Friday July 29
Heading out to the house we didnt quite complete last night to finish it out. We get there to find that the Son in law had arisen with Honduran sun and had it all finished before we got there ! Not only did he finish the work we ran out of daylight to complete, but he added his own touch.. a set of stairs ! What love and caring for his family! Jesus truly blessed Marta and Claudia with a wonderful son in law and husband.
On to market day! We divided up into teams looking for certain vegetables and produce. I was in team cabbage, along with Lanetta, Shawna, Connie, and Maria. Maria and Lanetta understand spanish the best out of the five of us, so we designated them our negotiators. The rest of us were tasked with just keeping track of what we had already purchased, as we couldnt find the entirety of our order at one vendor. We needed 100 cabbages, most vendors had around 20 at most. Marco, who knows current market prices, gave us X amount of Limperes to purchase those cabbages so we had to make sure we found the best deals :) Those poor little tykes who were pushing the carts carrying our cabbages sure earned the tips we gave them, I think the carts were carrying as much as some of them weighed themselves !!
Then it was off to a neighborhood soccer field where we set up a line for people to fill their bag with nutritous produce (carrots, cabbage, cucumber, bananas, onions) and it still amazes me how those people's eyes light up at the prospect of a decent meal for thier families for the evening. The LORD is awesome and he works miracles here every day !!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Day 11 Marta
Thursday July 28
Today we headed to the far side of Tegucigalpa up in the mountains to build a wood house for 70 year old Marta (Martha in American). She had been sharing a tiny shack with her brother, her daughter Clauda, son in law and their children Antonio, Alejandra, and a small Nina whom I cannot remember the name.. A friend of the family, Jose, came along to help. He was an amazing worker! trying to keep us Gringas from working too hard LOL.
Sean and Ethan were the only males from our group, and carried a good majority of the work. The rest of the crew was female consisting of Lanetta, Shawna, Emily, Sabrina, Maria, and myself. Lanetta had a prior committment for the last half of the day she left around 1 pm. We worked as hard as we could, but we were still a couple of boards short of finishing when we were forced to stop because of darkness.
Marta was positively astonished at how much we had accomplished, and at the size of the dwelling. 16 X `15 ft. I know that sounds very tiny, but for these mountain people it is truly a mansion. Marta's eyes were like saucers when she saw the inside with a hinged door and window, exclaiming *ES GRANDE !!* Then she hugged and kissed us all as we left. I know I felt very rewarded as we left with a huge sense of accomplishment.
Today we headed to the far side of Tegucigalpa up in the mountains to build a wood house for 70 year old Marta (Martha in American). She had been sharing a tiny shack with her brother, her daughter Clauda, son in law and their children Antonio, Alejandra, and a small Nina whom I cannot remember the name.. A friend of the family, Jose, came along to help. He was an amazing worker! trying to keep us Gringas from working too hard LOL.
Sean and Ethan were the only males from our group, and carried a good majority of the work. The rest of the crew was female consisting of Lanetta, Shawna, Emily, Sabrina, Maria, and myself. Lanetta had a prior committment for the last half of the day she left around 1 pm. We worked as hard as we could, but we were still a couple of boards short of finishing when we were forced to stop because of darkness.
Marta was positively astonished at how much we had accomplished, and at the size of the dwelling. 16 X `15 ft. I know that sounds very tiny, but for these mountain people it is truly a mansion. Marta's eyes were like saucers when she saw the inside with a hinged door and window, exclaiming *ES GRANDE !!* Then she hugged and kissed us all as we left. I know I felt very rewarded as we left with a huge sense of accomplishment.
Day 10 the farm
Wednesday July 27
Today we visited the farm. This project is getting off the ground, but when it is complete, it is hoped it will produce both fish and vegetables for distribution to the Honduran people. The vision is that the wastewater from the fish will fertilize the plants, and some of the plants will feed the fish in a self perpetuating cycle that will need very little upkeep once it is in effect.
