Dos Portillos, Days 3 & 4

Instead of driving directly to Dos Portillos on Wednesday morning, we stopped to visit the HOI elementary and middle schools.  There is a vast difference between the school in Dos Portillos and the HOI schools.  The HOI schools separate the students into grade levels instead of clumping them all into one room.  The students even have English as a subject and learn to use computers!

In Dos Portillos our team split for VBS and construction projects: an oven, more floors, a pila, and finishing a latrine.  Before the oven was even finished, the mother had already planned the first meal she would cook!  Can you imagine being about 60 years old and cooking with an oven for the first time?

All of the projects completed this week seem so simple to us, but to the Hondurans they are life changing.  Cement floors prevent the children from the bacteria and parasites living in the dirt.  An oven requires less wood to burn, resulting in spending less time to gathering the wood.  These projects improve their health and their quality of life. 

As we de-briefed Wednesday night, we discussed that most of the people we’ve met don’t consider themselves poor.  Instead of focusing on the things they’re lacking, their wealth is defined by what they do have.  They have a close-knit community, their families, a home, and maybe a few personal things, but aren’t constantly longing for the newer and better things.

Thursday was our day of good-byes.  In the morning a group of us visited homes for prayer.  It was powerful come together and pray aloud in our own languages as we surround a person in need.  Saying good-bye to the children at the school and the Pech community was emotional to say the least.  The children, from the school and from the Pech community, sang for us and gave each of us handmade gifts (cards, jewelry, pottery, wood carvings) before shedding tears and embracing us in hugs. 

God has spoken to us in numerous ways while we’ve been here.  He’s made it very clear to us that He is in control.  As we prepared for our trip, some of us thought there is no way I will be chosen for the trip, some applications were submitted at the very last minute, and another asked to go after the application deadline.  Until a few days before flying to Honduras, the Pech village wasn’t even a consideration for where we would work.  None of us considered how the relationships between the team would form.  But through all of that, God’s plan prevailed, as it always does.  He is powerful and always in control, just as Isaiah 14:24-27 says, “Surely, as I have planned, so it will be, and as I have purposed, so it will happen.”

It is human nature to think that we are in control of our own lives – that we have the last word in what happens.  It is not by our own power that we were able to build intimate friendships and love Hondurans.  That is all Him.  It is because of God’s plan that the 16 people in our group were brought together.  When returning home, I pray that we will continue to believe and trust God’s plan in our lives.  To stop doubting what should happen, but to trust that His plan will always prevail.

Dos Portillos, Day 2

This is from yesterday -- sorry it's so late!  Today's re-cap will be posted tomorrow morning! 

There’s a lot going on in Honduras.  Physically here as well as within our hearts.

In Dos Portillos it was the second day of Vacation Bible School and construction.  Our welcome this morning  was much warmer and more personal than yesterday, with greetings by name instead of a general ‘Hola,’ and hugs instead of handshakes.

At the school the students learned the parable of Jesus feeding the 5,000 using a boy’s lunch of 2 fish and 5 loaves of bread through a skit performed by the older students.  All of us in the school were amazed at just how attentive the children were throughout the morning.  Their attention did not waiver in the slightest.

The construction teams continued to work on cement floors and latrines.  The Hondurans are eager to help and are incredibly hardworking.  They welcome us into their homes, offering coffee, kool-aid, and cokes, with eyes of joy and anticipation, thinking about how their lives will change as a result of what’s being built in their homes. 

I have loved listening to the stories everyone shares about their days.  And not only the stories, but the emotions that accompany them. 

Joy is so obviously visible when a man can tell a story about how much fun it was to throw a ball with a child and swing him through the air.  Or when the first bubbles are blown, causing laughter and screaming as children chase the bubbles. 

Compassion is undeniable in the eyes of the person who wants to help a mother learn that her child needs medical attention.  Or when a member of the community shows concern for the students who are excelling, but need assistance furthering their education.   

Amazement as we hear about just how strong the women are at the the construction sites.  Or when we talk about the fact that our group is made up of 16 people, all in different stages of life, and most of us without even a slight connection to anyone else on the trip, but how deep and intimate our friendships have already become.

I’ve mentioned it before, and will say it many more times, but the people in this group are incredible.  We haven’t ridden in the truck, eaten a meal, or sat on the porch without someone encouraging another person in the group, exactly as 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says to “Encourage one another and build each other up.”  To be honest, I’ve never experienced a group quite like this.  From expressing how hard someone is working or humbly leading others, to sharing scripture in tough situations, the support and encouragement from the other members of the group is constant. 

What’s even more amazing, is that the people in the communities have told us that they notice how loving we are – not only to them, but to each other as well.  1 John 4:10 tells us that the world will know who the children of God are because they do what is right and love their brothers [Paraphrase].   It’s crazy to think that one of the ways that we can share Christ, even when we don’t speak the same language, is by loving and encouraging each other.  At times on this trip I’ve been frustrated because of the language barrier.  I’ve thought that even my best attempt at communicating and building relationships is still not enough, but to hear that the Honduran’s observations of our group’s interactions with each other have made an impact is amazingly encouraging.  It makes me even more grateful for the people in our group and the time we’re sharing in Honduras. 

Dos Portillos, Day 1

After our 6:20 breakfast this morning, we had the opportunity to worship with the HOI staff before driving to Dos Portillos.  Dos Portillos is a very small village about 45 minutes east of the Ranch.  We parked directly in front of the school, decorated with red, white, and blue balloons, and were welcomed by the smiling students.  There are about 30 students at the school (ages 4-14) and one teacher.  The village hasn’t seen American groups in about 7 years, but the smiles on their faces beamed with undeniable excitement that we were there. 

