Honduras Spring Break 2012

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Farwell To The Abnormal

Sitting in the airport waiting to leave and come back to the states. Sorry mom and dad, but I honestly don't want to come home. I don't want to go back to the normal. Now that I know about this place ad these people. How could I ever desire to leave? I'm leaving a little piece of my heart here in Tegucigalpa, Honduras...and I'm okay with the Lord doing that to me. Heart break brings out compassion. Adios to those that I met this week. Adios to the precision children who stole my heart. Adios to Mark and Lori, who inspire and interest me so much. Adios to the country that has changed me profoundly. May I never forget the things I saw and experienced here. Never ever. Goodbye Honduras. Hopefully I'll see you again. Thank you to all those who supported me in getting here. You served so many people and blessed me on the biggest way.

Evan

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Saturday, March 17

Last day in Honduras! I absolutely cannot believe it. This week here has flown by and all the stories with it. We didn't get to build Abraham's house today because we could not get in touch with who owned the land next to his house, so we got to build a house for a family of 5 in Cataluña next to where we built a house for the family of 13! We were fortunate enough to have a lot of workers. And I actually made it through the whole build unlike last time! haha. It was so emotional again looking into the family's eyes after we built the house. As Mark said, it never gets old, and I can definitely see that after only building 2 houses. Abraham seemed very disappointed about his house, but the people here have such a great faith and seem to be so patient and know it is God's timing for everything, just like today. It's a faith I want and need to learn more of. I have absolutely loved this trip and wouldn't exchange it for the world! It's been such a blessing to get to be with these guys and serve the people here, all with Mark's guidance help, and overall with God and his plan. I am already thinking about coming back! I'm still also processing it all - I know a part of me will never be the same coming back, truly seeing poverty and touching and smelling it. I hope any and all reading have been encouraged and have had their eyes opened, as I definitely have. Again, it is not for guilt's sake or for my sake or anyone else's, but only glory be to God with his great plan and wisdom and love. And to his son Jesus, who is the cornerstone of everything - literally every breath we take.

Humbled, blessed, and filled,

-Barrett

Sunday's Photos 2

Classic.

Terry learned how to use a chainsaw. Terry like chainsaw. Terry cut a lot with chainsaw.

He was just posing. Not working.

Saturday's Photos

Matt and Evan working the roof.

Front side with Ben on the roof

Saturday, March 17

Cannot believe it is the last day. It has flown by and been an unbelievable week. We sure don't wanna leave!

Got started early again. Washed all our clothes for $4! Folded and everything. Wished they could help me in Auburn! Mark decided it would be easier for us to follow him in his truck. So, I drove the truck. Driving in Honduras was quite the experience. It is totally chaotic and lanes don't exist. However, there is some sort of understood organization to the madness and you pick it up real fast. We went to get supplies from the warehouse for the build!

We drove to Abraham's place to build and Mark had the classic, "Welcome to Honduras" phrase ready when we got out. Something fell through, the land wasn't ready, and he did not have 100 percent proof that it was his land. He was quite disappointed, but quickly said that it will happen in His timing. What faith. Most of us would give up, complain, or do it ourselves. Their faith is truly faith and much greater.

Since there is always a need, we went back to the community by the dump where we built on Tuesday. We built for a sweet older women with 4 children. They had been renting a house and had NO idea we were coming. They had been patient for over a year after asking Mark. What patience to see God's faithfulness. A few other Gringos joined us: Theresa and Ilene. They were a joy to work with. Theresa literally had every meal planned out. She had a morning snack, lunch, afternoon snack, and lots of different drinks. It was awesome. She made an amazing tuna salad, then chicken and beans, and delicious cupcakes to wrap it up.

The build was awesome and we had a great group. Since we had time and the effort, Mark took extra time to make sure every detail was exact as possible. So, the house went up fast. Got some great pictures that I will attach in a few minutes of all the guys working very, very hard to give this lady a brand new house. The women in the community were amazed and some were balling crying because of the gift of the new house. To us, the house would mean nothing. To them, it means a whole new opportunity. And it was all in the name of Christ. None of it was us.

We then drove back to the warehouse unloaded and Ben got his chance to drive in Teguc. It was an experience to say the least. He did well though.

We went to La Creperia to end the trip. It was unbelievable. The desserts were the best part. We got Crepe Belga, Chocolate Divino, Banana Foster, and Blueberry Crepe. They were incredible. The owner of the restaurant came up and kept thanking us over and over and over and over again for helping her people. She was very appreciative and sweet as can be. We all talked about our experiences and Mark led us in further discussion kind of debriefing the whole trip. It was truly a blessing.

We leave tomorrow morning. Mark said thank you for giving up our spring break to serve. We didn't give up anything. We wanted to be here. Two people have houses for their families and do not have to worry about having a roof over their head. A home for orphaned teenage girls has a durable floor that will last for years. Mi Esperanza has a whole new storage place to expand and allow more women to break the cycle of poverty! What we did paled in comparison to the amount the Honduran people taught each of us. Each of them has a story. Each of them is made in Imago Dei(Image of God). Each of them special children of God. When Jesus spoke of inviting folks to the banquet, these were the people that he wanted to include. What a beautiful illustration of Christ's unconditional love for us. I am thankful to be a part of something so much Greater than myself. Humbled and blessed. Thank you for the prayers/support/reading/everything. Todos Dios. Todos tiempo. (All God. All the Time.)

En el nombre de Jesus.

Drew