more taxis to get where I needed to go.
On my final bus back to San Pedro which was one of the executive types, comparable to the coach buses in the US, I spent a good portion of time chatting with the girl beside me. She works in a factory in some type of management and we got to talking about how a Challenge Ropes Course is great for building teamwork in employees, so perhaps I will meet up with her again at camp someday.
Anyway, throughout this week I have also been reading a book called Walking on Water: Reflections on Faith and Art by Madeleine L’Engle, and in one chapter she tells the story of a father who wants to protect his son from all pain and hurt and so he warns the boy not to trust anyone. At one point he asks his son if he trusts him and the son replies affirmatively. The father then tells the boy to jump down from a few stairs into his arms. The son does so but the father steps aside and lets him fall to the ground. The father’s words: “You see you must trust nobody.” I can only imagine the scars that would leave on a young child, to go through life unable to trust anyone but himself. To face life with the opinion that no one can be trusted would equal a lonely life. Probably everyone in our life will hurt us at some point and let us down, but we have to trust and depend on others anyway. And we can trust the Lord though even with Him our lack of understanding of His ways may lead us to think initially that He let us down too.
I realized through the week’s experiences and readings that I must trust people around me. Yes, there are taxi drivers who are dishonest and thieves but for the most part they are simply men doing their job. Yes, there are thieves on the buses, but there are also lots of people in need of a smile, of someone to care. I think that if I avoid public places I will be missing out on connections and opportunities to share God’s love. And so as I pray and choose when to venture out into public transportation or the more “risky” areas of life where I have less control, I have to trust too that the Lord is guiding and guarding me (not that that means I will never get hurt).
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Hospitality
August 16, 2007
I am learning more and more what true hospitality, from the heart, is. Yesterday morning I set out on a 4 hour journey by bus to the capital, Tegucigulpa. I was in need of one more document for the residency process. Sarah, a girl I had met in Michigan last year and with whom I had one or two brief conversations, graciously let me stay with her and even took off work to pick me up and to attempt to get some of her paperwork done at the same office. My wait was much longer and I have to go back on Friday to hopefully pick up the paper that the Migration office says I do not need but my lawyer says that I do. I decided to be on the safe side and get it since a trip to Tegucigulpa requires time and money.
After we finished at the office, we went back to Sarah's house and parted ways but only after she generously shared a peanut butter, chocolate cookie snack that she had brought back from the US. I walked over to a teaching university and wandered around in search of the Phys. Ed. department and a certain professor. The place had changed much in 8 years. Freddy was at the school and teaching so I waited till his class was over and then surprised him by walking in. I had stayed with he and his wife Norma 8 years ago and though I had tried to find them since and call them, I had been unsuccessful. I went back to their house and visited with them. Today I am going back to stay with them for at least one night.
I am blessed and challenged by how willing people are to go out of their way and serve and give to people who they hardly know. In San Pedro I end up staying with various families almost once a week. I know that when I get to the city I want to have a place where I can give and bless in the same way that I have been blessed over the last 3 1/2 months. And I want to learn to give without thinking of price tags, schedules, inconveniences, hidden agendas, or anything except serving because of the love Christ has given to me and my love for Him. I need to allow God to do some work in my heart in order to reach that point.
I am learning more and more what true hospitality, from the heart, is. Yesterday morning I set out on a 4 hour journey by bus to the capital, Tegucigulpa. I was in need of one more document for the residency process. Sarah, a girl I had met in Michigan last year and with whom I had one or two brief conversations, graciously let me stay with her and even took off work to pick me up and to attempt to get some of her paperwork done at the same office. My wait was much longer and I have to go back on Friday to hopefully pick up the paper that the Migration office says I do not need but my lawyer says that I do. I decided to be on the safe side and get it since a trip to Tegucigulpa requires time and money.
After we finished at the office, we went back to Sarah's house and parted ways but only after she generously shared a peanut butter, chocolate cookie snack that she had brought back from the US. I walked over to a teaching university and wandered around in search of the Phys. Ed. department and a certain professor. The place had changed much in 8 years. Freddy was at the school and teaching so I waited till his class was over and then surprised him by walking in. I had stayed with he and his wife Norma 8 years ago and though I had tried to find them since and call them, I had been unsuccessful. I went back to their house and visited with them. Today I am going back to stay with them for at least one night.
I am blessed and challenged by how willing people are to go out of their way and serve and give to people who they hardly know. In San Pedro I end up staying with various families almost once a week. I know that when I get to the city I want to have a place where I can give and bless in the same way that I have been blessed over the last 3 1/2 months. And I want to learn to give without thinking of price tags, schedules, inconveniences, hidden agendas, or anything except serving because of the love Christ has given to me and my love for Him. I need to allow God to do some work in my heart in order to reach that point.
Monday, August 13, 2007
News of the water
August 13, 2007
An official report at last on the water situation at camp and in Pinalejo. A committee from Pinalejo stopped by camp yesterday to talk with Wes about the water problems. They said that they do not have plans to take more water from the creek, nor does the next town from here. That is good news because it means that the creek should continue as it is with its water level fluctuating only according to the season and rainfall.
An official report at last on the water situation at camp and in Pinalejo. A committee from Pinalejo stopped by camp yesterday to talk with Wes about the water problems. They said that they do not have plans to take more water from the creek, nor does the next town from here. That is good news because it means that the creek should continue as it is with its water level fluctuating only according to the season and rainfall.
