May 29, 2009
The day is nearing it's end. I have learned a few more details over the course of the day. Apparently an underwater cable that runs from Miami to Honduras was damaged during the quake and for this reason most of the internet providers have nothing to offer at this point. It will take at least 8 days to fix it. So it seems like much of the country will be behind in communication for quite some time. What I wonder is how in the world do you bury cable under the gulf to begin with? Somethings are just beyond my imagination. Camp has internet so I am trying to make use of it before I return to the city tomorrow.
I also learned that there is the potential for at least the tremors to continue until June 11. Today there was one around noon, but I did not feel it. When I get back to the city, I definitely plan to sleep upstairs and not be too concerned. Tomorrow I need to go in search of a skeleton -- of an animal that is. There is one somewhere in the jungle that the group found last week and I have yet to see which would help in identifying it. I also need to finish preparations for next weekend and two activities that I am helping with here at camp.
Friday, May 29, 2009
A Peaceful Night
May 29, 2009
So last night there were no more quakes, at least that I felt. We slept downstairs just in case. This made for a very short night for Lisbeth since she would not sleep with the noise and lights from us moving around. We were up at 5:30AM since we wanted to leave early for camp. It is ironic that I have come to camp to find internet.
Alas the trip here did not go so well since Lisbeth lost her breakfast and milk about 15 minutes before we arrived. I have yet to go clean the car and her. I dropped Evelin off in town at the dentist so I get the joy of clean up. Not something I am looking forward to but it has to be done. Well, I am off to do some cleaning and hopefully put her to sleep so that I can get some work done.
So last night there were no more quakes, at least that I felt. We slept downstairs just in case. This made for a very short night for Lisbeth since she would not sleep with the noise and lights from us moving around. We were up at 5:30AM since we wanted to leave early for camp. It is ironic that I have come to camp to find internet.
Alas the trip here did not go so well since Lisbeth lost her breakfast and milk about 15 minutes before we arrived. I have yet to go clean the car and her. I dropped Evelin off in town at the dentist so I get the joy of clean up. Not something I am looking forward to but it has to be done. Well, I am off to do some cleaning and hopefully put her to sleep so that I can get some work done.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Searching for Internet & Reflections
May 28, 2009 4:30PM
So it has taken me all day to find a place to hook my computer to the internet. Granted I was not looking the whole day but as I was running errands I looked here and there. I will confess that today was one of those days when I would have liked to have a TV so that I could see what had happened. The newspaper had very little news since the quake happened so late in the morning. I could not understand the monotone radio commentary enough to glean much from there so I have been wondering what is going on. From what I have heard from others there have been 4 deaths recorded and numerous houses and buildings with damage. Part of a major bridge collapsed leading into San Pedro from the north.
I have heard rumor that tonight at 7:00PM (9:00PM EST) there could be another quake or aftershock. I pray that the rumor is not true, but do not have time on the internet to look for more information. I cannot quite understand why I had internet immediately following the quake and then it has been out all day but I am thankful that I was able to make an early morning post since I had no idea the quake would make international news.
As I talked with people at the church offices and on the street, the quake was forefront on everyone’s mind. I realized that much of the reason I was not afraid is that besides not really feeling like my life was in danger, death is not the end for me. It is only the beginning of a new life with Christ. Those who do not have the hope of Christ and eternal life will be walking around in much greater fear. I also remember an occasion almost 15 years ago when I was doing an overnight solo in the woods (without a tent) and kept hearing scary noises which I was sure was some dangerous wild animal. At long last I realized that worrying was not going to change anything. If it was my time to die (by being mauled by a bear), then it would happen whether I worried about it or not. And so I managed to fall asleep. I need to apply the concept of not worrying to other areas of my life though and not just in the potential life and death situations.
Tomorrow morning I head out to camp where there is not too much damage. The walls of one of staff houses cracked but it does not appear to be serious. Perhaps more serious out there is the air quality. The landowners around the camp have been burning their fields for over a week and the Williamson’s have been suffering the effects of inhaling smoke for so long. I pray that things clear up there and that no further damage occurs if we would have another quake.
So it has taken me all day to find a place to hook my computer to the internet. Granted I was not looking the whole day but as I was running errands I looked here and there. I will confess that today was one of those days when I would have liked to have a TV so that I could see what had happened. The newspaper had very little news since the quake happened so late in the morning. I could not understand the monotone radio commentary enough to glean much from there so I have been wondering what is going on. From what I have heard from others there have been 4 deaths recorded and numerous houses and buildings with damage. Part of a major bridge collapsed leading into San Pedro from the north.
I have heard rumor that tonight at 7:00PM (9:00PM EST) there could be another quake or aftershock. I pray that the rumor is not true, but do not have time on the internet to look for more information. I cannot quite understand why I had internet immediately following the quake and then it has been out all day but I am thankful that I was able to make an early morning post since I had no idea the quake would make international news.
As I talked with people at the church offices and on the street, the quake was forefront on everyone’s mind. I realized that much of the reason I was not afraid is that besides not really feeling like my life was in danger, death is not the end for me. It is only the beginning of a new life with Christ. Those who do not have the hope of Christ and eternal life will be walking around in much greater fear. I also remember an occasion almost 15 years ago when I was doing an overnight solo in the woods (without a tent) and kept hearing scary noises which I was sure was some dangerous wild animal. At long last I realized that worrying was not going to change anything. If it was my time to die (by being mauled by a bear), then it would happen whether I worried about it or not. And so I managed to fall asleep. I need to apply the concept of not worrying to other areas of my life though and not just in the potential life and death situations.
Tomorrow morning I head out to camp where there is not too much damage. The walls of one of staff houses cracked but it does not appear to be serious. Perhaps more serious out there is the air quality. The landowners around the camp have been burning their fields for over a week and the Williamson’s have been suffering the effects of inhaling smoke for so long. I pray that things clear up there and that no further damage occurs if we would have another quake.
Waking to an Earthquake
May 28, 2009 2:45AM
Ah, waking up at 2:30AM is never fun but perhaps even less so when it is because of an earthquake. In Costa Rica I experienced one or two small tremors and in the moment of the event I always wondered what was happening. This morning was no different. There was a loud noise (like a train rumbling in), wind, and the whole apartment shook. For the first few seconds I did not realize what was happening. When I finally realized what was going on, it was pretty much over. The thoughts that went through my head: "You really should get up and go to the doorway." "Woa, that had to be pretty high on the rictor scale." "There will be an aftershock following, so you should not just stay in bed."
In reality I was tempted to just stay put. I sometimes have this false, naive sense of indestructability. It is not that I think I am indestructible, but I could not imagine a serious earthquake happening here in San Pedro. I got up during the middle of the aftershock and called to Evelin to bring Lisbeth to a safer place. Evelin was scared and nervous (of which I should have been more). It was probably her first experience and when you feel that kind of thing and hear alarms going off all over the city, it is a little unnerving.
After a few minutes of sweating to death because of not being in front of a fan, we left the doorways and headed back to our rooms to sleep. Nervousness is probably keeping her awake, while for me the desire to write has me here at the computer. The time for a morning run will come all too soon.
In reality I feel like there could be some serious damage in some part of the country because it felt like a pretty strong tremor. I will have to wait until the paper comes out later today or until the Prensa gives an online update. I am sure most of San Pedro Sula is glued to the television right now for the news, but since I do not have one, I have to look for information in other places.
Ah, waking up at 2:30AM is never fun but perhaps even less so when it is because of an earthquake. In Costa Rica I experienced one or two small tremors and in the moment of the event I always wondered what was happening. This morning was no different. There was a loud noise (like a train rumbling in), wind, and the whole apartment shook. For the first few seconds I did not realize what was happening. When I finally realized what was going on, it was pretty much over. The thoughts that went through my head: "You really should get up and go to the doorway." "Woa, that had to be pretty high on the rictor scale." "There will be an aftershock following, so you should not just stay in bed."
In reality I was tempted to just stay put. I sometimes have this false, naive sense of indestructability. It is not that I think I am indestructible, but I could not imagine a serious earthquake happening here in San Pedro. I got up during the middle of the aftershock and called to Evelin to bring Lisbeth to a safer place. Evelin was scared and nervous (of which I should have been more). It was probably her first experience and when you feel that kind of thing and hear alarms going off all over the city, it is a little unnerving.
After a few minutes of sweating to death because of not being in front of a fan, we left the doorways and headed back to our rooms to sleep. Nervousness is probably keeping her awake, while for me the desire to write has me here at the computer. The time for a morning run will come all too soon.
In reality I feel like there could be some serious damage in some part of the country because it felt like a pretty strong tremor. I will have to wait until the paper comes out later today or until the Prensa gives an online update. I am sure most of San Pedro Sula is glued to the television right now for the news, but since I do not have one, I have to look for information in other places.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Ready for an Adventure
May 23, 2009
It is Saturday and I am back in the city. Yesterday I had another Outdoor Education program and it went well but I am always a bit tired afterwards. This time we worked with 6-9 year olds. They had a shorter attention span and some trouble with understanding all of the English, but it worked out. On Wednesday I had driven out to the Copan Ruins to hang out with a Houghton College Mayterm class and to pick up to Recreation majors who were then coming with me to camp to help with the program. I had hoped for a little hiking time or adventure, but I only did one small hike that I had been on before. It was fun to go for an evening run with a group, a bit like cross country runs in college.
I have been feeling the need for an adventure in the great outdoors. A backpacking trip would be nice but I know that will not happen anytime soon. Maybe a nice long hike if I can find a friend who is interested in going along. It seems like it could be a while until I have a full day off to do something like that though.
Right now I am trying to figure out if a school group is coming next Friday and Saturday. Nothing like last minute decisions. It is getting a little too late for us because of all of the decisions we must make that go along with running the program and providing the food. Monday morning they should know if they have enough students committed to the trip. Until then I sort of plan as if there is a group, all the while knowing that there might not be.
It is Saturday and I am back in the city. Yesterday I had another Outdoor Education program and it went well but I am always a bit tired afterwards. This time we worked with 6-9 year olds. They had a shorter attention span and some trouble with understanding all of the English, but it worked out. On Wednesday I had driven out to the Copan Ruins to hang out with a Houghton College Mayterm class and to pick up to Recreation majors who were then coming with me to camp to help with the program. I had hoped for a little hiking time or adventure, but I only did one small hike that I had been on before. It was fun to go for an evening run with a group, a bit like cross country runs in college.
I have been feeling the need for an adventure in the great outdoors. A backpacking trip would be nice but I know that will not happen anytime soon. Maybe a nice long hike if I can find a friend who is interested in going along. It seems like it could be a while until I have a full day off to do something like that though.
Right now I am trying to figure out if a school group is coming next Friday and Saturday. Nothing like last minute decisions. It is getting a little too late for us because of all of the decisions we must make that go along with running the program and providing the food. Monday morning they should know if they have enough students committed to the trip. Until then I sort of plan as if there is a group, all the while knowing that there might not be.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
When It Rains, It Pours
May 17, 2009
This motto has seemed to be true during many phases of my life and tonight I decided that it is happening once again. And for once in Honduras I am not talking about literal downpours of water. This evening I received a call from a teacher who came with her school one week ago for an Outdoor Education program. She called to ask whether I could do a program for another school in a little less than 2 weeks, and this time including 3 meals and an overnight. I have had hardly any programs for 2 years and now within the timespan of 5 weeks there are three programs in the working. It is so little compared to what I did in the States but for here in Honduras it is exciting and even a little overwhelming. And so now I am working with Wes, the director, to put together the packet to offer the school. Unfortunately it is not the only thing I need to do for tomorrow morning since I was already working on revising curriculum to work for the 6-9 year old school group coming this next Friday. But I must admit that it is good to be busy and even have time constraints. Of course this means that the other blogs that I had brewing will probably not happen for quite a while and I will be struggling even more to find a day off. For the moment though I am excited. God is beginning a work and He will also provide the strength to see the work completed.
This motto has seemed to be true during many phases of my life and tonight I decided that it is happening once again. And for once in Honduras I am not talking about literal downpours of water. This evening I received a call from a teacher who came with her school one week ago for an Outdoor Education program. She called to ask whether I could do a program for another school in a little less than 2 weeks, and this time including 3 meals and an overnight. I have had hardly any programs for 2 years and now within the timespan of 5 weeks there are three programs in the working. It is so little compared to what I did in the States but for here in Honduras it is exciting and even a little overwhelming. And so now I am working with Wes, the director, to put together the packet to offer the school. Unfortunately it is not the only thing I need to do for tomorrow morning since I was already working on revising curriculum to work for the 6-9 year old school group coming this next Friday. But I must admit that it is good to be busy and even have time constraints. Of course this means that the other blogs that I had brewing will probably not happen for quite a while and I will be struggling even more to find a day off. For the moment though I am excited. God is beginning a work and He will also provide the strength to see the work completed.
Monday, May 11, 2009
An Outdoor Education Day
May 10, 2009I am not sure how long it has been since I last wrote and with the internet being down, I cannot check. But a lot has happened this past week. Friday I ran an Outdoor Education program for a group of sixth graders from a bilingual school. It went really well despite some worries about whether the other staff person would be able to find a bus to arrive at camp in time to teach. There was neither rain nor thunder until the moment the students were about to leave when I heard thunder in the distance. Perhaps one of my favorite parts of the day was being able to teach in English. After the first Water class that I taught down by the river I suddenly remembered that yes I can teach and get my point across. I can make spiritual applications that make sense. And yet in Spanish I still struggle to be able to effectively communicate. Even living with a Honduran for the past 4 months has not seemed to help my Spanish all that much. Hence I need to evaluate what I can do to improve my Spanish (and pray for God to loose my tongue in this fore
ign language) or I need to look for ways to do more in English here in Honduras.Anyway, the day went really well and the girl who helped me said that on the bus ride home they were all talking about the day and wanting to come back next year. On Thursday just before I had left for camp I learned that another school wants to come in less than two weeks. I hope that they are interested in almost the same program because it would make things much easier. I already have someone trained to help. We will see what comes of my conversation with the administrator tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Fast Work
May 6, 2009
Much to my surprise I received word this evening that electric has been restored to camp, 48 hours sooner than the predicted time. Quite awesome! Tomorrow after lunch I head to camp to set up the last few things for the program on Friday. I am excited to not have to put as much effort into planning my meals as I would have if there still was no electricity, especially since tomorrow evening I have to plan for 3 people and a toddler.
This is probably my shortest blog entry ever but it is late and I am ready for sleep more than for rambling on. And so I say, "Good Night!"
Much to my surprise I received word this evening that electric has been restored to camp, 48 hours sooner than the predicted time. Quite awesome! Tomorrow after lunch I head to camp to set up the last few things for the program on Friday. I am excited to not have to put as much effort into planning my meals as I would have if there still was no electricity, especially since tomorrow evening I have to plan for 3 people and a toddler.
This is probably my shortest blog entry ever but it is late and I am ready for sleep more than for rambling on. And so I say, "Good Night!"
