Friday, January 16th: Larry and I arrived in Sabetha shortly after 8:30pm and went over to Jim and Barb’s house to hang out until our early morning flight. We’re all very anxious to get to Honduras to see what the Lord has in store for us. We anticipate great things happening as the Lord has been working to raise money ahead of time for needs not yet realized. This has never happened before. After I sent in the initial amount for building supplies and other budgeted needs people continued to give me money and the church has sent an additional $500 for the work project (clean-up, construction, etc) and I have another $500 or more for any other needs that arises. The others in the group have similar stories so we are all anxious to see what God has planned.
Saturday, January 17th: After arriving in San Pedro Sula, Honduras around noon on Saturday we stood in line just over two hours waiting to go through customs. We were one of several teams arriving in Honduras on medical and work related mission trips from the U.S. A UB pastor and driver met us and our team boarded a school bus and headed to Burger King for lunch. Afterwards it was a three hour bus trip to La Ceiba to the conference headquarters where our dormitory is located. Our dorm rooms are very nice, complete with bathrooms and showers, only no hot water. The most discouraging thing is it has been raining ever since we landed and many of the streets are flooded. The new superintendent took us out for dinner at a Honduran restaurant that served chicken or fish. I chose a shrimp and rice dish that was very delicious.
Like in El Salvador there are armed guards where ever money is exchanged, like hotels, restaurants etc, and there are armed check points throughout the area looking for drug dealers. Drugs are a huge problem in Honduras. Julio our driver has been waved through every check point we’ve come to. His parents own the bus line in La Ceiba so I think everyone is Central America knows him. Someone is always hollering at him when they see him pass. He drives for the family business and two months out of the year – Jan & Feb – he takes off and works for the conference as a driver/translator for the mission teams.
When we got back to the compound we had Bible Study and talked for a while and then turned in. We’re all looking forward to the week ahead.
Sunday, January 18th: Meagan thought she heard a machine gun go off in the neighborhood last night. Barb heard something also but I slept right through it. Church began at 9am with Sunday School, followed by worship service. An English man named Roger helped to translate for us during the service. He and his wife are Wycliff Bible translators. Her father was one of the first translators in Central America and they are carrying on his work. After the service we handed out the bags of toys we brought for the children because we knew we wouldn’t be attending church next Sunday. Afterwards Tammy came over to me and asked if I’d be willing to give my big candy canes to a school teacher for her students. It turns out she had thirty four students the exact number that I brought. Which is funny because when I bought them at the dollar store I didn’t look until I got home and realized one was missing from the box. A coincidence? I don’t think so. The school teacher, Heather, and her son Joshua came over to the compound, which is next door to the church, after services and visited with us for a couple of hours. She speaks English and is sending her son to a bilingual school so he will have more opportunities later in life. It was very moving listening to her story. She is a single mother who teaches in a village outside of La Ceiba. She has to take a 2 hour bus ride then walk an hour to the school. She lives there during the week with a host family while her son lives in the city with another host family. She shared an awesome testimony with us about how God meets her every needs. I’d never met anyone who was so open about their total dependence on the Lord. She is a very special woman. While she was visiting Barb and I went back to our room and got some of the boys clothes that Rose Marie sent and a pair of shoes. The clothes were a perfect fit, but the shoes were too tight. He wanted to keep them anyway though. We’ve decided to pick him up a pair later in the week. Joshua especially liked the airplane pen that Marcia sent along and the large rubber ball. I’m thinking she is a good person to give some of the money to that the church sent with me. I’ll pray about it and we’ll see what happens.
At 2pm we went out to the worksite. As it turns out we will be doing what was originally planned because the Bethel Church (next door) has been working with the flood/mudslide victims and has pretty much taken care of those needs. So we will be working on the church camp. The way I understand it this place was at one time a resort of some sort and was destroyed during one of the hurricanes. It decimated most of the buildings, leaving mostly empty shells. The conference bought the property and hopes to fix it up for a retreat for families and children going to church camp. Their first church camp is scheduled to take place next week. It looks to be a two or three year project. The man who cares for the property lives here with his family. There are two families living in this little two room house with a total of eight children and three adults. This is where the clothes I brought with me will go I think as the children range from infant to maybe 12 years old.
