We woke up. We ate. We left. Left for the market.
The market was basically a huge building of city vendors all selling the same stuff for a higher price than the one before. It was hilarious to see the translators bargaining to get us lower prices. Because let's face it they rip off us gringos and we have no idea. It is actually kind of comical. After hours of shopping we left to have lunch. We went to the one the only, drum role please,... PAPUSA EXPRESS!
Papusas are basically tortilla dough mixed with various extras like cheese. Pressed out into tortillas and cooked. Soooo delicious.
We went to Nueve Esperonza (orphanage that is supposed to be only used to keep children in for a couple of days while their papers are being processed but the kids end up staying there for months or even years) during the afternoon. It was absolutely insane. The 2 year olds were literally destroying a classroom and I couldn't even go in. The older ones were taking our things and running around with them. The time there was none the less exhausting.
Finally to take care of our food needs an went to the grocery store to buy some Honduran food products.
After getting home to the hotel we regrouped then went to our farewell dinner. It was a beautiful restaurant with absolutely amazing food. We were finishing up our dinner when the translators started giving there little thank you speeches. The spiritual maturity I just find quite astounding for being only 15 years old. It just goods to show how God really does bring certain people for a more certain reason and I can't wait to see how that holds out. The time came for us to say goodbye to our new friends and get one our way. Hug after hug and picture after picture we were ready. See people get so worked up over leaving knew people and leaving the country. But really you aren't saying goodbye, you are saying hello.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
The Need For Love.
I want to start out by saying... Wow. Today was one heck of an emotional roller coaster. God was everywhere from hellos at Espiransa to goodbyes at Casitas and also the plans for the ABC center. God was EVERYWHERE.
The first thing on the agenda was to head to Espiransa to put on the same "act" that we had preformed multiple other times at different locations around the city. We divided our team into different groups to manage stations for the same purpose. As we rotated around, members of our team took turns in the nursery, better known as "the baby room". This is where numerous orphaned babies live. There were average of two kids in each crib. You walk into this room where these little babies are just crying out to be loved. They want to be held, loved, and spoken to even though they do not understand it. Every time you pick a babie up, it stops crying and every time you set it down it begins to wail louder than before. Its heart wrenching. These litle babies crying out just to be loved even though they dont understand the concept.
After leaving Espiransa, we headed just down the streetwhere we found the ABC center. This humungas abandoned campus has all the potential the world. Jeremy gaves us a grand tour of the place for us to see the progress and the plans. This place is just breath taking, it really is. Please be keeping the ABC center your prayers! After that, we headed to lunch at an "authentic" Honduran restraunt. Muy delicious. After enjoying lunch, we took every back road possible and went to Casitas for the finalntime of the trip. This is where all the emotion really was stirred. Walking in, everyone was aware of the elephant in the room but tried to ignore the best they could. Hugs, kisses and notes were all being exchanged for half of the afternoon. The other half was spent by sharing testimonies and pouring our hearts out to God during worship. the first one out of the hatch in large group time Shari. This is only the second time she had ever shared with a group of people about her brutal childhood and it moved hearts. Next up, Mr. Bill (Memo) James who spoke also of his loss of love. After their two moving testimonies, w got the opportunity to worship God one last time with the girls. The first two songs where Mighty To Save and From The Inside Out. Two amazing songs that we got to sing along with the girls. This Wes a high light of the day, the final worship. Tears were flowing and hands were raised. It was a very beautiful site to see. Once finished, we ended with the two song of the week. After that, goodbyes. Even though there is a language barrier, we still manage to understand basic concepts, were leaving. God might put us on the path to come back or he might not and we all knew that we had to trust him with that. These girls balled their eyes out. After seeing smile after smile, at the end of the day they are thirsty. Thirsty for love. What an incredible day.
The rest of the night was spent eating and playing spoons. Have a great day. Love, Us.