Monday, May 04, 2009
All With One Pine Branch
May 4, 2009
I do not want to even begin to think about all of the things I have not yet written about over the past week or two. For now though I will forget the other things and only mention the latest from camp. Yesterday afternoon I drove out to camp and as I passed through Pinalejo I noted that it must have rained, judging by the many puddles on the side of the road. When I pulled into camp and stopped by the Williamson's house to pick up some of my refrigerated foods I discovered just how big the little storm had been. The winds had blown the rain almost horizontal so it entered the downstairs windows even though they are surrounded by a porch. Most signficant though was the that the rain and wind knocked a large branch off of a pine tree and the first thing the branch hit was some electrical cables. The force of the branch hitting the cables caused the pole that was holding them up to snap. The branch then continued its fall and struck the water pipe and sewer pipe which are above ground, passing over a small ravine. It broke both of the latter. And so there was no electric, no water, and in the area of my cabin -- no septic system.
Needless to say instead of plugging in the little fridge in my cabin I reworked my menu plan and helped Cindy accomodate their food in coolers. Last evening we had church by candlelight and lantern in their living room. I felt as if I was camping except that the cabin was my tent. I had to go across camp to use the bathroom and to wash dishes. I decided to forego a shower until I got back to the city in case camp was without water for a while and the staff needed all the water they could get.
I was the lucky one in that I got to return to the city today. The rest of the staff are still there battling the challenges of no electric and juggling when to open the fridge, how to do homeschooling without much computer time, etc... The water and sewer pipes were repaired shortly after I left but the electrcic will be out for several days. It is a 3-day repairation process and first the money has to be found for the project. The Williamsons are running a small generator every few hours to try and keep at least one fridge cold but even the generator is having problems. This coming Friday I have a school going to camp for an Outdoor Education program. It is actually a good thing that it is just a day program in that lack of electric should not be a big deal -- except that we are cooking for them. Somehow the food has to be kept cold until cooked. I will also have to start thinking now about what I will be planning to eat over those three days that I am at camp. The adventures never cease and sometimes I wish that they would. I pray that the repairs will happen quickly and that the Lord will give grace and strength to the families on camp.
I do not want to even begin to think about all of the things I have not yet written about over the past week or two. For now though I will forget the other things and only mention the latest from camp. Yesterday afternoon I drove out to camp and as I passed through Pinalejo I noted that it must have rained, judging by the many puddles on the side of the road. When I pulled into camp and stopped by the Williamson's house to pick up some of my refrigerated foods I discovered just how big the little storm had been. The winds had blown the rain almost horizontal so it entered the downstairs windows even though they are surrounded by a porch. Most signficant though was the that the rain and wind knocked a large branch off of a pine tree and the first thing the branch hit was some electrical cables. The force of the branch hitting the cables caused the pole that was holding them up to snap. The branch then continued its fall and struck the water pipe and sewer pipe which are above ground, passing over a small ravine. It broke both of the latter. And so there was no electric, no water, and in the area of my cabin -- no septic system.
Needless to say instead of plugging in the little fridge in my cabin I reworked my menu plan and helped Cindy accomodate their food in coolers. Last evening we had church by candlelight and lantern in their living room. I felt as if I was camping except that the cabin was my tent. I had to go across camp to use the bathroom and to wash dishes. I decided to forego a shower until I got back to the city in case camp was without water for a while and the staff needed all the water they could get.
I was the lucky one in that I got to return to the city today. The rest of the staff are still there battling the challenges of no electric and juggling when to open the fridge, how to do homeschooling without much computer time, etc... The water and sewer pipes were repaired shortly after I left but the electrcic will be out for several days. It is a 3-day repairation process and first the money has to be found for the project. The Williamsons are running a small generator every few hours to try and keep at least one fridge cold but even the generator is having problems. This coming Friday I have a school going to camp for an Outdoor Education program. It is actually a good thing that it is just a day program in that lack of electric should not be a big deal -- except that we are cooking for them. Somehow the food has to be kept cold until cooked. I will also have to start thinking now about what I will be planning to eat over those three days that I am at camp. The adventures never cease and sometimes I wish that they would. I pray that the repairs will happen quickly and that the Lord will give grace and strength to the families on camp.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
An Unwanted Milestone
April 29, 2009
Today I saw something that I never wanted to see. I was driving to the bank and as I made a left hand turn onto a road about 3 minutes from my house I noticed yellow tape and police cars and spectators. As I glanced up the road, I saw something in the middle of the road and I hoped that it was not a body. But I had a feeling that there was no such thing as a sheet to cover bodies here since the newspaper displays corpses all the time with no white sheet to cover them. I continued on my way but later called my friend who lives half a block from the crime scene because I wanted to talk to her about something else.
Much to my display it was a person that I saw laying on the road. I had been hoping it was a dog hit by a car but of course that would not have warrented police involvement. As it turns out thieves were trying to get into a house where a man was painting outside on a ladder. They shot him and drove off. Just a few days ago thieves broke into the house beside my friends' house. Evidently they are patrolling their street looking for easy access. And this is one of the reasons why so many Honduras live in fear. I can see why they say to never walk anywhere, run, or anything of the sort because at any time you could be at the wrong place at the wrong time. How to decide when and where to go? I cannot live my life cooped up inside because of constant fear. At the same time I try to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and there have been days when I have decided not to run because it just did not seem the right thing to do.
I spent some time praying for the man's family this afternoon and the grief and pain that they are sure to be experiencing. I am sure that they are asking why since it was probably not even his house. He was just doing his job. I pray that God can bring about good in their lives in spite of the pain.
On another note regarding fear, I noticed several people wearing masks today -- the type that the news shows the people of Mexico wearing. There are several suspected (but not confirmed cases) of the swine flu here in Honduras and fears seem to be mounting. At first as I read the news I was quite concerned with the prospect of this flu spreading around the world. I still hope that it does not, but I sense that the news perspective that I have been getting is a little too saturated with fear and hype. Because of less access to medication and poor living conditions perhaps such a flu here in Honduras could cause lots of sickness and death. I feel as if I was living in the United States right now, I would not be thinking much about the disease at all. I may end up experiencing the effects of living in a developing nation if this flu does prove to be an epidemic and serious problem. As I scanned an article this afternoon I noted that there is discussion about closing schools in San Pedro Sula. I just realized that if that happens it could mean no Outdoor Education program next week at camp. I was just getting excited too about this group coming and trained a girl to teach one of the classes this past Monday. I hope that the situation is not blown out of proportion and that wise and sensible measures will be taken to ensure good health for all.
Today I saw something that I never wanted to see. I was driving to the bank and as I made a left hand turn onto a road about 3 minutes from my house I noticed yellow tape and police cars and spectators. As I glanced up the road, I saw something in the middle of the road and I hoped that it was not a body. But I had a feeling that there was no such thing as a sheet to cover bodies here since the newspaper displays corpses all the time with no white sheet to cover them. I continued on my way but later called my friend who lives half a block from the crime scene because I wanted to talk to her about something else.
Much to my display it was a person that I saw laying on the road. I had been hoping it was a dog hit by a car but of course that would not have warrented police involvement. As it turns out thieves were trying to get into a house where a man was painting outside on a ladder. They shot him and drove off. Just a few days ago thieves broke into the house beside my friends' house. Evidently they are patrolling their street looking for easy access. And this is one of the reasons why so many Honduras live in fear. I can see why they say to never walk anywhere, run, or anything of the sort because at any time you could be at the wrong place at the wrong time. How to decide when and where to go? I cannot live my life cooped up inside because of constant fear. At the same time I try to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and there have been days when I have decided not to run because it just did not seem the right thing to do.
I spent some time praying for the man's family this afternoon and the grief and pain that they are sure to be experiencing. I am sure that they are asking why since it was probably not even his house. He was just doing his job. I pray that God can bring about good in their lives in spite of the pain.
On another note regarding fear, I noticed several people wearing masks today -- the type that the news shows the people of Mexico wearing. There are several suspected (but not confirmed cases) of the swine flu here in Honduras and fears seem to be mounting. At first as I read the news I was quite concerned with the prospect of this flu spreading around the world. I still hope that it does not, but I sense that the news perspective that I have been getting is a little too saturated with fear and hype. Because of less access to medication and poor living conditions perhaps such a flu here in Honduras could cause lots of sickness and death. I feel as if I was living in the United States right now, I would not be thinking much about the disease at all. I may end up experiencing the effects of living in a developing nation if this flu does prove to be an epidemic and serious problem. As I scanned an article this afternoon I noted that there is discussion about closing schools in San Pedro Sula. I just realized that if that happens it could mean no Outdoor Education program next week at camp. I was just getting excited too about this group coming and trained a girl to teach one of the classes this past Monday. I hope that the situation is not blown out of proportion and that wise and sensible measures will be taken to ensure good health for all.
Days to Run and Days to Walk
April 29, 2009
Today was a day for running. I had extra time this morning and decided to run longer than normal (usually half an hour), but I did not expect to be out for over an hour. I started up the Coca Cola Mountain (named that because it has a big Coca Cola sign at the top which overlooks the city) which I have done other days. Usually I turn around mid-way because I do not like running uphill forever and then downhill (because of the impact on the knees). But today I kept going and eventually was so close to the top that I could not turn around. I have been to the top before, but always walking. As I was coming down the mountain I realized that when running, I do not take the time to enjoy the views or the intricacies of creation. For this reason there are days to run and days to walk. If I was always running, I would miss out on the details of creation (and life) and conversations and many other things. The next time I travel up to the sign, it will probably be with friends so that I can more fully enjoy the experience. I was quite excited when I got to catch a falling leaf. A touch of autumn even though I am dreaming of spring right now.
Today was a day for running. I had extra time this morning and decided to run longer than normal (usually half an hour), but I did not expect to be out for over an hour. I started up the Coca Cola Mountain (named that because it has a big Coca Cola sign at the top which overlooks the city) which I have done other days. Usually I turn around mid-way because I do not like running uphill forever and then downhill (because of the impact on the knees). But today I kept going and eventually was so close to the top that I could not turn around. I have been to the top before, but always walking. As I was coming down the mountain I realized that when running, I do not take the time to enjoy the views or the intricacies of creation. For this reason there are days to run and days to walk. If I was always running, I would miss out on the details of creation (and life) and conversations and many other things. The next time I travel up to the sign, it will probably be with friends so that I can more fully enjoy the experience. I was quite excited when I got to catch a falling leaf. A touch of autumn even though I am dreaming of spring right now.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
A Birthday Review
April 21, 2009
I knew that this would be a different sort of birthday since it is the first that I was not with family or close friends (the college years). I knew it would be a rather ordinary day, especially since I was in the city and unless I planned an event with friends, nothing would happen. Yesterday I had a birthday meal with the Williamsons and brownies with all of the staff so that was good.
This morning I decided that I would get up in time to see the sun in it's pink stage over the city while running. I was up in time (5:34AM) but today it was never pink, only yellow. Quite disappointing. I still ran though. When I returned to the house, I was welcomed with crying which continued for the next hour, making a quiet time rather difficult. It would seem that Lisbet is getting one of her molars and so only being with her mommy brought a temporary stop to the tears.
I soon left to run by the church office, post office, and to find a quiet place to work from. Evelin made a good lunch and by the time I got home Lisbet was feeling better. Later in the afternoon we went for ice cream which made the day feel more like a birthday. And then even later I was able to chat with my family.
This evening I decided to make an appearing at basketball practice again. Evelin was not about to have me watch a crying Lisbet on my birthday so it seemed a good time to get back on the court. I enjoyed the games of 2 on 2 and 3 on 3 but found myself frustrated by what I would call lack of integrity in planning. I think that the standards from having played at Black Rock for so many years have spoiled me a bit.
And now I am back in the apartment, sitting on the patio -- a favorite spot in the evening, thanks to the cooler temperatures, the fun plants, and often starlit sky. Oh, throughout the day I was blessed with notes from friends and family via internet. At one point I even got some tears in my eyes as I realized how much I appreciate the support of everyone in my life. So all lin all it has been a good day, though perhaps not exciting as birthdays go. Of course as my mom said, that is the way of birthdays. The older you get, the less exciting they are. I would concur.
I knew that this would be a different sort of birthday since it is the first that I was not with family or close friends (the college years). I knew it would be a rather ordinary day, especially since I was in the city and unless I planned an event with friends, nothing would happen. Yesterday I had a birthday meal with the Williamsons and brownies with all of the staff so that was good.
This morning I decided that I would get up in time to see the sun in it's pink stage over the city while running. I was up in time (5:34AM) but today it was never pink, only yellow. Quite disappointing. I still ran though. When I returned to the house, I was welcomed with crying which continued for the next hour, making a quiet time rather difficult. It would seem that Lisbet is getting one of her molars and so only being with her mommy brought a temporary stop to the tears.
I soon left to run by the church office, post office, and to find a quiet place to work from. Evelin made a good lunch and by the time I got home Lisbet was feeling better. Later in the afternoon we went for ice cream which made the day feel more like a birthday. And then even later I was able to chat with my family.
This evening I decided to make an appearing at basketball practice again. Evelin was not about to have me watch a crying Lisbet on my birthday so it seemed a good time to get back on the court. I enjoyed the games of 2 on 2 and 3 on 3 but found myself frustrated by what I would call lack of integrity in planning. I think that the standards from having played at Black Rock for so many years have spoiled me a bit.
And now I am back in the apartment, sitting on the patio -- a favorite spot in the evening, thanks to the cooler temperatures, the fun plants, and often starlit sky. Oh, throughout the day I was blessed with notes from friends and family via internet. At one point I even got some tears in my eyes as I realized how much I appreciate the support of everyone in my life. So all lin all it has been a good day, though perhaps not exciting as birthdays go. Of course as my mom said, that is the way of birthdays. The older you get, the less exciting they are. I would concur.
Monday, April 20, 2009
I am Blessed
April 19, 2009
One evening last week I was sitting in my living room talking with Evelin and through the course of the conversation I was struck with how blessed I am to have the family that I do. I have a family that loves and supports me. Until this past year, sickness and death had hardly even touched my extended family. This last year has brought more pain because of various happenings, but even so my family has stood together. Evelin, on the other hand, is very alone in the world. Her mother died while she was a teenager and her father is out of the picture. Some of her siblings are supportive of her but they do not understand her story or where she is today. And because of their own problems and struggles financially in a poor country, they cannot give much aid. And so as I sat with her that day I felt one of those twinges of sadness and even a little guilt as to why I was chosen to have such a wonderful family and easy life. My own choices and decisions have much to do with my family relationships, but there is a part too that is out of my control. I did nothing to deserve my family, but God placed me where He did. And so I am very thankful but realize that I want to be able to share my family and what I have learned from them with others. I am humbled too realizing that when much is given, much is required. What am I doing to share the family God has given me? I cannot take for granted what God has done for me.
