The nation of Honduras continues to be in a state of division as the days pass.
Just a few days ago, on Friday, July 24th, President Zelaya attempted to enter his home country on foot by way of the shared border with Nicaragua. He made it only a few steps onto Honduran soil before he was forced to retreat back across the border. He returned to border again on Saturday, in a second unsuccessful attempt to cross into Honduras.
While the peace talks (mediated by Costa Rica's president Oscar Arias) have not resulted in any sort of solution, the Honduran military made it clear in a recent press release that there is no disunity: they are subordinate to the Honduran government. Yet the question remains: who is, and who will be, the true Honduran government?
The country is divided in the support of Zelaya and Micheletti. It does not seem that Zelaya is helping his cause by attempting to force his way back into Honduras - in fact, on Friday US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called this move "reckless." While this might not be the ideal way to go about it, Zelaya does not seem to be willing to negotiate at all on his return. The waiting game continues.
Meanwhile, at Amigos all are far from any sort of action/reaction to what is going on. The public schools re-opened last Monday and the colegio boys are back to their studies. Volunteers are continuing to suspend travel to San Pedro Sula; Ubil and others are keeping a close eye, monitoring the political situation and the daily occurrences in Honduras.
We continue to pray for peace and resolution in Honduras. Additionally, we ask for your prayers for our incoming volunteers, who have begun to depart for language school in Guatemala! Hopefully this is a time of new beginnings, exciting paths to be explored, and safety and stability for all.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Peace talks to begin...
Yesterday brought words that will hopefully be good news for our friends and loved ones in Honduras: Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with Pres. Zelaya [yesterday] and both he and interim president Robert Micheletti have agreed to begin the dialogue process tomorrow (Thursday), under the guidance of Costa Rican president Oscar Arias. Arias has made no mention of how long he believes the talks will go on, other than he will mediate the conversation for as long as necessary. Arias was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for helping to end the region’s civil wars – so hopefully that is a good sign!
Neither Zelaya nor Micheletti seems to want to give up the position of President and are hesitant of the term “negotiation”, but both are open to dialogue, which is hopeful. Both have made public comments that the last thing they want is violence and bloodshed to occur in their country, which is also a good sign. Zelaya has said that this dialogue will not be to negotiate, so much as to plan the exit of those responsible for the ousting (Newspaper La Hora, Guatemala), and with the backing of the international community for Zelaya, the pressure seems to be on the interim government (BBC World News).
All are well and safe at the Hogar, and again the volunteers are anxious (as are most Hondurans, I imagine!) for this all to pass. In speaking with Ubil, I was struck by the disappointment he must feel: a man who has spent his life dedicating so much time and energy into creating a safe and healthy environment for the children, a man who is so very clearly an agent of change in a world that desperately needs to be altered, only to be witness to the affects of a government creating such discord, out of the control of any one person.
Perhaps the helplessness we all feel at this point could serve as a good lesson to better understand those in Honduras and around the world: those who are stuck in a cycle of poverty, lack of education, and powerlessness to do much to change their fate, a fate that has been determined by a global society that favors the elite. Let us try to use this as an opportunity to stand in solidarity with those who have no voice, of our children who are vulnerable, and to be with those who feel helpless, who face what seems like a hopeless situation in faith.
Let us say our prayers with greater conviction and more frequently for the Honduran people.
Once more, we wait and hope.
Neither Zelaya nor Micheletti seems to want to give up the position of President and are hesitant of the term “negotiation”, but both are open to dialogue, which is hopeful. Both have made public comments that the last thing they want is violence and bloodshed to occur in their country, which is also a good sign. Zelaya has said that this dialogue will not be to negotiate, so much as to plan the exit of those responsible for the ousting (Newspaper La Hora, Guatemala), and with the backing of the international community for Zelaya, the pressure seems to be on the interim government (BBC World News).
All are well and safe at the Hogar, and again the volunteers are anxious (as are most Hondurans, I imagine!) for this all to pass. In speaking with Ubil, I was struck by the disappointment he must feel: a man who has spent his life dedicating so much time and energy into creating a safe and healthy environment for the children, a man who is so very clearly an agent of change in a world that desperately needs to be altered, only to be witness to the affects of a government creating such discord, out of the control of any one person.
Perhaps the helplessness we all feel at this point could serve as a good lesson to better understand those in Honduras and around the world: those who are stuck in a cycle of poverty, lack of education, and powerlessness to do much to change their fate, a fate that has been determined by a global society that favors the elite. Let us try to use this as an opportunity to stand in solidarity with those who have no voice, of our children who are vulnerable, and to be with those who feel helpless, who face what seems like a hopeless situation in faith.
