Stories Wanted

Well, the consensus is that you want to hear the stories, at least abbreviated versions. I last left off at the Nicaraguan border when we finally convinced the official to let leave so we could get a hotel room for the night. Feeling a little dejected and unwanted, like strangers in a strange land, we drove back to Choluteca, where we had stayed the night before, and stayed at Hotel Casa Real again.

The next morning we started making calls as soon as we could, and soon came to the conclusion that the best option was to physically go to the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras.

We arrived in Tegucigalpa around 2 pm, and went to the embassy, but they were closed for the day! They only worked from 8:00- 11:30 am (that's government efficiency for you!).

We checked in to the Hotel Excelsior, then headed over bright and early the next morning to wait in line (or so we thought). We were actually able to get right in because we were Americans, and we were the first Americans there. When the windows opened at 8:00, we spoke with Bonnie Anderson, told our story to her, she explained what we needed to do, then she said, "If we end up staying in town for awhile, let me know. I'm a member of [your] church also, and I can help you out." What a "coincidence."

To make a long story short (as my grandpa Lazear used to say), what needed to happen was for us to get the kids passports expedited from San Fransisco, or if they were not close to being done (they should be done after 2 1/2 months!) to re-apply, which ironically would take less time to get them when applying in Honduras, than when applying from the states.

We ended up being in Tegucigalpa for about a week and a half, and it turned into a very wonderful experience. I'll admit, for a little while (only a few hours) I felt a little homesick, culture shock and frustration. We couldn't get the internet to work on our computer, we couldn't figure out how to fix it, (in the states I would have picked up the phone and called my brother) but we couldn't call anyone or communicate with anyone, and they didn't even know what quesadillas or salsa (ketchup? No!) were when we ordered them at the hotel restaurant (seriously).

But Greg, in his usual, insightful way, reminded me that we had it nice and that life was great, as it usually is. We dealt with our problems, waited patiently for our passports, and had a delightful time meeting wonderful new people. Bonnie Anderson, from the Embassy, and her husband, Craig, showed us around town and where the church was, which we went to on Sunday. Then that evening we were able to get together at the Scherbel's house for dinner where we got to meet several other American families who were members of our church, including both mission presidents for the country.

We became good friends with the Scherbel's and they were so kind in showing us around and entertaining us for the remainder of our stay in Tegucigalpa. Paul works for the U.S. Embassy also, so during our stay, we were able to go to the U.S. Ambassador's residence to swim in their pool and play a game of night volleyball. It was a lot of fun!

Monday morning we received news that San Francisco had put our passports in the mail and we would receive them in about three days! Hallelujah! So we continued to enjoy the rest of our stay and visit with our new friends.

Thursday afternoon we checked out of our hotel, The Excelsior, (which we absolutely loved, they have excellent staff!), and checked into the missionary "hotel," the place where the missionaries stay when they first arrive. It was very simple, filled with bunk beds, and the President was kind enough to let us stay. That same day we received news that our passports had arrived! Sarah Scherbel picked me up and took me to the embassy to get them (Greg took Kevin to see the mission doctor because of his swollen leg/knee- we later took him to the hospital where he received a few shots!). I was able to go into the Embassy parking lot with Sarah (the security is tight!) and Bonnie Anderson brought them out to us. While we were waiting we actually got to see the Ambassador, he walked by and waved at us!

After the night in the missionary hotel, we stopped over for breakfast at the Scherbel's before heading to Nicaragua. We have very fond memories of Tegucigalpa and were grateful for the layover and the kindness of and opportunity to meet so many like the Scherbels, the Andersons and the mission President and his wife.

Next stop, Nicaragua!

Livin' the dream, baby!

6/3/2007 : view on map : permalink : add a comment