One evening last week I was sitting in my living room talking with Evelin and through the course of the conversation I was struck with how blessed I am to have the family that I do. I have a family that loves and supports me. Until this past year, sickness and death had hardly even touched my extended family. This last year has brought more pain because of various happenings, but even so my family has stood together. Evelin, on the other hand, is very alone in the world. Her mother died while she was a teenager and her father is out of the picture. Some of her siblings are supportive of her but they do not understand her story or where she is today. And because of their own problems and struggles financially in a poor country, they cannot give much aid. And so as I sat with her that day I felt one of those twinges of sadness and even a little guilt as to why I was chosen to have such a wonderful family and easy life. My own choices and decisions have much to do with my family relationships, but there is a part too that is out of my control. I did nothing to deserve my family, but God placed me where He did. And so I am very thankful but realize that I want to be able to share my family and what I have learned from them with others. I am humbled too realizing that when much is given, much is required. What am I doing to share the family God has given me? I cannot take for granted what God has done for me.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Road Sightings and Spring
April 16, 2009
On Tuesday I spent a lot of time on the road, whether it was my drive to camp or around the city. I had a dentist appointment after 2 plus years of not setting foot in a dentist office. Thankfully I only had one small cavity. But during my drives, I noticed a few interesting sights that I had to think, “Only in Honduras.” The first was in downtown San Pedro Sula where I was driving along and noticed that one intersection did not have an ordinary stop sign. Because it was a street and not an avenue, I knew that I was due to stop. And then I saw pegged to a tree, what looked to be white poster board with glittery red letters pasted on that said, “ALTO”, which in Spanish means stop. It looked a bit like a child’s work and I wondered if it was an official sign with legal backing.
The next sighting was on the highway. I noticed a large truck in front of me filled with gas canisters (the kind used for the stoves here). Perched on top of the canisters were two armed guards – not unusual. What was unusual was that they were masked, giving them the appearance of being the bad guys, not the guards.
The more favorable vistas during my drive were those of the tree, Carao (Cassia grandis) that makes me think of spring and cherry blossoms. The tree is really quite beautiful and it’s pink flowers rival that of the cherry blossoms of Lancaster, but it’s drawback is that it is so big. Even though it is not a canopy tree, a cherry tree would be a dwarf in comparison and when it comes to trees and flowers, I tend to like the small, non-showy type – the Dogwoods, Bleeding Hearts, Forget-me-Nots, Spring Beauties, and just to name a few. These trees are much more dominating and their large legume like seed pod, detracts a bit from the beauty of the blossoms. All of the thoughts of cherry blossoms have made me miss seeing the beauty of spring, yet again. Here in Honduras there is no official spring. There are flowers throughout the year and new leaves on one tree while another tree is losing its leaves. Sometimes I see examples of three seasons all in a day’s drive. I have yet to fully capture a glimpse of winter here though.
On Easter Sunday the songs and message for some reason made me think of spring – perhaps because on many an Easter morning I could sit in my church in Lancaster and look out over Cherry Hill’s Orchards which was a beautiful sight to behold. Easter is about new life as Christ rose from the grave as is spring so I suppose that there are various connections between the two. On Saturday I began to watch “Anne of Green Gables” in Spanish and the scenery in that movie is enough to make one miss spring and the seasons.
On Tuesday I spent a lot of time on the road, whether it was my drive to camp or around the city. I had a dentist appointment after 2 plus years of not setting foot in a dentist office. Thankfully I only had one small cavity. But during my drives, I noticed a few interesting sights that I had to think, “Only in Honduras.” The first was in downtown San Pedro Sula where I was driving along and noticed that one intersection did not have an ordinary stop sign. Because it was a street and not an avenue, I knew that I was due to stop. And then I saw pegged to a tree, what looked to be white poster board with glittery red letters pasted on that said, “ALTO”, which in Spanish means stop. It looked a bit like a child’s work and I wondered if it was an official sign with legal backing.
The next sighting was on the highway. I noticed a large truck in front of me filled with gas canisters (the kind used for the stoves here). Perched on top of the canisters were two armed guards – not unusual. What was unusual was that they were masked, giving them the appearance of being the bad guys, not the guards.
The more favorable vistas during my drive were those of the tree, Carao (Cassia grandis) that makes me think of spring and cherry blossoms. The tree is really quite beautiful and it’s pink flowers rival that of the cherry blossoms of Lancaster, but it’s drawback is that it is so big. Even though it is not a canopy tree, a cherry tree would be a dwarf in comparison and when it comes to trees and flowers, I tend to like the small, non-showy type – the Dogwoods, Bleeding Hearts, Forget-me-Nots, Spring Beauties, and just to name a few. These trees are much more dominating and their large legume like seed pod, detracts a bit from the beauty of the blossoms. All of the thoughts of cherry blossoms have made me miss seeing the beauty of spring, yet again. Here in Honduras there is no official spring. There are flowers throughout the year and new leaves on one tree while another tree is losing its leaves. Sometimes I see examples of three seasons all in a day’s drive. I have yet to fully capture a glimpse of winter here though.
On Easter Sunday the songs and message for some reason made me think of spring – perhaps because on many an Easter morning I could sit in my church in Lancaster and look out over Cherry Hill’s Orchards which was a beautiful sight to behold. Easter is about new life as Christ rose from the grave as is spring so I suppose that there are various connections between the two. On Saturday I began to watch “Anne of Green Gables” in Spanish and the scenery in that movie is enough to make one miss spring and the seasons.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Someday
April 15, 2009
Someday I will write all of the blog entries that are floating around in my head. I had high hopes that tonight would be the night, but it is not. I am still preparing for a meeting with a school administrator tomorrow. I am hoping that they will bring 6th grade students for a Science trip to camp on May 8. So, I will finish my preparations and then try to get some sleep and leave the blog entries for tomorrow.
Someday I will write all of the blog entries that are floating around in my head. I had high hopes that tonight would be the night, but it is not. I am still preparing for a meeting with a school administrator tomorrow. I am hoping that they will bring 6th grade students for a Science trip to camp on May 8. So, I will finish my preparations and then try to get some sleep and leave the blog entries for tomorrow.
Monday, April 13, 2009
After the Crowds
April 13, 2009
And so the excitement of Semana Santa has passed. I spent the week out at camp with preparations in the first few days for the crowds that would arrive on Wednesday. Then during the retreat I participated in what I could and connected with people, but I spent much of my time watching Lisbet while Evelin cleaned at camp. It was amazing to watch Lisbet's progress as she even let Cindy hold her during the one worship service without crying. Right now she is sick, having caught whatever her cousin has, and so that makes life a little more miserable for her (and us).
It had not rained for weeks and the temperatures have been over 100F most days. But it seems inevitable that during Semana Santa it will rain. This time the rain came on Monday evening and then all day Tuesday. Those who had set their tents up on Sunday were going to arrive at camp on Wednesday to find some big puddles inside of them. I tried to help by rearranging the rain flies or tucking plastics under the tent but the chore was really too big. People are more concerned with having a place to wipe their feet than they are with not letting that same plastic carry the water under their tent and create lakes. When it comes down to it, there is a lack of knowledge on the matter too. On Tuesday I went
around and tried to help various people with their tents, giving pointers on how to make them more "waterproof." Thankfully for everyone, there was no more rain the rest of the week so the mud was the biggest challenge for the majority of the campers.
Friday night the preaching was interrupted by a silence as the electric went out and so did the sound system and all of the lights. Lisbet started crying but as soon as people began to sing worship songs to fill in the silence, she was content again. They got the sound system connected to a car battery and the preaching continued. The electric remained out though until late Saturday afternoon -- a few minutes before I returned to the city. The theme of the retreat was "Hearing the Voice of God" and was good. With watching Lisbet I got less out of the sermons than I normally would.
Friday night held some other excitement for me as I crawled into my tent shortly before midnight, I suddenly realized that I was being bitten -- by fire ants. Sure enough they were crawling into my tent and swarming right in front of it. To be sure, nearly everyday at camp I step in ants and endure their bites but I had no desire to sleep with them so I made sure my sleeping bag was okay and took it over to the Williamson's large tent where a few of the staff children had been sleeping. There I found a place to sleep for the night free of ants though the next morning there were outside that tent.
So for the moment that is all I will write about Semana Santa. Hopefully I can post some pictures soon and reflect on other parts of the week but right now dinner beckons me (that is after I heat it up or make it).
And so the excitement of Semana Santa has passed. I spent the week out at camp with preparations in the first few days for the crowds that would arrive on Wednesday. Then during the retreat I participated in what I could and connected with people, but I spent much of my time watching Lisbet while Evelin cleaned at camp. It was amazing to watch Lisbet's progress as she even let Cindy hold her during the one worship service without crying. Right now she is sick, having caught whatever her cousin has, and so that makes life a little more miserable for her (and us).
It had not rained for weeks and the temperatures have been over 100F most days. But it seems inevitable that during Semana Santa it will rain. This time the rain came on Monday evening and then all day Tuesday. Those who had set their tents up on Sunday were going to arrive at camp on Wednesday to find some big puddles inside of them. I tried to help by rearranging the rain flies or tucking plastics under the tent but the chore was really too big. People are more concerned with having a place to wipe their feet than they are with not letting that same plastic carry the water under their tent and create lakes. When it comes down to it, there is a lack of knowledge on the matter too. On Tuesday I went
around and tried to help various people with their tents, giving pointers on how to make them more "waterproof." Thankfully for everyone, there was no more rain the rest of the week so the mud was the biggest challenge for the majority of the campers.Friday night the preaching was interrupted by a silence as the electric went out and so did the sound system and all of the lights. Lisbet started crying but as soon as people began to sing worship songs to fill in the silence, she was content again. They got the sound system connected to a car battery and the preaching continued. The electric remained out though until late Saturday afternoon -- a few minutes before I returned to the city. The theme of the retreat was "Hearing the Voice of God" and was good. With watching Lisbet I got less out of the sermons than I normally would.
Friday night held some other excitement for me as I crawled into my tent shortly before midnight, I suddenly realized that I was being bitten -- by fire ants. Sure enough they were crawling into my tent and swarming right in front of it. To be sure, nearly everyday at camp I step in ants and endure their bites but I had no desire to sleep with them so I made sure my sleeping bag was okay and took it over to the Williamson's large tent where a few of the staff children had been sleeping. There I found a place to sleep for the night free of ants though the next morning there were outside that tent.
So for the moment that is all I will write about Semana Santa. Hopefully I can post some pictures soon and reflect on other parts of the week but right now dinner beckons me (that is after I heat it up or make it).
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Return of the Rains
April 7, 2009
The rains have returned – much to my surprise. Apparently it rains every Semana Santa so I should not have been too surprised. With the rain some cooler weather has sailed in which is a great delight. Rain at 2:00AM meant that I had to run out of the house and shut the car windows which I had left open in an attempt to get rid of some unpleasant odors. It also meant no morning run unless I found some extraordinary motivation at 6:00AM (which I did not).
The trucks and buses arriving today with the sound equipment, chairs, food, and cooks from the city ran into some challenges on the muddy roads and drives. I got to help try and push one small truck off of the grassy area where it had tried to turn around. The biggest task I found for the day though was trying to help people set up their tents. I think that tomorrow I will try to walk around and give tips to the people coming in. I have realized that most of the people do not know how to keep the inside of a tent dry. Last year a majority of the tents were flooded and this year is starting out that way. There are two important techniques to teach: 1.) No impact camping (leaving only your footprints when you leave – not your trash and a trench that you dug around your tent) and 2.) how to put up a tent in a way that will keep the rain out. I guess that we will see how tomorrow goes.
The rains have returned – much to my surprise. Apparently it rains every Semana Santa so I should not have been too surprised. With the rain some cooler weather has sailed in which is a great delight. Rain at 2:00AM meant that I had to run out of the house and shut the car windows which I had left open in an attempt to get rid of some unpleasant odors. It also meant no morning run unless I found some extraordinary motivation at 6:00AM (which I did not).
The trucks and buses arriving today with the sound equipment, chairs, food, and cooks from the city ran into some challenges on the muddy roads and drives. I got to help try and push one small truck off of the grassy area where it had tried to turn around. The biggest task I found for the day though was trying to help people set up their tents. I think that tomorrow I will try to walk around and give tips to the people coming in. I have realized that most of the people do not know how to keep the inside of a tent dry. Last year a majority of the tents were flooded and this year is starting out that way. There are two important techniques to teach: 1.) No impact camping (leaving only your footprints when you leave – not your trash and a trench that you dug around your tent) and 2.) how to put up a tent in a way that will keep the rain out. I guess that we will see how tomorrow goes.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Missing the Sunrise
April 5, 2009
I have been noticing that I rise just a little bit too late each morning in that I miss seeing the sunrise over the city in it’s pink ball of glory. I catch a glimpse through my bedroom window, but I have yet to be running by 5:45AM in order to really see it. When I leave the apartment, it has settled down into a ball of yellow flame, without such dazzle or glory. Some morning I will make myself get it in time to really enjoy the view. Yesterday as I was running I was composing all sorts of blog entries but now, 36 hours later, I cannot remember anything I had wanted to write. Oh well, I know that I do want to mention last evening’s activity.
I went with my friend Lourdes to an outlying neighborhood of San Pedro Sula where her church was having an evangelism service. At 5:30PM as we drove to the place, I learned two things. One was that the temperature was 95F and the sun was to set in just half an hour. The second was that Villa Nueva, where we were headed, is a marginal community and just this week there had been 3 deaths. I knew it was good for me to go and I wanted to go, but I began to fear a little more for safety. In the end the evening went well with no threat of personal security in the least. There were puppets and dramas for the children and then another drama for the youth and adults while the children went to another portion of the soccer field for songs and a message. I hung out with a 16 year old girl named Gabriela who I had noticed along with her sisters. I was one of the few North Americans in the group so I stood out and as usual got lots of stares and attention. Gabriela was a part of a church but has not been attending and so it was neat to see her interest in taking advantage of the transportation offered to go to Lourdes’s church. From what I understood though her parents are not supportive of church involvement so I pray that she and her siblings will be permitted to go. Another girl, Cindy, was excited to hear of youth group that is happening in their neighborhood.
For me it was good to get out in a community such as that and interact with various young people. I was encouraged too because there was a missionary couple from the church who did much of the speaking and they are from the mid-west. They have been in Honduras for 30 years and when I heard them speaking in Spanish without stumbling over words, I realized that there is still hope for me. Not that I am really planning to be here for 30 years.
Well, I suppose that it is time to return home to a very hot apartment, but I have enjoyed this brief time in a quiet place with A/C. I am sure that Lisbet will be running around back at the apartment too, wanting some attention. Tomorrow we all head out to camp for the week so I do have packing to do yet. I cannot forget my tent.
I have been noticing that I rise just a little bit too late each morning in that I miss seeing the sunrise over the city in it’s pink ball of glory. I catch a glimpse through my bedroom window, but I have yet to be running by 5:45AM in order to really see it. When I leave the apartment, it has settled down into a ball of yellow flame, without such dazzle or glory. Some morning I will make myself get it in time to really enjoy the view. Yesterday as I was running I was composing all sorts of blog entries but now, 36 hours later, I cannot remember anything I had wanted to write. Oh well, I know that I do want to mention last evening’s activity.
