Child # 11

Again this morning we had our visitor for our morning Bible Study. Our monkey is cute and he sits and looks like he's really enjoying the whole deal; but, of course, it's all just a ploy to lull us to sleep. The funny thing is Joyce said she was happy when we didn't see them for three days, but now that's he back they are like long lost bosom buddies. Yesterday he perched on her head and sifted through her hair for fleas (gratefully he came up empty) and today she and the monkey were having a little one on one out back. The monkey was sitting on the wall and Joyce was bent over so they were nose to nose and as she spoke she scratched his chin...does that sound like someone who was glad they were gone?

A little later he took the lid off the garbage can and dove in head first...Joyce had thrown an empty KoolAid container in there and when our monkey came up he had a new RED FACE! He really is cute...he was sitting just outside our sliding glass door in the back and I told Pedro he was the "monkey guard". A little later I looked over there was Pedro lying on his stomach nose to nose with the monkey! Somehow I think they probably spoke the same language!

All this and it's only 7:58 a.m.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Bible Study Participant

Joyce & I were doing our Bible Study at 5:30 this morning when I heard a little chatter behind me. One foot from me and three feet inside the sliding glass door was our monkey friend, calmly sitting on the floor looking up at me as if he were listening intently. Guess you can't get upset if he wants to hear the Word!

Joyce needed to get away for a bit so she worked up the courage to take our F-350 duel wheel truck into the city to get Angel a haircut. If you've never driven something that big in third world traffic you can't understand what it entails. Traffic laws only semi-exist and everybody tries to cut you off; combine that with a truck that size that she hasn't driven and you know how badly she needed a change of scenery.

Karen was outside riding her bike and just came running in the front door screaming...seems the monkey wanted to ride also! Have to work on Karen sharing more.

Joyce just made it back! I hope she doesn't think she needs "a little pinch between her cheek and gums" now that she drives the BIG TRUCK!

Lawyer, Air, & Car

Today was a day of frustration as far as accomplishing anything...we spent much of the day in conversation with our lawyer trying to counter some of the inane requirements for residency; such as, having to come to the U.S. to get a Honduran Consulate to notarize papers that supposedly legitimize who we are....and my question is: "How would he know if we were telling the truth?"

Another chunk of the day was in negoitations for air conditioning for the children. We recently received a gift designated for this and we are making progress toward the installation, although it's a bit more than we had hoped it is absolutely necessary. Poor Pedro's allergies are a mess; his skin almost looks as if it's raw and it's caused by the heat.

We have been scouring the classified ads to try to find a minivan we can afford. Since our police incident the other day we desperately need alternate transportation. It looks like we can find a used van in the $8000 to $10,000 range...any takers?

Policia donation!

With things so bad economically, here in the country the policia have set-up road checks about every two blocks....not really, but it seems like it. You can't go anywhere without getting stopped.

Well, today was my turn...Joyce, Gershon, Mauricio, Fabiola, & myself were headed out to do some errands when we got stopped. Mauricio & Gerhson were in the front with me and both were buckled. The cop (a young looking ....bleep) saw that and went for something else...he said I had to have a license plate on the front. I showed him our papers and told him we had 3 months to get Honduran plates...that didn't please him and neither did my telling him we had a lawyer. Next he claimed that the kids had to be 12 to be in the front seat. I told him there was no such law here, but he insisted and began to write a ticket, which means he keeps all my documents (license, title, etc.) and I have to go to the Transit Station within the next three days to pay. So, I knew he had me and asked if I couldn't just pay him there and he could give me back my license. I offered 2oo limperas and he said he couldn't because he'd already begun to write the ticket. I offered 500 limperas and he said, "Okay, but the money is going to the Transit Station."

When he started to write the ticket for the kids not being 12 I wanted to tell him they were...Gershon is in fact 15, but Mauricio is only 10...you know God wouldn't allow me to and He and I are still talking about that. I suppose I'm going to lose this battle as well!

However, I found a hairdresser for Joyce and she has an appointment for Tues., so today inspite of the policia, I am a hero at home!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Latest Employee

Our new cook is named Fabiola. Since we're not paying her I guess I can't call her an employee. Now, if I can just turn her into a DISHWASHER!

New Poll

Men, I need your opinions! Everyday Joyce cooks and everyday I do the dishes. Recently we hired a cook to come in 5 days a week to cook the main meal, giving Joyce some rest. However, we did not hire a dishwasher...is there not something wrong with this picture?

Please send your responses ASAP so we can rectify this egregious error! I don't want this to have to go to the Human Resources Department

New Friend & Lawn Mower

Kitchen Prowler /Honduran Lawn Mower

Already this morning we have met new friends and been given a lawn mower...the monkeys are gone, apparently trapped and moved(we've not seen hide nor hairy palm of them for three days now); however, this morning we were invaded by new Honduran thieves...although one of them did work for his, or her breakfast. Joyce has not yet learned that you become like those you hang with and so she feeds these new thieves carrots. I tried to tell her they would become like a millstone, but she's hearing none of it. At least these don't climb, or open windows and doors.

For anyone interested in coming down for a long term comittment we've established a cost of approx. $500/month for rent in a beautiful, air conditioned apartment two doors away from us. All other costs would be covered by us, except for your personal spending money.