lundi 17 janvier 2011
samedi 15 janvier 2011
Trip to Honduras in February, 2010
Log of our trip to Honduras and back
Tuesday, Jan 26
We left Chibougamau at 8:30 am. Bought tools for Gabriel (maintenance man at Hondu-ras Home) at Canadian Tire in Roberval. We arrived at St Émile at 4:30 pm, and spent the night at Dan and Claudia’s home. Claudia had Tuesday off, so it was great to spend time together.
Wednesday, January 27
We drove to Montreal. Bought contact lenses for Melodie. Went to the bank so Lise could fix her PIN number for her credit card. We arrived at Mary Porter and Jenn Phil-lips’ home at 4:45 pm. Supper, great conversation, and bed at 9:00. Set the alarm for 2:00 am.
Thursday, January 28
I was up at 1:45 am. Had not slept very much. We loaded the car and went to get Sam, then drove to the airport . We left the car with Sam for the next 2 weeks. We checked our four suitcases without any problem, and then boarded Air Canada for Toronto. They gave us coffee and 14 grams of “Confused Corn Chips”. The landing in Toronto was a bit rough, giving a jolt.
In Toronto we had to take an electric train from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3, go through se-curity, and board a LACSA plane to San Salvador.
It was a nice comfortable plane, and we were given an excellent hot meal. Because we would land at 2:00 pm in San Salvador and had to board the next plane (TACA) for San Pedro at 2:30, they allowed Lise and I to move forward to the 1st class section in the last half hour of the trip. At 2:30 we got on the small TACA plane (LACSA and TACA are now merged). We arrived at 3:35 in San Pedro. Only one of our four suitcases was miss-ing. A miracle! We lost a lot of time over the missing suitcase, then more getting money out of the bank in the airport. Mel and Tina weren’t there – Mel had understood we were arriving at 7:30. I called her with someone’s cell phone (I paid him 20 lempiras to “rent” his phone). When they arrived, they took us to Osman and Gloria’s for supper and over-night. Osman was out. We slept in a king-sized bed – 10:00 pm to 6:30 am. Slept like a log!
Friday, January 29
In the morning, Gloria talked with me, sharing concerns about the home.
We drove to the airport and picked up the missing suitcase. Then we drove to the home in Siguatepeque ( a 2 ½ hour trip). On the way, at one point, a mini-van drove alongside and as I looked over at it I saw a man in it glaring at me and pointing a wicked looking rifle. First time I ever looked down the barrel of a rifle – at least this way! Apparently they were bodyguards. We arrived at the home a bit before noon. Had a hefty soup for lunch. I gave the tools to Gabriel – he seemed happy about them. I put my belongings where my bed is in one of the rooms – with the older boys. There is now a beautiful new tiled floor in that section of the house. I gave 300 Roberto lempiras for the work he did last spring. Brayan is gone. So is Nahum. Josiela and Saida are leaving next week. There is a new “tía”, her name is Miriam. (On Sunday another one would show up – her name is Lourdes.) There is also a new little boy. I understand he is called “Barry” but later will learn it is “Bady” – a diminutive for “David Esteban”.
(Note: Bady died in November, 2010).
Lise gave Lynda Shultz’s devotional book to Tina and the other workers. Tina seemed very grateful. I was glad to see Tina at meal with the children, praying with the toddlers. I had a talk with Tina. She feels the pain of betrayal on the part of some of the kids. I told her this happens in regular families too. Kids constantly “betray” (or disappoint) their parents.
I did the devotional with the boys, on Psalm 77. We talked about crying out to God, ex-pressing our doubts, hurts, anger, etc.
Melodie had an interesting “adventure” today. The man who is hired to drive the kids to and from school – Mel asked him if he could drive us all to the swimming pool in “Jesús de Otoro” tomorrow. He said the police had just stopped him and taken all his docu-ments. He was in the process of obtaining permission to be a legal “transporter” of cchil-dren. Mel went with him to the police station in the hopes of seeing a friendly policeman who could help. Unfortunately there was nobody she knew there, with the exception of one man who she finds a bit hostile. So she tried to sweet-talk the police into giving back the documents. They said he was “transporting children illegally” (which was quite de-batable). She explained he was needed to drive the underprivileged children in the VyL home and surely they wouldn’t want to hinder that. It was obvious they were waiting for a bribe. But Mel had recently begun teaching French at the university and one of her stu-dents was the police commissioner for the department (state or province). So she said perhaps he could help them. In front of the police she called him on her cell phone, nam-ing him by name in front of them. It turned out he had turned off his cell phone so couldn’t answer. But they got the message: she had his personal number, which even they probably didn’t have! They immediately said they would return the documents as a per-sonal favour, but that the man had better be sure to have his situation regularized as soon as possible. Melodie said – certainly, thank you very much for your kindness and gener-osity and understanding etc. Now the driver – and his company – has her on a pedestal too!
Saturday, January 30
I was up at 6:30. I went to have a shower – there was no hot water. So I decided to cheat and just wash my hair while bending forward. However shampoo trickled down my body of course, so I ended up having a total cold shower. Oof! That wakes you up!
Coffee was waiting for me in the kitchen.
I read Romans 3, 4 and 5 in my Spanish Bible. Why is it, when I am here, as I read my Bible and pray, God seems so close to me? For the past three years I’ve been wondering if He wants me in Honduras. During my prayer time this morning I asked the Lord, if He wanted me in Honduras, to give me at least one opportunity of witness in town. – Not looking for a sign, just won-dering if that might be an indication or encouragement in that direction. I felt that this was coming as a “nudge” from the Lord coming out of my prayer time with Him.
We spent the day at the pool in Jesús de Otoro. The kids enjoyed it. When we got back the house had been fumigated. (One of the reasons why we chose today to go to the pool.) At 6:15 Peter came to get the kids for youth meeting. Mel, Lise and I got in with him as she had invited us to a restaurant for supper. Thee we met some French people Mel knew.
During the evening I started to see lights in my left eye. It continued when we got to the house. At some point later on I didn’t see them any more, - I would see them off and on. Hoping my retina wasn’t torn again. Tomorrow morning we must find our way to the Hermón Baptist church. For 9:00 o’clock.
Before going to bed I had a little cause for concern. The dogs started barking wildly, then I heard two sharp explosions, and silence from the dogs. I thought for sure somebody had shot the dogs. I turned the lights out and looked through the windows and saw nothing. However a little while later the dogs barked again. It seems that the dogs were barking at coyotes and someone had either set off a couple of firecrackers or had shot at the coyotes, and this would have scared the dogs into temporary silence.
