I got up at 5am to blog this morning since the wireless was working. I showered and began blogging before waking up Jen & Andrés. Blanca served us coffee, eggs, whole grain bread, beans and fried plantains for breakfast. She also set out a Honduran cream (or "crema" as we call it in our house) for us to put on the beans and eggs for flavor. Jen said she normally doesn´t care for beans, but the crema made it really good!
Luis drove us to the bus station at 7:30. We had issues once again with our carry-ons. Mine & Andrés´ were too large, so had to go underneath the bus with the checked baggage. Once we were checked in, all went well. The movie playing on the bus (it was a coach bus) was Anaconda. Jen says she´s been meaning to rent that one for the past month becase she´s only seen bits ´n´pieces of the movie...she slept through most of it this time too!
We stopped 1/2 way at a restaurant and store in a small pueblo called Sigatepec. When we got off the bus, Andrés said he didn´t feel very good (car sickness). We went to the bathroom and walked around a bit, and he got really hungry. Since the restaurant had a buffet, we sat down for a meal ($8 filled up the 3 of us!) Of course, when we got back on the bus...Andrés got sick again about 20 minutes into the ride. I never thought to bring dramamine, although Julie would probably strongly recommend it for Andrés when riding on a bus in the mountains in a 3rd world country (ask her about it sometime).
When we got to the bus staion, we got a taxi driver (who I was extremely disappointed in) to take us to the hotel. We checked in to the hotel and then took off for downtown to find a camera cord to charge Jen´s camera, some dramamine for Andrés and a cell phone for us to call home should we need it. Cheap cell phones cost $20-30USD down here and it costs about 5 cents per minute to call to the United States. I figured it would be worth it in an emergency. Unfortunately we got everything we set out for, except the camera cord.
Since the wireless didn´t work at the hotel, we grabbed a bite at a Mexican (yes, MEXICAN) restaurant before going to a ciber-café to pay $1 for an hour of internet access. Jen & Andrés needed to get their blog up. Then we headed to Café Milonga, a small Argentinan restaurant where Karlita works. For those of you who read this blog last year, Karlita was the girl who broke her arm and rode 2 hours on the chicken bus on mostly dirt roads to get to the hospital to have it set in a cast. She was the one who used Linda´s sling and whose "dorm children" I helped shower and put to bed each night. The expression on her face when she saw me was priceless! I wish we had a camera to get a picture of the two of us, but Jen used Andrés´so much, his batteries were dead too!
Andrés did buy rechargeable batteries in the "centro" but when we got back to the hotel, he realized that he left them in the taxi. We watched a movie and called it a night.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Our Day of Travels
Hello to all!
I wanted to get a blog out on Monday, but with our flights being stepped up we were running errands seemingly nonstop. Andrés was up to blog on Monday night and put a picture of our donations on his page as well. If you'd like to see all the details along with the picture of the 225 POUNDS of donations that were shipped down on Monday, go to Andrés; blog at: http://emmanuelexperience.blogspot.com/
We were supposed to leave out of O'Hare today at 6:20pm, but our flight got bumped up to 9:20am due to the national curfew in Honduras. This means we had to leave our house around 2:30am to get there in time to check in. I finally got to sleep Monday night around 10:30pm and set the alarm for 12:30am (so I could get a shower in before a day of travel and be sure we were ready)...so I was operating off of about 2 hours of sleep. My dad accompanied us down there, so that I wouldn't have to pay outrageous prices for long-term parking at O'Hare. Dad, Jenny & Andrés slept on the way down and woke up at the last toll when a huge plane went overhead as I was rolling down the window to throw the money in the toll booth.
At O'Hare, after we were unloaded, Dad took off for home. We arrived around 5:45am but were told that we couldn't check in until 7am, so we just waited around talking. The check-in went well at first, but after we got our luggage weighed and sent to the plane, we had to go with our carry-ons to the checkpoint. I went first, and my carry-on had to go through again because my Bible was too thick for security to see through to the rest of the carry-on. Andrés was next. When he carry-on came through the lady told him he had to send his carry-on through again and TAKE OUT HIS LAPTOP!!! Andrés was confused because he didn't have a laptop...I told him she probably meant his DVD player since those new netbooks are about the same size. He took his DVD player out and resent everything through and all was fine. Then it was Jenny's turn! Any liquids you have in your carry-on must be in their original 3-ounce containers and placed in a quart-sized ziplock bag. She had 2 Special K drinks, but although they were in the ziplock bag, they were much more than 3-ounces; so she was told to get rid of them. She quickly chugged one before pitching it in the trash and just threw the other one out. Then she also had some ranch dressing (for her celery to eat on the plane) which was in a Tupperware container that had to get emptied out. Good thing there was a McDonald's (which had packets of ranch dressing) on the inside of the airport after checking in!
