Late Thursday night the two governmental regimes in Honduras, led by President Manuel Zelaya and de facto President Roberto Micheletti came to an agreement that just might put an end to the extended political crisis that this country has been enduring since June 28th, 2009.
Last night - almost four months to the day after Zelaya was ousted from his position as President - the two men came together and signed an agreement that would allow Zelaya to be restored to presidency for the remaining three months of his term. Micheletti has conceded to putting Zelaya's restoration to a Congressional vote. If Congress agrees, Zelaya will be reinstated, control of the army will shift to the electoral court, and the upcoming Presidential election (set for November 29th) will have the recognition of not only both sides, but also of the international community.
This agreement was reached after a team of senior American diplomats arrived in Honduras to mediate the crisis, and made it clear that time was running out for the two men to come to some sort of an accord. Over the past four months, sanctions have been placed on Honduran citizens, casualties have occurred, international aid has stalled, and many have lived in uncertainty and fear for what would come. This agreement, though long overdue, might be the beginning of a pathway to restoring peace.*
In news at home, things at the Hogar are good. The flu that was passing through has left, and all of the boys are back to their normal smiling, rambunctious selves. They are getting ready to take exams and finish up the school year. Our psychology department is growing and some of the boys in most need are starting speech therapy. They spend much of their free time playing with marbles and dancing their toes off to Michael Jackson... some of their favorites are "Thriller" and "Beat It." They are happy and healthy, Gracias a Dios (Thanks be to God).
The more recently arrived volunteers just concluded the final stages of on-site orientation, and soon the outgoing volunteers will be leaving the Hogar to return to the United States and begin a new chapter of their lives.
As always, we ask for your continued prayers and support, as you know the Amigos de Jesús family prays for you in a small, tucked-away haven in Honduras. Have a peaceful weekend.
*For more information on the current political happenings in Honduras, a good article from this morning can be found in the New York Times at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/31/world/americas/31honduras.html?_r=1&hp
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 2, 2009
Recent Updates
Since last writing, the political situation in Honduras has only continued to intensify. Manuel Zelaya remains finding refuge staying in the Brazilian embassy, where he has been staying since his return to Honduras on the 21st of September. Shortly after Zelaya returned, at the end of last week on Sunday September 27, Micheletti announced a halt on all forms of public reunions (i.e. people gathering in the streets), as well as a cease in media releases - it was noted as a 45 day suspension of civil liberties for the Honduran people. Two of the larger media sources, Radio Globo and Channel 36, were temporarily shut down. Airlines suspended travel for approximately five days in and out of Honduras.
Micheletti has since noted that he will be revoking the suspension, though he has not said when. There has yet to be some form of a resolution found within the country - the crisis continues. A growing concern is the effect that Honduras' current situation is having on trade throughout Central America. Honduras is a port of passage for much trade that flows in to this area, particularly Guatemala, Costa Rica and El Salvador. These three countries are said to be losing millions of dollars of trade business every day, according to BBC World News.
Meanwhile, public schools are still not in session, which means our colegio boys are getting some "time off" from school schedules. Additionally, the Hogar has been hit with a rough bout of the flu, keeping a good number of our boys in bed and resting their way back to health. Hence an extra push to keep our boys nourished and healthy, and keeping the doctor on call. Please keep them in your prayers.
Although we have had to cancel the picnic and our boys are unable to be with us this weekend, we continue to offer our prayers and support and stand in solidarity with them through our love as an Amigos community. Our thoughts, hearts, and prayers go out to our boys, staff and volunteers at the Hogar, and to the nation of Honduras as she and her people continue to struggle in strong hope for peace.
Micheletti has since noted that he will be revoking the suspension, though he has not said when. There has yet to be some form of a resolution found within the country - the crisis continues. A growing concern is the effect that Honduras' current situation is having on trade throughout Central America. Honduras is a port of passage for much trade that flows in to this area, particularly Guatemala, Costa Rica and El Salvador. These three countries are said to be losing millions of dollars of trade business every day, according to BBC World News.
Meanwhile, public schools are still not in session, which means our colegio boys are getting some "time off" from school schedules. Additionally, the Hogar has been hit with a rough bout of the flu, keeping a good number of our boys in bed and resting their way back to health. Hence an extra push to keep our boys nourished and healthy, and keeping the doctor on call. Please keep them in your prayers.
