3 Days And A Funeral Later

Friday evening at 6:00 pm I decided to drive to southern Honduras. I packed my clothes, made last minute telephone calls and left about 8:00 pm. My friend Margarita's mom was very sick in bed for almost a month and I felt that something was going to happen, so I left late, drove in the dark (in Honduras right now it is darkish about 6:00 pm) and arrived about 10:00 pm. When I arrived, no one was at the house, so I drove to her mom and dad's house. I stayed until about 12 midnight, then went to Margarita's house to sleep. At 3:00 am Mercedes passed away.

Honduras funerals are very different from USA funerals. Kansans have a 2 hour visitation, a 30 minute sermon the next day, a drive to the cemetery and then lunch afterwards at a family members home.

IN Honduras at 3:00 am, calls were made to everyone they knew. People started arriving immediately. The people stayed around the clock (and no most didn't go home to take showers and yes it was hot around 100 degrees) until Sunday morning when Doña Mercedes was buried. It is very hot in San Lorenzo, so they place buckets of ice under the casket and then placed fans close to the casket to blow on the ice, which made it "almost" like air-conditioning.

Doña Mercedes was dressed in a wedding gown, a new wedding gown, no less. She was going to meet her groom (Jesus) and she wanted to be dressed for the occasion.

Everyone shows up to a funeral. People walked and rode horses and drove cars from miles around. And everyone stays and stays and stays. There is an uncanny gender "thing" that happens. All the women go to the kitchen and all the men stand outside and solve the problems of the world. Usually they kill a cow, but Doña Mercedes ordered that the tamales be purchased instead. 800 tamales were purchased Saturday early afternoon. No I didn't make a mistake. 800 tamales! For breakfast everyone was served chicken and rice. Then they started in on the tamales. Every neighbor, every friend, some enemies, every drunk showed up for tamales.

I think the thing that surprised me the most was the fainting and the wailing. I have been to my share of funerals in my life, but I have never seen the likes of what happened at this funeral. I think I have been introduced to a new and different part of Latin American or at least Southern Honduras culture.

Although this is not a photo of Doña Mercedes funeral procession, it was very similar to this. I found this photo on the Internet.

When we arrived at the cemetery we had yet another interesting experience. The tombs are above ground, but they are very close together and whoever made the measurements for the tomb, forgot to leave space where the casket could slide into the slot. The "foso" was placed too close to the next deceased "owners" "foso" and so the casket wouldn't slide into the opening. They moved the casket to the left and to the right and nothing. They pushed and shoved and all the male muscle and male minds all put together could not get a square peg into a round hole. Finally, the bricklayers, hired for the occasion began to chip away at the cement "foso" in order to make the opening larger. Meanwhile the rest of us and the mortal remains of Doña Mercedes baked in the 100 degree sun. No one thought anything of the miscalculation, no one even mentioned it, no one except for me in this blog. The brick layers did their thing and still the casket didn't fit in the hole. The mahogany casket was now scratched, the trim ruined and finally five or six of the guys made an executive decision to stand the casket up almost on end and shove it in that way. No one said a word as the casket was lifted to a 55 or 60 degree angle and shoved into the hole. I could only wonder if Doña Mercedes was head first or feet first as she was literally shoved into the "foso".

Understand, I am not being critical or unkind, I am just relating the major differences that I witnessed. If this had happened in the USA everyone would have been horrified and someone would have probably been sued.

I can only imagine how a Honduran might think that a Kansas funeral is dispassionate, detached, cold and disconnected from reality. A Honduran might think that a normal Kansan has few friends and they might think that the family didn't love the deceased one, we don't get emotional.

Nigerian funerals are another matter. When I was doing missions work in Nigeria, I had the "funeral experience" there. They buried the corpse under the floor of the house where the family lived. I was really glad that I was not staying at the home of the deceased. Everyone dressed to the hilt and I saw no tears at the funeral.

Jose COBRA Benavides Runs For Congress!

As you know by now, Jose is running for Congress! I am as proud as I can be of him. Here is a little about the Presidential Candidate that he is running with.