The shortage of water remains an issue though and the town is looking to pipe water from somewhere 7km away – an expensive endeavor. At camp we have a steady water supply most of the time, but we are attempting to ration the water like the town and only have the water on for 4 hours a day. The Williamsons, having lived in the town for a year, are experienced at conserving water and living with it for only a few hours. I should be able to adjust my schedule accordingly though it does mean changing hours that I work at times so that I can get a few household chores done while we have fresh water. The rest of the day I will live out of water from buckets. (I should not have to master the art of carrying water on my head from the creek so that is a good thing). For the Honduran staff who have become accustomed to having water at their fingertips whenever, the idea of conservation and rationing does not seem to be as agreeable. Even in the town when the water is on, it is wasted so the idea of conservation has not really taken root. People leave the tap running continually, wash their cars, and do whatever else. In a sense that defeats the purpose of having it rationed in the first place. So somehow, starting on camp with the staff we have here, we want to begin teaching the idea of conserving the water even when it is in “abundance.” And yes that means that I need to practice what I preach and find ways to use a minimal amount of water when washing the dishes even when there is water in the tap. I realized that it takes time though because last Friday evening there was no water and I had lots of dishes and the cleaning process took much longer than usual.
At camp we still have to decide what to do about the water situation too, whether to put in a well or rely on the water we have. It will probably take a while to consider all of the options but I am thankful that we will still have a creek. I definitely need to learn to not believe everything that I hear.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Perspective
August 12, 2007
I realized early this morning (after dreaming about seeing an iguana in the bushes at camp and I do not know how or why that has any relevance to my thoughts) that I need to start looking at daily events from a new perspective. I have been very quick to see all of the little things (and big at times) that seem to go wrong as far as the timing of when something happens and to get frustrated yet again. But this morning I decided that I need to start looking instead for how timing does work out great. For example, yesterday I was headed to the trash cans and caught a glimpse of a greenish blue snake slithering away. (It did not look poisonous from a distance). Seeing snakes is a rare event and one I look forward to as long as I am far enough from the head. Yesterday in the midst of a last minute decision to come to the city, I forgot to pack my computer cord to charge the battery, but I had just enough power to send out my update and then I was able to use a friend's computer for a while.
I had come to the city primarily to get together with a friend last evening but that fell through and though I was frustrated initially, I ended up having time to write down thoughts on a book I have been reading. And in the end we got together before church this morning for coffee. And I finally did it -- I bought my first cup of coffee. Though I have been drinking it a little more since Costa Rica, I never actually bought a cup because I do not like it that much. I always choose cappuccinos or mochas but today we were at Burger King (Dunkin Donuts was open but did not have anything to sell at 7:00AM -- odd) and that was really the only safe option other than soda which at 7:00AM is not so exciting. I am sad though that my first coffee was at a fast food restaurant. Oh well.
In the end, my time in the city though very short was good and I visited with several friends.
I realized early this morning (after dreaming about seeing an iguana in the bushes at camp and I do not know how or why that has any relevance to my thoughts) that I need to start looking at daily events from a new perspective. I have been very quick to see all of the little things (and big at times) that seem to go wrong as far as the timing of when something happens and to get frustrated yet again. But this morning I decided that I need to start looking instead for how timing does work out great. For example, yesterday I was headed to the trash cans and caught a glimpse of a greenish blue snake slithering away. (It did not look poisonous from a distance). Seeing snakes is a rare event and one I look forward to as long as I am far enough from the head. Yesterday in the midst of a last minute decision to come to the city, I forgot to pack my computer cord to charge the battery, but I had just enough power to send out my update and then I was able to use a friend's computer for a while.
I had come to the city primarily to get together with a friend last evening but that fell through and though I was frustrated initially, I ended up having time to write down thoughts on a book I have been reading. And in the end we got together before church this morning for coffee. And I finally did it -- I bought my first cup of coffee. Though I have been drinking it a little more since Costa Rica, I never actually bought a cup because I do not like it that much. I always choose cappuccinos or mochas but today we were at Burger King (Dunkin Donuts was open but did not have anything to sell at 7:00AM -- odd) and that was really the only safe option other than soda which at 7:00AM is not so exciting. I am sad though that my first coffee was at a fast food restaurant. Oh well.
In the end, my time in the city though very short was good and I visited with several friends.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Baking bugs in banana bread
August 2, 2007
I am glad that many times the Lord gives us challenges in stages and not all at one time. Without such a staggering of trials, life would be much more overwhelming. Last night I heard the news that the town of Pinalejo would be shutting off the camp’s water along with the town’s water source whenever the water needed turned off. Unfortunately I did not think much about it last night – I was too tired. And other than one time when a worker forgot to turn the water back on to my house, I have had little problem with water. It has been a constant, even when the electricity has not. Well, at noon today I noticed that there was very little water and shortly thereafter – none. I had not stored up water and the cistern at my house had been drained because when it is full the cement walls get all moldy. This evening I walked down to the faucet at the amphitheater because there is still water down there since it is at the bottom of the hill. I am wondering if I should learn to carry a bucket of water on my head so that I can bring water up from the creek. Considering how klutzy I have been over the past month, I doubt that the results would be too successful. I guess that I could feel at home if I remembered all of the water fights with my family when I ended up just as wet or wetter than I would be walking with the bucket on my head.
Anyway from the sounds of it the town has water from 1-4 hours a day. The other day I was annoyed when the Internet Café was no open well after its stated opening time because the girl was washing the dishes (the water had apparently come back on). I think I will soon understand how a person could dare to be late to work for the sake of clean dishes.
In spite of the lack of water, I decided to make banana bread tonight with Ellie the oldest Williamson since the bananas on camp all ripened at the same time and a missionary in town has been through some challenges and could use a baked good. But the adventures of the day were not over because when Ellie opened the Tupperware container where the flour is, there were small bugs in it. Was it not closed tightly? Who knows. If the bread were just for me, I figured that I would eat it bugs and all but to give it away? That is a different story. In the end I called the woman since she is a nurse and been here for a long time to ask what she knew of the danger or lack there of in eating those particular bugs. I also wanted to offer her just the bananas. Her response was that she uses the flour anyway and as long as I labeled the packaging of the banana bread as having extra protein, she would still love some bread. You know you are in another country when you can give away a banana bread baked with bugs and the person wants it and will eat it. So we made the banana bread and it turned out well, I simply have a lot of rinsed but dirty dishes waiting for the next flow of water into the sink.