Although we have had to cancel the picnic and our boys are unable to be with us this weekend, we continue to offer our prayers and support and stand in solidarity with them through our love as an Amigos community. Our thoughts, hearts, and prayers go out to our boys, staff and volunteers at the Hogar, and to the nation of Honduras as she and her people continue to struggle in strong hope for peace.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Zelaya has returned to Honduras
There has been quite a bit in the news over the past 48 hours or so regarding the political situation in Honduras. Manuel Zelaya (the ousted president) returned to the country on Monday (after living in exile in Nicaragua for the past three months), and is currently staying at the Brazilian Embassy (please note: neither the Organization of American States [OAS] nor Brazil played any part in planning and executing the return of Zelaya). As a result of this, a curfew was put into place for the entire nation (due to expire this evening). However, many citizens disregarded this curfew on Tuesday and flooded the streets of Honduras in support of Zelaya, and subsequently were dispersed last night and this morning by police. Many schools and offices closed since the return of Zelaya, though our boys continue to go to class and have lessons at our on-site school. Right now continued accessibility to food and other resources is one of the more prominent concerns for Honduran natives, according to BBC (though Ubil, our Honduran director, has been conscious of this from the beginning and at this point it is not an immediate issue for the Hogar).
The majority of the action – as has been the case since the beginning of this on June 28 – is taking place in Tegucigalpa, the Honduran capital. While airlines have cancelled flights to Honduras for today, and many for tomorrow as well, the most recent reports say that the streets all over are quiet now. Roberto Micheletti (the current de facto president of Honduras) has said that he will step down after Honduras’ national elections in November; however, Zelaya continues to demand his own reinstallation to presidency prior to the elections (noting he would then hand over the presidency in January when the presidential change takes place), and the international community is continuing to support him. According to the Honduran news source, Telesur, Insulza (the president of the OAS) sees Zelaya’s return as a possible golden opportunity to move forward and solve this national crisis and come to a peaceful agreement; for now, news reports say that the nation of Honduras is purely watching and waiting to see what will happen next.
Our children, our staff, and our volunteers are safe and sound; again, Macuelizo (the town where our orphanage is located) is many hours from Tegucigalpa and where the main demonstrations are happening. Ubil and our Honduran staff continue to take any necessary measures to ensure the well-being of our children and the Amigos family.
Right now we ask for your thoughts and prayers, as the nation of Honduras continues to struggle in the fight for stability and peace. Our Honduran friends have yet to lose hope or faith, despite the difficulties this country has faced for years, and in an intensified way for the past three months. We are called, as Christians, to offer them thoughts and prayers of solidarity and peace in these days. Thank you for your support.
The majority of the action – as has been the case since the beginning of this on June 28 – is taking place in Tegucigalpa, the Honduran capital. While airlines have cancelled flights to Honduras for today, and many for tomorrow as well, the most recent reports say that the streets all over are quiet now. Roberto Micheletti (the current de facto president of Honduras) has said that he will step down after Honduras’ national elections in November; however, Zelaya continues to demand his own reinstallation to presidency prior to the elections (noting he would then hand over the presidency in January when the presidential change takes place), and the international community is continuing to support him. According to the Honduran news source, Telesur, Insulza (the president of the OAS) sees Zelaya’s return as a possible golden opportunity to move forward and solve this national crisis and come to a peaceful agreement; for now, news reports say that the nation of Honduras is purely watching and waiting to see what will happen next.
Our children, our staff, and our volunteers are safe and sound; again, Macuelizo (the town where our orphanage is located) is many hours from Tegucigalpa and where the main demonstrations are happening. Ubil and our Honduran staff continue to take any necessary measures to ensure the well-being of our children and the Amigos family.
Right now we ask for your thoughts and prayers, as the nation of Honduras continues to struggle in the fight for stability and peace. Our Honduran friends have yet to lose hope or faith, despite the difficulties this country has faced for years, and in an intensified way for the past three months. We are called, as Christians, to offer them thoughts and prayers of solidarity and peace in these days. Thank you for your support.
Cancelled: Amigos de Jesús Picnic Sunday October 4, 2009
Urgent Message Concerning the Cancellation of the Amigos de Jesús Picnic Sunday October 4, 2009
Two weeks ago the USA embassy cancelled all new visas to the United States which prevents the children from coming to the States for the picnic. I emailed the Ambassador and the Consul General and they responded that they could not grant an exception but would let us know if the situation became better. Two days ago the situation became worse and the airports are now closed in Honduras with no chance for the children to come to the States. In light of this new development, and since the purpose of the picnic was for you to meet the children we are cancelling the picnic with the hope that when things settle down in Honduras we can bring the children up for you to meet them. I am sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you but I want you to meet the children and it is impossible for that to happen at this time.
