Hey everyone, here is a little something from my new friend Christina who joined our group this year. She lives in Dallas, and we have Lynn Witte to thank for introducing all of us to this very cool lady. Enjoy what she has written. Her insights are beautiful! ----Timothy E
Beautiful Honduras
From the moment we landed in San Pedro Sula last Friday, the inherent beauty of God's creation overwhelmed my senses. We saw friendly welcoming smiles, bright laughing eyes, and lush countryside landscapes. I woke up daily to singing birds and brisk, cold mountain air, delicately fragranced by towering tropical fruit trees. It was delightful. Yet right alongside such breathtaking beauty, were substandard living conditions, deteriorated infrastructure and extreme poverty.
One of our first activities as a mission team was to share in the fellowship of the local Church of Christ in Los Pinos. They welcomed us to their Sunday morning worship service with open arms and loving hearts. The services were translated so everyone could understand the songs, messages and announcements. It was awesome to see the unity of the brethren; to see the barriers of different languages and cultures easily overcome by the love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in our hearts.
During the week our mission team participated in food distributions, house builds, medical clinics and VBS activities for the children. It was such a blessing to participate with my team members in sharing God's love with so many families in need. The people we met were so grateful and eager to show their appreciation. They were quite resourceful. At the build sites, they helped us carry wood, pick up nails and entertain the smaller children.
Our group tried to spend a lot of time with the Honduran children. In addition to the VBS events, God provided the opportunity for our team to visit the Good Shepherd orphanage and build a playground slide and swings. We were also blessed to visit a children's hospital, a school for the blind and sponsor a water-park visit for the orphaned children at Didasko. The children were so happy to see us and their joy was contagious. They loved to play games, to sing and color pictures for us. Compared to the children who live in the mountains with no running water or electricity, the children at the orphanage are are well-cared for: they have clean living conditions, eat healthy food and go to school.
A few of the men in our group ministered to the Hondurans who are currently living in the city dump. They took them food, water and blankets and also prayed with them. Even in these extreme conditions the people were encouraged and grateful for the help. Of course we were disappointed that we could not do more, and our hearts always broke when we handed out the last of our supplies. Still we were so blessed by the love of the Hondurans we met: their passion, joy, and deep gratitude. Participating in this mission effort has done so much in opening my eyes to "true need" and how truly blessed we are in the United States.
Our living quarters were quite a bit different than what most of us are used to at home. I shared a sleeping room with four other women and I will never forget their care, support and encouragement; or that of the whole team. It was the first trip for many and the veteran team members were quick to show us the ropes and how to be more efficient in our efforts. Every day was intense emotionally, mentally and physically; but God continually renewed our minds and refreshed our hearts with His presence. We had daily quiet time, morning and evening devotions. It was great getting to know the individuals on our team: each member uniquely skilled, talented and experienced. I was blessed by the sensitive leadership of the elder team members and energized by the unending enthusiasm of the younger team members. God opened my eyes to see Jesus so many times and in so many that I met during this trip: the Honduran people I encountered, my team members, the full time missionaries, staff and others who ministered to each of us and supported the mission.
God faithfully accepted our humbled hands and hearts, and blessed our efforts to bring glory to His name. One woman as she looked at the team completing her new home spoke volumes when she said "Christ's hands built her house."
It is strange ...I came to Honduras to serve and I was served. I came to give help and I was helped. I came to love and I was loved. I came to bless and I was blessed.
Yours in Christ,
Christina
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