national elections

This article was a collaboration between my good friends Megan, Elise and myself. Our perspective and synthesized analysis of the elections:

The international community has brought much attention to the Honduran presidential elections that took place on Sunday, November 24. The presence of many national and international observers made for a relatively peaceful day, but the political turmoil is far from over. Election authorities have not given final results, and are dealing with accusation of electoral fraud; however, projections show that nationalist candidate Juan Orlando Hernandez will win the election. 

While international coverage of the elections has grown increasingly concerned in the last few weeks, the tension over these elections has been mounting internally for years. This presidency will not be won in one day of voting. The election results are the culmination of years of planning and use of a political machine that points to inequality and structural weaknesses in Honduras and not just fraud on Election Day.

National Party candidate Juan Orlando Hernandez’s predicted victory did not just materialize on November 24th. It is a result of years of careful planning, made possible by institutional weaknesses and a vulnerable population. In a country with highly stratified economic classes, political power and wealth are highly concentrated in the upper echelons of society. A very small percentage of Hondurans, a mix of business magnates and families of inherited wealth, form the oligarchy that works tirelessly to keep the status quo in place. It is the very economic inequality that has gotten them where they are that continues to keep them in power. But these wealthy few are not easily painted with either a blue or red brush. Found at the top of every major political party, they share a common knack for using anything as fodder for political propaganda.

Money may help you
but selling your rights will keep you enslaved

It is no secret that Honduras has a very poor public education system, and this too can always be used to one's advantage. It is easier to manipulate people that are less educated, that don't have access to information or live in isolated regions of the country. All of these factors have continued to wear down the trust Hondurans have in the government and the belief that things can change. Hernandez is an expert in using the political system to win votes. He has served as the President of the National Congress since 2010, and has used the position to consolidate power and push through popular reforms including the hugely popular (70% of the Honduran population are in favor), and highly worrying military police force.

More recently Hernandez’s media presence and campaign rallies have been very strong and convincing. Honduras has no campaign finance disclosure laws, so there is no way to know where Hernandez (or any of the other candidates) obtained their money for the expensive campaign. Hernandez was also accused of buying votes from vulnerable populations, either directly or indirectly before the elections. Some example include giving away a National Party “discount card”, wood burning stoves, and threatening to discontinue a government social bonus program, the “Bono 10 mil” if he was not elected. 

In talking to many Hondurans, a common thread has been the expectation that Hernandez and the National Party would come out on top. Of course, supporters of opposing parties were distrustful of his campaign, but one has to acknowledge the number of people that cast their vote for him (even going against their party loyalty) because he was giving them material goods, benefits, and policies that appeased their fears of violence. While there is still a palpable skepticism of transparency in the electoral process—the reality is that he really did do whatever it took to get the real ballots cast in his favor.

photo credit: Kathrine Rasmussen

In spite of these political games, there was a genuine hope for a different outcome. People hoped that this time, things could change. They hoped that with a large international community looking on, there would be less tolerance for corruption. People knew the electoral process was flawed, but they showed up to cast their ballot, driven by a hope that things have to get better.

One of the reasons for that hope was the change from a bipartisan system to a multi-party system. Hernandez currently has only 34% of the votes. While the non-nationalist vote was split among Libre (29%), PAC (16%), and the Liberal Party (21%) in the presidential elections, the hope is that this diversity of electoral opinion will come into full force in the Congressional elections, where the National Party could only hold a minority of seats. What will this look like for Hernandez's presidency? A potentially divided Congress could signify less congressional action and more executive power. However, the hope among those who did not vote for Hernandez is for an executive branch held in check by a more balanced Congress that reflects the diversity of Honduran opinion more than ever before.

The despair with the security concerns, economic woes, and corruption combined with the sudden birth of more political options have led to a more active, aware constituency that uses other democratic methods (protests, political watchdog organizations, greater and more diverse dissemination of information through the media, new political parties, etc.) to call for justice. In a historically oppressed and disillusioned political atmosphere, Hondurans have started to find their own voices. Hondurans will have to adjust to the idea of having a president unsupported by the majority - an advantage to the extent that Hondurans can respect their own prophetic voice, and use it to work for change.

