Padre Bill In Honduras

Sabado

2011-02-23T13:47:00.001-08:00

Sabado (Saturday) is a free day. In the morning I went to the school which has the best Internet connection. Another student told me about Skype as a way to make calls very cheaply over the net, and for 3 cents a minute I called Melissa.

You probably know of my love (?) for the Cowboys, but let's face it, I wasn't going to give Cristian a Mike Vick shirt! Here he is modeling it:

And here:

After doing mi tarea (homework), I enjoyed the afternoon. Mangoes are in season, so the next door neighbor was doing some harvesting:

And flowers are always in bloom:

Very relaxing--I'm getting spoiled!!

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Viernes

2011-02-05T07:23:00.001-08:00

Day Two of classes went well--gracias a Dios and to Richard Lorenz, I have not forgotten as much as I thought, and am now working on complex verbs-- would have xxxx, might have xxx. Not hard by themselves, but with everything else going on in the sentence--crazy!!

Here I am with mi maestra Anna:

(she is prettier than she is in this photo)

Anna is the one I spoke of whose husband has been working in Houston for over a year, not able to get home to see his wife and young daughters. Tough.

OK--here is my hangout, the Via Via:

They have email access and cold Salva Vida beer. And it's 75 degrees! Am I a lucky guy or what?!?

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I made it!

2011-02-04T13:50:00.001-08:00

Tuesday was quite a day, going from this:

Over this:

To this:

It was a fun challenge going from plane to bus to mototaxi to the Alvarado home, where I stayed last year.

Classes begin today in the afternoon. Soon I will be reminded of how much I've forgotten!!

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Test

2011-01-28T07:08:00.001-08:00

I'm ready to take off for Honduras on Tuesday.

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Change of plans

2010-06-05T14:41:00.001-07:00

Well, life intervenes... As you probably know, my son James is in the hospital with a lung problem.

That definitely took away my desire to study Spanish, so after one more climb up the cuesta:

I made my plans to return home. One funky aspect of Copan are the moto-taxis that take people over the cobblestone streets:

Not designed for gringos gordos!!

But today (Saturday) I am flying home. This comes from the Houston airport, so I'm almost there.

Thanks for checking in and sharing my experience with me. I know there are several stories yet to be told!

Signing off,

Bill

-Posted by Padre Bill

Mi cumpleanos

2010-06-01T16:17:00.001-07:00

Thank you everyone for your many kind words on mi cumpleanos. While it is unusual and a bit sad having a birthday away from Melissa y Los Hombres, it has been a good one nevertheless.

Here I am, celebrating in the proper Honduran mode:

I have "doubled down" this week, with classes in both the morning and afternoon. Soy muy cansado!! Hopefully, more will sink in...

Wishing everyone a blessed and happy June,

Bill

- Posted by Padre Bill

Saturday/Sabado

2010-05-29T13:56:00.001-07:00

Saturday is for me here a day of rest--no classes. This morning I joined my fellow student Paul (who leaves tomorrow to serve six weeks at an orphanage) and went on the 'Canopy Tour'--17 zip lines through the forest:

Here is your hard working Rector trying not to crash land!

I saw some beautiful scenery as I zipped along over the trees:

Until we finally zipped over the river and back to the base.

The crazy thing was that a TV team joined us to do a travel documentary of the Canopy Tour.
They were lots of fun, and apparently I will be on Spanish language TV in June!! I'm sure I'll be watching!!

A fun day. Tomorrow, review, church at Carlos' and back to school on Monday.

Have a good Sunday and Memorial Day,

Bill

-Posted by Padre Bill

Midway Point

2010-05-28T18:32:00.001-07:00

Well, I've been here in Honduras for two weeks now with two to go. It has been a great experience--learning tons (including how much I have yet to learn!).

Las maestras, the teachers here are excellent--college educated, patient and helpful. But as we converse, I get a glimpse into their lives--including the poverty that is so much a part of Honduras.

The husband of my teacher lost his job as a taxi driver and is unemployed. Another teacher who filled in yesterday told me her family's story.

Work is so scarce in Copan that her husband moved to Houston last December and works at a convenience store--preferring the night shift because there are more hours. He probably won't come home to see his wife & daughters for another 2-3 years. Very hard.

It will remind me the next time I give my card to an anonymous attendant, there is behind that face there is probably a story of commitment, sacrifice and love.

End of sermon!! Today for our activity we went to a butterfly park where we saw an amazing variety of mariposas:

Equally beautiful are the tropical flowers the butterflies use to eat and lay their eggs:

Lots of rain--everything is damp, but with a covered spot and a liquado, life is good!

Wishing everybody an enjoyable Memorial Day,

Bill
- Posted by Padre Bill

Life in Copan

2010-05-26T14:12:00.001-07:00

Today is my parents' 59th wedding anniversary. Wow! Fortunately I remembered and was able to call them this morning. Congrats, Mom & Dad!

Here are some of my daily sights. First, mi cuarto, my living space:

Note especially the very appreciated fan! My favorite spot is the porch outside where I do my tarea, homework:

There is usually a breeze. Below my room is the panaderia, bakery. Rosita, the mother, is known in Copan for her baked goods. Here Rosa and her daughter Gilda are making empenadas, a Honduran delicacy that I enjoyed for supper last night.

Yes, I do go to school! Here is where I spend my mornings, one on one, cara a cara, with my teacher Iliana:

At noon I walk home for lunch. My house is on Calle de Cuesta--Street of the hill or slope. It is well named:

I am getting my exercise, that is for sure.