Sunday January 31
My left eye continues to bother me. During the day I see “flies”. The retina may well be torn. I have to decide what to do.
We went to the Baptist church this morning, bringing Roberto and Dilcia with us. We went by bus and then walking a few blocks. Hector preached on Luke 13:6-9. Giving one more year for the fruitless fig tree. His illustration: We hope the national team will do well in the South Africa games, and will be disappointed if they don’t. What does God hope for from us, and what will disappoint Him? That we bear fruit or not. Hector preaches a great sermon. Afterward, in Sunday School, he developed Acts 11, with the idea of discrimination. He related that to his concern that he can’t find workers for the “colonia” where people are quite poor. Hector feeds his church well.
I talked with him after. We made an appointment to chat together on Tuesday morning at 9:00. Then we walked to the bank – several banks, but couldn’t get money out with our credit cards or with our debit cards. Roberto had to lend us money so we could eat! (It cost us a total of 250 lempiras to feed the 4 of us – less than $20 Canadian.) We ate some delicious but very greasy chicken. (At night I would have the runs, and a queer stomach the next day.)
We got back to the home by taxi. I’ll have to be very careful to avoid physical exertion, because of my eye. I’d hate to lose my sight! No more taking the kids up in my arms for the time being.
In the meantime Melodie had phoned Doris, who’s father is Dr. Martinez, of the Hospital Evangélico and whose brother Guido has just finished his studies as a doctor. Guido phoned Melodie this afternoon and asked her some questions, then said it sounded like an emergency: he and his father would take me to an ophthalmologist in Tegucigalpa on Wednesday.
I managed to phone the credit card company and they have no record of any attempt to use it today. So it’s a local problem. The card is perfectly good.
Nelly and Fabiola arrived tonight.
“Bady” (mentioned earlier) is an almost 4 year old boy has been in the Home for a few weeks only. He was found in unspeakable condition, in a home run by INFA (child “protection” service). Diaper changed once a day, eating his own feces, a tape worm, his body so skinny you wonder how his neck can hold his seemingly huge head. In my book, those people are among the worst kind of criminals.
Had devotional with the boys. We talked about Psalm 115, the earthquake in Haiti, where is God when these things happen?, time versus eternity (this present suffering versus the glory to come).
Monday, February 1st.
I was up at 6:15. Read Romans 8 – present suffering nothing in light of the glory to come. This morning I must go to the bank, buy sandals, buy shoes for Roberto, pay back his 200 lempiras, pay back 1000 to Tina, pay back 250 to Mel. Buy a good toilet pump? (later decided not to.) I must also think about topics to discuss with Hector.
1) In what way could I be useful – that nobody else in Honduras can do?
2) The “punto the misión” that concerns him – what is it like?
3) Any potential trainees?
4) Why won’t any Hondurans do it?
5) What is the relationship of the “punto the misión” to the mother church?
We went to town and managed to get money from the bank without any difficulty. Bought shoes for Roberto and jeans for both Roberto and Uri, who accompanied us. I wasn’t feeling too good, having had diarrhoea the night before due to Sunday’s greasy chicken. We came back by taxi. The taxi driver asked me what religion I was. When I mentioned the Iglesia Bautista Hermon, he said he had grown up in it, been baptized and married there, but when he was 18 he joined the army and then became a “lost sheep”. I told him God was still waiting for him there, inviting him to go back Sunday morning, saying I expected to be there. Later I remembered my earlier prayer about an opportunity of ministering to someone.
Indira and Lesbia came back from their holidays toward the end of the afternoon. Indira very, and seemingly deliberately, exposed. I was glad when she changed into a sweater.
In the room I had to break up a fight between José Ramon and Lester. Later, Lester sulked for a while, but seemed in a better mood after supper. Did devotions with the 3 oldest boys. Talked about sex, Song of Solomon, - don’t wake up sensual love before it is time. I Corinthians 7:1 – better not to touch …
Tuesday, February 2
Up at 6:15. Read Romans 9-11. Showered – the water was hot this morning. At 9:00 I went to meet Hector at the highway. We drove into town, got coffee and a biscuit, and talked. His church has 9 puntos de misión. The mother church supports a misión pastor, diminishing each year. The need is for someone to come and train pastors on the spot. Nobody wants to work in the church in la Colonia. Many pastors have little or no theo-logical training. A missionary partnership could be either with the church or with the as-sociation of churches. I said I would prefer with the church. He feels the same way I think. Hector will write to our “Fellowship International Ministries” explaining their need. They like to finance their own work as much as possible. I should ask him how much it could cost to live here. I should also start making a list of prices. After the conversation, Hector offered to bring me to the supermarket to buy dog food. We got back to the Home and I showed him the improvements on the building. I mentioned the financial difficulties - the loss of 10 Spanish sponsors. He mentioned a pastor in North Carolina who had recently asked him if there was a children’s home in Honduras they could sup-port! That could be interesting. I took a few pictures of the children. There is still nothing confirmed about the trip to Tegucigalpa tomorrow. Perhaps Melodie will have news for me when she gets in this afternoon. Hector asked me to preach next Sunday. I think I’ll do Romans 12:1-2. Maybe link it with what he preached last Sunday: “What is God hoping for from us?
Guido came in this afternoon to look at my eye. He’s not sure if it’s an emergency or not, but just in case, he thinks I should go to Tegucigalpa. It turns out his father isn’t going but he has to go by bus tomorrow or Thursday. I’ll probably find out in the morning.
He gave me a chocolate for being a good patient!
Then Guido checked over a number of the smaller children who had problems, and then gave each a chocolate. Little Fernando (nearly 4 years old) who had already been checked a little over a week ago, walked up to him claiming he had diarrhoea and that his stomach ached and he had a headache. Guido checked him over and then asked “What really hurts?” Fernando said: “Nothing, really. I just wanted to have a check-up so I could have a piece of chocolate.”
I had devotions with the boys before supper. We looked at I John 1. I talked about keep-ing short accounts with God and with others. After supper we had a “good-bye” time for Josiela and Saida, and I prayed for them. Afterwards, I took some time with the teenage girls. Talked about boys, sex, the vulnerability of both sexes. Afterward, Indira talked to me about how her boyfriend had broken up with her.
Wednesday, February 3
This morning Lise realized she was missing 1500 lempiras. Someone had robbed her. The girls in her room were very upset. Lise refused to search them. They searched each other. Later, Indira and Lesbia had reason to feel they were being accused because they had arrived the same day as the last time Lise had seen her money. They were sobbing, saying they wanted to leave. Melodie agrees with us that the thief was probably someone from outside the room.
