A Night for Firsts (December 28, 1999)

 

It was a night for firsts; my first sermon in Spanish (really more of a short devotional), our first time stuck in the mud, my first walk from the Balfate River to Pad’s for help (about two miles), my first time fording the river in the dark, and Becky and the kids’ first time waiting in the car, in the mud, next to the river.

 

My “sermon” was short, and I read it, since I am not quite up to speaking in Spanish off the cuff in public yet.  I did compete with the squealing of two pigs across the lane that were being prepared for the making of the traditional holiday favorite here, tamales (mostly pork!).  Prior to the service I examined Jose, the cabinetmaker, who had stroke like symptoms, while the entire congregation watched.  I am very concerned with his problem, and am investigating the possibility of getting a CAT scan for him in La Ceiba.  Please pray with us for him!

 

After church, we gave Jose and his family a ride home, then headed for Balfate.  We had almost been stuck on the way to church, but I decided to avoid the same ruts on the way back.  I started on a different path, but slid into the same ruts, this time with less success.  After several attempts with logs and some people helping push, I decided to go for Pad and another vehicle.

 

I had already been in the mud half way up my legs, so the walk in the river to knee depth was not unwelcome.  There are several things that are much more obvious when you walk than when you drive; the smells, the sounds (all natural), the mud, the stars (which are brilliant down here.  The Milky Way is very clearly distinguished), the distance!  It helped me appreciate what the Hondurans put up with daily, walking for hours in all kinds of weather (not snow, only warm types of weather).  It also helped me appreciate my car more, and Pad, and the other vehicles! 

 

Dave Drozek, 

 

With Thoughts from Honduras