Santa Maria del Real
Carrying on with the work started in April 2004, this team helped with construction of the 'Diaconia Nacional' training centre for community leaders in Santa Maria del Real.
"Living the Fruits of the Spirit"
Santa Maria del Real, Honduras (Nov. 22-Dec. 6, 2004)
By Audrey Bezemer, team member
MONDAY -- DAY 1
The Carpenteros and various family members met at Calvary CRC at 3:00 am. After a prayer and some teary good-byes, we boarded several vans and headed to Toronto airport (with a stop at Tim Horton's, of course). Our flight left Toronto at 6:30 am, but strong head winds caused us to arrive in Houston half an hour behind schedule. We made a quick switch of planes and left the gate at 9:40 am. However, as we were taxiing to the runway, a thunderstorm rolled over the airport and everything was grounded. Our flight did not leave until 11:45 am!
On arrival in Tegucigalpa we discovered that our luggage (except for Andrea's backpack) had not made the transfer in Houston... and here began the daily recital of our motto: "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not snap". Irene, Anna and Letty met us at the arrival gate and, after a quick lunch at Wendy's, we boarded three trucks for the trip to Santa Maria del Real. After a four-hour drive -- mainly through rain showers and around pot holes -- we arrived at the Diaconia office for some dinner and were then driven to our host families about 8:00 pm.
Since Andrea is the only one who got her luggage, she has graciously offered to share with us all. The guys are arguing about who gets to wear the pink underwear.
TUESDAY -- DAY 2
Pastor Rigaberto picked up everyone in his little red pickup truck at 7:00 am and drove us to the Diaconal office for breakfast. Since no one had working clothes with them at this point in time, there was a change of plans. It was decided that we would go on an outing today instead of working. We were rather surprised to see how far the building is already... the walls are up and the roof beams have been roughly positioned. After breakfast, we met in the office that was built by the Carpenteros in March, 2004. Anna gave us a general knowledge quiz on Honduras and we then discussed cultural differences. Our student translators -- David and Luis Ramon -- were introduced and helped teach us some Spanish. After coffee, we went for a short walk through the neighbourhood. David and Beth are returning to Tegucigalpa with Anna, Irene and Victor in order to collect our luggage. (Anna and Irene will stay in Tegucigalpa; Anna will return on Friday.)
After lunch, the group travelled to the Caves of Talgua over some very rough roads and through the Talgua River. The Caves were discovered in 1994 and are actually a burial site of peoples who lived in this area around 900 AD. The tour included a visit to the museum to view artifacts found in the caves. The curator is Sr. Reyes, one of the men who discovered the Caves.
On our return to the site, we heard that the luggage had been retrieved and should be arriving around 7:00 pm. After dinner, there was a discussion on the credit unions, our impressions so far, future plans for Carpentaro trips and general chitchat. At 7:30 pm, Victor called to say the truck with the luggage had had a flat tire and they would be late. Rather than have us wait at the Diaconia, the luggage would be delivered directly to the host lodgings, so Pastor Rigaberto drove us home. The last of the luggage was finally delivered at 9:30 pm!
This morning we learned the Spanish for some construction terms... hammer = la martillo, as well as some other important Spanish phrases... el bano es entancada!
WEDNESDAY -- DAY 3
Pick up this morning was scheduled early, as we are all eager to begin work. After breakfast Henk and Tony were up on the roof positioning beams; Ed began on the electrical wiring; Beth and John mixed cement (to set beams in place); Andrea and Audrey "landscaped" and cleaned up the courtyard area and everyone pitched in to move the pile of rocks to the back lot and the "good" sand from the road to the courtyard. In between the work, there were some rousing frisbee tournaments with the local kids. After a great spaghetti lunch, the cross beams were nailed in place. The "tall guys" passed up the metal roof sheeting, which was screwed down after several discussions as to the proper procedure, and by 5 o'clock the roof was completed!
After dinner, Ken led a devotional time during which we discussed how poverty effects God's sovereignty and what we feel we have learned about ourselves during the trip so far. Letty drove us back to our host homes at 7:30 pm.
We eat our meals in the Diaconate office, where they have set up two long tables. It was noted that the clock hanging on the wall in the office is still in its original packaging. We're not sure if this is because they find it attractive or to keep the dust off the clock.