Guido called to say I could meet him at the Texaco where we would take the bus to Te-gucigalpa together. Mel lent me one of her cell phones. When I got to the Texaco, Mel called to say Guido couldn’t come. He would pick me up in the afternoon and we would drive to Tegucigalpa. (Santa Lucia is the hospital for the blind there.) So I took a bus back. When I got in, the older girls were all in an intense meeting with Tina. It turned out that feelings had calmed down a bit by the end of that. Josiela and Saida’s father arrived. He was taking them home. When Guido arrived, Josiela, Saida and their Dad were in a meeting with Tina to discuss schooling. I interrupted to hug the girls good-bye and to tell their Dad that he had 2 daughters he could be proud of. (The father is now remarried.) The girls will continue, hopefully, to go to school, as bursaries are being provided for them.
Guido drove me to Tegucigalpa. From 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. On arriving, we went to the Mall, where a messenger from the bank was to come and deliver a credit card to replace one that had been stolen from him. Guido has a girlfriend in Denmark and had planned to visit her in February, but his graduation ceremony was delayed to February, so he can’t go. And in March he starts to work. (Note: I later learned he might be going anyway for a shorter time.)
Guido accompanied me to Santa Lucia hospital for the blind (Santa Lucia is the patron saint of the blind). I was checked out by Dr. Paula Deras. She said it wasn’t anything too serious – a “thread” left over from my previous operation 8 years ago in Spain. Bu I should have it checked regularly. She had another specialist (Dr. Santos) check it and he confirmed her diagnosis. Then Guido drove me around town to see some of the major places, particularly where the major demonstrations took place during the political crisis.
We went to a Chinese restaurant, ordered way too much, got stuffed, and Guido took a doggy bag home to where we were staying (his brother’s former home). – Guido would be staying for a few days. A friend is now occupying the house, but wasn’t there at the time. I slept intermittently that night – as is usual in a strange bed and with an overstuffed belly.
Thursday, February 4th
Was up at 7:00, not having slept well. I read Romans 14-16. Guido drove me to the bus station at 9:30. The bus ticket for the 3-hour ride back to Siguatepeque was only 55 lem-piras ( about $3.25). I gave them a 100 lempira bill, and they would give me the change on arrival. On the bus, a guy got up and preached, and then sold pens. Then a younger guy got up, quoted a few Bible verses out of context, and started pushing some quack natural remedies. He sold a bit. I got off the bus in front of the road leading to the Home around 1:00. They gave me my change. Lise has been finding her time in the Home rather upsetting this time. I’m tired, sore all over, and impatient with the kids. I have a daily multivitamin dose to take that Dr. Paula gave me (mostly vitamin A). As well as artifi-cial tears. I did part of 1st John 2 with the boys. We talked about love and proof of walk-ing in the light. I then talked about forgiveness of wrongs done to us, and shared a testi-mony on that. I put my Sunday sermon on PowerPoint with the House computer and passed it into my USB memory stick.
At 9:30 pm I took 2 Ibuprofen and went to bed.
Friday February 5
I woke up at 6:30, having slept for 8 ½ hours straight. I felt much better! We accompa-nied the kids to the dentist this morning. A dental team from the USA comes to a clinic nearby – a guy from Tennessee named Israel came to pick us up. About 10 of the children had their teeth cleaned, checked and protected. Some had to have fillings.
In the afternoon Lise had wanted us to take 3 little girls into town but a group of Univer-sity students were coming to do an activity with them so Tina vetoed that. I went into town alone and got 2000 lempiras from the bank. I bought a “mouse para computadora” (Some stores had been looking strangely at me when I asked for a “raton para ordenador” – they thought of milking cows, or maybe a problem with mice!). I have to learn how to speak Latin-American. It’s not the same as in Spain. While in the store buying the mouse, a young lady came in and couldn’t express herself in Spanish so I translated for her. As it turned out she was the kindergarten teacher in the bilingual school. Letty is in her class. I found my way to the church on my own. Then found a Christian bookstore with a lot of interesting books. The lady there told me where I could find an internet place, so I was able to check my email. Did about 20 minutes for 5 lempiras (17 lempiras are $1 Can). That surprised me as the lady taking my money had told me it was 1 lempira per minute, but added “with help”. I didn’t need help so maybe that’s why it was so cheap.
I went to find a bus to get back to the home. A little bus was marked “Desvio de la Esperanza” (the Home is on the Carretera de la Esperanza) so I asked them if the bus went to kilometre 6 on the Carretera de la Esperanza. They said yes. I asked how much, and was told 7 lempiras – which should have made me suspicious as it is normally 9 or 10 lemps. The bus ended its ride at 5 km. before the home so I walked most of the rest of the way – I hitched a ride in the back of a pickup for the last km. I got in at 6:15. Denia was doing the devotions with the boys.
After supper we watched a cute film called “Fluke”. The little ones were put to bed first. They were soon asleep. So, the older ones went quietly to bed after the film.
I rechecked my PowerPoint for the Sunday sermon, getting rid of mistakes. To bed at 10:30.
Saturday February 6
I woke up at 7:15 this morning, having slept intermittently (coughing) during the night, reading from 2am to 3am. We all worked to clean the place up as representatives from INFA were coming. (I’m told INFA’s own institutions often leave much to be desired – I don’t know how they have the nerve to inspect others!) They arrived around 10:00 am about the same time as the psychologist who was going to do a “capacitacion” (training session) with the personnel. During the morning hours Lise and I took care of the chil-dren – we were locked into a section of the house with them. It just about drove us crazy. In the afternoon a team from a little Pentecostal church in San Pedro came to entertain the children. The pastor, Oscar, told the story of the talents, and prayed with the kids. He was very good. Then they led the kids outside in “single file” and gave them all school bags and supplies. I had an interesting conversation with Oscar about church relationships, “prosperity gospel”, pastoral manipulation, etc. Then they all came inside to watch a movie on the television. After they left the psychologist said it would be over in ½ an hour. But it took another 2 hours. The session, supposed to end at 4:00, ended at 6:15. At 6:50 Peter came to get the kids for their youth night at Bethel church. Melodie, Lise and I got in with him as far as Texaco, bought pastries, and took a taxi to Doris’s home (Guido’s sister). We had a good supper, and I chatted with her husband, Andrés. Their children are Dany, Diego and Alexandra. Alexandra is cute as a button. We had just fin-ished supper when Peter came by to pick us up. He was earlier than usual. We got “home” around 9:00 and the kids had supper. I took 2 Ibuprofen and a “relaxant” (natural pills). I have developed a cold. I set my alarm for 6:30 tomorrow morning. I hope I don’t lose my voice as I am preaching tomorrow morning at Monte Hermon Baptist Church, on Romans 12:1-2.
