Sat., 21 Jan., - Thursday we met with Dean Alejandro and drove to Jacaleapa to check with the carpenter to find out how much it would cost to have wooden tables and chairs, similar to the type used in the schools, made. They are much sturdier than the plastic ones. LP Marlene wasn’t at the church so we couldn’t get a sample, but we went to his shop and described what we were interested in. He will check with Marlene and get back to us. We also gave Alejandro the 800 L, ($52), to purchase the 2 tables and 6 chairs from the school currently on loan. Back in Danli we drove to the supermarket and stocked up since we had Jeannie’s car.

Being a woodworker myself, I found the carpenter’s shop very interesting. His table saw was homemade using 12 in carbide tip blades. The table was made out of 2" lumber as was the rip fence. It was very sturdy. There was also a handmade wood lathe on which an assistant was turning spindles. The only other electric tools I saw were a commercial jointer and a router. One tool one doesn’t see often was a 16" hand plane. Several pieces of wood to be incorporated into projects appeared skillfully crafted.




Just before sunset yesterday we had a rather heavy rain followed by a lovely double rainbow. I now know where that pot of gold is located, I think.

During the day Thurs. there was a truck driving through the community with a loudspeaker system announcing a Veterinarian clinic for dogs on Friday. Friday morning there were a lot of dogs on leashes going by the church. This is a common form of getting information out. They also use it to announce the many evangelistic services, that the truck driver is selling fruits, veg. etc., and anything else. (As I write there is a pick up truck going by with a freezer in back announcing they have fresh chicken.) There was an outdoor evangelist Thurs. and Fri. nights just a block from us with, of course, BIG speakers. Unfortunately for him, it started to rain heavily about 45 minutes after he started. The crowd melted away.





The vegetable garden that the Texas team put in a month ago is growing tremendously well. The radishes are almost ready for harvest, tomatoes are 6 to 8 in. tall, and the squash, cucumbers, and watermelon are about to send out runners. Even the carrots, generally slow starters, are doing well.


Mon., 23 Feb. - Yesterday we drove to El Paraiso city to visit Rev. Hilda Lagos and her husband, Hector Zuniga whom we have known for 12 years. Hilda’s church is very large, built from a quonset hut, about 40 x 80 ft. this includes the sanctuary and other rooms for Sunday school and other uses. One of those uses is a program to teach sewing and dress pattern design. This is government sponsored and they have 20 treadle sewing machines. Last Friday they also had a workshop on how to make donuts.

After the church service we drove Hilda to El Rodeo, a small, very poor community, to check the blood pressure of one of her parishioners. She has been trained as one of the ‘Guardianas’ or



El Rodeo home

‘Health Care Workers’ by the Honduran church. Presently she is a deacon and is attending a school for working adults on Sunday morning to obtain her high school diploma which will allow her to be ordained as a priest.

It continues to be cool and rain a lot, almost every day. When we first started to come to Honduras in 1998 we might not see rain for three months at this time of year. This has changed drastically over the past 4 years. But even in the rainy season, June to August, they don’t get the frequent overcast skies of this year.

Sorry about that last post folks. I’m not sure what happened so I’ll carry on from just before the last post ended.


Rev. Dean Juan Jose of Copan Deanery in white with 3 of Eva´s students

PRICES are interesting here. ($1 cdn = about 15.1 L). This afternoon I visited the barber, 25 L (about $1.65), then went across the street and bought 10 eggs, 28 L,($1.85). A 2.5 liter bottle of coca cola costs 26 L, and a taxi ride anywhere in Danli/Nueva Esperanza costs 15 L per person. When we buy fresh corn tortillas they are 3 for 1 L, (about 10 cm diameter), and a loaf of bread is 25 L. Bananas are 2 for 1 L and oranges are 2 L or 3 L depending on size. Tomatoes run 3 L each and potatoes are 15 L lb. Lean ground beef is usually 42 L per lb. Most US made goods and food tend to be more expensive than Central American. And for you drivers, premium gas is 57 L per US gallon, about $0.89 liter.

Tues., 17 Feb. - Jeanie headed for the Us today and we went with her to do errands and drive her car back which we can use while she is away.

At the end of Jan. we rec’d word of a donation for chairs, bibles or hymn books for churches in Honduras. Today we went to the dioecian office in Tegucigalpa after dropping Jeannie off and picked up the cheque. We then had to go to a bank which specializes in cashing US cheques where Eva opened an account to enable her to cash the cheque. All told it took about an hour. I wish they had inter-branch banking here. The money will be used for hymn books in Oropoli, and Sunday School furniture in Jacalaipa, both missions where the pastor is supported by SAMS Canada. We plan on presenting them during our visit with the people on the pilgrimage.