For dinner we ate at Applebees with Julio and his family. He is our interrupter and driver. While there we watched a soccer game between Honduras and another country. Honduras won and you should have heard everyone in the restaurant. They take their soccer as serious as we take our football and baseball. Afterwards we went to the Mall and looked around. When we got back to the compound we had Bible Study and some great discussions about our experiences so far. Phil and Megan are newbies and it’s been a real eye opener for them. He is Jim and Barb’s son. I know this trip will be special for them because your first always is the most meaningful.
Monday, January 19th: Barb’s alarm clock didn’t go off this morning so it was a mad rush for us gals this morning. It wasn’t as cold last night (the weather is unseasonably cold) but still could have used a blanket. Two pairs of socks, sweats, and a long sleeved shirt over a short sleeved shirt took the chill off reasonably well.
We arrived at the worksite and none of our material was there yet so we occupied ourselves by playing with the caretakers children. We had a lot of fun playing football with the kids. Some of the ladies even joined in. Lumber then arrived, but no concrete nails, so basically we moved lumber and tore out the old form getting ready for tomorrow.
For dinner we went next door to the college cafeteria and one of the ladies from church fixed us a delicious meal of fried chicken, tortillas, beans, rice, broccoli and carrots, and spice cake for desert. I skipped the cake because I was too full from everything else. I have a feeling I’m going to be gaining back some of my weight on this trip, as this woman is a wonderful cook.
Tuesday, January 20th: We got quite a lot of work done today. Us gals carried lumber and shoveled sand mostly. Earlier in the morning I spotted the little girls playing on the swings down the hill from where we are working so I went down and got some pictures. Their mom was doing the wash nearby. It’s hard to explain how the wash is done so I took pictures to help. Basically there is a cement wash area with a wash board and she places the clothes over this wash board and uses a large round bar of soap to scrub. Afterwards one the kids take the clothes up the hill to hang them out to dry. The oldest boys are eleven year old twins and you see them carrying a machete a lot. They go up the mountain to cut wood and bring it back in a barrel. They are strong little guys. When we were carrying lumber they were carrying one and two boards by themselves where as it took two of us women to carry one. We learned from Julio today that the dad injured his back not too long ago when he fell off a roof he was working on at another job. He needs to go to the doctor in San Pedro Sula but the family doesn’t have the money for the bus fare etc. Each church has decided to pitch in to help cover the trip. I’d also like to give the family some of the money my church sent.
For lunch we decided to go into the city. We didn’t realize it was the day Obama was being sworn in. Here we are in Wendy’s, an American restaurant, in Honduras, watching the first black president being sworn in on CNN. It was so cool. Everyone in the place had their eyes glued to the set. According to Julio people throughout Central America gathered on beaches in celebration of the occasion. I’m not exactly sure why though unless it’s just the significance of a black man serving as president of the United States. I do know that the United States is more respected in Central America than another other place in the world right now. And most would do anything for the chance to come to the U.S.
We had a scary moment on the drive to Wendy’s. Phil was driving while Julio led the way in his truck (we needed the extra vehicle to carry lumber and supplies that the lumber yard forgot), and the van started smoking pretty bad. As it turned out though Phil forgot to take off the emergency brake. It would have really been a sight if it was anything more serious– nine Americans stranded on the side of the highway in Honduras.
The kids have taken right up to us. This afternoon some of the women braided the children’s hair and painted finger and toe nails.
Wednesday, January 21st: Another beautiful day. It rained most of the night so it was rather chilly. I sure am missing my heated waterbed. I’d settle for a blanket or some hot water. It could be worse though, we could be sleeping outside. Spent most of the morning shoveling and hauling sand in wheel barrels up narrow boards to where the guys are. I only lost one barrel so I did okay. Like the children in El Salvador they are little work horses, putting us gals to shame. Off and on during the day we would stop and play with the kids. I’ve really gotten attached to two of the little girls. Despite the language barrier we communicate pretty well. Whenever they see me taking a break they come over and visit with me. They even try and help shovel the sand and carry rebar. The little things are almost as strong as their brothers.
