A while back, we were proud to feature a story that was filed by a friend of mine, Laura McNamara.

Laura is a World-roving journalist and blogger and I interviewed her for the show to discuss how she took her Journalism degree from the University of Missouri and parlayed it into her current life as citizen of the road, with a keen eye for interesting characters and stories. I asked her to keep an eye out for some of those stories that we needed to hear. (Ive posted the original interview at the end of this article.)

Her first post for us was from a trip to Honduras and was the story of Billy & Mary Collins and their work with the Chortí Maya, the direct descendant of the ancient Mayans. Billy describes them as “the conquered people” and compares their plight to the Native Americans. (Read the original story)

Chorti Maya villagers live outside of Copan Ruinas, Honduras. As you probably are aware, there has been a fair amount of political unrest in Honduras recently and I knew that Laura was working and traveling in the area. I sent her a note to “check in on her” and here’s the response that I received.

Jay:
Thanks for voicing your concern on Twitter. Much appreciated. Really. Even though I’ve been blogging about it, my parents seem to have no clue. I’ve heard nothing from them.

Having published stories about Billy and Mary on your site, I thought you might be interested in hearing this first hand account of what’s going on in Honduras. Remember, it was “Billy’s Story” that was published on your site. Billy and Mary are missionaries working with the Chorti Maya in Copan Ruinas, Honduras.

Date: Sun, Jun 28, 2009 at 10:23 PM
Subject: Re: In my thoughts and prayers…
To: Laura McNamara

Dear Laura,
Thank you so much for your prayers for Honduras and all of us.  Praise the Lord, everything in Copan Ruinas is fine as of now.  This morning was a little crazy when the electricity went off and there were no national news on TV or radio.  However, we quickly found out that it was not a nationwide blackout.  However, part so San Pedro Sula had electricity as well as La Ceiba.  So, it probably was one of our “normal” Sunday’s without electricity.  It came back on around 2:00 this afternoon.

This problem has been brewing for a very long time.  We knew it was getting bad when a few weeks ago the Catholic Church spoke out against the president.  The Evangelical church had already voiced its feelings against him.  Last week he fired the top military commander when he refused to support the election that was suppose to take place today, which was an illegal act on the president’s part.  The congress reinstated the commander and then things really started to move very quickly.  So, sometime last night the military arrested the president and in the early morning hours he was transported to San Jose, Costa Rica.  Shortly after noon today the congress met and with 100% vote elected the president of congress to be the new President of Honduras.

The streets in Copan Ruinas were like any other day, no additional military or police presence, no marches, no protests, etc.  There were groups of people in Tegucigalpa but we are not aware of any violence that occurred today.  I am not saying to come because the American Embassy issued a statement tonight saying to not travel to Honduras unless it is an emergency.  To my knowledge, TACA is the only airline that has suspended flights.  All American based airlines are still flying.

Since we do not have any missionaries in Tegucigalpa, I cannot say for sure what the feeling is there.  However, the missionaries in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba say that things were calm there today.  No protests or violence.  Tonight the new president asked that the public return to work tomorrow, schools to have classes tomorrow, and people return to their normal activities tomorrow.  We really don’t know what we will hear in the morning.

 We have to continue praying for the leadership of Honduras and that the Lord will guide them, give them wisdom, and that they are working for the well being of Honduras, not for personal gain.  Please pray for us this week.  We have a youth team from Parkwood Baptist Church in Gastonia, NC, that will be working in several villages or that is the plan.  Pray with us that we will complete the task that the Lord has for them this week and for every one’s safety.

Blessings,
Mary

How much more connected do we feel to a country, a region, or a people, when we have a point of reference? I learned more from Mary’s letter than I did from the major news outlets. It covered the facts (from their side, not through the media filter) and provided insight.  It’s one of the reasons we tell stories; to provide information and context.

What a great use for the internet.

Other than an occasional recipe for Sangria or to check your Facebook page…you know, important stuff.

Check out other recent posts that Laura has filed on Honduras at http://giramonda.com/

 

 Laura McNamara, Giramonda [18:58m]: Play Now | Play in Popup

Tags: Billy & Mary Collins, Chortí Maya, Facebook, Honduras, Laura McNamara, San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, Twitter, University of Missouri