We flew to Ft. Lauderdale/Miami. I was amazed by the Everglades!!! Bob & I like to watch CSI: Miami, so we always see clips here & there of the Everglades, but I didn't realize how vast they actually are! We didn't see any alligators though.
When we got off the plane, my knee started bothering me (an injury I got playing softball for church a few months back). It's probably because I was cramped in that seat for 3 hours, but it was the only part of my body that ached when I got off. I hadn't went to the doctor about it back then, but guess I'll have to now when I get back because I know it's not healed fully or properly.
We were at the airport for about 3 hours before getting on the flight to San Pedro Sula. Jenny and Andrés joked about how we got on the plane at 5:35pm and got off of the plane at 5:41pm, but the plane ride seemed like quite a bit more than 6 minutes! It was a 2-hour flight, but Miami and Honduras are 2 time zones away...those times above were Miami departure time & Honduras arrival time. Speaking of Jenny, she took so many pictures in the planes that she ran out of batteries before we even landed in Honduras! We´ll have to stop in Tegus (the capital) to see if we can find her a USB cord to charge her camera since she left hers at home.
When we got into Honduras, we went through immigration and Luis was waiting for us on the other side to take us to his place. He is the owner of a bed & breakfast here that has gotten great reviews online. While we were in the parking lot, a very small boy (probably about Noah & Alina's size) asked Andrés to put his suitcases in Luis' van for him. Although I specifically told Jenny & Andrés NOT to let anyone touch their suitcases, Andrés let the boy grab them and load them. I told Andrés that he'd have to give the boy $1USD out of his pocket. There's his first cultural experience!
Luis took us to the bed & breakfast, driving us by tons of Pizza Huts, Burger Kings, McDonald's, Little Ceasar's, KFC, Popeyes and even an Applebee's!!! America has really made their way down into this big city. They even got to see 2 shopping malls on the way as well (and a Sears)! This is not where we're staying, we still have quite a bit of traveling to do over the next 3 days, but I think they ALMOST felt at home. You could definitely tell the difference in the architecture and when you saw the houses though. They also noticed the crazy driving and said that everyone here drives like Joe & Bapa.
The street outside of the B&B was completely ruined. Due to the construction of all of the "American buildings" like hotels, restaurants and malls...the nearest mall had to build a reservoir in order to block a river that passed through where they wanted to go build. When it´s the rainy season (like now) the water builds up and they release what´s in the reservoir each night, which runs down the streets like a huge river. The front of Luis & Blanca´s home (where the B&B is located) is torn up really bad. Andrés took a picture of it.
We got settled into our room and Luis took us to a small local restaurant which served Yuca and Tacos de Pollo (chicken tacos). Everyone filled up for $5!!! The kids noticed that this kind of meal at Applebee's would've probably run just over $30. They really enjoyed it. We came back to the room and I went to sleep while the other two watched them movie Hitch on Andrés' DVD player.
I'm thankful that we arrived to this city first, so the kids wouldn't go into complete culture shock. This'll be a good transition for what's to come.
I wanted to get a blog out on Monday, but with our flights being stepped up we were running errands seemingly nonstop. Andrés was up to blog on Monday night and put a picture of our donations on his page as well. If you'd like to see all the details along with the picture of the 225 POUNDS of donations that were shipped down on Monday, go to Andrés; blog at: http://emmanuelexperience.blogspot.com/
We were supposed to leave out of O'Hare today at 6:20pm, but our flight got bumped up to 9:20am due to the national curfew in Honduras. This means we had to leave our house around 2:30am to get there in time to check in. I finally got to sleep Monday night around 10:30pm and set the alarm for 12:30am (so I could get a shower in before a day of travel and be sure we were ready)...so I was operating off of about 2 hours of sleep. My dad accompanied us down there, so that I wouldn't have to pay outrageous prices for long-term parking at O'Hare. Dad, Jenny & Andrés slept on the way down and woke up at the last toll when a huge plane went overhead as I was rolling down the window to throw the money in the toll booth.
