Sorry I'm so late in posting!

Hi Everyone! I was dropped off at a Honduran Family, the Ciliazars, where I will be staying for the next two nights. The cab drove into the neighborhood still all full of ruts and ridges. I have this picture locked permanently in my brain as we passed a huge garbage dump pickup area and I saw a woman and her two children quickly ferreting through the garbage. Garbage was overflowing outside the big metal rectangle and they were pawing through it. Then a man passed by on crutches with one pant leg pinned up because he only had one leg. Several dogs were barking . It was almost more than I could bear. Otherwise it was like time had stood still. The kids engaged in a lot of horse play, but they were slightly bigger. And the same mangy dogs were roaming around. It took me a minute to get my bearings so I could get to Robin’s house, but I made it. The kids all waved at me and called me by name as well as some of the women that sell food outside. They all seemed to remember me. I spent the rest of the afternoon visiting with Robin. He is most interesting. He Is probaby only 4 and a half feet tall! He is the oddest looking guy that you can imagine, looking much like a toad. But he is very successful and has this presence about him. Everyone in the neighbor refers to him as “the General”. He is quite the character. That evening I went and visited many of Tom’s friends In the neighborhood. Ritza wasn’t at home. The next day was Sunday. I walked to church by myself. Everyone seemed very surprised to see me as they didn’t realize I was in town. After church, Ritza and Tom’s old roommate Fran went to visit cemetery where Tom is buried. When I look up at the niche where he is , it never seems real. Everytime I read his name on the plaque it stops me dead in my tracks. I had brought some new flowers (artificial) along with an American flag and a Honduran flag to put in the vase. Afterwards I climbed down the ladder and grabbed Frank and Ritza . We huddled with our arms around each other and I thanked them for all that they had done for Tom. I told them how much he loved them both and we all had a good little cry. Left this morning for the airport. Time now to go home. I think I always leave my heart here. Ran into friends from AJS at the airport!! They had attended the board of directors meetings, so I was able to meet a lot of them. I was gushing with enthusiasm about their work there in Honduras. I told them my story and briefly Tom’s story. I found myself immediately “proselyting on the plane. There was a Honduran family sitting next to me. They live in Houston. I first bored The husband to death with lots of facts and figures about AJS. Actually he was Interested. I am going to e-mail him the link so he can find out more. I told him If we all tell everyone we know from Honduras or has served some kind of a mission there that we need to make them aware of these very brave people and even get them to donate $5 or $10 each month. I then began to talk to the wife (we were on the other side of the aisle) and found out she was Mormon but that he wasn’t. I then turned to him and tapped his shoulder and said, “Hey, why aren’t you a Mormon?” I then acted like I was going to start preaching more but I didn’t. I have a feeling this won’t be my last trip to Honduras!!! What a fabulous trip.

LOT'S OF GUITARS AND DRUMS AT CHURCH

Hi Everyone, Yesterday was Sunday. The group took a bus to a quaint little town called Via de Angeles. The weather has been unseasonably cold. That's right I said "COLD". I was so counting on heat. Oh well. For the most part it's been pretty pleasant but none of us brought enough long shirts and sweaters. Driving in the bus we passed all the shacks and dumpy, crumbling cement hovels that yes, people live in!! It's pretty hard to imagine what they look like inside but you know it wouldn't be pretty. Their is always laundry hanging out on their fences and clothe lines, and lots of mangy dogs milling around. Later that afternoon we attended the Reformed Christian Church in what used to be the most dangerous city in Tegucigalpa, Nueve Suyapa. AJS has done alot of work in that neighborhood. The two head honchos of the group who started the organization both live in that neighborhood and have for the past 25 years. One is a Honduran along with a man and his wife, from Michigan. They are all very devoted to the country and the people. The couple from Michigan are both gringos of dutch heritage and have raised their children right there in that neighborhood. We attended church in the neighborhood. Their were lot's of loud drums and electric guitars. Pretty interesting! They constantly talk about how we need to be "brave Christians".They are actually an extremely attractive couple. Because of the work they done the crime rate and the murder rate have really gone down. It's pretty impressive. It really makes me want to continue to support them and try to get other people who have ties or family members in Honduras to become aware of their work. Today we had great lectures on Security issues in Honduras. The lack of a trained police force who is honest, lectures on abuse and what is being done, peace and justice issues. The University President of the main University here (who is appointed and welds a lot of power just lost her son. He was murdered by some bad police. Anyway I think things are going to be changing, maybe not quickly, because of this high level crime. I have loved being here and hope that somehow I can make a difference. Poco y poco (little by little). One of the staff fell and hurt her neck. She got muscle relaxants from the local pharmacy without a prescription. I said, "If one were to seek out such a drug, what would one ask for?" Everyone howled with laughter. We've sure have enjoyed each other. Love to you all, Bonnie