Was the whole political system and weak government going to be turned upside-down in one election cycle? Maybe not. The inequality among Honduran classes run deep, as do political ties to a bi-partisan system controlled by an oligarchy. The obstacles for a new president--from any party--are daunting. But we are hopeful that this political momentum will spark the change that Honduras has been waiting for.

[This article is also posted on the MCC Honduras Connecting People's blog and the MCC LACA Advocacy blog! Check them both out for more good reads.]

hope de l@s jovenes

I looked around the table at 6 eager faces, all with bright eyes and genuine smiles. Discussing "honduran-isms," regional dialects, and unique foods, the conversation was animated and lively.  We were sharing a meal together at what is quickly becoming my favorite restaurant in San Pedro and getting to know each other better.

4 of us are young people serving with MCC in Honduras; the other 3 are young Hondurans who will be sent out from the Mennonite church to serve in the IVEP and YAMEN programs of MCC. It was fun to talk about what they eagerly anticipate and what scares them about leaving home. Mostly...the food (read: lack of beans and tortillas) weighs heavily on their minds. Will Canadians be nice to them? Will they only eat bread? Will Bolivia be too cold? Will they make new friends?

We had a great time together that afternoon at a "pre-orientation" before their staggered departures to the great unknown. I laughed a lot and appreciated the thoughtfulness and sense of humor they have brought along with them for their adventure.

When I think of what gives me hope for Honduras, their faces come to mind. The spirit of curiosity, "disponibilidad" (availability?), gentleness and humor that they exude while talking freely of their love for God and commitment to their church makes me so proud. Proud that they will represent MCC Honduras and the Honduran Mennonite Church. Proud that people will be able to put a kind face with the stories they have heard about Honduras. With so much negative press, skepticism and high crime statistics from Honduras, it is exciting to meet young people that know they can play a part in making their country better. I know they will be great ambassadors for Honduras and make contributions in each of their respective assignments.

Please pray for these young people (2 going to Bolivia with YAMEN, 2 going to Canada with IVEP) and all the other participants (SALTers too*) around the world who are taking a huge step of faith this week, leaving their comfort zone to try something different. May they be richly blessed by their endeavors and return to bless their families, churches and community with what they will receive from others.

*shout out to my cousin who is taking off for Burkina Faso soon with the SALT program! much love and many prayers A.Z!

election season

Since the US in the the throes of political campaigning, I thought it may be time to mention election season in Honduras.

Right now Honduras is also in campaign season leading up to internal elections in November. This means each party will vote for who they want to run on the ballot in the national elections next year (2013) for the newly elected officials to take office in 2014.

Here is my disclaimer: I am still new to all of this, and learning what I can from the newspaper, my (left-leaning) co-worker, television, and our neighboring office that has become campaign headquarters and invites me over for coffee. [I will not tell you which party joked about changing my residency card so I could vote in the election!] I also enjoy the catchy commercials on TV and my personal favorite: vans that drive around town with speakers playing a reggaeton re-mix of a very popular song, but with lyrics that say "vote for Yani." Very original! But I digress...

Politics are sticky everywhere it seems, but there is a lot of passionate discourse in Honduras. There are several contributing factors:

1) Ever since the coup in 2009 where a wealthy oligarchy was blamed for ousting the "people's president," the country has been deeply, deeply divided. Red vs. blue doesn't just come into play on CNN's magical touch screen...it affects the color of t-shirt people wear to the office and the businesses they will patronize because of political leanings.

2) Corruption: Honduras is infamous on the world stage for a lack of transparency, political and judicial corruption, and a corrupt police force, to name a few things.  Politicians are very, very, very mistrusted--at all levels. Corruption factors into even the smallest details of life here, but people just accept it because when politicians rob millions and millions from people who have next to nothing, where do you begin to fight back?

3) Insecurity: Mostly known for some pretty terrible human rights violations, having the highest murder rate per capita and an equally astounding rate of murders that are never investigated does not help Honduras' reputation.

4) Drug trafficking: Really, this encompasses the other 3, because all of these things are intertwined and cannot be separated from the massive amounts of drugs and money that are laundered through Honduras en route to North America. The devastating effects are seen in rural and urban areas. No community seems to be untouched by this reality.