At O'Hare, after we were unloaded, Dad took off for home. We arrived around 5:45am but were told that we couldn't check in until 7am, so we just waited around talking. The check-in went well at first, but after we got our luggage weighed and sent to the plane, we had to go with our carry-ons to the checkpoint. I went first, and my carry-on had to go through again because my Bible was too thick for security to see through to the rest of the carry-on. Andrés was next. When he carry-on came through the lady told him he had to send his carry-on through again and TAKE OUT HIS LAPTOP!!! Andrés was confused because he didn't have a laptop...I told him she probably meant his DVD player since those new netbooks are about the same size. He took his DVD player out and resent everything through and all was fine. Then it was Jenny's turn! Any liquids you have in your carry-on must be in their original 3-ounce containers and placed in a quart-sized ziplock bag. She had 2 Special K drinks, but although they were in the ziplock bag, they were much more than 3-ounces; so she was told to get rid of them. She quickly chugged one before pitching it in the trash and just threw the other one out. Then she also had some ranch dressing (for her celery to eat on the plane) which was in a Tupperware container that had to get emptied out. Good thing there was a McDonald's (which had packets of ranch dressing) on the inside of the airport after checking in!
We flew to Ft. Lauderdale/Miami. I was amazed by the Everglades!!! Bob & I like to watch CSI: Miami, so we always see clips here & there of the Everglades, but I didn't realize how vast they actually are! We didn't see any alligators though.
When we got off the plane, my knee started bothering me (an injury I got playing softball for church a few months back). It's probably because I was cramped in that seat for 3 hours, but it was the only part of my body that ached when I got off. I hadn't went to the doctor about it back then, but guess I'll have to now when I get back because I know it's not healed fully or properly.
We were at the airport for about 3 hours before getting on the flight to San Pedro Sula. Jenny and Andrés joked about how we got on the plane at 5:35pm and got off of the plane at 5:41pm, but the plane ride seemed like quite a bit more than 6 minutes! It was a 2-hour flight, but Miami and Honduras are 2 time zones away...those times above were Miami departure time & Honduras arrival time. Speaking of Jenny, she took so many pictures in the planes that she ran out of batteries before we even landed in Honduras! We´ll have to stop in Tegus (the capital) to see if we can find her a USB cord to charge her camera since she left hers at home.
When we got into Honduras, we went through immigration and Luis was waiting for us on the other side to take us to his place. He is the owner of a bed & breakfast here that has gotten great reviews online. While we were in the parking lot, a very small boy (probably about Noah & Alina's size) asked Andrés to put his suitcases in Luis' van for him. Although I specifically told Jenny & Andrés NOT to let anyone touch their suitcases, Andrés let the boy grab them and load them. I told Andrés that he'd have to give the boy $1USD out of his pocket. There's his first cultural experience!
Luis took us to the bed & breakfast, driving us by tons of Pizza Huts, Burger Kings, McDonald's, Little Ceasar's, KFC, Popeyes and even an Applebee's!!! America has really made their way down into this big city. They even got to see 2 shopping malls on the way as well (and a Sears)! This is not where we're staying, we still have quite a bit of traveling to do over the next 3 days, but I think they ALMOST felt at home. You could definitely tell the difference in the architecture and when you saw the houses though. They also noticed the crazy driving and said that everyone here drives like Joe & Bapa.
The street outside of the B&B was completely ruined. Due to the construction of all of the "American buildings" like hotels, restaurants and malls...the nearest mall had to build a reservoir in order to block a river that passed through where they wanted to go build. When it´s the rainy season (like now) the water builds up and they release what´s in the reservoir each night, which runs down the streets like a huge river. The front of Luis & Blanca´s home (where the B&B is located) is torn up really bad. Andrés took a picture of it.
We got settled into our room and Luis took us to a small local restaurant which served Yuca and Tacos de Pollo (chicken tacos). Everyone filled up for $5!!! The kids noticed that this kind of meal at Applebee's would've probably run just over $30. They really enjoyed it. We came back to the room and I went to sleep while the other two watched them movie Hitch on Andrés' DVD player.
I'm thankful that we arrived to this city first, so the kids wouldn't go into complete culture shock. This'll be a good transition for what's to come.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Getting Involved
I've been trying to spend quality time all week with the younger 3 kids and take them to events they would really enjoy before taking off for Honduras. In a way, I thought "we'll have so much fun, that they'll get sick of being around me and will be able to do without me for a few weeks while I'm away." We had plans to go to Mosquito Hill in New London for the day, but rain came in and our plans were cancelled.