I went with my friend Lourdes to an outlying neighborhood of San Pedro Sula where her church was having an evangelism service. At 5:30PM as we drove to the place, I learned two things. One was that the temperature was 95F and the sun was to set in just half an hour. The second was that Villa Nueva, where we were headed, is a marginal community and just this week there had been 3 deaths. I knew it was good for me to go and I wanted to go, but I began to fear a little more for safety. In the end the evening went well with no threat of personal security in the least. There were puppets and dramas for the children and then another drama for the youth and adults while the children went to another portion of the soccer field for songs and a message. I hung out with a 16 year old girl named Gabriela who I had noticed along with her sisters. I was one of the few North Americans in the group so I stood out and as usual got lots of stares and attention. Gabriela was a part of a church but has not been attending and so it was neat to see her interest in taking advantage of the transportation offered to go to Lourdes’s church. From what I understood though her parents are not supportive of church involvement so I pray that she and her siblings will be permitted to go. Another girl, Cindy, was excited to hear of youth group that is happening in their neighborhood.
For me it was good to get out in a community such as that and interact with various young people. I was encouraged too because there was a missionary couple from the church who did much of the speaking and they are from the mid-west. They have been in Honduras for 30 years and when I heard them speaking in Spanish without stumbling over words, I realized that there is still hope for me. Not that I am really planning to be here for 30 years.
Well, I suppose that it is time to return home to a very hot apartment, but I have enjoyed this brief time in a quiet place with A/C. I am sure that Lisbet will be running around back at the apartment too, wanting some attention. Tomorrow we all head out to camp for the week so I do have packing to do yet. I cannot forget my tent.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
Wildlife Sightings and Life Lessons
April 2, 2009
This morning I managed to get out of bed in time for a run around the camp. During one of my laps I was almost upon a Blue-Crowned Motmot (a bird, see the photo) before it flew off. If only I had had my camera! As I continued running, I encountered more motmots that would take off silently when I approached. What I realized though was that they were not calling to their friends to say, "Watch out Jen is coming by! Quick hide." Instead each one seemed to fend for itself and take off as I approached. I contemplated their actions a bit and realized that is not the best way to live life, at least for humans. For me it is important to have other Christians and friends around me who will hold me accountable and warn me of upcoming dangers. The birds were not so quick as to escape before I saw them.
Later in the day when the sun was full force, I saw an iguana take off across the field and head towards the archery ravine. It did not immediately descend but instead it bobbed it's head in an effort to warn me not to approach. Naturally I did approach because I wanted a better picture and had been so far away. The iguana chose to run well before I ever got anywhere close to where he had been hanging out. The picture never happened -- at least not a close up (you can search for the iguana in the photo below), but I always like to see that there are still iguanas around and that they have not all been converted into a soup.
My other sightings of the day included a small morho butterfly that flittered across the drive, flashing it's brilliant blue color and a small warbler of some sort. I enjoyed the glimpses of God's creation. Oh, and of course I cannot forget the geckos of various sizes that are always running through the house. Those I could do without many a day unless they would make a bigger dent in the mosquito population. :)
In Blows the Heat
April 1, 2009
In just a week’s time, the weather and hence the look of Honduras has changed. Up until the beginning of last week I was somewhat bemoaning the fact that it was still raining. I did like that with the rain the temperatures were cooler, but I was ready to not have to duck for cover so often. Well, starting with last Friday the hot temperatures arrived – just in time for Semana Santa. Semana Santa for me involves about 1200 other people. A week from now the camp will fill with cars, tents, and makeshift kitchens as my church in San Pedro and several other smaller churches join together for three days of workshops and worship services. Last year many of the tents flooded due to the heavy rains. This year I think that persons baking from the heat in their tents is more likely. I am trying to prepare my food for the week ahead of time since I will be doing my own cooking in order to avoid the plethora of grease that will be served.
As I walked through the jungle today the leaves crunched under my feet, making it seem like a fall day – except for the extreme heat. The world is taking on a brown look as the leaves begin to dry up and the grass. I noticed that burning has been going on along the highway. In the city I had ashes falling in my upstairs bedroom. Apparently the ceiling is not sealed the best or something like that. Thankfully though the rain has never entered in.
Friday, according to Weather.com (which was rarely accurate in PA) says that it will be 102F which means it should feel like 110F or more. I think I will have to use some A/C. I can survive without it as long as I shower anytime I want to leave the house. But for Lisbet it is difficult to take naps, and for my computer – well, I worry about how hot it gets.
I had a lovely chat with a woman from my church who came to camp today with her husband, the latter of whom was working on the kitchen floor. We talked for a good hour and a half and I was able to ask her lots of questions about who I could connect with in the church for various things. She also offered some good encouragement.
As for other recent events, I continue to watch Lisbet almost daily in the evenings while Evelin goes to some meetings. She was improving and even laughing and enjoying the time we spent together, up until she started getting so tired from not having taken a good nap. Little by little progress is becoming apparent in her life. Over the weekend the Lord showed me how important the body of Christ is and I saw that though I am kind of like hands in the life of Evelin right now, helping her, she needed the help of a mouth – someone with better Spanish than I and when that help came, it helped to take her to a new level. Thank you Jesus!
On Saturday night Evelin and I had several girls from the church over after the youth service. We enjoyed some good foods and then played a little bit of several games. They enjoyed Dutch Blitz and wanted to hear all about the Amish as usually happens when I bring out that game. It was good to open my home again to others and share in food and fellowship.
In just a week’s time, the weather and hence the look of Honduras has changed. Up until the beginning of last week I was somewhat bemoaning the fact that it was still raining. I did like that with the rain the temperatures were cooler, but I was ready to not have to duck for cover so often. Well, starting with last Friday the hot temperatures arrived – just in time for Semana Santa. Semana Santa for me involves about 1200 other people. A week from now the camp will fill with cars, tents, and makeshift kitchens as my church in San Pedro and several other smaller churches join together for three days of workshops and worship services. Last year many of the tents flooded due to the heavy rains. This year I think that persons baking from the heat in their tents is more likely. I am trying to prepare my food for the week ahead of time since I will be doing my own cooking in order to avoid the plethora of grease that will be served.
As I walked through the jungle today the leaves crunched under my feet, making it seem like a fall day – except for the extreme heat. The world is taking on a brown look as the leaves begin to dry up and the grass. I noticed that burning has been going on along the highway. In the city I had ashes falling in my upstairs bedroom. Apparently the ceiling is not sealed the best or something like that. Thankfully though the rain has never entered in.
Friday, according to Weather.com (which was rarely accurate in PA) says that it will be 102F which means it should feel like 110F or more. I think I will have to use some A/C. I can survive without it as long as I shower anytime I want to leave the house. But for Lisbet it is difficult to take naps, and for my computer – well, I worry about how hot it gets.
I had a lovely chat with a woman from my church who came to camp today with her husband, the latter of whom was working on the kitchen floor. We talked for a good hour and a half and I was able to ask her lots of questions about who I could connect with in the church for various things. She also offered some good encouragement.
As for other recent events, I continue to watch Lisbet almost daily in the evenings while Evelin goes to some meetings. She was improving and even laughing and enjoying the time we spent together, up until she started getting so tired from not having taken a good nap. Little by little progress is becoming apparent in her life. Over the weekend the Lord showed me how important the body of Christ is and I saw that though I am kind of like hands in the life of Evelin right now, helping her, she needed the help of a mouth – someone with better Spanish than I and when that help came, it helped to take her to a new level. Thank you Jesus!
On Saturday night Evelin and I had several girls from the church over after the youth service. We enjoyed some good foods and then played a little bit of several games. They enjoyed Dutch Blitz and wanted to hear all about the Amish as usually happens when I bring out that game. It was good to open my home again to others and share in food and fellowship.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Some Firsts
March 25, 2009
Today was a day of some firsts. I took Lisbeth with me to the grocery store and she was wonderful. It has been so fun to see her laughing and smiling and wanting to play. She still cries a lot at nap time, but she is getting better. And she keeps trying to talk which ends up being babbling. She also loves to give kisses. I pray that she will grow up loving Jesus and that her mom will be an example of Christ to her.
As I was sitting at my desk working this afternoon, something black drifted down onto the keyboard. It was the first ash of the season. It is amazing how they get inside through the roof. Yesterday I was riding out to camp with the Williamsons and the temperature read 91F. Today it had to be much hotter. The melting has begun. Yet when I was running around camp this morning I marveled at the beauty as I have been doing the past few weeks. There is definitely beauty here in the tropics, heat and all.
Today was a day of some firsts. I took Lisbeth with me to the grocery store and she was wonderful. It has been so fun to see her laughing and smiling and wanting to play. She still cries a lot at nap time, but she is getting better. And she keeps trying to talk which ends up being babbling. She also loves to give kisses. I pray that she will grow up loving Jesus and that her mom will be an example of Christ to her.
As I was sitting at my desk working this afternoon, something black drifted down onto the keyboard. It was the first ash of the season. It is amazing how they get inside through the roof. Yesterday I was riding out to camp with the Williamsons and the temperature read 91F. Today it had to be much hotter. The melting has begun. Yet when I was running around camp this morning I marveled at the beauty as I have been doing the past few weeks. There is definitely beauty here in the tropics, heat and all.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
God Encounters
March 19, 2009
I had a God encounter today. By that I mean an encounter that God clearly orchestrated. I had gone to the bank at the mall and as I was leaving decided to check into getting phone card minutes automatically via my credit card instead of having to always go to a store. As it turned out being a foreign citizen makes that option impossible for me. But the young woman at the booth, Julissa, began asking me why I am in Honduras. And so I shared a little bit of my story. One of her first questions was, "How do I become a missionary?" We chatted for a while and I shared some of my journey and also how being a missionary starts in the hear and now and how we live each moment of the day wherever we are. It was a good conversation and I hope to be in contact with her at a late
r time so that I can encourage her to keep following God's call on her life.
r time so that I can encourage her to keep following God's call on her life.The other God moment I had recently was last night when Evelin got baptized. It was a joy to see her kneeling down in surrender to God, taking this step. She was excited too because the Holy Spirit touched her while she was standing and making her verbal commitment to the Lord. The fact that Lisbet sat contentedly with the other women of the camp and myself for over 2 hours was definitely God at work. She was even laughing some of the time, which was probably a little distracting for the others around us but sweet to hear nonetheless. It was a blessing to have all of the staff women from camp at my house last night since they were in the city for the baptism. We got to have a "slumber party" of sorts.
(Lisbet with her aunt Marlene)
Riding the Waves
March 19, 2009
I feel as if I have been riding the waves these past few days. I would catch one swell that would carry me in one direction and then another would crash upon me, sending me in a different direction. Of course all of the time the current was slowing pulling me in the direction of my final decision. (I have obviously been spending too much time in a tropical climate considering my analogy comes from the beach scene and not from a snow one.) Last week I thought I had found an apartment and took steps to rent it when another option was offered to me by the same landlord. It seemed that it would work even better and Evelin could get a job because of it. Over the weekend though part of that plan fell through. Then on Tuesday the final part of the plan failed and I was back to renting the apartment I had originally wanted to rent anyway. So other than the frustrations with how everything changes, it was not too bad.
But then yesterday when I went to give the woman the information for writing up the lease, I learned of a new development -- someone else who would be within the same building that I did not think would be a good influence nor connection for us. It was a red flag and had me praying once again last night. Finally this morning I decided that there have been too many obstacles, detours, and whatever else with this potential apartment, as well as time wasted. I feel like God is telling me to just stay where I am, indefinitely. I wanted to go cheaper and smaller but that does not seem to be God's leading. Perhaps He wants to teach me to trust Him more and not depend on myself. Perhaps the move would have been too much change for Lisbet who is beginning to adjust to life here. Perhaps He has plans to provide another housemate in the near future or He wants me to still have a place for other missionaries to stay when in the city. I do not know the reasons, but I am staying put and not moving unless God puts an apartment in my lap and says, "Move!!"
I wonder why I had to waste all of the time in the process of coming to this realization, but maybe I was not listening too well in the first place. I am glad that I met the other landlord, and I think we will remain in contact some in the future. I also have come to the point of feeling good about staying right where I am and last week that was not the case. I look forward to the day when I can see the "why's?" behind all of life's situations and questions.
I feel as if I have been riding the waves these past few days. I would catch one swell that would carry me in one direction and then another would crash upon me, sending me in a different direction. Of course all of the time the current was slowing pulling me in the direction of my final decision. (I have obviously been spending too much time in a tropical climate considering my analogy comes from the beach scene and not from a snow one.) Last week I thought I had found an apartment and took steps to rent it when another option was offered to me by the same landlord. It seemed that it would work even better and Evelin could get a job because of it. Over the weekend though part of that plan fell through. Then on Tuesday the final part of the plan failed and I was back to renting the apartment I had originally wanted to rent anyway. So other than the frustrations with how everything changes, it was not too bad.
But then yesterday when I went to give the woman the information for writing up the lease, I learned of a new development -- someone else who would be within the same building that I did not think would be a good influence nor connection for us. It was a red flag and had me praying once again last night. Finally this morning I decided that there have been too many obstacles, detours, and whatever else with this potential apartment, as well as time wasted. I feel like God is telling me to just stay where I am, indefinitely. I wanted to go cheaper and smaller but that does not seem to be God's leading. Perhaps He wants to teach me to trust Him more and not depend on myself. Perhaps the move would have been too much change for Lisbet who is beginning to adjust to life here. Perhaps He has plans to provide another housemate in the near future or He wants me to still have a place for other missionaries to stay when in the city. I do not know the reasons, but I am staying put and not moving unless God puts an apartment in my lap and says, "Move!!"
I wonder why I had to waste all of the time in the process of coming to this realization, but maybe I was not listening too well in the first place. I am glad that I met the other landlord, and I think we will remain in contact some in the future. I also have come to the point of feeling good about staying right where I am and last week that was not the case. I look forward to the day when I can see the "why's?" behind all of life's situations and questions.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Family Moments
March 16, 2009
I love my family! This evening I watched the tape of my grandpa, Mervin Sutter’s funeral. I guess that in some ways it made his death more real though hearing everyone share stories about him during the meal following the memorial service, seemed more like a family reunion.
The hymns, aptly chosen, reflected what I know was my grandpa’s joy at leaving this earth and going to be with Jesus. He had peace like a river both in the storms in life and in his passing and he knew that it is so sweet to trust in Jesus. One of the stories that most impacted me which I first heard this last month took place while my grandpa owned a chicken farm. In those early years he and my grandma struggled to pay the bills, but he was always determined to pay off his debts. One year as Christmas approached he and grandma went to collect payment from a man who owed them money. When they arrived and saw the poverty of the man’s family, they decided that the money was not really so important. My grandpa sent my grandma shopping for all of the “fixings” for a Christmas dinner while he went and brought gifts. Back at home the family wrapped the gifts and then they carried the food and gifts to the man’s house so that they would have a Christmas dinner and toys that year.
When I hear that kind of story, I know that I want my life to “carry the baton” that my grandpa left behind, as my one aunt put it in her reflections of her dad. His generosity, servant’s heart, and love for people and for Jesus made him an example of Christ.
And speaking of family and passing on the baton, I am very excited that I will finally get to be an aunt this year as my sister Shana is expecting her first child in August.
I love my family! This evening I watched the tape of my grandpa, Mervin Sutter’s funeral. I guess that in some ways it made his death more real though hearing everyone share stories about him during the meal following the memorial service, seemed more like a family reunion.
