More on Honduras

All is well so far in Honduras....at least as far as the ASSIST-JC team goes. The whole country down there seems to be at a standstill, too, as far as the politics go. I went to the update/prayer meeting for the Travelers tonight at All Souls. It looked like all the families of the travelers were there, along with others who wanted to be a part of it. That's good....the more prayers the better. Rev Bob Carlson led the service, since he's the interim pastor with Rev Haddix being in Honduras.

Rev Carlson said that this morning he was waiting in Darcel's office (church secretary) til it was time for him to make his way to the meeting house ("church-part" of the building), when her phone started ringing...and ringing...and ringing....Well, he didn't want to answer it since it wasn't his phone, but just as the answering machine started to come on, something made him answer it anyway. "Hello; All Souls Church". Other voice: "Who IS this??" "Um, it's Rev Carlson. I'm filling in for Rev Haddix." Other voice: "Bob?????!!!!! It's Renee....I'm calling from Honduras. We're having a little situation down here I need to let you know about...." and with that, she proceeded to explain what little they knew about what was happening down there, including hearing three jets going over the Camp this morning on the way to the capital (Tegucigalpa). (Alex's first reaction to all this was,"The first time I don't go on one of these trips, and it gets exciting!! I'd love to be there!) Then she put Rev Haddix on the phone, they talked some more, then they had to go. It was only a few minute conversation, but a lot of information packed into it. When he went in to give the sermon, he told the congregation about it. (I didn't go to church this morning because I'm getting a cold and I felt lousy--sneezing on people is not a good thing-- so I stayed home and listened to the sermon from Bangor Baptist church)

However, knowing what was happening down there then going into the service, it gave him enough time to formulate some plans in his head. After the service was over this morning, he got on the phone to a friend of his who works in Sen Susan Collins' office, who then got in touch with her "personal" secretary/aid/worker/whatever in the Bangor Office, Carol Woodcock. Carol then got in touch with Susan Collins and let her know what was happening, then Sen. Collins called Rev Carlson for more details, then made contacts at the State Department and the US Embassy in Honduras. So, now all of our Senators and Reps in DC know what's happening, and they/Collins have every traveler's passport numbers and information. So, if they have to go to the Embassy down there, they are all set. In between times, though, we've had an email update from Renee saying everything is fine, and don't worry.

The service tonight was really nice. Tons of prayer, of course, and the recounting of the above story/timeline of events, some slow hymns (hey, it's a Congregational church...'nough said. I, however, think most events call for some Jars of Clay or Toby Mac, or at the very slowest some Third Day or Chris Tomlin, but I'm not asked my opinion on that!! ha--Just kidding, sort of, Renee, if you ever read this!!), then the Deacons got up and read the names of the Travelers. Each Deacon had about 5 or 6 names to read, til they got through all 60-some. I thought it was 70-some, but I learned tonight there were "only" 60-some travelers. Of course, there's another church from Rhode Island or somewhere with about 20-30 people, and the three friends from Maryland who are friends of Dr. Tom Openshaw. So, altogether there are almost 100 mission workers at the Mission Discovery Camp.

It was nice being with the family and friends of Katie's fellow travelers, and knowing we were all there for the same reason....to reach out to God to keep them safe. After the service, we all went down into the vestry to have coffee, tea, and cookies and talk with others. There's not too much to say about that, since what can you say to each other except hug them and talk about how nervous the kids must be down there, etc. Well, I doubt if my "kid" is nervous. And I think she's certain of the fact that I'm not up here drowning in worry. God is with her and them; the group of people she's with are exemplary; and I would bet she's doing all she can to make others comfortable. I hope any "first traveler" who is nervous will seek her out. She's such a calming person. She has a wonderful way of getting a person to stay focused and not dwell on the negative. I'm so proud of her. I love you, Katie!!!!!!!!!!!

A huge prayer of mine has been for God to take this "down-time" and use it to His glory. Especially since there is another group from a vastly different religion from Congregational. I hope this will force the teens to interact with each other in a way that would otherwise not have been possible, and see that just because the religion is different, the faith is the same. Well, basically. However, even people in the same religion have varying degrees of faith. That's why it's called your walk of faith. Everyone is at a different step at different times in life. But, we are all pointed toward the same God, and the same Truth to get to Heaven---His Son, Jesus.

I would hope that the medical clinic can still be conducted within the Camp. I know the houses might have to be put on hold, but maybe at least one aspect of the trip could still be realized. A second email came in from Renee while we were at the prayer meeting, and she said that everyone is still fine; keeping busy by singing, painting toe nails, taking crazy pics, making beads, etc. Also, the Embassy has let them know that they are aware they are at the Camp, and they are safe where they are. The airport is still operating under "normal" circumstances--no interruptions. The biggest worry of the travelers is worrying about us worrying about them!!! I wish I could send Renee an email to let her know we all are fine, too (well, except for some parents who aren't too happy right about now.), and to give all down there a hug from us up here. However, if everyone sent an email, it would take forever for her page to load, because I'm sure they are NOT running on wireless/broadband down there in the jungles of Honduras!!! There is one Point of Contact (POC) from the church, and that's Kathie Robie. I'm sure she's sending emails with what's necessary in them.

Wednesday morning they leave the Camp and go to Tegucigalpa to the airport to head home. Depending on what's happening, they might be headed to the Embassy. Hey, I just remembered that Ellen and Jim Tobin are there, too, and they have tons and tons of contacts in DC, since Jim was heavily involved in the Republican Party. He's not a politician--he's too nice and honest--but he's more of a campaigner. Anyway, that's good to know, too, and he knows a lot of people (Sen Collins, etc) personally. He even knew President George Bush!!! Now, if Bush were still in Office, I'd feel better.

So, it's getting very late (12:55, after midnight). I'm so tired, but with this stupid cold I can't sleep right. I'm going to get some Zicam from the store to help me feel better faster. I'll update again if I hear anything interesting.