Sunday, February 7
I coughed all night, sleeping very badly. This morning I have a sore throat, and my voice is hoarse. We left at 7:55 with Roberto and José Ramon. We didn’t manage to get a bus until 8:35. So we got off at the Texaco and took a taxi to church. 80 lempiras was abusive, but I was in too much of a hurry to argue. I preached on Romans 12:1-2, using Power-Point. I got Hector’s phone number. We left to get some more money at the bank, do some more shopping. Lise decided to buy 30 large oranges, some bananas, etc. for the kids. We carried those things all over town as Roberto got a haircut, and bought some things. We bumped into our old friend Bayron, who was glad to see us, said he was com-ing over to the Home in the afternoon, but didn’t (he later told me on the phone that he’d been unexpectedly called out of town). I learned that he had had Orlin in his home for 3 days at Christmas. He’s a good guy.
We went to eat at Pollolandia – a dry uninteresting version of Kentucky Fried Chicken. By this time I was feeling awful. When we got “home” by taxi, I went to bed for a while. I took cough syrup, which I had bought in town, gargled with salt and lemon, and Melo-die gave me amoxyllin – an antibiotic – which I would take till the day before I left. I didn’t think it was too smart to take an antibiotic without a prescription as I didn’t even know if I had a bacterial infection, but the future would justify it. All the kids gave me lots of sympathy.
During the afternoon a group from the local Catholic university came to entertain the kids. A piñata with lots of candies, cake, rice, and a supply of much needed eggs for the house and lots of fun for the kids. The kids have had people come and entertain them for 3 days running. We now only have 2 full days left here. Tomorrow in town, with a few of the little girls – if I am up to it. Tuesday morning in town with Melodie. My eyes are dry my lips are dry, feeling a little cold, perhaps a fever. I hope it will improve overnight.
Monday, February 8
I woke up feeling a bit better this morning but stayed in bed till after 7 anyway. Lise brought me part of an orange for breakfast. I didn’t eat anything else but had a cup of cof-fee. We went into town with Marisol and Indira. We bought souvenirs at Bayron’s brother’s place. He gave us each a gift. We then went to U.S. school to get Cindy and Yolani for 12:30 – the taxi driver took advantage of us, charging 80 lempiras for a very short distance (we didn’t know the distance beforehand). The U.S. school is a Honduran public school, by the way. We learned that they had all left at 11:45 and the school was already on the second shift! We were very disappointed, thinking they would be hurt. As it would turn out, Yolani had chicken pox, and Cindy had forgotten all about the outing. We went to Wendy’s, had difficulty finding our way, ended up taking a taxi for 50 lempi-ras. I’m catching on: I must be the one to propose the price for the taxi. That way they know how ignorant I am – or not. If they start really high, and I let them know I’m not that stupid, then they lose face and fight harder in their bargaining, out of frustration and embarrassment. At Wendy’s, the girls ordered more than they could eat, but put it in a doggy bag and took it to the Home – Indira for her sister.
At supper, Lise distributed big red apples to the kids. They were delighted. I had some trouble during supper with José Ramon – separated him from two older boys (Juan Carlos and Lester) and had him sit at the other end of the long table. He really put up a fuss, and refused to sit where I put him. I had to get very firm and some older girls got involved (they were very upset that he would disobey me). He ended up calming down, ate his supper cheerily enough toward the end, and then came over to me and apologized. That night he was especially obedient to me. Had devotions with the boys – we discussed the question of not loving the world according to 1st John 2: desires of the flesh (the “me”), desires of the eyes, and the pride of life. The older ones seemed to understand well enough. I almost couldn’t finish, due to a coughing fit.
A few kids have started school (winter holidays for them in stead of summer holidays). They get up at 6:00. When everyone starts, they will be getting up at 5:00, to give time to get everyone ready.
I talked with Tina tonight. We’ll leave at 8:00 Wednesday morning. The plane leaves at 12:45.
Tuesday. February 9.
This was our last day. There are now 5 children with chicken pox. We spent the morning with Melodie. We met 2 of her friends at the Expreso Americano. Eric and Liliane. We then met another of her friends on the street. – a sister of Omar…
We went to eat at a restaurant where they serve grilled meat. A mix of pork, beef and chorizo. No other customers. Mel thinks it might be a money laundering business. The meal was delicious.
We took three gallons of ice cream back to the Home. Learned that José Ramon didn’t have chicken pox after all, so we walked to the pulperia with him and bought him some treats.
At supper I sat with Lala (Eulalia). She talked about her sisters Karla Patricia and Norma. It sounds as though both have mental illnesses. Karla can be violent. She shows signs of paranoid schizophrenia.
After supper, instead of a devotional, we had a “good-bye time”. The kids put on a funny little show, signed a big card for us, and expressed their appreciation. Then we had a time of prayer together. Lots of pictures were taken.
Wednesday February 10
Got up a little after 6:00. We leave today! Tina wasn’t ready to leave until a little after 9:00. By then I was having cat-fits (hiding it well, I hope). We got to the airport with no time to spare. Hugged Mel and Tina goodbye, and got on the TACA plane for San Sal-vador. For the ¾ hour ride, they served us a nice little breakfast – a very thick chicken empanada, and a coffee (or juice if wanted), No food had been promised so that was extra.
An hour in San Salvador, then we took the LACSA plane for Toronto. In Toronto we had 3 hours, during which we collected our baggage (all was there), passed through security and rechecked it, and got on the Air Canada flight for Montreal.
At the Montreal airport (arrival at 12:55) we had to wait a very long time for the baggage. Much longer than any of the other airports. Finally we got it all – while waiting I called Sam – he was already in the car at the airport. He either sat there or drove around. We got out, got in the car and drove Sam to Josée’s place, then drove to Mary Porter and Jenn Phillips’ home – in bed at 3:00 am.
Thursday February 11
We were up at around 8:30, breakfast, and drove to Quebec, stopping for lunch along the way. We didn’t see Claudia this time. She was working and got in late, and we left before she was up the next morning.
Friday February 12
We got up at around 8, and drove back to Chibougamau. I was exhausted when we ar-rived.
That weekend I simply translated the sermon and PowerPoint I had done in Honduras, into French, and preached it on Sunday. Too exhausted to do anything else.
Monday I lazed around.
Tuesday I went to the hospital at 10:00 am, to the emergency clinic, and at 7:30 pm was told I had pneumonia. The doc gave me a prescription for antibiotics, and I talked her into giving me another one for cough medicine with codeine, as I had hardly slept at nights for the past 10 days. The pneumonia explained a lot of things.
