We got up at 3 a.m. to travel to the aeropuerto in Guatemala City for our 6:30 a.m. flight. We landed aproximatamente 45 minutes later in San Salvador, El Salvador. Shortly thereafter we flew to San Pedro Sula, Honduras, where we arrived at 9:30 a.m.
We then had to wait in a terribly crowded terminal until about 1 p.m. for three of our sons (and one fiance) to arrive. No problema, except right after they arrived the road to Santa Rosa was blocked by protesters of the disputed presidential election.
We had to get two rooms at a hotel for two nights before the militario had cleared the way for the three-hour drive home over some very bad roads.
Since arriving we have unpacked and set up the house (even hung some pictures on the walls) and spent the holidays with our fours sons and two fiances.
The last two weeks have been fun, interesting and hectic. Trips to Copan Ruins (a three-hour drive, but a "must see" for visitors), and Gracias, a one-hour drive to a touristy city described as "a cobblestone town that's one of the prettiest and most historic settlements in Honduras." It is an accurate description.
We visited, however, with some trepidation, as the United States had previously issued a warning "to carefully consider the risks of travel to Gracias a Dios."
The warning was possibly prompted by a 2015 newspaper report that the notorious drug trafficker El Chapo was hiding in Gracias, along with many other bad hombres.
The U.S. Embassy still restricts staff from traveling to Gracias and includes the following information in its still-in-effect warning: "... due to frequent criminal and drug trafficking activity... a weak infrastructure, limited government services and a scarce police or military presence, those who choose to travel to, or currently reside in, Gracias a Dios should remain alert to local conditions and signs of danger."
We saw no signs of danger but did see several police or military officers. We also experienced friendly and happy people.
We have learned much in the past two weeks. We have figured out how to get drinking water -- and toilet-flushing/dish washing/shower water. One comes in big, sealed plastic bottles and the other is stored in a deep cistern in our garage; it reaches sinks, showers and toilets via a pump.
We shop at Maxi Despensa (similar to a small Wal-Mart) and one or two "super mercados -- none of which have many familiar name brand products other than Coke, Pepsi, etc. There are no Home Depots or Lowes one-stop stores, but we have several small Ferreterias (hardware). We even have a plastic products store.
Quality and options can be a concern, but cost isn't (things are cheap). We can't always find everything we want, but generally find the basics of what we absolutely need at the moment.
We are content and adjusting well. Lisa started work Tuesday and my volunteering, including a couple days each week of "regular hours" in the Mission office, will begin after the last of our kids board an airplane.
Until the next post, keep us in your thoughts and prayers, por favor.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." -- 1 Thessalonians 5:16
Glad you finally made it!
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