Changes (10/8/00)

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 Now that we are getting settled back into life in Honduras and have taken care of most of the “urgent” things, it is possible to take a few minutes to reflect on the past summer.  I had jotted down some notes while traveling, lest I forget my impressions of the summer.

 

People have asked about the culture shock, or “reentry shock” of returning to the States after two years in Latin America.  Many things really were the same; the routine of life, politics (different faces and names, but the same old same old).  But many things were different.

 

Cars for resale are no longer “Used”, but “Preowned”!

 

Harry Potter, Pokeman, Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, Survival, Big Brother!  We were excited to see the great interest in The Left Behind series by those outside the church, as millions have read these books, and been exposed to the message of the gospel.

 

The computer and electronics industry continues to explode with new technology.  An increasing number of businesses had debit card devices, and even self-serve checkouts.  DVDs, palm top computers, and CD ROM writers were new to us.

 

Television continues its moral decline, with nudity, sex and violence much more explicit.  Gambling and pornography establishments were more numerous and visible.  The immodest clothing we thought was a Latin American phenomenon was even more pronounced in the US.  And, in Honduras, being confronted daily with the struggle to survive, we were acutely aware of the wealth and extravagance of the US.

 

The abortion issue is fading, as genetic engineering becomes the hot ethical topic.

 

We were excited to see the increased spiritual interest and growth in many of our friends and family, and disappointed to see the drifting away of others.  It was great to see the number of “second career” folks who want to make a difference for Christ with the remaining years of their lives, as well as young people seeking full time service for Christ.

 

The ethnic population in the US visibly grew, with an increased in multi-language signs and billboards.  What an opportunity to reach across those cultural barriers for Christ, without leaving the comforts of your home and neighborhood!

 

Dave Drozek with 

 

Thought from Honduras,

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