Training centre project in El Carrizal, Honduras (Nov.-Dec. 2005)
El Carrizal is a village of nearly 1,000 people in the semi-arid foothills of Olancho province. Villagers have no electricity, and only recently was water brought through gavity-fed pipes. It is here that a team of 10 Carpenteros spent two weeks (Nov. 21-Dec. 5, 2005) helping to construct a training centre, where adults in the village can learn a variety of skills. In her daily diary, team member Mary DeVries shares memories from this journey to a village that has formed a special bond with the Carpenteros.
Monday, November 21, 2005
Where do I begin? First with thanks to our faithful and protecting God who watched over every moment of this day. We have been covered in prayer. The CRWRC and Diaconia of the CRC in the Honduras have been praying for our safe arrival for months now. I feel unworthy of their love and gratitude to us. Many friends and family have committed our safety to faithful prayer as well. When we left in the wee hours of the morning from Flamborough CRC we were literally circled in prayer by former Carpenteros who prayed for a blessing on our trip.
It has been a long day. We left Toronto at 6:00 a.m. and arrived in Tegucigalpa at 4:00 p.m. Our first exercise in patience was the “inspection” of ourselves at the airport – a lot more thorough than we are used to. Lots of stamping, photos, and even fingerprinting! All the luggage arrived … God is good!
Santos travels with us as our interpreter. Santos (whose name means “holy” in Spanish) was an atheist for 25 years until “the Lord had His way with him” and now is a faithful follower.
Anna (CRWRC co-ordinator in Honduras) met us at the airport with our “new” 1998 Toyota which will be one of our vehicles for the stay. Luggage was piled high! Anna is a great driver in the crazy “no rules” traffic of the city and the pot-holed dirt roads of the country. We just needed to remind her periodically not to close her eyes while driving since she prays continually for safe road, few pot holes (craters?) and also that we “may be invisible” to those who would wish to do us harm. Gregorio (more on him later …) drove our 2nd vehicle, a Toyota (the vehicle of choice in Honduras) van, with 9 of us traveling together.
The last hour of our trip brought us to El Carrizal, a tiny village tucked away in the mountains, which was to be our home for the next ten days. We arrived in complete and utter darkness. El Carrizal has no electricity … so very dark but with a spectacular view of the stars! The Iglesia Cristiana Reformada was illuminated by a generator and hundreds of villagers were waiting patiently for us ( our arrival had been delayed by 3 or so hours). How happy they were to see us and how happy we were to be there. It was quite overwhelming and very humbly.
A delicious meal (including our first black beans) was waiting for us and after eating words of welcome were given. We met our host families and left for our “home away from home”. How I wish I had prepared myself better in the Spanish language – a huge barrier (future Carpenteros take note!). We stumble our way up the “road” in the blackness of the night (quite disorienting!). We hit the pillows and …
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
… what a choir we woke to!! Roosters crowing, pigs snorting below the window, donkeys braying, dogs barking, cows mooing … sleep is done (and it’s about 4:30 a.m.!). Our family is up and at ‘em. Once the sun rises, in a village with no lights, it’s time to greet the day.
After fruit and pancakes (we eat as a group in the church), we spent sometime preparing as a “choir” for future services. Our Psalter Hymnal has some great Spanish songs that we mastered (will it be English or Spanish when we get home??). Anna (CRWRC), Letty (Diaconia and specifically credit union program manager) and Rodan (Diaconia) met with us giving helpful information on our community and on the Honduras in general.
There are 7 million people in this beautiful, mountainous and lush country. 80% live in poverty and 51% of these live in extreme poverty (living on less than $1.00/day). 60% are of the Catholic faith, professing a belief in God, but not necessarily practicing their faith in communal worship. 30% are evangelical and practicing Christians.
El Carrizal, until 20 years ago, was full of crime with most carrying guns or machetes. When asked what has changed and why they have become the close and caring community that they are the answer is simple – the Lord. They are enthusiastic in their love of Jesus and show His love to each of us. So warm and hospitable in spite of our language barrier.
