The scripture (2 Corinthians 9:9) says ¨God freely gives his gifts to the poor, and always does right¨ and that is what we began our day reflecting on. The idea that our trip has been all about giving to those in need simply because that is what we are called to do. We are called to freely give not only of our money but also of our time, service, and love.
And so, with this idea in our heads, we headed out to give one last day in El Pino and Nueve de Julio. Now that the walls had been set and dried, the construction team worked this morning on texturizing the outside walls. They had to take hammers and with the ´teeth´side make tiny holes in the walls. This is so that the stucco and outside paint will stay. The education team went out to teach about ´the Resurrection of Jesus.´ The students in the morning were wonderful to work with; but it was hard to let them go. They wanted to hug and hug when classes were over, and did not want us to leave. During the morning hours, John and Lisa worked with our ´Feed the Children´program, while Byron worked in the clinic, and Barry worked to fix things around the El Pino church.
Then it was time for lunch. Today for lunch Dani (the construction forman´s wife whose been helping with lunch) prepared a traditional Honduran meal which was one of the best I have ever had. Seriously, it was just short of a religious experience. During this time, we also said our good-byes to the people and kids there at the El Pino church.
The afternoon brought the education team back to teach the older students. While some of these students (you know those 7th and 8th graders) don´t act like they liked what was happening, it was obvious that they really did enjoy getting to know us. Many of them were even sad to see us finish...I know the teachers were sad to see us go. :) The construction team finished texturizing the walls on the inside and helped the workers finish some of the framing on the house (please take a moment to look at the pictures and see how much work the construction people did in just four days...amazing.) Those working in the clinic also finished and helped to get the clinic in better shape before heading out. This afternoon also sent Pam searching for a young girl that she had become close to, and the story of their reunion is just beautiful!!!!
Finally, we held a ´Last Night Banquet´for all the people who have helped us throughout the week...drivers, translators, teachers, construction workers, and cooks. We also were blessed by the presence of Dr. Jimmy and Billy Thompson who have led the way here in Honduras, as well as Pastor Carlos. This final dinner was such a fantastic way to say ´thank you´ to our new friends and allow us to have closure on such a great week. Seeing the people of La Ceiba and El Pino around our dinner table brought tears to my eyes. The feeling of love and caring for each person (both from us to them and from them to us) filled the room...it was electric. As I looked around the room at my team, I realized more than ever how fantastic each and every one of them are....and how God placed each of us on the team for a different reason, to use our gifts to help bless the people of Honduras.
So, here it is, our last night. Tomorrow we drive back to San Pedro Sula very early in the morning. We have said our good-byes, given away as much stuff as we could, and wished those dear to us farewell. As I prepare to leave and I reflect on the past week, I am truly speechless partly because I won´t be here anymore, and partly because I have just had such a great time. I came to give and use my gifts to bless those here; and yet, I know that I have been changed and blessed beyond what I thought possible.
The scripture above continues and says, ¨This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God´s people but it is also overflowing the many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourself, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the Gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indiscribable gift!¨ (2 Corinthians 9:12-15) Yes, thanks be to God for that!!!
Till next time, love and do not fear.....
--Harvey Oaxaca
Flag of Honduras
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Pictures from Day 7
Harvey teaching the key words from the Bible story in English and Spanish with Emilio by his side. (On a side note, his shirt is really light grey...it was real hot.)
Mary kissing the heads of each of the Kindergarten students.
The school in Nueve de Julio.
Nueve de Julio´s library/bookroom.
Nueve de Julio´s office/teacher workroom.
The inside of the house. Remember none of this was here on Monday.
The outside walls of the house.
The house from the street with the workers.
All of our Hondurean friends at the banquet.
The Saint Mark team on the last night.
Harvey with G and Freddy at the banquet.
Day Six
It is in physically touching others that we connect ourselves to them. This profound thought was the basis of our morning devotional. The idea that we must reach out to those around us both children and adults, and through our touch show them God´s love. The touch can be anything such as a fist bump, a pat on the back, or even a hug. Jesus knew the power of touch and me must also.
After breakfast, we headed back to El Pino and Nueve de Julio for the work that lay ahead. The clinic team (Barry and Byron) spent the morning building shelves for the medicine in the clinic. They also helped disperse the medicine that we brought with us. The construction team (Sandi, David, Terry, Pam, and Brad) spent the morning continuing to help the workers put the molds in place for the walls and began filling the upper part of the walls for the house. The education team (Mary, Ken, Walter and myself..along with our helpers Tracy, Emilio, and Ricardo) returned to the school to teach about the Garden of Gesthemene...which is actually called something different in Spanish. There was also a mini soccer tournament happening at the same time which caused for many teaching distractions for us, but we did our best. And again, the children just want to be loved and hugged or have their hand held.
