Last night we all went to the park that is just a few blocks from our house for a fugata (bonfire). There are 105 steps to the top. I counted them. Last time we did this there was a pretty good size group from the church who came. This time it was an even bigger group. Someone took a pickup out to Yarusin and Crucitas and loaded the front and back with church members from there. The plan was to have a time of prayer, singing, a little preaching, some fun games and to eat something. The first four things went great. We got in line to get our food - tortillas, refried beans, part of a tamale and chorizo (which looked suspiciously like wieners). I don't eat weiners or hot dogs. I can eat most anything but those things kill my stomach, so I gave them away. The problem came when it started sprinkling, then pouring. I got under a tree and continued to eat tortillas and beans mixed with rain. I was hungry and I don't like to waste food. Its a little weird to be eating while you are getting drenched by rain.
We decided it was time to pack up and get out. The lightning was flashing and we were up on top of a mountain. It didn't seem like the smartest place to be. I stayed behind to try to pick up some of the trash. (What is it with people that makes them think they should just throw plates and cups on the ground)? I was doing okay until my eyebrows got soaked and the dam broke and all that rain went into my eyes.
I started heading down the hill with the stragglers. The rain was coming down so hard that there were rivers of water coming down the steps. At the bottom we were helping each other climb over the rocks and through the streams to get to the road. I helped a few folks across, said goodbye and started walking the three blocks to our home. I really felt sorry for the folks from Yarusin and Crucitas because they had to ride on the back of the pickup in the drenching rain for twenty minutes and then walk home once they got to their village.
Just as I got inside the house the lightning hit real close. I don't care much for lightning as I was struck (indirectly) and knocked unconscious when I was a kid. I stripped down to my undies and went to find a towel still thinking of those folks who were in the back of the pickup getting soaked.
Well, such is life here in Honduras. During the rainy season we get wet. There wasn't really any solution to the problem except maybe thinking through the decision better about having an outside gathering during the rainy season. Maybe we learned a lesson.
It was a fun evening and walking the 3 blocks home in that pouring rain - it reminded me of the downpours in Nigeria. I actually think I'd do it all again!
Posted by: Robin W | 06/11/2011 at 07:36 PM