THURSDAY -- DAY 4
We have two new translators -- Nicole and Alfredo -- who will be with us for two days. After breakfast (Ken has been opening each meal with readings from I John), we began levelling the floor in preparation for cement. More shovels have been supplied and we now have two crews mixing "cemento". We believe the contractor has never had cement mixed this quickly, and as it is quite warm today, we are pacing ourselves with frequent water breaks and a plate of watermelon at 10:30 am. By lunch, we have almost half the floor done. The afternoon continued with more cement mixing -- there is friendly competition between the two crews as to which makes the best cement -- pouring and levelling of the floor. During the afternoon some of the group began the preliminary levelling of the porch floor and by 3:00 pm the interior floor is done!
We were driven back to our host homes for a quick clean-up and then back to the Diaconia office for dinner. After dinner Nick led devotional discussions on the differences and similarities between Christians at home and in Honduras. At 6:30 pm, Letty drove us into Catacamas to the internet cafe for e-mails or phone calls home. We then hit the local ice cream parlour, after which we dropped off our translators and returned to our host homes.
David is convinced that the more chicken we eat, the better we'll sleep!
FRIDAY -- DAY 5
This morning, Juan Paolo (our contractor) has indicated the dirt of the porch floor needs to be dug out further... to allow a slope for drainage. One crew manned the pick axe and shovels to remove the dirt, another crew levelled the pile being dumped (it will become the porch for the kitchen area); and a third crew began preparing cement. Once the floor was properly prepped, the cement crews began mixing and Jake brought wheelbarrow loads to dump on the floor. Ed had hoped to finish the inside wiring today, but Juan brought in a mason to parge the floor, so the electrical will have to wait. The "levelling" crews now began digging a trench for the footings of the kitchen area and as soon as there was enough cement for the porch floor, the crews made cement for the footings. Lunch was postponed briefly, but by 12:30 pm the porch floor was complete and the footings were poured. Anna arrived to join us for lunch, after which we were driven to our host homes for clean-up.
After a bumpy, dusty drive we arrived in El Carrizal at 3:00 pm. Everyone assembled in the church where Pastor Ramon read from Psalm 133 and opened in prayer. Anna introduced the group and translated while Ken spoke of our plans to return in November, 2005 to construct a credit union building. There was a discussion as to the progress of the pila building... there are 90 homes in the village -- 50 of them have good pilas built by the Diaconia; 18 homes have pilas designed only to collect rain water and 22 homes have none at all. So they still require 40 new pilas at a cost of 1500 limpiras each.
It was stated that the credit union currently has 42 shareholders, with shares costing 100 limpiras (up from 50 limpiras two years ago). They offer two types of loans: a small business loan which is repaid in 3 to 4 months and agriculture loans are repaid in 10 months (after harvest). They were very proud to tell us that they have the lowest delinquency rate of loan repayment of all the credit unions. The Diaconia office oversees the credit union and Letty comes twice per month to check the books, meet with the Board and lead courses.
Juan Padilla, a recipient of an agricultural loan, told us that because the credit union interest rate of 3% per month is lower than at a bank and because the credit union is much more convenient than having to travel to the city to a bank, he has been able to save enough money to build himself a home (he currently lives with his nephew). He then asked what further projects we could bring to the village. Ken explained our fundraising and that our limited funds are to support the credit unions and the building projects and that our money comes not from the government but individuals.
Claudio Salienas, another recipient of a credit union loan, thanked God for the loans which have been able to change many lives. He explained that because they are able to get loans in the community and save money in the community, the entire community benefits.
Norma Mejia, secretary of the credit union made a presentation outlining some of their current and future plans: 1) in 2004, 40 shareholders received loans;
2) they will begin to prepare the land for the credit union building;
3) they are looking into planting more drought-resistant crops;
4) they are investigating starting some type of processing plant so they can make more money
from the crops;
5) their social action fund goes toward keeping the village clean and for building more pilas;
6) all the interest money received goes out in new loans.
We then walked to the farm of Cesar Mejia, who has borrowed money from the credit union to buy pigs. He raises them until they are about 100 lbs in size and then sells them for approximately 12 limpiras per pound. The night before we arrived, one of his sows gave birth to 11 little piglets. We then went on to see the new kindergarten building. The government built the school and will supply a teacher, however, the parents must provide the furnishings and supplies. They hope that eventually the government will also build a grade school and high school. Juan Padilla served us coffee made from locally grown beans and we headed back to Santa Maria del Real.