My clumsiness did surface several times in the evening in my efforts to conserve water. I wanted to use the water from the pasta for at least getting the majority of the food off of the dirty dishes and I certainly did not want to dirty the colander so I used the lid. Of course just as I was about done all of the pasta fell out into the bowl that had the remains of the banana bread mix and hence raw egg. I figured that I would have to throw all of the pasta away but Cindy told me of a pasta bake that has egg in it so I salvaged the pasta to bake at a later time.
It is days like these when I look forward to living in the city but then I wonder where my sense of adventure is. Even my desire to run has pretty much diminished because I would probably have to resort to a bucket bath afterwards. I can tell I have a lot to learn about this kind of living and I have been reminded of how I had taken for granted all of the seemingly simple and unquestionable conveniences of my home in PA.
I am glad that many times the Lord gives us challenges in stages and not all at one time. Without such a staggering of trials, life would be much more overwhelming. Last night I heard the news that the town of Pinalejo would be shutting off the camp’s water along with the town’s water source whenever the water needed turned off. Unfortunately I did not think much about it last night – I was too tired. And other than one time when a worker forgot to turn the water back on to my house, I have had little problem with water. It has been a constant, even when the electricity has not. Well, at noon today I noticed that there was very little water and shortly thereafter – none. I had not stored up water and the cistern at my house had been drained because when it is full the cement walls get all moldy. This evening I walked down to the faucet at the amphitheater because there is still water down there since it is at the bottom of the hill. I am wondering if I should learn to carry a bucket of water on my head so that I can bring water up from the creek. Considering how klutzy I have been over the past month, I doubt that the results would be too successful. I guess that I could feel at home if I remembered all of the water fights with my family when I ended up just as wet or wetter than I would be walking with the bucket on my head.
Anyway from the sounds of it the town has water from 1-4 hours a day. The other day I was annoyed when the Internet Café was no open well after its stated opening time because the girl was washing the dishes (the water had apparently come back on). I think I will soon understand how a person could dare to be late to work for the sake of clean dishes.
In spite of the lack of water, I decided to make banana bread tonight with Ellie the oldest Williamson since the bananas on camp all ripened at the same time and a missionary in town has been through some challenges and could use a baked good. But the adventures of the day were not over because when Ellie opened the Tupperware container where the flour is, there were small bugs in it. Was it not closed tightly? Who knows. If the bread were just for me, I figured that I would eat it bugs and all but to give it away? That is a different story. In the end I called the woman since she is a nurse and been here for a long time to ask what she knew of the danger or lack there of in eating those particular bugs. I also wanted to offer her just the bananas. Her response was that she uses the flour anyway and as long as I labeled the packaging of the banana bread as having extra protein, she would still love some bread. You know you are in another country when you can give away a banana bread baked with bugs and the person wants it and will eat it. So we made the banana bread and it turned out well, I simply have a lot of rinsed but dirty dishes waiting for the next flow of water into the sink.
My clumsiness did surface several times in the evening in my efforts to conserve water. I wanted to use the water from the pasta for at least getting the majority of the food off of the dirty dishes and I certainly did not want to dirty the colander so I used the lid. Of course just as I was about done all of the pasta fell out into the bowl that had the remains of the banana bread mix and hence raw egg. I figured that I would have to throw all of the pasta away but Cindy told me of a pasta bake that has egg in it so I salvaged the pasta to bake at a later time.
It is days like these when I look forward to living in the city but then I wonder where my sense of adventure is. Even my desire to run has pretty much diminished because I would probably have to resort to a bucket bath afterwards. I can tell I have a lot to learn about this kind of living and I have been reminded of how I had taken for granted all of the seemingly simple and unquestionable conveniences of my home in PA.
Thursday, August 02, 2007
From trucks to scorpions
August 2, 2007
It is about time to write again. I have not been feeling inspired as of late and I have been busy. Car shopping still remains one of the largest tasks at hand. I finally have 3 decent choices in front of me, all Chevy S-10 pick-ups. The main factors to consider now are the costs and the reliability of the older trucks. I have never had a new car and I do not think that now is the time to get one considering the price tag that comes with them. The church down here would be willing to help me out with getting a more expensive pick-up if it will be more reliable. It is a humbling offer but I cannot see why I should have them go into debt to help finance a vehicle if I do not want to go into debt myself. So my preference lies with one of the two older pick-ups (still newer than I have ever had but you can only get insurance here for cars less than 10 years old). I think that next week I need to spend several days in the city to take care of all of the paperwork involved in buying a car because my plan is to make a purchase.
It is about time to write again. I have not been feeling inspired as of late and I have been busy. Car shopping still remains one of the largest tasks at hand. I finally have 3 decent choices in front of me, all Chevy S-10 pick-ups. The main factors to consider now are the costs and the reliability of the older trucks. I have never had a new car and I do not think that now is the time to get one considering the price tag that comes with them. The church down here would be willing to help me out with getting a more expensive pick-up if it will be more reliable. It is a humbling offer but I cannot see why I should have them go into debt to help finance a vehicle if I do not want to go into debt myself. So my preference lies with one of the two older pick-ups (still newer than I have ever had but you can only get insurance here for cars less than 10 years old). I think that next week I need to spend several days in the city to take care of all of the paperwork involved in buying a car because my plan is to make a purchase.