My high-school girlfriend came down with her son who is Andrés' age, and we just spent a few hours together talking while the boys played. It was relaxing and a way to catch up on some much needed time with an old friend. I often get so caught up in the day-to-day tasks that come with having 4 children, that I am too tired by the end of the night to even have a phone conversation with friends. I rarely realize how much time actually passes inbetween my visits with friends. It's always a special treat to be able to spend that time with them as well.
My last journal entry was titled "Coincidence" with an explanation of why...it's interesting how God can daily remind us of His purpose for us. We just need to listen to His gentle whispers.
Yesterday's devotion was entitled Getting Involved. These exerpts have been coming from the Our Daily Bread pamphlet series that is sitting on the welcome table at New Hope. This particular day's focus was on the story of the good Samaritan and going to those in need. Here was the 3rd paragraph that I read in its entirety:
"It's easy to find reasons not to get involved. Busyness, indifference, and fear often top the list. Yet as we seek to follow our Lord faithfully, we will become more aware of opportunities to show the kind of compassion He showed."
Towards the bottom is the following poem:
And the last phrase in bold:
For our entire family, God is reaffirming daily that we're doing what He has nudged us to do.
Are YOU listening to God? What is He asking of you?
My high-school girlfriend came down with her son who is Andrés' age, and we just spent a few hours together talking while the boys played. It was relaxing and a way to catch up on some much needed time with an old friend. I often get so caught up in the day-to-day tasks that come with having 4 children, that I am too tired by the end of the night to even have a phone conversation with friends. I rarely realize how much time actually passes inbetween my visits with friends. It's always a special treat to be able to spend that time with them as well.
My last journal entry was titled "Coincidence" with an explanation of why...it's interesting how God can daily remind us of His purpose for us. We just need to listen to His gentle whispers.
Yesterday's devotion was entitled Getting Involved. These exerpts have been coming from the Our Daily Bread pamphlet series that is sitting on the welcome table at New Hope. This particular day's focus was on the story of the good Samaritan and going to those in need. Here was the 3rd paragraph that I read in its entirety:
"It's easy to find reasons not to get involved. Busyness, indifference, and fear often top the list. Yet as we seek to follow our Lord faithfully, we will become more aware of opportunities to show the kind of compassion He showed."
Towards the bottom is the following poem:
When we share another's burden,
We disply God's love and care,
Offering relief and comfort
When life seems too much to bear.
And the last phrase in bold:
True compassion puts love into action.
For our entire family, God is reaffirming daily that we're doing what He has nudged us to do.
Are YOU listening to God? What is He asking of you?
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Coincidence?
Monday and Tuesday were BIG days for us here on 1844 Mary Lane. There have been a lot of "coincidences" happening with the Harmon family this week so far. Although I have not mentioned any of these "coincidences" on my blog, there is ONE friend who is dear to my heart who knows what I'm talking about. This morning was no different in terms of God (NOT coincidence) stepping in once again at the right time...
I remember Kim (a long-term volunteer down at Orphanage Emmanuel) reading the following passage to us last year as one of our devotions together:
I mentioned our gifts on Monday in my blog, and here it is again...God putting His exact words onto my heart this morning as I am reading my One-Year Bible for July 29th. And now I share them with you...so, I ask once again...How are you using your gifts?
This morning I woke up early to send out an email to friends and family about my online journaling (this blog) as well as Andrés' blog. His website is http://emmanuelexperience.blogspot.com/ and he will share with you a (most likely) very different experience since it'll be from a teenager's point of view. Enjoy keeping up with both to paint a complete picture of our trip.
After sending out the mass email this morning, I found out that our flight times had been pushed up 9 hours due to the national curfew in Honduras. So instead of our flight out of Chicago departing at 6:20pm, Andrés and Jen will not be able to sleep in next Tuesday, because the flight heads out at 9:50am. We were planning on arriving into Honduras just after midnight, and spending about 4 hours at the airport before heading to the bus that would take us to Tegus. Since our new flight will arrive around 6pm to Honduras, I had to arrange for an overnight stay in San Pedro Sula before heading out Wednesday morning for Tegus.
