Reflections from home

Yes, we are home and back into the responsibilities of work and school! Mike & Deb met us at the airport on Saturday evening with birthday cupcakes for Micayla (baked by her good friend Madison).

After being away so long, we are often asked, "How was it?" This question encourages us to stop & reflect on what an incredible blessing these last four weeks have been...a truly fun family vacation, an escape from the Canadian prairie winter and immersion in the warmth & beauty of creation, time to relax, read a book slowly, swing in a hammock, explore the ocean, experience new places and cultures, and of course, opportunities to volunteer, coming face-to-face with both need and excess.

We met many amazing people, too many to list, but we won't soon forget the hardworking people of Punta Gorda (Wanda Lee, Alex, Allan, Miss Elena, Marvin, etc.), the friendly folks of Punta Blanca (Joe & Betty, Paul & Charlene, Ralph & Gerry, etc.), or the kind staff at Fosters (Daniel, Miranda, Foster, etc.). It was a special privilege to get to know the newest member of our extended family, Carlos, and to meet his family, enjoying boat rides with Harlan and Marvin, tasting Miss Claudina's famous traditional island cooking, celebrating Christmas Day and New Years Eve in their home.

And of course, what a gift to be able to reconnect with Stephanie, Ed, & Jami. We've gained new respect for the challenges that they face, the perseverance they exemplify, and the impact they have on those around them. Thanks for showing us around and introducing us to many people and organizations. You generously gave us your time, opened your homes, and most importantly, shared your hearts with us.

Yesterday, Cathy discovered a farewell letter that Jami had stashed in our luggage. She asked me to read it aloud at suppertime: not an easy task through misty eyes as we remembered our time with you and the lasting impact you have had our on lives.

Addicted to Violence

This isn't a post about our experiences here, although it certainly applies in Honduras as violence seems to be a part of the culture for young men here. Three years ago, a friend gave me a small but powerful book by Parker Palmer called Let Your Life Speak. Then a few days ago I saw this powerful interview with him over at Mike Todd's blog:

It's easy to stand back and condemn violence in others. For example, I could piously criticize the revenge killings that seem almost commonplace in Honduras or the role that America's military plays in the world.

But Parker Palmer's words remind me that the violence issue is much broader, deeper, and more personal than simply war and security. My daily choices about the food I buy, the trash I produce, and the way I treat my neighbours and family are part of the same addiction. His "addiction" descriptor reminds me that to live as a peace-maker, I need to wake up to the problem of violence in myself. I need to daily admit my own lifelong struggle with this addiction.
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By the way, lots of rain here...and we are now on the west end of the island trying to enjoy the beach!

Island fun

In spite of significant hours spent visiting and helping along on various projects, we've also had time to enjoy and explore the island. It is no exaggeration to say that Roatan (especially the Easr end) is possibly still one of the most unspoiled and largely uncommercialized Caribbean experiences one can find. We keep asking Ed and Jami if we should be telling people the truth of how beautiful it is here, because it might cause a steady stream of guests for them! That's not to say that there are no challenges. The bugs do bite, food and supplies are pricey, significant crime is a factor, and the high humidity means you never feel quite dry or clean. But, when I read this morning that it's pushing -25 in Calgary again, all of that seems a pleasure in comparison!

We have taken a couple of hours here and there to hang out at various resorts in the area. If you order a drink or a sandwich on the beach, it usually gives you unlimited access to the resort's beaches, pools, and amenities. We've also been out on the water several times in various boats. Ed and Jami own both a small motor boat (built by Carlos for the occasional quick snorkeling trip or general transportation), and a big beautiful cruiser that they hope to turn into a sideline business to provide some income while they continue to work at community development projects. The big boat was vandalized back in October and was out of commission until just this week. On Monday morning, the weather was bright and sunny and the sea was calm, so we packed up a picnic lunch and headed out past the Eastern tip of Roatan to the Pigeon Keys, a series of smaller islands. After over an hour of speeding over the water and then traversing a channel of mangroves, we came to a beautiful deserted island that is the stuff dreams are made of! We anchored the boat and spent several hours snorkeling and sunbathing. We could walk the complete circumference of the island in about 10 minutes and find fish, birds, crabs, huge conch shells, coconuts, and flowers galore. What a day! We almost couldn't bring ourselves to post pictures of it for fear of incurring the jealousy of those at home. But, we decided to take the risk. ;o)

On New Year's Eve we rang in the new year with Carlos's family in their little house on wooden stilts on the bay. Various siblings, cousins and extended family dropped in for Carlos's mom's famous conch soup (a delicious chowder), homemade coconut bread, and cassava cake. It was a traditional island feast! I think we Gringos (white folks) provided the entertainment by getting everyone in on some games of extreme Uno! We also brought a bottle of champagne to split between about 15 of us at midnight and counted down the final seconds to 2010 under the full moon. It's amazing to think that with Steph and Carlos's marriage, our family now extends to Honduras. It's been such a privilege to come to know and love our island family. Dan thought it was pretty funny when Miss Claudina (as Carlos's mom is known) kept telling me that dinner was ready and I should come and serve my husband! I complied with a twinkle in my eye, but told Dan not to get too used to being waited on. Miss Claudina herself does not eat until her husband and sons are finished eating!

Today we are leaving Ed and Jami's home (where we've been staying for 10 days) and are moving to the West end of the island. It has been such a privilege to stay with Ed and Jami. They have truly let us into their lives and hearts. They face so many challenges here, as one often does when trying to do good, but they are a blessing to many and a true example of Christlike love. They have faced robbery and vandalism of their home and boat, financial challenges, miles of bureaucratic red tape, health issues, and loneliness to name just a few obstacles. Huge thanks to you, Ed and Jami, for putting up with our invasion on your lives. We love you dearly and support you all the way.

To our friends and family back home, we wish you a wonderful start to 2010, and year of all the blessings and challenges that God has waiting for you. In 2010, RISK more than others think is safe, CARE more than others think is wise, DREAM more than others think is practical, and EXPECT more than others think is possible. Happy New Year and new adventure everyone!