Although this week has been taken up primarily by car shopping, I have also made some progress in tree and insect identification. When I found my first scorpio
n last week on the mop head in my house, I did not need to go to the books to determine what it was. I am now faced with the reality that yes they do exist and in my house. The insect on the right is one that a staff member found on camp the other day. It is a Alligator -headed lantern fly. I found it in a book Jungle Bugs that talks about camouflage and mimicry. Just as I thought when I first saw the insect, its head mimics the head of a crocodile in an attempt to scare off predators and make it undesirable for consumption. God’s creativity is amazing!As for other events there are the wonderful, embarrassing language blunders that I still make and perhaps I will describe at another time. There is the wrestling with the boundaries of how to show compassion and give without enabling poverty to continue. Lots of things that I am thinking about right now and do not have answers to. For now I will stop here and move on to some research that I need to do.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Over the last few days
July 18, 2007
Since finally reaching camp last Thursday, my days have been very busy. There was a Honduran family visiting for a few days, the family that will be staying on camp while the Williamsons go on furlough, so I ended up eating with them and chatting. On Sunday I had my first nature program for a group of 10-12 year olds from the church that owns the camp. I spent most of my time preparing for that but in my spare time was trying to finish up a really good book. Thankfully I finished it yesterday and it will no longer be a distraction. Anyway the program itself went pretty well – definitely a learning experience for me. I had the lesson written out and detailed because I needed to make sure that I knew all of the Spanish words. In the end though I could not follow it verbatim and had to branch out when other thoughts came to my mind and of course I then stumbled through with my Spanish. I think that the children learned something though both about erosion and about how are lives are to glorify God.
Monday I took off most of the day, having worked the weekend. In the evening I went down to Pinalejo with the Williamsons to attend a farewell party for a missionary couple who I only slightly knew. I was glad that I went because first of all it allowed me to meet some of the people from the town (including young adults) and second, I saw how God had used the missionary couple to touch hearts. The couple’s Spanish was very limited and yet it did not bother the people. They loved the couple because they saw how the couple loved them and were truly investing in their lives. And the couple did not worry about how their Spanish came out. They simply spoke from the heart whether that be in Spanglish, broken Spanish, or in English. The entire evening left me with some things to evaluate in my life and approach and hesitation at times to use my imperfect Spanish. I have a lot to continue to process.
Since finally reaching camp last Thursday, my days have been very busy. There was a Honduran family visiting for a few days, the family that will be staying on camp while the Williamsons go on furlough, so I ended up eating with them and chatting. On Sunday I had my first nature program for a group of 10-12 year olds from the church that owns the camp. I spent most of my time preparing for that but in my spare time was trying to finish up a really good book. Thankfully I finished it yesterday and it will no longer be a distraction. Anyway the program itself went pretty well – definitely a learning experience for me. I had the lesson written out and detailed because I needed to make sure that I knew all of the Spanish words. In the end though I could not follow it verbatim and had to branch out when other thoughts came to my mind and of course I then stumbled through with my Spanish. I think that the children learned something though both about erosion and about how are lives are to glorify God.
Monday I took off most of the day, having worked the weekend. In the evening I went down to Pinalejo with the Williamsons to attend a farewell party for a missionary couple who I only slightly knew. I was glad that I went because first of all it allowed me to meet some of the people from the town (including young adults) and second, I saw how God had used the missionary couple to touch hearts. The couple’s Spanish was very limited and yet it did not bother the people. They loved the couple because they saw how the couple loved them and were truly investing in their lives. And the couple did not worry about how their Spanish came out. They simply spoke from the heart whether that be in Spanglish, broken Spanish, or in English. The entire evening left me with some things to evaluate in my life and approach and hesitation at times to use my imperfect Spanish. I have a lot to continue to process.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Chasing Cows
July 17, 2007
This morning I discovered another area where my gifts do not lie -- herding cows. I had gotten up early to run and have some extra time to pray but of course things did not go as I had planned. After the run I was walking down to the stream to sit but I ran across a bunch of cows on our property. I found one of the staff to come down to help and together we attempted to direct them to an exit. The problem was that I had no idea where they had entered the property since both gates were closed. At one point I ran ahead to open the gate to the road while Leonel herded the cows in the direction of the Archery ravine (which exited near the gate). But the cows never came out the other end and so I went down there to find them and without Leonel to help, the cows headed back in the direction we had just directed them from. The dog, Cappachino, could only help so much since he had no idea where the cows were supposed to go either. Eventually I met up with Leonel again and we directed the cows through the creek to where there was a gap in the fence. I think he later went back to fix. Hopefully so because that is the second time in 4 days that the cows were here and well, I cannot see much future for me in the herding of cows. At least I did not kicked in the head like I did many years ago. I guess I am a little taller now. So the adventures are back!
This morning I discovered another area where my gifts do not lie -- herding cows. I had gotten up early to run and have some extra time to pray but of course things did not go as I had planned. After the run I was walking down to the stream to sit but I ran across a bunch of cows on our property. I found one of the staff to come down to help and together we attempted to direct them to an exit. The problem was that I had no idea where they had entered the property since both gates were closed. At one point I ran ahead to open the gate to the road while Leonel herded the cows in the direction of the Archery ravine (which exited near the gate). But the cows never came out the other end and so I went down there to find them and without Leonel to help, the cows headed back in the direction we had just directed them from. The dog, Cappachino, could only help so much since he had no idea where the cows were supposed to go either. Eventually I met up with Leonel again and we directed the cows through the creek to where there was a gap in the fence. I think he later went back to fix. Hopefully so because that is the second time in 4 days that the cows were here and well, I cannot see much future for me in the herding of cows. At least I did not kicked in the head like I did many years ago. I guess I am a little taller now. So the adventures are back!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Not According to the Plan
July 11, 2007
One would think that I would begin to remember that I cannot expect my plans to unfold as I had planned. I guess that my week in PA caused me to forget some of what I had learned. I arrived back in Honduras on Monday evening and discovered that I could catch a ride out to camp yet that night, but I passed up the opportunity, planning to travel the next day after a good night’s sleep and when I could take all of my luggage. But Tuesday mid-morning I received a call from Cindy saying that the Montero had 2 flat, irreparable tires and the village did not have what he needed. Basically Wes could not make it to San Pedro to pick me up that day. The other vehicle was in the shop here in San Pedro. So I stayed put in the city and finished up the task of getting all of the new programs installed on my computer and my e-mail switched over. I got to attend a Bible Study last night, and I also made lots of calls about pick-up trucks. Today I set up appointments for checking out some trucks but of course, I forgot to plan for the typical delays that postpone or prevent altogether such appointments. Being prepared for any and all situations here often means needing more than a backpack of supplies at one's fingertips (and I do not even have my backpacks with me right now-- I have been without them for a week and a half now, a very long time for me).
