Thursday, April 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
¡Feliz Navidad!
Things are busy at the Hogar these days. Everyone is on vacation from "escuelita" ("little school," which takes place during the (summer)time when school is not in session). The tree is up in the comedor (eating hall), some (practical!) presents have been bought and wrapped for the boys, and the volunteers are preparing to receive some visitors right after Christmas.
This past Saturday, the 19th, the volunteers took the boys to a poorer area to sing Christmas carols and distribute some gifts to other children who have nothing. This is imporant - that we promote within our boys the awareness of what is going on in the world around them, to not enable a sense of entitlement within our orphanage, and for them to recognize that they have been very lucky at Amigos, and that we are all blessed, and it is our duty to help others around us.
Within the country politically, Zelaya is still advocating for his reinstatement, and still residing in the Brazilian embassy. Yesterday marked three months that he has been residing there. According to Telesur (www.telesurtv.net) yesterday Zelaya visited with Hugo Llorens - US Ambassador to Honduras - and spoke of the need to bring this country out of the crisis that has existed since June 28th. Hopefully with the Christmas season bringing new life to all of us, there will be some clarity and resolution to the situation of the past months in Honduras.
As we, as a Christian family, move from the anticipation and hope of Advent into a Christmas season of incarnation and celebration - with still much to be done - let us embrace the challenge to do God's work in this world as Jesus did in becoming human, when he walked this earth. Let us look one another in the eye, serve one another, fight for one another, and in a very special way, care for the most vulnerable among us: the children.
May you and your loved ones be blessed with immense joy and deep peace this Christmas that will last the coming year through.
¡Feliz Navidad!
The Work of Christmas Begins by Howard Thurman
When the song of the angels is stilled,when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,when the shepherds are back with the flocks,
then the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,to heal those broken in spirit,to feed the hungry,
to release the oppressed,to rebuild the nations,to bring peace among all peoples,
to make a little music with the heart… And to radiate the Light of Christ,
every day, in every way, in all that we do and in all that we say.
Then the work of Christmas begins.
This past Saturday, the 19th, the volunteers took the boys to a poorer area to sing Christmas carols and distribute some gifts to other children who have nothing. This is imporant - that we promote within our boys the awareness of what is going on in the world around them, to not enable a sense of entitlement within our orphanage, and for them to recognize that they have been very lucky at Amigos, and that we are all blessed, and it is our duty to help others around us.
Within the country politically, Zelaya is still advocating for his reinstatement, and still residing in the Brazilian embassy. Yesterday marked three months that he has been residing there. According to Telesur (www.telesurtv.net) yesterday Zelaya visited with Hugo Llorens - US Ambassador to Honduras - and spoke of the need to bring this country out of the crisis that has existed since June 28th. Hopefully with the Christmas season bringing new life to all of us, there will be some clarity and resolution to the situation of the past months in Honduras.
As we, as a Christian family, move from the anticipation and hope of Advent into a Christmas season of incarnation and celebration - with still much to be done - let us embrace the challenge to do God's work in this world as Jesus did in becoming human, when he walked this earth. Let us look one another in the eye, serve one another, fight for one another, and in a very special way, care for the most vulnerable among us: the children.
May you and your loved ones be blessed with immense joy and deep peace this Christmas that will last the coming year through.
¡Feliz Navidad!
The Work of Christmas Begins by Howard Thurman
When the song of the angels is stilled,when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,when the shepherds are back with the flocks,
then the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,to heal those broken in spirit,to feed the hungry,
to release the oppressed,to rebuild the nations,to bring peace among all peoples,
to make a little music with the heart… And to radiate the Light of Christ,
every day, in every way, in all that we do and in all that we say.
Then the work of Christmas begins.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Honduran Elections, Hogar Updates, and Happy Advent!
Many apologies for how much time has elapsed since the last post on here. There is much to update on!
Honduran Elections...
