A leisurely day on Thursday and 20 hours of travel on Friday have given me a lot of time to reflect on this experience as a whole and I know different team members have different thoughts on the trip. Many of us were most impacted by the perceived plight of those in poverty. Given our preconceived ideas about what is needed to live a 'normal' life, we were constantly educated by Him on our own blessings in America, as well as the many blessings these people actually have compared to us. We saw and heard many heartbreaking things and it is easy to react initially with compassion and pity. But ultimately we were blessed to know these people and experience the strength of their faith in our Lord. A verse that resonated with me throughout this experience was this:
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? James 2:5
The poor know both the importance of dependence on Him, as well as interdependence on each other. Take for example the woman who stopped us and asked us to come pray for her bed-ridden friend. This man is almost entirely dependent on others, yet is also rich in faith and has been rewarded for it. The poor also don't have preconceived notions about their own importance, nor do they feel entitled to luxuries. These people can focus on the Gospel with totality because they have nothing to lose and everything to gain. To them, the Gospel really is 'good news'. We can learn a lot from this view of the world.
We were also blessed with the many new relationships we formed - both with each other and with the people in Honduras. The people at the children's home and all of my new friends in the feeding program will forever be in my heart. In addition, I am excited to continue developing my new friendships with my fellow team members.
On a personal note, this trip was also a powerful reminder of God's ultimate plan and my small role in His bigger picture. My gifts are not in construction, but I am not afraid of hard work so coming on this trip was not intimidating for me. I trusted the calling I felt to go with my husband and serve Him in this capacity even if I wasn't exactly sure how I would be used. After arriving, God gave me many opportunities to utilize my gifts and experience in ways I never would have imagined. These connections will continue long after this trip and I am humbled that He has given me so many opportunities to serve Him. Just goes to show that He knows what is best and that He will put me where I am needed if I put my trust in Him and listen.
Miranda G.
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