The first thing on the agenda was to head to Espiransa to put on the same "act" that we had preformed multiple other times at different locations around the city. We divided our team into different groups to manage stations for the same purpose. As we rotated around, members of our team took turns in the nursery, better known as "the baby room". This is where numerous orphaned babies live. There were average of two kids in each crib. You walk into this room where these little babies are just crying out to be loved. They want to be held, loved, and spoken to even though they do not understand it. Every time you pick a babie up, it stops crying and every time you set it down it begins to wail louder than before. Its heart wrenching. These litle babies crying out just to be loved even though they dont understand the concept.
After leaving Espiransa, we headed just down the streetwhere we found the ABC center. This humungas abandoned campus has all the potential the world. Jeremy gaves us a grand tour of the place for us to see the progress and the plans. This place is just breath taking, it really is. Please be keeping the ABC center your prayers! After that, we headed to lunch at an "authentic" Honduran restraunt. Muy delicious. After enjoying lunch, we took every back road possible and went to Casitas for the finalntime of the trip. This is where all the emotion really was stirred. Walking in, everyone was aware of the elephant in the room but tried to ignore the best they could. Hugs, kisses and notes were all being exchanged for half of the afternoon. The other half was spent by sharing testimonies and pouring our hearts out to God during worship. the first one out of the hatch in large group time Shari. This is only the second time she had ever shared with a group of people about her brutal childhood and it moved hearts. Next up, Mr. Bill (Memo) James who spoke also of his loss of love. After their two moving testimonies, w got the opportunity to worship God one last time with the girls. The first two songs where Mighty To Save and From The Inside Out. Two amazing songs that we got to sing along with the girls. This Wes a high light of the day, the final worship. Tears were flowing and hands were raised. It was a very beautiful site to see. Once finished, we ended with the two song of the week. After that, goodbyes. Even though there is a language barrier, we still manage to understand basic concepts, were leaving. God might put us on the path to come back or he might not and we all knew that we had to trust him with that. These girls balled their eyes out. After seeing smile after smile, at the end of the day they are thirsty. Thirsty for love. What an incredible day.
The rest of the night was spent eating and playing spoons. Have a great day. Love, Us.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Seen but not seen...
Today started off as usual... Breakfast as some form of beans (today it was chili), devotion in the morning and bus ride to Casitas (girl's orphanage.)
Casitas went on as usual but today was the day that letters were beginning to come streaming in to the hands of the NWCC team of 2011. Letter after letter were coming in and they all, well in my opinion, had something very unique about them. They all said in some form or another, "I hope you are in good health." That to me made me think about how we always are about what are YOU doing for me and not what I am doing for you. Thinking about a person's well being first sets shows that they truly to care about you and only you for that one moment. The girls at Casitas are so giving all the time that it makes us feel guilty about how we treat others 24/7.
We finished up at Casitas then went to Wendy's for lunch. Now if you have ever been to Honduras you would most likely notice to haw small things are here. Basically to sum that up, the ketchup holders were tinny andi thought it was funny.
Once again we pulled up to Las Brisas with kids barreling into the bus. It was hard though today because it was the last day at the center and it was more of sorrow and anticipation that consumed our souls. Putting those feelings aside we dived head first into the kids and instantly started playing and setting up for the days activities. We basically planned a free for all for the kids to do what ever they like throughout the day. It was an absolute blast. At one point a few of us and the translators all had kids on our shoulders and Roberto (on of trip leaders from Honduras) decided he was going to try and be a DJ. We had some Black Eyed Peas at one point and even a nice little tribute to Shakira herself. We were all rocking it out with the kids on our shoulders and it was quite fantastic if I do say so myself.
At one point a group of us led by Pastor Victor (Founder of Las Brisas) had the eye opening experience of walking through the river side community were most of the kids at Las Brisas actually lived. Shack after shack after shack built along the river, naked babies playing in the dirt and mud, stray dogs.. More like mutations of dogs roaming the streets and so much more is what we were trying to grasp at we were taking it all in. Poverty is something the hasbto be experienced first hand to truly understand. Documentation is what is SEEN but not is what can be felt. Seeing the unseen really opened up not only my but the whole teams eyes to how the "other half" really does live.