After dinner Tony led us in devotions, discussing how we can still see that God is in control even in times of chaos and trial.
We have determined that Jake is the best wheelbarrow pusher. He tells us this may be because when he was young his parents would put him to sleep in a wheelbarrow.{mospagebreak}
SATURDAY -- DAY 6
We were picked up at 6:30 am and, after breakfast in Juticalpa, we headed into the mountains. Also with us is Anna's friend, Heidi, who works for Global Villages as a translator (she is actually from the United States). After four hours of pot holes, curves and dust we arrived in Camalotillo. The CRC church began in this village of 300 persons 12 years ago and is currently pastored by Miguel Rodriguez. We met with members of the credit union at the home of Jaime Flores, president of the credit union. Mr. Flores told us that the community was very grateful for the credit union, as they are a remote community and travelling to a bank is very difficult. He informed us that the credit union was started by his father (now deceased) in 2001 with some difficulties as they are an agricultural community and depend on the success of their crops. They began with 55 shareholders and currently have 51 (33 men and 18 ladies). Letty comes once per month to check the books of the credit union and meet with the Board. Mr. Flores outlined their financial position as having 126,055 limpiras in outstanding loans; 12,000 limpiras in a savings account at the Banco Nacional; and 3,966 limpiras as cash on hand. At present, they have about 10% of the loans that have not been repaid. This is generally due to poor crops or other extraordinary circumstances and the loans have been refinanced. Members applying for a loan must save 1/3 of the amount they wish to borrow and they must have some collateral, such as property deeds. Loans for business must be repaid in 4 months and agricultural loans repaid in 10 months, plus the interest at 4% per month. Ninety percent of the profits are put back into seed capital for more loans and 10% goes into the social action fund, which includes the mercy fund. The social action fund is being used toward some road repair and their future plans include a bridge; a donation of chairs for the community centre and perhaps some office space for the credit union (currently everything is done in the Flores home).
Ramona Rodriguez explained to us that she borrowed 1500 limpiras from the credit union to purchase fabric to start a dress making business. With her earnings she can help her children with their education and she is very grateful to the Carpenteros and to the Lord for this opportunity. Vilma Mendez began a small grocery store with a loan of 9000 limpiras. She indicated that she would like to borrow more funds and that the 4% interest charged by the credit union is less than at a bank. Various people indicated that the greatest community need is for a source of electricity, as the government is unwilling to supply the one million limpiras required to bring hydro lines to the town. There is one home in the village that works with solar energy and the water is gravity fed from up in the mountains. They would also like financial assistance with the construction of a bridge.
Ken thanked the members for their information and said that we can see how their remote location would limit their opportunities. He further indicated that we like to continue supporting their credit union. We then drove to the church, where Pastor Miguel read from Psalm 133 and spoke a word of prayer. One of the ladies sang for us and then we sang for them... fortunately, they were too polite to laugh! We were then taken on a short tour to the outskirts of the village where a gold mine is located and on returning to the Flores home were given a snack of boiled yucca and local cheese.
We returned to the town of Mangulile (~8 km) for dinner. At 6:00 pm we attended a youth service in the local CRC church. Various young people sang songs and the Carpenteros performed "Here I Am" and "Santo, Santo, Santo". The youth pastor (son of Pastor Raphael) gave a sermon on Genesis 37 (Heidi translated for us) about how Joseph's coat of many colours made him stand out, and how God gives us a coat "white as snow" so we will also stand out. We returned to the boarding house for devotions, led by Ken, on how things here are very different, but we can still see God in His people here and we should try to serve them with humility. After that it was early lights out!
The girls are staying in a boarding house owned by people from the church and the guys are next door in a small motel. All agree the motel's rating is about 3/8 of a star.... but then what do you expect for $2 per night.
