It's month two! We're on day #38 of life on the field. Long story short: life is good and I like Honduras a lot. Here are the answers to some the general questions I get:
Where are you in Honduras?
In Tegucigalpa, the capital. We're up in the mountains a little bit from the city center.
What's the weather like?
Well they said it would be much colder than Guatemala, but they lied. It's so nice here. Even though it's rainy season, we haven't gotten soggy yet. It's hotter down in the city, but at our altitude the air is crisp & the sun is perfect.
Where are you staying?
On ministry grounds in my tent, of course! I've talked to people that only used their tents 2 nights on the race, but tonight will be number 39 for me. I love it. My sleeping pad is so comfy & my tent is a little cave of happy.
The ministry where we're staying is called Zion's Gate, or Puerta de Sión en Español. Founded by a North American, Tony, and his Honduran wife, Nidia, this ministry is light and color in the dark city of Tegus. What goes on at Zion's Gate? It is essentially a pair of open arms to street kids. Tegus has several known slums & dumpster communities, namely Los Pinos & La Kennedy, where most of the boys come out of. Life looks starkly different there. Tony & Co. glorify Jesus by finding short and long-term solutions for guys that want to get out of the street life cycle.
What's your ministry for the month?
That's the fun part – it changes up every week! The first week of ministry, my team packed up & traveled to Talanga to work with Gracie & Lee at Heart of Christ Ministries. They're rebels for The Lord & I love it — more about them in another post.
This week, we're serving at a national hospital again but in a completely different capacity than last month. Each morning we eat our fruit loops, take 2 school busses into the city, and arrive at the massive, poor hospital. We use the best weapon we have, prayer, to fight with and for people at the hospital.
Praying for random people? The sick? Wait, they don't speak English, right? All yes. At first this sounded really uncomfortable to me, but quickly realized I love it. I thought people would think we were imposing, that we'd be unwelcome, and that we could pray the same way from home. Wrong, wrong, wrong. It's a crazy cool opportunity for The Lord to speak into others' lives through us. We've seen Him work this week – making more disciples, growing in us, and healing the sick. I've had some really touching experiences. I'm a big fan.
Every day after rice & beans for lunch at home, we catch a little break and then go to the yellow house. The yellow house is a piece of vacant property where the local youth typically used to go to smoke, drink and sniff paint thinner. (By the way, paint thinner is the drug of choice in Tegus slums; it's cheap, kills the brain & numbs the body) We go to where they are to hang, play soccer, make friends, etc. — the ministry of presence. The abandoned house is the neatest hang out… someone should use this place in a movie. There's nothing really sketchy going on there, it's just fun to see them in their element. I made a good pal, Nataly. She's 11 and brings me a caramel every day, so I like her. I teach her English phrases, we make friendship bracelets, and paint nails. Hondurans are fun.
How's your team?
Stinking awesome. We're getting along really well. We're faithful to the processes that are necessary for a healthy WR team: prayer, fun & feedback. Feedback is what we call the time each night when we talk about the positive things and "opportunities for growth" we saw in our teammates that day. We laugh a lot. We are patient & flexible. We laugh a little more. Group hugs & amens are our anthem. We love the 'zoo.
How's your Spanish?
I am so glad I have a degree in Spanish. It's so dang useful. I get to speak a lot of Spanish, read a lot of Spanish & listen to a lot of Spanish. It takes me back to my study abroad days in Spain. The relationships God has placed in my life here would be nearly lifeless if I couldn't speak the native tongue.
Ministry at the hospital is vibrant because I get to pray in the language and use my Spanish Bible to point people more toward Truth. I have come to believe that learning languages is the most valuable use of time and money there is.
Best part of the month?
The environment here at Zion's Gate. Hands down! Spirits are always up here. Since it's home to around a dozen former "street kids," there's always something going on. The boys are a stinking blast. Facility-wise, they go for simplicity. It's nothing fancy, but things are painted bright colors, and encouragement is everywhere. We are safe here. It's also fun having 7/8 of the Squad around.
How's the coffee?
Great question, I'm glad you asked. It's wonderful. No more instant coffee! Tony gets the greatest, fresh Honduran grinds. My little french press makes it taste even better. If you know me, you know this is an important factor in the equation of my month.
How can I be praying?
Me: For my listening & obedience. Actively hearing God & actively obeying what I hear.
Squad & Team: Health. It seems like new people are down & out for the count every day.
Ministry: For Tony & Nidia. Their boys are a handful. Lift them up that they would be seeking wisdom & patience from The Lord in regards to running Zion's Gate. This ministry has legs; the capacity to grow and run is definitely here given time.
Cheers to half a month in Hondo, street kids and coffee,
Darcie