We said our goodbyes to the Brisas kids and they literally started trying to the block the door for us to get into the bus. Seeing their reactions to us getting on the bus just shows how even 3 days of investing into their lives can potentially change them for a lifetime. Short term mission trips to the outsiders seem like something that we are wasting our time. But that one short term mission trip will end up changing someone elses for ever.
Casitas went on as usual but today was the day that letters were beginning to come streaming in to the hands of the NWCC team of 2011. Letter after letter were coming in and they all, well in my opinion, had something very unique about them. They all said in some form or another, "I hope you are in good health." That to me made me think about how we always are about what are YOU doing for me and not what I am doing for you. Thinking about a person's well being first sets shows that they truly to care about you and only you for that one moment. The girls at Casitas are so giving all the time that it makes us feel guilty about how we treat others 24/7.
We finished up at Casitas then went to Wendy's for lunch. Now if you have ever been to Honduras you would most likely notice to haw small things are here. Basically to sum that up, the ketchup holders were tinny andi thought it was funny.
Once again we pulled up to Las Brisas with kids barreling into the bus. It was hard though today because it was the last day at the center and it was more of sorrow and anticipation that consumed our souls. Putting those feelings aside we dived head first into the kids and instantly started playing and setting up for the days activities. We basically planned a free for all for the kids to do what ever they like throughout the day. It was an absolute blast. At one point a few of us and the translators all had kids on our shoulders and Roberto (on of trip leaders from Honduras) decided he was going to try and be a DJ. We had some Black Eyed Peas at one point and even a nice little tribute to Shakira herself. We were all rocking it out with the kids on our shoulders and it was quite fantastic if I do say so myself.
At one point a group of us led by Pastor Victor (Founder of Las Brisas) had the eye opening experience of walking through the river side community were most of the kids at Las Brisas actually lived. Shack after shack after shack built along the river, naked babies playing in the dirt and mud, stray dogs.. More like mutations of dogs roaming the streets and so much more is what we were trying to grasp at we were taking it all in. Poverty is something the hasbto be experienced first hand to truly understand. Documentation is what is SEEN but not is what can be felt. Seeing the unseen really opened up not only my but the whole teams eyes to how the "other half" really does live.
We said our goodbyes to the Brisas kids and they literally started trying to the block the door for us to get into the bus. Seeing their reactions to us getting on the bus just shows how even 3 days of investing into their lives can potentially change them for a lifetime. Short term mission trips to the outsiders seem like something that we are wasting our time. But that one short term mission trip will end up changing someone elses for ever.
You Are Treasured. You Are Sacred. You Are His.
As the time passed stories are being unleashed. The heart ache, the pain the suffering and the incredible timing of God. Its unbelievable. There are some sceptics to these stories but I prefer to say differently. They don't know, they weren't with these girls through their entire lives. They weren't with them when God'S timing was perfect. They are unaware of the deepest depth of these girl's hearts.
Today at Casitas, we arrived during their worship which was Mighty To Save. Even though theise girls are unaccepting of where God has placed them for this season of their lives, they still close their eyes, raise their hands, sing praise and worship God. This is just one of the many aspects of the inspiration these girls are. What an example.
The rest of the time at Casitaswas filled with jump ropes, threading braclets, coloring, worship, an incredible message from Jen and discussion. Combine all those things and you get a very successful 2nd day at Casitas.
From Casitas, we headed to a local mall to sit in the food court and enjoy our pb&js. After that we hopped on the bus to head over to Las Brisas to,once again,Be welcomed by the excited children. Once we got the "calm" we did a puppet show of the story of Adam and Eve (Barbie and Ken),the Surpent(Jason's sock) and Benie babies. One word,hilarious. Then Super Fuente say... 4 times? I'm not to sure because after the 2nd one, they all kinda blended in together. There were 2 birthday girls at the center who were celebrating their birthdays. They had a crazy Spanish song sung to them complements of Roberto. With plan in place and us all ready to excite it, the children went bisurk. No one knew what was going on until the cake and ice cream showed up. The biggest birthday party ever! And, the best.