After cashing the cheque we went to a friend’s home, Patti Eregurie, for lunch, then on to the church Santa Maria where we met with Rev. Dean Maria Consuelo to discuss the plans for the Pilgrimage while in her deanery, Francisco Morizan.

The drive home was uneventful except that I only hit one of the hundreds of pot holes between Ojo de Agua and Danli. We got home about 5:40 and had spaghetti for supper using a sauce already made. Eva had a class at 6:30.

BLOG -Thur., 12 Feb., - One of Eva’s students who lives across the street had a birthday yesterday. After the evening class we were invited over for birthday cake. It was beautifully decorated with flowers and trimming and was very tasty. We were offered coke or ‘horacho’ which is a locally made drink, different formula in different countries, (check google). Since we didn’t know if they had used bottled water, we settled for coke, but I really like horacho.

Sat., 14 Feb., - This morning there was a youth conference in the church. There were about 25 teens in attendance and the speakers were Dean Alejandro and LP Victor, (LP = Lay Pastor). It ran from 10 am to 2 pm. Also this morning Jeannie came by with the ‘Peace Corps’ workers from Danli and Yuscaran. They will be doing the translating for the pilgrimage in those cities as both have taken the ‘translator course’. Both girls are named Anna Marie. This evening one of the houses across the street is holding a worship service. They set up lights in their parking area, put out chairs, set up BIG speakers and opened the gates. We were going to watch a movie on the computer but will have to wait until they are finished. Instead we sat out on the balcony and enjoyed the music.

Sun., 15 Feb., - We went to Jalcaleapa today with Dean Alejandro. As the city bus doesn’t run on Sunday we took a taxi. We had our folder with all the pilgrimage info, maps, and a DVD of Rev. Gladis Velasques’ ordination last year. It got left in the taxi. Most of it can be rebuilt, but we are praying it will get back to us. We arrived in Jalcaleapa shortly before 3, expecting the service to start at 3:30 as normal when the Dean is there so he can get the bus home. No one had showed up until just after 4 pm, including the pastor. We started about 4:15. Immediately after the service we walked up to the highway to catch the bus and were about 100 m away when it went past. Last bus was 6 pm, (we think). About 5:45 a van stopped and offered the three of us a ride for the taxi rate of 15L each. He even took us past the normal drop off point and 2/3 way to Nueva Esperanza. We walked the rest of the way even though it was very dark. There is a pedestrian walkway which we shared with other pedestrians and unlighted bicycles, with car headlights blinding us. We got home about 7 pm.


Rev. Dean Alejandro Chirnos and Dick

I sometimes think Hondurans have death wish. None of the bicycles, even those on the side of the auto traffic lane had lights or reflectors. Some drivers don’t like to use their headlights because ‘it costs gas to use them’. These are 2 reasons I don’t like driving after dark.

Mon., 16 Feb., - We got a phone call this morning from Anna Marie, the Peace Corps worker in Danlí, saying she had our folder with the Pilgrimage material. They looked in the notebook inside and saw her recently recorded phone number and called her, then dropped it off. We wanted this material for our meeting with Rev. Maria Consuelo in Teguc. tomorrow. Thank you Lord.

PRICES are interesting here. ($1 cdn = about 15.1 L). This afternoon I visited the barber, 25 L (about $1.65), then went across the street and bought 10 eggs, 28 L,($1.85). A 2.5 liter bottle of coca cola costs 26 L, and a taxi ride anywhere in Danli/Nueva Esperanza costs 15 L per person. When we buy fresh corn tortillas they are 3 for 1 L, (about 10 cm diameter), and a loaf of bread is 25 L. Bananas are 2 for 1 L and oranges are 2 L or 3 L depending on size. Tomatoes run 3 L each and potatoes are 15 L lb. Lean ground beef is usually 42 L per lb. Most US made goods and food tend to be more expensive than Central American. And for you drivers, premium gas is 57 L per US gallon, about $0.89 liter.

Tues., 17 Feb. - Jeanie headed for the Us today and we went with her to do errands and drive her car back which we can use while she is away.

At the end of Jan. we rec’d word of a donation for chairs, bibles or hymn books for churches in Honduras. Today we went to the dioecian office in Tegucigalpa after dropping Jeannie off and picked up the cheque. We then had to go to a bank which specializes in cashing US cheques where Eva opened an account to enable her to cash the cheque. All told it took about an hour. I wish they had inter-branch banking here. The money will be used for hymn books in Oropoli, and Sunday School furniture in Jacalaipa, both missions where the pastor is supported by SAMS Canada. We plan on presenting them during our visit with the people on the pilgrimage.