Time to get to work! The foundation had been laid before our arrival. For starters, the entire building needed 3 dump trucks worth of dirt fill, and this was completed over the course of 2 days by wheelbarrow and shovel and a hill from which to dig. Slow going but the guys worked steadily (and Vanessa, too!) Myself (Mary) and Christine spent time with the children singing, games and puzzles. The number of children gathered at first starts with 3 or 4, but in a village of 100 or so families and 900 people … just think how many children that is …and before you know it you are surrounded by the most beautiful brown eyed children whose smiles light up the room.
Most of us “showered” (and I use the term very loosely) before more great food which is always safely prepared for our tender Canadian stomachs!
We joined as a community for worship in the evening specifically praying for the country of Honduras whose election is in a few days.
It was another day where we were reminded of God’s nearness and protection. How wonderful to be united with the people of El Carrizal in Christ.
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Wednesday, November 23, 2005
The day started early, but somehow our animals seemed on better and quieter behaviour. At times I have the feeling I sleep in a barnyard … but then, I guess I do!
After breakfast, some of us picked garbage around the church (for some reason there isn’t a garbage can to be found … hmmm!). We burned the garbage (not necessarily the best for our environment) and smoked our poor masons out. Oops! Others continued backfilling.
The Frisbees and beach balls have been brought out. Hours of great fun! Kids are kids no matter where! Wanting lots of turns, a bit of pushing and shoving, always trying to be at the top of the heap!
At our home it was laundry day. Mountains of wash being scrubbed and rinsed in a pila. The whites are so white! Lots of muscle! We were asked if our laundry could be done by them as well and I made a “no-no” by including our underwear! It was hung out for public display on the barbed wire fence.
The Carpenteros have provided 52 pilas, which are an open cement holding tank with attached washing boards and drain, to the village of El Carrizal. All homes are now supplied with clean water for the family’s use. A huge improvement to their daily lives.
Ken introduced Ludin Sauceda to us. Ludin is a little 9 year old girl of El Carrizal who has been chosen by the elders of the CRC (20 official members) to receive special training in leadership within the church and community. She is exceptionally gifted in knowledge of Biblical truth and Christian behaviour, as well as the beliefs and values of the CRC. You need only look in her eyes and observe her worship to see what a “special” child of the Lord she is.
After lunch and a quick clean up we piled into 2 pickups (some happily climbing in the back!) and headed down the dusty, bumpy road for an afternoon in Juticalpa to find an internet café and phone. It was great to communicate with our family and church family and be assured all was well back home and to let them know of our safe arrival. We stopped for ice cream (Henk made us … ha! ha!). Banana splits and the works! The town is full of election fever (more on that later). We also bought a pinata and candy to fill for a later date and a few more groceries. We need to get out of the city by 4:30 to arrive back before dark (we did that once and not again!)
In the evening we met at Christine and Vanessa’s “home” (Norma’s home is solar powered) to go through mountains of school supplies and toys brought from home for the two schools (grade 1-6 and kindergarten). There is 80% literacy in the Honduras. The guys busied themselves by pumping up thirty or so soccer balls and sorting through soccer shoes (all donated and “dragged” along). Quite a job, but we are excited about these gifts to the community!
Norma owns a coffee plantation (her husband is in the USA … will he return? Not likely!) and is a very successful business woman as well as secretary of the credit union in El Carrizal. The divorce rate in here is low, but many husbands head out and never return. Some do send money to support their family and hopefully don’t meet someone else. Then the $$’s stop!
We were very tired and ended our evening with singing our loved doxology “Praise God from Whom all Blessings Flow” and prayer.
Ken took a wrong turn on the way back … whoa… what a hill. Straight down. “ Just close your eyes, Mary!” and down we went.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
“We never had it so good!” This has been Paul’s motto from day one and is repeated by all of us many times a day. “We never had it so good!” How true!