Thank you for your love, support and generosity to the children.
Primero Dios,
Fr. Den
Two weeks ago the USA embassy cancelled all new visas to the United States which prevents the children from coming to the States for the picnic. I emailed the Ambassador and the Consul General and they responded that they could not grant an exception but would let us know if the situation became better. Two days ago the situation became worse and the airports are now closed in Honduras with no chance for the children to come to the States. In light of this new development, and since the purpose of the picnic was for you to meet the children we are cancelling the picnic with the hope that when things settle down in Honduras we can bring the children up for you to meet them. I am sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you but I want you to meet the children and it is impossible for that to happen at this time.
Thank you for your love, support and generosity to the children.
Primero Dios,
Fr. Den
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Come Celebrate Amigos de Jesús!
¡Todos son bienvenidos!
All are welcome!
What: A community picnic complete with food, games, events and FUN!
There will be a moonbounce, bracelet making, face-painting, free food and good company.
You are welcome to come first to 12:00 noon mass at Saint Patrick's and then stay for the festivities!
When: Sunday, October 4, 2009 from 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Who: All are welcome! We just need you to RSVP before September 20th to our office:
610-644-8237
amigos@amigosdejesus.org
Or post a comment right here on our blog telling us you'll be attending!
Once more, the details...
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Mass 12 o’clock Noon
St. Patrick’s Church, Malvern, PA
followed by
A family picnic to share in and celebrate the Amigos de Jesús Community
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Malvern Preparatory School
418 S. Warren Ave. Malvern, PA 19355
We do hope you will be able to join us! Thank you for your continued support!
All are welcome!
What: A community picnic complete with food, games, events and FUN!
There will be a moonbounce, bracelet making, face-painting, free food and good company.
You are welcome to come first to 12:00 noon mass at Saint Patrick's and then stay for the festivities!
When: Sunday, October 4, 2009 from 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Who: All are welcome! We just need you to RSVP before September 20th to our office:
610-644-8237
amigos@amigosdejesus.org
Or post a comment right here on our blog telling us you'll be attending!
Once more, the details...
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Mass 12 o’clock Noon
St. Patrick’s Church, Malvern, PA
followed by
A family picnic to share in and celebrate the Amigos de Jesús Community
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Malvern Preparatory School
418 S. Warren Ave. Malvern, PA 19355
We do hope you will be able to join us! Thank you for your continued support!
Hope for Renewal
Two days ago, on the 15th of September, Honduras celebrated her national independence day. Festivities abounded, "fiesticas" (little parties) were held in schools, parades could be seen in the bigger cities, there was celebration of the nation's independence, of the nation's sustainability, of her individualism as a country. The overt pride felt by the citizens of this country in being Honduran was evident. And yet, one cannot help but wonder, what sort of independence it really is that the people of this small Central American country can celebrate as they continue to struggle with a situation of political crisis.
Yesterday President Oscar Arias of Costa Rica, who has been a pivotal player in trying to aid the journey to resolution for this country, held a meeting with four of the six declared candidates in the upcoming November election. The purpose of this meeting was to try to get them all on the same page insofar as what the world's leaders are saying - to clarify that no electoral results would be seen as legitimate by the international community (no matter who wins) if Manuel Zelaya was not first reinstated as President of Honduras. There has yet to be a report published regarding the success of yesterday's meeting.
Meanwhile, our boys are well at the Hogar, happy and healthy. The new group of volunteers is finishing up their last week of language school in Guatemala and will be arriving at our Hogar - their new home for the next 14 months - on Saturday. Here in Philadelphia we are "preparing the banquet," as you read in our recent newsletter, and getting ready for our October 4th Picnic celebration of the Amigos de Jesús community. We do hope you will join us!
[See above blog entry.]
As we accompany our sisters and brothers in Honduras in this time of celebration and independence, in the faith-filled journey towards a better tomorrow, and in the daily petition for peace, perhaps we can offer up together a prayer of hope.
Prayer for a World Renewed
O God,
our creator and sustainer,
we pray to you:
We want to celebrate life.
We cry out against all that kills life:
hunger, poverty, unemployment, sickness,
debt, repression, individualism,
abuse of the earth, injustice, and all other
forms of slavery.
