Safe Arrival in Honduras

Random thoughts and impressions:

--Thankful for a safe trip, and reminded again of the beauty of Honduras.

--Exasperated with the incompetence of the airlines which will remain nameless, other than to say it is the last word in U.S.A. and add an "n."  We arrived at San Pedro Sula airport and two of our 5 checked bags did not arrive.  Two large durable plastic trunks with many supplies.  The airlines put our baggage on 2 different flights.   Go figure. We are to receive the trunks in 2-3 days.

--Thankful for twentysomethings.  I was amazed at the number of different teams of twentysomethings on our flight, coming down for the purpose of serving the poor.  This disavowal of a life of total consumption and, instead, desiring to give, encourages me immensely.  You rock.

--This is such a country of contrasts.  San Pedro Sula is urban, high-tech.  Mercedez dealerships. Malls that compare to ours.  A "latino sexuality" particularly in women's attire, flaunting cleavage, lot of bling. A short drive and people in rags, dogs with ribs protruding, no running water or electricity.

--I'm spoiled.  A middle-upperclass baby. Our 2 room "apartment" in which we we spent our first night has no stove, no frig.   Can't drink the tap water--too risky. The front door lock doesn't work.  The mattress has strands of wire running through it.   The shower head has an electrical unit on it that you switch on to create hot water and to apparently shorten your life if you happen to be standing in any water.  It's fondly called "the widow-maker."  And there are millions of people who are begging to have such a life of luxury. 

--Grateful for my wife who embraces the simple life with acceptance and thankfulness, while I whine.

--Excited about what these next three months might hold. Excited about opportunities to serve, help, befriend, embrace, build.  Excited about the potential changes within us as we step out into unchartered territory.

--I want to savor each moment and have no regrets at the end of each day.  I don't want to hold back and then at end of day to lament, "if only. . . "

--And that's my hope for you, as well.