As the education team headed to lunch, we got behind a cattle drive which caused us to be a bit late for lunch. But I´ll tell you there is nothing like seeing a bunch of cattle in the middle of the road and cars on both sides trying to get through. It is truly a sight.
The afternoon brought Lisa and Pam to the clinic to help Barry and Byron paint shelves and John to the construction team. The construction team continued to fill the wall molds with cemente. They had to mix, carry, and then fill over and over and over. The team is helping make life better for a deserving family, but their muscles are feeling it. :) The education team returned to the school to teach the older students (4th-9th) grades. This was our first time with them and they had their own set of challenges. For me, I loved teaching them and the thing I found is that they (specifically the 7th-9th graders) act just like those I work with in the United States. It was amazing to see them...especially the boys. I did find myself trying to ´counsel´the ones who were just sitting outside of the school not actually attending....I guess I never stop being a Graduation Coach. :)
After some down time, the team headed out to dinner at another local restaurant. It is fun to see us try and order food from the waiters. I mean between their limited English and our limited Spanish, it is amazing that we ever get to eat. But just like the day before, the company and the bonding with the team is one of the best experiences I have ever had.
Today was one of the toughest for me in terms of having to work...I mean I spoke in Spanish for like 7 hours straight. However, I cannot imagine doing anything else. This has been such a great experience. I can´t believe that tomorrow will be our last day working here in El Pino and Nueve de Julio. I can only hope and pray that the seeds of love that we are laying will grow in the years to come. Till next time, love and do not fear......
--Harvey Oaxaca
After breakfast, we headed back to El Pino and Nueve de Julio for the work that lay ahead. The clinic team (Barry and Byron) spent the morning building shelves for the medicine in the clinic. They also helped disperse the medicine that we brought with us. The construction team (Sandi, David, Terry, Pam, and Brad) spent the morning continuing to help the workers put the molds in place for the walls and began filling the upper part of the walls for the house. The education team (Mary, Ken, Walter and myself..along with our helpers Tracy, Emilio, and Ricardo) returned to the school to teach about the Garden of Gesthemene...which is actually called something different in Spanish. There was also a mini soccer tournament happening at the same time which caused for many teaching distractions for us, but we did our best. And again, the children just want to be loved and hugged or have their hand held.
As the education team headed to lunch, we got behind a cattle drive which caused us to be a bit late for lunch. But I´ll tell you there is nothing like seeing a bunch of cattle in the middle of the road and cars on both sides trying to get through. It is truly a sight.
The afternoon brought Lisa and Pam to the clinic to help Barry and Byron paint shelves and John to the construction team. The construction team continued to fill the wall molds with cemente. They had to mix, carry, and then fill over and over and over. The team is helping make life better for a deserving family, but their muscles are feeling it. :) The education team returned to the school to teach the older students (4th-9th) grades. This was our first time with them and they had their own set of challenges. For me, I loved teaching them and the thing I found is that they (specifically the 7th-9th graders) act just like those I work with in the United States. It was amazing to see them...especially the boys. I did find myself trying to ´counsel´the ones who were just sitting outside of the school not actually attending....I guess I never stop being a Graduation Coach. :)
After some down time, the team headed out to dinner at another local restaurant. It is fun to see us try and order food from the waiters. I mean between their limited English and our limited Spanish, it is amazing that we ever get to eat. But just like the day before, the company and the bonding with the team is one of the best experiences I have ever had.
Today was one of the toughest for me in terms of having to work...I mean I spoke in Spanish for like 7 hours straight. However, I cannot imagine doing anything else. This has been such a great experience. I can´t believe that tomorrow will be our last day working here in El Pino and Nueve de Julio. I can only hope and pray that the seeds of love that we are laying will grow in the years to come. Till next time, love and do not fear......
--Harvey Oaxaca
Pictures from Day 6
About half of the morning classes and the teachers (grades Kinder-3rd).
Some of the girls in the older classes.
We got behind a ´cattle drive´on the way to lunch.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Pictures from Day 5
Ken working with the children at the school.
Lisa and John serving us lunch.
Barry, Walter, Byron and Pam getting ready for lunch.
Barry enjoying the lunch break!
Harvey and the children.
Mary taking a break from the painting.
Walter finishing painting the shelves.
Day Five
Today began with our group devotional early in the morning. Today´s lesson was all about not knowing who we touch in our lives. That when we show love (or not) you never know who is watching and what that will do for them later in their lives. And thus, we should always show and be the light of Christ. We then sang a few songs before heading to breakfast.