Tuesday, Jan 26
We left Chibougamau at 8:30 am. Bought tools for Gabriel (maintenance man at Hondu-ras Home) at Canadian Tire in Roberval. We arrived at St Émile at 4:30 pm, and spent the night at Dan and Claudia’s home. Claudia had Tuesday off, so it was great to spend time together.
Wednesday, January 27
We drove to Montreal. Bought contact lenses for Melodie. Went to the bank so Lise could fix her PIN number for her credit card. We arrived at Mary Porter and Jenn Phil-lips’ home at 4:45 pm. Supper, great conversation, and bed at 9:00. Set the alarm for 2:00 am.
Thursday, January 28
I was up at 1:45 am. Had not slept very much. We loaded the car and went to get Sam, then drove to the airport . We left the car with Sam for the next 2 weeks. We checked our four suitcases without any problem, and then boarded Air Canada for Toronto. They gave us coffee and 14 grams of “Confused Corn Chips”. The landing in Toronto was a bit rough, giving a jolt.
In Toronto we had to take an electric train from Terminal 1 to Terminal 3, go through se-curity, and board a LACSA plane to San Salvador.
It was a nice comfortable plane, and we were given an excellent hot meal. Because we would land at 2:00 pm in San Salvador and had to board the next plane (TACA) for San Pedro at 2:30, they allowed Lise and I to move forward to the 1st class section in the last half hour of the trip. At 2:30 we got on the small TACA plane (LACSA and TACA are now merged). We arrived at 3:35 in San Pedro. Only one of our four suitcases was miss-ing. A miracle! We lost a lot of time over the missing suitcase, then more getting money out of the bank in the airport. Mel and Tina weren’t there – Mel had understood we were arriving at 7:30. I called her with someone’s cell phone (I paid him 20 lempiras to “rent” his phone). When they arrived, they took us to Osman and Gloria’s for supper and over-night. Osman was out. We slept in a king-sized bed – 10:00 pm to 6:30 am. Slept like a log!
Friday, January 29
In the morning, Gloria talked with me, sharing concerns about the home.
We drove to the airport and picked up the missing suitcase. Then we drove to the home in Siguatepeque ( a 2 ½ hour trip). On the way, at one point, a mini-van drove alongside and as I looked over at it I saw a man in it glaring at me and pointing a wicked looking rifle. First time I ever looked down the barrel of a rifle – at least this way! Apparently they were bodyguards. We arrived at the home a bit before noon. Had a hefty soup for lunch. I gave the tools to Gabriel – he seemed happy about them. I put my belongings where my bed is in one of the rooms – with the older boys. There is now a beautiful new tiled floor in that section of the house. I gave 300 Roberto lempiras for the work he did last spring. Brayan is gone. So is Nahum. Josiela and Saida are leaving next week. There is a new “tía”, her name is Miriam. (On Sunday another one would show up – her name is Lourdes.) There is also a new little boy. I understand he is called “Barry” but later will learn it is “Bady” – a diminutive for “David Esteban”.
(Note: Bady died in November, 2010).
Lise gave Lynda Shultz’s devotional book to Tina and the other workers. Tina seemed very grateful. I was glad to see Tina at meal with the children, praying with the toddlers. I had a talk with Tina. She feels the pain of betrayal on the part of some of the kids. I told her this happens in regular families too. Kids constantly “betray” (or disappoint) their parents.
I did the devotional with the boys, on Psalm 77. We talked about crying out to God, ex-pressing our doubts, hurts, anger, etc.
Melodie had an interesting “adventure” today. The man who is hired to drive the kids to and from school – Mel asked him if he could drive us all to the swimming pool in “Jesús de Otoro” tomorrow. He said the police had just stopped him and taken all his docu-ments. He was in the process of obtaining permission to be a legal “transporter” of cchil-dren. Mel went with him to the police station in the hopes of seeing a friendly policeman who could help. Unfortunately there was nobody she knew there, with the exception of one man who she finds a bit hostile. So she tried to sweet-talk the police into giving back the documents. They said he was “transporting children illegally” (which was quite de-batable). She explained he was needed to drive the underprivileged children in the VyL home and surely they wouldn’t want to hinder that. It was obvious they were waiting for a bribe. But Mel had recently begun teaching French at the university and one of her stu-dents was the police commissioner for the department (state or province). So she said perhaps he could help them. In front of the police she called him on her cell phone, nam-ing him by name in front of them. It turned out he had turned off his cell phone so couldn’t answer. But they got the message: she had his personal number, which even they probably didn’t have! They immediately said they would return the documents as a per-sonal favour, but that the man had better be sure to have his situation regularized as soon as possible. Melodie said – certainly, thank you very much for your kindness and gener-osity and understanding etc. Now the driver – and his company – has her on a pedestal too!
Saturday, January 30
I was up at 6:30. I went to have a shower – there was no hot water. So I decided to cheat and just wash my hair while bending forward. However shampoo trickled down my body of course, so I ended up having a total cold shower. Oof! That wakes you up!
Coffee was waiting for me in the kitchen.
I read Romans 3, 4 and 5 in my Spanish Bible. Why is it, when I am here, as I read my Bible and pray, God seems so close to me? For the past three years I’ve been wondering if He wants me in Honduras. During my prayer time this morning I asked the Lord, if He wanted me in Honduras, to give me at least one opportunity of witness in town. – Not looking for a sign, just won-dering if that might be an indication or encouragement in that direction. I felt that this was coming as a “nudge” from the Lord coming out of my prayer time with Him.
We spent the day at the pool in Jesús de Otoro. The kids enjoyed it. When we got back the house had been fumigated. (One of the reasons why we chose today to go to the pool.) At 6:15 Peter came to get the kids for youth meeting. Mel, Lise and I got in with him as she had invited us to a restaurant for supper. Thee we met some French people Mel knew.
During the evening I started to see lights in my left eye. It continued when we got to the house. At some point later on I didn’t see them any more, - I would see them off and on. Hoping my retina wasn’t torn again. Tomorrow morning we must find our way to the Hermón Baptist church. For 9:00 o’clock.
Before going to bed I had a little cause for concern. The dogs started barking wildly, then I heard two sharp explosions, and silence from the dogs. I thought for sure somebody had shot the dogs. I turned the lights out and looked through the windows and saw nothing. However a little while later the dogs barked again. It seems that the dogs were barking at coyotes and someone had either set off a couple of firecrackers or had shot at the coyotes, and this would have scared the dogs into temporary silence.
Sunday January 31
My left eye continues to bother me. During the day I see “flies”. The retina may well be torn. I have to decide what to do.
