We are here at Zion’s Gate Ministry in the Capital city of Honduras; Tegucigalpa. There are 45 people staying at the ministry living and working together. The ministry was started by an American man named Tony who has taken in about 9 boys off of the streets (sometimes they run away). He is the loving father figure that many of them never had; he creates a safe environment, provides structure, and gives the boys an opportunity to have an education. There are boys that are high school age that are studying at the 1st grade level. The important thing is that they are actually trying to learn instead of living the life of a street boy. I have been so blessed by the loving environment that Tony and his wife provides for the boys, it is very clear that the boys love and appreciate Tony. We have had an opportunity to hear some of their stories and learn about where they came from. Tony continues to share the love of Christ with them and they have blossomed in their faith and have prayed with us during our group time. 
There are practical differences of life in Honduras compared to the States. I have to be mindful of what water I drink and what I use to brush my teeth. I am also getting used to cold showers and trying to remember to not flush the toilet paper down the toilet. I am learning so much as well, I learned how to make coffee the Honduran way and have tried new foods. We have been very blessed by eating some delicious Honduran meals. Another thing I am continually working on is to be thankful in every situation. I may not have all the comforts I am used to when I am home but I am continually reminded of how much I
have to be thankful for and how much God has blessed my life. I love being all together as a squad, we have spent a lot of time getting to know one another and understanding our lives and what led up to our decision to come on the World Race. It is very freeing to talk in a safe community without fear of judgment. Living life free of internet, TV, my cell phone, and my normal comforts is surprisingly not as difficult as I originally thought it would be. I have an amazing community supporting me and the love that we share as a group is far more satisfying than any of those things. Learning to be happy no matter what the situation is a priceless lesson.
My first week of ministry consisted of my team and I working together to build a Tilapia farm. We were about 7,400 feet up in the mountains gathering rocks made of granite to make a dam. It was very difficult and physically exhausting work. I have never done anything like what we did and at first I was discouraged because I am not strong enough to lift many of the rocks we were moving but we worked together as a team and developed a good system to be more efficient. I was very proud of us at the end of the third day when I saw all that we accomplished. This Tilapia farm will hold about 10,000 fish that will be used to feed orphans and be sold to help the poor. This is an awesome ministry that will help people for years to come.
(Photo courtesy of Lisa Rodas)
Thank you everyone for your love and support!
Be blessed 🙂