We weeded rows of vegetables, dug new rows for more plants, raked the grass out of the newly dug rows. Very hard work.. I wonder if I can locate them a used John Deere!! LOL
After the hard work, we traveled to the school for the blind. These kids are simply amazing. They can usually walk around most obstacles simply by listening, hearing others walking about and talking around them. They sang for us, and we sang for them :) We even recognized a few of the songs they sang, and we sang along (In english of course) Then it was back to Julio's for evening Devo and planning. Another Great Day in Honduras !
Today we visited the farm. This project is getting off the ground, but when it is complete, it is hoped it will produce both fish and vegetables for distribution to the Honduran people. The vision is that the wastewater from the fish will fertilize the plants, and some of the plants will feed the fish in a self perpetuating cycle that will need very little upkeep once it is in effect.
We weeded rows of vegetables, dug new rows for more plants, raked the grass out of the newly dug rows. Very hard work.. I wonder if I can locate them a used John Deere!! LOL
After the hard work, we traveled to the school for the blind. These kids are simply amazing. They can usually walk around most obstacles simply by listening, hearing others walking about and talking around them. They sang for us, and we sang for them :) We even recognized a few of the songs they sang, and we sang along (In english of course) Then it was back to Julio's for evening Devo and planning. Another Great Day in Honduras !
Day 9 flooding OH NOES
Tuesday July 26
After a ham egg and cheese croissant Honduran style, we set off to Casa De Esperanze where one group went to try to finish up the block house, and Lanetta and I went to work with one of the Casa workers (Dennis) on a drainage problem. Behind one of the dorms a natural culvert was overflowing and running under the door to the dormitory. Lanetta speaks much more Spanish than I do (which is to say almost nil) and Dennis speaks very little english. It was interesting to attempt communication as to what we would be doing, but Dennis was very patient with us trying to explain :) I learned the difference between Banos (showers) and restrooms (Sanitarias). I learned how to ask for a trowel (Bana al adia?) LOL see Ive forgotten already.
We spent the day mixing cement and mortar, then placing bricks along the culvert behind the dorm to divert the water away from the dorm. We found out very quickly just how hard mixing cement is. WOW never knew I could get so tired ! Thankfully one of the other crews finished their job up rather quickly and showed up to help us finish. Wesley's crew pitched right in and mixed that cement like there was no tomorrow ! Then we spent just a little more time having fun with the Casa kids :)
After a ham egg and cheese croissant Honduran style, we set off to Casa De Esperanze where one group went to try to finish up the block house, and Lanetta and I went to work with one of the Casa workers (Dennis) on a drainage problem. Behind one of the dorms a natural culvert was overflowing and running under the door to the dormitory. Lanetta speaks much more Spanish than I do (which is to say almost nil) and Dennis speaks very little english. It was interesting to attempt communication as to what we would be doing, but Dennis was very patient with us trying to explain :) I learned the difference between Banos (showers) and restrooms (Sanitarias). I learned how to ask for a trowel (Bana al adia?) LOL see Ive forgotten already.
We spent the day mixing cement and mortar, then placing bricks along the culvert behind the dorm to divert the water away from the dorm. We found out very quickly just how hard mixing cement is. WOW never knew I could get so tired ! Thankfully one of the other crews finished their job up rather quickly and showed up to help us finish. Wesley's crew pitched right in and mixed that cement like there was no tomorrow ! Then we spent just a little more time having fun with the Casa kids :)
Day 8 back to work !
Up early and back with Josue to the block house in Santa Ana near the Casa. A lot of heavy work, but we managed to accomplish a lot today. We completed 5 layers of blocks, and we can now see the door and the window! Our crew consisted of Emily, Jeff, Brandon, Lanetta, Shawna, Maria, and myself. It is amazing to see the project getting close to done. When I first saw it, there was only the concrete foundation in place. Brandon and Jeff were just amazing they worked with energy that I know I couldnt match! Way to go boys.
The Honduran sun kissed me until I blushed.. oh wait that is no blush, where is my Aloe vera ?!? We worked until we nearly dropped! Reminds me of my younger days growing up on my grandfather's farm. Afterwards we went just up the street and met a few more children from Casa De Esperanaz. These children brighten at any love and attention , it is such a joy just to sit and talk and watch them. Great work with those Kids Marco and Terri. The beauty of the countryside strikes me anew every day, GOD is such a great artist.