We went to the Baptist church this morning, bringing Roberto and Dilcia with us. We went by bus and then walking a few blocks. Hector preached on Luke 13:6-9. Giving one more year for the fruitless fig tree. His illustration: We hope the national team will do well in the South Africa games, and will be disappointed if they don’t. What does God hope for from us, and what will disappoint Him? That we bear fruit or not. Hector preaches a great sermon. Afterward, in Sunday School, he developed Acts 11, with the idea of discrimination. He related that to his concern that he can’t find workers for the “colonia” where people are quite poor. Hector feeds his church well.
I talked with him after. We made an appointment to chat together on Tuesday morning at 9:00. Then we walked to the bank – several banks, but couldn’t get money out with our credit cards or with our debit cards. Roberto had to lend us money so we could eat! (It cost us a total of 250 lempiras to feed the 4 of us – less than $20 Canadian.) We ate some delicious but very greasy chicken. (At night I would have the runs, and a queer stomach the next day.)
We got back to the home by taxi. I’ll have to be very careful to avoid physical exertion, because of my eye. I’d hate to lose my sight! No more taking the kids up in my arms for the time being.
In the meantime Melodie had phoned Doris, who’s father is Dr. Martinez, of the Hospital Evangélico and whose brother Guido has just finished his studies as a doctor. Guido phoned Melodie this afternoon and asked her some questions, then said it sounded like an emergency: he and his father would take me to an ophthalmologist in Tegucigalpa on Wednesday.
I managed to phone the credit card company and they have no record of any attempt to use it today. So it’s a local problem. The card is perfectly good.
Nelly and Fabiola arrived tonight.
“Bady” (mentioned earlier) is an almost 4 year old boy has been in the Home for a few weeks only. He was found in unspeakable condition, in a home run by INFA (child “protection” service). Diaper changed once a day, eating his own feces, a tape worm, his body so skinny you wonder how his neck can hold his seemingly huge head. In my book, those people are among the worst kind of criminals.
Had devotional with the boys. We talked about Psalm 115, the earthquake in Haiti, where is God when these things happen?, time versus eternity (this present suffering versus the glory to come).
Monday, February 1st.
I was up at 6:15. Read Romans 8 – present suffering nothing in light of the glory to come. This morning I must go to the bank, buy sandals, buy shoes for Roberto, pay back his 200 lempiras, pay back 1000 to Tina, pay back 250 to Mel. Buy a good toilet pump? (later decided not to.) I must also think about topics to discuss with Hector.
1) In what way could I be useful – that nobody else in Honduras can do?
2) The “punto the misión” that concerns him – what is it like?
3) Any potential trainees?
4) Why won’t any Hondurans do it?
5) What is the relationship of the “punto the misión” to the mother church?
We went to town and managed to get money from the bank without any difficulty. Bought shoes for Roberto and jeans for both Roberto and Uri, who accompanied us. I wasn’t feeling too good, having had diarrhoea the night before due to Sunday’s greasy chicken. We came back by taxi. The taxi driver asked me what religion I was. When I mentioned the Iglesia Bautista Hermon, he said he had grown up in it, been baptized and married there, but when he was 18 he joined the army and then became a “lost sheep”. I told him God was still waiting for him there, inviting him to go back Sunday morning, saying I expected to be there. Later I remembered my earlier prayer about an opportunity of ministering to someone.
Indira and Lesbia came back from their holidays toward the end of the afternoon. Indira very, and seemingly deliberately, exposed. I was glad when she changed into a sweater.
In the room I had to break up a fight between José Ramon and Lester. Later, Lester sulked for a while, but seemed in a better mood after supper. Did devotions with the 3 oldest boys. Talked about sex, Song of Solomon, - don’t wake up sensual love before it is time. I Corinthians 7:1 – better not to touch …
Tuesday, February 2
Up at 6:15. Read Romans 9-11. Showered – the water was hot this morning. At 9:00 I went to meet Hector at the highway. We drove into town, got coffee and a biscuit, and talked. His church has 9 puntos de misión. The mother church supports a misión pastor, diminishing each year. The need is for someone to come and train pastors on the spot. Nobody wants to work in the church in la Colonia. Many pastors have little or no theo-logical training. A missionary partnership could be either with the church or with the as-sociation of churches. I said I would prefer with the church. He feels the same way I think. Hector will write to our “Fellowship International Ministries” explaining their need. They like to finance their own work as much as possible. I should ask him how much it could cost to live here. I should also start making a list of prices. After the conversation, Hector offered to bring me to the supermarket to buy dog food. We got back to the Home and I showed him the improvements on the building. I mentioned the financial difficulties - the loss of 10 Spanish sponsors. He mentioned a pastor in North Carolina who had recently asked him if there was a children’s home in Honduras they could sup-port! That could be interesting. I took a few pictures of the children. There is still nothing confirmed about the trip to Tegucigalpa tomorrow. Perhaps Melodie will have news for me when she gets in this afternoon. Hector asked me to preach next Sunday. I think I’ll do Romans 12:1-2. Maybe link it with what he preached last Sunday: “What is God hoping for from us?
Guido came in this afternoon to look at my eye. He’s not sure if it’s an emergency or not, but just in case, he thinks I should go to Tegucigalpa. It turns out his father isn’t going but he has to go by bus tomorrow or Thursday. I’ll probably find out in the morning.
He gave me a chocolate for being a good patient!
Then Guido checked over a number of the smaller children who had problems, and then gave each a chocolate. Little Fernando (nearly 4 years old) who had already been checked a little over a week ago, walked up to him claiming he had diarrhoea and that his stomach ached and he had a headache. Guido checked him over and then asked “What really hurts?” Fernando said: “Nothing, really. I just wanted to have a check-up so I could have a piece of chocolate.”
I had devotions with the boys before supper. We looked at I John 1. I talked about keep-ing short accounts with God and with others. After supper we had a “good-bye” time for Josiela and Saida, and I prayed for them. Afterwards, I took some time with the teenage girls. Talked about boys, sex, the vulnerability of both sexes. Afterward, Indira talked to me about how her boyfriend had broken up with her.
Wednesday, February 3
This morning Lise realized she was missing 1500 lempiras. Someone had robbed her. The girls in her room were very upset. Lise refused to search them. They searched each other. Later, Indira and Lesbia had reason to feel they were being accused because they had arrived the same day as the last time Lise had seen her money. They were sobbing, saying they wanted to leave. Melodie agrees with us that the thief was probably someone from outside the room.
