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