Trip to La Mosquitia!

Here is an account of my Spring Break trip...my friend Katie Braum and I decided to collaborate! I took pictures on our trip for us to share, and she has so willingly let me quote her blog post. For the most part, we were right next to each other, so our experiences were quite similar. So here are Katie's words; thank you Katie!

For Spring Break, eight of us, seven Americans and one Honduran, traveled to La Ceiba, a city in the department of Atlantida on the Caribbean coast, and then to La Mosquitia, a region in northeast Honduras that is highly isolated and graciously untouched by modern development efforts. Many indigenous groups occupy the area, which is covered in tropical forest and marshlands. Because the area has been protected, travel to the region is difficult and thus provides an opportunity for adventure.

We stayed our first night in La Ceiba at Rotterdam Hotel, a cheap Dutch-Honduran hostel by the ocean. The city is notoriously known for both drug-trafficking and partying, but boasts a friendly low-key atmosphere. We all awoke the first night to gunshots right outside our hostel, but after a half-dazed and exaggerated moment of thinking through an escape plan, I fell back asleep for the rest of the uneventful night. Likely, the cause was a security guard shooting to scare off a dog.

In La Ceiba we visited Cayos Cochinos, which are beautiful islands about a 45-minute boat ride off the coast. Many islands hosted Garifuna communities, indigenous peoples descending from Africa. The water was crystal clear, and there were gorgeous stretches of reef that we were able to snorkel through. It was my first snorkeling experience, and it was amazing. There were a couple of places we snorkeled which were infested with jellyfish (small ones), and we all received several stings. For most of us it was our first time to be stung by a jellyfish, so we decided to soak up all the joy out of this experience.

The next day we left for La Mosquitia. We awoke at 3:30 am to travel to the bus station, where we caught a bus to Tocoa, another city toward the east. At Tocoa we found a truck driver to take us to Batalla, a village on the edge of La Mosquitia. We all piled in the back of the pick-up truck, which was loaded with crates of beer and wooden planks for us to sit on. Oh the adventure… for the next five hours we endured the jerky, dusty trip in the afternoon sun and held on for dear life. The last couple of hours we drove along the beach of the Caribbean. Literally, we drove along the water’s edge. Apparently these trucks have a very small lifeline: only six months or so due to the sand and salt water that degrade the engine. At one point along the journey, we reached a river that ran into the ocean and because it was too deep, the truck had to cross on a wooden raft. Upon arrival in Batalla, we were very wind-swept, dirty and sunburned, but quite satisfied with our new adventure.

From Batalla we picked up a small boat (lancha), which took us on a two-hour trip down river to Raista, another small village. We arrived there late afternoon. We stayed the night at Raista, which boasted ocean on one side and a vast lagoon on the other. Our cabins were slightly rustic yet very comfortable, with soft white beds with mosquito netting and a candle for nightly use. The next morning we traveled by two small lanchas to Las Marías, a small village south of the ocean into the deeper jungle. We endured a seven-hour boat ride up river in the blazing sun, but kept it interesting by singing such opportune songs from Pocahontas, The Lion King, and “My Heart Will Go On.” Occasionally we stopped to cool off in the river, which was wonderfully clear. At one point part of the motor on the boat I was in broke, and our driver fixed it using a stick. This was the first of many instances where we discovered the resourcefulness of the local people.

Once we arrived in Las Marías, we stayed at another hostel that was a little more rustic than the one in Batalla. Because we all traveled very lightly, we tried washing our dirty clothes in the river, and they turned out surprisingly clean. After a night there, we set out the next morning for a two-day hiking trip in the mountains to Pico Dama (Lady Peak), one of the prettiest mountains in La Mosquitia. Between the eight of us we took five backpacks and left the rest of our things in Las Marías. We also brought along some food (rice and beans, pan dulce, oatmeal, flavored chicken soup, and Tang), which we would cook at our campsite. It costs us each a total of $1.50, which would feed us for two days’ worth of meals. For this trip, we traveled in four canoes up-river for two-hours, then hiked another three hours up the mountain. This hike was a bit intense toward the end; several of us were ready to give up, but we all encouraged one another and kept going.

