Wow, it sure is hot!

Greetings! As we enter into summertime here, and I am repeating a season, I am reminded of where I was just one year ago: new with about everything! The mangoes are showing up in the markets as well as the pineapple. It's heating up, and on the coast it's about unbearable, at least for the common citizen of Siguatepeque, who is used to the cooler weather of the mountains. We are pretty dry here, but soon in May will start the rainy season which calms the heat, but brings a lot of wet muddy roads. Life here continues on, pretty tranquil.

The big news in Honduras right now is the teachers on strike, fighting for their rights that the governing is trying to take away from them, their retirement, their funding, etc. This is an ongoing struggle between the teachers and the government. Never getting enough funding, the government embezzling it for their own gain for the rich, and the children get a month or two free from classes. I understand the need for the teachers, but I do shake my fist at Honduras for not putting education in higher esteem. Shoot, the only way this country can get ahead is if they invest in their people instead of their corrupt officials. It's an ongoing fight in 3rd world countries. It's very frustrating, because it seems that Honduras will never get ahead. If they continue in this pattern, the poor will continue to get poorer, less educated, and less able to defend themselves.

I write after having had a nice time here with my parents, who came to visit for a week. It was lovely to be able to share my life here with them, and I'm very grateful for their visit. However, it always leaves me feelings slightly blue after having a nice visit and time away from work. I first brought them here from the airport in San Pedro Sula, and they got to meet the special folks in my life here in Siguatepeque. I took them to a church service at my church here, a tour of the hospital, and we even managed to do some trash pickup in the lot across from my apartment before leaving town. (Honduras is utterly littered with trash, just bad bad bad habit of many folks who never learned to take pride in their country and mother nature, and throw their trash wherever they please.) We went onto the ancient Mayan ruins in Copan, went to the beach for one day in Tela, and then back to the airport they went. Of course, not without a few tears from Mom and me. But it was a good time, and I'm thankful for the safety the Lord gave us, considering we made ourselves all over Honduras in a little Chevy Aveo. No wrecks, and so you know, Honduras has some crazy driving rules. Or better said, lack of rules! So, thankful we had no major incidents.

So back to work I go tomorrow morning to the hospital. I am currently still doing supervision of the students in the hospital, and I am feeling more comfortable in that role, even though it can be awkward at times, because there are things I do not know still. But I suppose God knows why he has me here doing this job.

Other than Mom and Dad's visit, I haven't really had too much new occur lately. Hence, the lack of updating on the blog. Even so though, I send my greetings to all of you, loved ones! Thank you for your continued prayers and support. It is so special getting letters saying that I am remembered in spirit and prayer. I'm pretty sure there is no better way you could be of help to me right now.
With love and peace, Malerie