TIH, This is Honduras

Okay, okay, I know it's actually TIA (This is Africa) but a few years ago, some missionaries I knew here in Honduras jokingly started saying "TIH, This is Honduras." The connotation of that saying carries some truth with it. Honduras is a whole different world and sometimes it just is what is.

Recently I returned from the Conference on Honduras in Copan Ruinas. It had been 5 or 6 years since I attended. This conference is the largest gathering of non-profit and for-profit organizations working to better the future of Honduras. Unfortunately the representation of Christian organizations seemed to have decreased (possibly due to issues mentioned below which kinda bothers me). It is at the conference that I learned some startling stats. Honduras is this small little country in Central America often compared to the size of Tennessee with a population of 7.9 million people. However this small country has a host of BIG problems.

• 2nd poorest country in the Western Hemisphere
• Approximately 64.5% of Hondurans live below the poverty line
• Highest murder rate in the world (you read right—in the world!)
• Over 3000 murders this year alone
• Increasing gang and crime activities (mostly in the larger cities)

The increase in gang and criminal activity has deterred many international volunteers from coming to Honduras which as I learned at the conference has greatly impacted many of the organizations that depend on these volunteers. However you can't blame people for being concerned about their safety and security. Heck, even the Peace Corps have pulled out.

Fortunately I live in the departmento of Intibucá which is positioned in the beautiful mountains of Honduras thus sheltering us from most of the violence found in the larger cities. Although our remote location protects us from the many of the negative issues facing much of Honduras, it also shelters us from some of the progress being made in Honduras. Though things have vastly improved since I began visiting this area 10 years, the roads are still exhausting. Cars take a beating here. Grocery stores don't carry many items that you would think would be commonplace. The electricity goes off at a least once a week for few hours. That may take place in the larger cities as well; honestly I don't know. No one has addresses here. (Try ordering Chinese without an address--very interesting!) There are no chain restaurants found in this department/state which may be a good or bad thing. No Subway, Starbucks, McDonalds or even Wendy's which seems to be the fastfood restaurant that's the first to venture out to new areas in Honduras. So of course, I often crave fastfood!

For the most part, the pros of living in these beautiful mountains of Intibucá far outweigh the cons and I would not change my location in Honduras for anything. Especially when I think of the climate--oh perfecto! The problems that Honduras faces are many and will take much time (and the Lord's direction) to resolve and reverse. So many of the luxuries we have in the States, we simply take for granted. Like drinking water from the facet. Like flushing the toilet paper. (You have no idea how many times I think oh I wish I could just flush the toilet paper.) Like knowing that your children will have access to a quality education. And if you don't believe that the US has an excellent education system, come down here and let me show you. In the States, everyone has a car and complains if they don't get the closest parking space. Here, you walk, take a bus or taxi or even a horse or oxen cart. In the States, bills are delivered to our mailboxes or emails. Here, you go pick up your bills and then go stand in line at the bank where everything is paid. I could continue with these contrasts but you get the point. Things are different here. TIH. Life in America is a gravy train even with a "government shutdown" so think about that the next time you brush your teeth with that facet water. ;)

And pray. Please pray for this country. Pray for the many organizations, businesses and volunteers trying to make a difference in Honduras. Pray also for this country's government that its leaders will have wisdom in how to rid itself of the violence. Pray for the elections coming up in November that the perfect leaders for this time and season will be elected and go forward to help impact Honduras for the better. Pray for the people of Honduras for the destiny of their country truly lies in their hands. Pray that they choose life, choose blessings, choose Him.