We have a great group of Carpenteros! Henk Schilthuis and John DeWaard are the experienced ones as well as Ken VanderLaan, our faithful leader. What an incredible amount of prep work he (and his wife Shirley) has done. John brought brother Peter DeWaard (now know as Pedro). Paul Visser, Christine Morgan, Vanessa Wassink, Dave Frei, Harry DeVries and myself (Mary) are the rookies on the job. Harry and I also have the honour of being the first married couple on a Carpenteros' mission. Trust me … it’s a great way to go!
It was another full day. The walls are up (how different this building is from the original plans). After much discussion (the “Honduran way”) wood is on the way to form up the cement between walls and roof. Lots of cement mixing and brick laying has happened. Some of now consider ourself to be professional masons.
Christine and I spent some time giving the little girls nail polished fingers! They LOVE having their pictures taken and then see themselves in the digital screen. I’m sure some of them don’t really know what they look like! Vanessa patiently plays hand clapping games, but once you start… hard to stop.
Irene (head of CRWRC in Central America) and Delia (head of Honduras Diaconia) joined us in the afternoon. They both have the incredibly responsible job of keeping the relief efforts going and making sure things are being done efficiently and in keeping with the Honduran culture. Keep these people in your prayers!
Our Sunday worship service was held tonight because there are to be no gatherings of any kind on election day. And what worship it was! How they love to sing! “Dominee” Ken gave the message in Spanish – well done, Ken! Only one small slip … instead of saying “pardon” (perdonar) he said “fish” (pescado). Close …
We had our devotions afterwards amid the noise of a generator motor, a car alarm sounding, a dog fight in the church and children playing or crying. We may have different skin colour, language, homes, food, culture, worship style, etc. and yet, we are one in the Lord. What a great day that will be when the Lord gathers His chosen from many nations and takes us to our eternal home. We give thanks for safety on the job site. The nearest hospital is an hour away. No broken bones (the scaffolding is certainly not to code) or major cuts. We have two “visitors” on the job site – a tarantula and a poisonous snake (which Harry promptly chopped in half with his shovel). The tarantula was taken care of with bricks!
Another great day in El Carrizal!
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Friday, November 25, 2005
Anna, Irene and Delia left us this morning to get back to work in the CRWRC office in Tegucigalpa. Today the walls will be joined with wood and cement.
Ken and I had the privilege of interviewing Pastor Antonio who has been pastor in Iglesia Cristiana Reformada in El Carrizal for twenty years now. Pastor Ramon Antonia did not grow up in a Christian family and lived with his grandparents after his mother passed away when he was five years old. His becoming a follower of the Lord was a gradual process after a missionary came to El Carrizal and presented the gospel to him. Prior to this time Antonio was an alcoholic.
He told us that two families initially settled where El Carrizal is in 1750. The village gradually grew and the church was established in 1974 by CRCNA. There are 56 permanent members in the church with a larger number worshipping. The church has great credibility and stability within the community and the credit union springs from this church. The Diaconate will fund this church, but is not necessary because of the establishment and support of the credit union and the Carpenteros and Friends. Offerings are collected and supervised and from this Pastor Antonio is paid knowing that the “Lord will provide”. The annual offering received is approximately $200.00 U.S. so it is necessary for his family to work to supplement their income. They leave the community for a few months at a time to work in the coffee plantations.
Pastor Antonio sees the extreme poverty within the community and would like to see a health care program implemented. Diarrhea, worms and fevers are prevalent among the children.
After talking with him, Ken and I spent a few moments with Ludin, a nine year old little girl, who is presently being trained along with the elders of the church by Pastor Antonio for a leadership position in the future. On the walls of the church are large papers on which Ludin has printed what she knows to be Biblical truths as well as doctrines of the CRC. She trusts in God “because the Lord is powerful”. She loves to “sing to the Lord”, play church and read, although she has no books in her home. Quite an amazing little girl whom I’m sure the Lord will use mightily in His Kingdom.
It was a hot day, but not humid. The nights cool down and when you wake, the valleys are full of mist and fog. What a beautiful country!
Jean Paul (known to us as J.P.), the Honduran in charge of the job site, called it a day at 3:30. More bricks and wood have arrived to begin the roof.
