Our last work day in Honduras began with one less person. Lisa had to return a day early and left before most of us were awake today. However, a great devotional in the courtyard helped to send us on our way. Sandi, led our devotional today by reading Linda Ellis´"The Dash". The whole message was about how do we really live our lives. What do we do with the time we have, the years we are given, and the life that lays before us? As we finish up our work, the challenge was to think about how we want to live and how we take our experience to our lives back in Atlanta.
After our regular breakfast, all three teams made their way out to El Pino. Today, the Medical Team worked in the El Pino Clinic for most of the morning. This clinic has been built and began by the work of teams past. However, the nurses here have worked very hard to upgrade and make it as nice as possible. Our team didn´t have to set anything up and really worked on doing check ups and minor prescriptions for the villagers in El Pino. Shirley I worked in the pharmacy, Pam assisted with patients, and Richard and Cooper saw patients and did check ups. Toward the end of the morning, the team made their way to the school in Nueve de Julio and distributed worm/parasite medicine to all the students in the morning classes. In the afternoon, the Medical team traveled to another clinic in a neighboring village to deliver some medicine and see how it was coming along.
The Education team arrived at the school in the morning ready to teach about "The Parble of the Mustard Seed". Being the last day we would be there, the students came ready to show their love for us. The morning went great and the students seemed to appreciate all that we had done and given them over the week. After lunch, we returned for the afternoon classes. Since the Medical Team was "out in the fields", the recreation team was asked to help dispense the chalk tasting, worm/parasite medicine to all the students during their recreation time. While Kelly and Harvey worked to complete that task and turn Sports n Rec to Sports n Meds, Larry played games with the students. During this time, Jon continued to entrance the students with his hand animals. Beth, Mary, and Tom taught their classes fantastically and helped the students learn about the importance of having faith and the idea that great things come from even the littlest of things. Before our team left, the principal of the school gathered all the students around and presented our church with a wonderful plaque of appreciation for all the work and dedication we have given to their school. They even made bar-b-que chicken sandwiches for us as a thank you. Many hugs later, it was time to say good-bye.
The Construction team began the day working hard to complete as much of the wall as possible. They continued to mix the concrete, fill the forms closer to the entrance, and lay the brick on the last parts of the wall. It is truly amazing how much this team, with the help of the Hondurans, completed in just four days. In the hot sun, Sandi, Terry, Noey, Chuck and Randy were able to do work and assist in building security and protection for the children of Nueve de Julio. Throughout the day, this team even helped in classes while they were on their breaks. It really does take all the people to make it happen. Barry and David completed all their tasks at the edcuation area in El Pino and came, after lunch with their helper, to work on the wall as well.
During the day, several other things occurred. Noey, Beth, and Byron went with one of the teachers to see another school in the area that we might potentially assist in the coming years. They evaluated the need and are working on a plan for how we help expand our education ministry in the future. Shirley H. and Larry prepared a magnificant lunch for the entire team...a Honduran feast. Truly a great last lunch for all of us. In addition, Mary and Harvey worked with our scholarship recipent, Elder, on setting up his email account and getting updated information for his scholarship. Mary, Byron, and Noey worked with Carlos on his scholarship application to decide the best way to assist him as he begins school as well.
As the afternoon came to a close, our team and several of the workers gathered for communion in El Pino. Our trip began several weeks ago with a Commissioning Service and today it began to come to a close with Communion. Beth led us in a short service, blessing the elements of tortillas and wine/juice. She reminded us that through this action we are all one regardless of where we are in the world. Beth, Jon and Chuck sang a beautiful song following the partaking of the elements. Since we did this with our Honduran friends, this for me, was on of my most blessed moments of this trip.
Tonight brought our final closing banquet here in La Ceiba. We asked all those who helped us throughout this week to come and be a part of the feast. There were a little over 50 people in that room eating a delicous meal and fellowshiping for the last time this year. This was also a time for a representative from each of the three teams to express our thanks to our helpers/workers. And in addition, several others shared gratitude for all that has occurred this week. After several photos with new and old friends and lots of hugs, it was time to say our final good-byes to our friends here.
As I reflect on the time here in Honduras, I am reminded of my first thoughts when I arrived...I am happy. Honored and truly happy. To see how much good can be done when we look outside ourselves, put ourselves out there, and trust in the Lord....well, it´s amazing. To be a part of this team, at this time, in this place is an honor. While I can´t speak for everyone, I think it´s safe to say that to all those who helped make our work possible, thank you! Thank you for believing in us to spread the love of God and be great stewards of the resources you gave us. Thank you for helping us have an unforgettable time, forming unforgettable relationships, and allowing us the time to be here. Thank you for listening to God´s call to support and love those here in Honduras through each one of us on the team. We return tomorrow with lighter luggage but with hearts filled and blessed.
Till next time, trusting in the Lord and living without fear......