Below is an interview done about Miguel Nolasco, the Presidential Candidate on the ticket with Jose. This was in the Honduras English Newspaper Honduras This Week.

Miguel Nolasco: A different kind of presidential candidate

Alvaro Morales Molina Honduras This Week

“In Honduras, the first kind of poverty is psychological; the second one is psychological and guess what? The third one is mental, too,” says Miguel Nolasco, deep-voiced, tall, with an abundant, bushy moustache. With a big smile and even bigger aspirations, he considers himself a novice politician and has decided to run for the next president of Honduras.

“Hello, this is Miguel Nolasco, and I want to be the next president of Honduras,” greets Nolasco’s phone callers. Nolasco, a former high-level government advisor for the strategic food reserve in the Natural Resources Ministry (SERNA), has a degree in economics and a master’s degree in economic planning.

A devout Christian, Nolasco once asked God if it was the time for him to become the offi­cial Partido Liberal Candidate for the upcoming elections (apparently, God said ‘yes’). Currently, the Partido Liberal is the party in power, headed by President Manuel Zelaya. At least nine other party members, both men and women, have the resources to face the long, exhaustive and expensive process of a presidential campaign.

Though party insiders think Nolasco, a political rookie, is crazy to consider a presidential run, he is hoping that the people of Honduras view him as the ‘non-candidate,’ who has operated outside traditional political circles. He sees the nation in desperate need of change, and thinks of himself as someone desperate people might listen to.

“Corruption, corruption corruption - that is what affects most Hondurans,” says Miguel as he sips a piping-hot cup of Honduran organic coffee. “I have decided to run for president to establish a fair government, based on institu­tionalism and citizen participation, focusing on the creation of incentives in industry, education and values,” continues Miguel.

According to his political move­ment, “Justicia Nuestra” (Our Justice), the president should be in office to carry out the people’s mandate, to serve the people, not simply to bark out orders. Nolasco proposes a return to ‘good, old-fashioned values.’ “One of my country’s main weaknesses is a lack of justice,” he admits sadly and adds that a delicate balance exists between duties and rights. He believes Hondurans should never rely on its government to make things right. The people share a responsibility to make Honduras a better country.

When asked about what made him consider the huge undertaking of running for president, Miguel answers enthusiastically, “We all have the right to participate” and adds “we all should be part of the State.” He urges better transpar­ency within the government, so that those who are corrupt will either get caught or think twice before engaging in suspect behavior.

His web page (www.miguelnolasco.com) further details his platform, which is based upon four basic cornerstones: 1) family, which he considers the future and base of a nation. According to Nolasco, development comes from the family structure and the ideal government should provide the family with employment, education, recreation, health and a decent retirement; 2) respect for the laws, establishing and responding to a legal system with which Hondurans can feel safe and secure; 3) “Real Participative Democracy,” or an open-frame of participation where the person is more important than money and 4) a legal restriction on public employees using government funds for their own political campaigns. Incidentally, Nolasco himself resigned from his governmental position to start his campaign.

Miguel is not new to politics as he was elected as Congressman in 1985 and then as a Conventional on property for the city of Tegucigalpa, in the company of Carlos Roberto Reina and Carlos Flores, both former presidents. Miguel saw that as yet another sign for him to consider a candidacy.

“At this historic time, Honduras needs capable leadership,” he affirms and says, “I believe I have the training, skills and courage to take the risks a president must take.”

Miguel is 50, but looks younger. During the course of this interview many people come up and greet him; he kindly offers a sincere smile and returns the greeting. He certainly looks and acts the part of a charismatic candidate, though he readily admits he is at both a mate­rial and logistical disadvantage to other candidates. He cites the fact that he does not have access to a helicopter makes it difficult to keep up with other candidates who easily cover major geographical ground with one. Nor does he own a tele­vision channel, a valuable tool in reaching a large demographic. He faces these disadvantages with enthusiasm and optimism.
“We have the potential, capability and strength, it’s our time, time for a new kind of politician,” he confidently asserts. “I see more opportunities than challenges,” and he recalls John F. Kennedy’s infa­mous words: “Ask not what you’re country can do for you, ask yourself what you can do for your country.” Nolasco firmly believes Hondurans need to stop seeing their government as some sort of paternal figure.