The Honduran sun kissed me until I blushed.. oh wait that is no blush, where is my Aloe vera ?!? We worked until we nearly dropped! Reminds me of my younger days growing up on my grandfather's farm. Afterwards we went just up the street and met a few more children from Casa De Esperanaz. These children brighten at any love and attention , it is such a joy just to sit and talk and watch them. Great work with those Kids Marco and Terri. The beauty of the countryside strikes me anew every day, GOD is such a great artist.
Day 7 Santa Ana congregation and Casa kids
Sunday, July 24
Slept in just a little bit! WOOHOO. Breakfast at 8 instead of 7 :) Then it was off to worship with the congregation Iglesia Christos at Santa Ana (Church of Christ). What an amazing group of brothers and sisters! Singing and praising GOD. Even though I understand almost no spanish, I could feel the love and sharing atmosphere. These people glorify GOD through worship, and it was an honor to be welcomed to their service :) They introduced a new preacher, many tears were shed. After a short meet and greet after service, it was off to the Falls to an afternoon visiting with the casa kids.
We brought along sandwich fixings, Ham Turkey and Chicken, as well as cookies for the kids. What a treat, the Kids from Casa de Esperanza are so loving and joyful, full of life. The falls are very milky and I asked Marc about this. He informed me they are a mineral spring, and quite warm. Very gorgeous ! Watching Lanetta play fish was well worth the trip !
I ended up carrying one of the casa kids, Marjorie, on the way back as she was trying desperately to catch up to *Papi*. The kids love Marco ! She refused to stop to put her shoes on because she was afraid Marc would get too far ahead :) Lucky for her, someone was there to tote her around!! LOL
Slept in just a little bit! WOOHOO. Breakfast at 8 instead of 7 :) Then it was off to worship with the congregation Iglesia Christos at Santa Ana (Church of Christ). What an amazing group of brothers and sisters! Singing and praising GOD. Even though I understand almost no spanish, I could feel the love and sharing atmosphere. These people glorify GOD through worship, and it was an honor to be welcomed to their service :) They introduced a new preacher, many tears were shed. After a short meet and greet after service, it was off to the Falls to an afternoon visiting with the casa kids.
We brought along sandwich fixings, Ham Turkey and Chicken, as well as cookies for the kids. What a treat, the Kids from Casa de Esperanza are so loving and joyful, full of life. The falls are very milky and I asked Marc about this. He informed me they are a mineral spring, and quite warm. Very gorgeous ! Watching Lanetta play fish was well worth the trip !
I ended up carrying one of the casa kids, Marjorie, on the way back as she was trying desperately to catch up to *Papi*. The kids love Marco ! She refused to stop to put her shoes on because she was afraid Marc would get too far ahead :) Lucky for her, someone was there to tote her around!! LOL
Day 6 Hospital Esquela
Saturday July 23
Hospital Esquela (teaching hospital) Lanetta Dusty and I went to the pediatrics ward where visited and prayed with many sick children ranging from a few days to teens. Teen patients seemed extremely grateful to receive prayers on their behalf, and mothers of the infants were definitely happy to have us beseeching the LORD on their children's welfare.
I have to be very honest, hospital visitation is my least favorite area of Christian ministry. It leaves me emotionally drained, it is very hard for me to see people in such pain and suffering. Yet I did as the LORD commanded and visited and prayed with them, asking the LORD to see these suffering people through their illness and back to their much needed health. Many difficult cases awaited the learning physicians there and we prayed that GOD would be with those interns as they gathered knowledge and that he would grant them the wisdom to use that knowledge to the benefit of the sick and suffering.
After leaving the Hospital, we stopped by the October 21 project which is a home for juvenile boys who had been living on the streets. Some excitement ensued very soon after we arrived as one of the boys took advantage of our distraction to attempt an escape so we left before getting to truly learn more about the center.
Hospital Esquela (teaching hospital) Lanetta Dusty and I went to the pediatrics ward where visited and prayed with many sick children ranging from a few days to teens. Teen patients seemed extremely grateful to receive prayers on their behalf, and mothers of the infants were definitely happy to have us beseeching the LORD on their children's welfare.