Let's start with the current situation in Honduras. Presidential elections were held on Sunday, November 29, 2009. According to Ubil (and a recent article from BBC world news!), approximately 68% of the citizens of Honduras did not vote in those elections. However, of the 32% that did, there was a majority vote for the candidate from the National Party (Partido Nacional), Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo. Opinions of this candidate are mixed, depending on with whom one speaks, but regardless the question still remains: are these elections legitimate or are they illegal?
On December 2nd, Honduran Congress put to a vote the reinstitution of Manuel Zelaya to serve out the remaining tenure of presidency (until the 27th of January). In a landslide vote of 111 to 14, Congress voted against reinstating Zelaya. The OAS continues to support Zelaya in saying that they will not recognize the new government without putting Zelaya back in office first (Note that the US has removed themselves from this statement and is now in support of the newly elected government regardless of Zelaya's reinstatement. Others are beginning to follow suit, i.e. Mexico, Peru and Colombia, whose representatives in a meeting yesterday spoke to the need to recognize this step in the Honduran political crisis as valid, even if not the most desirable or democratic course of action.). Some news reports say that this is a manipulation of the OAS - that there is inside persuasion from Chavez (Venezuela) and Lula da Silva (Brazil). Others say that by the OAS staying strong they are truly supporting the Honduran people. Whatever the case may be, these international relationships are important ones for the Honduran people, and will have a significant impact on the country's economy, trade market, and international stature.
Zelaya stands strong that he must be reinstated, and he has supporters to back him (there are rumors that if he is not reinstated, the upcoming school year may be largely affected by the teachers - as many educators are Zelaya supporters - going on strike). There is definitely adversity to the newly elected government; there is likewise definitely adversity to Zelaya. We have yet to see a route that will lead to a definite resolution.
Hogar Updates...
The school year has come to a close. The clausura (graduation/closing ceremony) took place on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 26th. It was quite a celebration, and in a special way as the day before one of our boys, Adonis, also graduated from the public high school. These monumental stepping stones were celebrated with a fiesta in the comedor (dining hall) - and a full Thanksgiving meal complete with turkey! Spirits were high as everyone celebrated these successes and got excited for the upcoming vacation time.
In the meantime, "escuelita," or "little school," has begun. Every morning the volunteers run a program for all of our boys that keeps them busy with educational activities, fun classes (like cooking and dance!), and opportunities to continue learning new skills and lessons. It is a group effort that all of our volunteers do together, and it keeps the boys busy and continuing to grow and learn. Many afternoons are spent playing soccer, marbles, and hanging out at the Hogar.
Happy Advent...
In this time of waiting, anticipation, a little bit of anxiety and lots of hope, much of life in Honduras can mirror this liturgical season.
As we continue to wait for what will come in the political arena of this country in crisis (for soon coming up on six months), we wait and wonder what the outcome will be. Here in the States, we continue to read news articles and reports day after day, waiting for the one time when we will read that a definite movement has been made and a sure step has been taken. In Honduras, the people wait in suspense, standing strong by their beliefs (for whichever political party it may be), and long for calm, tranquility, and justice to reign. Perhaps this sense of constantly wanting resolution, and feeling disheartened by the unrequited search for stability and peace, somewhat mirrors what Mary and Joseph must have felt as they searched for a room at inn after inn. A sense of rejection and great struggle, a sense of desperation, but also a great hope in the grace that would soon come.
As our boys grow - as they get bigger, taller, more developed, learn new things and continue this journey of one day becoming independent, competent adults - we see in them pure goodness and light that can and will surpass the ugly reality they have lived in the past - we see the divinity in their broken, human hearts. They are the Child - they are the face of Christ, they are the manifestation of the Spirit, they are the gifts from God that grace this world. And we ask for your prayers for them, as they live as Jesus did - small children whose light and beauty shine amidst a darkness, bringing much hope and great joy.
Thank you for your support, love, care for the children. May you and your families be blessed this Advent season with deep peace, and may the joy of Christmas remain in your hearts the whole year through. Know that our children hold you in prayer this Christmas and always.
Honduran Elections...