He sees his role as president as a servant to the people. As he finishes his coffee, Miguel Nolasco, with a strong handshake and a smile, gives his best blessings and leaves the cafeteria in an old Toyota Four Runner, the vehicle he hopes will take him down the difficult road to becoming the next president of Honduras.

Okra in Honduras!

That's right, I went to the Wal-Mart (we have one here in Honduras called Hyper Paiz) and they had OKRA. Being raised in the south, I was thrilled! As I am blogging, I am sitting here eating fried okra.



It is truly amazing the things which excite me. The other day, I found a Kansas City brand of BBQ sauce at the store, Kansas City Masterpiece. I was so excited I purchased a bottle and came home and made BBQ ribs.



Although KC Masterpiece is not my favorite BBQ Sauce, my friend Linda Bell has not come from Arkansas in a while to bring me Chip's BBQ Sauce which is my favorite.


Dr. Charles Paolantonio a chiropractor from Vermont brings me real Maple Syrup when he comes to volunteer. He has Maple trees in his yard.

His son was killed, an innocent bystander when two gangs started shooting at each other in the USA. Dr. Pal has made several trips to Honduras to volunteer with the medical teams as well as in the jail working with the 18th Street Gang.

To the left is a photo of "Mexicano" one of the 18th Street Gang members in the prison outside of Tegucigalpa. Yes, those are tattoos on his forehead and neck.

When Dr. Pal comes to Honduras, the guys line up for him to have him work on their backs and necks. He enjoys it and so do they because they feel better afterwards.

It has been a while since I have been to the prison. I need to go back again soon.

Tim, the mechanic had the truck for 2 full days. He put in new ball joints, which I had brought down from the USA in March and fixed all the other stuff, brakes, brake pistons etc. The good news is I am driving again. The bad news, he says I need a new "leaf spring" what ever that is. So the truck goes back in the shop next week IF I can find the part.

I have organized a Pastors Seminar for next week, Friday and Saturday and am preparing for that. Several other GRINGOS will be teaching with me. In June, 25 pastors came to the seminar and we shared good teaching for 2 full days. They were pleased and wanted another seminar quickly, so next weekend is the date.

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;

POPOVERS FOR BREAKFAST

This morning I woke up and CRAVED Linda Bell's POPOVERS. This is a treat which I have eaten since childhood. Linda Bell was my trainer and boss at my job selling women's clothing, while I was in still in high school.

She remembers when Mike Huckabee, yes the Presidential candidate from Arkansas, used to drop by the store with his friend and mine, Ricky Caldwell. Linda and I have remained friends for all these years. I won't tell you how many years! She also remembers when size 3 clothes sometimes swallowed me and I could eat more than any three people put together and never gained an ounce.

If only I could get my hands on the recipe for Green Onion Cheddar Cheese Bread that the bakery next to the store used to bake! They made mini loafs and I ate a loaf every time I had a chance. Those were the days!

Linda Bell's Popovers

3 eggs

1 cup of milk

3 tablespoons of melted butter

1 cup flour

1/2 teaspoon salt

preheat oven 400 degrees

beat eggs until frothy

add milk and butter

then slowly beat in flour and salt

place batter in GREASED custard cups

I use the Pyrex glass ones. Bake until dark brown and done approximately 45 minutes. Cut slits in the top and bake 5 minutes more.

These are sooooooooooooooooo good! It was just one of those mornings when I wanted comfort food and Popovers hit the spot!

Last night Honduras lost the soccer game and I needed to be comforted. Not because of the game loss, but because, I am stuck in the house while the truck is being repaired and as active as I am, I want to "GO AND DO".