Hi everyone, What a day, I am exhausted. Got my computer up and running so all is good. After breakfast we met together with a social worker and a very sharp woman attorney whose specialty is land rights. Not to bore you with too many facts but only 24% of people owning property actually have a land title in their possession. So often other corrupt people come in with false documentation and say the land is theirs. So it's been heartbreaking for a lot of people and a big problem for the government. It was very interesting. So far AJS (association for a more just society) has helped 70,000 people obtain offical titles for their properties. And it is a very slow, tedious process as you can imagine. The second half of the day was spent in a very under priviledged neighborhood with a lot of at risk youth. AJA has become involved with a group called "impact". They set up clubs throughout the country for at risk youth. The kids decide what projects they want to get involved in within their community, they share their problems with each other and with the adult leaders. They also do a lot of crafts, so it really helps to keep them off the streets. I scored a lot of points with groups by mentioning that I had adopted a boy from Honduras and because of that I considered myself a "contracho" which means a Honduran. They would scream and clap and they LOVED it. I only wish that kids from the states could see how these kids live. They would be so full of gratitude--as am I. We start every day with a worship service and a prayer and a thought. Tomorrow we will be visiting a charming little town called, Via de Angela (Valley of the Angels). Then later in the day we will be attending the Reformed Christian Church of Christ. I think that is what it is called. They used to be quite strict about no alcohol and no dancing but I've heard a lot of talk about beer. And yes, I had my first swig of beer down here. It was in my little fridge here in my room. I thought it was a gingerale!! Help! Hope you are all well. Much love, Bonnie

Honduras 2013!!

Hi everyone, Arrived in Houston last night, stayed over and caught the plane to Honduras at 9 am. Had a rough landing as they had high winds. It was such a choppy , frightening landing that everyone applauded the piolet after we landed! Had lunch in the offices of AjS, association for a more just society. 7 other people came ion on another flight. 3or 4 engineers and several ministers of a church called, Christain Reformed Curch. \\\they all seem fairly devoted. So as it turns out they are all members of the Christian Reformed Church! When they learned I was from Utah their leader said, "you're not Mormon" question mark. I said "I am Mormon and I hope you won't hold that against me. And by the way I am Christian!! Alot of them had dutch sounding names so I ask them if they were all "durchmen" They laughed because most of them were. They are a very friendly, fun group. The facilitators down here are women and from the states so that makes it nice. Got off the plane and looked at lots of faces directing the planes that looked and reminded me of my Tom and it brought a tear or two to my eyes. Am not having any luck on my own laptop but think there is a gal down here that is going to see if she can get it going. If I Have a busy day planned for tomorrow. And yes it is true, Hondujras now has the reputation for having the highest crime rate in the world!!! I'll say more about that later. We do have lots of police and armed gaurds at the hotel and at the offices. Anyway having a great time and know I will be making lasting friendships. Much love, Bonnie can I make start blogging again. ThaT BLOG IS HOLA DE hOINDURAS.BLOGSPOT .COM.