Our group dispersed into multiple smaller groups for Vacation Bible School and construction projects, including roofing and mixing cement for a pila and multiple cement floors.  A few members of our group went into the Pech Village close by.  The Pech are a group of people who can be traced back to the Mayans (there are only about 2,000-3,000 Pech people left today). 

Everyone in our group seemed to have the similar opinions about the day:

Our hearts were shaken.  Families living in homes with only a single room.  Children without parents.  Children bearing children.  A one room school house with an 18 year old teacher.  How could these people ever be happy?  The truth, though, is this: They don’t have the luxuries and comforts we have.  Their family structures are completely different than our own.  Most children will not receive an education past 6^th grade. 

BUT

They have something we don’t have. Joy.  Pure joy.  Not bound by their circumstances and possessions.  They aren’t consumed with obtaining the latest and greatest.  Families are not limited to those who share the same bloodline.  A person’s profession isn’t the most important thing in his life. 

The sense of community amongst these people is indescribable in words.  The people depend on each other and joyfully serve one another, taking care of children and working on each other’s homes.  With bare feet and clothes that don’t match or fit correctly, they are joyful.  Genuine joy that can’t be faked.  You see it in their smiles.  It’s not about the stuff they have but the love they have and share with each other. 

Although they may have never read the Bible or be able to recognize scriptures, the people we met are living examples of them.  1 Corinthians 4:8 tells us to Fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  They do everything in love, just as 1 Corinthians 16:14 commands of us.  How great would it be if all of God’s people lived this way?!  Loving each other instead of our things.

Our first day is over and we are eager to see how God will work as we arrive in the village again today.  Pray that our hearts will continue be open to what God is showing us and that we may encourage the Hondurans as they have encouraged us.  Pray for strength and energy as we work, and for God to give us the courage and words to speak to the people we meet.

Ranch el Paraiso...Finally!

I wrote this last night, but wasn't able to connect to the internet until this morning.  Sorry it's late!

Most of our mornings began earlier than expected with the squeals from Geckos (who knew they did that?) and roosters, but thankfully there was hot coffee waiting as we arrived at breakfast!  Before we left Juticalpa this morning, we walked through the narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, produce stands, and smiling children. 

We arrived at Rancho el Paraiso in Olancho in time for lunch.  It is a very rural area, scattered with a few houses along the curvy, unpaved roads. Our group’s dorm has a porch off the back, lined with hammocks, and overlooks a field with horses.  We spent the evening relaxing on the porch, playing cards and chatting.  After dinner we joined one of the other groups staying at the Ranch (from Augusta, GA) for a few songs of worship and communion.

All of the time we’ve spent traveling in the past 2 days has provided a perfect opportunity for each of us to get to know each other better.  Our group is made up with some incredible people with such generous hearts.  There is no doubt that God strategically placed our group together!

In preparation for beginning work in the villages tomorrow, we are praying that God opens our hearts --to the people and what we will experience.  Although we have tasks that need to be completed, our main focus is the people – loving them and building relationships with them. 

Tonight I am praying through the scriptures of Ephesians in preparation for tomorrow:

Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will fearlessly make know the mystery of the gospel. [Ephesians 6:19]  

Be kind and compassionate to one another… be imitators of Christ and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us… [Ephesians 4:32-5:2] 

Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. [Ephesians 6:10]

Make the most of every opportunity. [Ephesians 5:16]

We Made it Safely to Honduras!

Our day started thirteen hours ago when our team met at the airport in Atlanta.  Once we landed in Tegucigalpa, we loaded a school bus for a four-hour drive through winding mountain roads to reach our hotel. 

Closer to the city the mountain sides are decorated with homes.

As we traveled we were able to see the beautiful green mountains and a variety of different homes and shops. We stopped for a snack at the Mennonite Bakery along the way and made it to the hotel in time for dinner downstairs by the pool.

1st Dinner in Honduras!

In Acts 1:8 Jesus commands us to be witnesses to the ends of the earth, and tells us that we will receive power from the Holy Spirit.  Just as Isaiah answered the Lord’s question, “Whom shall I send?” the 16 members of our team also said, “Here I am!  Send Me!”  And here we are, ready to do whatever He's got planned!

Please continue to pray for us: For safety as we continue to travel tomorrow.  For energy and courage as we meet new people.  For our hearts to be open and seeking God’s work in our own lives while we’re here.

Headed to Honduras

Missing a few members of the team, but it's the first picture of many!

Tomorrow morning our team of 16 will meet at the International Terminal at Hartsfield-Jackson, where we will spend a few hours waiting in anticipation board our plane and soar across the Caribbean.  A few hours later we will land in Tegucigalpa.

We have made our own plans regarding our week will be spent in Honduras, including Vacation Bible School and some construction projects, but excitement fills my mind as I think about what God's got in store, because His plans always  surpass our own.  It is very possible that our plans will be dismissed by His, so we've been praying for open hearts and minds, for patience and understanding as we embrace a new culture and new friendships.

In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands us, "Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.  And surely I am with you always, to the very end of time."

God has called and provided the way for the 16 of us in our group to spend a week in Honduras.  To be the hands and feet of Jesus. To love the people as He would.

Please pray for us as we travel.  Pray that the Hondurans have open hearts to us as we meet them. That they will be able to see Christ in our words and actions.  Pray that their hearts, and ours as well, will experience God in new, extraordinary ways.

Thank you for your support!  We'll update each night with stories from the day!