Guido called to say I could meet him at the Texaco where we would take the bus to Te-gucigalpa together. Mel lent me one of her cell phones. When I got to the Texaco, Mel called to say Guido couldn’t come. He would pick me up in the afternoon and we would drive to Tegucigalpa. (Santa Lucia is the hospital for the blind there.) So I took a bus back. When I got in, the older girls were all in an intense meeting with Tina. It turned out that feelings had calmed down a bit by the end of that. Josiela and Saida’s father arrived. He was taking them home. When Guido arrived, Josiela, Saida and their Dad were in a meeting with Tina to discuss schooling. I interrupted to hug the girls good-bye and to tell their Dad that he had 2 daughters he could be proud of. (The father is now remarried.) The girls will continue, hopefully, to go to school, as bursaries are being provided for them.
Guido drove me to Tegucigalpa. From 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. On arriving, we went to the Mall, where a messenger from the bank was to come and deliver a credit card to replace one that had been stolen from him. Guido has a girlfriend in Denmark and had planned to visit her in February, but his graduation ceremony was delayed to February, so he can’t go. And in March he starts to work. (Note: I later learned he might be going anyway for a shorter time.)
Guido accompanied me to Santa Lucia hospital for the blind (Santa Lucia is the patron saint of the blind). I was checked out by Dr. Paula Deras. She said it wasn’t anything too serious – a “thread” left over from my previous operation 8 years ago in Spain. Bu I should have it checked regularly. She had another specialist (Dr. Santos) check it and he confirmed her diagnosis. Then Guido drove me around town to see some of the major places, particularly where the major demonstrations took place during the political crisis.
We went to a Chinese restaurant, ordered way too much, got stuffed, and Guido took a doggy bag home to where we were staying (his brother’s former home). – Guido would be staying for a few days. A friend is now occupying the house, but wasn’t there at the time. I slept intermittently that night – as is usual in a strange bed and with an overstuffed belly.
Thursday, February 4th
Was up at 7:00, not having slept well. I read Romans 14-16. Guido drove me to the bus station at 9:30. The bus ticket for the 3-hour ride back to Siguatepeque was only 55 lem-piras ( about $3.25). I gave them a 100 lempira bill, and they would give me the change on arrival. On the bus, a guy got up and preached, and then sold pens. Then a younger guy got up, quoted a few Bible verses out of context, and started pushing some quack natural remedies. He sold a bit. I got off the bus in front of the road leading to the Home around 1:00. They gave me my change. Lise has been finding her time in the Home rather upsetting this time. I’m tired, sore all over, and impatient with the kids. I have a daily multivitamin dose to take that Dr. Paula gave me (mostly vitamin A). As well as artifi-cial tears. I did part of 1st John 2 with the boys. We talked about love and proof of walk-ing in the light. I then talked about forgiveness of wrongs done to us, and shared a testi-mony on that. I put my Sunday sermon on PowerPoint with the House computer and passed it into my USB memory stick.
At 9:30 pm I took 2 Ibuprofen and went to bed.
Friday February 5
I woke up at 6:30, having slept for 8 ½ hours straight. I felt much better! We accompa-nied the kids to the dentist this morning. A dental team from the USA comes to a clinic nearby – a guy from Tennessee named Israel came to pick us up. About 10 of the children had their teeth cleaned, checked and protected. Some had to have fillings.
In the afternoon Lise had wanted us to take 3 little girls into town but a group of Univer-sity students were coming to do an activity with them so Tina vetoed that. I went into town alone and got 2000 lempiras from the bank. I bought a “mouse para computadora” (Some stores had been looking strangely at me when I asked for a “raton para ordenador” – they thought of milking cows, or maybe a problem with mice!). I have to learn how to speak Latin-American. It’s not the same as in Spain. While in the store buying the mouse, a young lady came in and couldn’t express herself in Spanish so I translated for her. As it turned out she was the kindergarten teacher in the bilingual school. Letty is in her class. I found my way to the church on my own. Then found a Christian bookstore with a lot of interesting books. The lady there told me where I could find an internet place, so I was able to check my email. Did about 20 minutes for 5 lempiras (17 lempiras are $1 Can). That surprised me as the lady taking my money had told me it was 1 lempira per minute, but added “with help”. I didn’t need help so maybe that’s why it was so cheap.
I went to find a bus to get back to the home. A little bus was marked “Desvio de la Esperanza” (the Home is on the Carretera de la Esperanza) so I asked them if the bus went to kilometre 6 on the Carretera de la Esperanza. They said yes. I asked how much, and was told 7 lempiras – which should have made me suspicious as it is normally 9 or 10 lemps. The bus ended its ride at 5 km. before the home so I walked most of the rest of the way – I hitched a ride in the back of a pickup for the last km. I got in at 6:15. Denia was doing the devotions with the boys.
After supper we watched a cute film called “Fluke”. The little ones were put to bed first. They were soon asleep. So, the older ones went quietly to bed after the film.
I rechecked my PowerPoint for the Sunday sermon, getting rid of mistakes. To bed at 10:30.
Saturday February 6
I woke up at 7:15 this morning, having slept intermittently (coughing) during the night, reading from 2am to 3am. We all worked to clean the place up as representatives from INFA were coming. (I’m told INFA’s own institutions often leave much to be desired – I don’t know how they have the nerve to inspect others!) They arrived around 10:00 am about the same time as the psychologist who was going to do a “capacitacion” (training session) with the personnel. During the morning hours Lise and I took care of the chil-dren – we were locked into a section of the house with them. It just about drove us crazy. In the afternoon a team from a little Pentecostal church in San Pedro came to entertain the children. The pastor, Oscar, told the story of the talents, and prayed with the kids. He was very good. Then they led the kids outside in “single file” and gave them all school bags and supplies. I had an interesting conversation with Oscar about church relationships, “prosperity gospel”, pastoral manipulation, etc. Then they all came inside to watch a movie on the television. After they left the psychologist said it would be over in ½ an hour. But it took another 2 hours. The session, supposed to end at 4:00, ended at 6:15. At 6:50 Peter came to get the kids for their youth night at Bethel church. Melodie, Lise and I got in with him as far as Texaco, bought pastries, and took a taxi to Doris’s home (Guido’s sister). We had a good supper, and I chatted with her husband, Andrés. Their children are Dany, Diego and Alexandra. Alexandra is cute as a button. We had just fin-ished supper when Peter came by to pick us up. He was earlier than usual. We got “home” around 9:00 and the kids had supper. I took 2 Ibuprofen and a “relaxant” (natural pills). I have developed a cold. I set my alarm for 6:30 tomorrow morning. I hope I don’t lose my voice as I am preaching tomorrow morning at Monte Hermon Baptist Church, on Romans 12:1-2.
