After devotional this morning, we were discussing the length of this trip. Because of our more extended stay compared to past visits, when all is said and done we will have had six work days, two fun days, our Sabbaths, plus travel days on the ends that are not rushed. We arrived in Honduras with a half day to rest before starting work and on Monday we will be able to enjoy one last breakfast here at the Children's home before heading to the airport in San Pedro Sula. Not too long, not too short... just right.
On Thursday, we handed out the food to the kids that utilize the feeding program. When all was said and done,we ended up with 43 bundles of food for the kids and our friend in the wheelchair. Seeing the faces of the kids light up with delight at the gifts they were being given is something I cannot put into words. We got many smiles and hugs, and riding the bus home with kids after was one of the most fun experiences I have had on any trip here. The kids were proud to be able to say "Thank you" in English, so much so that many made a point to thank each of us individually, sometimes multiple times. I can only imagine the thoughts going through their minds and I am sure there is a certain level of pride that goes into bringing home provisions to their parents.
On Thursday night, we took several of our Honduran friends, including Alex, Marianna, Manuel, and Elsa, out for dinner. Dago and Dilia stayed at home with the kids and the rest of us enjoyed some local Honduran fare in a nearby town. The food was good, but not as great as what the ladies make back at the Children's home. Still, it was nice to be able to treat them to some time away from work and the responsibilities that go with it. We joked that it was their Valentine's Day date night.
Friday was a day of rest and we traveled to Tela to visit the beach. Alex and Marianna joined us, plus the kids who are not yet in school. The drive to the coast was rainy but the beach was picturesque and we had a fantastic time playing with the kids. While here, we have looked for items for our house bound friend. Last night in San Pedro Sula,we discovered that a radio here would be much more expensive than in the US, so the plan now is to deliver more provisions to him and his family this afternoon, then send a radio with a later trip.
Today is our last work day and concrete work continues in order to make as much progress on the foundation of the school building as possible. Phil finished the plumbing portion for the bathrooms earlier in the week and hopefully the base of each classroom will be complete before we end today. Tomorrow will be a trip to Copan with Elsa and Manuel, plus the remaining kids who were not able to go to the beach. The work we have been doing and the relationships we have here are a blessing and I am grateful to have been given such a gift. Until you experience it yourself, it is easy to think that we are the ones gifting those we encounter. But in reality, it is a two way street and we are equally blessed, if not more so, to know these people.
~Miranda
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