We spent time again at Norma’s in evening devotions, which are a precious time of the day. It is good to share and pray together. It is nice and quiet here!!
Saturday, November 26, 2005
Harry and I woke up (after another full 10 hours of sleep … sure wasn’t expecting this kind of rest!!) to find a chicken roosting in our room on top of the “closet”. A few hours after shooing her out (only to find 7 eggs underneath her) she was back and we decided it best just to share the room!
At breakfast, Ken told us of the love and devotion his host had for “el Senor” (our Lord). Padre’ (father) had returned yesterday after a month of work in the coffee plantation. Claudio does not look well, very haggard and pale (we did end up leaving him with all our combined antibiotics in hopes he would return to better health). Ken said that Padre’ Claudio continually sings to his Lord for all His goodness (this family lived in extreme poverty – beyond our imagination). His children clung to him – so thankful he had returned in safety. This morning Ken and Dave awoke to see and hear him with his family gathered on the bed for family prayer which lasted an hour … praying in adoration for daily provision, for his children and solutions for their future, for safety, for the Carpenteros … Again we are humbled. We can learn so much from our hermano (brother) in Christ.
We worked until noon and progress by Canadian standards is slow. The blocks are all laid, the floor filled and ready for cement. Three layers of block need to be laid yet on poured concrete and then the roof. We will have to come back to El Carrizal to see the finished project. We know now it is not about the building – they are perfectly capable of completing the job – but about the relationships that our formed while being there, the hope that is brought, the commitment to the community and sharing our common love for a Saviour we all serve.
The excitement mounts … the soccer match between the Carpenteros and young men of the village begins at 3:00. The entire community came out! The game was held on the soccer field by the kindergarten (land purchased by the Carpenteros) which is surrounded by mountains on all sides. What great fun! There were conflicting reports on the final score, but I think it was a Carpenteros victory (with the help of some imports – they were very gracious!). Thankfully no heart attacks … just a lot of sweat!!
Sunday, November 27, 2005
92 families in this village have been helped by the credit union. (or co-op as others call it). Our host family, the Salinas, now has an annual income of 40,000 limperas ($2,000 US) per year. They have been helped by the credit union @ 4% per month (versus 16% per month at a bank, where they most likely wouldn’t even qualify for a loan). His hope is that when there is more money (capital) in the credit union, he can join with others and expand the farming (mostly coffee).
Around the house he has pigs, milking cows, chickens, beans, corn and coffee for family use. The Salinas are a wealthy family by community standards.
Today is a big day for the Hondurans because they are holding a general election for president. Unlike some Canadians, they count it a tremendous privilege to vote, a right they have only had for 20 years. In El Carrizal, the voting is taking place at the school. There are to be no gatherings within 100 metres of a polling station, so we met for “church” as a small group at the Salinas' home. They are so hospitable! We were treated to some sort of fried “corn hash brown/pancake” and soft cheese (can’t say it was a favourite of mine…) and very sweet, strong coffee. They are continually cleaning – our house is very clean in spite of the odd chicken or pig that might pass through! Family is very important and the walls of their home are filled with family portraits (always very stern looking) and diplomas.
There are so many things for us to take in:
- beautiful misty mountains in the morning
- lush flowers
- skinny, scrawny dogs
- muddy children with wonderful smiles and big brown eyes
- smoke filled air from wood burning stoves and cook ovens
- chickens walking through houses
- Padres praying and praying
- dark, dark nights with thousands of bright stars
- a family gathered in one bedroom talking and laughing together into the night
- an old man alone in the church corner praying…
- shy little boys with bare bums
- laughter, teasing and tears during meal times
- liquid butter! espresso café’! refried and refried and refried beans! eggs!
- music and radios blaring into the night.
I write this sitting on the Salinas’ front porch with a pig lying at one side of my feet and a dog at the other. The chickens are checking me out and a cow stops by for a drink from the pila. Who would have thought … ?