Yesterday, I baked 6 cakes for the "FUTBALL" game, packaged them and sent them on the bus with Jose to share with his friends in southern Honduras. Two large black trash bags, clean of course, filled with cakes. Hondurans are "LOCO" about soccer. About 80 of them all gathered around a big screen television and had a blast! They ate chicken sandwiches and ate cake and screamed and yelled.

I must admit, staying at home has been relaxing. I have caught up on emails, studied for the Pastors Seminar later this month and baked. But enough is enough and I am ready to hit the ground running as soon as my truck is repaired. I pray that it will be finished today!

1 Kings 5:4 But now the LORD my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.

GOOD NEWS BAD NEWS

Good news, Tim (my mechanic and missionary friend) arrived back in Honduras after a long trip to South Africa. His wife and new baby were less than happy that he was gone for so long, but his mom passed away and he needed to go.


In Honduras it is impossible to live without a competent mechanic, if you have a vehicle. The bad news is Tim says I need a 1) Rear brake caliper piston and piston seal. 2) Rear brake rotor. 3) Oil filter. 4) 4 gallons of engine oil. The brake stuff was on the same side of the truck which was hit by the motorcycle.


Good news, the apartment didn't burn down and it could have. Bad news, the computer power supply caught fire and burned up, smoke, ashes and all. Good news, none of my memory or hard drive or anything was hurt, except the power supply. Good news it was fixed in just a couple of hours today!

Good news, I am catching up on emails from months ago, due to the computer being on the fritz. Bad news, YAHOO has blocked me for SPAM! Imagine that, I hate SPAM and they have blocked me. I can't even communicate with my parents!

Good news, I have several doctors coming to Honduras for medical trips.

Proverbs 25:25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country.

DIRTY POLITICS AND A SCHOOL WITHOUT DESKS

Jose is doing well in his bid for "DIPUTADO" for the Department of Valle in Honduras. He is working hard with the medical teams and has raised a lot of support (moral, not financial) in his bid for a congressional seat in the Honduran Congress.

JOSE (CHEPE) LOVES TO TALK TO THE PEOPLE AND HE IS COMPASSIONATE TOWARDS THE SICK AND THE POOR.

Today we found out that "SOMEWHERE" between the Liberal Party Headquarters and the Electoral Tribunal, all of the paperwork for Jose's department was stolen. That includes all of Jose's paperwork. Someone doesn't want Jose to run for Congress. Jose has one political enemy (that we know of) and he is a candidate for Congress who is up for re-election. Jose and I have caught him in lie after lie after lie and finally I took the "bull by the horns" and told the LIAR that he could not show up at any more of my medical brigades. I gave him four chances, one more than I give most people and then I sat him down and as my dad would say, "I told him how the cow ate the cabbage." Every since that time he spends more time trying to figure out how to hurt Jose than he spends campaigning.

The other day, a new school was being inaugurated and "the liar" showed up at the inaguration. When he arrived, he arrived with 10 used school desks. Upon arrival, the local mayor and everyone else were seated at the head table and one of the people said, "Now we are just missing one person, Chepe Benavides." When "the liar" heard that he growled at the mayor and all of the local commissioners, "If Chepe arrives, then I will NOT donate the desks to the school." Immediately the Public Relations person from the Mayor's office called Jose (Chepe) to tell him that the meeting had been postponed until the following week, but Chepe being an ex-policeman, "smelled a rat". So he proceeded to the inauguration posthaste. When Jose arrived, everyone turned green.

"The liar" left the seats with the school, but told the Public Relations man from the Mayor's office that he never wanted to see him again. Needless to say, everyone is mad at "the liar".

Does anyone know a school district that wants to donate a bunch of school desks to a rural school in Honduras? I THINK WE HAVE A CONTAINER COMING FROM SEATTLE, WASHINGTON SOON.

Today Jose went to San Lorenzo, Valle for a brigade that we sponsored for Osteoporosis Screenings. Since both cars are being looked at to see what they need to be "fixed" and since it involved a bus ride and I don't do buses, I did not participate in the brigade. He arrived back in Tegucigalpa, really tired. THE LABORATORY WORKERS SAW OVER 275 PEOPLE AND GAVE INSTANT REPORTS AT THE OSTEOPOROSIS SCREENINGS.

