Mission Partner Update - IMC September 2024

We are back with another peek into our time in Honduras from a few weeks ago.  I hope as you read these words and see these pictures, you feel the love and commitment of those that went on the trip as well as the love we received.  The team we took was an experienced team and no stranger to working with those in poverty.  Even with all our combined experience, we all felt a sense of surprise as the people of Honduras taught us so much.  We came prepared to help and to teach but instead, we learned.  Learned a lot about the warm culture of Honduras, a lot about ourselves and a lot about God.  We left knowing each of those things in a new, more meaningful way and it changed us. 

Tuesday July 9
Mucha Lluvia!  We had a LOT of rain on Tuesday.  At times, the noise of the rain falling onto the metal roof was so loud it made it difficult to hear each other speak.  We did our best to accomplish as much as we could despite the bad weather.

After having breakfast, the guys went to the worksite while Rhonda stayed and prepared for time with the women in the village.  We had about 20 women show up for our class.  Rhonda shared her testimony and taught from Henry Nouwen’s Book – Five Lies of Identity.  Contrasting how the world sees us with how God sees, Rhonda taught from Luke regarding the woman whom he called daughter, who had been healed by Jesus after hemorrhaging for 12 years

After teaching, we had something fun for the ladies to do – tie dying! Most of the women were told to bring a garment to dye. For those that forgot or didn’t get the message, Ofelia quickly cut up one of her bed sheets so each woman would have something to dye. Rhonda gave the ladies some instructions on how to tie-dye and they went to town! So many laughs and so many hugs…Laughter really is good medicine. The women seemed to really enjoy their time together and left with big smiles and lighter spirits.

After everyone left, the rest of the team began preparing for the field day we were having with the children on Wednesday and helped with a few of the farm chores. 

We popped and bagged popcorn, filled piñatas, helped the kids with homework, washed and fed Lalo’s pigs, and watched Lalo trim the mane of his horse and then brand the horse.

As the sun began to set, we were served dinner and spent the rest of the evening visiting with Lalo, Ofelia and their family. 

Lalo serenaded us with his accordion, the children danced, some of the adults clapped along and not a single electronic device was seen or even missed!

Wednesday July 10

Dia ocupado!  Busy day!  After eating another hot Honduran breakfast, we were ready for our last day in La Victoria.  As we walked over to the school to meet with the teachers and observe the feeding program, we were all struck by the beauty of this village. 

The sense of community was palpable, and the happiness of the people was authentic.  Communication was face to face, help was hand to hand, and work was shoulder to shoulder.   The feeding program served the biggest tamales any of us had ever seen and boy, they were delicious! 

Afterwards, the guys went to the worksite to work on the pavilion and Rhonda went back to the house to prepare for the kid’s party taking place today.

We ate lunch and then began preparing the pinatas, making the pizzas, and getting the materials ready for the lesson and craft.

After the children arrived, Alejandra led them in a few games followed by a Bible lesson.  Alejandra is a dynamic teacher, and the kids really seemed engaged in the lesson.

After the lesson, they participated in a craft.  We were all blown away with how carefully the children completed their craft.  They gave thought to every step of the process, not rushing through any of it.

Next up was the piñatas!  Kids were divided into age-appropriate groups and the swinging was fierce!  It was great to see the kids and families out and enjoying each other- laughing, playing and enjoying the break from the rain.

We had a great time visiting with the families and watching the families interact, getting another envious glimpse into the sense of community in this village.

Shortly after the party, we lost electricity that afternoon which resulted in a candlelight dinner with Yolani and her husband Freddy that they graciously hosted at their house.    

Afterwards we went back to our new Honduran home and spent quality time with the family, which made for a special last night in LV.  Lalo made a fire, and we all picked a hammock or a chair and settled in.  Stories were told, questions were asked, lifetime friendships were cemented, and peace and contentment abounded. 

The electricity returned the next morning but only briefly before going out again.  We loaded up and began our trip down the mountain to Reynel Funez.

Unfortunately, because of the rain, the pavilion was not completed but most of the structure was erect. 

Despite the rain, our time in LV was rich…Lalo and his family were so hospitable and truly surrendered their house during our time together.    Ofelia did all our cooking while we were in LV and we ate like kings!   

We may have running/indoor water, plenty of food, electronics galore, and nice dry beds, but Lalo and his family are the rich ones.