SUNDAY -- DAY 7
We were awakened at 3:30 am by the sound of the ladies starting the cooking fires. At 4:00 am the family gathered for prayers and singing... as the walls were pretty thin everyone heard. After a breakfast of eggs and sausage (actually they were hot dogs!), we were on the road by 7:30 am. The spectacular scenery of the mountains draped in clouds more than made up for the bumps and dust. We stopped for a fast food lunch in Juticalpa and then returned to Santa Maria del Real.... 80 km from Mangulile to main highway = 3 hours; 90 km on main highway to Santa Maria del Real = 1 hour! After dropping off Anna and Heidi at the Diaconia office, we went on to Catacamas for phone calls to Canada. Unfortunately, the international lines were very busy and many of the group could not get through, while others got cut off in mid-call, so we resorted to e-mails instead.
After a brief rest and change of clothes at our host homes, the group met back at the Diaconia office for dinner and choir rehearsal. Pastor Ellen and Paul van Tongeren arrived from Tegucigalpa (on their way to the seminary in Mangulile) and joined us for dinner. Pastor Ellen is an ordained CRC minister and head of World Missions in Honduras. She teaches at the five seminaries in the area, assisting in leader/pastor training and Paul works in community development. He had previously spent 5 years in Guatemala working with Habitat for Humanity. The church service began at 5:00 pm with much singing and Pastor Rigaberto preached on Galatians 5:22-26 -- "Living the Fruits of the Spirit". Ken brought greetings on behalf of the Carpenteros and we sang "Here I Am" and "I've Come to Tell". Pastor Rigaberto then invited everyone to come for our farewell service on Tuesday.
Pastor Ellen and Paul stayed overnight with Letty in Catacamas, in her prayer Ellen thanked God for the roosters, which sing His praises at all hours of the day and night!
MONDAY -- DAY 8
To supplement the tortillas which are served at every meal, this morning we had toast with our breakfast. Since the building is so far along, it was decided that we would be begin work on the kitchen area. Blocks were ordered and delivered on Friday and these we moved, as well as several loads of sand and cement, to the back lot. Even Pastor Rigaberto joined our little "ant trail" of blocks. One crew began making rebar for corner posts and another crew started at chiselling the existing wall so that the new walls can be joined to it. Pastor Ellen and Paul joined Ken and the Diaconia staff for some discussion and then for our devotional time (usually done after dinner, but moved to accommodate Ellen and Paul's visit). As one of the micro-credit groups was having their weekly meeting at the office, we were asked to join them briefly so they could welcome us to Santa Maria del Real and also thank us for supporting the credit union. This group of 39 women have all borrowed money from the credit union, and the group is responsible for making up any defaults of its members, so they encourage each other to make regular payments. One of the ladies presented us with homebaked coconut cookies.
After lunch there was more cement mixing and then the block laying began. As the kitchen being built is only about 12 feet square, it is difficult for all eleven of us to work at once. At 2:00 pm Letty drove the girls to Catacamas, where they purchased a pinata and the "stuffings" for tomorrow's festivities.
Dinner was at 5:30 pm, followed by a surprise FedEx package containing letters from home. There were a few damp eyes, but everyone had a really good laugh when Beth read her Mom's letter. The plan for the evening is that we would walk to the town square where Ken found an internet cafe. However, the power kept going off and on for several hours, so..... this could mean a change of plans!
Once it seemed that the power had been restored, we all walked to the internet cafe where everyone sent e-mails or called home. While waiting their turn, Beth and Henk entertained the local kids with an interesting version of "Follow the Leader". We then walked to a local cafe for some Cokes and small talk.
As the men were chiselling, pieces of concrete flew everywhere, including where the cooks are preparing our food, which prompted Nick to say we should not take our lunch for granite!!
TUESDAY -- DAY 9
After breakfast the crews again mixed cement for mortar and others laid block. A crew began making the rebar columns for the top window lintels. Several of the group cleaned out the storage shed (former credit union office) as it may possibly be used as sleeping quarters for students/guests of the Diaconia. The girls then prepared the pinata as well as thank-you gifts for our hosts. The blocks were laid to the top of the windows before lunch. Pastor Roldan requested that the last sand pile be moved away from the road and into the courtyard area (for security)... so this our last official work at the site.
