Raising Daughters Of The King

MissionsOctober 2013

Honduras

I’ve been back a few weeks now and would love to share some of my experiences in beautiful Honduras. In a nutshell: two teams, two successful wells, over 500 children and women heard (and tangibly experienced) that Jesus loves them and has not forgotten them, new family members were met and bonds formed, homecomforts are more appreciated, new cultural awareness gained and loved!

I have shared with some of you my many attempts these past two years, to find my next path during this empty nest period. I updated my teaching certificate sand applied for several positions, took a law class, tried tutoring, mentoring,etc. I have volunteered my time in several different locations and organizations. I went to a handful of missions’ interest meetings to various locations, but they did not work out until this Honduras trip. The dates of the trip were just about the only week this summer that I could possibly attend. The opportunity to go back to the south thrilled my heart. What an opportunity &msadh; to be part of a team that could help bring water to a thirsty people.

Once we arrived in the beautiful land of Honduras, I felt like I was back at home in Paraguay. It brought back some of the sweetest memories and created priceless n ew ones. It did wonders to make me thankful for some of the comforts of home that were not readily available there. And, it reminded me that some of those comforts at home have come with a price that is not cheap, as we (as a nation) have become a bit more high-maintenance in our desires for comfort and a little less thankful for our basic needs being met. It was precious to see the simple lives and open hearts of the people we visited. The village we were blessed to get to know had been without water for 8 days, so were having to walk two miles to get drinking water. Their gratitude for the answer to that simple, basic need helped put life back into perspective. Our 1st–world problems pale in comparison. The staff that tirelessly worked to keep us safe and comfortable was hospitable and as loving as family. And to think that they host teams on a continual basis with such grace and joy, is beyond inspiring.

One of the American teams we joined was there to honor the life of a dear sonmthat had found joy in bringing water to others, and now their families have dedicated two wells in the names of two young men that were allowed to find Heaven younger than most. What a legacy that Jon and Jeff have left in this world! What an example to all of us of a family willing to put aside their personal grief to reach out to others! It seems like a picture of God’s love: living waters brought from a beloved son’s death.

There are others who came because they were raised on the mission field where selfless love of others was a way of life — where swimming with baby crocodiles in the Congo River and living with the locals was simply a normal life as a kid. One teammate had lived in Bolivia as a teen at the same time I was living innear by Paraguay — a sister was found! All were inspiring, some in their 70’s; some in their teens; and the rest of us in between. Their stories and personalities added so much to teamwork. The singers, the leaders, the quiet servers… deep wells of personal experience with Jesus for those willing to draw them out. All facing a different culture and serving this beautiful people, while dealing with various challenges and attempting to share the love of Christ through basic needs met. Quite an honor to be with this group of givers — mother & daughter, husband & wife, friends as well as individuals! I was so inspired by the grandfather who came on the trip with his grandson! What a bonding memory that will last long into the future! May I follow in those footsteps and give to others alongside my grandchildren and model for them that giving and touching lives has no age limit.

My blessings: too numerous to count. One of which is the opportunity to get out of self and give to others, and in giving, receive as well. One of my joys in life has always been to work with children and tell them stories that will cause them to fall in love with the God that has loved me and changed my life and saved my soul. I can’t explain how my heart soars when I get to tell children about a God that loves them (in Spanish, the language of my heart). And as if those incredible moments are not enough, the joy on the faces splashed with clean water reminds me again how Jesus left His rich home of Heaven to come to us to give us Living Water, freely offered to all who will receive.

I’m sure you’ve guessed it by now, I hope to return with a team from our church next October, Lord willing. And, may God bless you as you find ways to give to others that makes your heart soar.