We prayed for our brothers and sisters worshipping at home today. A bit of longing for family settles in. I dreamt of my newborn granddaughter and long to hold her … soon! The lack of communication with our loved ones is difficult for each of us.
Again it is warm, but a breeze is always there. Not too many bugs, although Vanessa has been viciously attacked by the mosquitoes. There is not a threat of malaria in this part of the Honduras.
This afternoon was spent walking through the village is Pastor Antonio. Many of the homes are made of adobe clay and are well on there way to being 100 years old or more. There is extreme poverty here. We met the pastor’s father who was married twice and had 14 children. He is now raising grandchildren. We met a 50 year old widowed woman who has raised twelve children and have now left her to fend for herself (with nine grandchildren to care for!) It is hard to believe she is less than a year older than me! Thanks to the Carpenteros and Friends, all the “homes” (most with no more than one room) have pilas for washing, drinking and cooking … a huge improvement to their daily lives. There are families of 10 living in one room in unbelievable poverty and filthy conditions through no fault of their own.
Our prayer is that those whose do better themselves with the help of the credit union will care for those how are so very needy of daily food and shelter. They continue to give … they have nothing by our standards, and yet of the nothing they give. One lady gave three oranges to us and not because she did not have a need for them. Another felt badly for not giving, because she simply had nothing and couldn’t. They give, not of what they do not need or the leftovers, the best they have.
We stopped for coffee at the “parsonage”. He has a loving family. Most of them will be leaving soon to work until February on coffee plantations in the surrounding mountains. They will work 6 – 12 hour days and are paid 100 limpera ($5.00 US) for 12 gallons of beans. All beans are hand picked and while the price of coffee at home goes up, the farmers continue to earn less.
We managed to still get in our Sunday afternoon nap. It is cloudy today, but very hot and close. Not much breeze. They are entering summer here and will reach high temperature in January with no rain. El Carrizal had a four year period with no rain at all. Things now are still lush and green.
It could well be morning before election results are known, but people here are getting ready to party. We will head home early tonight for safety reasons.
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Monday, November 28, 2005
It was kind of a wild night due to election fever in the village. The truck battery was dead – apparently the radio doesn’t shut off when the truck does. We had to push start it down the hill. It needed to be at the Salina’s home and away from the church not knowing what the night might bring.
We awoke at 5:00 this morning to gun shots (definitely pistols and machine guns)! There were firecrackers as well. It is believed that Mel is the new presidente’ of the Honduras. You’ll have to check with Henk to see if that’s a good thing or not!! He was busy influencing the children’s “vote”, but I can’t remember which way!
The forms were poured this morning on top of two walls. Progress seems slow and can be frustrating for some of the team … “blessed are the flexible …”. We enjoyed a delicious lunch of fried chicken – a bit of down home KFC taste. It’s another hot day.
This afternoon we met again with Letty and some of the board members of El Carrizal’s credit union for financial statements, balance sheets, etc. There are 56 partners (shareholders), all of who would not have ever qualified at a bank for financial aid. The money must be applied for as well as a repayment plan established. Approximately 40,000 limperas have been received from Carpenteros and Friends over the years. There were a lot of financial details given (suffice it to say I will not bore you with all the details … please feel free to contact Ken should you wish to know more). The repayment is at 3 or 4% per month, which to us may seem high. At a bank the rate is 16-18% per month with criteria that could not possibly be met by the applicants.
Some of the recipients spoke of their personal “gain” with the help of the credit union. They have paid back their loans, learned to save and are proud to be able to support themselves and their families. They speak with such hope for the community and the unity and self -sufficiency that it brings. It has stimulated church growth (you do not have to be a member of the CRC to qualify). Much time has been spent to teach and train the board members to run the credit union, some of whom first had to learn to read and write. What joy it brings to see the hope that has come to this village.
We also had the privilege of meeting the kindergarten teacher and presenting him with gifts for his class from home. Thank you to all who so generously gave to these children! We went with him to see the school with lots of children in tow. How they run down these rocky, muddy roads with bare feet or flip flops is beyond me. We, on the other hand, walk carefully with heads down so as to avoid cow pies. No concern to them … they laugh with glee!