This afternoon while we were waiting on material to arrive, Roger (the Wycliff translator) dropped by the sight and offered to take us to the beach which isn’t too far from the work site. He’s a neat guy. He’s from Michigan, speaks sixteen different languages, and has served in many parts of Africa and now Honduras. He took us to a village called Sambo Creek on the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a very poor area consisting of former slaves who freed themselves back in the 1800’s and moved to the area – mixed in with the Indians and started their own little culture. They even have their own language. As soon as we got out of the van we were bombarded by children begging for money or wanting to sell us sea shells. We all bought sea shells from them and handed out candy. Later we’re going to send toys with Roger to give out. Roger is working in this area to help translate a Bible in their native tongue. The sea was pretty rough so all we got to do was walk along the beach picking up little shells and enjoying the peaceful sound of the ocean.
Besides the people my favorite thing about Honduras is the mountains around La Ceiba. They are always cloaked in clouds like a mystic fog of sort. They’re very beautiful. Before we went on our road trip this afternoon, Larry, Jim, Barb, Ryan and me walked up the hill trail and got to see some of the area scenery. It’s not as steep as the stair trail but just as pretty. I’m determined to do the stair climb before Saturday though. I almost made it to the top the other day but had to turn around at the downed tree because it was too slippery to maneuver because of the recent rains.
Roger invited us to prayer service at the church tonight. Everyone stood for a good thirty minutes or so holding hands at the front of the sanctuary while different people prayed. We couldn’t understand what was being said but it was still very moving. Afterwards we invited Heather and her son over to the apartment so we could give him his new shoes. They were a perfect fit. I watched as she held them in her hands turning them over and over in her hands looking at them as if they were gold. It was like they had never received anything brand new before. I then gave her $200 which is about a month’s minimum wage in Honduras. She was pretty overwhelmed. She told us she’d been praying for enough funds for an apartment for her and her son because they had been staying with either friends or a host family. I’m not sure which. But I had prayed about it and since they continued to stay on my mind and I knew there was a need there I went with that feeling. The way I see it God wouldn’t have placed her in my path if He didn’t want some of the money to go to her, and I know in my heart she will put it to good use. To be honest I was just as overwhelmed as she was. It is truly amazing to see God working this way. To know that He provided the money, through the many people who donated toward the trip, to one of his children who had requested it long before we arrived in Honduras. So I want to thank everyone who faithfully allowed me to be the one to meet this need. It is an experience I never will forget.
The food we have been trying is awesome. Our cook usually mixes in some American food with Honduran dishes. I’ll worry about my diet once I get back to the states. I am glad however that I stuck with my workouts these past few months because I may not have made it this far if I hadn’t. I haven’t even been sore. But of course the week isn’t over with yet and we still have a lot of work to get done. I’m confident the Lord will get me through the week though. And it might just be my imagination but the water didn’t seem quite as cold tonight either. These nightly showers have been the quickest I’ve ever taken. You don’t linger any longer than necessary that’s for sure.
Thursday, January 22nd: This morning I mostly cut wire to use tomorrow. We will be laying and tying rebar all day tomorrow getting ready for the cement on the second floor. This afternoon I stayed and colored with the kids while the other women went shopping for the kids and the guys were finishing off the outside forms. We should finish up tomorrow if not Saturday morning. We’re hoping to take a fun day Saturday afternoon and head up to San Pedro Sula early. There are a few places Julio has picked out for us to visit. We’ve come up with another work project for tomorrow too: a bunny casa for the family’s new pet rabbit.