december 12, 2011

HI EVERYONE, I AM DOWN TO THE LAST LEG OF MY TRIP. I LEAVE ON THURSDAY FOR A LONG GRUELING DAY OF TRAVEL!! I CAN'T EVEN IMAGINE WHAT THE COLD IS GOING TO FEEL LIKE. SOME DAYS IT SOUNDS PRETTY GOOD TO ME. I CAN IMAGINE THAT YOU ARE ALL TRYING TO STAY ONE STEP AHEAD OF THE CHRISTMAS MADNESS. YOU DON'T FEEL THAT URGENCY DOWN HERE. PEOPLE HAVE ARTIFICAL TREES BUT THEY PUT THEM UP IN NOVEMBER. THERE MAY BE A FEW GIFTS, BUT USUALLY IT IS SOMETHING TO WEAR. THEY DO MAKE A BIG DEAL OVER THE FOOD. ALREADY THEY ARE TALKING ABOUT THE "'"TOMALES'' THEY ARE GOING TO MAKE AND THE IT OTHER FOOD. IT DOES SOUND KIND OF FUN. (IF YOU LIKE PARTYING ALL NIGHT OF THE 24TH AND SLEEPING ALL DAY ON CHRISTMAS). THIS PAST SATURDAY WAS TOM's STORYTIME. IT STARTED OUT A DISASTER BUT ENDED UP GREAT. BOTH THE BISHOP'S DAUGHTER'S FLAKED ON ME THE LAST MINUTE. I WNT OVER TO THE PATRONADO WITH A BAG OF BOOKS AND GAMES UNDER MY ARMS. IT TOOK ANOTHER 20 MINUTES TO ROUST UP A KEY. ONCE INSIDE, I BEGAN SETTING UP THE 18 NEW LITTLE PLASTIC CHAIRS AND A NEW, ROUND PLASTIC TABLE. I SET THE BOOKS OUT ON THE TABLE. THE SECOND SIGN I MADE ADVERTISING THE STORYTIME WAS STOLEN AGAIN. SO THERE WAS NO ADVERTISING. I THEN OPENED THE DOOR SO THAT PEOPLE PASSING BY COULD SEE ME AND THE BOOKS INSIDE. I SPOKE TO A FEW KIDS ON MY WAY IN AND TOLD THEM TO COME TO STORYTIME. TWO KIDS CAME, THEN THREE OR FOUR MORE. I DECIDED TO START IN AND PICKED A STORY NOT TO DIFFICULT TO READ AND STARTED IN. THEN THE ONE DAUGHTER WHO FLAKED CAME IN WITH HER GRANDMOTHER. I FORGOT THAT I HAD ASKED HER TO HELP TOO. SHE IS A FORMER SCHOOL TEACHER SO SHE KNEW JUST WHAT TO DO. MEANWHILE THE GRANDDAUTHER ONCE AGAIN LEFT. THESE TWO GIRLS ARE JUST TOO YOUNG TO KEEP UP THE MOMENTIUM OF A WEEKLY READING GROUP. THE GRANDMOTHER WAS GREAT AND MIXED UP THE BOOKS WITH SOME SIMPLE GAMES TO BREAK IT UP. THEN AT THE END OUT CAME THE YOYO'S, SLINKEY'S, TWISTER, ETC. IT WAS LUCKY IT TURNED OUT THIS WAY BECAUSE THE GRANDMOTHER WILL RUN IT AND I AM GOING TO PAY HER A SMALL SOMETHING EVERY MONTH TO KEEP UP HER INTEREST. THE KIDS REALLY SEEMED TO ENJOY THEMSELVES. WE HAD LESS OLDER BOYS TOO, WHICH CALMED THINGS DOWN. I FEEL GOOD ABOUT THE PROJECT AND HOPE THAT IT WILL CONTINUE. I AM SUPPOSE TO GET TOGETHER WITH A GUY NAMED CARLOS AND HIS WIFE. HE IS THE YOUNG MAN WHOSE STORY I AM TRYING TO GET REGARDING MELTING DOWN THEIR CTR RINGS. THEY HAVE WEDDING PICTURES TO GIVE ME TOO. HOPE WE CAN TEAM UP LATER ON TODAY. TOMORROW, EVA, BRALIN'S MOTHER IS TRAVELING TO TEGUCIGALPA TO VISIT HER MOTHER. BRALIN WON'T BE WITH HER. SHE WANTS TO TRY AND SEE ME. I JUST HAVE TO LOCATE THE DICTIONARY FOR THE DEAF FOR BRALIN. IF I CAN JUST FIND THE RIGHT CONTACT HERE IN TEG. THEN EVA COULD TAKE IT BACK TO HIM SO HE CAN START LEARNING SIGN LANGUAGE. HE IS GOING TO NEED THAT BOOK FOR HIS CLASSES ANYWAY. I'VE BEEN CALLED TO LUNCH. I THINK WE ARE HAVING BEANS AND TORTILLAS. WHAT A SUNDAY DINNER. LOVE TO YOU ALL, BONNIE EL

