January 14-February 10 were some of the most rewarding times of my life. I spent 4 weeks at an orphanage in Honduras called Hogar Esperanza. Although I could never bore you with the summary of my entire time there, I wanted to jot down some of my reflections from the trip.
Ever since my first missions trip in 1998, I've had the "missions itch." I went on a domestic trip with my youth choir to host concerts and backyard Bible clubs in a small town outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Something within in me connected during that experience and I have loved missions ever since. Since then, I have gone on 7 domestic trips and 6 overseas trips. Most of these were very short-term, usually lasting only a week or so at a time. I haven't taken a more extended trip since 2005 when I spent 6 weeks in China. (That trip deserves its own blog sometime.) So, needless to say, this trip to Honduras was one that would be different than most of my previous experiences.
However, it would be similar in some ways as well. One of my passions is for Latin American countries. I LOVE Spanish language and culture. 4 of the 6 overseas trips I've taken have been to Latin American countries. (One day, I would love to see that number increase!) So, although Honduras was a new country to me, it is similar in language and some cultural aspects. Also, it gave me an opportunity to continue to develop these language skills and further my exposure to the people and culture of Latin America.
Well, needless to say, I didn't realize how much it would rock my world. I spent my 4 weeks hanging out with the 15 kids at Hogar Esperanza and taking Spanish classes at a school in town. Getting to know the kids and spending time with them made every effort of this trip worthwhile. All of them come from various difficult life circumstances that left them without family support. It's amazing to see where God has brought them through now and how he has used Hogar Esperanza to truly change their lives. (If you'd like to read the story of 4 of the kids click here: http://www.cogwm.org/index2.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2833&pop=1&page=0&Itemid=60) These kids are truly amazing.
One of the other main aspects of my trips was leading a couple of "Girl Talk" small group sessions with the teenage girls from the orphanage and the local church. The first one I conducted was on abstinence and healthy relationships and the second one was about body image. There were about 10 girls there, and thanks to the director of the orphanage, Angie, I was able to have the sessions translated into Spanish. At the end of our second session, the girls stopped to thank me for taking time to share with them. They were grateful for the opportunity to talk about topics that were relevant to them and their stage in life. And to be honest, I was probably more grateful for the opportunity to be able to share with them!
In all, I walked away feeling like my time had only just scratched the surface. There were still many relationships to be built and nurtured. There were still lots of topics to be discussed amongst the teenage girls. There was tons of time that could be spent with the kids, holding their hands or just playing games. However, it was time to come back to "reality" and make my return trip home to Wheaton, IL.
I never imagined leaving would be so hard. I was talking with a friend who just returned from a year deployment in Iraq with the National Guard. He described his feelings of returning home as "bittersweet." He said he and many of the other soldiers didn't feel like the mission was complete. There was still more work to be done, yet their circumstances demanded that they return home. On a MUCH, MUCH smaller level I can resonate with that feeling. The mission is still very much incomplete and there is still much work to be done in Honduras and at Hogar Esperanza. I can only hope and pray that there is more in store for me there.
I don't know what God may have for me and my connection at Hogar Esperanza. Right now, I am praying that I will continue to adapt to my life back here in the States while also cherishing my time in Honduras. On the last day of my trip I was reading the familiar passage in John 15 about the vine and the branches. Yet this time, one of the verses stood out to me like never before: "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you." John 15: 16 The concept of "fruit that will last" struck me. Although my time in Honduras was short-lived, God was able to do something lasting with it. He not only has equipped me to bear fruit, but fruit that does not wither away and die within a month's time. It's lasting fruit. And in that I can take comfort.
So, now what? Well, I am looking at planning a return trip in July for a week. There are lots of projects that can be done at the orphanage, so there is always a need for extra hands. I would like to bring down a group of people to join me in my efforts. If you are interested in participating, just let me know. You can come fall in love with a bunch of kids and eat a lot of beans and tortillas. Have I sold you on it yet? :)
In the meantime, it's readjusting to the midwest and American culture (and the freezing cold weather). Also, it's maintaining connections with Spanish and creating opportunities to be exposed to Latin culture here in the US. So, hopefully, the next time you all see me, I'll be speaking a little bit more Español! Until then I will keep you posted. Nos vemos!
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