I have had so many good and trouble-free flights over the years, that I guess I was due for the other kind. As I noted in my last post, the trip did not begin well. Hurricane Ike caused Continental Airlines to cancel my flight to Houston on Friday, September 12. I would like to point out that Continental did not cancel the flight of my traveling companions out of Fayetteville, Arkansas that same morning. They flew to Houston and successfully left Houston before the hurricane hit on the same flight I would have been on, but that sounds like complaining so we won't go there! At first, the airline changed my flight to Sunday, September 14. I was doubtful about that flight and it turned out that the airport in Houston did not re-open on Sunday. On Saturday night, I spent over an hour on the phone with the airline (and the people I spoke to were very nice in what, I am sure, was a very difficult situation for them). At first, I was told I could not get to Honduras until Wednesday, September 17 (and I was due to come home on Friday, September 19). At last, I was able to find space on a flight on Monday, September 15. Not surprisingly, I was nervous as I got to the Oklahoma City airport on Monday, but all went well and we made it to Houston. On arriving in Houston, our plane was directed to a different gate than was expected. After about 40 minutes sitting on the plane, it was decided that the jet way (that allows us to exit the plane) was not going to work, so they sent us to another gate. I did make my connection to Honduras on time and away we went. My arrival in Tegucigalpa was on time and off we went for Danlí which is about a two-hour drive. About half way there, the very distinctive sound of a bearing going out was heard. It turned out to be the bearing in the air conditioner compressor, so we were able to continue. We made it Danlí safely, but I was beginning to suspect that someone did not want me there. The rest of the week was great and I made it home Friday, September 19 around 10:40 p.m. My checked bag, however, did not make it with me. My understanding is that it will be delivered here later today.
Well, enough complaining about...I mean describing my hard luck travels. As I said, I have had many, many trouble-free trips. I have heard many horror stories and mine are not so bad by comparison. The Lord has watched over me and for that I am thankful. Upon my arrival in Danlí, we met for about two hours with a gathering of preachers who had many questions about the new Bible Institute. Hopefully, we gave satisfactory answers. I also distributed the brochures to be used for recruiting students.
On Tuesday, September 16, I met with Nery Irías and Jesús Peguaga for a couple of hours. They both are very supportive of the school, but think it will be hard to find students who have the educational level necessary and who will be willing to leave their jobs. Nery estimated that it would take approximately $4,000 (L = Lempiras) per month to support a family. That is about $210 (US). One congregation might be able to give $1,000 (L) per month. Some congregations only manage about $150 (L) per month, which is about $8 (US). There seems to be somewhat of a cultural mindset that will require some teaching concerning giving.
On Wednesday, September 17, I met with Nery and Jesús again, as well as, Leopoldo Lizardo (our director) and Luís David Argeñal, who will be our treasurer. Leopoldo's daughter Sandra accompanied her father and helped when translation was necessary. Our meeting lasted about 5 hours counting lunch. During this meeting, the staff was able to identify six (6) prospective students, four of whom are married men. The subject of finances was brought up again and it was noted that of the $4,000 (L) needed to support a family, about $2,500 will be for rent and food might take the other $1,500. It was agreed that Leopoldo and Jesús would make recruiting trips to all of the congregations in the region. They estimated it would take four trips to visit all the congregations. That will begin on Monday, September 22 and continue each Monday until the job was done.
On Thursday, Jesús and I visited Leopoldo in his home in Bella Vista (just outside of Danlí). We discussed again some of the same points already discussed during the week. After this meeting, I spent the rest of the day with Jesús. We traveled south to the town of El Paraíso (Paradise), where Jesús preaches. This town is about a twenty-minute drive from Danlí. We actually passed through El Paraíso and continued south another twenty minutes to the border with Nicaragua. Crossing the border we spent a couple of hours before returning to Honduras. The country is beautiful on both sides of the border.
On Friday, Jesús took me back to the capital and the airport. At the airport we were met by Cesar Tábora who has agreed to be one of our teachers. We had a short visit and then I had to go through security for my flight. Travel problems not withstanding, the trip was a good one and I am thankful to all for their prayers.
God bless,
Donnie Bates
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