On our way back to the hotel, word was pronounced that we were going to Power Chocken for dinner. Fabulous day. Love, Us.
Today at Casitas, we arrived during their worship which was Mighty To Save. Even though theise girls are unaccepting of where God has placed them for this season of their lives, they still close their eyes, raise their hands, sing praise and worship God. This is just one of the many aspects of the inspiration these girls are. What an example.
The rest of the time at Casitaswas filled with jump ropes, threading braclets, coloring, worship, an incredible message from Jen and discussion. Combine all those things and you get a very successful 2nd day at Casitas.
From Casitas, we headed to a local mall to sit in the food court and enjoy our pb&js. After that we hopped on the bus to head over to Las Brisas to,once again,Be welcomed by the excited children. Once we got the "calm" we did a puppet show of the story of Adam and Eve (Barbie and Ken),the Surpent(Jason's sock) and Benie babies. One word,hilarious. Then Super Fuente say... 4 times? I'm not to sure because after the 2nd one, they all kinda blended in together. There were 2 birthday girls at the center who were celebrating their birthdays. They had a crazy Spanish song sung to them complements of Roberto. With plan in place and us all ready to excite it, the children went bisurk. No one knew what was going on until the cake and ice cream showed up. The biggest birthday party ever! And, the best.
On our way back to the hotel, word was pronounced that we were going to Power Chocken for dinner. Fabulous day. Love, Us.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Familiar faces... And Banana Peels
Waking up on Monday, February 21, 2011. Walking. Talking. Living. Sleeping. Repeat. Behold the routine that so many people lived today and everyday. People get so engulfed in their day to day routine of life that they become blind to the real world. The girls at Casitas have nothing but to do than live for the hope that one day they will be free.
Today at Casitas was our first real workday at the cite after yesterday. The girls flung themselves over the team in such love.
We were dividing into our groups when a girl nursing a baby walked by. It blew my mind how those girls could become used to the lifestyle of being a mother at 13 years of age. I looked around and not one girl looked the least bit distracted. It was almost as if indifference describes all of their emotions.
We continued the day with crafts, games, and jump rope. Those girls are the QUEEN of jump roping, let me tell you. Noon came and we had to continue through the day. We stopped at a local mall for some good ol' fashion pb and j.
Our hunger was put an end to and we got into the mammoth of a bus we travel in and went to a heart wrenching trip by the river.
The river is the area of San Pedro where the slums are. The average kitchen in Wexford is the average size of a cardboard house that a family of 15 would live in... Now put that though on hold.
Monday, February 21, 2011 was also the day we plunged into our 3 day adventure into a local community center that is located right by the river. It provides a safe haven for tue kids to come learn, be fed, and be carefree for a portion of their day. We pulled up by the center and literally heard a low steady rumble from within the Gate. Before we knew it the door burst open with about 75 children hurtling towards us. Then in a daze our duffle bag filled with supplies was taken by about 30 kids into the center as they were chanting "The toys! The toys!" it was hilarious. We moved onto worship. We sang their favorite, Super Fuerte, about 3 or 4 times then had our story. The kids actually got to participate in the story of David and Goliath and had a blast doing so. The rest of he day was a haze of bubbles, nametags and banana peel fights along with the guys being human jungle gyms... Literally. We distributed pizza to all the kids as they were leaving. Seeing their little faces filled with joy made our day... Well atleast mine that is...
Today at Casitas was our first real workday at the cite after yesterday. The girls flung themselves over the team in such love.
We were dividing into our groups when a girl nursing a baby walked by. It blew my mind how those girls could become used to the lifestyle of being a mother at 13 years of age. I looked around and not one girl looked the least bit distracted. It was almost as if indifference describes all of their emotions.
We continued the day with crafts, games, and jump rope. Those girls are the QUEEN of jump roping, let me tell you. Noon came and we had to continue through the day. We stopped at a local mall for some good ol' fashion pb and j.
