Settling In - Day 1

We arrived safely in Tegucigalpa (also known as Tegus), but not without me asking "is everyone here?" no less than 5 different times. Little details have continued to remind me of the joy of not being in charge of all the logistics.

The exit station at the airport

As we exited the airport with the two Global Brigades staff, I was exceedingly aware of the soldier armed with an automatic weapon that was following me at the end of the line. Traffic was  stopped for us and we made our way to the bus. It was the first of what I anticipate to be ongoing moments of, "Are we exerting our privilege as we are here to serve?"

The bus ride to the compound was adventurous. It started with the surprise that a recent grad from Whittier College had joined us. (Praying that was our last surprise...) The ride was made all the better by a USD student, Taylor, who was seated next to be and taking it all in. He had traveled to Panama last January, so I was able to ask about the differences and similarities. The city was a mix of new and old. A brand new retail chain next to a shack. Taylor and I talked about how these were Hondurans that had money - could afford a car, living in the city, etc. Tomorrow we prep for the brigades - and our chance to see life in the rural villages up close.

The compound where we are staying is amazing. Again - such luxury in the midst of need. I spent a couple of hours in a hammock today catching up on sleep. (If I have a vote in future trips, we will not be flying out in the middle of the night.)  The women are all in a 24+ person common room with bunks. Showers and food are just across the courtyard. Amazing. We all eat together at one long table, so tonite I 'interviewed' several students. One shared that this is her first time out of the US. The students have all been polite, but it is clear that about 5 of them want nothing to do with me. Big dummies - don't they know that means I am going to talk to them more!

It rained throughout dinner, and the temperature/humidity was really mild today. Fingers crossed that stays! I started the night in my Bug Bivy... Got too hot and had to abandon it. Praying the bugs are repelled by my ultra-expensive bug lotion.  Hmm - maybe that's what repelling those 5 students? Just sayin'.