This evening after my night class at FVTC, I came home to a very pleasant phone call from Blanca, one of the owners of the bed & breakfast we'll be staying at in San Pedro Sula. Her husband will be picking us up from the airport to take us to their place. She was SO nice, I can see how their establishment has received such great reviews regarding their hospitality!
After talking with Blanca, I decided that I'd better call the hotel in Tegus to confirm our reservations for Wednesday & Thursday next week. They were extremely pleasant as well. This hotel is connected to the bus line that will be transporting us from San Pedro Sula to the capital, so I asked about the news reports we've been hearing of road blocks between the major cities. He admitted that the bus line was affected in early July but assured me that the roadblocks have moved to the southern part of Honduras now and were no longer an issue.
I am getting more excited with each day, yet very much valuing the time I have left with Alina, Noah & Kaylyn (and of course, my wonderful husband Bob).
I remember Kim (a long-term volunteer down at Orphanage Emmanuel) reading the following passage to us last year as one of our devotions together:
We have different gifts, according to the grace given us.
If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.
If it is serving, let him serve;
if it is teaching, let him teach;
if it is encouraging, let him encourage;
if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously;
if it is leadership, let him govern diligently;
if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
Romans 12:6-8
I mentioned our gifts on Monday in my blog, and here it is again...God putting His exact words onto my heart this morning as I am reading my One-Year Bible for July 29th. And now I share them with you...so, I ask once again...How are you using your gifts?
This morning I woke up early to send out an email to friends and family about my online journaling (this blog) as well as Andrés' blog. His website is http://emmanuelexperience.blogspot.com/ and he will share with you a (most likely) very different experience since it'll be from a teenager's point of view. Enjoy keeping up with both to paint a complete picture of our trip.
After sending out the mass email this morning, I found out that our flight times had been pushed up 9 hours due to the national curfew in Honduras. So instead of our flight out of Chicago departing at 6:20pm, Andrés and Jen will not be able to sleep in next Tuesday, because the flight heads out at 9:50am. We were planning on arriving into Honduras just after midnight, and spending about 4 hours at the airport before heading to the bus that would take us to Tegus. Since our new flight will arrive around 6pm to Honduras, I had to arrange for an overnight stay in San Pedro Sula before heading out Wednesday morning for Tegus.
This evening after my night class at FVTC, I came home to a very pleasant phone call from Blanca, one of the owners of the bed & breakfast we'll be staying at in San Pedro Sula. Her husband will be picking us up from the airport to take us to their place. She was SO nice, I can see how their establishment has received such great reviews regarding their hospitality!
After talking with Blanca, I decided that I'd better call the hotel in Tegus to confirm our reservations for Wednesday & Thursday next week. They were extremely pleasant as well. This hotel is connected to the bus line that will be transporting us from San Pedro Sula to the capital, so I asked about the news reports we've been hearing of road blocks between the major cities. He admitted that the bus line was affected in early July but assured me that the roadblocks have moved to the southern part of Honduras now and were no longer an issue.
I am getting more excited with each day, yet very much valuing the time I have left with Alina, Noah & Kaylyn (and of course, my wonderful husband Bob).
Monday, July 27, 2009
Thanks Steve!
I had forgotten to mention the most important part of my day yesterday...the message I had heard at New Hope! This came at just the right time for me - the week before we depart for Honduras. God's Word that has been in my head since I had first learned it back in grade school (and of course both Steve & De read it yesterday)...
This is it! This is why I go. I mentioned in my presentation last year (and possibly in my blog last year as well) that everyone has their gifts from God. For some it is to give, for others - to serve, for others still - to preach/teach. God gave me the desire to serve and the ability to speak Spanish, which lead to my choice to go to Honduras. For those who are like me & have the desire to serve, pray to God where He can send you. He may send you out of the country, to a different state, to a different city...or to your neighbors next door...but don't put your gifts on the "back burner", use the gifts that God has given you for His glory today!
I loved the songs chosen for our service yesterday. The one that really touched my heart though was Tim Hughes' God of Justice. This song is now on my MP3 that I'm taking to Honduras with me to constantly remind me of why I'm there. The lyrics are posted below.
God of Justice, Saviour to all
Came to rescue the weak and the poor
Chose to serve and not be served
Jesus, You have called us
Freely we've received
Now freely we will give
We must go live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken
We must go
Stepping forward keep us from just singing
Move us into action
We must go
To act justly everyday
Loving mercy in everyway
Walking humbly before You God
You have shown us, what You require
Freely we've received
Now freely we will give
Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out Lord
If you haven't had the chance to listen to this or simply would like to take a peaceful moment to watch a video of this song which was attached to a 2008 missions trip to Calcutta, India; go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12TI-Nr21N0 .
