First, Tegucigalpa has been bombarded with torrential rain for a couple of weeks. Then, today, tropical storm Agatha passed over the city. Needless to say, it was chaotic. The streets were already filled with potholes due to the heavy downpours, and the rivers were very high. Agatha only exacerbated the situation. The Choluteca River has overflowed, and bridges and streets are underwater. Landslides are happening throughout the city, and many people's houses are flooded. There have been thousands evacuated across the country, and at least three deaths have been reported in Tegucigalpa alone. There is great damage to people's livelihoods.
Second, my Honduran family found out this morning that the husband of the principal at the American School where Mafer attends, a Mr. Peter Motz, was found dead last night. I have met Mrs. Motz many times and she is a wonderful woman. Her husband was kidnapped three weeks ago and held at a ransom of 25 million lempiras. He had had a heart condition that required medicine, but because he was isolated in his kidnapping, he suffered a heart attack and died. The community is in shock and mourning. The violence that can be encountered in this city is absolutely tragic.
These instances only encourage me to pursue my dream to help this nation. I deeply love Honduras, and I hope one day to be able to come here and live for the people, dedicating my life to their service. As of now, I am continuing planning my small gift to this country; my time, money, and effort for Orfanato Pedro Atala. I planned the mural today. It's simple, but crisp and beautiful. It depicts the world, along with the Honduran and American flags, along with the phrase "Juntos, somos el mundo" - together, we are the world.
No comments:
Post a Comment