At once we realized that our hostel back in Raista was quite luxurious in comparison the place that now stood before our eyes. It was a one-room cabin that was seemingly lacking in sleeping accommodations. There were three kid-sized wooden bunks stacked on top of each other, and three more small single wooden beds. The guides then informed us that the single beds were actually double beds, which were meant to be shared among the six girls. Although we were given small mats, sheets, and mosquito nets, our next two nights were quite restless. Bethany and I kicked and shoved each other the whole night, and begged morning to come quickly. [I was afraid I would roll out of bed in the night, accidentally falling onto one of our guides who was sleeping on the floor…a fearless Mosquito woman…who snored quite loudly!] We also wanted to bathe after our long hike, and one of our guides told us there was a river a little ways down for water and bathing. The so-called “river” consisted of a tiny creek with a somewhat large puddle for bathing. Ha. We immediately decided bathing wasn’t an option, especially after Liz discovered a leech on her leg. After all, we didn’t smell too bad yet. Additionally, we had run out of water, so there was no choice but for us to use the water from the creek, which turned out to be extremely pure and hopefully lacking in parasites.

The next morning we began our ascent up the mountain. The jungle was like a dream; as we climbed farther and farther up, it transitioned into a dream world like the fairy-world in Fern Gully or even Avatar. The trees were covered in moss and stuck out at weird angles with vines draping over the branches. Near the peak of the mountain we were literally climbing the trees to get to the top. Occasionally one of us would pull a monkey-move and swing from a limb. [One of our female guides did the entire hike barefoot!] Upon reaching the top, we were greeted with mountain grandeur. All I can say is that I better understand the phrase, “The heavens declare you are God and the mountains rejoice.” At that moment we were isolated from civilization, yet still in the midst of God’s good creation. It is incredible to see a world, seemingly different from our own in Michigan or other parts of the U.S., where God still has power over night and day.

After this intense hike, the girls decided that some form of bathing was necessary. It had been four days since we showered. Consequently, we returned to our puddle and had the time of our lives experiencing a new form of getting clean in the jungle. It’s amazing what a few days of living simply will do to one’s perception of comfort (Leeches? Piece of cake!). Another example of this: the boat we road in for seven hours had only backless wooden boards to sit on. How joyous we were when we took canoes to the mountains that still had hard wooden benches, but with back rests. Once again, we discover the meaning of luxury.

The morning we left the jungle, it rained. We thus made our trek down the mountain in the rain, and we hilariously slipped and wiped out the whole way down. At this point I started noticing lots of red splotches all over my arms and legs. Thinking they were bug bites, I thought nothing of it. Later, however, I realized I developed a rash from some sort of jungle plant (I assume). By the time it had finished spreading, my feet were incredibly swollen, making it awkward to walk. Somehow, and rather ironically, I came back from the jungle walking like a penguin.

In the end, we returned from La Mosquitia to Tegucigalpa the same way we came, just backwards. All went surprisingly smoothly, considering the difficulty of transportation and our isolation from society. We never had confirmed sightings of drug-traffickers (La Mosquitia is apparently one of the new hot spots for the Central American drug trade), though we amused ourselves by raising suspicions at any unmarked box that entered our truck or boat (likely beer or food), or at any person we passed with a rifle (probably hunting).

For our book-study, we are reading Richard Foster’s Freedom of Simplicity. Therefore, we have thought quite a bit about what it means to live simply, particularly in the United States where materialism is rampant. I think traveling to La Mosquitia helped us grasp a little bit about what it means to live simply. Sure, we did bring many things with us and had to constantly re-wear dirty clothes (we smelled really bad). But I think we discovered that living simply means more than having few material goods. It also means being content with the moment, with what is there. We were content to go to sleep when the sun went down in the jungle, even though it was only eight o’clock. In general, we were content to let the day guide us rather than our watches. The majority of the time in La Mosquitia, I had no idea what time it was. There was no need to rush, but it was beautiful just to breathe in the moment and not think about the next. Finally, we took delight in simple forms of entertainment, such as singing stupid songs that go along with the moment (“In the jungle, the mighty jungle…”) or playing word games or simply conversing around the fire. I think living simply ultimately means being content with what life throws at you, and taking it at its best. Fittingly, the department that includes La Mosquitia is called Gracias a Dios, which in English translates as “Thanks to God.” That phrase sums up our adventure, and also what it means to live simply. Gracias a Dios.