"...For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." Then the righteous will answer Him, "Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?" The King will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me."
Matthew 25:35-40
This is it! This is why I go. I mentioned in my presentation last year (and possibly in my blog last year as well) that everyone has their gifts from God. For some it is to give, for others - to serve, for others still - to preach/teach. God gave me the desire to serve and the ability to speak Spanish, which lead to my choice to go to Honduras. For those who are like me & have the desire to serve, pray to God where He can send you. He may send you out of the country, to a different state, to a different city...or to your neighbors next door...but don't put your gifts on the "back burner", use the gifts that God has given you for His glory today!
I loved the songs chosen for our service yesterday. The one that really touched my heart though was Tim Hughes' God of Justice. This song is now on my MP3 that I'm taking to Honduras with me to constantly remind me of why I'm there. The lyrics are posted below.
God of Justice, Saviour to all
Came to rescue the weak and the poor
Chose to serve and not be served
Jesus, You have called us
Freely we've received
Now freely we will give
We must go live to feed the hungry
Stand beside the broken
We must go
Stepping forward keep us from just singing
Move us into action
We must go
To act justly everyday
Loving mercy in everyway
Walking humbly before You God
You have shown us, what You require
Freely we've received
Now freely we will give
Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out
Fill us up and send us out Lord
If you haven't had the chance to listen to this or simply would like to take a peaceful moment to watch a video of this song which was attached to a 2008 missions trip to Calcutta, India; go to this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12TI-Nr21N0 .
Here's one more great link from Jars of Clay with their song Two Hands: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0h2sUC6wPg .
Thought for the day: How will YOU use YOUR two hands???
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Getting Ready for Orphanage Emmanuel 2009
It's been almost a year since I last made an entry in here...The purpose of this blog is solely to keep you updated on my experiences with Orphanage Emmanuel.
There has been a lot that's happened since last year, namely the fact that I will not be traveling alone this year. Andrés is coming with me as well as my cousin Jennifer! The other big news of Honduras is that on June 28th, the president of Honduras (Manuel Zelaya) was forced out of the country. The situation is rather long to put into one blog, but feel free to either ask me about it or research it. I have been getting updates from the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa regarding the situation in Honduras and will use these as well as the advice of the orphanage's volunteer coordinator to make an educated decision on our travels.
Another neat aspect to our trip is that Eduardo (Andrés' sponsored child through Compassion International) lives on the south side of Tegus (the capital) which is en route to the orphanage. We applied to visit him in early summer, but had seen on Compassion's website in early July that they had closed 75 locations around the capital due to the political situation and wanting to ensure the children's safety. We had surrendered to the fact that we would most likely not be able to visit Eduardo, but ended up getting an email a week ago saying that the visit would be okay. We were sent an itinerary as well. SO exciting!!!
The following are prayer requests from the Honduras Country Office about the children, family, church partners and staff in Honduras (as noted on the Compassion website):
There has been a lot that's happened since last year, namely the fact that I will not be traveling alone this year. Andrés is coming with me as well as my cousin Jennifer! The other big news of Honduras is that on June 28th, the president of Honduras (Manuel Zelaya) was forced out of the country. The situation is rather long to put into one blog, but feel free to either ask me about it or research it. I have been getting updates from the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa regarding the situation in Honduras and will use these as well as the advice of the orphanage's volunteer coordinator to make an educated decision on our travels.
Another neat aspect to our trip is that Eduardo (Andrés' sponsored child through Compassion International) lives on the south side of Tegus (the capital) which is en route to the orphanage. We applied to visit him in early summer, but had seen on Compassion's website in early July that they had closed 75 locations around the capital due to the political situation and wanting to ensure the children's safety. We had surrendered to the fact that we would most likely not be able to visit Eduardo, but ended up getting an email a week ago saying that the visit would be okay. We were sent an itinerary as well. SO exciting!!!
The following are prayer requests from the Honduras Country Office about the children, family, church partners and staff in Honduras (as noted on the Compassion website):
- Please pray for the Lord to intervene in the midst of the recent political unrest. Pray that key leaders will seek the Lord for guidance and that our children will be protected from violence.