All in all it was a good day!

Proverbs 8:7 For my mouth shall speak truth

Up and Running!

Well, just a few very longgggggggggggg days after being rendered car-less, we are up and running again. Thank God! I have worked at my computer and on paperwork for so long I am feeling like I am losing my tropical tan.



Speaking of tropical tans, the Lord blessed me with a few THOUSAND tubes of Banana Boat Sun Tan Cream and I am sharing it with all the people I can find, who spend time in the sun. I am saving some for the surgical patients, where they can rub it on their scars, to keep the sun off.

We were also blessed with thousands of Tylenol and thousands of Ginkgo Biloba capsules.



I taught last Sunday at a church in San Lorenzo, Honduras on "The healing miracles of Jesus in the New Testament."

In researching for the study, I found that over 75% of the miracles that Jesus performed in the New Testament had to do with healing. As I was studying for the sermon, it occured to me that Jesus enjoyed healing the blind.

As we have helped people regain their eyesight through cataract surgery, I have been thrilled to see the reactions just a few short days after surgery. People lose their sight gradually with cataracts and only when the cataracts are removed and they can instantly see again, do they realize how bad they were.

Jesus said, Luke 4:18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,

Jesus was pleased that he preached the gospel to the poor, healed the brokenhearted, preached deliverance to the captives, gave the blind their sight and set at liberty the bruised! He is pleased when we follow in His footsteps and do the same.

In the midst of all the circumstances that life throws my way, rather than be discouraged, I am encouraged, because I know that I am doing what I was called to do! Flat tires, broken clutch plates, computer printers that don't work, lost brake shoes, canceled medical teams, and strange rashes and false accusations are all just a part of life on this planet. I have made up my mind to "keep on keeping on" in the words of my earthly dad.

FORD Brakes and Presidents

What a day! After 1:00 PM the mechanic arrived. Seems the impact of the motorcycle against the tire when it hit, ruined the "impaques" (which I would call round rubber 2" rings) which keep the brake fluid from leaking out. So I called around and found the "impaques" these 4 little rubber rings, which I could have cut off of any 2" hose, cost $44.00 and the taxi ride. Any way when these little rubber thing-a-ma-jigies ripped and disintegrated from the impact, the brake fluid leaked out, but more importantly than that, one of the brake shoes slid out and was lost somewhere between the accident scene and the garage. So I had to buy brake shoes also. I am spoiled, because, all of my brake shoes are donated to me in the USA. Another $45.00, ouch! The mechanic is still working on the car. It is after 8:00 PM, but I think the FORD may be up and running! I sure hope so! The upside is I pay $5.55 per hour to the mechanic! The downside, FORD parts are really expensive here.

I spent most of the day doing paperwork, which is not my favorite thing and now, I am tired.

Hugo and Fidel!

I just heard that President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela is coming to Honduras on the 25th and Casa Presidencial, (the white house) is only 3 blocks from where I live, so I am going to make plans to leave the city that "crazy day". Hugo and President Mel Zelaya of Honduras seem to be really good buddies. For the last few weeks, we have seen on national channels, video of Hugo and Mel every commercial break. Now, it has become apparent why!

Please pray for the president of Honduras, Mel Zelaya. Pray that he will hear the voice of God and that he will make good decisions.

I have never been very involved in politics, but here, it seems that if you don't know people in political positions, you cannot get much done. Soon after starting to do missions work in Honduras Mike and I discovered that the phrase "It is not what you know, it is who you know." must have been invented in Honduras. It quickly became apparent that we needed to know the Who's Who in political circles.

After having lived here for 4 years, it is more apparent than ever, that we must not keep our head in the sand regarding political issues.

To the left is a photo of me with President Mel Zelaya at the 4th of July event at the Ambassador of the United States home here in Tegucigalpa.

