Las Aldeas (by Todd)
Another of our ministries will be working with the "aldeas." The aldeas are little towns, ranging from 100 to several thousand people. Most of the ones we've visited have around 300 residents and 50 houses. They are often out of the way, in the mountains. Some of them are really hard to get to - as in the road is UGLY - first gear 80% of the time driving there.
There are some 34 aldeas that pertain to the Catholic parish at Talanga. Padre Daniel circulates around them, visiting a few each week. Most of them see him about once a month. So far, we have made quick visits to about 12 of them. For the visits, we go with Padre Daniel, and celebrate the mass. Afterwards, some family usually invites us in for coffee or a snack or even a meal.
Some of these aldeas are quite poor. Many do not have electricity, a few don't even have running water. Virtually none has direct access to medical care.
We are now investigating ways we can work in the aldeas. Last Friday, James and I went to visit one called Camalotal to ask about the needs. Today, all five of us went to visit another, called Terero Colorado, way up into the mountains.
It's amazing to me how hospitable the people are! We just walk up to their houses, unannounced, introduce ourselves, and ask if we can chat for a few minutes. And invariably the people (usually women since the men are at work during the day) invite us to their house or front porch to sit and talk. Sometimes they offer us food or drink. And they are happy to talk.
We want to visit a few more to get a clearer picture. But the aldeas look like a very promising area for our ministry.
There are some 34 aldeas that pertain to the Catholic parish at Talanga. Padre Daniel circulates around them, visiting a few each week. Most of them see him about once a month. So far, we have made quick visits to about 12 of them. For the visits, we go with Padre Daniel, and celebrate the mass. Afterwards, some family usually invites us in for coffee or a snack or even a meal.
Some of these aldeas are quite poor. Many do not have electricity, a few don't even have running water. Virtually none has direct access to medical care.
We are now investigating ways we can work in the aldeas. Last Friday, James and I went to visit one called Camalotal to ask about the needs. Today, all five of us went to visit another, called Terero Colorado, way up into the mountains.
It's amazing to me how hospitable the people are! We just walk up to their houses, unannounced, introduce ourselves, and ask if we can chat for a few minutes. And invariably the people (usually women since the men are at work during the day) invite us to their house or front porch to sit and talk. Sometimes they offer us food or drink. And they are happy to talk.
We want to visit a few more to get a clearer picture. But the aldeas look like a very promising area for our ministry.
posted by at 10/06/2005 02:13:00 PM
1 Comments:
Dear Passionists:
I hope you have a great time in our country...thank yo so much for volunteering here! There are so many needy countries in this crazy world of us! Honduras is beautiful, and also is our people. I had the great chance to study my BS in Computer Information Systems in Loyola University, New Orleans...I know what getting to know other cultures, involves...May God be with you always...Whenever you need something, just let me know..."That´s what friends are for!"
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