- Please pray for the Lord to sustain the health of the children, staff and families as the H1N1 virus has been found in Honduras. May He grant Compassion staff and government leaders insight and ability to help prevent the spread of this virus.
- Pray for children in Honduras that need additional care that their parents cannot give. Please pray their sponsors become a source of encouragement and support for them.
- Pray that Compassion's vocational training programs will instill pride and hope in each child.
I will be sending donations out on August 3rd (the day before we leave). We already have a full box of toys and school supplies! I am also looking for any medical supplies and also any gently used NHCS uniform short-sleeved tops, skirts or pants. It is rare to find Latinos wearing shorts, so even though it's hot down there...pants are used. If you have any of these last 2 items (medical supplies or uniforms), feel free to let me know before next Monday and I will make sure they get sent down as well.
Thanks so much for all of your support via encouraging words, prayers, donations, etc. I am once again really looking forward to this trip and cannot wait to share my newest experiences when I get back!
Monday, August 18, 2008
August 17th - Back to the States
This morning we woke up to the roosters calling at 6:30am. They run free around the yard. We all got ready for the day and Berta made some excellent bread and coffee. She and I prayed together for safe travels. She is very passionate in her faith. She wanted to show me so many things (in her country), but because of my flight leaving when it did...she could only take me to her sister's house (who now lives in the States). Her pastor drove us to the airport; but rather than taking the highway, they chose to drive on the country roads, so that I could "see the country better". Of course, that took longer and we didn't arrive to the airport until 11:30 (remember, my departure time was 12:47pm).
The check-in line was VERY long, so Patti's cousin stayed by the suitcase of items her mom had sent along with me while I ran to the bathroom. As I was washing my hands, I heard my name called over the airport's intercom system...to come to the front desk immediately. This, of course, made my heart race! Was there a time difference between Honduras and El Salvador that I missed?...Did they change the flight time and I missed my plane?...or What??? I ran back to the Delta area and Patti's cousin was still standing in line with the suitcase - holding my spot. When I went to the front desk, a lady reassured me that they were just making sure I was in line to get on the plane. Whew!
I checked in the suitcase (which came out to EXACTLY 50 pounds) and Berta invited me to eat with them at a restaurant in the airport called "Pollo Campero". Her nephew told me that "it's sort of like KFC, but much better". It was now noon (& I wasn't sure I had the time to eat, since I still hadn't went through the police check to get into the flight gates). Before the food came, Delta announce they were beginning to board for flight 404 - my flight. We had to get a bag "para llevar" and I said my "goodbyes". Patti has such a wonderful and supportive family!
When I boarded the plane, I was extremely surprised to see my seat was in the business class area. I have NEVER sat up there before on an airplane! When the food came, it was all on ceramic plates (rather than the plastic containers I am normally accustomed to), and the drinks were served in actual glasses (rather than plastic cups). The steward and stewardess were SO pleasant, offering us the local newspaper (which I kept).
We got in to Atlanta on time, but I still had to go through customs before catching my connecting flight. When I went to get my 2 suitcases, one had been 1/2 ripped open! Thankfully, Delta had "suitcase bags" for these events. As I was about to enter the customs gate, an officer looked at me and said "Excuse me, miss, but you can't take that Pollo Campero through customs." I said "really?...should I through it in this garbage then?" (I hadn't even gotten a chance to try it!) He got a BIG smile on his face and said "I'm just kidding you!...go ahead." I told him not to scare me because I didn't know all of the rules, since I hadn't traveled internationally in over 10 years! The next guy that I had to deal with (when you put your stuff through that x-ray machine) asked me if he could have some of the Pollo Campero, so I did offer him some...but he responded by saing, "If I took some, I'd have to have it all". Apparently they are very familiar with Pollo Campero in Atlanta!
When I got to terminal B-20 to Chicago-Midway, I sat down and began to read. I saw a girl put a quarter into a pay phone only to not be heard by whomever she was talking to - and not get her quarter back. She leaned against the wall, sunk down and started to sob. When I asked her what was wrong, it only made her more upset. She said she had been trying to call home and had tried different phones in the airport, but none had worked...and now she was out of quarters. I asked if she'd like to use mine (knowing full-well what it's like to miss your family, since I was feeling that too), but she refused. I took it out of my bag and handed it to her, insisting that we don't use nearly all of the minutes we're alloted each month...so she took it and made the call. She was so grateful when she handed the phone back, but just the look of relief on her face in being able to tell her family that she was okay was enough for me.