I gave Julio the money to exchange for Honduran currency for the caretaker and his family. I’m giving them $300 to help out with the medical expenses and to help tie them over while he is recuperating from his back injury. We’ve learned we will have quite a bit of money left over from what had already been budgeted and have decided to purchase enough clothes and shoes so that each child will have two pairs of shoes and two outfits. We’re also giving some money to help out a local ministry that is being done by a couple in the UB church. Each day they feed homeless children that come in off the street. And any money that is left after that will go toward hiring labor to pour the cement next week. I think we’ve been able to do more here than on any of our other trips. It is turning out to be a great success – we couldn’t have done it without everyone’s help though. So thank you!!! And thank you Lord for using us in such a wonderful way. I know we will be taking home memories that will last years – not to mention the lessons we’ve learned in the process. God is great! He does meet your every need!
I’ve really enjoyed playing with the children here. In Jamaica there weren’t any children who came to the work site and in El Salvador there were just a handful of boys, but here we have both girls and boys and they have been just a joy to be around. Despite their hardships they are so happy. They have such a beautiful culture, much like Salvadorians.
Friday, January 23rd: I watched the boys cut up an armadillo this morning for either lunch or dinner I’m not sure which. It was pretty gross but very interesting. They proudly posed with their prized catch for me and I was able to get some good pics. These little guys are 8-11 yrs old and can chop down a tree with a machete and can carry lumber three times their weight.
For about three hours this morning we all worked on the roof tying rebar. Not a fun job! I prefer shoveling sand and toting it in wheel barrels by far. The new superintendent and the couple I mentioned that had the ministry that feed homeless children joined us for lunch today and we had a pizza party for all the workers and the caretaker’s family. They’d never had pizza before but they all loved it. One little guy almost ate a whole one by himself. Then this afternoon Julio flagged down the ice cream truck and we treated everyone to ice cream cones. That was a big hit as well. It’s funny we had planned to have an ice cream sundae party for the children but hadn’t figured out how we were going to do it. God worked it out for us though.
The people with the conference brought the blue prints of the long term project today. As I mentioned before it will be two or three years before it is complete and we all want to return to help as soon as we can. Maybe even in a year. Part of the project will include steel frames, which is what Jim and his sons do for a living so maybe that is what the Lord has in store for us. It would be nice to stick to one project and see it completed. We also learned today that there is no middle class in Honduras. You are either very poor or very rich. Also a lot of the land on the outer islands like Rotan are being bought up by movie stars for millions of dollars. This is sad because Honduras is the third poorest country in the western hemisphere.
After we finished the roof and built the bunny casa we handed out the gifts to all the caretaker’s children. I wish I could describe the scene adequately enough but I don’t think I can. It was like Christmas for them, and I doubt very seriously they’ve had many of those where they received gifts. They were all so overwhelmed they weren’t sure what to do. Once they received their package they ran into the house. It wasn’t until Tammy helped the littlest girl open her package that the others came back out with theirs and started opening them. I’m still getting tears in my eyes now, hours later, remembering their reactions. I took a short video but I’m afraid it didn’t do the scene justice. You had to be there to see their little eyes sparkle and the smiles that lit up their faces to know the full joy that these simple gifts brought. And almost everything fit which is really amazing because Tammy and Meagan had to use a tape measure to get their sizes. Once the excitement had died down I had Julio translate for me with the husband and wife when I gave them the money the church sent with me. It came out to about two months worth of wages Julio said. I told them that it wasn’t I that was providing the money but the Lord. And asked them to use it toward his medical expenses or any other needs the family had. The mother had tears in her eyes as the father counted the large wad of bills. His eyes got as big as quarters. When he started raising his hands toward the heavens I didn’t need a translator to tell me what he was saying. To all of you that read this, that have helped in the fund raising of this trip I hope that through my words you are able to gain some sense of the joy you have brought to these people. It was through your hands that God answered their prayers. And the mother and father want you all to know how much they appreciate your faithfulness in allowing the Holy Spirit work through you. In their words “GOD BLESS YOU ALL!”