Let us say our prayers with greater conviction and more frequently for the Honduran people.
Once more, we wait and hope.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Esperar: to wait; to hope
We continue waiting today as the holiday weekend here in the US has passed; we find ourselves standing in solidarity with the people of Honduras in curiosity and anticipation of what is yet to come.
Last week, the OAS (Organization of American States) met and decided to grant the current interim government in Honduras 72 hours to concede to the return of Zelaya (the ousted president). On Saturday, after waiting and hoping for the interim government to act, the OAS suspended Honduras from the coalition as a result of failure to allow Zelaya to return to the country. (This is the first time the OAS has taken such a measure since the removal of Cuba in 1962.)
Yesterday (Sunday), Zelaya decided to take action a bit more into his own hands by attempting to fly back to Honduras, accompanied by the Presidents of Argentina and Ecuador, as well as the head of the OAS. However the military (in support of the current interim government) as well as anti-Zelaya protestors, lined the runway in Tegucigalpa and prevented the plane from landing. Zelaya was diverted to Nicaragua, from where he would proceed to El Salvador.
The country seems quite split in this political arena, as many pro-Zelaya supporters were also present there in Tegucigalpa, rallying for Zelaya's return.
With continued prayers for tranquility, the restoration of peace and the return of democracy to Honduras, thanks for reading.
Last week, the OAS (Organization of American States) met and decided to grant the current interim government in Honduras 72 hours to concede to the return of Zelaya (the ousted president). On Saturday, after waiting and hoping for the interim government to act, the OAS suspended Honduras from the coalition as a result of failure to allow Zelaya to return to the country. (This is the first time the OAS has taken such a measure since the removal of Cuba in 1962.)
Yesterday (Sunday), Zelaya decided to take action a bit more into his own hands by attempting to fly back to Honduras, accompanied by the Presidents of Argentina and Ecuador, as well as the head of the OAS. However the military (in support of the current interim government) as well as anti-Zelaya protestors, lined the runway in Tegucigalpa and prevented the plane from landing. Zelaya was diverted to Nicaragua, from where he would proceed to El Salvador.
The country seems quite split in this political arena, as many pro-Zelaya supporters were also present there in Tegucigalpa, rallying for Zelaya's return.
According to BBC world news, the interim government in Honduras, spearheaded by the appointed (interim) president Roberto Micheletti, offered that they are open to negotiation with the international community; what they are not open to is the return of the deposed president Zelaya.
Zelaya has commented that he will attempt again today or tomorrow to return to his home country, though there are also some news reports that say Zelaya may possibly head back to Washington to continue conversing with international leaders before taking more action.
From here in Philadelphia, we continue speaking with Ubil and the volunteers in Honduras on a near daily basis, ensuring their safety and health as the days progress. They all seem in good spirits, though more than ready for this current situation to come to an end, for fellow volunteers to return to the hogar, the colegio (high school) boys to return to school (all public schools have been closed since the ousting occurred over a week ago), and life to assume a welcome state of "normalcy."
So once more, we wait to see what the days will bring and how things will proceed.
*An interesting note: in Spanish, the words “to wait” and “to hope” are the same: esperar. There is perhaps comfort to be found in this simple reminder of God’s presence and plan for all of us.With continued prayers for tranquility, the restoration of peace and the return of democracy to Honduras, thanks for reading.
A Letter from A Parent
Below you will find an email from Kevin, a father of one of the current volunteers at Amigos. This will perhaps grant some insight into Amigos from a different point of view. We thank him for his words, support for his son and for the Amigos community.
***
As the father of one of the current volunteers, I thought it might be helpful to... know about our experiences with Amigos de Jesús and my contact with our son Dan over the last few days. We had the good fortune to visit Dan and the orphanage in February. It is a wonderful place with many excellent staff and a superb group of young volunteers. My wife and I were tremendously impressed with the commitment and the maturity of the young people who are currently serving the children.
As I am sure you know, the orphanage is in a rural area surrounded by some small villages. The reputation of the orphanage and the people who work there is very high among the local people. Indeed, a large number of local people work or have worked at the orphanage in recent years.
The year has been a wonderful one for Dan. He and the other volunteers feel a great sense of purpose and accomplishment and also feel strongly supported by the staff in the United States. I am sure the new group of volunteers will feel the same. Hopefully, conditions will return to a more normal state very soon.