We want to announce fullness of life:
work, education, health, housing,
safe environment, bread for all.
We want communion, solidarity,
a world renewed.
We hope against hope.
With the God of history,
we want to make things new again.
Amen.
Yesterday President Oscar Arias of Costa Rica, who has been a pivotal player in trying to aid the journey to resolution for this country, held a meeting with four of the six declared candidates in the upcoming November election. The purpose of this meeting was to try to get them all on the same page insofar as what the world's leaders are saying - to clarify that no electoral results would be seen as legitimate by the international community (no matter who wins) if Manuel Zelaya was not first reinstated as President of Honduras. There has yet to be a report published regarding the success of yesterday's meeting.
Meanwhile, our boys are well at the Hogar, happy and healthy. The new group of volunteers is finishing up their last week of language school in Guatemala and will be arriving at our Hogar - their new home for the next 14 months - on Saturday. Here in Philadelphia we are "preparing the banquet," as you read in our recent newsletter, and getting ready for our October 4th Picnic celebration of the Amigos de Jesús community. We do hope you will join us!
[See above blog entry.]
As we accompany our sisters and brothers in Honduras in this time of celebration and independence, in the faith-filled journey towards a better tomorrow, and in the daily petition for peace, perhaps we can offer up together a prayer of hope.
Prayer for a World Renewed
O God,
our creator and sustainer,
we pray to you:
We want to celebrate life.
We cry out against all that kills life:
hunger, poverty, unemployment, sickness,
debt, repression, individualism,
abuse of the earth, injustice, and all other
forms of slavery.
We want to announce fullness of life:
work, education, health, housing,
safe environment, bread for all.
We want communion, solidarity,
a world renewed.
We hope against hope.
With the God of history,
we want to make things new again.
Amen.
Friday, September 4, 2009
The U.S. takes a stronger stand
The United States government has announced that it is halting all non-humanitarian aid to the Central American country of Honduras, which is currently equivalent to approximately 30 million dollars, as a result of the lack of resolution after the 28 June ousting of President Manuel Zelaya.
According to BBC World News, Zelaya was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying "With this decision of the United States, the countries of the Americas have formed a single bloc in condemning the coup."
As a result of this withdrawal of aid, Rafael Pineda, minister of the de facto presidency under Micheletti, points out that due to these economic sanctions being issued by the US now "some of the infrastructural works will be sacrificed; if they are nost paralyzed completely they will continue in very slow progress because the influx of resources will be much less." (read in and translated from the article "Gobierno de facto hondureño lamenta cancelación total de ayuda de EE.UU.," found in today's online news at www.telesurtv.net)
The United States continues to impose sanctions on visas being issued to Hondurans; Brasil has also now announced the suspension of issuing visas to citizens of Honduras. According to BBC, at this stage the US additionally notes that any elections insuing from this de facto government will not be recognized internationally as being legitimate. Honduras is due to have presidential elections in November 2009.
While this beautiful nation continues to struggle on the political front for the restoration of peace, our children at the Hogar are as bright and energetic as ever. They are a true reminder to all who are in their presence of the goodness that comes from a human child's innocence, and the beauty that resides in the human heart, blessed by Christ's divinity.
Thank you for your prayers.
According to BBC World News, Zelaya was quoted by the AFP news agency as saying "With this decision of the United States, the countries of the Americas have formed a single bloc in condemning the coup."
As a result of this withdrawal of aid, Rafael Pineda, minister of the de facto presidency under Micheletti, points out that due to these economic sanctions being issued by the US now "some of the infrastructural works will be sacrificed; if they are nost paralyzed completely they will continue in very slow progress because the influx of resources will be much less." (read in and translated from the article "Gobierno de facto hondureño lamenta cancelación total de ayuda de EE.UU.," found in today's online news at www.telesurtv.net)
The United States continues to impose sanctions on visas being issued to Hondurans; Brasil has also now announced the suspension of issuing visas to citizens of Honduras. According to BBC, at this stage the US additionally notes that any elections insuing from this de facto government will not be recognized internationally as being legitimate. Honduras is due to have presidential elections in November 2009.
While this beautiful nation continues to struggle on the political front for the restoration of peace, our children at the Hogar are as bright and energetic as ever. They are a true reminder to all who are in their presence of the goodness that comes from a human child's innocence, and the beauty that resides in the human heart, blessed by Christ's divinity.
Thank you for your prayers.
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