As we were leaving the worksite all the children came up and hugged us. I could almost feel my heart breaking with each hug. And both the women had tears in their eyes as they said goodbye to us. Most of us did as well. This has been a wonderful trip – the best yet!!! I had a feeling before we came that God was going to do great things and He did.
During Bible Study tonight Larry used the example of the crowds swarming around Jesus as a picture of what took place on the beach at Sambo Creek the other day. The van we arrived in has the UB emblem of the cross and two brothers embracing. When the children saw this they knew something good was going to happen even if it was only a piece of candy they received. I thought it was a neat illustration. It was definitely a humbling experience. I’ve really enjoyed our nightly Bible Studies, we’ve had some good discussions and it helps to share one another’s feelings about their experiences on the trip.
Saturday, January 24th: Julio came to pick us up for the first leg of our journey home. Both superintendents, the one leaving and the new one, came to see us off, presented us with gifts, and prayed with us. Which is always a good thing because during some of our travels there have been some very near misses of head on collisions—I don’t think there is any traffic laws in Central America, if there is people pay little attention to them.
Since we didn’t spend all the money we had budgeted for the trip we left some with the church for future work on the project. They are pouring cement on the portion we finished on Monday. We also helped money for a pastor and his wife who have a ministry that feeds street kids. They’re a real nice couple. She was born in Honduras and moved to the states when she was 23 and lived in Chicago for several years until the Lord led her to return to her home country to help her people. The orphan meal program is just one of many projects she and her husband have going.
We arrived in San Pedro Sula and checked into the Metrotel Express long enough to store our bags in our rooms and get something to drink and then we were off to the market for last chance souvenirs. The Market Place was like the one Walter and Ester took us to in El Salvador with lots of neat items to choose from. We then returned to the motel. Some of us hung out in the pool while others chose the hammocks. I chose the hammock because I forgot to pack my bathing suit. For dinner we ate at the restaurant next door. Everyone but Ryan got either chicken or beef fajitas. They were delicious. I’m paying for it tonight. Not because of the food but because of the pop with ice. None of us thought about it and we had pop with ice at lunch and dinner so several of us have stomach cramps tonight. REMEMBER DON’T DRINK THE WATER!!!
Tonight at Bible study many of us shared our thoughts about the trip and we had some good discussions. I told my teammates the best part for me was seeing God’s hands at work before we even got here – raising funds that we didn’t know we’d need. When the money kept coming in, and I knew I didn’t need any more, it was hard to accept it. I didn’t think we’d need it, we had plenty. It was hard to act on the faith that God had plans for it that I didn’t know about. That was the most important lesson I learned—acting on that faith and trusting that God was working ahead of us. We also discussed coming back next year again. If it’s meant to be God will make it happen!
Tonight I had my first hot shower in eight days and man was it nice. It was awful dirty though. I was going to take a bath so I could soak but once I saw how dark the water was I went with a shower and just used more soap and tried not to think about it. It was hot water that was all I cared about at that point, and I had blankets and a TV. Awww life is good!
Sunday, January 25th: Once again I go home with mixed emotions like I did in El Salvador. They are such beautiful countries/cultures with people who are very passionate for the Lord and who’ve had a major impact on my life. A part of me doesn’t want to leave while another part of me can’t wait to get home. The days went by way too fast but I’m ready to go home. I miss my family and friends, and I miss my Zoe!
Our past mission trips left me with a feeling of fulfillment (maybe not so much in Jamaica because I was unable to help out after I got hurt), but this trip was even more special. Thanks to the Lord for raising the money ahead of time so we were able to help two families personally who really needed the help and had been praying for God to meet certain needs that we were able to fill. To see God working first hand, to see Him bringing things together in this way is such an awesome experience. It is what I always look forward to on these trips and why I feel so very blessed to be able to take part in them. I want to thank everyone with the United Brethren Church and United Methodist Church for your support and prayers. It was through your generosity and faithfulness that this trip was such a great success. As I’ve said before it takes many hands to bring about a trip like this and yours are the most important. SO THANK YOU!
Until next time,
Pat