The hymns, aptly chosen, reflected what I know was my grandpa’s joy at leaving this earth and going to be with Jesus. He had peace like a river both in the storms in life and in his passing and he knew that it is so sweet to trust in Jesus. One of the stories that most impacted me which I first heard this last month took place while my grandpa owned a chicken farm. In those early years he and my grandma struggled to pay the bills, but he was always determined to pay off his debts. One year as Christmas approached he and grandma went to collect payment from a man who owed them money. When they arrived and saw the poverty of the man’s family, they decided that the money was not really so important. My grandpa sent my grandma shopping for all of the “fixings” for a Christmas dinner while he went and brought gifts. Back at home the family wrapped the gifts and then they carried the food and gifts to the man’s house so that they would have a Christmas dinner and toys that year.
When I hear that kind of story, I know that I want my life to “carry the baton” that my grandpa left behind, as my one aunt put it in her reflections of her dad. His generosity, servant’s heart, and love for people and for Jesus made him an example of Christ.
And speaking of family and passing on the baton, I am very excited that I will finally get to be an aunt this year as my sister Shana is expecting her first child in August.
And I Plan Because...?
March 17, 2009
Just hours after I published my last blog entry mentioning that I had a place to live and details had come together well, I received a call from Elizabeth, my landlord to be, saying that the second potential renter for the downstairs apartment had fallen through and so she thought it would be best for me to rent down there. And once again everything changes. For the most part I am content with the change of plans. I think it will be nice to have my own space and not have to worry about Lisbet getting into Elizabeth's belongings. As I drove from the camp to the city, praying about this turn of events, I could not help but ask God why there were so many jumps from one plan to the next and in the end, I am back where I started with the original plan of renting the downstairs apartment. I do not really have the answer, but I did realize that because of the potential of living upstairs, Evelin and I got to know Elizabeth better which hopefully will translate into more interactions when we are neighbors in just a few weeks.
I tend to ask, "did we not hear God when pursuing the second plan?" or "was it just a detour with a purpose?" So many questions and not so many answers. I do not think I will sum up what the current plan is for two weeks from now because it could very well change tomorrow. Vamos a ver. (We will see). This is where I try to learn to be more flexible.
Just hours after I published my last blog entry mentioning that I had a place to live and details had come together well, I received a call from Elizabeth, my landlord to be, saying that the second potential renter for the downstairs apartment had fallen through and so she thought it would be best for me to rent down there. And once again everything changes. For the most part I am content with the change of plans. I think it will be nice to have my own space and not have to worry about Lisbet getting into Elizabeth's belongings. As I drove from the camp to the city, praying about this turn of events, I could not help but ask God why there were so many jumps from one plan to the next and in the end, I am back where I started with the original plan of renting the downstairs apartment. I do not really have the answer, but I did realize that because of the potential of living upstairs, Evelin and I got to know Elizabeth better which hopefully will translate into more interactions when we are neighbors in just a few weeks.
I tend to ask, "did we not hear God when pursuing the second plan?" or "was it just a detour with a purpose?" So many questions and not so many answers. I do not think I will sum up what the current plan is for two weeks from now because it could very well change tomorrow. Vamos a ver. (We will see). This is where I try to learn to be more flexible.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
More than I Ever Asked or Imagined
March 16, 2009
It has taken me a while to find the time to write this blog entry, but I have much to write and much to be thankful for. Last week I made several stops around the city as I checked into possible apartments that were up for rent. There was one apartment that I really liked both because of its size, the location, and the fact that it had a yard. The owner, Elizabeth, lives in Texas and only comes back to Honduras every two years or when she has to rent out the apartment again. Over the course of a three day span, I talked with her a lot as I tried to figure out if the apartment would work out for myself and Evelin and Lisbet. Wednesday afternoon I told her that yes I wanted to rent the apartment and then I left for camp.
Thursday evening I received a call from her saying that she had something she wanted to tell me. I was afraid that she had changed her mind and decided to go with other renters, but knowing God was in control, I went to see her with peace in my heart. Instead of bad news, she had a different offer for me. Her offer was that I could rent her personal apartment – something that she has never done before. In this way I would not have a lease to contend with as far as having to remain in that apartment for a year or more. And she was offering it to me at a much lower cost, furniture and all. I do not really need the latter since I already have what I need, but it gives me options as to what I can do with my stuff. The one catch or possible challenge was that she would still be in the country until June so suddenly there would be four of us living together. And yet I remembered that I had been praying about another housemate – someone with a better cultural understanding to help in ministry with Evelin. I simply had not expected a housemate to come about in such a fashion.
It looked as if Evelin could also get a job with the family moving in downstairs, cleaning and cooking for them. On Friday Evelin and I met with her again and went over a few of the details before I said “yes” to the arrangement. By this time I had learned that Elizabeth is a Christian and seen that she was genuinely interested in Evelin’s life and well-being too. We left her house that day with Evelin planning to head to work on Monday morning (today) for the woman downstairs. That part was a little overwhelming since it was so quick and Lisbet is not ready to be in day care. We were both so thankful though for how God had provided in ways that I never asked or imagined.
With Saturday came the news that the family downstairs would not be moving in because they did not have the money and the new renter did not need a housekeeper so the job for Evelin vanished. But she did not feel defeated and I know God has His hand in the timing and placement. Hopefully Evelin will have the opportunity to get to a baking class next week before we move and everyone has to re-adjust to the living arrangements.
The plan is to move the 31st of this month which means a lot of packing between now and then. I know that there will be many challenges for the first few months at least as we adjust to Elizabeth and she to us. I think for Lisbet it will be hard too because she was just getting accustomed to a new home and now she moves again. She has made some progress in not crying so much but there is still so far to go. On Saturday evening I was watching her while Evelin went to a meeting. She spent the first half hour standing at the door crying and screaming. No stories or toys would deter her from the crying. Finally I picked her up and took her over to my computer to watch pictures and sing along to some worship music. She loves to clap and after a little while she was clapping and babbling a few words which I would attribute to her attempt at singing. At least during those moments she is adorable. And soon after she fell asleep since the screaming had tired her out.
It has taken me a while to find the time to write this blog entry, but I have much to write and much to be thankful for. Last week I made several stops around the city as I checked into possible apartments that were up for rent. There was one apartment that I really liked both because of its size, the location, and the fact that it had a yard. The owner, Elizabeth, lives in Texas and only comes back to Honduras every two years or when she has to rent out the apartment again. Over the course of a three day span, I talked with her a lot as I tried to figure out if the apartment would work out for myself and Evelin and Lisbet. Wednesday afternoon I told her that yes I wanted to rent the apartment and then I left for camp.
Thursday evening I received a call from her saying that she had something she wanted to tell me. I was afraid that she had changed her mind and decided to go with other renters, but knowing God was in control, I went to see her with peace in my heart. Instead of bad news, she had a different offer for me. Her offer was that I could rent her personal apartment – something that she has never done before. In this way I would not have a lease to contend with as far as having to remain in that apartment for a year or more. And she was offering it to me at a much lower cost, furniture and all. I do not really need the latter since I already have what I need, but it gives me options as to what I can do with my stuff. The one catch or possible challenge was that she would still be in the country until June so suddenly there would be four of us living together. And yet I remembered that I had been praying about another housemate – someone with a better cultural understanding to help in ministry with Evelin. I simply had not expected a housemate to come about in such a fashion.
It looked as if Evelin could also get a job with the family moving in downstairs, cleaning and cooking for them. On Friday Evelin and I met with her again and went over a few of the details before I said “yes” to the arrangement. By this time I had learned that Elizabeth is a Christian and seen that she was genuinely interested in Evelin’s life and well-being too. We left her house that day with Evelin planning to head to work on Monday morning (today) for the woman downstairs. That part was a little overwhelming since it was so quick and Lisbet is not ready to be in day care. We were both so thankful though for how God had provided in ways that I never asked or imagined.
With Saturday came the news that the family downstairs would not be moving in because they did not have the money and the new renter did not need a housekeeper so the job for Evelin vanished. But she did not feel defeated and I know God has His hand in the timing and placement. Hopefully Evelin will have the opportunity to get to a baking class next week before we move and everyone has to re-adjust to the living arrangements.
The plan is to move the 31st of this month which means a lot of packing between now and then. I know that there will be many challenges for the first few months at least as we adjust to Elizabeth and she to us. I think for Lisbet it will be hard too because she was just getting accustomed to a new home and now she moves again. She has made some progress in not crying so much but there is still so far to go. On Saturday evening I was watching her while Evelin went to a meeting. She spent the first half hour standing at the door crying and screaming. No stories or toys would deter her from the crying. Finally I picked her up and took her over to my computer to watch pictures and sing along to some worship music. She loves to clap and after a little while she was clapping and babbling a few words which I would attribute to her attempt at singing. At least during those moments she is adorable. And soon after she fell asleep since the screaming had tired her out.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Life is Short
March 11, 2009
This morning I attended my first Honduran funeral. In reality there is not a funeral service as I know them in the States. After a death there is an all night vigil with the family and the body. Then within 36 hours the person needs to be buried since no embalming happens. I went to the cemetary this morning for the burial of the son of a woman from my church who often comes to camp to help cook. It is a sad story because he was killed and had just married last year. The mother had just been thanking the Lord for His protection over her family who lives in a more dangerous part of San Pedro Sula. And now less than three weeks later, tragedy has struck. It is one of those situations where it does not make sense the seeminly needless pain and yet God is still Sovereign. I hurt to see her pain and that of her 14 year old son, Bryan, who I also know.
At the burial site there were a few words spoken but then the coffin was whisked off and the burial happened. I had been told the burial was to happen at 9:00AM so I arrived on time. Others came a little later and said that they heard 9:30. And yet still others came later and announced that it was to be at 10:00. I later learned that the family began walking at 9:00AM from their home to arrive at the cemetary. So I had a little wait. The ladies I was with were discussing how at the cemetary the burial has to happen within a certain amount of time or the family had to pay more, perhaps by the minute. One of the woman said that she likes the towns where the burials are relaxed and people can take their time to grieve. There is no time pressure. It would seem that burials are one place where the laid back culture does not permit delays nor waiting ... unless you want to pay for it.
Last evening I was driving into downtown San Pedro to drop Evelin off at the church when suddenly a man dashed across the road, such that I almost hit him. I honked but as soon as he jumped on the sidewalk, I realized that he was probably running from something. Sure enough Evelin noted a security guard leaving from a nearby building, probably in pursuit of the man. All of this has reminded me again of the dangers that exist here in Honduras (though all over the world too) and the need to be careful and always in prayer. And sometimes God's answers to my prayers are not what I had expected or hoped for but that is where faith comes in and trusting that He still is in control.
This morning I attended my first Honduran funeral. In reality there is not a funeral service as I know them in the States. After a death there is an all night vigil with the family and the body. Then within 36 hours the person needs to be buried since no embalming happens. I went to the cemetary this morning for the burial of the son of a woman from my church who often comes to camp to help cook. It is a sad story because he was killed and had just married last year. The mother had just been thanking the Lord for His protection over her family who lives in a more dangerous part of San Pedro Sula. And now less than three weeks later, tragedy has struck. It is one of those situations where it does not make sense the seeminly needless pain and yet God is still Sovereign. I hurt to see her pain and that of her 14 year old son, Bryan, who I also know.
At the burial site there were a few words spoken but then the coffin was whisked off and the burial happened. I had been told the burial was to happen at 9:00AM so I arrived on time. Others came a little later and said that they heard 9:30. And yet still others came later and announced that it was to be at 10:00. I later learned that the family began walking at 9:00AM from their home to arrive at the cemetary. So I had a little wait. The ladies I was with were discussing how at the cemetary the burial has to happen within a certain amount of time or the family had to pay more, perhaps by the minute. One of the woman said that she likes the towns where the burials are relaxed and people can take their time to grieve. There is no time pressure. It would seem that burials are one place where the laid back culture does not permit delays nor waiting ... unless you want to pay for it.
Last evening I was driving into downtown San Pedro to drop Evelin off at the church when suddenly a man dashed across the road, such that I almost hit him. I honked but as soon as he jumped on the sidewalk, I realized that he was probably running from something. Sure enough Evelin noted a security guard leaving from a nearby building, probably in pursuit of the man. All of this has reminded me again of the dangers that exist here in Honduras (though all over the world too) and the need to be careful and always in prayer. And sometimes God's answers to my prayers are not what I had expected or hoped for but that is where faith comes in and trusting that He still is in control.
Monday, March 02, 2009
The Rains Pour Down but the Tears Slow Down
March 1, 2009
I guess that in these tropical climates, I do not have to worry so much about March coming in like a lion. Usually the rains have mostly ended by this point and summer is upon us. This year though, the rains are lingering. Today was a mixture of sun and random rain showers. Not so random though in that we were able to have our ropes course activities outdoors since the rains were before and after the event. Thank you Jesus!
I guess that in these tropical climates, I do not have to worry so much about March coming in like a lion. Usually the rains have mostly ended by this point and summer is upon us. This year though, the rains are lingering. Today was a mixture of sun and random rain showers. Not so random though in that we were able to have our ropes course activities outdoors since the rains were before and after the event. Thank you Jesus!
I think this could be a monumental day in some ways. First of all, I was finally able to put to use a new ropes course element that was begun last summer with construction, but because of several problems was not ready to use until this last work team, with its ropes course experts, came. And today I got to use it which was exciting.
The other stepping stone though is in the life of Lisbet, Evelin’s daughter. Evelin left for the city this afternoon in time to attend a baptism class at the church. Meanwhile Lisbet stayed in camp with her aunt’s family and me. Because Lisbet’s cousins have school tomorrow and an early morning, they did not want Lisbet at their house. After a birthday party, worship and devotional this evening I carried a crying, but tired Lisbet to my cabin. I expected to have to sing to her for at least half an hour or more, but she apparently was so tired that it only took a few minutes. She also seems to be getting more comfortable around me which is a big step. And Evelin continues to be hungry for more of God which is a praise.
Going back to the subject of rains, the time with the work team and my friend Janae was one of many rains. Last week after the team left, Janae and I went to the town of Tela which is on the north coast of Honduras. On Wednesday, our full day in Tela, we decided to do a tour to a place called Punta Sal. The day dawned nice but with clouds. We joined about 8 other people in a small motor boat and headed out to sea. One of the first things that I saw was a rainbow over the water. The tour began with a hike across land to a hidden cove, often used by pirates in the olden days. By the time we concluded the hike, it was beginning to rain heavily. Our boat had gone around the peninsula to pick us up so we hopped in and took off. We were now out at sea, not just in a bay and so the waves were big, especially for the size of the boat. The pilot had to cut back on the throttle each time we approached another big wave. As I sat there looking at the waves around me and the land quite a distance away, I pondered the plight of the disciples when they were in the midst of a storm and Jesus was asleep in the boat. My first thought was, “I wish Jesus was here in this boat.” That was quickly replaced with the, “Of course He’s here because He is always with me.” I thought too of the wonderful hymn “It is Well with My Soul” and how the song writer in the midst of tragedy penned the words “…when sorrow like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.” I feel as if I, and those I love, have been in the midst of sea billows. There is sometimes fear in those moments; sometimes anger; sometimes despair. But what Christ wants of us is that whatever the emotions that pound our hearts, we still turn to Him and put our trust in Him. The conclusion of my story that day– I arrived safely at our next destination with no capsizing and only a thrilling ride to speak of. The rest of my life’s story is still being written but I do look forward to the day when I will arrive at heaven’s gates and the throne of God – my final destination.