12/14/2011

Hi Everyone,
 
I know I am writing a lot.  But I have the time and the opportunity and it gives me a chance to document my experiences
down here.  You are welcome to delete them or just skim through them!  Last Thursday at the ward the Relief Society
had planned a sort of sub for santa for the "'poor'" down here.  They themselves live in cinder block houses but I guess
they are the lucky ones.  Many live in stick houses with a little bit of tin on top and dirt floors, etc., etc.  The sisters were
asked to donate food or used clothes.  I was pretty sure they would not have much food to donate so I went to the store
and bought 22  2lb bags of rice and 22 2 lb bags of beans.  Henry, the dad here, thought one pound bags would be big
enough to donate but I insisted on the bigger amounts.  It all cost me about $35.00.  Not sure how they would compare
to our prices for rice and beans.  The beans are twice as expensive to buy as the rice.  It's a lot harder to process and they are
more temperamental to grow.  But do they love their beans!  Anyway, the Relief Society distributed it and they told me
yesterday at church that the women were thrilled with their beans and rice. 
 
Picked up Bralin and his mom to go to church.  Unfortunately, the baby sister was sick so the mom couldn{t go.  I
wondered how Bralin would entertain himself during Sacrament meeting not being able to hear any thing.  I decided to get creative so I began to draw a picture of what the front of the chapel looked it and then passed the paper and pencil to Bralin and pointed at the front of the chapel for him to
draw it.  Later I looked over and he had drawn a picture of Michael Jordan with a basketball in
his hand making a slam dunk.  I laughed. His other love is basketball and Michael Jordan.  I then
noticed a guy three rows up on our right posed with his hand under his chin.  I then began to
draw him and I would point to my picture and then point to the guy I was drawing.  I would have
attempted to draw one of dad's caricatures but the guy didn't have a
bad feature so it would have been hard.  Bralin was beside himself when
he realized what I was doing and who I was drawing.  I then handed him
the picture and he finished it up and added hair, sideburns and other
details and then snuck up and handed the guy the picture.  So needless
to say we had a good time.  I had to apologize to the family for acting like one of the kids during the meeting.  At least Bralin wasn't too bored.
He always likes to go into the classes where all the kids his age know
him and like me.  They have a lot of respect for him because of his
soccer abilities. 
 
Came home from church and a ward member came over to make tres leches, the
cake.  Believe me, it is the cake.  She said it was very easy.  Well it
wasn{t particularly difficult only very complicated, with many steps.
But it turned out fabulous, all topped with strawberries.  Wow.  I think
I will try and tackle it when I get home and see if I can impress someone, Anne, or Lara or anyone.  An elder from Bountiful was having his 21st birthday.  So it worked out great. 
 
Love to you all, Bonnie

12/05/2011

Dear Shauna and family,
 
Don't think Lara has my blogged brought up to date  but hopefully she will have time soon.
I am having a ball here in Honduras!  Don't know if you mom has forwarded any of my e-mails
but they're probably a little too long and drawn out anyhow.  The woman I am living with, Gladys,
seemed very interested in your natural soap and lotion products, etc.  I should have brought one
of the books.  The Relief Society has a whole would probably be interested in learning how.  Are
the recipes too long and involved to send them to me?  We do have some really bright mathematicians 
and scientists in the ward so maybe they could pull it off.  Otherwise, I will have to try and send them
the book, that is if they can get the ingredients.  Let me know what you think?
 
I miss my little darlings roaming around in your house!  Hope all is well with them.  Don't let Elizabeth
get too big before I return.  I do have skype here in the house.  It might be fun for your kids to see
and say "Hola" to the kids here.  They are pretty darn cute.  Their names are Dayen, 11, Genesis, 7
and Lehi, 6 years old.  Hope your life is good.  I love you a lot Shauna.  Aunt

Bonnie