My plan is to take any vehicle I am considering buying to a shop where they can do an inspection for a reasonable price. I have already discovered how pointless it is for me to look over a pick-up truck because I really do not know what I am looking for. Nothing like feeling helpless. With today’s truck, I think I was able to pick up a few incongruencies in the sounds and operations though. Unfortunately the person who does inspections is out sick, probably for the rest of the week, so I will have to see what vehicles are still available next week. Buying a car is definitely much worse than buying a computer because I am not even glancing at new cars which means that any car I buy has a story behind it – and probably one that goes untold.
The “plan” at the moment is to return back home to camp tomorrow, but we will see. I look forward to unpacking and being able to finalize preparations for Sunday’s program with the children from church. Thankfully there are many people gracious enough to offer me lodging while I am in the city. I have been very blessed in that way.
One would think that I would begin to remember that I cannot expect my plans to unfold as I had planned. I guess that my week in PA caused me to forget some of what I had learned. I arrived back in Honduras on Monday evening and discovered that I could catch a ride out to camp yet that night, but I passed up the opportunity, planning to travel the next day after a good night’s sleep and when I could take all of my luggage. But Tuesday mid-morning I received a call from Cindy saying that the Montero had 2 flat, irreparable tires and the village did not have what he needed. Basically Wes could not make it to San Pedro to pick me up that day. The other vehicle was in the shop here in San Pedro. So I stayed put in the city and finished up the task of getting all of the new programs installed on my computer and my e-mail switched over. I got to attend a Bible Study last night, and I also made lots of calls about pick-up trucks. Today I set up appointments for checking out some trucks but of course, I forgot to plan for the typical delays that postpone or prevent altogether such appointments. Being prepared for any and all situations here often means needing more than a backpack of supplies at one's fingertips (and I do not even have my backpacks with me right now-- I have been without them for a week and a half now, a very long time for me).
My plan is to take any vehicle I am considering buying to a shop where they can do an inspection for a reasonable price. I have already discovered how pointless it is for me to look over a pick-up truck because I really do not know what I am looking for. Nothing like feeling helpless. With today’s truck, I think I was able to pick up a few incongruencies in the sounds and operations though. Unfortunately the person who does inspections is out sick, probably for the rest of the week, so I will have to see what vehicles are still available next week. Buying a car is definitely much worse than buying a computer because I am not even glancing at new cars which means that any car I buy has a story behind it – and probably one that goes untold.
The “plan” at the moment is to return back home to camp tomorrow, but we will see. I look forward to unpacking and being able to finalize preparations for Sunday’s program with the children from church. Thankfully there are many people gracious enough to offer me lodging while I am in the city. I have been very blessed in that way.
A Brief Pass Through Pennsylvania
Although it was a very short trip, I had a good time in PA last week. I spent most of my time with my extended Hess family, all of whom were in the area for my cousin’s wedding. On the 4th of July we went down to the Chesapeake Bay and had the opportunity to water ski. Most of our time during the week was spent chatting (and occasionally having “honesty circles” as my sister would call them). But we found some time to play basketball, Kubb (however it is spelled), and board games. I, of course, got to Black Rock Retreat and visited with the staff, played early morning basketball, and walked the trails. I was able to visit with a few of my other friends during travels to and from the airport or breakfast. The trip made me appreciate again my family and the fact that even the aunts, uncles, and cousins all get along and enjoy hanging out. The cousins are beginning to think it is time for another road trip. I think it might have to include planes this time since 5 of us will be out of the country. I do miss that fellowship when I am in other parts of the world. Yet I was glad that although it is never easy to say goodbye again, I knew that Honduras was where I was to be and not Lancaster, PA. It is strange to leave PA though having no idea when I will return for another visit. Every other time I had at least an idea of when I would be back, but this time I have not a clue.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Musings from the roadways
July 1, 2007
Well, I should be getting used to dogs by now but I still cannot say that they are my favorite. I have been staying at a couple’s home in San Pedro and they have 2 dogs, one of which is quite big. They both want attention which I will sometimes give but not with great excitement on my part. I feel rather bad about that, but…
Yesterday I went to a nearby town to visit a girl who is working with Environmental Education. It took me a while to find her but eventually we met up and went for a hike to a nearby creek and dam. The mountain views and smell of fresh cut pine, made a beautiful setting for a hike. I did come close to facing death on the return hike though when a mango chose the exact moment that I was passing by to fall within a foot of my head. I heard the sound of one plummeting through the leaves and did duck. In the mornings at camp I run through the “graveyard of rotting mangos” where they have all been crushed underfoot omit an odor that is not the most pleasant.
The other lesson I learned while driving to the town of
Over the course of my travels this past week I passed many people walking along the highway with loads of firewood on their head or in a cart or perhaps they were on their bike with several people. Often it was in the intense heat of the day or in a downpour. Every time I passed such people, I would feel bad for them and wish that I could stop and offer them a ride. But then I began to realize that one of the reasons I feel bad for them is because what they are doing is so slow. It takes hours to cover a distance that would take minutes in a car. And to me, who is used to moving quickly and trying to be efficient, their long journey appears agonizingly slow. Yet they may actually be content with their pace of life and my offer of “help” might in a sense ruin that contentment. There are times when I am sure help would be appreciated and a very good thing, but I need to change my perspective that the fastest way between Point A and Point B is the best way. (Indeed I do like stairs better than elevators and escalators, but that has more to do with setting my own pace than depending on the pace of the elevator and I like to compete with whoever is taking the “fastest way”). There is a lot to be gained from a more tranquil pace of life. Anyway, I think I have some more processing to do of this whole idea.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Witnessing nature -- and man's effect on it
June 29, 2007
Friday, June 22, 2007
Life in a zoo?
