It’s Thursday evening here in Choleteca, Honduras and it’s nearing the end of our trip. The fact that we’ve almost been here an entire week is unreal. Not only have we had the opportunity to grow closer together as a team, but we have grown to love the people we’ve met and worked alongside during the past several days. As you know, some of those people have been the Aguilar family. We came here to give them a gift this week by building them a home. But I think everyone from our team would agree that they have given us so much more in return. Working side-by-side with them has been truly inspiring. When I spoke today with Carlos, he shared with me that this was the first time he had ever worked with Americans and he has enjoyed working with all of us. He is very grateful for what we are doing for his family. He wanted to make sure that he gave all the glory to God.
Most of our day today was spent at the home site in order to finish some of the details on the home before the big reveal tomorrow. Doors & windows were built, walls were put up and painted and other details were finalized. Overall, there was so much momentum from everyone involved because the project is really taking shape. In fact, the excitment spilled over into the neighborhood and more than a dozen people came just to check out the activity. I won’t be posting any final pictures until we reveal the final home to the family tomorrow.
After lunch at the church, Levi took a couple from the team to the store to purchase some items for the family’s new Casa. We were able to get roll-away beds for their two boys still living at home (the boys currently sleep on a dirt floor), chairs, shoes and other items they need to improve their quality of life. Our plan is to take the family somewhere tomorrow and place all the items in their new home, blow up some balloons and reveal their home, Extreme Makeover style!
Franklin, the youngest son, went along for part of the trip and picked out a backpack and some basic school supplies. I watched him when he returned to the church with us for dinner and he held on to his backpack and wouldn’t leave it out if his sight. He was so proud of and thankful for his backpack- I don’t think he stopped smiling the entire time.
Another group continued to evangelize throughout the Limon area, near the Nutrition Center. One of the greatest priviledges has been to share our story and our faith with the people of Honduras. Each home we visit, we’re given a warm welcome. Catholism is a major stronghold throughout the region, so many of the people we spoke with battle with accepting God’s grace as a free gift; something you dont have to earn or work for. Continue to pray for our teams as they share with other families throughout the remainder of our time here.
Finally, our day ended with a traditional Honduran dinner of eggs, tortillas, beans, plantains, avacado, ham, hot sauce and of course Coca-Cola.
It’s been a long day, starting with sunny and 80 degrees and ending with a downpour and noticable temperature drop. But, that seems to be pretty typical here. Tomorrow we are excited to see what the day brings as we giveaway a house and make an impact for God’s kingdom through one family.
Until tomorrow…
I am loving following along on your trip. What a blessing you all are. Thanks for sharing. Beth
I got tears in my eyes reading this post. What a blessing! Thanks for sharing!