We Seek After
These Things
Recently returned from serving the people of Honduras for 3 years

Thursday, February 28, 2013

114 Days to Honduras

Wow . . . I'm having a little difficulty comprehending that in just 

114

days . . . we are moving to the middle of an amazingly different world.

The small country of Honduras.

Officially the Republic of Honduras.

Specifically . . .

the city of San Pedro Sula.




Honduras is bordered to the West by Guatemala, to the Southwest by El Salvador, to the Southeast by Nicaragua, to the South by the Pacific Ocean, and to the north by the Gulf of Honduras, a large inlet of the Caribbean Sea.


I'm sure you're thinking . . .

What on earth are WE thinking!!!  ??


Especially when I share the following information with you all . . .

I must admit I was a wee bit worried when I read this 

Tens of thousands of U.S. citizens safely visit Honduras each year for study, tourism, business, and volunteer work. However, crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country. Honduras has the highest murder rate in the world. San Pedro Sula is considered to be the world’s most violent city, with 159 murders for every 100,000 residents in 2011. These threats have increased substantially over the past several years, and incidents can occur anywhere. In January 2012, the Peace Corps withdrew its volunteers from the country to conduct an administrative review of the security situation.


Transnational criminal organizations conduct narcotics trafficking and other unlawful activities throughout the country and use violence to control drug trafficking routes and carry out other criminal activity. Other criminals, acting both individually and in gangs in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, commit crimes such as murder, kidnapping, carjacking, armed robbery, rapes, and other aggravated assaults.

honduras - pico bonito nearby La Ceiba
 (Pico Bonito - dense National Forest  - home to large number of endangered species)



(San Pedro Sula)

U.S. citizens should be vigilant of their surroundings at all times, especially when entering or exiting their homes or hotels, cars, garages, schools, and workplaces. Whenever possible, travel in groups of two or more persons. Avoid wearing jewelry and do not carry large sums of money or display cash, ATM/credit cards, or other valuables. Avoid walking at night in most areas of Honduras, and do not walk alone on beaches, historic ruins, or trails. Incidents of crime along roads, including carjacking and kidnapping, are common in Honduras. Motorists should avoid traveling at night and always drive with their doors locked to deter potential robberies at traffic lights and on congested downtown streets.

I'm sure you're thinking . . .

What on earth are WE thinking!!!  ??

I think we'll be okay on the "travel in groups of two" we have that part figured out.  Avoid wearing jewelry  . . . don't really have any . . . but I may just have to stock up on the indigenous locally crafted earrings as I do love that sort of thing . . .

No chance we'll be carrying large sums of cash.

So I guess we'll have to be cautious AND smart . . .

so . . .

I guess you could say I experienced a few moments of anxiety.

Until I saw this . . .





and it took me about  . . .

5 seconds

to realize that I am going to love the people.  

I know it.

And I can hardly wait.

So stay tuned . . . because there is certainly
MUCH
more to come. 

8 comments:

Pedaling said...

I know people get robbed there often, but I'm not wondering what you are thinking. Life is an adventure and this is awesome! I hope to do something similar in the future!
I'll be reading and watching. Post often!

Momza said...

Your mission is simply to love His children...you're already good at that. Congratulations to your family! The blessings are sure to come quickly!

Joy For Your Journey said...

Okay, so your post just sent me into a panic attack for two reasons. First off --you know my daughter is going there on her mission right? :-) And second, I started having flashbacks to 8 months ago when we arrived in Mexico. For the first month I had one very good meltdown a week. But you will be happy to know I haven't had one in ages.:-)

I think about you every day though. And I am still working on sending you a letter, we are just finishing zone conferences and then next monday is transfers and then I have a couple days breather before we start specialized training. (Your life in 114 days:-) But I will write soon. My prayers are with you!!

Andrea said...

WOW, Honduras! That's amazing! You'll love it.

catania said...

I'm so excited to hear more about your experiences. I have always wanted to serve a mission, and I was married before I had the opportunity. I look forward to the day when my husband and I can serve!!!

Amy said...

I am so excited for you! Missions are the most amazing thing in the world, and to get to serve with your husband is absolutely dreamy! You will love it and the people and I cannot wait to follow along your journey, because I am really hoping you keep writing about it here!

Susan Anderson said...

I know you will be watched over as you serve in this area, and I am so excited for you!

=)

Stephanie said...

My brother is from San Pedro Sula and lives in the states now, but his whole family is still there. If you want to talk to a native, let me know and I'll hook you up. ;)

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