I have to be very honest, hospital visitation is my least favorite area of Christian ministry. It leaves me emotionally drained, it is very hard for me to see people in such pain and suffering. Yet I did as the LORD commanded and visited and prayed with them, asking the LORD to see these suffering people through their illness and back to their much needed health. Many difficult cases awaited the learning physicians there and we prayed that GOD would be with those interns as they gathered knowledge and that he would grant them the wisdom to use that knowledge to the benefit of the sick and suffering.
After leaving the Hospital, we stopped by the October 21 project which is a home for juvenile boys who had been living on the streets. Some excitement ensued very soon after we arrived as one of the boys took advantage of our distraction to attempt an escape so we left before getting to truly learn more about the center.
Day five Los Pinos !
After a good breakfast of pineapple, canteloupe, oranges, potato cakes, and sliced ham YUM we had morning devo and planning session. We packed up to several different locations. One group traveled to the prison taking along snacks and sandwich makings. Another group went to Los Pinos then split into three different groups. One went to an evangelism and worship service, two others went to seperate house sites. At the house site that Lanetta Shawna and I went to, we had plenty of help in fact the place was crawling with workers !!
We met the family which consisted of 8 people. 5 were children ranging from 21 down to an infant. The oldest, 21, had downs syndrome. Our cabinmate Connie took the 21 year old under her wing loving all over her and it was amazing how this girl's smile brightened the day with someone besides family paying attention to her. Marc had again asked us to *encounter Jesus* and this was my Jesus encounter :) You could see the love flowing and brightening the girl's smile all the while Connie held her, she was just precious. PRICELESS !!
I am happy to report that both houses were finished with plenty of time to spare :) Later that evening after Devo, during the evening planning session, Marc told us a story of a woman who worked at the dump to support herself and her kids. They lived a long ways away, and had to pay bus fare every day just to get there to work. God provided, and she had come into a small plot of land near the dump, right across from the school. Marc announced that a house would be built for her on the land so that she would be close to the dump and to school. Her kids could attend school, and she wouldnt have to pay bus fare to get to work. GOD IS GOOD !!
We met the family which consisted of 8 people. 5 were children ranging from 21 down to an infant. The oldest, 21, had downs syndrome. Our cabinmate Connie took the 21 year old under her wing loving all over her and it was amazing how this girl's smile brightened the day with someone besides family paying attention to her. Marc had again asked us to *encounter Jesus* and this was my Jesus encounter :) You could see the love flowing and brightening the girl's smile all the while Connie held her, she was just precious. PRICELESS !!
I am happy to report that both houses were finished with plenty of time to spare :) Later that evening after Devo, during the evening planning session, Marc told us a story of a woman who worked at the dump to support herself and her kids. They lived a long ways away, and had to pay bus fare every day just to get there to work. God provided, and she had come into a small plot of land near the dump, right across from the school. Marc announced that a house would be built for her on the land so that she would be close to the dump and to school. Her kids could attend school, and she wouldnt have to pay bus fare to get to work. GOD IS GOOD !!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Block house party !
