Honduras Wrap Up

This is a final wrap up from our days in Honduras. God certainly blessed the team big time, and while it certainly was a humbling experience, it was a privilege to serve in this way.  We're sitting in Houston right now, and will catch a flight home in a couple hours.

Thursday was our final stop in the village of Por Vienta. The well is finished! The pump was cleaned, assembled, and then put in place. Plenty of excitement as everyone gathered around in anticipation.

The kids swarmed the bus upon arrival, looking for the footballs and Frisbees, but we held back as it had rained overnight making everything muddy and we had work to be completed quickly. Jen instead entertained the kids, making balloon animals while we got the well hand pump installed. Even some of the adults waited in line for their balloons.

As soon as the pump was operational, the community held a dedication ceremony. Lots of pictures were taken…first the men from the village who worked hard on this project, then the Living Waters Honduras Team, then our Cedarbrook Team, then the women from the village, then ALL the children. Alfredo gave a quick talk (at least for his standards…he said he cut it short as rain was starting to fall) giving thanks to God for answered prayers. Proper use and hygiene was explained once again, to provide a safe, clean source of water for years to come. Lew gave a few quick words, thanking the community for welcoming us into their homes and lives so warmly, and for giving us this opportunity to serve them. A community representative then spoke, showing very genuine appreciation for the gift God provided them. Joe also gave a few words…and managed to get through it without choking up too bad (while the rest of us had tears running down our faces.) We all received personalized certificates in appreciation for our efforts, which seem so futile in comparison to the blessings we all received.

Following the ceremony, we had lunch in the same home where the yard was utilized for the hygiene training all week. Needless to say…we grew very fond of that family. Grandma Gilda Rose (who is 80) is a women very strong in her faith, and been very specifically praying for a well for decades. She’s raising 7 grandchildren, who are the most gracious, loving children you will ever meet. After a great lunch of chicken, vegetables, rice and tortillas, and fresh squeezed orange juice…the majority of the community gathered outside to say goodbye. It was very difficult for the entire team to get on the bus and on our way.

We started heading back towards La Ceiba, staying at the Canadian Hotel in Sambos Creek. It didn’t take us long to get checked in, and onto the Caribbean beach. It was very cloudy and windy, so the surf is roaring. After getting pounded in the surf a bit, we relaxed next to the pool.

Friday brought a day of R&R…although for some of us, it didn’t seem like much of either! With continued rough seas, snorkeling was out so the entire team headed for the jungle canopy zip line. It turns out that a good number of us have a fear of heights. Joe and Rita elected to watch…although it seemed more like pointing and giggling. Lori was nervous for the first (of 15) runs, and then had a blast. Jen…well let’s just say her body is still sore from shaking so much, but she conquered her way to the bottom Charl has 2 bad shoulders, so she received her own personal guide all the way down. Lew has done this before, and tried spinning on a couple runs…and has a damaged finger to show for it. The rest of us really enjoyed the experience. The scenery was beautiful, starting out with great ocean views, and continuing as we zipped through and above the trees. Natural hot springs flow out of the mountain about ½ way down, so after completing the zip line, we rode the truck back up to that point to enjoy the beauty and splash in the warm waterfalls flowing down.

After relaxing for a bit at the hotel, we were picked up to head into La Ceiba for some souvenir shopping. We started a small local shop, and then ended up at the mall (which really isn’t different than the U.S.) A Chinese restaurant was the destination for supper, then we headed back to the hotel.

Saturday was travel day, and we started by 6 am to head to the airport. Check in was pretty quick, minus a few items that didn’t make it into carry-on luggage. They went thru things VERY thoroughly

It’s hard to believe that more than week has gone by already. The team really came together in everything that we did, and we bonded well almost immediately with Lew and Rita, and Emelio, and Yadira. While we certainly took our work seriously, it’s the relationships that will remain in our memory. And we had fun…lots of fun. Rita commented that this is the most she’s laughed on a mission trip ever, and they do at least 10 trips a year. We all can’t wait until the next time!

Thanks for all your love, support, and prayers. This wouldn’t be possible without such a strong team sending us.  And Bev...Gary says no rice or beans for at least the next month...