There have been many moments the past two months where I think, “Where am I? What am I doing? And how did I get here?” These questions came rushing through my head when I found myself being interviewed live on Honduras TV. I sure didn’t think I would be doing that when I signed up for a mission trip to Guatemala!
The five days we were in Honduras were some of my favorite days on this trip. The people that we met and worked with were so joyful, kind, and generous. They were very happy that we were there and wanted to bless us. They just kept saying, “Our hearts are so happy that you are here!” The last night we were there, the pastor’s family surprised us with a little bracelet for each of us with our names on it, and then later cooked us a three course meal with the most delicious chicken I have ever tasted. The same family (parents, two sisters, and one brother) drove us to the boarder, and the girls cried when we left. It was amazing to build such a strong connection in such a short period of time.
While we were in Honduras we broke up into smaller groups and went to schools, churches, different neighborhoods, a hospital, and a prison (only the boys went there). One of my favorite moments was holding a very happy baby boy at the hospital. The town where we stayed, Puerto Cortez, has a big bilingual school, so a lot of the people there knew English, which made holding conversations a lot easier.
In addition to all the fun experiences we had, God opened my eyes to numerous things while I was in Honduras. Anyone who knows me knows that I am a planner. I like to know what is going on and having everything planned. I like to look forward to things. God really challenged me for the next month to focus only on the day at hand, to not think about the next day, and to not countdown the days anymore. The reality is that my time in Guatemala is quickly coming to an end. I don’t want to look back on this time and think, “Man, I really wasted it. I was too busy thinking about home.” So from now on, I am only focusing on the day at hand and how I can make the best of every opportunity. Since I have had that new outlook, my days have been great! I can see God working in me and in the community.
This past Tuesday, we went to the children’s hospital. God has blessed me with individuals back home who have donated money for projects and supplies while I am here. Because of that, I have been able to organize numerous projects that I wouldn’t have been able to do without the funding. This week, we bought flowers for the prostitutes, which brought smiles to their faces and made them feel valuable. I was also able to go to the store and buy coloring books and markers to hand out to the kids at the hospital. Some of the girls and I made get well soon for the kids too. When we got there, we broke up into smaller groups and went into the different rooms. I was in the room with girls, ranging from ages two to around eleven. They absolutely loved the coloring books! It is amazing how a little coloring book, equivalent to about 27 cents in America, can make someone’s day. Thanks to all my supporters! I am so blessed to be here.
This little girl was burned (arm and leg) when a pot of hot coffee spilled on her. She is four and full on energy. I sat on her bed and colored with her for a while, and then I went to talk to some of the other girls. She must not have liked that because she got up, her coloring book and markers in hand, and hopped over and sat on the floor with me and continued to color. She was adorable!