June 17, 2007
The adventure of standing in line
June 16, 2007
Friday, June 15, 2007
Mountain views
June 13, 2007
Today I made a trip up the mountain behind camp to get my allergy shots at a medical clinic up there. I had no idea that there was such beautiful sights outside my “backdoor.” To be up on top of the mountain looking down over valleys and hills of pine forest with occasional dark, menacing clouds, and other times clear blue sky was a delight. Getting up the mountain was a bit of a challenge, especially when we took the wrong road and had to turn around. The fuel injectors on the car are not working right so starting on a hill is nearly impossible. Once at the clinic I got to meet the missionary nurse, Lisa, who lives down in the village. It was neat to have another connection and to hear her perspectives on being a single female missionary in the area. She just adopted two very young children so she is now tied down or she would have been one to explore more of the country with. She has definitely chosen the way of immersing herself almost completely in the Honduran culture and has very few close North American contacts. I look forward to getting to know her better.
Today I made a trip up the mountain behind camp to get my allergy shots at a medical clinic up there. I had no idea that there was such beautiful sights outside my “backdoor.” To be up on top of the mountain looking down over valleys and hills of pine forest with occasional dark, menacing clouds, and other times clear blue sky was a delight. Getting up the mountain was a bit of a challenge, especially when we took the wrong road and had to turn around. The fuel injectors on the car are not working right so starting on a hill is nearly impossible. Once at the clinic I got to meet the missionary nurse, Lisa, who lives down in the village. It was neat to have another connection and to hear her perspectives on being a single female missionary in the area. She just adopted two very young children so she is now tied down or she would have been one to explore more of the country with. She has definitely chosen the way of immersing herself almost completely in the Honduran culture and has very few close North American contacts. I look forward to getting to know her better.
Tranquil moments
June 12, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
I am not alone
The following entry includes a bunch of stories from this past week. My perspective during the events was often not the greatest as I simply saw one problem after another -- some bigger than others. But as I look back I can smile and laugh and realize that it was not as bad as I thought while in the midst of the challenges. I hope that you can laugh too. I hope too that most of you cannot identify with the week but I know that we all, whether living overseas or in our hometown, have these challenging days. I am glad that I can learn from the challenges but also look forward to brighter days. I am glad that I was reminded yet again that I am not alone and that I need the help of others -- whether in tangible help, prayer support, or in words of encouragement. God works through people. Okay,here is the saga and I tried not to dramatize it too much.
Perhaps the week started off all wrong when I was making tea and found a tick drowned in my purified water that either came directly out of the bottle or had found its way into the closed pot on the stove. I looked at it, decided I did not want to waste the purified water and simply fished it out with a spoon (which I later used without washing). It was at this point that I thought, "So is this what missionary life is like?" or something to that effect. It was also the beginning of the week when I discovered that though I could hear others when they called me on my cell phone, no one could hear me. And the problem was more than just the fact that I do not talk a lot. Thankfully I got the phone fixed in the village on Wednesday. Little did I know how important it would be to me the next day.
On Thursday morning I headed to the city to do some car shopping and hopefully internet research and to make more contacts. Before I left I grabbed my cooler from inside the freezer and was horrified to see a cockroach inside of it. I thought the freezer would be the last place to find one. Perhaps it crawled in over the weekend when the electric was out and managed to survive the cold. I met up with a Honduran Insurance salesman from the church, Tony. He drove me all around the city for about 6 hours looking at different cars and talking to various people. He had to make a few stops for his business too so I really had no idea when we would be done or what the plan was. Originally I thought that he might take me to one lot and that would be it. By 4:30 we were at his office and I knew that if I was to get home before dark I needed to leave very soon so I asked if he could take me back to the mall where my car was. (actually it is not my car, it is the Williamson's and that was what made the next part of the story worse)
At the mall I had to purchase a phone card and I tried to check and send e-mail but my computer at first would not turn on and then when it did, I could not get on-line. Feeling frustrated, I headed out to the car. As I approached the car I tried to unlock it with the button, but it would not work. Suddenly fear set in because I wondered if I had left the lights on. I had been in a parking garage first thing in the morning and then ended up parking outside later but possibly forgot that the lights were on. Sure enough I opened the door with the key and tried to start the car (thereby setting the alarm off) and not a sound. The alarm kept going off every 30 seconds or so no matter what buttons I pushed. I called back to Cindy at camp and she said she would call 2 families we know here in the city and see if either could help me out. With the alarm going off constantly, the stupidity of my action looming in front of me, and the other stresses of the day (and probably week) I was in tears. There was a guard nearby and he came over and then a man drove his truck over to jumpstart the Patrol. It took a long time to get the battery charged to where it would start and by that time it was too late to head home so I had to ask to stay at someone's house. The one couple was gracious to let me come over and they had a battery charger which was good so I headed across town to their home. Being in the city overnight did have its advantages -- internet, vonage phone, and a chance to calm down. I felt bad about being there though because the other staff had spent the day fighting a fire on the edge of camp and if it flared up again, I wanted to be able to help. Driving alone after dark though was not an option, so I stayed put. And the fires died down even without any rain which was a big answer to prayer. But the next day the adventures continued.