Sunday, February 7
I coughed all night, sleeping very badly. This morning I have a sore throat, and my voice is hoarse. We left at 7:55 with Roberto and José Ramon. We didn’t manage to get a bus until 8:35. So we got off at the Texaco and took a taxi to church. 80 lempiras was abusive, but I was in too much of a hurry to argue. I preached on Romans 12:1-2, using Power-Point. I got Hector’s phone number. We left to get some more money at the bank, do some more shopping. Lise decided to buy 30 large oranges, some bananas, etc. for the kids. We carried those things all over town as Roberto got a haircut, and bought some things. We bumped into our old friend Bayron, who was glad to see us, said he was com-ing over to the Home in the afternoon, but didn’t (he later told me on the phone that he’d been unexpectedly called out of town). I learned that he had had Orlin in his home for 3 days at Christmas. He’s a good guy.
We went to eat at Pollolandia – a dry uninteresting version of Kentucky Fried Chicken. By this time I was feeling awful. When we got “home” by taxi, I went to bed for a while. I took cough syrup, which I had bought in town, gargled with salt and lemon, and Melo-die gave me amoxyllin – an antibiotic – which I would take till the day before I left. I didn’t think it was too smart to take an antibiotic without a prescription as I didn’t even know if I had a bacterial infection, but the future would justify it. All the kids gave me lots of sympathy.
During the afternoon a group from the local Catholic university came to entertain the kids. A piñata with lots of candies, cake, rice, and a supply of much needed eggs for the house and lots of fun for the kids. The kids have had people come and entertain them for 3 days running. We now only have 2 full days left here. Tomorrow in town, with a few of the little girls – if I am up to it. Tuesday morning in town with Melodie. My eyes are dry my lips are dry, feeling a little cold, perhaps a fever. I hope it will improve overnight.
Monday, February 8
I woke up feeling a bit better this morning but stayed in bed till after 7 anyway. Lise brought me part of an orange for breakfast. I didn’t eat anything else but had a cup of cof-fee. We went into town with Marisol and Indira. We bought souvenirs at Bayron’s brother’s place. He gave us each a gift. We then went to U.S. school to get Cindy and Yolani for 12:30 – the taxi driver took advantage of us, charging 80 lempiras for a very short distance (we didn’t know the distance beforehand). The U.S. school is a Honduran public school, by the way. We learned that they had all left at 11:45 and the school was already on the second shift! We were very disappointed, thinking they would be hurt. As it would turn out, Yolani had chicken pox, and Cindy had forgotten all about the outing. We went to Wendy’s, had difficulty finding our way, ended up taking a taxi for 50 lempi-ras. I’m catching on: I must be the one to propose the price for the taxi. That way they know how ignorant I am – or not. If they start really high, and I let them know I’m not that stupid, then they lose face and fight harder in their bargaining, out of frustration and embarrassment. At Wendy’s, the girls ordered more than they could eat, but put it in a doggy bag and took it to the Home – Indira for her sister.
At supper, Lise distributed big red apples to the kids. They were delighted. I had some trouble during supper with José Ramon – separated him from two older boys (Juan Carlos and Lester) and had him sit at the other end of the long table. He really put up a fuss, and refused to sit where I put him. I had to get very firm and some older girls got involved (they were very upset that he would disobey me). He ended up calming down, ate his supper cheerily enough toward the end, and then came over to me and apologized. That night he was especially obedient to me. Had devotions with the boys – we discussed the question of not loving the world according to 1st John 2: desires of the flesh (the “me”), desires of the eyes, and the pride of life. The older ones seemed to understand well enough. I almost couldn’t finish, due to a coughing fit.
A few kids have started school (winter holidays for them in stead of summer holidays). They get up at 6:00. When everyone starts, they will be getting up at 5:00, to give time to get everyone ready.
I talked with Tina tonight. We’ll leave at 8:00 Wednesday morning. The plane leaves at 12:45.
Tuesday. February 9.
This was our last day. There are now 5 children with chicken pox. We spent the morning with Melodie. We met 2 of her friends at the Expreso Americano. Eric and Liliane. We then met another of her friends on the street. – a sister of Omar…
We went to eat at a restaurant where they serve grilled meat. A mix of pork, beef and chorizo. No other customers. Mel thinks it might be a money laundering business. The meal was delicious.
We took three gallons of ice cream back to the Home. Learned that José Ramon didn’t have chicken pox after all, so we walked to the pulperia with him and bought him some treats.
At supper I sat with Lala (Eulalia). She talked about her sisters Karla Patricia and Norma. It sounds as though both have mental illnesses. Karla can be violent. She shows signs of paranoid schizophrenia.
After supper, instead of a devotional, we had a “good-bye time”. The kids put on a funny little show, signed a big card for us, and expressed their appreciation. Then we had a time of prayer together. Lots of pictures were taken.
Wednesday February 10
Got up a little after 6:00. We leave today! Tina wasn’t ready to leave until a little after 9:00. By then I was having cat-fits (hiding it well, I hope). We got to the airport with no time to spare. Hugged Mel and Tina goodbye, and got on the TACA plane for San Sal-vador. For the ¾ hour ride, they served us a nice little breakfast – a very thick chicken empanada, and a coffee (or juice if wanted), No food had been promised so that was extra.
An hour in San Salvador, then we took the LACSA plane for Toronto. In Toronto we had 3 hours, during which we collected our baggage (all was there), passed through security and rechecked it, and got on the Air Canada flight for Montreal.
At the Montreal airport (arrival at 12:55) we had to wait a very long time for the baggage. Much longer than any of the other airports. Finally we got it all – while waiting I called Sam – he was already in the car at the airport. He either sat there or drove around. We got out, got in the car and drove Sam to Josée’s place, then drove to Mary Porter and Jenn Phillips’ home – in bed at 3:00 am.
Thursday February 11
We were up at around 8:30, breakfast, and drove to Quebec, stopping for lunch along the way. We didn’t see Claudia this time. She was working and got in late, and we left before she was up the next morning.
Friday February 12
We got up at around 8, and drove back to Chibougamau. I was exhausted when we ar-rived.
That weekend I simply translated the sermon and PowerPoint I had done in Honduras, into French, and preached it on Sunday. Too exhausted to do anything else.
Monday I lazed around.
Tuesday I went to the hospital at 10:00 am, to the emergency clinic, and at 7:30 pm was told I had pneumonia. The doc gave me a prescription for antibiotics, and I talked her into giving me another one for cough medicine with codeine, as I had hardly slept at nights for the past 10 days. The pneumonia explained a lot of things.
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