After cashing the cheque we went to a friend’s home, Patti Eregurie, for lunch, then on to the church Santa Maria where we met with Rev. Dean Maria Consuelo to discuss the plans for the Pilgrimage while in her deanery, Francisco Morizan.

The drive home was uneventful except that I only hit one of the hundreds of pot holes between Ojo de Agua and Danli. We got home about 5:40 and had spaghetti for supper using a sauce already made. Eva had a class at 6:30.

Wed., 4 Feb. - Monday morning about 6:30 am I was headed for the kitchen at the other end of the balcony and noticed a long line of people, adults and children at the school. About 200 m long. Many of them were carrying a file folder and it was later confirmed this was the first day of registration, school begins Monday. Eva is having to do some shuffling of her classes. The school is on 2 shifts, am and pm, and those attending ‘colegio’ didn’t know when they registered with Eva which shift they would be on. Tues am had another, though shorter line, and today it was insignificant.

We waited most of the day for Cristina, the laundress, to arrive with the clothes she got last Wed. We’re running short of some things. Last year in Yuscaran it never took more than 2 days. We went to her home but she wasn’t there. It was a very poor looking home but her son called her on a cell phone and she said she would deliver them today. (Everyone has a cell.) 6:30 pm, the laundry arrived, 50 L, ($3.35), 24 pcs. washed and ironed, .

Now that we have gas for the stove, we had roast chicken and baked potatoes with beets for supper. It is great to get away from fried meat or stew from the stove top. However, the oven doesn’t get as hot as it should, at least not in the time I had it on.

Fri., 6 Feb - The printer quit last night and we got a message “Waste tank full.” Several weeks ago I cleaned out the waste tank and tried to reset the counter. It obviously didn’t take. I don’t know if it just needs resetting or something else that we can get repaired here at a reasonable cost. We’ll see what can be done.

Sat., 7 Mar. - The printer is working. This morning we headed to the stationary/internet store to check our mail. We took the printer with us intending to head downtown for a computer store. We asked for a good place to go and he was headed downtown and gave us a lift to ‘the best technician in town where we left it. We then went to the bank to get smaller bills. Few stores like 500 L bills, ($33) except for large purchases.

BANKS in Honduras always have 2 or 3 armed guards, some of them often outside. Men are often searched for guns or knives before allowed inside. Some banks have a ‘vestibule’ where you have to check packages. (Packages also have to be checked as you enter many of the larger stores.) Once this is done you are allowed in where you are generally faced with long line-ups and one short one which is reserved for handicapped, pregnant women, and those ‘tecera adad’, (over 60). I have twice entered the long lines and been pulled out by guard and sent to the short line. Grey hair is great.


Alejandro teaching the pre seminarians

From the bank we went to Cristo Rey to take photos of the pre seminary class that Dean Alejandro was teaching, their last day. The class started with 9 people and has shrunk to 4 people that are defiantly interested in continuing.


Eva relaxing in the central park

Returning downtown we enjoyed sitting in the ‘parke central’ until 11:30 when the computer technician was due back. He was able to show us how to temporarily overcome the problem. I will have to do an internet search for a more permanent solution. Then to lunch followed by the grocery store to stock up on things not available near ‘home’.


The fellow on the bike just couldn´t wait to read the newspaper

Sun., 8 Jan.- An interesting thing happened at the church service this afternoon. A baby was ‘introduced’ to the congregation after which it was passed to each member of the congregation old enough to hold her. In Honduras this includes those about 10 and even younger who have probably already had experience looking after babies. I was particularly impressed how the baby took it so calmly, but then she’s probably is used to being passed among strangers.

Tues., 10 Jan. - With the return to school this week, (the long school break is from Dec. to Feb.), Eva was concerned that many of the students might not be able to attend. (They have 2 shifts in the ‘cologio’, (secondary school), morning and afternoon. Fortunately there has only had to be one big change, the Tues/Thurs afternoon class moved to the morning and 2 students switched to a class at a different time.

I went to the deanery meeting in Yuscaran this morning, Eva stayed to teach. Cindy and Laird from the Texas Scholarship program were there as well as a few of the students. Thoughts and ideas and future plans were discussed followed by the regular meeting. I finalized the schedule for the Canadian Pilgrimage to Honduras which begins 28 Feb.
Dean Dagoberto and Rev. Lourdes are scheduled to go to the US later this month where they will be visiting and speaking to several churches in Central Texas. I pray they will have a rewarding trip and not find the culture shock too severe. They return the day before the pilgrimage arrives in Yuscaran, Dago’s home.