Our hunger was put an end to and we got into the mammoth of a bus we travel in and went to a heart wrenching trip by the river.
The river is the area of San Pedro where the slums are. The average kitchen in Wexford is the average size of a cardboard house that a family of 15 would live in... Now put that though on hold.
Monday, February 21, 2011 was also the day we plunged into our 3 day adventure into a local community center that is located right by the river. It provides a safe haven for tue kids to come learn, be fed, and be carefree for a portion of their day. We pulled up by the center and literally heard a low steady rumble from within the Gate. Before we knew it the door burst open with about 75 children hurtling towards us. Then in a daze our duffle bag filled with supplies was taken by about 30 kids into the center as they were chanting "The toys! The toys!" it was hilarious. We moved onto worship. We sang their favorite, Super Fuerte, about 3 or 4 times then had our story. The kids actually got to participate in the story of David and Goliath and had a blast doing so. The rest of he day was a haze of bubbles, nametags and banana peel fights along with the guys being human jungle gyms... Literally. We distributed pizza to all the kids as they were leaving. Seeing their little faces filled with joy made our day... Well atleast mine that is...
Sunday, February 20, 2011
On The Other Side Of Things
It's 7 o'clock in the morning. You have just awaken from a well needed rest and you are head down stairs where breakfast awaits. You serve yourself and then sit down to a table full of friendly faces. Looking down to your plate you see a heaping pile of hot, delicious refried beans.
This is the way 90% of our team began the day. Once completed with the beans,we all headed over to the Nazarene church, sorry I don't know the exact name, but this is where we had some awesome worship which were "cognates", things that sound alike in both languages. These songs consisted of "I can only Imagaine" and a few other of our dearly loved worship songs. The most increadable part of the worship was the fact that we were surrounded by the children who were more then content with us just sitting with them. After worship, we got the privilege of listening to the Pator preach and Roberto translating the entire sermon. It was pretty amazing and the longest church service I had ever been to in my entire life. But, after it was complete we all hopped onto the bus because it was time for, can anyone say... Quisnos? Well, we could because it was in Spanglish. Spanish with just a hint of english to get buy. We got our subs, changed our clothes, hopped back onto the bus and headed over to Casitas Mujeres.
Casitas Mujeres is a place that holds almost every emotion possible. This facility ca go with the label of "glorified jail". These girls's stories, talents, and love would blow you away. It's amazing. But, the language barrier, suitable name, was an issue but love was not. Love is the universal language among people everywhere. It didn't matter if we didn't speak a lick of their language and they didn't speak a lick of ours. This is because God is our common ground. Goodbyes were sad but knowing we would see each other in the morning made it sweet.
The rest of the evening was spent at the hotel getting to know each other and relaxing on Honduras time. Tomorrow has a lot to bring us but we have God for us which means that NOTHING can stop us. Have a great rest of your day. Love, Us.
This is the way 90% of our team began the day. Once completed with the beans,we all headed over to the Nazarene church, sorry I don't know the exact name, but this is where we had some awesome worship which were "cognates", things that sound alike in both languages. These songs consisted of "I can only Imagaine" and a few other of our dearly loved worship songs. The most increadable part of the worship was the fact that we were surrounded by the children who were more then content with us just sitting with them. After worship, we got the privilege of listening to the Pator preach and Roberto translating the entire sermon. It was pretty amazing and the longest church service I had ever been to in my entire life. But, after it was complete we all hopped onto the bus because it was time for, can anyone say... Quisnos? Well, we could because it was in Spanglish. Spanish with just a hint of english to get buy. We got our subs, changed our clothes, hopped back onto the bus and headed over to Casitas Mujeres.
Casitas Mujeres is a place that holds almost every emotion possible. This facility ca go with the label of "glorified jail". These girls's stories, talents, and love would blow you away. It's amazing. But, the language barrier, suitable name, was an issue but love was not. Love is the universal language among people everywhere. It didn't matter if we didn't speak a lick of their language and they didn't speak a lick of ours. This is because God is our common ground. Goodbyes were sad but knowing we would see each other in the morning made it sweet.