These things (and many more) are constantly on the minds of Hondurans because they live with the reality day in and day out. It is not just a pick-pocket in the seedy part of the "big city"...it is not just a couple of politicians taking bribes to smooth over a new law...it is not a few teenagers selling pot in the park. It is really big stuff. It impacts every movement of every day...and people are sick of it.

Hondurans know change does not happen overnight because they've been living in this manner for a long time. They know that corruption has no easy fix because they've been seeing foreign investment dollars line the pockets of the (already) rich for decades. They know that gangs and drug trafficking will not disappear with a bit more military pressure because it has been taking over slowly and steadily for years.

But as with any sort of political season, there is some shadow of hope. People desperately hope their new party will propose solutions to even a few of these issues; that their leader will be the one to turn this country around. That their next vote will be for someone honest, who won't rob the tax coffers and will do something to tackle the economic situation of this country.

Isn't that what we all secretly get excited about with a fresh political voice? A new charismatic speaker? We hope that it will be the change we believe the country needs.

It breaks my heart to see all of these seemingly insurmountable issues and think "but how can it ever get any better?" But I see Hondurans who are fiercely loyal to their families and communities and they want to see change, if not for themselves, for the next generation. Anyone who lives here can't help but hope that this next election could spark something different, and start to turn the country around.

culture crash

Sometimes its hard for me to articulate what is so different about my life in the States compared to my life in Honduras.

Other days, its a continual barrage of differences that get under my skin and get me all riled up!

Culture incorporates so many tangible and (more importantly) intangible things that make us who we are, that dictate what we do, and even how we react to things. You might be thinking, yeah, but is it really that big of a deal? I mean, people are people no matter where you go. And you might be right. According to my co-worker, any time I bring up the idea of cultural differences he tells me that it's an excuse and talking about culture is "papadas" (read: you're full of crap).

Well, I would just like to say that it's not crap. It's real. And I struggle to live with these differences, good and bad, every minute of every day of my life in Honduras. And I don't appreciate being told that it's an excuse when it's something that feels very real to me. Until you have lived in another culture and understand the subtle differences that culture adds to everyday life, you can't tell me it's nothing.

Primarily I get riled up in the work place where we have a LOT of differences in how we approach things. Granted, a lot of this is personality...and I will freely admit that. However, there are a lot of cultural trends that shape how we approach our work and how we do or do not get things accomplished. The inefficiency and lack of just...getting-things-done is enough to drive me crazy. There is always tomorrow. And you rush, rush, rush to wait. Hurry up and wait is very typical. And meetings...don't even get me started. If you just spent one hour actually DOING something at your desk, we would need 95% fewer meetings to talk about what you plan to do.

In a different vein, I was reflecting on the food of Honduras and how really, well, un-interesting it is. Every restaurant seems offer the same standard menu, no matter where you go. Oh sure, there are establishments that specialize in fried chicken, or pupusas, or maybe just baleadas...but really, Hondurans have a startling lack of variety in their diet.

It got me thinking about how many varieties of food I used to enjoy in a typical week...but then my daydreaming about Thai food got me drooling over everything so I had to stop that! But it is interesting to consider what a cultural trend there is in the U.S. to try something new, the latest thing, something rare...because it's exciting, and you might discover the next greatest thing. Here in Honduras, you stick to what you know. New is scary...new might be bad.

So where does all this leave me? What am I trying to say?

Well..I guess I'm just trying to blog-it-out  and express that living in another culture is challenging for the very ways it stretches you to do things differently and live in ways that don't feel "normal." It's not always bad...there are a lot of good things about it to (hopefully a future post ;) )...but I just need the acknowledgement and affirmation that it is hard. It's not papadas. That what I feel is justifiable and when you've only been steeped in your own culture, you can't really know what all is wrapped up in that word, and how it might make others feel out of place, or un-welcome some times. I know what that's like because I live it.

There are just those days...when it's too much. And you don't want to eat another piece of fried chicken. You really just want something...different!

message to gringos

I picked up a book from the MCC office a few weeks ago titled “Don’t be afraid, Gringo.” It is a personal narrative of Elvia Alvarado, a Honduran woman who has dedicated her life to helping people in the rural areas of Honduras organize and fight for justice, mostly relating to land reform. She openly shares about the injustices of life for the rural poor and the terrible meddling of the United States in Honduras, sparked by the Contra struggle against the “communist” Sandinista government of Nicaragua in the 80’s.