Let's start with the current situation in Honduras. Presidential elections were held on Sunday, November 29, 2009. According to Ubil (and a recent article from BBC world news!), approximately 68% of the citizens of Honduras did not vote in those elections. However, of the 32% that did, there was a majority vote for the candidate from the National Party (Partido Nacional), Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo. Opinions of this candidate are mixed, depending on with whom one speaks, but regardless the question still remains: are these elections legitimate or are they illegal?
On December 2nd, Honduran Congress put to a vote the reinstitution of Manuel Zelaya to serve out the remaining tenure of presidency (until the 27th of January). In a landslide vote of 111 to 14, Congress voted against reinstating Zelaya. The OAS continues to support Zelaya in saying that they will not recognize the new government without putting Zelaya back in office first (Note that the US has removed themselves from this statement and is now in support of the newly elected government regardless of Zelaya's reinstatement. Others are beginning to follow suit, i.e. Mexico, Peru and Colombia, whose representatives in a meeting yesterday spoke to the need to recognize this step in the Honduran political crisis as valid, even if not the most desirable or democratic course of action.). Some news reports say that this is a manipulation of the OAS - that there is inside persuasion from Chavez (Venezuela) and Lula da Silva (Brazil). Others say that by the OAS staying strong they are truly supporting the Honduran people. Whatever the case may be, these international relationships are important ones for the Honduran people, and will have a significant impact on the country's economy, trade market, and international stature.
Zelaya stands strong that he must be reinstated, and he has supporters to back him (there are rumors that if he is not reinstated, the upcoming school year may be largely affected by the teachers - as many educators are Zelaya supporters - going on strike). There is definitely adversity to the newly elected government; there is likewise definitely adversity to Zelaya. We have yet to see a route that will lead to a definite resolution.
Hogar Updates...
The school year has come to a close. The clausura (graduation/closing ceremony) took place on Thanksgiving day, Nov. 26th. It was quite a celebration, and in a special way as the day before one of our boys, Adonis, also graduated from the public high school. These monumental stepping stones were celebrated with a fiesta in the comedor (dining hall) - and a full Thanksgiving meal complete with turkey! Spirits were high as everyone celebrated these successes and got excited for the upcoming vacation time.
In the meantime, "escuelita," or "little school," has begun. Every morning the volunteers run a program for all of our boys that keeps them busy with educational activities, fun classes (like cooking and dance!), and opportunities to continue learning new skills and lessons. It is a group effort that all of our volunteers do together, and it keeps the boys busy and continuing to grow and learn. Many afternoons are spent playing soccer, marbles, and hanging out at the Hogar.
Happy Advent...
In this time of waiting, anticipation, a little bit of anxiety and lots of hope, much of life in Honduras can mirror this liturgical season.
As we continue to wait for what will come in the political arena of this country in crisis (for soon coming up on six months), we wait and wonder what the outcome will be. Here in the States, we continue to read news articles and reports day after day, waiting for the one time when we will read that a definite movement has been made and a sure step has been taken. In Honduras, the people wait in suspense, standing strong by their beliefs (for whichever political party it may be), and long for calm, tranquility, and justice to reign. Perhaps this sense of constantly wanting resolution, and feeling disheartened by the unrequited search for stability and peace, somewhat mirrors what Mary and Joseph must have felt as they searched for a room at inn after inn. A sense of rejection and great struggle, a sense of desperation, but also a great hope in the grace that would soon come.
As our boys grow - as they get bigger, taller, more developed, learn new things and continue this journey of one day becoming independent, competent adults - we see in them pure goodness and light that can and will surpass the ugly reality they have lived in the past - we see the divinity in their broken, human hearts. They are the Child - they are the face of Christ, they are the manifestation of the Spirit, they are the gifts from God that grace this world. And we ask for your prayers for them, as they live as Jesus did - small children whose light and beauty shine amidst a darkness, bringing much hope and great joy.
Thank you for your support, love, care for the children. May you and your families be blessed this Advent season with deep peace, and may the joy of Christmas remain in your hearts the whole year through. Know that our children hold you in prayer this Christmas and always.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Long Overdue Good News
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
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 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
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