Thursday July 21 2011
After a morning planning session following the morning Devo revealed only 4 people going to build a block house, I knew they needed a hand so I went with them to Santa Ana to the house of Nadia (a Casa employee) to begin a cinder block house there just a short ways from Casa. After Josue showed us where to gather up the tools, we went down the road a few feet to the house site. We began carrying cinder blocks down the road as well, as the delivery truck was unable to back all the way down the hill to the site. Josue began measurements on the cement foundation that was already poured and began setting up trim lines to check the accuracy of the block placements as we put them on the walls. We then began the process of mixing mortar to hold the blocks in place once they were placed in position. Our team consisted of Elisabeth, Christina, Micheal, Benson, myself, Josue, and Nadia's brother. Christina comes from Freed Hardeman university (waves hi to Stan Mitchell :) )
Mixing mortar for the blocks is a very labor intensive process. First you must mix the sand and the cement together. then you add the water and mix some more. Very very heavy if you have never done it you must experience it at least once. Keep adding water until the desired consistency is reached. Then you place the mortar on the concrete footing after which you place the cinder blocks, paying close attention to the trim lines for accuracy. Fill in the blocks with gravel so as not to have to use as much mortar ! Repeat as many times as possible in the work day :) with only 7 of us it didnt go as fast as I had hoped :)
The highlight of the project was when Elisabeth and Christina were bringing down a wheelbarrow full of gravel to fill in the blocks, but it was a very old wheelbarrow, and not very maneuverable. Long story short, they lost control and they went towards the house while the wheelbarrow went the other direction. After checking to make sure they were all right (they were giggling so I assumed they were) I helped them to right the barrow and get as much gravel as I could off the ground. We all ended up with a good laugh over that one :)
After a morning planning session following the morning Devo revealed only 4 people going to build a block house, I knew they needed a hand so I went with them to Santa Ana to the house of Nadia (a Casa employee) to begin a cinder block house there just a short ways from Casa. After Josue showed us where to gather up the tools, we went down the road a few feet to the house site. We began carrying cinder blocks down the road as well, as the delivery truck was unable to back all the way down the hill to the site. Josue began measurements on the cement foundation that was already poured and began setting up trim lines to check the accuracy of the block placements as we put them on the walls. We then began the process of mixing mortar to hold the blocks in place once they were placed in position. Our team consisted of Elisabeth, Christina, Micheal, Benson, myself, Josue, and Nadia's brother. Christina comes from Freed Hardeman university (waves hi to Stan Mitchell :) )
Mixing mortar for the blocks is a very labor intensive process. First you must mix the sand and the cement together. then you add the water and mix some more. Very very heavy if you have never done it you must experience it at least once. Keep adding water until the desired consistency is reached. Then you place the mortar on the concrete footing after which you place the cinder blocks, paying close attention to the trim lines for accuracy. Fill in the blocks with gravel so as not to have to use as much mortar ! Repeat as many times as possible in the work day :) with only 7 of us it didnt go as fast as I had hoped :)
The highlight of the project was when Elisabeth and Christina were bringing down a wheelbarrow full of gravel to fill in the blocks, but it was a very old wheelbarrow, and not very maneuverable. Long story short, they lost control and they went towards the house while the wheelbarrow went the other direction. After checking to make sure they were all right (they were giggling so I assumed they were) I helped them to right the barrow and get as much gravel as I could off the ground. We all ended up with a good laugh over that one :)
Day 3 Giveaway
Breakfast Honduran style.. Pancakes (they usually do tortillas LOL) with bananas and pineapples. YUM. 8 am we begin loading boxes for the giveaway at the school. For all of you who sent items for these poverty stricken people, this is your day.
After unloading at the school, we didnt want to disturb classes still in progress, so we traveled just across the road to the dump where several cooking pots full of rice and beans awaited us along with some tortillas. That may not seem like much, but to these destitute souls, it is a banquet. They lined up in a queue to get their ration. Let me give you this mental image, their idea of a line is not like ours. Personal space is not recognized in Honduras. These people were packed together in such a fashion that would make a sardine cringe. I could not fathom how they could breathe, they were so tightly packed. I have never seen such eagerness as they waited for a simple but nourishing meal. Maybe not surprisingly, more were more worried about getting the small 1/2 litre bag of water that went with the meal. For any of you who have been to any dump, it is amazing that these people are so desperate to earn a living that they spend all day in the sun, heat or rain, to find the barest scrap of anything to sell for a few limperes (Honduran currency) or for their own use. As we climbed the hill to the entrance, I saw from a distance Buzzards circling above and when we arrived it was a sight to behold these poor souls contesting with the scavengers for scraps.
Marc had challenged us a group at morning devotional to *encounter Jesus* while we were here, and it didnt take much looking around to see HIM. After feeding was over, and most of the stragglers were already back at work on the next truck looking for whatever was deemed unfit by others, we held a short prayer and singing. A diminutive woman (smaller than me and that is saying a lot! ) waited around. When we began singing, she joined in. I was told she has downs syndrome, and it was obvious she did not understand the words as she was singing in a different rythym with different words. I stepped over and motioned for her to sing louder and she obliged. It was amazing to see her standing there with us singing her heart out with us. After we finished, with the grime and grunge and stench of the surroundings covering her, I embraced *Mi Amiga*. I think we both had a race to see who could shed more tears.