At the mall I had to purchase a phone card and I tried to check and send e-mail but my computer at first would not turn on and then when it did, I could not get on-line. Feeling frustrated, I headed out to the car. As I approached the car I tried to unlock it with the button, but it would not work. Suddenly fear set in because I wondered if I had left the lights on. I had been in a parking garage first thing in the morning and then ended up parking outside later but possibly forgot that the lights were on. Sure enough I opened the door with the key and tried to start the car (thereby setting the alarm off) and not a sound. The alarm kept going off every 30 seconds or so no matter what buttons I pushed. I called back to Cindy at camp and she said she would call 2 families we know here in the city and see if either could help me out. With the alarm going off constantly, the stupidity of my action looming in front of me, and the other stresses of the day (and probably week) I was in tears. There was a guard nearby and he came over and then a man drove his truck over to jumpstart the Patrol. It took a long time to get the battery charged to where it would start and by that time it was too late to head home so I had to ask to stay at someone's house. The one couple was gracious to let me come over and they had a battery charger which was good so I headed across town to their home. Being in the city overnight did have its advantages -- internet, vonage phone, and a chance to calm down. I felt bad about being there though because the other staff had spent the day fighting a fire on the edge of camp and if it flared up again, I wanted to be able to help. Driving alone after dark though was not an option, so I stayed put. And the fires died down even without any rain which was a big answer to prayer. But the next day the adventures continued.
I left the missionaries' home around 8:30 and started down the road but I stopped for gas. The car had started right up previously so it seemed like it would be fine. But at the gas station the car would not start and the alarm kept going off again. I called the couple and they graciously came back to help me out even though they were on their way out of the city. The guys at the gas station helped get the car started but then Mark wanted to check and make sure the battery was charging properly. In the end it was and possibly the problem had been the alarm because apparently if it is going off you cannot start the car until you push the "secret" button.
I decided that I would attempt to run some more errands in the city and pray that the car would work fine. I ended up stopping by the MCC (Mennonite Central Committee)office and meeting a few of the missionaries there (I got a name of a girl who is doing Enviro. Ed. somewhere not too far from me). I then went to lunch because I knew the government office where I needed to go would be closed for an hour. When I got to the office, no one seemed very sure what line I should be in and the line I was in did not move for 15 minutes so I decided not to risk getting up front and discovering I needed to be somewhere else. I just left. I was also exhausted and I knew I would get a headache standing there for several hours.
I then went to try and get internet connection at the mall but that did not work. From there I tried to see if some friends were home and they were not, so I headed to the grocery store -- my last stop. I still wanted to do e-mail while it was free and there is a good connection so I decided to try some parking lots of fast food restaurants because some of them have wireless access. I pulled into one and it did not so I turned right out of the drive onto a side street and headed towards the main street, maybe 200 feet away. I do not remember seeing any signs, but as soon as I got onto the road, I had a feeling that I was on a one-way street. It was wide enough for 2 (or 3) cars so a head-on collision was not really a concern. I cannot remember if I could have turned left into some parking spots along the road but I realized I was practically on the main road so probably the best thing would be to just go and turn right like I needed to. I pulled up to the road and just as I was pulling out, I groaned inwardly because I saw a cop car coming my way. Sure enough they saw me and flashed their lights so I had to pull over. For some reason I was closer to laughter than tears because I could hardly believe that yet another thing had gone wrong. The policemen came up to my car and I tried to explain that I had no idea it was a one-way street but either they did not understand or did not care. I had broken the law but it was very unintentionally. He told me he would have to keep my license till Monday and then I could pay $50 to get it back. I explained that I do not live in the city and so I would not be here to pick up. I think he said I would have 30 days to pay the bill, but all I could think about was that I was not sure I trusted leaving my license with the police. I had not yet talked with the missionaries about what happens when stopped by police so my thought was to get out of their as soon as I could. I also had memories of reading of a friend's encounter with the police and how he just paid them a little money at the moment and they let him go. So I asked if I could pay him now. At first I said $10 and he said no. I then opened my wallet and pulled out all that I had there which was only about $18. (Thank goodness for pockets!) In the end he went to the other side of the car and took the money. Thankfully he gave me the car registration and my passport back but I was worried for a bit. After talking with the missionaries I discovered that when paying the fine you do recieve your license back and so in order to not encourage the corruption in the police, I would be better off retuning later to pay the fine. Now I know.
I then headed to the grocery store and went in the wrong direction, mostly because I listened to what I thought the police said was the way to go. Needless to say I was ready to leave the city. The drive home went fine but I was exhausted and my legs hurt as if I had exercised a lot but it was probably only from the stress and tension. I wish that I could say my time in the city had been productive but I only have a few car leads (one of which is bright yellow and therefore not exactly a vehicle with which I could blend into society at least in the country) and I never ended up being able to do internet research. I did get to speak in Spanish a lot and I also learned that when I live in the city I might be able to join a women's basketball team so there was some good in the midst of the stress.
Saturday morning I went to wash my hands and no water came out of the spicket and I looked at it in amazement. My thought was, "Lord, no! I cannot handle no water right now!" I wondered which I would dislike more in the end -- no water for 48 hours or no electric. Thankfully after asking some other staff I discovered that someone had turned the water off to work on another area. I spent the rest of the day cleaning and trying to relax a bit. I also got to play soccer for the first time since my arrival with some of the staff, roofers, and children. Today (Sunday) was rather uneventful. The biggest disruption to the "norm" came when when one of the camp dogs walked into the area where we were having church this evening and we all gasped and choked because of the overwhelming odor of skunk. She must have taken a direct hit and we also suffered for it. Unfortunately her second entry seemed to distract us all from focusing and Wes had to wrap things up. Quite the week is all that I can say. But I survived and I know that God is still in control and has a plan in the midst of the seeming chaos at times. He is faithful!
Saturday, June 02, 2007
To the Copan Ruins
The other week I had the opportunity to join up with the Mayterm class from Houghton and also a work team from South Dakota and visit the Copan Ruins. (They are from the Mayan Indians). I had been there before with the Mayterm class but that was many years ago and I actually found that I was more appreciative and learned more this time. The professor who leads the trips is the same one who was in charge back when I came 10 years ago. It was good to catch up with him and also to meet some new people. The group from South Dakota had just arrived so I was able to give them a few pointers as far as food and travel go. I also enjoyed having the opportuntity to help others with their Spanish even though it was only a little bit. And of course piling 17-19 persons into the back of pick-up was fun! I actually missed that adventure in Costa Rica because the laws were more strict.
