.... "Then why are there so many troops on the streets?" I persisted, directing his
attention to the grim-faced, uniformed figures visible beyond the windows of
our "Chicken Bus." It was Monday
morning, August 8, 1983, and the two of us were taking a break
from our missionary labors to shop for necessities downtown. The concentration
of military personnel – and the visible agitation of my native-born friend --
increased as we approached the City Center.
About an hour later, we were intercepted by another missionary while returning to
the bus stop.
"The government was overthrown in a coup this morning," he
informed us in a voice drawn taut with urgency. "We're supposed to go back to
our apartments, lock the doors, and wait until we're told it's safe to come
out."....