Thursday January 18, 2001 Day 4 of Honduras trip

There was a really good turn out at the service last night. I believe needs were met. These people are so sincere and so humble. They gave us a very warm welcome at the church. It was outside with just a roof. There were balloons everywhere and a big sign that said “Welcome  brother John Martin”

I have learned a few customs here as I have been observing the people. Whenever we go in someone’s home they bring us a glass of juice, usually orange. After every evening service we eat dinner, usually very late. I’ll probably weigh 800 lbs. when we leave here! It is usually meat either pork, beef or chicken, always beans and tortillas, rice and salad. Everyone seems to drink Coke. I normally don’t drink pop, I like unsweetened iced tea, but I haven’t found any here. I drink Coke here because I know it’s safe, it’s bottled in America! There is also a slice of white cheese. I don’t care for the cheese I always give it away. Also when we eat dinner, the host family does not eat with us. They serve us and eat later. They are very precious people.

I didn’t sleep well because I knew I had to get up really early to wash my hair before we left at 7 am. I had to take advantage of that precious hot water! After we passed the armed guards that protected the city, I drove! I would never attempt driving in the city but we were going to be driving in the open country for several hours. The truck is a 4 speed which is fine because my little green Beretta at home is a 5 speed. However, there is no power steering and no air conditioning. I drove for about 2.5 hours without any mishaps! Yay. You have to use every defensive driving skill you know and be prepared for anything and everything!

We have just arrived at a very poor congregation. The mom is expecting a child any day so the children cooked for us. John and I didn’t eat because another family was cooking for us in just a few hours. The children cooked fish and salad.

After dinner we drove 3.5 hours back to Bro Casco’s house. It was dark by this time and John drove. It was very scary driving through those curving mountain roads. We made a rule that John and I weren’t allowed to speak English and no one else could speak Spanish. Bro Abraham, our interpreter, tried teaching us Spanish words. We weren’t very good students. One of the first words I wanted to learn was SLOW DOWN! It made the time pass more quickly and we did arrive safely.

I called home and things were going well. I really miss everyone. I talked with Dary, another daughter of bro Casco about all of my experiences so far. She has been to America and knows the cultural differences. I told her I really appreciate the opportunity to come here but I’m really looking forward to home! There is no place like home!!!