In the evening one of the girls and I walked around the little town of Copan Ruinas and I found comfort in that it was a safe place where walking at night was okay. I was not sure how I was getting ba
ck to camp but in the end I got a bus ticket and hopped off at the turn off to my town. It was fun to have that independence again and be able to take the public transportation. The sign for the bus line was a bit deceptive because it showed a nice coach bus and said "air-condition" and "bathrooms." In the end it was more like a school bus but I had to laugh because a sign up front said that there might be a security camara on board. Many buses come from the States and they continue to boast signs and names from whatever town or county they first came from.
After the rain
From one adventure to another it seems. The rains came on Thursday but with that apparently comes power outages. Friday the power was going off and on all day so during one of the "on" times I prepared everything I would need for dinner and made it easily accessible in the fridge so that it would lose as little cold as possible if I opened the door. Sure enough at 6:00PM the power went out again. I eventually made dinner but spent most of the evening reading. I forgot about candles until 8:00 so I was wasting the batteries of my flashlight. And by that time I was ready for bed. This morning I awoke to still no power and I delayed breakfast as long as possible, not wanting to open the fridge again. But by the time I was ready to leave for the city at 11:00AM there was still no electric. I took a few things from the fridge and realized that the milk and meat was going to be bad by the time I got home. I had forgotten that I cannot stock up on food here for the reason of power outages. I just hope that all of my meat and leftovers in the freezer were okay.
I arrived safely at the house where I am dog and house sitting. A big storm has hit San Pedro Sula now and the electric has been flickering but thankfully there is still power. I managed to find a flashlight and some matches just in case I run into troubles. The dogs (one of which is partially Pit Bull) were both terrified of the storm and it took me a while to figure out why they were hanging around me all of a sudden. Meanwhile the car alarm went off because the thunder was so loud. I am loving the mint chocolate chip ice cream though -- a definite plus of the city.
I arrived safely at the house where I am dog and house sitting. A big storm has hit San Pedro Sula now and the electric has been flickering but thankfully there is still power. I managed to find a flashlight and some matches just in case I run into troubles. The dogs (one of which is partially Pit Bull) were both terrified of the storm and it took me a while to figure out why they were hanging around me all of a sudden. Meanwhile the car alarm went off because the thunder was so loud. I am loving the mint chocolate chip ice cream though -- a definite plus of the city.
Friday, June 01, 2007
New Month, New Adventures
This new month dawns with a very new appearance. When I walked outside my house this morning, I walked out into a world that had been refreshed. Gone are the smoke, dust, the ashes, and appearance of creation thirsting for just one drink.
It has certainly been quite the week. On Tuesday the smell of smoke was so heavy around camp that we were sure there must be a fire close by. Entire burnt leaves and ferns were falling from the sky. (The ashes themselves were a little reminder of snow--but only a little. Now having heard from one of my friends who saw snow while backpacking in the Adirondacks, the ashes don't seem so snow-like.) Both Cindy and I walked around looking for the fire and saw nothing. But only an hour later, as dusk began to settle into the valley, we clearly saw the flames dancing and crackling on the hillside on the other side of the creek. That evening most of the staff gathered out at the amphitheater and watched to see how far the fire would descend towards camp. It was a beautiful evening to be sitting outside. The moon was nearly full and the glow from the fires was actually a cool sight. At 10:30 we decided that the fire would not reach camp anymore that night, so we returned to our homes with the watchmen planning to keep an eye on the fire during their rounds.
The next day was the day off for the Honduran staff, so only the Williamsons and I were on camp. Wes and I went to the Internet Café earlier in the morning than usual because we knew that the fire danger would be greatest in the afternoon. I was just finishing up lunch and about to head outside to check on the fires when Wes called to say that fire had reached the creek and new fence posts. I hurried down to the creek, but it was a small fire and two of the Williamson girls were working to put it out, so there was not a huge rush. I waded through the creek and helped to put out some of the flames and also wet some areas to prevent the fire upstream from crossing over. Further downstream there was a fire of concern, too, but the winds (which were blowing opposite than normal) were taking the fire back up the hill and not sending the sparks down to camp.
By mid-afternoon the fire-fighting was over and I went home. Up until this point, the constant smoke had not really bothered me, but by evening my eyes were burning from the smoke. Often the air outside of the house was less smoky than inside because the smoke entered and accumulated. I was glad that I was going to the city the next day, where perhaps the air would be cleaner. Early Thursday morning I awoke to a light rain, which was a big praise, but actually nothing in comparison to what came later in the day. Around 1:00PM it began to pour at camp and continued to rain into Friday morning. That is the best fire prevention.
I finally drove in the city and it was not too bad, but I did have a navigator with me. After walking around for a while in various parts of the city, I realized that I am a little tired of the stares of the people as they see a white girl walking around. A woman who had been in front of me in a line for an ATM that did not work saw me later and asked if I had been able to get money out. At first I could not remember who she was, but of course she had no trouble recognizing me because I stand out in the crowd.
When we arrived back at camp around suppertime, I was met with yet another surprise. Perhaps it was the first rain, or maybe it was just coincidence, but the Williamsons' house was swarming with flying insects. (I have yet to figure out exactly what they are). I began to identify with the Egyptians and what the plagues must have been like. I also thought of Laura Ingalls Wilder and the swarms of locusts that were described at least once in her books. The insects would fly into the house (squeezing through the screens even) and eventually lose their wings, but still they crawled around. It only took a few minutes in the house before I could feel them crawling all over me. We ate in the only room that was not teeming with them and kept most of the lights off.
I dreaded going back to my house to see what the damage was, but Becca, one of the Williamsons, came with me to help with the cleanup. Much to my surprise I walked into my house and did not see even one of the insects. I was very thankful. Perhaps the house had been too dark for their liking, and since the rain was heavier they had disappeared again. I can only wonder what the next adventure will be. Actually, it will probably be Saturday’s trip into the city alone. I get to house-sit for some other missionaries and have access to Wireless and a Vonage phone. I am excited.
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