Last night I enjoyed an evening talking with a fellow student, Paul, a student at Notre Dame who will be working at an orphanage this summer. Old guys like me don't get to have in depth conversations with interesting young people often enough. It was a treat.

I must be learning--it gets a little easier every day to speak with others. Yay!

Bill

- Posted by Padre Bill

A Eucharist like none other

2010-05-24T14:25:00.001-07:00

Yes, I did go to church yesterday! After a relaxing morning, I went with my family to a birthday party for their grandson. Many wonderful scenes, but alas, I left my camera in my room.

At the party I met Carlos, the "lider" of the Episcopal community in Copan. He took me to the service. Carlos is a metalworker who goes 4 hrs every Tuesday to seminary in San Pedro Sula where he is studying to become a Deacon.

Church was in his garage, with rebar and tools along the walls. Carlos led the music, and the priest from a nearby town was the celebrant.

Thanks to both Carlos and the priest speaking slowly and clearly (plus a healthy dash of the Holy Spirit) I was able to understand most of the sermon and service.

There were only two exposed light bulbs and a simple table for the altar, but the faith of the people and presence of the Spirit were both clearly evident.

It was an unforgettable evening. Yes, buildings are nice (and they are working hard to build un Templo), but Jesus is present whenever two or three (or 50) are gathered.

Today was back to class. Completely off the subject, here is a picture of my amigo Cristian:

That'll make anyone smile!!

God bless,

-Posted by Padre Bill

Saturday

2010-05-22T14:59:00.001-07:00

Well, I'm back!! After several frustrating days of not being able to connect to wifi, I found a new place, and I'm back to blogging.

I have been working hard and learning a lot as I converse more and more. It has been overwhelming at times, but good. I know I am making progress, but am also very aware of how much there is yet to learn.

It is not all work, however. On Thursday, two other students & I went on a horseback ride to a place called Hacienda San Lucas.

(Poor horse...too much weight!!)
We saw some nice views on the way up the hill:

When we reached the Hacienda, we had a drink and then hiked to see Los Sapos--the Toads. They were part of Mayan fertility rites:

The ride back was faster--I think the horse wanted to be done!

Today I went back to the Ruinas for a second look, and now am enjoying a liquado--mango, milk & ice--very yummy.

Posted by Padre Bill

Martes tarde

2010-05-18T14:20:00.001-07:00

Tuesday afternoon. My day is--get up at six (the sun has been up for at least an hour already), have a light breakfast and be at the school at 8:00am.

After a cup of coffee, mi maestra Iliana and I get to work. We have been working on verbs, vocabulary and conversation. By noon, when we finish, I am done!!

The afternoons and evenings are free. Today I went to a place called Buena Vista where there was indeed buenas vistas:

You can see the church in the center of town.

I went to a very interesting Mayan museum atop this hill. I was not aware of how developed the Mayan culture was.

Then I walked down the hill to the main plaza...

A great place to hang out. Next to the plaza is the Catholic Church:

After awhile there, I traveled to my Wifi spot that just happens to serve Salva Vida cerveza.

The clouds are gathering for the daily afternoon shower.

A good day--I hope God blesses you richly, too!

-Posted by Padre Bill

First day of class

2010-05-17T14:19:00.001-07:00

Well, today began my first day of classes--4 hours a day Monday to Friday. It began with a test-- I did OK on pages one to four, but page five was tough!

Mi maestra, Iliana, is very pleasant and patient. She is married to an Evangelical pastor, so we had a lot to talk about! Here is a picture of the inside of the school:

Things I take for granted at home: running water (here it is available every other day), electricity (off and on, fortunately mostly on), sunlight (they don't have Daylight Saving Time, so it is dark at 7:00pm and light at 5).

The family I live with--Rudolfo & Rosa, daughters Hilda & Carla and baby Christian are very kind--but I am working hard to carry on conversations. I know it will get better.

It rains every afternoon around 3:00, so I will wait awhile with my Salva Vida (Honduras missioners know what I'm talking about) until things clear.

Your still-living Rector sends his greetings!

- Posted by Padre Bill

Copan Ruinas

2010-05-16T16:05:00.001-07:00

Well, today (Sunday) I skipped church :( and joined three other students and went to the Mayan ruins.

They are listed as a World Heritage Site, with good reason:

The amazing thing is that this civilization existed between 400 & 800AD.

Intricate carvings and huge pyramids--all from a people who lived long, long ago.

School begins tomorrow--no more tourist trips!

- Posted by Padre Bill

Pictures

2010-05-16T14:55:00.001-07:00

Here are two pictures--one of the house where I am staying:

And another of the view from my porch:

- Posted by Padre Bill

I'm in Honduras

2010-05-16T14:52:00.001-07:00

I made it! I arrived at 4:00pm Saturday and was taken to my family. (insert picture here--I'm still figuring this out)

I have a very nice upstairs apartment with two rooms, bath and a porch with a nice view.

I eat with the family and talking with them is an important part of learning. Pretty slow right now!!

There is another student downstairs whose Spanish is very good-- I listen and hope to learn!!

School starts tomorrow. Looking for a wifi location, the rains began...I may be here awhile!!

- Posted by Padre Bill

2010-05-11T07:50:00.001-07:00

Hello friends! Well, in four days I will begin my adventure-- four weeks of Spanish immersion in the beautiful country of Honduras.

A little apprehension (what if it doesn't 'take'?) but lots of excitement.

- Posted by Padre Bill