Wednesday in Jalaca has been dry, but very warm. Of course I say that after hearing reports that the temperature will be in the triple digits when we get home. So in some ways we are enjoying each refreshing breeze we are granted. It is a welcome reprieve, like a cool glass of water that helps you put forth just a little more effort when you know that each minute draws you closer to the hour that you will have to say goodbye.
This morning Katie, Allison, and Hannah took advantage of an incredible opportunity to go with some of the New Life staff and interns to take part in a youth evangelism concert at one of the local high schools. They even jumped in to lead part of the event. They took part in a skit, helped to lead some of the singing, and prayed over those who were in attendance. Interns Ricardo and Louis preached about giving your burdens over to God, and many heard the call of God through what they experienced and decided to give their lives over to Christ. Be sure to ask these girls about this amazing day. They were clearly moved by what took place.
One thing I have failed to mention to this point is that Dr. Tommy and Nurse Susie have been giving some of the children medical checkups while most of the others are in school. The good new is that, for the most part, the children are healthy. There are a few issues, but it is clear that they have been cared for and loved. That is wonderful news, and I am sure that many Honduran children are not as fortunate. Thanks be to God for those who would give their hearts and lives to ensure that these children are healthy.
The playground is almost complete. It has proven to be a more difficult process than anticipated, but we are proud of our progress thus far. We anticipate it’s conclusion tomorrow.
The construction crew was hard at work again. They have had more obstacles to overcome than you could imagine. The latest issue is that the motor on the cement mixer broke, which slowed things down tremendously. We are glad to say that the funds were available to purchase a new one, but it has not shown up yet. The afternoon was difficult, but it didn’t slow our crew down. They refuse to be discouraged, and they continue to work in any way they can. We know they are making their families and their church proud. They were given some help today by Osmon and Jonathan, two of the great guys who live at New Life. I think they enjoyed working with our guys.
Meagan and Lori went through the painstaking process of removing the excess mud from the foundation rocks. This has to be done so that the cement would bond to them more effectively. They also helped to mix the cement when the mixer broke.
Haley, Marie, Lauren and Aimee took on the task of procuring gigantic rocks from the creek bed. They then helped lay those rocks in the foundation trenches. They also road with the smaller children to the entrance of Jalaca to drop off the high schoolers where they are picked up for school each day. The younger children dosed off on the ride back, and they had some wonderful cuddle time with their new friends.
Today was our final day of the activity rotation with the children. Our day will be different tomorrow, because there will be teams sent into the local villages to offer feeding and medical opportunities for the local population. That will be an incredible experience for those who participate. Some of the middle school children will be going with us. Their curriculum requires that they take part in service activities, and this is what they have chosen. So we will have an opportunity to work alongside some of the children, which I know will be wonderful.
Sheila, Carol, Debbie, Virginia, and Donna packed 100 bags of flour, beans, rice, sugar, and cookies for the village feeding program tomorrow. There will be many who are able to receive much needed sustenance because of their efforts.
We continue to be grateful to Debbie, Donna, and Joanie for helping the tia (Spanish for aunt) prepare our meals and snacks. They have given of themselves so that the rest of us can be sustained in our work.
On a final note, we concluded last night with a wonderful time of worship and an excellent devotion by Keith Davis. In our time we voiced that through our experiences we have realized what an important opportunity we have been given to be the presence of Christ to these children and the New Life staff. But we have also realized that they have been the presence of Christ for us as well. Each of us came here hungry for something, thirsty for something, seeking something, and as we have ministered, we have been ministered to in return. We pray that truth will continue to sustain us throughout the rest of the week.
PMBC in Honduras 