Along with our cooks, Pastor Rigaberto and Letty, we drove to a local fish restaurant for an excellent lunch of tilapia fish. Afterward, it was back to our host homes for a siesta and shower. By 4:00 pm we were back at the Diaconia office for an early dinner and some choir practice. At 5:15 pm we went over to the church, where a neighbour had offered the use of his backyard for the pinata. About 30 to 40 children -- and their mothers -- went wild as the candy fell from Nemo's belly (people here have a major sweet tooth!). At 6:00 pm the farewell service began with singing; Ken gave a speech -- in Spanish -- on "Who is God to Us?" We then presented thank-you gifts to our host families, our cooks, the contractor, all eight of our translators, the CRWRC (Anna), the Diaconia (Letty, Victor, Doris, Roldan) and Pastor Rigaberto. They in turn spoke words of thanks for our work here. Also a number of the hosts thanked us for coming, for the work we did and for sharing our time with them. The service ended at 7:30 pm and we then walked to the cafe for Cokes.
During the thank you's, Henk apologized to Anna for all the teasing he had given her. He told her how much he appreciated all her hard work.... and if he was single and 35 years younger, he'd ask her to marry him!{mospagebreak}
WEDNESDAY -- DAY 10
As we will be travelling with 13 people, including Anna and our driver, in a Toyota van for the next four days, we are leaving all non-essential luggage with Letty. We stopped for breakfast just before turning off the highway and also met up with our police escort. Part of the road we will be travelling today is known to have many robberies -- they throw a large log across the road to stop vehicles and then rob the people of any valuables. We arrive safely in Olanchito at 2:30 pm and check into our hotel. Because lunch was very slow being served, we arrived in Teguajinal 1-1/2 hours late for our meeting. The credit unions in this area are supervised by ALFALIT, an interdenominational group, whose original purpose was to bring literacy to Central America, but after Hurricane Mitch, their focus broadened to include credit unions.
We apologized to the members of "La Fe" credit union for the delay and thanked them for inviting us. We were told that there are three churches (no CRC) in this community of about 1,000 persons. Their credit union began three years ago with 12 members and they now have 16 shareholders, who each paid 50 limpiras for membership. Their policy is to accept loan applications from non-members, but only on the recommendation of a shareholder. They currently have one such loan. The repayment period is set out at the beginning of the loan and varies according to individual circumstances. Even though the interest rate is 5% per month -- compared to a bank rate of 2.7% -- the people are willing to pay it, because the banks do not deal in the small amounts they ask for and the credit union is right in their own community. The $800US given by the Carpenteros has been put into agricultural and small business loans; personal loans are made from the credit union's savings, not the seed capital. So far, they have no defaults and all profits of the credit union and turned back into capital.
The banana plantation is the area's largest employer, but there is still 70% unemployment (most have sort of seasonal work only) in the town, so they are working toward setting up a micro enterprise to make bedding and curtains. The credit union loan for this enterprise will have an interest rate of only 2% in the hopes that it will generate more participation. We were asked whether we would be willing to fund another micro enterprise for a type of processing plant. Ken indicated that they should prepare a proposal, including financial projections, to be submitted to ALFALIT for approval. If approval is granted, we would take it under consideration. They then thanked us for coming and for our continued support.
We returned to the hotel, where Audrey led devotions and discussions on how we can witness despite the language barriers. Then it was off to town for ice cream. We wandered a bit of town and then returned to the hotel for dinner..... yes, we had dessert first!
Just to show how acclimatized we've become to our new home.... the biggest thrill at the hotel was flush toilets and lukewarm showers. In Canada, this hotel might not even rate two stars, but to us it was heaven!
THURSDAY -- DAY 11
After a refreshing sleep and some breakfast it was off to Tepusteca, where we met with members of "Los Laureles" credit union. This is mainly an agricultural community and most credit union loans are for seeds, fertilizer, etc. We visited a one-acre pepper garden run by five members (Delio, Jesus, Isabella, Leslie, Susanna) of the credit union, who borrowed 4500 limpiras for seeds and fertilizers. The seeds had been planted in two small mounds and, when the plants were larger, would be transplanted into rows. We were told that they would have approximately 4,000 plants, each producing 3 to 6 peppers which sell for 1 to 3 limpiras, depending on size. Most of the crop is sold at the Olanchito market where ALFALIT has a booth. All the field work -- preparing the soil for transplanting, weeding, harvesting, etc. -- is done by hand, and if there is not enough rain, water must be carried from home (about a 15 minute walk). An adjacent one-acre plot of land is worked by the same group to grow corn.