My Honduran Family

My family is awesome! My four year old sister, Genesis, is a kick in the pants, and the queen of the house! We have fun coloring together, and sometime I do her hair in braids. Technically she is my niece, but I just call her my sister. Last weekend we went to the pool which was a bunch of fun…I think I need to learn more Spanish words about the pool and pool games, to be able to explain to her what I mean when I say “Okay, now jump into the pool, don’t worry, I’ll catch you!” My mama is also very kind; a devoted evangelical Christian. She prays over me every time I eat, and is constantly making sure I’m well taken care of. She speaks some English, which is very helpful when I can’t remember a word in Spanish in the middle of a sentence J My papa is very kind, as well. He found out that I liked avocados, and he keeps buying them at the market for me. He is willing to drop anything for a half Spanglished (Spanish and English) conversation with me. Genesis’s parents live in an apartment behind our house, and often my sister Dianne comes in to chat with me. This is where I get most of my Spanish grammar lessons, and where I also in return give English lessons. It’s fun :)


Tegucigalpa is a fun city…I feel as if there are many discoveries to be made and adventures to be had there. Last weekend I went to the market with some friends; what an experience! I haven’t been taking my camera around because we’ve been told that it’s not very safe to take it with. Next time I think I should bring it with, because the scenes there are hard to describe in words. The multitudes of people, the miles and miles stretch of just venders selling clothes, food, flowers, and pirated movies. It was so much fun, and I gave into buying a pair of beautiful purple sandals. I couldn’t resist, they were only 5 dollars, and I really needed a pair of sandals for class!


And yes, the Spanish is definitely improving 100X every day…I ended up taking a 300 level culture class after not having a formal Spanish class in 3 years! But it is going well, I’m learning a lot. Things will be easier after February is over because then we will only have Spanish class 2 or 3 days a week…where now we have it 5 days a week. The development classes are also going very well, too. Kurt and Jo Ann (program directors) are great teachers and mentors. They opened up their house to us, and it just feels like home, even after only being there once!


The group is also doing well, minus a few people getting sick. Most everyone is feeling better now, though, thanks be to God! I think we are starting to get to know each other better, and we have really good discussions together. The classroom setting is always open for questions and clarifications, which I appreciate a lot.

Perspective

These words by Bishop Ken Untener greeted our class this morning:
A prayer
It helps, now and then, to step back
And take a long view.

The kingdom is not only beyond our efforts,
It is even beyond our vision.

We accomplish in our lifetime only a tiny fraction
Of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work.
Nothing we do is complete, which is a way of saying
That the kingdom always lies beyond us.
No statement says all that could be said.
No prayer fully expresses our faith.
No confession brings perfection.
No pastoral visit brings wholeness.
No program accomplishes the church’s mission.
No set of goals and objectives includes everything.

This is what we are about.
We plant the seeds that one day will grow.
We water seeds already planted,
Knowing that they hold future promise.

We lay foundations that will need further development.,
We provide yeast that produces far beyond our capabilities.

We cannot do everything, and there is a sense of liberation
In realizing that. This enables us to do something,
And to do it very well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way,
An opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest.

We may never see the end results, but that is the difference
Between the master builder and the worker.

We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs.
We are prophets of a future not our own.
Amen.

Siguatapeque and Rural Honduras: A Sampler Platter of Baby Steps in Kingdom Work

This brings us to the first weekend in Honduras. The group, along with Kurt and Jo Ann and their family, went to Siguatapeque, which is in a more rural area of Honduras. Following is a reflection journal I wrote…it’s a little long, but at least skim the good parts :)

Our trip to Siguatapeque; what a blast! Cerro de Luz (name of the location we stayed at) was so much fun in respect to the team building that took place. The trip there was lovely, getting to know Noah and Anna a bit more. Upon arrival Melissa, Liz, Kurt, and myself made a fearless, risk-taking team…little did we know that we were destined for falling! On a high ropes course about 30 feet in the air, our poor bodies endured three traumatic falls; many sustaining injuries, some even with blood (only a little)! We were determined, and didn’t give up, and in the process found out more about each other and what each of our personalities was like. Our favorite line from this adventure was: “I just have a really long femur!” –Melissa said while trying to climb straight up a log about 10 feet in the air. I think we came as friends/acquaintances and left as family :)

But more importantly is what I learned during this activity is team work, and how working together was vital to accomplish any given task on the high ropes. We searched and found each other’s strengths as we went through the intense moments of balance, strategy, success, and a little bit of failure. A big take away from all of this for me was that we are given others in our life to help us, encourage us along the way, and that is good. But we can’t forget that we will always need our “safety rope”, God, to catch us when all else is unstable.