On to the giveaway. Feeding took a little while and classes were mostly through at the school, so we headed back there for the final setup to begin the giveaway. We set up tables and loaded them down with gifts from all over. Clothes, blankets, shoes, hygiene packs, baby packs. It was truly amazing just how many people began appearing when word spread that we were setting up. In all over 300 families showed up for just an opportunity to receive only 10 items (minus hygiene and blankets). Items we here in the states rarely pay heed to. I honestly have seen better items carelessly tossed into dumpsters around my town. In our abundance here, we forget how little others have. If only those of you who gave of your plenty could see the light of hope in the eyes of a young mother as she picks out a shirt and pants for her Nino or a dress for her Nina, you would be well rewarded. Especially the little Ninos and Ninas when they spied a coloring book, or cowboy hat, or a fire truck... the images are priceless.
And for dinner.. CACTUS! Seriously, we ate yucca root topped with pico de gallo, and it was amazing. Not that different from potatoes. Another Great Day In Honduras !!
After unloading at the school, we didnt want to disturb classes still in progress, so we traveled just across the road to the dump where several cooking pots full of rice and beans awaited us along with some tortillas. That may not seem like much, but to these destitute souls, it is a banquet. They lined up in a queue to get their ration. Let me give you this mental image, their idea of a line is not like ours. Personal space is not recognized in Honduras. These people were packed together in such a fashion that would make a sardine cringe. I could not fathom how they could breathe, they were so tightly packed. I have never seen such eagerness as they waited for a simple but nourishing meal. Maybe not surprisingly, more were more worried about getting the small 1/2 litre bag of water that went with the meal. For any of you who have been to any dump, it is amazing that these people are so desperate to earn a living that they spend all day in the sun, heat or rain, to find the barest scrap of anything to sell for a few limperes (Honduran currency) or for their own use. As we climbed the hill to the entrance, I saw from a distance Buzzards circling above and when we arrived it was a sight to behold these poor souls contesting with the scavengers for scraps.
Marc had challenged us a group at morning devotional to *encounter Jesus* while we were here, and it didnt take much looking around to see HIM. After feeding was over, and most of the stragglers were already back at work on the next truck looking for whatever was deemed unfit by others, we held a short prayer and singing. A diminutive woman (smaller than me and that is saying a lot! ) waited around. When we began singing, she joined in. I was told she has downs syndrome, and it was obvious she did not understand the words as she was singing in a different rythym with different words. I stepped over and motioned for her to sing louder and she obliged. It was amazing to see her standing there with us singing her heart out with us. After we finished, with the grime and grunge and stench of the surroundings covering her, I embraced *Mi Amiga*. I think we both had a race to see who could shed more tears.
On to the giveaway. Feeding took a little while and classes were mostly through at the school, so we headed back there for the final setup to begin the giveaway. We set up tables and loaded them down with gifts from all over. Clothes, blankets, shoes, hygiene packs, baby packs. It was truly amazing just how many people began appearing when word spread that we were setting up. In all over 300 families showed up for just an opportunity to receive only 10 items (minus hygiene and blankets). Items we here in the states rarely pay heed to. I honestly have seen better items carelessly tossed into dumpsters around my town. In our abundance here, we forget how little others have. If only those of you who gave of your plenty could see the light of hope in the eyes of a young mother as she picks out a shirt and pants for her Nino or a dress for her Nina, you would be well rewarded. Especially the little Ninos and Ninas when they spied a coloring book, or cowboy hat, or a fire truck... the images are priceless.
And for dinner.. CACTUS! Seriously, we ate yucca root topped with pico de gallo, and it was amazing. Not that different from potatoes. Another Great Day In Honduras !!
Day two Honduras
630 am rise and shine! (Im usually not even in bed yet haha) 730 breakfast then a morning devotional and planning session where Marc finalizes the days activities. Off to Bodega to unload boxes from the warehouse to make room for more. The Honduran kids living next to the warehouse jumped right in and helped carry boxes.. amazing we usually cant get our kids here in the states to do anything resembling work!! LOL. Little kids no more than 5 or 6 helping just like they were as big as we to carry the load. One poor young man was just almost in tears when told he couldnt help because he had no shoes and it might have been dangerous for him to walk around all the boxes without being able to see where he was going. We bring the boxes back to Julio's and begin a day of cutting bolt upon bolt of fabrics to make into blankets for a giveaway. We also assembled baby care packs and hygiene packs for the giveaway.
