Conference in San Pedro Sula

This weekend (June 22-23, 2013) we were privileged to be assigned to represent the temple presidency at the conference of the San Pedro Sula Stake--one of several in that part of the country.   Though San Pedro Sula is sometimes called the "most dangerous city in the world" due to its high homicide rate (twice the national average for Honduras, which has the highest rate of any country in the world that is not involved in actual military combat), we had absolutely no trouble either on the way, on the way back, or while we were there.  The conference was wonderful.   Virginia and I were generously given 20 minutes and 15 minutes, respectively in the Saturday adult session, and 15 and 10 minutes on Sunday.  The choir numbers were beautiful, with instrumental accompaniment (in addition to the piano). The stake center is at least as large as any other I have ever seen, and was lovely in every way (two stories).  I may have never been in a stake conference with more members in attendance, who sang with greater gusto, and who arrived so punctually.  (The chapel and spacious cultural hall were almost completely filled a half hour before the general session began.)  They had an extremely well attended session for investigators and new members just before the general session.  We had known the stake president (Hector Manley) since 2004, as he is a CES coordinator and an excellent leader and teacher.  One of the bishops in the stake, Jacobo Carpio, is also a CES man of equal caliber.  We also saw one of our temple sealers and his wife, who travel the 4 hours each way to and from Tegucigalpa ecach week to serve their 8 hour Wednesday afternoon shift.  It was also fun to see at least three of the missionaries we had known in Panama, though we had to be reminded of their names.  Another of the bishops is the stake is a son of our temple president, and we also knew him.  The members all treated us royally, and we felt very much at home with them.

Though we ourselves had no security issues during the visit, I asked President Manley if the stake members in general were affected by the crime in the area, and he confirmed that they are.  He himself had his home invaded and his car stolen this past year, and while I didn't get the full story of why, he felt it necessary to leave his home (presumably with his family) for four months before feeling it was safe to return.  Robberies on the buses are common, as is extortion in its various forms.  Yet the Church is thriving, and the San Pedro Sula Mission is being split as of July 1st.  Perhaps in part because of the evils in the world around them, good people are moved to look for something better, and increasing numbers of them are finding it in the Church.

Though we had driven to San Pedro Sula before, it had been 7 years since we had last done so, so we were grateful for the help of maps and our GPS (with our newly purchased map for Honduras) to help us find the way.  We had forgotten how scenic the drive is--through mountains most of the way, which are green and luxuriant this time of year now that the rainy season has arrived.  We opted to stay in a little Bed and Breakfast establishment we found on the Internet rather than in a regular hotel, which would have cost twice as much.  We had to look a bit and ask a bit (Virginia doing the asking!) to find it.  We drove right past it the first time, expecting to see some kind of sign on the door, but it turns out they have none, as, according to the owner, taxes would be higher if they were so identified.  The only thing to identify it is the street number and a very small TripAdvisor sticker (since they are one of the recommended places to stay by the Trip Advisor clientelle).  The owners were as friendly, gracious and helpful as the reviews said they were, and the included breakfast the next morning was outstanding--and prepared to order.   For dinner Saturday evening we patronized a little fried chicken place down the street about a block from our "hotel."  It was clean, and the food was good, but it was interesting to see that even as small a business as they were had an armed guard with a shotgun at the front door.  (There were hired guards at the entrances to the stake center today, too.)  We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to San Pedro Sula, but we are grateful to be back this evening in Tegucigalpa, where there are more moderate temperatures and fewer gnats that those that swarmed around us in San Pedro Sula.  

The following are a few pictures we took, primarily on the way back.  They were mostly taken through the car window, while we were moving, so the quality isn't the greatest, but they may give you a little idea of what some of the route looks like.

Dos Molinos Bed and Breakfast, where we stayed

Lake Yojoa on the way back from San Pedro Sula

Shops--mostly small restaurants--on the shore of Lake Yojoa

Typical scenery on the highway from San Pedro Sula to Tegucigalpa

Another highway scene

And another

One more

Little kiosk at the side of the road

One of many ceramic shops on the route

Another acacia tree

Lovely acacia trees appeared frequently at the lower elevations.

Pickup loaded with ripe bananas

One of many signs we saw of a religious nature.  Religious is much more accepted openly in most Central American countries than it is coming to be in the U.S.

I should add that today marks 50 years since I arrived home from my mission to Uruguary--June 23, 1963.  Here is one of my favorite photos--my welcoming committee at the Burley airport!

Katherine Wilcox, Virginia Wilcox, Nancy, John, Bernice, and Bob Cazier.  Jerry Wilcox.  Marvin Cazier was on his mission at the time.