It was early to bed again because of the parties being held … and of course, it’s pitch black at 6:00 p.m.!
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
This was our last day in El Carrizal. We leave with mixed feelings. Some are disappointed that the building has not been completed. But … all the blocks were laid, all the back filling was completed and a layer of gravel spread. We nearly made it to the roof. There were no injuries and no heat strokes. God be praised! We worked hard as a team together and enjoyed a lot of fun and laughter. We trust that our work was blessed and that while on the job site we were respectful of our Honduran companions.
Our host families have been more than hospitable and gracious. Together we have read scripture and spent time in prayer – a true communion of the saints.
We joined with the community at the church for a farewell afternoon. The piñata we had stuffed with candy was hung in a tree in front of the job site. So many children (and their mamas too!) scrambling to fill their pockets or skirts. And all this right beside the barbed wire fence!
Later we met for our final worship service together where we presented small gifts to our host families. Needless to say there was a lot of emotion shared.
Christine found a scorpion on her bed last night!! Not a great thing to find crawling around your sleeping bag, but not poisonous. Always remember to give your bedding a good “shake out” before crawling in!!
Gregorio (our driver), his son and Anna have joined with us again for the last leg of our trip. Santos has left for home and Emily (a Calvin College grad) has joined us as interpreter. She is volunteering for 9 months doing various translating jobs. Welcome, Emily!
We had a few smiles that evening as we saw that some of the community ladies have put our Canadian flag pins in their ears as earrings …cute! Hopefully no infections will set in, but somehow they seem immune to the sort of thing our bodies wouldn’t begin to tolerate.
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
With a lot of sadness, we have left the families of El Carrizal. Many tears and hugs all around.
We travelled with the van and truck to Santa Maria El Real where the Carpenteros of 2004 spent two work terms constructing 3 buildings for the Diaconia. This is the Mecca or Jerusalem of the Honduras – a dream that began in 1998 after the devastation left behind by Hurricane Mitch. What a beautiful complex – a multipurpose/worship building with large kitchen facilities, offices and computers and … flush toilets and sinks (something some of us have been looking forward to)! The grounds were filled with flowers and the buildings decked out with balloons celebrating our arrival! What a place of joy!
We met Ken and Sally VanderWal of CRWM who were there to rejoice with us at the “official” opening and dedication of these buildings. It is our prayer, and the prayer of all those who joined us, that the buildings and those who work there may be used mightily for the people of the Honduras and the coming of His Kingdom.
There were welcomes all around, lots of singing and praise to the God who makes all things possible. Pastor Antonio and Claudio of El Carrizal were there are well.
The “Diaconia Nacional” works with 78 CRC churches in the Honduras. It incorporates credit and saving unions, health and agricultural programs, loans for homes, community banks and small business as well as leadership training. The Carpenteros and Friends were thanked again for the belief and trust they have given to the various communities and for their continued support of the Diaconia. Various pastors of Olancho (the region of the Honduras we are and have been in) led in prayer and the message was given from II Timothy 3:16-17 …”all scripture is God breathed …” which is their theme verse. May God receive all the praise and glory … now and forever.
We left after a huge meal (compete with cake and icing) for headed to our hotel in Catacamas. The hotel did have showers, however … hot water is heated electrically with a small element and wires taped to the showerhead with the plug in receptacle in the shower stall … yikes … do not touch while showering!!
We then headed out for the “drive of our life” up the mountain to visit a coffee plantation with 4 local farmers teaming up with us. What a road (again … at times I hesitate to call them “roads”)! More like a rock/stone path straight up with extreme “hair pin “ turns. I think it was meant for donkeys and not trucks loaded with people. Sadly about x way up one of our trucks over heated. After trying to cool the engine with our precious drinking water twice, we decided to head back before doing serious damage to the engine. Too bad – but the view was fabulous!!
