After my crazy travel days my flight finally arrived in Honduras. I could recognise places I had been in Tegecugalpa from the plane 🙂 So many happy memories came to me as I was landing. I just wanted to hurry up and get by immigration so I could see the boys! I collected my bag, which weighed a ton and pulled it behind me towards the arrival doors 🙂 As I walked out I could not see any of them but I heard a whistle as I walked through the crowds of people waiting for arrivals and I just knew it was one of the boys 🙂 Sure enough Luis appeared with his huge smile followed by hugs and kisses- as I hugged Luis I could see Carlos running up waiting behind him. I then grabbed Carlos and gave him a huge hug. It was so good to finally have him in my arms! I was then followed by welcomes from Ariel, Henry, Ameilia and Tony. It was amazing to be reunited with them.
We arrived at Zions Gate and Tony shouted "Welcome home". I smiled and felt content because this place really does feel like home.
So many changes have happened within the year not only new murals, painted rocks, bunny rabbits and kittens but mostly in the boys! They have all grown up so much and I see a huge difference 🙂 Zions Gate is growing and going places- God is moving! His love shines in this place!
Here is a wee bit about the boys….
Carlos-
Carlos is doing great. He has grown up so much and looks more mature. He is still crazy and loves to play jokes on you. His favourite on me is reaching in for a big hug then tickling me to death – I fall for it every time.
I don't see Carlos as much as I used to because he is always out and about with friends. He has friends always coming by looking for him and loves going to his youth church service. Its great to see him enjoying life with good friends. He is one popular kid!
Fernando-
Fernando too has grown up so much from last year. He loves to ride his bike and is constantly fixing it up in some way. Fernando goes to school on Saturday and the rest of the week he helps Renaldo with the building of the girls house. He works very very hard every day plastering and laying down the floor. Its great to see him hard at work at the same time he is still the same Fernando that loves to cuddle up on the couch with Tony watching a film.
Ariel-
Ariel is so much taller and built from last year. He is still got his gentle spirit and is full of so much kindness. His english has gotten even better and he talks away if he is in the right mood for it – if you get on the subject of football then he wont stop talking! He is a great guy who is always thinking of others.
Ronnie-
Ronnie no longer stays at Zion's gate but he is working on the property every day during the week. It is amazing to see as last year he didn't want to do anything and had no motivation but now he is up early and is working on building the girls home. He does hard construction work everyday and is earning money. Tony said he has even came up with a plan to save some money every month which shows he is being sensible. I am sad that he is not living with us but happy to see his huge smile every day and happy that he is taking responsibility in earning for himself.
Christopher-
Christopher is a great guy who is very kind and caring. He has a serving heart and is always doing nice things for others. He will randomly go and make you a cup of coffee just because he wants to. Me and christopher struggle with the language barrier but we have found different ways around it and we are getting along great despite the language. We are even helping each other with spanish and english :p
Luis-
Luis is a great guy who is in love with life. Tony told me that Luis had said he will think about his life and start to cry, people will think there is something wrong but Luis will say he is crying because he is so thankful and happy with his life. He is thankful to God for changing it and giving him a great home and family. Luis is very sweet and always full of encouragement and laughter. Sit with him for more than a few minutes and he will have you laughing about something.
Marcus-
Marcus is 1 of the newer boys. He is 14 years old and is a friendly and welcoming kid. He has few words because of the language barrier but he always has a smile and hug to give. Tony struggles with him trying to do his chores and homework, so please pray for Marcus that he will be more motivated to do more in the house and for school.
Anderson –
Anderson is 1 of the newer boys also. He is the youngest boy at 7 years old. He is probably 1 of the cutest kids I have ever met. He has eyelashes that go on for miles and the cheekiest grin. He will always run up to you and say " bonbon, bonbon" which is a sweety from the shop that he loves – it costs like 1 limpera which is worth penny's, with a cute face like his then who can resist? He loves to play games on the computer and riding his bike.
Henry-
Henry used to live at zions gate and then went back to the streets. I actually met him last year when I was at the football pitch- he spoke to me about how his life was fine with no problems because he had money and " that's all he needs to be happy."
Coming back to see him this year as a completely changed man is amazing. Me and Henry have become great friends and hangout every day because he only goes to school once a week. Last Saturday he took me to the market in the city where his mum sells platanoes. It was a great day of hanging out with his mum and sisters. I really enjoyed it and hope to go again soon.
Herman –
Herman is not here this year which is heart breaking. He left last year and has still never came back. He is back in Los Pinos and addicted to drugs. He is rebelling and turned his back on God. I have not seen him yet but I am praying that God will meet him in a new way and that he will come running back wanting to change just like Henry did!
Please partner with me in prayer for Herman. Its so sad to not have him around. I miss him a lot and hope it will not be long before we meet again!
He called last night and wanted to speak to me. It was great to hear his voice. I just wish he was clean and living for God! All we can do is pray and believe!
Sandra-
Sandra is living in the house until the girls home is ready. She is a sweet girl with a serving heart. If you are cooking or cleaning she will come up and start helping along side you. Sandra speaks no english but she always has hugs and kisses for you.
Amalia-
Amalia is Ronnie and Ariels sister. She also has that same kind spirit and is full of so much joy and happiness. She is always giving smiles and hugs every time you are around her. She too will be moving into the girls home when it is ready.
Great things are happening…
The girls home is hopefully going to be finished very soon. 4 teams will be arriving for ministry in 1 weeks time so things are about to get a bit busier and more crowded very soon! The boys are all at school and the girls who are coming to live here will all be at school as well. Please pray for them all in their education that they will be able to stick in and do well. Also that they will get along with 1 another in unity and have respect for Tony and Nidia.
Thats all for now. At the moment I don't have internet except when I get to a cafe, so updates are not as frequent as I would like.
But I just wanted to give you all a wee update of the boys:)
Please pray for Zions Gate that all needs will be met. Pray for the boys and girls here that their lives will change forever and that they will have a real relationship with Jesus.
Also pray that all my needs financially will be met. Pray for my protection and health. Pray for Tony amd Nidia that God will guide them in everything they do and that their decisions for Zions gate will be Spirit led.
If you would like to donate to me then please email me at [email protected], do not send any funds to this world race account as I am no longer on the world race but I can still use this blog. Any funds that go to my WR will not go to me. So if you are interested then email me.
Thanks you and God bless,
Love Dani xxx
