The COMEBACK

Greeting to all from Honduras! Yes, we did arrive as scheduled. However, the day got away from us. We were climbing into bed at 9:30 before we realized we had not done the blog. Everyone agreed we were too exhausted to do it; therefore, you all had to wait until this morning. Now that we are here and better organized, you can expect regular daily entries.

Wednesday morning everyone was up and in the hotel breakfast room by 3 a.m. The hotel personnel are always so gracious about setting up a hot breakfast for our team at that early hour. Though no one was really hungry that early, we encouraged everyone to eat so they could make it through a long day of travel.

By 3:30 we were on the bus to be dropped at the airport. All of our carryons and backpacks were set inside the terminal and then most everyone lugged in the 49 lb. duffle bags – in two different spots. With everyone pitching in, the process went quickly, and we sent Mark Schlesser back to school with the bus. The United passengers were processed quickly because our travel agent Donna had prechecked our 58 bags. The American flyers were quickly charged for their 14 checked bags, and we were all through security with over an hour to spare.

We had a slight glitch in Houston when the United personnel argued that Pat’s Covid documents would not allow him in enter Honduras. We argued, they checked, we argues some more, they let him in, stating that he could get deported upon arrival! He did not. But, it did require lots of convincing from Juan, arguing that we had followed all the protocols stated online and that they should follow them. Anyway, no matter what, we’ll all be tested for departure to avoid those issues on the return route.

Next glitch – No, it wasn’t that the bags did not arrive. ALL 72 bags arrived in Comayagua. Then the airport personnal here said that all 72 of them had to opened, searched by them, and all dates checked on anything with a date. Needless to say, that took a bit of time. After all that, they found one bottle of expired Tylenol, which they confiscated, and then charged a fine. This time arguing did no good!

The bus ride from the Palmerola Airport to Nueva Capital was a wonderfully smooth, but extremely windy road. The ride gave everyone a chance to witness the countryside, while relaxing in airconditioned comfort.

The minute the buses entered the Nueva Capital area, all passengers silently observed the graveyard of those in poverty. I have always had a hard time describing that area to others, especially when you see vultures circling the area or even on the grounds of the cemetery.

45 minutes later we drove through the gates of the school and began the full process of unloading ourselves, our carryons, backpacks, and black duffles. Next, everyone grabbed a mattress, pillow, and blankets to set up our sleeping areas. Since it we had a later arrival from Comayagua than we ever did from Toncontin Airport, it was already time for supper. We all enjoyed one of our favorite dishes here – Honduran enchiladas. All the newbies cautiously tried one, and quickly lined up for more after deciding they were delicious. Well, Maci decided one was enough for her. She said she’s a picky eater, but I want her family to know that she still ate ONE. She told me she is going to try things while here.

We had a little free time for talking with the children. Lots of hugs and Spanish chatting could be heard outside the building. Fr. Travis celebrated our initial day mass, and we ended the day with our final junta, which is a good way to talk about everything they experienced for the day. Though sharing is optional, I require everyone to draw a bead from the bag we’ve collected, and then share what that symbolizes about their day.

We decided on a 9:10 PM bedtime for our weary missioner travelers. I did hear some conversation from the girls’ room across the hall. It wasn’t long before quiet settled over all. WELL, as quiet as it gets around here, since roosters crow at all hours, various size vehicles drive loudly up the road right outside our windows, and the dogs start having conversations. Oh yes, and Juan did put everyone to sleep with a song.

This morning’s wake-up song was to occur at 7 to allow for a little extra sleep, but Juan used something even bigger and LOUDER than his megaphone. He used the school’s large speaker. Believe me, he really blasts out those songs!

We ate pancakes and fresh fruit for breakfast and delicious Honduran coffee. Bruce quickly got all the missioners outside to begin loading all the house wood, carrying the tools to the military transport truck (which we love, by the way), and they were off to the house site and soon as possible. A few of us have stayed in the compound to finish emptying the black duffles and sorting the products. Of course, I’m sitting at the computer to keep all of you filled in. I do apologize for the delay, but I hope you can understand just how crazy it gets around here when we arrive. Everyone wants hugs. We try to get some materials organized. You get it. Sleep usurped the blog – but only this once. I’ll do my best to get a few travel photos uploaded. I’ll have today’s info and photos uploaded tonight. Until then….