Last Work Day

How is this trip almost over? How did that happen?

Today was the last full work day for our team, which is bittersweet, of course. Our energy levels are running a little low but after a breakfast of left-over homemade cinnamon rolls (an Independence Day treat from last night) we pumped ourselves up to go out and give all the jobs our best. :) We only have just a few more days here, and I would much rather leave exhausted, knowing I worked my hardest while here.

Half the team built a house in the Santa Ana region. From what I heard, it was a hard build and they ran into a few issues (and by a few, I mean a stubborn, gigantic boulder right where one of the four post-holes for the house needed to be.) The team adjusted, changed plans, and moved right along. At the end of it all, a family had a beautiful brand new house to sleep in tonight. Knowing that a few more people in the world have a better place to sleep is an incredible thought at the end of a long day.

I want to share with you guys something special our team has experienced. We have all worked beside a few Honduran teenage boys this week on the house projects. They are good, local kids that love to help. These boys could very easily build the house themselves in 3 hours, I have no doubt. But they are patient with us and allow moments to teach inexperienced members the best ways to do things. One of our team members mentioned that he saw Jesus in these boys in the way that they are patient teachers. They exude that characteristic of Christ and I am so thankful I have experienced building a house right alongside them.

The other half of the team went back to the hospital to visit. For some, this was the first time, while others got to visit some familiar faces from a few days before. One of the units I really enjoyed visiting on Monday was the children's neuro unit. Many of these families have been staying at the hospital for months while their children are treated for blood clots in the brain, tumors, hydrocephaly, and other head trauma. Honestly? Many of these families are enduring unending days of mind-numbing worry and boredom. However, the mothers of these children have created a wonderful bond with each other to get through the tough situations. We were able to hang out with some of these mothers again today and as soon as we walked through the door, they greeted us with hugs and happy expressions. They are joyful women who love and worry about their children, no different than you, perhaps. Prayers were said all around the unit with the families. :)

The rest of the afternoon was spent at Didasko, a children's orphanage outside of Teguc. It is a loving, christian environment for children who have no families and nowhere else to go. The leaders of the orphanage are God-loving people that are committed to the mission of love.  But here's the reality: they are struggling financially. The donations that typically support the orphanage are down significantly because of the economy. The orphanage has come to the point that they no longer have hot water, essential items, and choose to use only essential lights and a wood-burning stove to cut energy costs.

I looked at their pantry today when I arrived.  There were a handful of cans and a few scoops of rice...for 25 children plus the workers. They had enough food to last them about another day and a half, with no idea how to replenish the food.  But because God is good and there are no accidents or coincidences, when we visited, we brought hundreds of pounds of food and supplies. It took us an hour to unload the bus...that's how much food we brought. It was so powerful to be a witness to God's perfect timing. Those children will now have full bellies every night for months. Just that thought alone makes the entire trip worth it.

The leader of the orphanage said something today that I will carry with me always: "There are no accidents. There is only God in control."

Amen to that.