Afterward we did “The Leap of Faith” which entailed first climbing up a 20 ft. high log, then standing upright on top and jumping, yes jumping, reaching out into the thin air simply to try to grab a trapeze bar. This task was very difficult…it was more about the jumping part than it was about the catching on to the trapeze part. The lesson here that I took away is that God will take care of us when do “leaps of faith” in his name. In order to do this jump, we need to have confidence that God will keep us safe. We can have confidence in the almighty even amidst paralyzing fear and scary circumstances.

Another highlight of Saturday and Sunday was Life Stories, where we each went around telling a 10 minute summary of who we are and how we got to be where we are now. There were many shaping moments, and I believe our group became much closer because of it.

A Sampler Platter of Baby Steps in Kingdom Work

After a magnificent hike to a waterfall in rural Honduras, our group proceeded to visit different projects put on by Global Village. Following are the places we visited and my initial take-aways:

Youth Program: ABC prevention is a well rounded approach to prevention/meeting the individuals where they are at. They used the verse from 1 Tim.=don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Good reminder that even here in Honduras we can be role models in thoughts, words, and actions.

Health Clinic: The biggest problems they have are diarrhea, skin problems, and respiratory problems, caused by the pollution. Also, there are many who get HIV AIDS, but the retroviruses cost about 6 months’ salary for the families, making it next to impossible for those who are sick to access medicine and treatment. On the other hand, something that is going really well for the health clinic in the community we visited is that they have started a system where all the babies are weighed and monitored closely till they are two years old. There are vitamins and shots available to the babies, as long as the mother desires that the baby receive them. Also, about 80% of the women give birth to their babies in hospitals; which is a fairly good percentage.

Farms with pigs and chickens and fish: We visited a few farms to see the agriculture side of rural Honduras, and what Global Missions was doing there. I thought it was really neat that in order for the projects to succeed, many from the community needed to be involved, and the wealth was spread around. In order for one family to pay off the loan for the animals, the babies of their animals needed to be given to someone else in the community.

I can’t help but think that walking through some of the areas of rural Honduras are similar to the Garden of Eden. There was a few times where I thought heaven was going to be just around the corner.

HONDURAS: the first days

Hello!

Welcome to my blog! My name is Elizabeth Brouwer, but I go by many names. Some call me Leesha, some Liesje, some Elle, and many just call me Gringa. Following there will be tales of adventures, interesting foods, new friendships, crazy trips, development, and many words about culture…all taking place in Honduras! I am here in Tegucigalpa for 4 months, and I thought this would be a nice way to let you all know what I’m doing while I’m away. So here it goes…my first blog!

Thus far on the journey, I (along with my classmates) have:

-traveled from Grand Rapids, MI to the Detroit airport, from Detroit to Fort Lauderdale, FL, from Fort Lauderdale to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. From San Pedro Sula we drove 5 hours to Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. All this took approximately 36 (or so) hours! Exactly when our tired feet touched the ground in Tegucigalpa, our host families swept us home in a whirl wind of new people to meet, new Spanish words to understand, and new food to eat upon our arrival at our homes. WOW!

-The next morning was the first day of class, starting at 8:30am. Jet lagged and exhausted, we talked more about what this semester in Honduras would look like. Kurt and Jo Ann Verbeek are our fearless leaders; they’ve resided in Honduras for about 20 years…pretty much some of the greatest people I’ve ever met! We then went and explored the city with our new Spanish teachers…we were all very glad they were with us on the crazy/adventurous bus trip!
-Scavenger hunt+Tegucigalpa+2 friends=great time! We broke into small groups and took off! My group was assigned to look for a certain statue, buy a stamp at the post office, and then navigate our way to a bank. What an adventure on the second day! After that, we went to AJS, a really cool organization that Kurt and Jo Ann work/volunteer for. The biggest thing I learned on this day was that Hondurans are very kind and patient when it comes to directions J Broken Spanish, a nice smile, and 3 Limpira (20 L.=$1 US) will get you where you need to go.

I am doing very well here in Honduras, after a few minor bumps in the beginning. The first night I ate meat for the first time in many many months, didn’t know where the water was, couldn’t get the bathroom door to stay closed, and forgot about the time change and got up approximately 2 hours early! Haha, it was an adventure!

And I made it.

More to come later!