The other stepping stone though is in the life of Lisbet, Evelin’s daughter. Evelin left for the city this afternoon in time to attend a baptism class at the church. Meanwhile Lisbet stayed in camp with her aunt’s family and me. Because Lisbet’s cousins have school tomorrow and an early morning, they did not want Lisbet at their house. After a birthday party, worship and devotional this evening I carried a crying, but tired Lisbet to my cabin. I expected to have to sing to her for at least half an hour or more, but she apparently was so tired that it only took a few minutes. She also seems to be getting more comfortable around me which is a big step. And Evelin continues to be hungry for more of God which is a praise.
Going back to the subject of rains, the time with the work team and my friend Janae was one of many rains. Last week after the team left, Janae and I went to the town of Tela which is on the north coast of Honduras. On Wednesday, our full day in Tela, we decided to do a tour to a place called Punta Sal. The day dawned nice but with clouds. We joined about 8 other people in a small motor boat and headed out to sea. One of the first things that I saw was a rainbow over the water. The tour began with a hike across land to a hidden cove, often used by pirates in the olden days. By the time we concluded the hike, it was beginning to rain heavily. Our boat had gone around the peninsula to pick us up so we hopped in and took off. We were now out at sea, not just in a bay and so the waves were big, especially for the size of the boat. The pilot had to cut back on the throttle each time we approached another big wave. As I sat there looking at the waves around me and the land quite a distance away, I pondered the plight of the disciples when they were in the midst of a storm and Jesus was asleep in the boat. My first thought was, “I wish Jesus was here in this boat.” That was quickly replaced with the, “Of course He’s here because He is always with me.” I thought too of the wonderful hymn “It is Well with My Soul” and how the song writer in the midst of tragedy penned the words “…when sorrow like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul.” I feel as if I, and those I love, have been in the midst of sea billows. There is sometimes fear in those moments; sometimes anger; sometimes despair. But what Christ wants of us is that whatever the emotions that pound our hearts, we still turn to Him and put our trust in Him. The conclusion of my story that day– I arrived safely at our next destination with no capsizing and only a thrilling ride to speak of. The rest of my life’s story is still being written but I do look forward to the day when I will arrive at heaven’s gates and the throne of God – my final destination.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Catching Up
February 27, 2009
So it has been over 2 weeks since I last wrote and this will probably be a quick catch up. Since that time I have mostly been at camp where I worked with a team that came from Houghton College to help us out on camp. It was lots of fun to hang out with old friends from college and camp (in PA) as well as see much progress on ropes course repairs and other projects around the camp. For some reason we were blessed with much rain so lots of the work was done during downpours. I gave in to getting completely soaked and went for a run the one evening with two of the girls. Over the weekend we hung out with a group of children who were at camp with Compassion International. It was fun to chat with them, play games, and worship with them.
After the team left, my friend Janae remained and we headed to the beach for 2 days. Unfortunately the rain continued but in between the raindrops we got in a hike, swim on a beautiful beach, walks through town, and some boat rides. We also witnessed two rainbows during our journeys across the water.
Now I am settling back into work. Tomorrow morning I head out to camp to help with a weekend group who is doing the ropes course. I am getting reaccustomed to being in the house with a crying toddler. Perhaps later I can go into more details about the work team and the progress that Lisbet is making because she is improving and crying less. At the moment it is dinner time though.
So it has been over 2 weeks since I last wrote and this will probably be a quick catch up. Since that time I have mostly been at camp where I worked with a team that came from Houghton College to help us out on camp. It was lots of fun to hang out with old friends from college and camp (in PA) as well as see much progress on ropes course repairs and other projects around the camp. For some reason we were blessed with much rain so lots of the work was done during downpours. I gave in to getting completely soaked and went for a run the one evening with two of the girls. Over the weekend we hung out with a group of children who were at camp with Compassion International. It was fun to chat with them, play games, and worship with them.
After the team left, my friend Janae remained and we headed to the beach for 2 days. Unfortunately the rain continued but in between the raindrops we got in a hike, swim on a beautiful beach, walks through town, and some boat rides. We also witnessed two rainbows during our journeys across the water.
Now I am settling back into work. Tomorrow morning I head out to camp to help with a weekend group who is doing the ropes course. I am getting reaccustomed to being in the house with a crying toddler. Perhaps later I can go into more details about the work team and the progress that Lisbet is making because she is improving and crying less. At the moment it is dinner time though.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
A Peaceful Passing
February 12, 2009
Today for some reason the internet was not working at my house which always creates a challenge. I ended up going to a coffee shop to check e-mails, knowing that at this time it was important to keep in touch with family back home. Sure enough there was a note to call my mom (from last night) and then a church e-mail update that said my grandfather had passed away. It took a while till I could get to a phone to call my mom. When I did, she said that my grandfather had peacefully passed away last night. And some of the family was able to be present. I am saddened for my sake and the sake of my family but happy for him. I feel like I was able to do much of my grieving while in Florida this past week so this news was not a shock or as difficult as the initial news of his stroke. I think that when it comes time for the funeral and I am still in Honduras, it may be a little more difficult but I know that I need to be here and not there this time. Meanwhile I pray for my family who will be traveilng south tomorrow, many by way of car.
Today for some reason the internet was not working at my house which always creates a challenge. I ended up going to a coffee shop to check e-mails, knowing that at this time it was important to keep in touch with family back home. Sure enough there was a note to call my mom (from last night) and then a church e-mail update that said my grandfather had passed away. It took a while till I could get to a phone to call my mom. When I did, she said that my grandfather had peacefully passed away last night. And some of the family was able to be present. I am saddened for my sake and the sake of my family but happy for him. I feel like I was able to do much of my grieving while in Florida this past week so this news was not a shock or as difficult as the initial news of his stroke. I think that when it comes time for the funeral and I am still in Honduras, it may be a little more difficult but I know that I need to be here and not there this time. Meanwhile I pray for my family who will be traveilng south tomorrow, many by way of car.
Baby Steps
February 12, 2009
I am so excited to see progress in things with Evelin and Lisbet. Both are taking baby steps and sometimes giant steps. Today Evelin encountered a former drug dealer that she knew while taking a bus. Rather than be tempted to buy, she ended up sharing with him how Jesus has changed her life and can change his too!
As for Lisbet, last night we went to a Bible Study at church and I threw in a lot of extra toys because I knew that the atmosphere would not be conducive to her walking the aisles. Basically she would end up being very distracting and disruptive. Although I was not really able to gather much from the Bible Study because of keeping Lisbet content with sitting on the bench or standing on the floor in our aisle (and the Spanish of course), Evelin could concentrate enough to be challenged. I think that she was surprised that it was possible to keep Lisbet in one place without her crying and screaming.
This evening we taught Lisbet to put her toys away (or began the teaching because it will probably take a few times). She has been much more willing to let me pick her up and play with her which are also big steps. There is hope that she will one day let her mom entrust her to a babysitter and not scream the entire time.
I am so excited to see progress in things with Evelin and Lisbet. Both are taking baby steps and sometimes giant steps. Today Evelin encountered a former drug dealer that she knew while taking a bus. Rather than be tempted to buy, she ended up sharing with him how Jesus has changed her life and can change his too!
As for Lisbet, last night we went to a Bible Study at church and I threw in a lot of extra toys because I knew that the atmosphere would not be conducive to her walking the aisles. Basically she would end up being very distracting and disruptive. Although I was not really able to gather much from the Bible Study because of keeping Lisbet content with sitting on the bench or standing on the floor in our aisle (and the Spanish of course), Evelin could concentrate enough to be challenged. I think that she was surprised that it was possible to keep Lisbet in one place without her crying and screaming.
This evening we taught Lisbet to put her toys away (or began the teaching because it will probably take a few times). She has been much more willing to let me pick her up and play with her which are also big steps. There is hope that she will one day let her mom entrust her to a babysitter and not scream the entire time.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Heading Home
February 10, 2009
I am here in the Tampa Airport with over 2 hours yet till I fly south. I came early since my sister was also flying out, but on an earlier flight. It was fun to have a few minutes in the airport waiting with someone else since usually I travel alone. We enjoyed a Carmel Cider from Starbucks and then parted ways.
It has been a busy 4 days in many ways and yet the pace has been mostly the same each day. I arrived in FL early Saturday morning and after a full course breakfast with family (but no sleep), I headed to the airport to see my grandpa. I was disappointed that he did not respond or seem to recognize me but then as everyone else pointed out, I probably spoke too quietly. We stayed there until lunch time when we headed back to my aunt and uncle's house. I then tried to take a nap before going back to the hospital after dinner. The next two days followed a similar schedule except that little by little my relatives returned to their homes in Georgia and Pennsylvania as it became obvious that my grandfather was going to hang in there for a while yet.
I think it was Sunday morning when we gathered around my grandpa's bed in the hospital and sang hymns. He seemed to enjoy and notice the singing and it was a beautiful moment. As I looked around the room at all of my aunt's and uncle's, I could not help but shed tears. I am so thankful for my family and the love that we have for each other. I cannot imagine being in their place since it is their father and not grandfather who is nearing the moment when he will see Jesus face to face. Many of the hymns reminded me that for him this passing is a joyous moment because there will be no more suffering and he will be with Jesus. Later on my sister and I got to sing a few more hymns with him and there was another precious moment when we sang with some of younger cousins.
Val and I were able to lend a hand and cook a few of the meals to give my aunt a break which was fun. Yesterday afternoon my grandpa got moved to hospice so he is now settled into a tranquil room where his needs are met and it is a relaxing place for my grandma to stay with him. Just as my mom and other relatives experienced, it is hard to leave knowing that we will not be there with my grandpa in the end (at least I will not though the others hope to return in the next few days). I will not be back for the funeral, but I am thankful for these days that I had with him and with the family. It will give some closure that would not have been there had I not returned to the States for any part of this time. So many stories were shared as we gathered around the bedside or for meals as a family. I have learned even more about my grandfather's generosity and heart for God. I read in Acts 13 this morning that when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep. My grandpa will soon have served his purpose here on earth and God is calling him home. He has left a legacy of faith and service to God. And for this I rejoice.
I am here in the Tampa Airport with over 2 hours yet till I fly south. I came early since my sister was also flying out, but on an earlier flight. It was fun to have a few minutes in the airport waiting with someone else since usually I travel alone. We enjoyed a Carmel Cider from Starbucks and then parted ways.
It has been a busy 4 days in many ways and yet the pace has been mostly the same each day. I arrived in FL early Saturday morning and after a full course breakfast with family (but no sleep), I headed to the airport to see my grandpa. I was disappointed that he did not respond or seem to recognize me but then as everyone else pointed out, I probably spoke too quietly. We stayed there until lunch time when we headed back to my aunt and uncle's house. I then tried to take a nap before going back to the hospital after dinner. The next two days followed a similar schedule except that little by little my relatives returned to their homes in Georgia and Pennsylvania as it became obvious that my grandfather was going to hang in there for a while yet.
I think it was Sunday morning when we gathered around my grandpa's bed in the hospital and sang hymns. He seemed to enjoy and notice the singing and it was a beautiful moment. As I looked around the room at all of my aunt's and uncle's, I could not help but shed tears. I am so thankful for my family and the love that we have for each other. I cannot imagine being in their place since it is their father and not grandfather who is nearing the moment when he will see Jesus face to face. Many of the hymns reminded me that for him this passing is a joyous moment because there will be no more suffering and he will be with Jesus. Later on my sister and I got to sing a few more hymns with him and there was another precious moment when we sang with some of younger cousins.
Val and I were able to lend a hand and cook a few of the meals to give my aunt a break which was fun. Yesterday afternoon my grandpa got moved to hospice so he is now settled into a tranquil room where his needs are met and it is a relaxing place for my grandma to stay with him. Just as my mom and other relatives experienced, it is hard to leave knowing that we will not be there with my grandpa in the end (at least I will not though the others hope to return in the next few days). I will not be back for the funeral, but I am thankful for these days that I had with him and with the family. It will give some closure that would not have been there had I not returned to the States for any part of this time. So many stories were shared as we gathered around the bedside or for meals as a family. I have learned even more about my grandfather's generosity and heart for God. I read in Acts 13 this morning that when David had served God's purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep. My grandpa will soon have served his purpose here on earth and God is calling him home. He has left a legacy of faith and service to God. And for this I rejoice.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Traveling Again
February 7, 2009I am sitting in the San Pedro Sula airport as I write this entry. I shall be here until around 2:00AM which because I am not a night owl, is definitely not my preferred time of travel or wakefulness but it works every once in a while. It seems like the last few days and weeks have flown by and been one unexpected event after the other. I am currently enroute to Sarasota, Florida so that I can be with my family as my grandfather is in his last few days (or weeks) after suffering from a stroke on Wednesday. I am thankful for the time that I had to visit with him over Christmas this past year but I do hope that I will get to say good-bye when I arrive in Sarasota on Saturday morning. Being in Honduras the events that I know have been taking place these last few days often seem unreal, until I talk with my mom and hear the pain in her voice.
Last year seemed to be a year of walking with others through pain and I had hoped that this year might be different but I guess that there is always pain; sometimes it is just more noticeable than others.
The past week has been interesting for me as Evelin has settled into the apartment and I have begun interacting with her one year old daughter, Lisbet, much more. There are so many times that I want to jump in and exert some discipline or offer suggestion after suggestion. And as her crying continues day after day, I marvel that Evelin does not get more frustrated than she does. I am definitely seeing the importance of teaching children, using consistent discipline, from infancy on. By one year old, so much has already been set in place in Lisbet’s habits that it is difficult to change because it requires enduring tantrums and screaming – something that is not fun for Evelin, myself, nor the neighbors. I keep praying for wisdom about when to offer help and when to remain quiet. I also pray that Lisbet will warm up to me so that eventually I can give Evelin a break and she can go to a church service and really worship, without having to be chasing a toddler or dealing with her cries. I find myself analyzing Lisbet’s actions and reactions and wondering what kind of experiences she
has had. I wish that I had paid more attention in some of my Psychology classes, especially Child Psychology.I talked to one of my friends today and it turns out that she is not looking to move into an apartment at this point so I am praying about whether there is someone else who would want to share the apartment. Otherwise I do need to seriously start apartment hunting again.
Last weekend Evelin and I attended a young adult retreat in the camp which was a neat experience. I got to know a few of the young adults and to was a good time of teaching and worship. Since it was a retreat there was more down time, but to my dismay I had not brought any games along. I taught a few of the girls the game of Up Jenkins which we enjoyed playing the one evening. I was glad that Evelin was able to participate and get to know a few people and that her sister was willing to watch Lisbet.
