Day 4, June 2, 2012
Day 4 started off hot and kept getting hotter, and hotter, and hotter. It was a long hard day by far. There wasn’t a lot of work for everyone so I was able to spend a lot of time playing with the kids. They are just precious. The faces, smiles, hugs, and kisses make this trip worthwhile. Norma taught them to play tic tac toe which is their new favorite I think. The giggles as they “won” were priceless.
The house is very close to completion. The trusses were mostly set and now the roof just needs to be put on then we will start the flooring work. I shoveled gravel and the boys/women were hauling it inside the home. Hopefully we are done as that was hard work. The pilas are done, flooring looks awesome and I can’t wait to post pics of it (probably after I get home). The latrine has started being built up and only a little inside and the outside walls need to be completed. We will be finishing up Monday, spending the afternoon playing futbol, slaps, ring around the roses, etc with the kids. We are planning on trying to get ice cream brought in for the kids. Praying that happens.
We did leave the worksite early due to a storm however it was 4:15 so only 45 minutes early. We had a horrible storm last night which unfortunately zapped the modem so it looks like we are without internet for the remainder of the time in Honduras. Not sure about El Salvador yet.
Last night Flor made a typical El Salvadorian meal of enchiladas. I promise, it is nothing like the enchiladas in the States, even in Mexican restaurants. It was a hard tortilla, beans, slaw (not like ours), chicken, eggs, cream, and cheese. Awesome, even for a picky eater J
Tomorrow is Sunday…praying for an awesome day!
Day 5, June 3, 2012
Hallelujah…we got to sleep in today…woke up at 6:30. Church service was awesome. We went to Pastor Pablino’s church, which is a new church plant. The people were very welcoming and excited to see us come. We were the first North American team to come to their church. Their typical offering is $5 week. Not sure what it was today but I’m sure it was much more. It’s so great to be able to give to people who are so needy and grateful.
After church we went to a Pizza Hut. It was just like in America but much better. Afterwards we walked to the grocery store that was right next door. Slowly our grocery buggies got fuller and fuller. By the time we finished, we were able to donate a bag of rice, beans, lard, spatula, ketchup, eggs, salsa and cookies to the six homes in the village. There are approximately 75 people who live in the six homes.
After lunch we waited out a storm and rode to Pastor Guillermo “Pastor G” house where his wife had cooked for us. We met his family which was his wife and 6 daughters. It was such an honor to sit in his home and eat with his family and visit his church. He is such a Godly man and is a great example to the Honduran people.
Being in Honduras again reminds me of how blessed I am at home. Running water, a toilet, air conditioning, and food are a few of the many things that I take for granted. We were able to do a lot of work and donate a lot of things but without God, none of that would have been possible. It’s not about us and we can accomplish, its all about Him.
Day 6, June 4
Last day in Honduras…..such mixed emotions. Started the day early because there is a lot of work to do. The village is called Carriso. It is one of the most loving communities I have ever worked in. The house only needs a roof and the floor finished, and the latrine needs to be finished up. With everyone working together, we were able to finish by mid afternoon, just in time for a huge thunderstorm to come. We went into a nearby church and had a church service while waiting on the storm. Many seeds were planted and watered that day.
After the storm ended, we went to the house for the house dedication. It was awesome. Everyone who was there put their hands on the house as we prayed to bless it. We gave a gift of 2 pans, 2 spoons, dishes and cups to the homeowner who was excited to receive them. We also gave a Spanish Bible and presented her with the key to her home. Many people broke down including one of her family members who said he never thought he would live in a home.
Goodbyes were said and we sadly left the village of Carrismo. Went back to the house to pack for El Salvador.
Day 7, June 5, 2012
Up early packed and ready to leave for a 3 hour ride to Santa Elena, El Salvador. We were stopped by police twice, one time pulled to the side to be searched. Another officer realized we were missionairies and told him to let us by without searching. Praise the Lord!! Arrived in Santa Elena and went to a family members of Mario’s for dinner, which was there version of a vegetable soup.
Days 7-10, June 6-9th
I combined these days to make it quicker. On Wednesday we prepared the wheelchairs for the distribution on Wednesday afternoon. It was amazing to walk into the room and see the wheelchairs there after 4 years of the EBA trying to get them there. The government has been holding them and wouldn’t release them without bribes, which were eventually paid so we could get them.
The evening of the wheelchair distribution was overwhelming. There were people being brought in who were laying on lawn chairs in the back of pick up trucks, a man being carried with a sheet, men and women being carried in chairs and men and women being carried by other adults or their children. It was emotionally overwhelming. I couldn’t help but think of the story in the Bible where a man was carried to see Jesus. There was a church service before the distribution in which one woman was saved. Hallelujah!! There were many children who received wheelchairs as well.
Once we reached Raleigh we had another God moment in which a lady, who by chance and musical seats on the plane ended up sitting with me and Flor. She was from Sao Paulo, Brazil and could only speak a little English. We were able to communicate a little with us both speaking Spanish since it is similar to Portugese. Flor and Mario were able to communicate more. When we got to Raleigh her family wasn’t there to meet her. She didn’t have a phone. Mario realized something was wrong. She had been put on the wrong plane in Miami and was supposed to fly to Greensboro. Her friend and daughter were in Greensboro waiting for her. James and I were able to take her to the Greensboro airport to meet her family. We were home an hour later than we would have been but it was worth it to pass it on. When she tried to pay us for gas, we simply told her to pay it forward.
Believe it or not, we spent most of the time on our flights home planning our next trip to El Salvador and Honduras. How awesome would it be to have 200 wheelchairs for distribution. The need is so great and with God, we can do it!!
To all who supported this trip financially and with prayer, I simply cannot thank you enough. This trip was not about me or us and we accomplished nothing but God accomplished a lot…we owe it all to Him. I’m always amazed that God uses normal people to do His work if we will just allow Him to. I’m nothing special by any means and without support and prayer, I wouldn’t be able to fulfill what I am called to do.
Again…thank you and love you!! Can’t wait to start blogging for the next trip.