This book is a fascinating read. Not only does it give an honest view of life in the campo (countryside) of Honduras, but shares one women’s astute perspective of government, politics, corruption and the economic disparity that exists in this country.

When I started the book, I was a little disappointed because it was based on interviews done in the early 80’s, and most of the data is also from that decade (when the book was published). I figured it would seem out of date and irrelevant to the Honduran context today. However, I quickly noticed that most of the stories that Elvia tells could be lifted right from the pages of today’s Honduran newspaper. The inequality between rich and poor, the corruption among government, military and police forces, and ultimately the siphoning of Honduras’ wealth into the hands of the few are all issues that still face the Honduran people today. Going into the more rural areas for my work with ACDIM makes me wonder “Has anything really changed in the last 25 years?” and then, tragically “How has nothing changed in all this time? Why are Hondurans still fighting for the same rights, the same rule of law and the same equality that Elvia struggled for in the early 80’s?

With so much foreign involvement in such a small country, it is depressing and frustrating to consider how little change there has been, especially for the rural campesino population. In this region alone there are development organizations in (seemingly) every community. Hondurans are used to foreigners coming in for a time, making promises, but never really seeing many results. A quote from the book that really impacted me:

Elvia, speaking about Honduran campesinos:
“We don’t need the U.S. money. We never get to see any of it anyway. What do you think that money goes for? To the foreign bank accounts of the rich, to line the pockets of our corrupt politicians, to give the military more power to repress the poor.
It’s the rich who need the U.S. aid, not the poor. We’ve lived for years with only our beans and tortillas, and we’ll go on living with our beans and tortillas. If the U.S. stopped sending money, it would be the rich who’d hurt, not us. They’re the ones who live off the dollars.”

It is a constant struggle to live here as a development worker for a foreign development organization and consider why things are not changing for those living in poverty…and why is what I’m doing any different than what Elvia speaks out against? And the problem is I don’t really have any answers.

I believe so much in the potential Honduras has to be a more equitable country, and I pray often that it could be a peaceful country, free from the extreme level of violence that exists currently. I know in my heart that no amount of microfinance programs to create small businesses will bring families out of poverty without more systemic change in the structures and practices of government. There will be no end to the drug war and gang violence until the corruption among law enforcement is mitigated. The fear that keeps people from speaking out against injustice gives the wealthy ruling class incredible power to keep doing “business as usual.” And it has to change.

“It’s hard to think of change taking place in Central America without there first being changes in the United States…So you Americans who really want to help the poor have to change your own government first. You Americans who want to see an end to hunger and poverty have to take a stand. You have to fight just like we’re fighting—even harder. You have to be ready to be jailed, to be abused, to be repressed. And you have to have the character, the courage, the morale, and the spirit to confront whatever comes your way.

If you say, “oh the United States is so big and powerful, there’s nothing we can do to change it,” then why bother talking about solidarity? If you think like that, you start to feel insignificant and your spirit dies. That’s very dangerous. For as long as we keep our spirits high, we continue to struggle…You also have to be clear about your objectives, about why you’re struggling. You can’t struggle just because someone else tells you it’s a good idea. No, you’ve got to feel the struggle. You’ve got to be completely convinced that what you’re struggling for is just

 …You have to begin educating people, telling them the truth about what’s happening in the world. Because if the press in the United States is anything like it is in Honduras, the people aren’t well informed. You have to teach them what’s really happening in the United States, what your government is really doing. And once you’ve educated people, then get them organized.

…we’re not asking for food or clothing or money. We want you with us in the struggle. We want you to educate your people. We want you to organize your people. We want you to denounce what your government is doing in Central America. From those of you who feel the pain of the poor, who feel the pain of the murdered, the disappeared, the tortured, we need more than sympathy. We need you to join the struggle.”
~Elvia Alvarado

laughter is the best (coping) medicine

Here is a video of the skit my SALTer pals and I did at the re-entry retreat in July.

The idea was to share cultural experiences from where we spent our year, so the 3 of us decided to write a skit based on real life experiences of thwarting unwanted male attention as Northamerican females in Honduras.

