Click here to view the Drive for the December 2001 Trip

June - August 2002 Trip.

This is a personal message from Muriel. I drove from Martha's Vineyard to Honduras and back, a journey of about 10,000 miles. Most of that trip was by myself. The two people who had planned to accompany me for the whole trip, drove with me to Brownsville, Tx and then left after several frustrating days at the border with Mexico. I had to decide to either tough it out and continue to Honduras alone or turn around and return with the supplies to Massachusetts. I decided to continue. I honestly felt that it was my mission to deliver those supplies, and since I truly believe I am following the will of the Lord in doing His work, how could I not continue. Throughout the whole trip, I felt safe and protected in all circumstances.

We are now planning to ship all future supplies by boat from the USA directly to Honduras. At this point I will do almost anything to avoid driving through Mexico, carrying cargo. Please know that I think Mexico is a beautiful country, and I like the people of Mexico very much, but the aduana and the officials I dealt with were beyond words difficult. This was my third trip driving from Massachusetts to Central America, and it was the same for each trip.

The bottom line for vehicles carrying cargo: the countries are afraid that I may sell cargo illegally from my vehicle as I drive through, and if I did that, the countries would not collect the sales tax. The other fear is that I might sell my bus illegally and hop a plane home. Apparently that has been done so much in the past, that the countries collect a penalty tax up front on all trucks and buses.

For that reason, we are not going to drive buses anymore, but use a 24' straight body truck which can be locked. Since we will have to pay about $45 a foot to ship, a 24' truck will be cheaper to ship than a 44' school bus and will hold supplies better. It will also be more efficient for smaller loads.

If anyone is contemplating making a similar trip, please feel free to contact me by email and I will be glad to help you with information on the routes and what to expect.