The construction team went back to the construction site in Nueve de Julio and spent the morning working with the work crew. They worked to help secure and set up the molds that were needed to build the walls and continue the foundation. The education team returned to the school to teach and love on the children in Nueve de Julio. Today´s lesson was about ´The Last Supper´ and we were aided today by our friend Emilio. Personally, I feel like I´m finally understanding how to teach these children. Today we had a third group (Barry and Byron) who were working in and with the clinic in El Pino.
Lunch brought us together again and it was such a blessing to hear all about the great work that is happening out in the ´field´of Nueve de Julio and in El Pino. It also gave us a moment to share with the some of the local people in El Pino. And like yesterday, the Lunch Lady (John) and his helpers (Sandi and the other two women) prepared such a fantastic meal. It is also so interesting to watch the local children line up for what we have left after we are finished. They really are just hungry..both for food and for loving attention.
The afternoon (since there was no classes in Nueve de Julio because of a teacher strike) kept the education team in El Pino. We (Ken and myself-and Sandi for a bit) played games and hung out with the local children in El Pino who were not in school or who only went in the morning. It really is fun to play soccer and throw the frisbee out in the hot sun. Mary and Walter spent the afternoon helping Barry paint shelves and other things for the clinic. Those on the construction team returned to the worksite and began filling the molds for the concrete walls. The team has to mix the concrete, haul it in buckets to the molds/frame, and then fill the molds for the walls. Hard work for sure, and not for the faint of heart.
After some rest and down time, the team (and our three drivers) went to have dinner at a local restaurant. The food was excellent, but the company was even better. I am having the best time getting to know these men and women who are serving with me down here in Honduras. On a fun note, the music playing in the restaurant was fantastic. It was a mixed CD that played a variety of music ranging from Johnny Cash, to Grease, to Elton John, to Elvis, to Fame. There was even Amazing Grace on the CD. Needless to say, our team loved listening while we ate.
As I reflect on Day Five, I am reminded that our goal is really to show God´s love at all times. The work here is hard but so rewarding. It is hard for a number of reasons (both mental and physical) and is different for each member of our team. For me, seeing so many children in need of just a hug or a smile is so difficult. And on top of that, I found out today that the teachers in this school make less than $500 a month...amazing. I know for other members of our team, the physical work is hard on the muscles. However, they are constantly encouraged by the work ethic of the young men on the work crew. Each team member seems to come away each day with something new, but collectively we keep saying how much we are being blessed by these people.
It seems amazing to me that we are more than halfway through this journey and I feel that we have so much more to give and do. Tomorrow will bring new experiences and adventures which I cannot wait to explore. Till next time, love and do not fear.....
--Harvey Oaxaca
The construction team went back to the construction site in Nueve de Julio and spent the morning working with the work crew. They worked to help secure and set up the molds that were needed to build the walls and continue the foundation. The education team returned to the school to teach and love on the children in Nueve de Julio. Today´s lesson was about ´The Last Supper´ and we were aided today by our friend Emilio. Personally, I feel like I´m finally understanding how to teach these children. Today we had a third group (Barry and Byron) who were working in and with the clinic in El Pino.
Lunch brought us together again and it was such a blessing to hear all about the great work that is happening out in the ´field´of Nueve de Julio and in El Pino. It also gave us a moment to share with the some of the local people in El Pino. And like yesterday, the Lunch Lady (John) and his helpers (Sandi and the other two women) prepared such a fantastic meal. It is also so interesting to watch the local children line up for what we have left after we are finished. They really are just hungry..both for food and for loving attention.
The afternoon (since there was no classes in Nueve de Julio because of a teacher strike) kept the education team in El Pino. We (Ken and myself-and Sandi for a bit) played games and hung out with the local children in El Pino who were not in school or who only went in the morning. It really is fun to play soccer and throw the frisbee out in the hot sun. Mary and Walter spent the afternoon helping Barry paint shelves and other things for the clinic. Those on the construction team returned to the worksite and began filling the molds for the concrete walls. The team has to mix the concrete, haul it in buckets to the molds/frame, and then fill the molds for the walls. Hard work for sure, and not for the faint of heart.
After some rest and down time, the team (and our three drivers) went to have dinner at a local restaurant. The food was excellent, but the company was even better. I am having the best time getting to know these men and women who are serving with me down here in Honduras. On a fun note, the music playing in the restaurant was fantastic. It was a mixed CD that played a variety of music ranging from Johnny Cash, to Grease, to Elton John, to Elvis, to Fame. There was even Amazing Grace on the CD. Needless to say, our team loved listening while we ate.