Sincerely, Kevin
***
As the father of one of the current volunteers, I thought it might be helpful to... know about our experiences with Amigos de Jesús and my contact with our son Dan over the last few days. We had the good fortune to visit Dan and the orphanage in February. It is a wonderful place with many excellent staff and a superb group of young volunteers. My wife and I were tremendously impressed with the commitment and the maturity of the young people who are currently serving the children.
As I am sure you know, the orphanage is in a rural area surrounded by some small villages. The reputation of the orphanage and the people who work there is very high among the local people. Indeed, a large number of local people work or have worked at the orphanage in recent years.
The year has been a wonderful one for Dan. He and the other volunteers feel a great sense of purpose and accomplishment and also feel strongly supported by the staff in the United States. I am sure the new group of volunteers will feel the same. Hopefully, conditions will return to a more normal state very soon.
Sincerely, Kevin
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Current Political Happenings in Honduras
The past few days have brought some uncertainty, extended caution and a lot of prayers to Amigos de Jesús.
On Sunday, June 28th, democratically elected President Manuel Zelaya of Honduras was removed from his home by military force and escorted to Costa Rica. This day there had been a vote planned to determine whether or not the people of Honduras would be open to a non-binding referendum to the constitution. Some took this as an attempt by Zelaya to change the constitution in favor of him continuing into a second term of presidency (which is currently not allowed under the present constitution). Military forces entered his home in Tegucigalpa, and put him (in his pajamas!) on a plane to Costa Rica. Congress immediately named an interim president, Roberto Micheletti; though Zelaya continues to speak that he is still president and has full intention of continuing as president through the end of his term (in January).
What does this mean for us at Amigos de Jesús? Well, most manifestations and demonstrations are taking place in Tegucigalpa and some in San Pedro Sula, which is still a good distance from our humble home in Macuelizo, Santa Barbara. However, full precautions are being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all at the Hogar (orphanage). For now, no travel is being permitted outside of Macuelizo. Ubil, our Honduran director, is keeping incredibly up-to-date with the situation, and we are in communication with both him and the volunteers daily. Here in the office, we are trying to keep as informed as possible on the play-by-play happenings. And more than anything - both in Philadelphia and in Honduras - we are praying for safety and peace.
President Zelaya is set to address the United Nations this afternoon in New York, in the hopes of gaining increased international support. Right now, his return to Honduras is slated for Thursday... we'll see what the days bring.
Please keep the children, staff, volunteers and the governing peoples of Honduras in your thoughts and prayers, as we ask God to grant guidance and peace to all.
On Sunday, June 28th, democratically elected President Manuel Zelaya of Honduras was removed from his home by military force and escorted to Costa Rica. This day there had been a vote planned to determine whether or not the people of Honduras would be open to a non-binding referendum to the constitution. Some took this as an attempt by Zelaya to change the constitution in favor of him continuing into a second term of presidency (which is currently not allowed under the present constitution). Military forces entered his home in Tegucigalpa, and put him (in his pajamas!) on a plane to Costa Rica. Congress immediately named an interim president, Roberto Micheletti; though Zelaya continues to speak that he is still president and has full intention of continuing as president through the end of his term (in January).
What does this mean for us at Amigos de Jesús? Well, most manifestations and demonstrations are taking place in Tegucigalpa and some in San Pedro Sula, which is still a good distance from our humble home in Macuelizo, Santa Barbara. However, full precautions are being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all at the Hogar (orphanage). For now, no travel is being permitted outside of Macuelizo. Ubil, our Honduran director, is keeping incredibly up-to-date with the situation, and we are in communication with both him and the volunteers daily. Here in the office, we are trying to keep as informed as possible on the play-by-play happenings. And more than anything - both in Philadelphia and in Honduras - we are praying for safety and peace.
President Zelaya is set to address the United Nations this afternoon in New York, in the hopes of gaining increased international support. Right now, his return to Honduras is slated for Thursday... we'll see what the days bring.
Please keep the children, staff, volunteers and the governing peoples of Honduras in your thoughts and prayers, as we ask God to grant guidance and peace to all.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Welcome to Amigos de Jesús!
Thanks for reading! Here you will be able to keep informed on the current happenings at Amigos, find out what the latest is in the lives of our children, and get updates about our volunteers. You can also contact us if you would like to become a donor, sponsor a child, or become an Amigos de Jesús volunteer. Please don't hesitate to contact us for more information at any time.