I cannot remember the list of other things I was going to blog. Though rainy season is technically over, we are continuing to experience torrential downpours with frecuencia (that may only be a Spanish word, I actually cannot remember). I cannot complain too much though because the weather is still cool.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Musings on an Escalator
January 28, 2009
Today I was walking up the escalator in the mall and delighted because the person in front of me was walking, not just standing still. I have never liked escalators. It has nothing to do with fear but everything to do with being stuck. When I am on an escalator, I am at the mercy of the people in front of me. If they do not move, all that I can do is stand still and enjoy the ride. Except I rarely enjoy it. For this reason I always look to take the stairs whenever possible. They permit more freedom, exercise, and who knows what else. But as I walked up the escalator today, I had the very common passing thought, "I wonder if there is an analogy here?" And as I thought about stairs versus escalators, I had to reflect on when God is moving or at work. I want to be where God is working and active. I want to be emersed in what He is doing and go wherever He leads me. But I picture it more like stairs than an escalator. Unless God says to "wait and be still" I think my walk with God is active and moving. His path directs me and determines where I go, but action is involved in my part. I have to walk or climb the stairs. I do not just stand still and go for a ride. I have heard it said that even in "waiting" we should not just sit around and do nothing. We can wait actively pursuing Him and the things of Him.
At least those are my initial thoughts after reflecting on escalators and stairs. The escalators would not be so bad if I could keep taking steps and not be limited by the pace of the electrical units. Hmm... maybe I am simply too independent (or impatient) and it carries over to my relationship with God. I do want Him to be in control and so I am sure that from time to time that means "standing still on the escalator and moving at what I consider a very slow pace." Perhaps there should be a balance between the stairs and the escalator.
Anyway those are my ramblings and very unrefined thoughts. I would welcome any feedback or further musings on the topic.
Today I was walking up the escalator in the mall and delighted because the person in front of me was walking, not just standing still. I have never liked escalators. It has nothing to do with fear but everything to do with being stuck. When I am on an escalator, I am at the mercy of the people in front of me. If they do not move, all that I can do is stand still and enjoy the ride. Except I rarely enjoy it. For this reason I always look to take the stairs whenever possible. They permit more freedom, exercise, and who knows what else. But as I walked up the escalator today, I had the very common passing thought, "I wonder if there is an analogy here?" And as I thought about stairs versus escalators, I had to reflect on when God is moving or at work. I want to be where God is working and active. I want to be emersed in what He is doing and go wherever He leads me. But I picture it more like stairs than an escalator. Unless God says to "wait and be still" I think my walk with God is active and moving. His path directs me and determines where I go, but action is involved in my part. I have to walk or climb the stairs. I do not just stand still and go for a ride. I have heard it said that even in "waiting" we should not just sit around and do nothing. We can wait actively pursuing Him and the things of Him.
At least those are my initial thoughts after reflecting on escalators and stairs. The escalators would not be so bad if I could keep taking steps and not be limited by the pace of the electrical units. Hmm... maybe I am simply too independent (or impatient) and it carries over to my relationship with God. I do want Him to be in control and so I am sure that from time to time that means "standing still on the escalator and moving at what I consider a very slow pace." Perhaps there should be a balance between the stairs and the escalator.
Anyway those are my ramblings and very unrefined thoughts. I would welcome any feedback or further musings on the topic.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Pretending It's Winter
January 27, 2009
I am getting word that in the north there has been some snow and is chance of more although for dear Lancaster county it may change to sleet and rain. Quite sad. But it is also sad that here in Honduras I was dressed yesterday as if it was winter. Since my return from the States the weather has stayed relatively cool here and after a morning run and a mostly cold shower, I was rather chilly. And so I covered my wet head with my snowflake winter hat. Whenever it is even slightly cold, one has to dress for the occasion and pretend it is cold. Of course the beautiful orchid pictured below was blooming on the same day as the "winter" weather which goes to show just what winter is like down here.
Life will be changing for me here in Honduras, come tomorrow. Evelin and her one year old daughter are moving in with me here in the city. She could no longer stay with her sister's family and the only option she had would have led her to back down the road she is trying to leave. After much prayer, I felt like God was saying to invite her in and try to help her connect with other people so that she can grow in the Lord and begin looking for a job. Until then I will have a very clean apartment since she will be cleaning for me. This is probably my last night of peace and quiet though. I have so much to learn as I help Evelin learn. I know that God will probably be doing just as much work in me as He is in her.
As for everything else that I was going to write about, I cannot remember since it is entirely too late for me. Maybe it was to say that I finally returned to basketball practice tonight to reconnect with some of the team members. I am not planning to play since I do not have the time to commit to it, but next weekend is the National Honduras Tournament for men's and women's basketball. It is too bad I am not still playing because I could have participated in Nationals. Maybe I can still sit the bench (which really is no fun at all) or simply watch a game or two.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Good News
January 21, 2009
It has been a rather long two weeks but yesterday I got some good news. I went to the Immigration office to renew my visa well in advance because I was slightly afraid that they would deny it to me on the basis of me having a new passport number or whatever. Once there I asked the woman working if there was indeed a new law by which foriegners only receive 30 days in the country. She said no and that I should have gotten a 90 day visa. Her suggestion was to not get in the Customs line of the woman who stamped my passport ever again. She perhaps has a record of not giving the visa due a person. At least I do not have to travel to the capital for an extension nor leave the country in 60 days. My lawyer mentioned to me last week that I may still be lacking some signature or paper for my residency but at this point I am wondering if it will even be worth trying to get it. It took a year and a half to reach this moment, and I do not know much longer I will be in the country. We will see what happens I guess.
In the meantime I am still looking for an apartment and with that trying to discern what God is calling me to in regards to having Evelin and her daughter live with me. They are here in the city for a few days with me this week and it is proving to be interesting and a good test. I find myself wanting to step in and provide the one year old with some discipline though. Right now she is the one in control. What is God asking of me though, that is the question. Thankfully I did find out this morning that if I have not found another apartment by the end of the month, I can stay here a little longer.
So that is a little bit of what is up, but only a little bit. Who knows when I will catch up with writing. Oh, and included is a photo that I took with my new camera. I am so excited because I can take very close-up photos.
Friday, January 16, 2009
A Tiger or Two at Large
January 16, 2009
So I got some interesting news this afternoon. A tiger escaped from a small community circus probably about 3 miles away. And the circus has now left town, leaving the tiger... at large. Not only that but a male tiger (the first one mentioned was female) escaped from another circus, also not too far away. And I wonder where these tigers will end up. The mountain that camp is on is more highly vegetated than many of the surrounding areas. It seems like a prime hideout for a tiger or two. I am thinking twice now before my solo walks from one side of camp to the other. But not too long or hard. Tonight camp is full with a weekend group of 70 youth so there should be enough noise and commotion to keep the tigers at bay. I think I will carry my camera everywhere I go though so that I am ready if I ever do see a tiger.
As for other events of the week, I feel as if I am driving a new car. The headlights work and I have a new windshield. It took a while to reach this point though with lots of taxi rides and waiting. Today I had planned to train a group of leaders for leading on the ropes course tomorrow but they had car trouble and other complications and did not arrive until hours and hours after the planned time. So tomorrow morning there is a 6:00AM training. Fun, fun. This whole system definitely needs improved. In order to be ready for tomorrow's early training, I think I am off to sleep.
So I got some interesting news this afternoon. A tiger escaped from a small community circus probably about 3 miles away. And the circus has now left town, leaving the tiger... at large. Not only that but a male tiger (the first one mentioned was female) escaped from another circus, also not too far away. And I wonder where these tigers will end up. The mountain that camp is on is more highly vegetated than many of the surrounding areas. It seems like a prime hideout for a tiger or two. I am thinking twice now before my solo walks from one side of camp to the other. But not too long or hard. Tonight camp is full with a weekend group of 70 youth so there should be enough noise and commotion to keep the tigers at bay. I think I will carry my camera everywhere I go though so that I am ready if I ever do see a tiger.
As for other events of the week, I feel as if I am driving a new car. The headlights work and I have a new windshield. It took a while to reach this point though with lots of taxi rides and waiting. Today I had planned to train a group of leaders for leading on the ropes course tomorrow but they had car trouble and other complications and did not arrive until hours and hours after the planned time. So tomorrow morning there is a 6:00AM training. Fun, fun. This whole system definitely needs improved. In order to be ready for tomorrow's early training, I think I am off to sleep.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Feeling Trapped
January 10, 2009
If I have not mentioned it before, my car has been having troubles. (Actually I think I did refer to a few of the problems earlier today). When I first opened the car on Wednesday morning after being gone for not quite 3 weeks, I almost died because of the smell that escaped from inside. Everything was covered with mold! I could not believe how disgusting it was. Since I did not have the time nor the equipment for doing a good cleaning, I took the car to a nearby car wash. Thankfully with the coconut air freshner that I have inside, it smells much better.
But their is a greater problem that has confined me to my house on this Saturday evening when I wanted to take a drive and see how the apartments I am interested in look at night. You can getter a better glimpse of the kind of neighborhood and how well lit things are if you drive by at night. Early evening, just after dusk, I took two friends to their house and noticed that once again one of my headlights was out. Really it is not burned out, the connection just get loose when the car jostles, which is frequently on these roads. As I drove home from their house, the other headlight suddenly went out too (I think I hit a bump). I had to turn my bright lights on to make myself seen and to see the roadway myself. Once at home I wiggled the wires around and got the left light back on.
A few minutes ago I decided to leave and check out the apartments and also be ready in case my one friend called and had a little time to get together. But as soon as I pulled out of the garage, both lights went out. And I could not get the hood open (a frequent problem also this week) to do any jiggling. I think that I am about ready to turn my car in for something new with no problems. The problem free life would not last long enough to make it worth it though. I think that there are a few too many challenges happening all at the same time and so my attitude is not the best at the moment. I think that I had better take a few minutes to do some introspection and ask the Lord for help. As Evelin said to me this morning, I am feeling discouraged. And it is for her sake too that I also feel discouraged because I do no know what these next few weeks hold for her, considering her decision to move back to Progresso. The words of Isaiah 30:15 come to mind as I think of how I need to trust her life and mine (car included) to the Lord. "In repentence and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength." So I will go be quiet and listen.
If I have not mentioned it before, my car has been having troubles. (Actually I think I did refer to a few of the problems earlier today). When I first opened the car on Wednesday morning after being gone for not quite 3 weeks, I almost died because of the smell that escaped from inside. Everything was covered with mold! I could not believe how disgusting it was. Since I did not have the time nor the equipment for doing a good cleaning, I took the car to a nearby car wash. Thankfully with the coconut air freshner that I have inside, it smells much better.
But their is a greater problem that has confined me to my house on this Saturday evening when I wanted to take a drive and see how the apartments I am interested in look at night. You can getter a better glimpse of the kind of neighborhood and how well lit things are if you drive by at night. Early evening, just after dusk, I took two friends to their house and noticed that once again one of my headlights was out. Really it is not burned out, the connection just get loose when the car jostles, which is frequently on these roads. As I drove home from their house, the other headlight suddenly went out too (I think I hit a bump). I had to turn my bright lights on to make myself seen and to see the roadway myself. Once at home I wiggled the wires around and got the left light back on.
A few minutes ago I decided to leave and check out the apartments and also be ready in case my one friend called and had a little time to get together. But as soon as I pulled out of the garage, both lights went out. And I could not get the hood open (a frequent problem also this week) to do any jiggling. I think that I am about ready to turn my car in for something new with no problems. The problem free life would not last long enough to make it worth it though. I think that there are a few too many challenges happening all at the same time and so my attitude is not the best at the moment. I think that I had better take a few minutes to do some introspection and ask the Lord for help. As Evelin said to me this morning, I am feeling discouraged. And it is for her sake too that I also feel discouraged because I do no know what these next few weeks hold for her, considering her decision to move back to Progresso. The words of Isaiah 30:15 come to mind as I think of how I need to trust her life and mine (car included) to the Lord. "In repentence and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength." So I will go be quiet and listen.
The Fun of Police Checkpoints
January 10, 2009
This morning I journeyed from camp to the city (and tomorrow and Monday I will make the trek again). It was one of those days where traffic was moving slowly and there were no good passing zones but in general the trip was going pretty well. As I neared the city I came upon a police checkpoint and though on Thursday they let me by without stopping me, this time I was flagged over. I was pretty confident though because I have a new passport with a valid visa stamp and so until February 6, I should be good to go.
I handed the police officer my license and car registration but then he asked me if I have "triangulos." I looked at him blankly and then realized that I did not have my hazards on. That was not what he wanted though. He kept asking if I had any cones in my car, which of course I did not. I had to get out of the car and open the trunk so that he could look to see if I had "triangulos" (which turns out to be the red triangles you set up on the road if you have a problem). They were not there. I had not known it was a law to carry them but the one officer found the law for me in his little book. I would love to read that book sometime. Maybe it is something you receive when you get a Honduran driver's license. But since I do not have the latter, I do not have the book.
The policemen politely told me that I was in violation (all my claims of ignorance -- which were true -- did not help) and that they would have to take my license and I could get it back by paying about $35. Of course my license was going to end up in some little town between camp and the city and they could not give me the direction or the number for the office. And then came the offer. "You could pay the fine right now and only pay half." Ah, the bribes. I am so glad that I know more now than the first time I was fined because I politely said that I would pay it in the office and not on the road. I was hoping that as often happens, they would not even bother writing up the fine, because what they want is the bribe. The chief was even there and he asked me where I work so I explained. In doing so I mentioned the church I am associated with in the city and the pastor's name, and the chief looked down at the papers and then told me I could go. Thank you Lord! Upon reaching the city, I did buy "triangulos" so that next time things should go smoother. I am sure that there is another law that I will not be in accord with though and I will have to go through the system once again. It may be my cracked windshield but that I plan to fix next week since anything hitting it at this point could cause it to shatter. (That is thanks to the cold water at the carwash further cracking the hot glass). I definitely have had enough car issues for the month.
This morning I journeyed from camp to the city (and tomorrow and Monday I will make the trek again). It was one of those days where traffic was moving slowly and there were no good passing zones but in general the trip was going pretty well. As I neared the city I came upon a police checkpoint and though on Thursday they let me by without stopping me, this time I was flagged over. I was pretty confident though because I have a new passport with a valid visa stamp and so until February 6, I should be good to go.
I handed the police officer my license and car registration but then he asked me if I have "triangulos." I looked at him blankly and then realized that I did not have my hazards on. That was not what he wanted though. He kept asking if I had any cones in my car, which of course I did not. I had to get out of the car and open the trunk so that he could look to see if I had "triangulos" (which turns out to be the red triangles you set up on the road if you have a problem). They were not there. I had not known it was a law to carry them but the one officer found the law for me in his little book. I would love to read that book sometime. Maybe it is something you receive when you get a Honduran driver's license. But since I do not have the latter, I do not have the book.
The policemen politely told me that I was in violation (all my claims of ignorance -- which were true -- did not help) and that they would have to take my license and I could get it back by paying about $35. Of course my license was going to end up in some little town between camp and the city and they could not give me the direction or the number for the office. And then came the offer. "You could pay the fine right now and only pay half." Ah, the bribes. I am so glad that I know more now than the first time I was fined because I politely said that I would pay it in the office and not on the road. I was hoping that as often happens, they would not even bother writing up the fine, because what they want is the bribe. The chief was even there and he asked me where I work so I explained. In doing so I mentioned the church I am associated with in the city and the pastor's name, and the chief looked down at the papers and then told me I could go. Thank you Lord! Upon reaching the city, I did buy "triangulos" so that next time things should go smoother. I am sure that there is another law that I will not be in accord with though and I will have to go through the system once again. It may be my cracked windshield but that I plan to fix next week since anything hitting it at this point could cause it to shatter. (That is thanks to the cold water at the carwash further cracking the hot glass). I definitely have had enough car issues for the month.
