We are almost to the end of September. It has gone so fast. I suppose, from what I hear, that I have reached a milestone since I just turned 65. Hum, I don't feel any different then I did yesterday or the day before.
My youngest came last week, and it was so good to have him here. The Apostle Paul talked about being refreshed by the coming of people he knew and loved. Well, I understand exactly how he felt. We have needs sometimes that we aren't even aware of having. Evidently, I needed to see my son or at least one of my children. Didn't realize that till he was here. God knows and supplies all, doesn't he? So I am refreshed and ready for the next episode in my life.
Our most exciting event while he was here was our trip to Amapala. It's on the island called Isla de Tigre, Island of the Tiger. It's in the southern part of Honduras off the Pacific coast. Beautiful. The beach has black sand due to an extinct volcano. It's not dirty, it's just black. The water has an emerald green cast to it from the reflection of the mountains covered with green foliage. Anyway that's what I think. So since green is one of my favorite colors, I thought it was beautiful. The water was warm and comfortable. The weather was very hot there and Doug and I sweated liked horses, which means we were wet most of the time.
Our guide to Amapala was Johnny, the school bus driver, and Rafael, a young man who teaches at the school ran by Johnny's daughter. Rafael speaks both Spanish and English-a life saver to be sure. So the biggest adventure was to climb the 5,500 foot volcano. Oh my. Everyone thought it would be best that we two older people take a moto-taxi or car around the island. Well, when our tour guide came, that the hotel had called for us, I thought if he can make it, so can I. He was no spring chicken. So, up the mountain we went. I made it a little past half. A little wisdom needed to be heeded. So I told everybody to go on and I would wait for them. Well, Doug decided I shouldn't be by myself. So he suggested that the guide stay with me. Thanks Doug, but it really wasn't necessary. However, this gave Roberto(Bob), a chance to practice his English. He's very good and teaches, voluntarily, some 6th grade students. He wrote three words on his hand that he didn't know the meaning to, so I helped him with those. And yes I asked him how old he was, and he is 67. So we waited, and we waited. Finally the three survivors returned. And they all said that the guide could not have made it. Well, on the way down, Bob kept giving me a stick to use in walking down the mountain. I kept leaving them behind, because they took more energy to use than just walking. Maybe I didn't know how to use them correctly. Anyway, we had to be careful not to slip on the loose rock and go rolling down the hill. But I walk in loose rock to get to my classroom, and I don't use a stick. You just have to watch where you're putting your feet, and maybe walk sideways, and praying all the while, of course. Walking on vegetation also helps. Anyway, we made it down without any mishaps. Oh my, three hours up and one back. What a trip. So when we returned to the hotel, we asked when we would be charged for another day. At 4:00. And it was 3:50. We had 10 minutes to get our stuff and get to the taxi, a boat that would take us to the mainland. We made it.
Needless to say, we didn't do much the next day. Doug was in some kind of pain. The last half of the mountain climb was at a 75 degree angle. He said he thought he was going to die by time he got to the top, so I'm glad I stopped when I did, and that he didn't die! It was tough enough just to get half way there. Rafael is a mathematician, and he gave us the stats on the angle degree. It makes me tired to think about it.
However, we did walk to town and it helped him to walk it out. We went shopping and bought some things, and then we went and ate some pupusas. They are made with maseca(corn flour)dough with quesillo(cheese)and/or meat or both inside, and then they are fried on a grill. Very good.
On Saturday, we went to Tegucigalpa, the murder capitol of the world, as Doug calls it. We went downtown and then up to the United Nations Park where there is a small zoo, a huge statue of Christ overlooking the city, and a smaller statue of Confucius. On our way down, Doug was missing McDonalds of all things, so we went through the drive through and headed back to Valle. And the next day, it was time for him to head back to the states. We had a great time while he was here, and God blessed him with two new friends. How good our God is.
We've only had two days of school this week due to Mel Zalaya coming back into the country. Curfews have ran all day and night in some instances. Airports were shut down completely for passenger planes for a couple of days. Doug came and left at the right times. God puts things in place long before we even know what is happening.
I'm not much of a swimmer. I know how, but it isn't something that I enjoy. I'm sure it has to do with the fact that none of my family swam when I was growing up. I don't think my brother can swim either. I learned as an adult and wasn't too thrilled with the whole issue. However, I made sure all my kids learned to swim. So Doug said I had to snorkel with him. Whew! I ducked twice and said ok I'm done. But God knew and he provided Rafael who had not been swimming for many years. They had a fantastic time. So some day, I'll do it again.
Not much has been happening at school. Last week was a vacation and this week we have had curfews. However, the kids are still learning English and I'm still learning Spanish. So all is well.
Thank you for your support and prayers. Pray for the people of Honduras and that all with the government will be as God wills. God Bless you all.
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