A little history to Amigos de Jesús:
Amigos de Jesús, or Friends of Jesus, is a home for the impoverished children of Honduras. For them, Amigos de Jesús is a safe haven. It is their school, playground, bedroom, chapel, family.
We provide food, clothing, shelter, education, and love to over 50 children living at Amigos de Jesús. Big-eyed preschoolers, young boys, adolescents, and young adults who used to eat out of garbage cans now eat in our dining hall, sleep in our dorms, pray in our chapel, work in our woodshop, and learn life skills in our school.
Amigos de Jesús also supports hundreds of impoverished children living in local Honduran villages and overcrowded shelters through our Sponsor-A-Child program.
Everything we do is for the children. At Amigos de Jesús, we work to help boys and girls grow up to be healthy, independent Hondurans who will, in turn, help lift the spirit of other children struggling to survive in Central America’s poorest nation.
Our mission:
We work to get the children off the streets and out of harm’s way. As part of that mission, we strive to model a Christ-like lifestyle of spirituality, community, education, and health. We teach the children how to grow in creative ways within this belief system as we ourselves become students of these children and our lives become transformed by them.
Amigos de Jesús Service Community:
Our Amigos volunteer community is a faith-based, post-graduate, international service program bringing hope to impoverished and abandoned children at Amigos de Jesús Orphanage in Honduras, Central America.
Volunteers live together as a Catholic Community that models a Christ-like lifestyle founded on the four pillars of: spirituality, community, education and health.
Our volunteers spend 14 months living and working in community at Amigos de Jesús (September-November). There are a variety of opportunities for different types of work, as there is much to be done at Amigos. Our volunteers are teachers, after-school homework helpers, nurses, social workers, coaches, engineers, mentors, disciplinarians and friends to name a few! Regardless of what the specific work is that a volunteer is doing on a daily basis, our volunteers, along with the Honduran staff at Amigos, are to model a healthy Christian lifestyle and be examples for our children.
Amigos de Jesús is a very special place with very special children. We thank you for reading and ask for your support and prayers as we provide for the children and become transformed by them.
****
Interested in becoming more involved with Amigos? Contact us at amigos@amigosdejesus.org. We would love to hear from you!
A little history to Amigos de Jesús:
Amigos de Jesús, or Friends of Jesus, is a home for the impoverished children of Honduras. For them, Amigos de Jesús is a safe haven. It is their school, playground, bedroom, chapel, family.
We provide food, clothing, shelter, education, and love to over 50 children living at Amigos de Jesús. Big-eyed preschoolers, young boys, adolescents, and young adults who used to eat out of garbage cans now eat in our dining hall, sleep in our dorms, pray in our chapel, work in our woodshop, and learn life skills in our school.
Amigos de Jesús also supports hundreds of impoverished children living in local Honduran villages and overcrowded shelters through our Sponsor-A-Child program.
Everything we do is for the children. At Amigos de Jesús, we work to help boys and girls grow up to be healthy, independent Hondurans who will, in turn, help lift the spirit of other children struggling to survive in Central America’s poorest nation.
Our mission:
We work to get the children off the streets and out of harm’s way. As part of that mission, we strive to model a Christ-like lifestyle of spirituality, community, education, and health. We teach the children how to grow in creative ways within this belief system as we ourselves become students of these children and our lives become transformed by them.
Amigos de Jesús Service Community:
Our Amigos volunteer community is a faith-based, post-graduate, international service program bringing hope to impoverished and abandoned children at Amigos de Jesús Orphanage in Honduras, Central America.
Volunteers live together as a Catholic Community that models a Christ-like lifestyle founded on the four pillars of: spirituality, community, education and health.
Our volunteers spend 14 months living and working in community at Amigos de Jesús (September-November). There are a variety of opportunities for different types of work, as there is much to be done at Amigos. Our volunteers are teachers, after-school homework helpers, nurses, social workers, coaches, engineers, mentors, disciplinarians and friends to name a few! Regardless of what the specific work is that a volunteer is doing on a daily basis, our volunteers, along with the Honduran staff at Amigos, are to model a healthy Christian lifestyle and be examples for our children.
Amigos de Jesús is a very special place with very special children. We thank you for reading and ask for your support and prayers as we provide for the children and become transformed by them.
****
Interested in becoming more involved with Amigos? Contact us at amigos@amigosdejesus.org. We would love to hear from you!
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