With Jose running for Congress and all the other political friends which I have made here, life is much easier than it might otherwise be. Recently when I had a hospital director try to cancel a "gringo" medical team at the last minute, the President's wife called the hospital director and asked him to explain. Then a few minutes later the right hand man to the president and (former Minister of Health) called to find out what was going on and why. The hospital director told them that it was "just a misunderstanding" that the team had never been canceled. Funny response, since I put the cell phone on speaker when the hospital called to cancel and three people heard the "news".

Ephesians 6:10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Today Was A Day In Court

Today's photo is of Esther, my standard French Poodle. She is one of only 5 Standard Poodles in all of Honduras. The others are all her brothers and sisters. I want to breed her, but the nearest male is in El Salvador.

Esther is my constant companion, except at night. At night she is a deserter, she and Jose share Jose's twin bed. She sleeps at his feet and I never see or hear her unless she hears an unusual noise. Then she is "BRAVO". I never knew that poodles were such good watchdogs.

Esther is really intelligent. In Honduras, when someone comes to visit, they enter the house and kiss you on the right cheek. No one taught her, but she stands up on her hind legs and kisses people when they come in the door. She watched and learned. She is totally spoiled and loves spray whip cream out of a can.

Esther is a Honduran Champion and lacks one point being an International Champion.

HONDURAN COURT

The court room hearing today was much as I expected. We arrived early. The judge arrived early and the other party arrived late and since he was only 19 years old, he had to call his mother to come to court, so we had to wait another 1.5 hours.

The judge started reading the paperwork and the corrupt police stated that Jose was at fault, but they also stated that Jose was the one driving the motorcycle. So then the judge walked out of the courtroom and went to find the policeman who then had to re-write the entire accident report. About 30 minutes later, we resumed.

The bottom line is the kid has no money, the mom has no money, the father is not in the picture and the judge found him guilty of driving down the wrong side of the road and following to close and passing where he should not have. He has to pay all of the expenses, but can only pay about $20.00 per month and the expenses are about $550.00 so far and that means 28 months of me having to chase him down every month or I can hire an attorney, put him in jail after who knows how long and go from there.

I arrived home at 1:00 PM wiped out and went to bed. There are some things that I just cannot understand, like why didn't the kid have insurance?

Psalm 34:7 The angel of the LORD encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.

Looks Like I Will Be Parking In The Horse Parking Lot For A While

This horse parking lot is adjacent the local market in Caridad, Honduras. We were there just last week with an eye team.

Sadly, tonight my brakes went out on my car. The pedal goes to the floor. After talking to a real FORD repairman, he thinks that it may be as a result of the impact of the motorcycle against the back wheel with a force strong enough to explode the tire.

Tomorrow morning I have to go to the courthouse in a taxi at 7:30 AM. It is Jose's court date for last weeks accident. They never did find his blood and urine tests and his complaint that was in the computer at the Prosecuting Attorney's office is also still missing. Go figure!

Tim, regular mechanic and another missionary at the church, doesn't return until tomorrow and after a flight all the way from South Africa, it is doubtful that he is going to feel like fixing the brakes.

Pray about a second car for the ministry. To rent a car here is close to $85.00 per day. Taxi's are not safe because of all the assaults and most of them are in ill repair. I have felt for the last three months that we need to get another truck for the ministry. I do not want to say it out loud, but the Mazda is a 1986, she is asleep in the garage and has been asleep for the last month. Tim says, the gas tank leaks and cannot be repaired, must have a new one and the clutch disk or something like that is broken.

I found a FORD Ranger 2000 Super Cab. The truck had been in a hail storm and was beat up all over, more than anywhere in particular. When I looked at it, the guy wanted 125,000 lempira for it and all the taxes had been paid. It sat around for three months and then disappeared. So I called to see if he had sold it and he said, "No, he had all the hail damage repaired the the entire truck repainted."

I asked how much he wanted for it and it is still 125,000 lempira. That translates into $6,600.00. I think I can talk him down to $6,000.00 if I have cash. A nice tool box that comes with it!

