First Deaths

Today was the first time anyone was seriously injured. The tv showed all of the gory details too. The mother sobbing over her teenager's bloody body. Actually 2 teens in total were killed at the airport and more people were injured.

At the same time the news announced that Mel was coming back for a second attempt to land in Teguc. He is such an ego maniac - thinking only of himself as people are dying below him. Saying he would parachute to the ground to be with his people (most of whom don't want him here!) The military had to block the runways with trucks so he could not land in order to maintain control of the crowds on the ground. Of course he can't make a more subtle entrance at 2 am or something. His ego is too big to miss making a grand entrance.

My mom told me today that she can see how evident it is that he is playing the role of a victim. I was so happy to hear her say that because it seems like many US citizens are just looking at Honduras as a third world country where the people act like barbarians and don't respect the law.

My family broke out into a dance party as they were scanning the radio for news. They started out with "Oh What a Night" - late September back in '63, what a very special time for me... Then it moved on to "Eye of the Tiger" - haven't seen people get into that song since I was in 6th grade! And then this great Reggaeton song, "Changa, Changa" - it's going to be my ringtone when I get back to the states and put my own chip back in my phone. Those of you who have visited probably remember how many 70's songs are played constantly here. I hear songs here that I haven't heard in 30 years.

Karla and Karina a really good dancers. Karla just told me that she used to be a champion dancer of traditional style dances and travel all over Honduras. I don't doubt it - the woman can move!

She just told me a story about dancing in front of a whole bunch of people and she started laughing and couldn't stop. Her teacher got really mad, which made her laugh harder until she wet her pants. But luckily she wasn't wearing pants, she was wearing the huge, traditional dress that she uses to wave around as part of the dance so nobody knew, except her sandals were wet and later her friends smelled something odd...

I told Karla about the time Kelly Cateldo and I giggled so hard in church (in the front row if I remember correctly) that I wet my pants at church. Karla asked if I was wearing a skirt or pants. I told her I don't remember. But thinking about it now, I'm sure I was not wearing a skirt or dress unless it was a holiday.

We've been pigging out all day. Stress relief. The dance party was a nice break from the news too.

I still haven't told you about the food we had yesterday. Karla and Jose asked what we would traditionally eat on the 4th of July. I said hamburgers and hot dogs and corn on the cobb and salt potatoes (if you're from Northern NY). So we made a Honduran version of each of these things. Only the salt potatoes were exactly the same. It was all so good! We grilled hamburgers that were shaped smaller and thinner than at McDonalds. Karla put garlic, a seasoning packet, and flour in the meat, then cooked it for about 45 minutes. After about 30 minutes I asked if we should add the cheese, and she said no, wait until the burgers are 5 minutes from being done...? But they tasted great so that's what matters. She made a sauce for the burgers that beats fry sauce. (Sorry - only Salt Lakers will get that one). It was mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, honey and a little vinegar all mixed together. And she made sauce for the corn on the cobb just like the elotes vendors in Chicago - mayonnaise and Parmesan cheese. So fattening and sooooo good! Somehow I am loosing weight here. I don't know how with all of the creamy fattening things I eat every day. Instead of hot dogs we had salchicha, tiny spicy sausages from the best meat market in town. And we ate them wrapped in tortillas. It was all so good, and we had Honduran beer to wash it down!

I am so grateful for all of the effort my family here puts into trying to ensure that I am happy and safe. They really show me love and care about how I am feeling. Today they asked if I am feeling better. (I am.)

I really hope we can go to the breakfast program tomorrow. I would love to get out of the house and play with the kids all morning. Such a great distraction from the current situation. But I'm not sure if it will be safe or not. For the first time Jose was talking about the possibility of not having to work tomorrow. We'll see...

Airport has been overtaken

Tony just came and asked if I've heard the latest. The military who were controlling the airport were overcome by masses of people who have raided the airport. The military is no longer in control at the airport.

Just a second ago we thought the power went out. They did that the last time, to keep people from hearing the news and to try to maintain calm. But we just blew a fuse because Karla is cooking with lots of things going at the same time. For some people - I'll admit I'm included in this group - tensions are high.

I need to take a zanax. I wish it wouldn't be rude to just stay in my room and nap or read a book all afternoon. I am just not up to entertaining company. But I have to say it feels good to have Tony here.

PS:
Mel just landed in El Salavador. I went downstairs, ate and cleaned some dishes. I figure that was sufficient socialization so I am going to read or nap for a while.

Final Countdown for Mel. Tony & Evelin Home Safe

Tony and Evelin are home safe. I saw them both today at church. Tony had a difficult time returning the rented bus b/c airport is closed in anticipation of Mel's return. It is unclear to me if the airport is closed in an attempt to keep Mel from entering the country (this is Jose's belief) or if the airport is closed to everyone except Mel in an effort to get him back and then - I don't know what. (That's my thought.)

Everything was very calm when we went to church. There was some military presence and they were pulling cars over and searching cars. It seemed random and I hoped I was not putting my family in danger by traveling with them, as I am a gringa.

As we were getting out of the car at home the news reported that Mel had just left Washington and is expected to arrive in Teguc at 4 pm. I should have news by tonight about what happens. (Of course my computer has been acting crazy again, so if you don't hear from me again today, that is why.) The news just sounds like a bunch of screaming to me, so I am trying to avoid it.

Karla is preparing a lunch for Tony, Nidia, Walter and his brother Norman. I'm not feeling very social, so blogging gives me a good excuse to hide out in my room. :)