I got to talk to Bob, Andrés and Noah as I was waiting for my last flight. It was delayed by a 1/2 hour. On all of my flights from Honduras back to the States, I've been occupying myself with reading "The Shack" by William P. Young. It is, without a doubt, the best book I've ever read in my life to date! At this point, I'm not even able to put into words my feelings on this book. I have about 1/3 of the book left to go, and may blog a little more about it when I've finished.
When I arrived to Chicago-Midway, the baggage came quickly and I was out the airport doors in about 20 minutes from the time we landed. Jim & Jeanne pulled over to pick me up almost right as I came out. They said they had only made 3 loops around the airport (hopefully that wasn't a lot). We went back to their place, where I got a great night's rest!
The check-in line was VERY long, so Patti's cousin stayed by the suitcase of items her mom had sent along with me while I ran to the bathroom. As I was washing my hands, I heard my name called over the airport's intercom system...to come to the front desk immediately. This, of course, made my heart race! Was there a time difference between Honduras and El Salvador that I missed?...Did they change the flight time and I missed my plane?...or What??? I ran back to the Delta area and Patti's cousin was still standing in line with the suitcase - holding my spot. When I went to the front desk, a lady reassured me that they were just making sure I was in line to get on the plane. Whew!
I checked in the suitcase (which came out to EXACTLY 50 pounds) and Berta invited me to eat with them at a restaurant in the airport called "Pollo Campero". Her nephew told me that "it's sort of like KFC, but much better". It was now noon (& I wasn't sure I had the time to eat, since I still hadn't went through the police check to get into the flight gates). Before the food came, Delta announce they were beginning to board for flight 404 - my flight. We had to get a bag "para llevar" and I said my "goodbyes". Patti has such a wonderful and supportive family!
When I boarded the plane, I was extremely surprised to see my seat was in the business class area. I have NEVER sat up there before on an airplane! When the food came, it was all on ceramic plates (rather than the plastic containers I am normally accustomed to), and the drinks were served in actual glasses (rather than plastic cups). The steward and stewardess were SO pleasant, offering us the local newspaper (which I kept).
We got in to Atlanta on time, but I still had to go through customs before catching my connecting flight. When I went to get my 2 suitcases, one had been 1/2 ripped open! Thankfully, Delta had "suitcase bags" for these events. As I was about to enter the customs gate, an officer looked at me and said "Excuse me, miss, but you can't take that Pollo Campero through customs." I said "really?...should I through it in this garbage then?" (I hadn't even gotten a chance to try it!) He got a BIG smile on his face and said "I'm just kidding you!...go ahead." I told him not to scare me because I didn't know all of the rules, since I hadn't traveled internationally in over 10 years! The next guy that I had to deal with (when you put your stuff through that x-ray machine) asked me if he could have some of the Pollo Campero, so I did offer him some...but he responded by saing, "If I took some, I'd have to have it all". Apparently they are very familiar with Pollo Campero in Atlanta!
When I got to terminal B-20 to Chicago-Midway, I sat down and began to read. I saw a girl put a quarter into a pay phone only to not be heard by whomever she was talking to - and not get her quarter back. She leaned against the wall, sunk down and started to sob. When I asked her what was wrong, it only made her more upset. She said she had been trying to call home and had tried different phones in the airport, but none had worked...and now she was out of quarters. I asked if she'd like to use mine (knowing full-well what it's like to miss your family, since I was feeling that too), but she refused. I took it out of my bag and handed it to her, insisting that we don't use nearly all of the minutes we're alloted each month...so she took it and made the call. She was so grateful when she handed the phone back, but just the look of relief on her face in being able to tell her family that she was okay was enough for me.
I got to talk to Bob, Andrés and Noah as I was waiting for my last flight. It was delayed by a 1/2 hour. On all of my flights from Honduras back to the States, I've been occupying myself with reading "The Shack" by William P. Young. It is, without a doubt, the best book I've ever read in my life to date! At this point, I'm not even able to put into words my feelings on this book. I have about 1/3 of the book left to go, and may blog a little more about it when I've finished.
When I arrived to Chicago-Midway, the baggage came quickly and I was out the airport doors in about 20 minutes from the time we landed. Jim & Jeanne pulled over to pick me up almost right as I came out. They said they had only made 3 loops around the airport (hopefully that wasn't a lot). We went back to their place, where I got a great night's rest!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
