Blessings to all,
I'm still here in Honduras and this month it will make one year. I've done a horrible job with communications, it just hasn't been a priority. In this past year I feel I've exceeded the capacity of "raw life" experiences of a 21 year old (an American 21 year old) to equal that of a soul of many more years. But the one that is to embark on us tomorrow will probably take the cake.
Last Thursday we (Missioners of Christ) were preparing to say good-bye to one of our dear friends and fellow missioner who God was calling to another mission. She was set to leave the following day, Friday. God had other plans and in the process taught us that life can change in the blink of an eye. We got word mid-day that if she didn't leave for the airport in a matter of hours she might not be able to get out. So her and two priests from the states who had been missioning with us for some weeks, who were scheduled to leave also the following day loaded all there belonging and were off. It came as a surprise because we are used to saying good-byes, it's a monthly occurrence. But never as abrupt as this time, we didn't even have time to morn. The reasoning for such a departure at the time wasn't clear, at least to me. But "things" happen all the time and I didn't think much of it (her and the priest got out just in time). We were told that there was a strike and by Friday morning the road would be completely blocked. In Honduras there is only one main road from the major cities so if it's blocked tough luck. We live in Comayagua a town on that one highway between the two biggest cities of San Pedro Sula and the capital Tegucigalpa.
When Friday came we started to understand for the first time the real gravity of what was going on and that the strike wasn't an isolated incident. We heard of our president Jose Manuel Zelaya's plan to have a "vote" asking the "people" whether they wanted him to serve another term. It's against the law to run for two terms and this "vote" in the words of Zelaya would be only a survey. This all sounds nice and democratic but his way of going about with a free election or survey is with lots of bribes and threats. This was set to take place Sunday. As information from a plethora of sources both local and international filtered in we understood, for a time at least that we would have a new apostolate. One of deeper prayer, faithful intercession, and heroic witness.
Before Sunday Zelaya fired the head of the Military, and took what troops he could to a military facility to collect the ballets that were going to be used for the vote. To be honest I don't even know if there was a vote or if there were results that Sunday. Because what followed Sunday was what made our problems apart of the worlds and especially the United States whether some choose to acknowledge it or not. The UN had a summons in New York because of the situation. I believe it was Tuesday in the presence of the worlds elite. The event for me is one I will never forget. I had reminiscent thoughts of what life was like for those I've witnessed in the movies in times of war. When entire families would huddle around a radio eyes fixed, ears as close as possible with a pin drop silence. Only I had to chuckle when I looked around and noticed the 21st century up grade. We were huddled around my laptop watching a live wire of the conference from CNN with our music sound system blaring the translators every sentence. We sat with the fixed stares and just listened. What I heard gave me the chills. He just simply lied. At that point I realize a lot of things about our media, about how the world works, and how only God is truth, nothing else is to be trusted. But to top it off after clearing up all the "misunderstandings" of why the world would think he possibly would be moving this country in a socialist direction, he was giving a standing ovation.? Standing! As well as Obama's "full" support (and this is what I mean by the United States problem). Well after our hope for the worlds support was crushed we had nothing left to do but pray, fast, and sacrifice. Zelaya was given permission to return to Honduras and take back his office after the Honduran National Congress already reinstated someone else whos name eludes me right now. The date for the arrive tomorrow July 4th, Saturday. The roomer is if the government doesn't allow him back in office to finish out his term until November. His good friends Chavez and Ortega will assist him in any way needed, Land, Air, or Sea.
For the past week we have had all day and all night vigils with intense conversations on the churches teaching of social justice. It's been beautiful. Faith comes alive when it's truly all there is to grasp on to. As far as changes in our life style a 6pm curfew, plans to cut power in the country for 12 hours daily, reduced sources of communication as far as television and radio, and a reduction of what foreigners (A.K.A us) are allowed to do or buy. Marshall law anyone?
Personally let me tell you what's going on in my head. All of what I just told you is from a multitude of people, news casts, internet articles, eye witnesses, and observance. I really don't know what to think, and don't trust anyone to tell me what's really going on. I honestly feel like I don't have a clue. I think the most uneasy thing of it all for me is the looming weight of uncertainty. As an American I have that tendency to say it's all going to be ok, but the thing is I don't know that. This same time tomorrow the world could be a completely different place.
Now that I've scared the bajezes out of I'm sure a few people. Let me tell you what's going on in my heart. I am a missionary of the Holy Roman Catholic Church the church that has defied the lays of decay for over 2000 years and has seen the rise and fall of Dynasties, Empires, Civilizations, and yes communism, and is still going to be here tomorrow and for ever. Nostalgia fills my heart when I think of the missionaries who have come before me. In the end it's all about souls. I'm encouraged and in high spirits!
Please pray for me that I may do all I can sacrificially as I've become quite comfortable. Please pray for the state of my soul which only His Mercy can save. I wish you all a blessed 4th of July, and ask that you remember to be thankful and praise God for haven given us our dear county. And our true freedom in Him.
Your sister in our Eucharistic Lord and his sweet Mother,
Candyce Maximilian Maria Ochoa
I will attach some links to this page so if anyone wants to get better idea of what's going on you can read about it from those who are able to articulate themselves a little better then I can and a little more factual. For I've been told I can be a little dramatic.
I wrote this with the intension of prayers and got carried away. So please feel free to forward this to whom you believe will storm heaven with us!
http://www.catholic.org/international/international_story.php?id=33986
http://witnessinghope.wordpress.com/2009/06/30/what-the-world-needs-to-know-please-read/