We then returned to the home of one of the credit union members and they explained to us that the credit union has been in existence for four years -- we have supported it for the last two years -- and currently has 15 shareholders. They said they would like to have more members, but they have not actively attempted to increase their number; they also told us that there is one other credit union in the town as well as two co-op groups. Francisco, is the recipient of a home from CRWRC, he is "buying" this home at 210 limpiras per month for 10 years. The 9,000 limpiras we donated this year is all out in loans at a 5% interest rate. The credit union members thanked us for coming and also for our support.
We drove about an hour up the highway and then transferred to pickup trucks for the last mile to San Jose, a remote mountain village with a population of about 87 families. We met with members of "El Tamarindo" credit union at the local grade school (K - Gr 6). They told us that ALFALIT had been working in their town since 1997, when they began a project to pipe water from the mountains into the town, and the credit union was begun in 2001. They started with 15 members and all but one of the loans has been for agricultural purpose (the exception was for a pulperia), and none have been defaulted. One of the members of the credit union is the "bank", but since monies received are almost immediately turned over in new loans, there is little, if any, cash on hand, although the credit union has 45,000 limpiras capital. Three micro credit unions have begun with funds from the savings and they are now also learning to save.
The community's greatest need is water. Currently only 33 of the homes have water, the other 45 have no water and no latrines and they must get their water from a stream (5 - 15 minute walk, depending on location). Part of the problem is that they feel if everyone were to tap into the water source, there would not be enough water for all. So a study must be done to find another source of fresh water and the feasibility of bringing that water to the village homes. They would also like more education for their children... the current government school is to Grade 6, at that point the government considers you literate and school is optional. Before visiting one of the loan recipients, the villagers offered us refreshments. Ilario is a very poor farmer... his adobe home has a thatched roof and dirt floors... but monies from the credit union have enabled him to invest in crops so he can better look after his family. This is the last of our credit union visits, and the end of the "official" portion of our trip.
We stopped for lunch in La Ceiba (Anna had booked us a hotel here, but when she called to confirm, they had lost our reservations and had no rooms) and then on to Tela and the Sherwood Hotel. The hotel overlooks the Caribbean Sea and has a lovely patio for relaxing. As we had had a big lunch, we decided dinner should be munchy platters... accompanied by much talk and fellowship. It turns out our driver, Gregorio, is an accomplished guitarist and he writes his own songs (lyrics and music), some of which he performed for us. He also accompanied us with our songs which greatly improved our sound.
The people of San Jose are extremely poor, yet they graciously offered us refreshments -- freshly squeezed orange juice with no water and small empanadas with rice filling.
Quite ironic that these folks should be "treating" the North Americans!
FRIDAY -- DAY 12
We got to sleep in this morning... or go for the 7 o'clock walk or take a dip in the Sea. At 9:00 am we had devotional time based on "13 American Values" which explains some of the highly regarded values that cause Americans to act the way they do, such as control of one's environment, self-help, etc. We then had breakfast on the patio, checked out of the hotel, loaded the van and left under showers and overcast skies. Several bathroom breaks eased the six hour drive to Copan, and we arrived safely at the Hotel Camino Maya at 5:00 pm. After dinner Ken led devotions on "The Joy of Loving" and discussions on why we came to Honduras and what joy we have found in helping. Afterward some of the group went for a stroll through town or spent time on the internet, while the rest engaged in a rousing euchre tournament.
John and Henk were the ultimate winners of the euchre-fest, but we think they might have cheated. On the other hand, even though they didn't win, we're sure Tony and Nick cheated!
SATURDAY -- DAY 13
After a breakfast of bacon and eggs (everyone agrees we've been eating like kings!) and a brief stop at the bank to exchange money ($1US = 18.47 limpiras) it was off to the Copan Ruinas. Our guide, Juan-Carlos, spoke very good English and was very informative.
Copan was established by a pre-Mayan people in ~1500 BC. In 426 AD the first king of Copan came from Mexico and conquered the city. At its height, the city and surrounding area was home to some 27,000 people, with the poor living up in the hills and the elite in the inner city. The Mayan kings -- 16 in all -- ruled the city for almost 400 years, with the longest reign (18 Rabbit) being 67 years (a "list" of all the kings is carved in Altar Q). Because the people needed wood for many things -- construction, furniture, cooking fires, etc. -- they eventually deforested the surrounding area causing massive erosion and, eventually, crop failure. Archaeologists, studying bones found here, have discovered that most people died from malnutrition... and by 822 AD the city was abandoned and the jungle returned. In the mid-1500's the Spanish discovered the city, but as it contained no gold they also quickly left it.
