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.

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.