One of the farmers (together they own 300 acres in the mountains each paying $3,000.00 US for their portion!) took us to his home where he grew coffee for personal use. How labour intensive picking coffee beans is. If you are inclined, please take a few moments of your time and read up and consider the benefits of “Fair Trade” coffee, cocoa and tea. It is something we should all consider purchasing.
That evening we had a chance to call home or use the internet. Contact is good!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
We had an early start and headed to our resort on the ocean in Tala. What we expected to be a 4-5 hour drive ended up being a full twelve hour day. It was not good being the 2nd vehicle in the travel line over those incredibly dusty roads. Ken and fellow passengers were covered in dirt and dust. We thought Dave became grey in one afternoon!
We saw a lot of evidence of Hurricane Gamma, which had blown through the country two days before leaving. Anna had phoned ahead to be sure the roads were open and passable. They were, but in some places almost completely washed out. The “clean up” had been done, basically shoving mud over the side. There were some pretty precarious edges and no such things as a guardrail.
About x way through the mountain pass, we stopped to pick up our police escort. “Prearranging” doesn’t mean too much. The inspector, with whom the arrangements had been made, was off for a few days of rest and recuperation after elections. No one was available for maybe x hour, maybe one hour, possibly more. But happily within an hour, we were on our way again – not bad by Honduran standards! The two very young officers (one of them had no badges … hmmm… maybe a big gun is all you need!) climbed in the van and accompanied us through the remainder of the “dangerous” passage.
The drive seemed unending! On and on with “only one more hour to go!”. But the KFC at the end of the day made it all worthwhile. Paul is feeling better – nine pieces of chicken and two sundaes (well … they were buy one, get one free!) went down with no problems! We’re happy for you, Paul!
We stopped at “el banco” to exchange more currency. Very heavily guarded as well as security into and out of the mall!
We arrived in Tala early evening and discovered the ocean just steps away! Ah … the sound and smell of the ocean. We unloaded quickly and headed to our hot showers. At this point, I think I prefer cold – more refreshing – but I’m sure that will change in a hurry! We joined downstairs on the outdoor patio and balmy breeze to take in the sound of the waves, relax and enjoy each other’s company!
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Friday, December 2, 2005
After talking together, we decided to stay another night at the resort rather than travel to Copan and see the Mayan ruins, which was our original intent. It would mean another 5-6 hours of travel today and decided we have spent enough time on the road. It is a disappointment for some of us … next time??
We took a 45 minute ocean ride to Apuntazal National Park. Smooth ride over, but ask Harry, Paul or Henk how the ride was coming back! They were soaked! On our arrival we started with a “jungle rain forest” walk. The monkeys were great, but didn’t seem overly impressed that we were there. And a bit slippery on flip flops! We then headed to the beach for some snorkelling, tanning, napping …
We had a late lunch with most of us enjoying a big cheeseburger and fries. Oh how quickly we crave our food from home!
We met again for devotions (something we’ve done every evening together) with Gregorio. He has made a CD with some help of some funding by the Carpenteros. All the songs were written and composed by him over a two year period. Such beautiful Christian Spanish music! For those interested, his CD is available to purchase. Just call one of us! With Gregorio’s leading we sang “How Great Thou Art” – what a wonderful time a spiritual renewal this has been! We talked about how our relationships with each other have deepened. Most of us were “strangers” at the beginning. Our common bond is the Lord and we give thanks for our “hermanos” (brothers) and “hermanas” (sisters) in Cristo.
Saturday, December 3, 2005
Another day has been spent where we experienced both the beauty and the misery found in this country.
We left our ocean resort after grabbing a bit more sun and sand. We were to travel a main road to San Pedro Sula (from where we will fly home) so the men went and had our filthy vehicles washed inside and out and we were on our way.