Over the centuries, the roots of the trees worked loose the stone of the buildings and pushed them up to surface. People living in the area did not realize what these stones were and used them in the construction of their churches and homes. In 1882, explorers re-discovered the city which, by this time, was only a collection of earthen mounds covering some 54 acres. Examination and excavation resulted in the discovery of the various temples, palaces and other buildings. Although much reconstruction was needed, only when experts were certain of how a building should look, was it rebuilt. Unfortunately, many of the groups who excavated the city took away almost half of the artifacts and carvings unearthed. But the government of Honduras is doing everything it can to preserve what is left and continue with further excavation. Unfortunately, the museum which houses many artifacts and original carvings is closed to the public due to some structural concerns.
The afternoon was free time and most of us spent it shopping. At 4:00 pm we gathered in a room by the pool for the CRWRC debriefing. Anna asked us our opinion of the building project; what we felt we had learned about Honduras and its people as well as about ourselves; and if there were any changes we might suggest for future trips. Gregorio then sang some of his songs for us, including one to which he taught us the chorus so we could join in. We then walked together to a local restaurant (owned by Dutch people) for a delicious dinner which included croquettes as an appetizer. After dinner some of the group were persuaded to try a "tap-tap" ride... better than a ferris wheel!
Juan-Carlos taught us nicknames for various nationalities -- Hondurans are catrachos;
Canadians are Canucks; and the Dutch are cheeseheads. Anna then told him most of us were of Dutch descent.... his face went pretty red!
SUNDAY -- DAY 14
After a quick breakfast, we loaded the van and set off under sunny skies. In order to stay on the paved roads, we had to go almost all the way back to San Pedro Sula before turning south to Tegucigalpa. We had a couple stretch/bathroom breaks before stopping for lunch across the road from Lago Yojoa. The restaurant is owned by an American who works for Global Villages and who turns over part of his profits to its mission work. To our surprise, Heidi was also at the restaurant with a group of doctors from Washington state who are working in the area. We arrived back in Tegucigalpa about 5:00 pm, where we met Letty, with the rest of our luggage, and checked into our Bed & Breakfast. Anna, Gregorio and Letty also headed for their homes.
After dinner, our devotions were based on Psalm 148 regarding the majesty of God's creation and how we can still see beauty in "ugly" things. We then revealed who our prayer partners were and some of the things for which we had prayed. There was a general discussion of our experiences and expectations for the future. Audrey passed out Sinterklaas gifts....Canadians in a Spanish country celebrating a Dutch tradition. This was followed by cards and e-mails home to finalize pick-up arrangements for tomorrow.
After lunch, the song sheets were passed around the van and we went through several songs, including Gregorio's favourite, "Te vengo a decir".
Our only stipulation is that he doesn't close his eyes while singing and driving!!
MONDAY -- DAY 15
Everyone must be anxious to get home, as we were all up bright and early! After breakfast, Anna and Gregorio came to take us to the market. Gregorio brought his two sons along, and we found out that his wife had had a baby girl while he was on tour with us. At the market, we were able to do our "last minute shopping" or have a coffee, and then we stopped at the CRWRC office for a brief visit. Now it was back to B&B to retrieve our luggage and head for the airport. On check-in we discovered that the flight was overbooked and they were offering $250US plus a coupon for new flight to anyone willing to stay behind.... that did NOT include anyone in our group! We bid a fond farewell to Anna and Gregorio and headed up to the departure lounge. The flight left on time and, fortunately, so did all our luggage.
In Houston we collected our bags to clear US Customs and then John left the group to fly to his condo in Fort Myers, where Jane is anxiously awaiting him. The rest of us had a bite to eat and drink and then boarded our flight for home (the plane used on this route has ~50 passengers). At 10:30 -- ahead of schedule -- we touched down in Toronto. Clearing Customs and baggage retrieval went smoothly and quickly and soon we were with our loved ones... some of whom brought flowers! We gathered as a group for one last prayer of thanks and headed into the snow for our respective homes.
Hasta la vista, Carpenteros.... via con Dios!
