Day One (Saturday, July 5)

The mission team has made it safely and without incident (my favorite ways to travel) to Honduras We had to fly in to a city on the other side of the country from where we will be serving because the airport closest to where we will serve has no easy and safe roads and the second choice airport, originally the first choice, was shut down to a large jet service because of an accident last month.

So yesterday (Saturday) was a day of travel. We landed, went through customs, met up with two other teams with whom we will be serving this week, and got into two buses packed like sardines. If you want to get to know people in a hurry, travel for five hours in the Honduras equivalent of our church vans piled high with people and luggage and no air conditioning. And then put them on a two-lane highway that runs through beautiful mountains in a series of non-stop curves. Add to that darkness of night and rain, and you have our trip from San Pedro Sula to Tegucigalpa. In case you were wondering, the lane lines on those curvy, wet roads were more suggestions than binding road regulations. When passing on the roads, it is understood by Honduran motorists that you just scoot over a bit to allow three cars where only two belong. I was fortunate to be in one of the seats facing the rear of the van. The rest of the team was bug-eyed at times as we learned Honduran motorist protocol. Weariness helped take the edge off the road travel, though few could actually sleep.

All safely arrived. We were stiff and dog-tired. We stayed at the Honduran Maya, a very nice hotel on the side of a hill. While you were in worship this Sunday morning, I sat next to the pool and had morning devotions. On the crest of the hill was a giant statue of Jesus (similar to the one in Brazil) overlooking the capital city. It was almost perfect imagery for us as Christians. The only problem was the Hollywood style "Coca-Cola" sign just below and to the right of Jesus. As I said in my newsletter article this month, this country is a land of contrasts.

We had a great breakfast. We were told to eat well because today is another day of travel and we will not be stopping but for snacks. Dinner on the ranch is our next meal tonight. We have another seven hours of traveling ahead.

Where we are going is remote and without cell phones and internet. Pray for safety and pray that our mission uplifts, honors and bears witness to our Lord Jesus Christ.I look forward to being with you again Sunday morning.

Dios le bendiga ("God bless you" if my Spanish is correct)