We stopped to gas up only to find that we needed to take a detour because the bridge ahead had been washed out as a result of Hurricane Gamma three weeks early. (Keep in mind … this is a main road and three weeks later repairs have not been made. There is seemingly no infrastructure to complete the rebuilding - which to us seem ludicrous). So back we went and began our travel on the dirtiest roads any of us have ever been on. Because there was no other way, transport trucks, buses and all other “highway” traffic were using these little dirt roads which were even “dirtier” due to drying layers of deep mud left from the flooding. At one point our van “bottomed out” in the deep potholes. Our combined weight didn’t help matters, so out we all went. The dust was so thick in some spots that vehicles travelled with headlights on as in fog or a snowstorm! We didn’t know whether to keep the windows open and choke on the dust or close them and cook in the van (no air conditioning …)
Needless to say, evidence of the hurricane was all around. The water level must have reached at least three feet high when looking at the garbage level wrapped around the trees. Houses had been abandoned where mud was 2-3’ deep. What was now a small creek had banks 8’ high where water had rushed through. Children were carrying buckets with cloths over their faces for the dust to get water from a filthy river.
Our cry goes out with them for relief. This kind of destruction sets villages back for years. We prayed for this country that we have grown to love and we again know we are called to serve.
Emily shared with us something she had heard Professor Nicholas Wolterstorff say while she attended Calvin College …”the greatest scandal in our world is not that there is such extreme poverty, but that this extreme poverty exists beside extreme wealth”. Some recommended readings, for those interested, are “Freedom in Simplicity” by Richard Foster and “Walking with the Poor” by Bryant Myers.
We arrived at the hotel (behind schedule of course … blessed are the flexible…) and got rid of the grit and grime! Some of us spent the afternoon in a local market getting some last minute gifts for family and self.
Sunday, December 4, 2006
This will be our last full day in the Honduras. We pray for a blessing on our breakfast which arrives an hour after ordering … some feel we need to pray again! I think we have learned some patience and adjusted to “Honduran time”.
Today is Gregorio’s daughters first birthday. Last year he missed her birth while chauffeuring the Carpenteros! Very dedicated!
The Iglesia Cristiana Reformada (CRC) in San Pedro Sula has 50 members (20 families) and grows little by little. It can be difficult to retain members because many of them leave for the pentecostal/evangelical mega churches. Ken and Sally VanderWal with CRWM began this church on their backyard patio and construction of the building began in 1998 with worship beginning there in 2002.
The Carpenteros’ “choir” was invited to sing and I’m sure we were enjoyed by all, even though we followed Gregorio’s singing and their very exuberant praise team. Together we celebrated the Lord’s Supper … “we are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord…”
In the afternoon we visited “Together Everything is Possible”, a credit union that has been in existence for two years in the slums of San Pedro Sula. The board members were there and together we went over the finances and were given updates on the shareholders. We were impressed at how well organized and efficiently run this credit union is. Again, as in El Carrizal, the entire community can apply for a loan and receive help (not just Christians …”by our deeds”…).
Some social community projects have begun and they have been able to strengthen and start numerous micro businesses. There is a group of members who borrowed 10,000 limperas to begin a piñata business and in one year earned 30,000 limperas, leaving a profit for them of 20,000. Some work as bakers (we sampled some of their delicious cakes), others in sewing and fabric. All have been trained in how to operate a small business.
After Hurricane Mitch the neighbourhood was completely destroyed. Four people formed a committee and began in 2000 to work with CRWRC. Together four houses were built – a small beginning. In 2001, trained by the Diaconia, they began to form the credit union. Interest is paid at 3% monthly and reinvested into the community. Of the profits, 20% go to a mercy or charity fund for the extremely needy. There is great pride in being able to repay the loans and with it, as in El Carrizal, a real sense of ownership.
We ended our day together reflecting on what we have learned about ourselves, God, the Hondurans, worship, etc.
Monday, December 5, 2005
Today we leave. Our hearts have turned towards home, but a piece of it will remain in El Carrizal and the Hondurans. We all take something home with us. Each of us has discovered something about ourselves including our strengths and our weaknesses. It is our prayer that we will be encouraged to a greater awareness of the poverty in the world, its inequities and strive for greater social justice.
This is not the end of something, but the beginning of a new journey. May God’s mercy and blessing rest on each of us.
Praise God from whom all blessings flow,
Praise Him, all creatures here below.
Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts.
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
