I'm procrastinating. I need to edit photos, write two interviews, select a photo for a contest to win a camera and then write a story (in Spanish and English) that goes along with the photo, describing how kids are impacting their community.
Haven't had time to do physical therapy since last Wednesday and I'm back to climbing mountains again so my ankle is swollen and angry. I'll go to the gym today during lunch today because tomorrow morning I have to climb up to Las Minitas (the back side of the mountain).
This morning in our weekly devotional the people within my organization who work for the justice program did a presentation. I purposely don't publish the name of my organization or the name of their program here. If someone Googled those words and came across my blog, they'd know we work for the same association. It's safer not to use the names.
They talked about how many cases they prosecuted in 2016 and some of their experiences. I've always respected them immensely. They are brave. Almost fearless, I'd say. If I were them I'd be scared to get out of bed in the morning. I really can't imagine how they face each day.
For some reason God keeps putting me in situations where I have to stand up for what is right lately. I used to be a person who fought for justice when I lived in the US. But here it is easier (and MUCH safer) to keep your mouth shut.
Recently I've been scared. There were a few days that I didn't want to leave my house. At one point I thought someone was following me. It sounds crazy and paranoid. But two days in a row when I got home there was a guy waiting outside my gate on a motorcycle, checking his watch like he was keeping track of what time I come and go. Here people wind up dead for things much smaller than what I have had to stand up for in the past two months. I'd be dumb if I weren't scared.
This experience has left me with even more respect for my coworkers who fight for justice in Honduras.
Right now my coworkers within my project can't go into Los Pinos unless accompanied by police. A mother in Los Pinos falsely believes that my coworkers caused her children to be removed from her home. There are death threats. They are going long enough to have the clubs, and then they leave.
Danger feels more close lately. It will be nice to relax in Northern New York where people still leave their keys in the ignition and their windows down. I am looking forward to taking some deep breaths of clean air. Floating on the river in a canoe...
In the meantime I'm keeping super busy! This week I'm working every day including from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. But no complaints. I really love everything I've been called to do here. And Monday is Honduran Labor Day so that will be a day of rest.