On the drive there and back, the mixture of Pine trees, palm trees, and other various flowering varities was just captivating to the eye, as well as the nose. The smell was just so surreal it was almost like being in a dream. Intoxicating even.
A team of 31 people from Starkville, Miss, arrived and settled in for their stay. What a great group! Our evening devotional was so much more uplifting with the addition of more voices to sing praises to the LORD.
On the drive there and back, the mixture of Pine trees, palm trees, and other various flowering varities was just captivating to the eye, as well as the nose. The smell was just so surreal it was almost like being in a dream. Intoxicating even.
A team of 31 people from Starkville, Miss, arrived and settled in for their stay. What a great group! Our evening devotional was so much more uplifting with the addition of more voices to sing praises to the LORD.
Day one in Honduras
July 18, 2011
Rising early at 4am to catch the flight into Houston from Dallas then on into Tegucigalpa, Honduras. This is a very rare occurence for me since Im normally not even in bed as I work the evening shift. We arrived in Houston, to find out that the departure time and gate had changed for the flight into Honduras so we had a bit of scrambling to find it. We arrived in Tegucigalpa just a few minutes late, where we were greeted by Marc Tindall and his crew at the airport. from there we traveled to Bodega where Marc has his warehouse to store items sent in from all around the world. After a bit of of waiting where the Honduran kids entertained us, we finally got the news that the container we were waiting on wouldnt be released on this day. We adjourned to camp Posada de la Pescador (camp of the fisherman) where our Host Julio greeted us and we got settled in for the day. The camp is surprisingly modern compared to the hovels you see in the drive around the city. At the evening planning session we were warned not to use the water for drinking or we would most assuredly become sick, and I wondered how the local residents deal with this. Apparently their immune systems have become somewhat adjusted to the level of bacteria in the water there. The planning session entailed listing tentative ideas for what the next day would hold. A short singing devotional led by Broderick from Freed Hardeman university was a wonderful conclusion to my first day in Honduras. Then I went back to our cabin and proceeded to take my first shower in Honduras. With some misunderstood instructions from Lanetta, I reached up to turn the heating showerhead up to get hot water, only to find out that was not a good idea... thank goodness their electrical currents dont seem as powerful as the ones in the states !! I learned the next day that Marc has the President of Honduras as a friend on facebook, and sent him a message about the non release of the container.. Hilarious !!
Rising early at 4am to catch the flight into Houston from Dallas then on into Tegucigalpa, Honduras. This is a very rare occurence for me since Im normally not even in bed as I work the evening shift. We arrived in Houston, to find out that the departure time and gate had changed for the flight into Honduras so we had a bit of scrambling to find it. We arrived in Tegucigalpa just a few minutes late, where we were greeted by Marc Tindall and his crew at the airport. from there we traveled to Bodega where Marc has his warehouse to store items sent in from all around the world. After a bit of of waiting where the Honduran kids entertained us, we finally got the news that the container we were waiting on wouldnt be released on this day. We adjourned to camp Posada de la Pescador (camp of the fisherman) where our Host Julio greeted us and we got settled in for the day. The camp is surprisingly modern compared to the hovels you see in the drive around the city. At the evening planning session we were warned not to use the water for drinking or we would most assuredly become sick, and I wondered how the local residents deal with this. Apparently their immune systems have become somewhat adjusted to the level of bacteria in the water there. The planning session entailed listing tentative ideas for what the next day would hold. A short singing devotional led by Broderick from Freed Hardeman university was a wonderful conclusion to my first day in Honduras. Then I went back to our cabin and proceeded to take my first shower in Honduras. With some misunderstood instructions from Lanetta, I reached up to turn the heating showerhead up to get hot water, only to find out that was not a good idea... thank goodness their electrical currents dont seem as powerful as the ones in the states !! I learned the next day that Marc has the President of Honduras as a friend on facebook, and sent him a message about the non release of the container.. Hilarious !!
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