For those of you who have been asking about the folks in Utila, I have some good news to share. Randy Nexvold and his two girls got back home safely to California last night. Steve, from The River Church is continuing his ministry by heading to Nicaragua from San Pedro Sula in the morning. The final family leaves from SPS on Saturday as well. And that's when Tony and Evelin will drive back home from Ceiba. Remember, worrying doesn't help, but prayers are in order.
One part of the group is home, three more to go!
Nothing big to report on the news front. Even the streets of Roatan are filled with people protesting against Mel. The 72 hours is over tomorrow so it seems like he will return tomorrow to try to regain the presidency. Some news reports say that by law he will be jailed immediately if he returns. I think that's what will happen, but we'll see.
No matter what happens, if he returns it will be "feo" - a word that has taken on a new meaning for me. To me, "feo" used to just mean ugly, like the opposite of handsome. Now it means much more.
Looking back I realize this is getting repetitive, but each day I hear from new people who are praying for this country and the safety of the people here, so once again - thank you so much for your prayers. It has been great to hear from several people from my church in the states. It feels awesome to know that you guys are fully aware of what is going on and praying.
I will end the day with two simple observations that I keep thinking about, but forget to write. First - ALL of the huge trucks - not tractor trailers but trucks for hauling sand or big loads - have bible verses written across the top of the windshield here. I'm not sure why, but it's on all of them. The second thing is actually a question. Have you ever been in a pretty high-end grocery store (think of Smiths or King Supers) that sells machetes? I have.
Good night from my pink bedroom in Honduras.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Helicopters Overhead
I was successful in my first goal for today - to sleep late. Valery, Karina and I all slept until 11:30 this morning. I woke up feeling great!
Today there is the sound of helicopters constantly in the air. Therefore, I was unsuccessful at completing my second goal, which is to avoid the news. Turns out the helicopters are probably to have photographers in the air, not military force. But I just went downstairs to ask what was going on and I wasn't sure that I was watching Honduran news. People dressed in what I would call traditional African garb (but they are native here - I'm just saying African garb to try to paint a picture for you) are in the streets smoking marijuana wrapped in cigar wrappers and blowing on conch shells. They are holding signs in support of Mel. Many of them are wearing red in support of Mel - even red dresses and headwraps for the native (Karina and Karla call them "indigenous") people.
Yesterday a text message went around that everyone here should wear white to show support for the country as a whole, and to make the statement that they would like to handle things without outside influence.
Karina said there are big protests near the church. Had Jairo not shut down the breakfast program for today, I may have gone. Karla was supposed to go into her work at the bank, but she is at home as well.
The difference between today and other days is that the hugest protest is near the president's offices where people are marching near the opposing side. There is a lot of military between them, but there is definitely the opportunity for violence. In the past days, protests have been for one side or the other, but they have not faced off before.
I will post my photos from yesterday, read my books, pray for Tony and his crew's safe return, and try to block out the sound of helicopters.
I will add more later if things escalate today. I really appreciate the emails and comments I have received in the past 2-3 days. Thanks guys! I love you and I am safe in my bed with lots of books and pictures to post.
Today there is the sound of helicopters constantly in the air. Therefore, I was unsuccessful at completing my second goal, which is to avoid the news. Turns out the helicopters are probably to have photographers in the air, not military force. But I just went downstairs to ask what was going on and I wasn't sure that I was watching Honduran news. People dressed in what I would call traditional African garb (but they are native here - I'm just saying African garb to try to paint a picture for you) are in the streets smoking marijuana wrapped in cigar wrappers and blowing on conch shells. They are holding signs in support of Mel. Many of them are wearing red in support of Mel - even red dresses and headwraps for the native (Karina and Karla call them "indigenous") people.
Yesterday a text message went around that everyone here should wear white to show support for the country as a whole, and to make the statement that they would like to handle things without outside influence.
Karina said there are big protests near the church. Had Jairo not shut down the breakfast program for today, I may have gone. Karla was supposed to go into her work at the bank, but she is at home as well.
The difference between today and other days is that the hugest protest is near the president's offices where people are marching near the opposing side. There is a lot of military between them, but there is definitely the opportunity for violence. In the past days, protests have been for one side or the other, but they have not faced off before.
I will post my photos from yesterday, read my books, pray for Tony and his crew's safe return, and try to block out the sound of helicopters.
I will add more later if things escalate today. I really appreciate the emails and comments I have received in the past 2-3 days. Thanks guys! I love you and I am safe in my bed with lots of books and pictures to post.
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