The rest of the evening was spent at the hotel getting to know each other and relaxing on Honduras time. Tomorrow has a lot to bring us but we have God for us which means that NOTHING can stop us. Have a great rest of your day. Love, Us.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Tortillas or Papusas
Have you ever heard the phrase "Pardon... Los siento.
Well for those of you who don't know it means "Excuse me... Sorry."
That phrase basically describes the whole American stereo type. We are so busy trying to live for ourselves that the needs of people get overlooked. Society is pressing the idea of a very 'one man for himself' kind of society but really if the we were all introverts in our everyday lives', potentially nothing would improve.
So think about this. Tortillas vs Papusas
Tortillas represent our flat 'straight line' body. Papusas on the other hand are stuffed and stuffed ton the maximum. So how are we going to act on this trip.? Invested and changing the world for good.
So what are you?
Papusas or Tortillas.
...............................................................................................
So now for an update about the actual logistics.
Plane ride was successful and everything went as planned. We got to San Pedro Sula on time and had to go through customs... Oh customs. The line was an hour long and when we got to the desk no one knew what they were asking us because well... WE DON'T SPEAK SPANISH. Then after collecting our baggage and packing all 30+ suitcases into a little old folk community bus we were on our way. On our way to the one, the only..
POWER CHICKEN!!! Let me tell you, those Hondurans know where its at with the fast food industry.. Delicioso. After lunch we went to the hotel for some down time. We relaxed and relaxed and relaxed until we went to Gran Comision for service. Now they my friends know how to have a good time. Gran Comision is nothing less than the Spanish Northway. They had a Rob Burkey in a plaid button down, a Scott Stevens with his corny jokes and even a Jean Yanakos... Enough said. It was really neat because the were sending a bunch of people to La Lima (city in Honduras) to start another Gran Comision. That's pretty cool.
We left to go back to the hotel for dinner and planning. When we got back there was a wedding and needless to say Spanish salsa music was being blasted until 2 am.
Well tomorrow is a new day with new experiences so check back to see what we uncover next on channel 3 action news.. Oh come on I just HAD to spice it up...
Well for those of you who don't know it means "Excuse me... Sorry."
That phrase basically describes the whole American stereo type. We are so busy trying to live for ourselves that the needs of people get overlooked. Society is pressing the idea of a very 'one man for himself' kind of society but really if the we were all introverts in our everyday lives', potentially nothing would improve.
So think about this. Tortillas vs Papusas
Tortillas represent our flat 'straight line' body. Papusas on the other hand are stuffed and stuffed ton the maximum. So how are we going to act on this trip.? Invested and changing the world for good.
So what are you?
Papusas or Tortillas.
...............................................................................................
So now for an update about the actual logistics.
Plane ride was successful and everything went as planned. We got to San Pedro Sula on time and had to go through customs... Oh customs. The line was an hour long and when we got to the desk no one knew what they were asking us because well... WE DON'T SPEAK SPANISH. Then after collecting our baggage and packing all 30+ suitcases into a little old folk community bus we were on our way. On our way to the one, the only..
POWER CHICKEN!!! Let me tell you, those Hondurans know where its at with the fast food industry.. Delicioso. After lunch we went to the hotel for some down time. We relaxed and relaxed and relaxed until we went to Gran Comision for service. Now they my friends know how to have a good time. Gran Comision is nothing less than the Spanish Northway. They had a Rob Burkey in a plaid button down, a Scott Stevens with his corny jokes and even a Jean Yanakos... Enough said. It was really neat because the were sending a bunch of people to La Lima (city in Honduras) to start another Gran Comision. That's pretty cool.
We left to go back to the hotel for dinner and planning. When we got back there was a wedding and needless to say Spanish salsa music was being blasted until 2 am.
Well tomorrow is a new day with new experiences so check back to see what we uncover next on channel 3 action news.. Oh come on I just HAD to spice it up...
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