Wed., 4 Feb. - Monday morning about 6:30 am I was headed for the kitchen at the other end of the balcony and noticed a long line of people, adults and children at the school. About 200 m long. Many of them were carrying a file folder and it was later confirmed this was the first day of registration, school begins Monday. Eva is having to do some shuffeling of her classes. The school is on 2 shifts, am and pm, and those attending ‘colegio’ didn’t know when they registered with Eva which shift they would be on. Tues am had another, though shorter line, and today it was insignificant.

We waited most of the day for Cristina, the laundress, to arrive with the clothes she got last Wed. We’re running short of some things. Last year in Yuscaranit never took more than 2 days. We went to her home but she wasn’t there. It was a very poor looking home but her son called her on a cell phone and she said she would deliver them today. (Everyone has a cell.) 6:30 pm, the laundry arrived, 50 L, ($3.35), 24 pcs. washed and ironed, .

Now that we have gas for the stove, we had roast chicken and baked potatoes with beets for supper. It is great to get away from fried meat or stew from the stove top. However, the oven doesn’t get as hot as it should, at least not in the time I had it on.

Fri., 30 Jan. - Water continues to be an ongoing problem. A pipe broke in the wall Wed. and if the valve from the tank is opened, the cavity in the concrete block wall fills up and begins to leak into the church office. I have opened it 4 times since Wed. for the 45 sec. it takes to fill a bucket from the outside tap, but this morning the tap was locked. I’ll have to speak to Victor that we need clean water.

We also found out that it will cost 900 Limperas, ($60), plus propane to replace the propane tank that didn’t arrive here with our stove. A second large expense we didn’t expect.

We went into Danli by bus to do some shopping and have “almuerzo”, (noonday dinner). While there we ran into Pastor Victor and Church Warden Betti as well as two women who lived next door to us in Yuscaran last year. We ate at ‘La Terraza’ resttaurant as we were considering having the pilgrimage team eat there. I was not impressed. We’ll check out another next week.

Shortly after we got back a truck arrived with a new stainless steel, 6 burner gas stove and refrigerator that the ‘Manos de Dios’ team bought for one of the kitchens. The ‘chumbo’ (gas tank) is arriving tomorrow, (I think). I believe we will be able to borrow the tank in return for filling it and they will have the gas we don’t use.

The vegetable garden that the team put in is sprouting and some of the young people were putting in stakes and stringing cord for the cucumbers to climb. The unusually wet weather certainly has helped germination.

Sun., 1 Feb. - The propane tank arrived on Sat. afternoon and we now have 4 burners and an oven to cook with. A big improvement from 1 element electric hotplate.

We went to church at Cristo Rey in Danli for 10 am, (started 10:30). Afterward we went to a local restaurant and had a Honduran soup called ‘Mondongo’. It’s a complete meal in a large bowl with meat and vegetables with rice and tortillas on the side, only 40 L each, (about $2.60)



Back at Cristo Rey for 2 pm we walked to the bus station and caught the bus to El Paraiso (city) to attend services at the church of our long time friend, Rev. Deacon Hilda Lagos. We had to leave right after the service to catch the last bus back to Danli at 5:20. In downtown Danli we got a taxi that turned into more of a ‘collectivo’. Part of the trip we also had a woman and 3 little children, dropping them off we soon picked up a woman and a girl who were going not too far out of our way, then near home a single girl about 11. I guess that’s the reason they are only 15 L ($1) per person anywhere in the city




BUSES IN HONDURAS
I have to tell you about the Honduran buses. First, all buses have a driver and a conductor who collects tickets, cash fares, and assists passengers. There are 3 basic types, the luxury intercity that are lovely highway coaches with a separate driver compartment. On some routes there may even be a light lunch served, otherwise they stop at a good restaurant long enough to get a meal. Viana buses charge about $15 US to go from Tegucigalpa to San Pedro Sula, (5 Hrs).

Then there are the ‘milk runs’ using almost exclusively old US school buses, (sometimes repainted). These are in various states of repair and often pick up passengers with large bags or cartons. Once a man got on with about ten 12 ft 2 x 4s which were carried in the aisle. If there are more passengers than seats, whenever they come to a police check point, everyone crouches down so it doesn’t look like that anyone is illegally standing. Most of these buses have had racks added above the seats for storage. If you are on one, hopefully you will like the music because they always play something, often loudly. Part way through the journey the conductor will come through the bus and collect the fare depending on how far you are traveling with them. From Danli to El Paraiso is 15 L ($1). They run every 20 minutes and the trip takes a little under an hour.

Then there are the city buses. Here in Nueva Esperanza they vary widely in size but in Tegucigalpa they are full size. The first time we took one it was the size of standard van. I’ve ridden with 18 people in that vehicle. Others are larger and the only thing you can say about their condition is that they run. The fare is only 5 L ($.35) and they run about every 15 minutes except Sunday.

So long for now. Dick