If you know anyone that has a heart for missions and is interested in buying the truck for us, or helping us with a donation, please let me know. There is no time like now!

Radio and Television Bible School for the Rural Department of Valle

The ministry is going well. I am teaching a lot, studying a lot and seeing the hand of God move in healing and growth for the people around me. God is moving and blessing me. I am going to start a radio program next month, teaching the Word of God. It will be 30 minute teachings every day, but I will record the teachings with an interpreter on a biweekly basis.

Pray that the Lord will send in the money that I need for the program. I know He is telling me to do radio and television. The television is 2,000 lempira per month plus production or about $200.00 per month for 30 minutes per day. I can use the same interpreter and the same program for both television and radio, so that will duplicate the listening audience, but will save me time.

The program will be a Bible School where the people can listen and write down all the scriptures and study them and then they can take a test every month and get credit for Bible School. It will be for just one Department in Honduras. There will be diplomas for each teaching series and when the people successfully complete the sessions, they will receive a diploma.

August 12, 2008 The Motorcycle Accident Continued

Tuesday August 12, 2008 Update on the Motorcycle Accident

Oscar went to the hospital last Tuesday and it is now in writing that he needs a new heart valve. A new heart valve will cost 30,000 lempira or about $1,600 US dollars. We are thankful that Dr. Catherine Foster has agreed to donate the money for the new valve.

The “CRAZY” motorcycle driver or his company obviously had paid off not only the police department but also the Prosecutors Office. Jose went today for the results of last weeks with which he must prove in court on Thursday that he was not drunk. The Prosecutors Office could not find the computerized complaint, we do have a copy. The Forensic Medicine Department of the Prosecutors Office cannot find the blood and urine tests to prove that he was not drunk. We have the note where they were ordered.

So in typical Honduran style the saga goes on. Tomorrow is another day and if they do not have his tests for him tomorrow, a criminal report will be filed for corruption against those who received the complaint, those who took the blood and urine tests and the police who gave a false report saying that he was drunk.

The new back tires cost $350.00. Ugh!!! Unexpected expense!

Since Jose is running for Congress, it is really important that his name is cleared, or this might could come back and bite him later.

Tuesday August 5th, 2008 Crazy Motorcycle Drivers And Corrupt Police

Tuesday morning about 10:00 am Jose took the Ford F350 and left to go to Hospital San Felipe to pick up Oscar, my farm worker who recently suffered a heart attack. As they were returning, with Oscar in the car, Jose made a left turn and a “CRAZY” motorcycle driver came up the middle of the road passing all of the other cars at 100 mph and hit the driver’s side rear panel of the truck.

The back tire was punctured. The back panel was banged up and the motorcycle was hurt. The motorcycle driver however was fine.

But in typical Honduran style it didn’t end there. The motorcycle driver works for a big company whom he called and the company he works for then called the Policia de Transito. In Honduras when you have an accident you can count on waiting for at least 3 hours for the police to show up, but by some stroke of “luck” the police showed up in 15 minutes. When the police showed up so quickly, Jose called me and said, “Something is up.”

Everything seemed to be going well, the motorcycle was clearly at fault and then at 10:30 am the police had Jose take a breathalyzer test for alcohol. The police took away Jose’s drivers license gave him a ticket and told him to show up in court August 14th. Since Jose was a police COBRA for so many years, he knew that there was a major problem when they took away his license and wrote that he could not drive until the court date, so he called me, and I drove him directly to the police station. We talked with high officials and found out that Jose was supposedly drunk.

So we went to the prosecuting attorneys office and asked for a blood and urine test to prove that he had not been drinking. Four hours later after threats of lawsuits and threats of corruption charges, they finally agreed to do the tests. We are guessing that the company, for which the motorcycle driver works, had arranged with the police for Jose to be “drunk” where they would not have to pay for the damages to the truck. Thank God Jose knew that the citation was not normal.

The accident took place at 10:15 am and we finally arrived back at the office around 6:30 pm. What a day!