We went to the airport in Teguc today to try to buy some puddle-jumper tickets for my cousin Steph, her son Christian, and Paul for tomorrow, since the airport still has not been opened to large jets yet. Upon arriving at the airport, we found soldiers lined up along the sidewalk, their riot gear by their sides. They were definitely expecting a riot to break out since it had just been announced again that the airport wasn't opening. The airport is such a good thing for the city, and thousands of people have lost their jobs because it hasn't been open. The economy and the people really need the airport to reopen. Unfortunately it has developed into a political battle because the current communist president wants to remove the American presence from the country, and his solution to this is to suggest that the airport be moved to the US Airforce Base called Palmeriola, which would eliminate the base and therefore the Airforce. This is really not a probable solution, since the major airline carriers United and Continental will not agree to continue service if the airport is moved. The people of Honduras are very upset by the injustice that is occurring, and there is a certain hysteria circulating the city. Just today it has become rather dangerous to travel to San Pedro Sula (location of the other airport) because a strike occurred today where a mob of people formed a human blockade across the highway and would let no buses through, a protest to the rising bus fares in the city. One of the Torch groups who were here this past week were on their way to the coast, and were stopped in this traffic for a good part of the day. I took this picture as we were about to get in the car…I am not posting this so that you will worry…we are all taking the necessary precautions to ensure our safety, and there is no reason for me to be afraid. Honestly, I'm not - I just pray that this can be resolved soon so that the thousands out of work can go back to their jobs and the much-needed business can return to Teguc. Please pray for the safety of everyone traveling in and out of San Pedro Sula, and that the riots and unrest that have occurred will be effective in bringing about change.
1 comment:
Annie,
This is the first I have been able to tune into your blog. Sounds like you are having quite an experience. You are a very talented journalist. I feel like I am there in Honduras with you in your descriptions and feelings. Thank you for taking the time to keep us informed. I'm sure that's very difficult to do and still stay rested for the help you are needing to give.
We think we understand how fortunate we are in our own lives and how good God has been to us. But it truly takes an experience of others to make us understand how extremely fortunate we are!
I am glad that God has blessed you, Paul and your Cousins with this experience. Your faith is very evident. It is your faith that will get you through the difficult times of this trip. Please do all that you can for these less-fortunate people in Honduras. It is your time to pass on the love that God has given and taught us. I know that you have already done so much for them. I feel it in your words and thoughts!
While you are at it, please pass on a few hugs from me, including a few for all of you. It is said that "God has a reason for everything." There is a reason why God has sent you to them as well.
Thank you again for taking the time to write your thoughts and send pics. With them, we can truly understand the hardships that other parts of the World experience.
I am anxious to read your next blog.
Until then, heed caution and be safe.....peace.......laurie
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