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Passports & Allergy Testing
January 1, 2009
Perhaps at some point I will do a more profound entry with thoughts on the past year or this upcoming year. For the moment though, there are stories to be told of the this past week's events.
My time in Pennsylvania has involved lots of visiting with friends, playing early morning basketball and working on necessary details for Honduras. The primary task was to get myself a new passport since I had recently discovered that I could not re-enter Honduras with my existing one. Monday, December 29th, I caught an early morning train to Philly and with the aid of a conductor and fellow passenger, found my way to the US Customs House in downtown. Other than the money it required, the process of renewal was rather painless. I had turned in my paperwork by 9:30AM and they told me to return at 11:30AM for the passport. I spent the next 2 hours wandering around the city. I stumbled upon a PA Driver’s License Center which was perfect because I needed a new photo for my new license.
When I returned to the Customs House, they handed me my new passport. As I checked it over for any mistakes, my heart sank because I saw that they had given me a new passport number. The security guard assured me that it was the common procedure. For me though it will likely pose a big obstacle because all of my paperwork in process for residency in Honduras has my old passport number. I think that even the letter which has permitted me to stay in the country past 90 days will be nullified, meaning that I have to start leaving every 3-4 months again. Ah… the joys of paperwork and red tape.
Tuesday morning I went to my Allergist and got retested to determine whether I still needed to take allergy shots against yellow jacket stings. Much to my delight, the tests showed that I was no longer allergic so no more trying to find people to give me shots in Honduras. The doctor did warn me that the allergy could return after being stung several times, but for now I rejoice in not having to worry about shots or allergic reactions to stings.
For New Year's Eve I headed to my cousin's house in Baltimore with another cousin. We spent the evening visiting and remaining indoors, away from the raging wind. The fireworks were postponed in the city due to the wind. And today I need to finalize plans for a trip to a cabin tomorrow and start the packing process for returning to Honduras. Yesterday I was blessed to see a few snow flurries as I was hiking around Black Rock Retreat with a college friend, but this weekend I hope to experience the real thing along with some ice skating. I have been in the Honduran sunshine for a little too long.
Perhaps at some point I will do a more profound entry with thoughts on the past year or this upcoming year. For the moment though, there are stories to be told of the this past week's events.
My time in Pennsylvania has involved lots of visiting with friends, playing early morning basketball and working on necessary details for Honduras. The primary task was to get myself a new passport since I had recently discovered that I could not re-enter Honduras with my existing one. Monday, December 29th, I caught an early morning train to Philly and with the aid of a conductor and fellow passenger, found my way to the US Customs House in downtown. Other than the money it required, the process of renewal was rather painless. I had turned in my paperwork by 9:30AM and they told me to return at 11:30AM for the passport. I spent the next 2 hours wandering around the city. I stumbled upon a PA Driver’s License Center which was perfect because I needed a new photo for my new license.
When I returned to the Customs House, they handed me my new passport. As I checked it over for any mistakes, my heart sank because I saw that they had given me a new passport number. The security guard assured me that it was the common procedure. For me though it will likely pose a big obstacle because all of my paperwork in process for residency in Honduras has my old passport number. I think that even the letter which has permitted me to stay in the country past 90 days will be nullified, meaning that I have to start leaving every 3-4 months again. Ah… the joys of paperwork and red tape.
Tuesday morning I went to my Allergist and got retested to determine whether I still needed to take allergy shots against yellow jacket stings. Much to my delight, the tests showed that I was no longer allergic so no more trying to find people to give me shots in Honduras. The doctor did warn me that the allergy could return after being stung several times, but for now I rejoice in not having to worry about shots or allergic reactions to stings.
For New Year's Eve I headed to my cousin's house in Baltimore with another cousin. We spent the evening visiting and remaining indoors, away from the raging wind. The fireworks were postponed in the city due to the wind. And today I need to finalize plans for a trip to a cabin tomorrow and start the packing process for returning to Honduras. Yesterday I was blessed to see a few snow flurries as I was hiking around Black Rock Retreat with a college friend, but this weekend I hope to experience the real thing along with some ice skating. I have been in the Honduran sunshine for a little too long.
Christmas in Florida (part 2)
To continue the story of December 24, 2008, after dinner my sister Val and her husband began the arduous task of organizing a trip to the movies for 17 indecisive cousins, ranging in age from 5 to 33. It was Christmas Eve so theaters closed early. Once permission was granted for going to the movies and a theater was found, two cars were loaded, and a vote was taken (including a vote with eyes closed) we found ourselves buying tickets for the “Tale of Despereaux. “A group of this size is so rare on Christmas Eve that they gave us a discount. After purchases of drinks, popcorn, and mounds of candy we settled down to watch the movie. I thought the mice were cute but it definitely was not a thrilling movie and some members of the party were disgruntled that we had not chosen “Bolt” in 3D. Nonetheless it was another memory.
Christmas Day involved the usual gift exchange were half the family loses the gift that they really wanted to another family member. Late afternoon we headed to a nearby school gym for multiple games of volleyball. I took my one cousin on in one-on-one basketball and lost sorely. His words were, had we kept playing, I would have worn him out eventually. During volleyball to live up to my hummingbird reputation, I ran in place in between plays. After dinner that night, we were made aware that there was lots of ham left and since it was the young people’s turn to cook dinner the next night, we were encouraged to somehow use it. This threw a wrench in the original plan for baleadas (a Honduran dish). For some reason, Val and I, (the main culprits in volunteering to make the dinner) decided to enlist the help of everyone else in deciding what to cook. And so it was that the young people gathered around the tables in the garage to discuss the menu options. Nathan led us in the Democratic Process, which involves first brainstorming and then eliminating options. The process took a good 40 minutes and included such suggestions as Ham-Berry Shortcake, delivered pizza with ham thrown on top (which Val and I vetoed), and Strawberry Shortcake (as the main course – as if we did not already have 10 pies to eat). Despite these amazing suggestions, we settled on hamburgers on the grill which did nothing to alleviate the abundance of ham. Before making the decision, we asked about the grill and propane and were assured that they were in working order.
Come Friday afternoon, the young people gathered in the kitchen to make hamburgers and various other foods. About 10 minutes before the estimated time for dinner, we started the grill. Within minutes we discovered that it was not really working and the flame reached only one small area of the grill at a time – basically one hamburger. We decided to do some of the burgers on the stovetop. Meanwhile my one aunt ran over to the neighbor’s house, a coworker of hers, to inquire about the availability of a grill. As it turned out, they had a state of the art grill which finished off the burgers in one shot. Dinner was delayed by no more than an hour. Our parents were glad it happened to the younger generation since we are more flexible – in their opinion. The situation reminded me of Honduras where the best laid plans often go awry. The other difficulty of the week was a septic system that could not sustain the number of people in and out of the house. I wanted to implement the Honduran way which is – all toilet paper goes in the trash can – but it was not approved and we simply tried use the bathroom less. All in all it was a good time with the family and our travel home took even less time than the trip down.
Christmas Day involved the usual gift exchange were half the family loses the gift that they really wanted to another family member. Late afternoon we headed to a nearby school gym for multiple games of volleyball. I took my one cousin on in one-on-one basketball and lost sorely. His words were, had we kept playing, I would have worn him out eventually. During volleyball to live up to my hummingbird reputation, I ran in place in between plays. After dinner that night, we were made aware that there was lots of ham left and since it was the young people’s turn to cook dinner the next night, we were encouraged to somehow use it. This threw a wrench in the original plan for baleadas (a Honduran dish). For some reason, Val and I, (the main culprits in volunteering to make the dinner) decided to enlist the help of everyone else in deciding what to cook. And so it was that the young people gathered around the tables in the garage to discuss the menu options. Nathan led us in the Democratic Process, which involves first brainstorming and then eliminating options. The process took a good 40 minutes and included such suggestions as Ham-Berry Shortcake, delivered pizza with ham thrown on top (which Val and I vetoed), and Strawberry Shortcake (as the main course – as if we did not already have 10 pies to eat). Despite these amazing suggestions, we settled on hamburgers on the grill which did nothing to alleviate the abundance of ham. Before making the decision, we asked about the grill and propane and were assured that they were in working order.
Come Friday afternoon, the young people gathered in the kitchen to make hamburgers and various other foods. About 10 minutes before the estimated time for dinner, we started the grill. Within minutes we discovered that it was not really working and the flame reached only one small area of the grill at a time – basically one hamburger. We decided to do some of the burgers on the stovetop. Meanwhile my one aunt ran over to the neighbor’s house, a coworker of hers, to inquire about the availability of a grill. As it turned out, they had a state of the art grill which finished off the burgers in one shot. Dinner was delayed by no more than an hour. Our parents were glad it happened to the younger generation since we are more flexible – in their opinion. The situation reminded me of Honduras where the best laid plans often go awry. The other difficulty of the week was a septic system that could not sustain the number of people in and out of the house. I wanted to implement the Honduran way which is – all toilet paper goes in the trash can – but it was not approved and we simply tried use the bathroom less. All in all it was a good time with the family and our travel home took even less time than the trip down.
Christmas in Florida (part 1)
So it is about time to re-cap a few of the adventures of Florida last week over Christmas. On Monday morning, December 21 at 12:00AM my sisters, their spouses, and I gathered at my parents’ house to begin the journey south in an eleven passenger van (there were seven of us). Because I had a seat to myself, I was able to sleep until almost 7:00AM which was great. My waking hours I spent stuffing and addressing my Christmas letters. We had time to play a game or two as well. Sixteen and a half hours later we arrived in Sarasota, Florida and met up with family. Less of my cousins live in Florida now so there is less space for those of us who are from out of state. This year we had to stay in a hotel, but it worked out pretty well.
My time in Florida basically consists of endless hours with about 36 other family members. During the day fewer of us were together but in the evenings we gathered for dinner at my aunt and uncle’s. This was the year of the young adults (those in their late 20’s and early 30’s) being present which always leads to a little more adventure. Two years ago we had taken all of the younger cousins to a movie which was a highlight in spite of the fact that the movie was a bit cheesy. Spilled popcorn and practically scrapping the roof of my dad’s van in the parking garage were the added bonuses that year.
Tuesday was a calm day with puzzles, strawberry-mango smoothies, board and card games, and a slow game of Kick-the-can. Wednesday proved to be more unforgettable – as childhood trauma was relived. Having grown up in Florida, I for some reason never developed a love for the beach. I hate the S’s about it – sand, salt, and sun. And until last week I forgot about the sea gulls. The beach is enjoyable if you are staying nearby and do not have to drive home with all of your sand but that is not the case in Florida. My “twin” cousin Ben feels similarly about the beach so we did not head out there right away with all of the other cousins. I did convince him to drive us out there though because I thought we could play some volleyball. Just as we were going to leave my sister called to say that they were hungry (that is 12 young people) so we stopped and picked up three pizzas. When we arrived, the beach was packed, as was the parking lot. Even the Amish were at the beach enjoying the warm sunshine the day before Christmas.
The fourteen of us gathered around the pizza and ate it while standing. Meanwhile menacing sea gulls hovered overhead. All of a sudden I was dive bombed by a bold sea gull that swooped in for the steal. I had taken maybe two bites of a slice of pizza and that sea gull yanked the rest from my fingers. It managed to draw blood with its beak as well. As soon as it lifted up, it was attacked by the rest of the sea gulls and in seconds the pizza was gone. There had been no warning or time to react. Why it singled me out, I do not know? I was probably the shortest person there, even though I was also the oldest by almost 15 years. Maybe that was the reason. As a child I lost a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in a similar manner to a similar fate. For this reason the sea gulls are also on that S list. Needless to say the next few minutes were spent guarding the remainder of the pizza and keeping the boxes tightly closed. I think that we were an amusement to the sunbathers around us.
By the time we were done eating, everyone was ready to leave so the trip to the beach for Ben and I was for pizza delivery and furthering of my dislike of the beach. It was a beautiful day though. About 75 degrees Farenheit, sunny, cloudless blue sky, and very cold (compared to Honduran waters) gulf water which a few crazy Northerners braved. I enjoyed the weather much more later that afternoon when we had our annual family Christmas soccer game. I will not recount how many goals I missed, but it was fun as usual with many laughs.
My time in Florida basically consists of endless hours with about 36 other family members. During the day fewer of us were together but in the evenings we gathered for dinner at my aunt and uncle’s. This was the year of the young adults (those in their late 20’s and early 30’s) being present which always leads to a little more adventure. Two years ago we had taken all of the younger cousins to a movie which was a highlight in spite of the fact that the movie was a bit cheesy. Spilled popcorn and practically scrapping the roof of my dad’s van in the parking garage were the added bonuses that year.
Tuesday was a calm day with puzzles, strawberry-mango smoothies, board and card games, and a slow game of Kick-the-can. Wednesday proved to be more unforgettable – as childhood trauma was relived. Having grown up in Florida, I for some reason never developed a love for the beach. I hate the S’s about it – sand, salt, and sun. And until last week I forgot about the sea gulls. The beach is enjoyable if you are staying nearby and do not have to drive home with all of your sand but that is not the case in Florida. My “twin” cousin Ben feels similarly about the beach so we did not head out there right away with all of the other cousins. I did convince him to drive us out there though because I thought we could play some volleyball. Just as we were going to leave my sister called to say that they were hungry (that is 12 young people) so we stopped and picked up three pizzas. When we arrived, the beach was packed, as was the parking lot. Even the Amish were at the beach enjoying the warm sunshine the day before Christmas.
The fourteen of us gathered around the pizza and ate it while standing. Meanwhile menacing sea gulls hovered overhead. All of a sudden I was dive bombed by a bold sea gull that swooped in for the steal. I had taken maybe two bites of a slice of pizza and that sea gull yanked the rest from my fingers. It managed to draw blood with its beak as well. As soon as it lifted up, it was attacked by the rest of the sea gulls and in seconds the pizza was gone. There had been no warning or time to react. Why it singled me out, I do not know? I was probably the shortest person there, even though I was also the oldest by almost 15 years. Maybe that was the reason. As a child I lost a peanut butter and jelly sandwich in a similar manner to a similar fate. For this reason the sea gulls are also on that S list. Needless to say the next few minutes were spent guarding the remainder of the pizza and keeping the boxes tightly closed. I think that we were an amusement to the sunbathers around us.
By the time we were done eating, everyone was ready to leave so the trip to the beach for Ben and I was for pizza delivery and furthering of my dislike of the beach. It was a beautiful day though. About 75 degrees Farenheit, sunny, cloudless blue sky, and very cold (compared to Honduran waters) gulf water which a few crazy Northerners braved. I enjoyed the weather much more later that afternoon when we had our annual family Christmas soccer game. I will not recount how many goals I missed, but it was fun as usual with many laughs.
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