Hope you enjoy :)




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0Bqwc_IbRU

stick it to the man.

(re-posting from my friend Elise's blog)

stick it to the man (a.k.a. the Honduran transit department)

So Charissa and I have been to the Honduran transit office

three times in the last week trying to obtain
two drivers licenses

although this should be an easy exchange with my US license, it was not.

So, with the help of one of my lawyer coworkers we wrote official letters saying why we should be able to exchange our US licenses for Honduran ones, to be signed by the transit director.

And after eleven stamps on our official letters
five fingerprints
six copies of US drivers licenses and Honduran residency cards
ten rapidito rides
Lps 100 for a physical, eye exam and blood test
one rather angry transit official (my favorite quote was "I don't think this is really the transit director's signature!"...like I had forged it. I guess you never know).
Visits to windows five, one, and two (involving plenty of pushing and shoving, because lines don't really exist)
And, a lot of righteous anger towards the Honduran transit system...

WE HAVE OUR DRIVERS LICENSES!

yes.

[only regret...we didn't go back for a photo with our frenemy + newly printed licenses.]

cultural-izing

Last week I sent an email asking friends and family for ideas about blog posts…mostly things they are curious about that I might be overlooking or neglecting to talk about. One friend asked how my own culturalization process is going, which has given me a lot to think about. My word processor is telling me that ‘culturalization’ is not a word…but I like it, so I’ll use it anyway. To me, it means, how am I adapting to the culture, what things have been a struggle, and what things are changing me as I learn more and more about how Hondurans live and think.

After 7 months in Honduras, I feel like I have pretty adequate expectations for how things will happen or what to expect. For example, I have become accustomed to the phrases “ya vengo,” “ya llego” and ahorita. All of these phrases, literally translated, communicate a sense of immediacy—‘I’m coming now,’ ‘I’m arriving now,’ and ‘right now.’ But over time, you learn that ‘right now’ can mean in the next 5 minutes, or next 55 minutes. This has definitely been an adjustment for me, a very punctual person; however, I’m learning that it’s not offensive to be late, as it is in my home culture. Hondurans are much more people oriented than time oriented, and I’m learning to love this mentality. I’m not late because I don’t care about you and your schedule…I’m late because someone else interrupted the plan and it would be rude to brush them off, so I gave them my full attention first. I appreciate the value placed on people, even when it does mean I spend 45 minutes at a bus stop waiting for my host brother to get around to picking me up!

I find it challenging to fully reflect on how I am adjusting and adapting to culture in Honduras because the longer I am here, the less “weird” certain things seem. The differences in culture are most highlighted for me when I have visitors from the states with me and they comment on all the things that I think are rather normal. This could range from my shower routine, use of water in the house, and food to home remedies when one is sick, church customs and even prejudices. All of these things are part of my host family’s culture and I have begun to learn how to adapt to all of these things, even though they may be 100% different from the way I live in the states.

finalmente estoy in Honduras

Hey friends!
I am finally in Honduras...well, I have been for about 5 days, but this is the first chance I`ve had to blog.

August 12-19 I was in Akron for training with MCC and everyone else in the SALT, YAMEN & IVEP programs. We had a lot of fun getting to know each other and helping each other learn about new cultures. I had lots of opportunities to start using my spanish as the latin american group always hung out together. The only thing that was frustrating was that I had just said goodbye to all of my other friends, then spent 1 week trying to make new friends, only to leave all of them for a year too!

However, there are 5 of us that traveled together from Akron to Honduras. 3 of us will be in Tegucigalpa and the other 2 will be in different cities. Noel is from Bolivia, Johanna is from Colombia, Elise is from the US and Alison is from Canada. They are all wonderful friends and we are getting to know each other very well. They all enjoy Dutch Blitz A LOT so its a good thing I brought my cards along (Johanna says "blips" instead of "blitz" when she wins, cuz its a tricky word...so we are petitioning to change the name of the game!).

When our first plane took off from Harrisburg at 6am on Thursday, I was just glad to be in the air. I did not start to get nervous until we could see the city of San Pedro Sula about 10 hours later :) However, all went well, and Amy and Andres (MCC Honduras Reps) were waiting for us at the airport, with a beautiful welcome sign designed by their daughters. They have been taking good care of us, and we have enjoyed their leadership immensely.