As I reflect on Day Five, I am reminded that our goal is really to show God´s love at all times. The work here is hard but so rewarding. It is hard for a number of reasons (both mental and physical) and is different for each member of our team. For me, seeing so many children in need of just a hug or a smile is so difficult. And on top of that, I found out today that the teachers in this school make less than $500 a month...amazing. I know for other members of our team, the physical work is hard on the muscles. However, they are constantly encouraged by the work ethic of the young men on the work crew. Each team member seems to come away each day with something new, but collectively we keep saying how much we are being blessed by these people.
It seems amazing to me that we are more than halfway through this journey and I feel that we have so much more to give and do. Tomorrow will bring new experiences and adventures which I cannot wait to explore. Till next time, love and do not fear.....
--Harvey Oaxaca
Monday, June 28, 2010
Day Four
Today began with no rain and the sun ready at full blast. (a.k.a. It was hot.) But we began the day ready to do great work. Our team gathered early in the morning four our devotional which was all about trusting each other and really working to do our best. While we did have a few people not feeling well, we pressed on and went to the work sites shortly after breakfast.
The construction team (Sandi, Terry, David, Pam, and Brad) began work early in the morning helping the team of men from Honduras by cutting and tying rebar. They also worked to clear and dig the footings that go around the foundation of the house in order to begin laying the molds for the concrete.
The education team (Mary, Ken, Walter, and myself) headed to the school at Nueve de Julio. After we figured out where we were supposed to be, we each taught 30-40 minutes to four different groups of students on a rotation basis. Today´s lesson was Palm Sunday and the students also did arts and crafts, recreation, and learned a bit of English. There were approximately 200 students in the four classes. One class had about 70 students in it..talk about a teaching challenge.
Lunch brought with it its own excitement. John, with the help of Lisa and two local ladies, prepared a fantastic feast for the teams of people who were working on and with our teams. Bryon had spent the morning working in the clinic and coordinating getting medical supplies to the portable clinic which is to happen on Tuesday. During lunch in El Pino, we saw the kids from last Saturday and feed them what was left of our lunches. What a sight to behold. Then it was time to get back to work.
The afternoon brought with it lots of heat and a canceled school. So, the education team decided to go back to the school and play games out in the field with which ever kids showed up. We play various games with the local kids (5-22) for several hours. The construction team (joined by John and Lisa) spent the afternoon mixing and pouring concrete. (They even let me take part in some of the mixing toward the end of the day.)
After the hard day, we returned to shower and get ready for dinner. This was the first time our team had really been together since Saturday morning and it was so much fun to hang out with everyone and really relax. To finish off the evening, we gathered as a team to debrief the day and were surprised by Pastor Carlos who arrived to simply check on us and our progress.
All in all it was a fantastic day. A day that made me personally rethink how I teach and better ways to educate children in such a short time. I feel like I did my best for today, but tomorrow I can do better. Likewise, it helped me remember why we are here and that sometimes showing God´s love is as simple as a smile or a hug. Till next time, love and do not fear......
--Harvey Oaxaca
The construction team (Sandi, Terry, David, Pam, and Brad) began work early in the morning helping the team of men from Honduras by cutting and tying rebar. They also worked to clear and dig the footings that go around the foundation of the house in order to begin laying the molds for the concrete.
The education team (Mary, Ken, Walter, and myself) headed to the school at Nueve de Julio. After we figured out where we were supposed to be, we each taught 30-40 minutes to four different groups of students on a rotation basis. Today´s lesson was Palm Sunday and the students also did arts and crafts, recreation, and learned a bit of English. There were approximately 200 students in the four classes. One class had about 70 students in it..talk about a teaching challenge.
Lunch brought with it its own excitement. John, with the help of Lisa and two local ladies, prepared a fantastic feast for the teams of people who were working on and with our teams. Bryon had spent the morning working in the clinic and coordinating getting medical supplies to the portable clinic which is to happen on Tuesday. During lunch in El Pino, we saw the kids from last Saturday and feed them what was left of our lunches. What a sight to behold. Then it was time to get back to work.
The afternoon brought with it lots of heat and a canceled school. So, the education team decided to go back to the school and play games out in the field with which ever kids showed up. We play various games with the local kids (5-22) for several hours. The construction team (joined by John and Lisa) spent the afternoon mixing and pouring concrete. (They even let me take part in some of the mixing toward the end of the day.)
After the hard day, we returned to shower and get ready for dinner. This was the first time our team had really been together since Saturday morning and it was so much fun to hang out with everyone and really relax. To finish off the evening, we gathered as a team to debrief the day and were surprised by Pastor Carlos who arrived to simply check on us and our progress.
All in all it was a fantastic day. A day that made me personally rethink how I teach and better ways to educate children in such a short time. I feel like I did my best for today, but tomorrow I can do better. Likewise, it helped me remember why we are here and that sometimes showing God´s love is as simple as a smile or a hug. Till next time, love and do not fear......
--Harvey Oaxaca
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