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.

1 comment:

Jody said...

There are actually quite a few people in Salt Lake praying for you, Tony, Jairo, Lordes and the people of Honduras. I'm all caught up on your posts and can't believe the photos of the red mushrooms! They look like they are straight out the pages of Alice in Wonderland.

Be safe Mary Lynn!
Love,
Jody