After 1 day in San Pedro, we went to the countryside to the Finca Diakonia (a farm) where another MCC family lives. This is where we had most of our orientation meetings, as well as some recreational activities...like...climbing a tree with a harness and hanging in a hammock 60ish feet above ground...only a few scrapes and bruises to show for it too ;)


On Sunday we returned to San Pedro Sula for church, then took a bus to Copan Ruinas about 3 hours away. We are now here in Copan for about 10 days of language school. Each of us lives with a different host family, but we come to school every morning at 8 for 1 on 1 tutoring. It is intense, and makes me very tired, but I know its good for me. To get even more practice, I´m trying to read books in Spanish too...really tough ones, like Nancy Drew!
We are excited to do some touristy things here in Copan. Today is a museum and possible bird park excursion...tomorrow is hot springs...saturday is the Mayan ruins. Yep, we are working hard :)


Thanks for all the emails, fb posts and prayers. I wish I had time to write each one of you, but computer time is limited. Continue to pray for safety as we travel a lot, and because the bigger cities can be dangerous.
I am anxious to be in my new home so i can unpack a bit, but I also want to fully enjoy the time I have with my friends. Espero que todo vaya bien con ustedes. Hasta luego!

Dear friends and family...

Some of you already got this info from me, but it's on the blog so people who I forgot to tell, or those who stumble on my blog in a few months, or stalkers on facebook know what's going on (:


So...I'm leaving my job and the country for a year! Want to know why? Read on:

I have worked for over 2 years in the Admissions office at Messiah College. While I have enjoyed my time there, I’ve had a deep sense of God’s call to do other things with my passions for economic development, cross-cultural ministry and language study. I have been in prayer about the next step and have felt God’s leading to service with MCC (Mennonite Central Committee) in the SALT (Serving and Learning Together) program.

I am excited to share with you that I accepted a 1-year service term in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The dates of service are August 12, 2010 to July 25, 2011, so I will be working at my current job into July. There are several reasons I am so excited about this opportunity. For one, I am very eager to live in a Spanish speaking country to better hone my Spanish skills. The position is “Income Generation Program Assistant,” which involves oversight of a microfinance program in the outskirts of Tegucigalpa. MCM provides small loans to groups of women to help them with any needs they may have—sending kids to school, starting a business to generate income, or paying for life-cycle needs in their community. This work, known as microfinance, is something I have been interested in for many years, and I am excited to have the opportunity to work directly with an organization that provides Honduran women and their families a chance to improve their economic viability.  It is likely I will have a chance to do other tasks as part of this assignment, such as helping to start a small scale insurance program, offer business workshops, provide training to the loan officers, and even start a business mentoring program with local high school kids. I am sure there will always be “other duties as assigned,” but look forward to trying some new things and expanding my knowledge and skills in this field.

So, as people who are important in my life, I wanted you to know what I’m up to and have you share in my experience. You have already made it to "the blog," which will record my thoughts/experiences as I prepare for Honduras and throughout my time of service. I will try to send some email updates regularly too. If you are interested in either of these, email me and I will add you to the list.

One big thing I need is PRAYER! I would greatly appreciate your prayers as I continue through this door God has opened for me. A few things you can pray for right now: focus to finish out my time out Messiah well; that all the details of leaving for 1 year (car, bank, apartment, etc.) would come together; that God would begin preparing me for my time of service, and for whatever lies ahead in terms of work, host family situation and safety. Your support in this way is greatly appreciated.

Another way you can support me in this endeavor is financially.  One requirement of the SALT program is that I raise a one-time amount of $4500 to cover part of my living expenses for the year. I am grateful that MCC heavily subsidizes this program, but would appreciate help if you feel led to partner with me in this way. 

Donations can be made online @ https://donate.mcc.org/salt. Make sure to check the box that reads, “I would like to make this donation in Memory, in Honor, or in Support.” Choose “In Support of -- SALT” and where it asks for "Full Name:" enter "Charissa Zehr ID# 617916."

**If you prefer to send a check to MCC, let me know and I can give/send you a donation form with the instructions and address.

Thank you in advance for your prayers and support. I could not do this without knowing each one of you is standing behind me. I look forward to sharing more with you in the coming months.