8:40am. 27 bodies gathered in the crisp morning air coming off the mountains. Eyes closed- some open. David prays the armor of God over each of us. The belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.
8:45am. Out of the gate of our home, a 15 minute walk uphill. Dogs bark both greetings and warnings as we walk by. An occasional horse grazes on grass, tethered next to the dirt road. We get to the top and wait. To the left, a herd of sheep is heard and sometimes seen in the bushes. To the right stands the gate to Hogar Los Angeles, an orphanage for people around the ages of 15 and up who have various kinds of special needs.
A key unlocks and the gate opens. Two steps and we’re on the other side of the brick walls. Inside of those walls lies a hidden gem, a step not away from, but closer to reality and to the abounding character of God. A step away from reality would be a covering of the truth, hiding behind false niceties and never experiencing the fullness of life in Christ. Our six hour days at the home are the furthest thing from that.
Several years ago, the home lost the majority of its funding and thus slowly also its light. It fell into disrepair. Rumors spread; the place was haunted and to be avoided. However, through bold prayers of faith and generous hearts God provided all that they needed. Still some of the stigma remains, but every day we see and have a deep knowledge of the truth.
The residents of Hogar Los Angeles exemplify the character of our Father in a way that is real and tangible. They see the beauty in the everyday. The moment our feet are inside the property, we are greeted with pure joy. These people have known us only for a month, yet they love us with all that is within them. They care not what we’ve done or how much we know. They love because that is who they are. They want nothing more than to spend time with us.
Living, walking truth. Reality is not that our God is a distant, disengaged deity with no interest in our daily lives. Reality is that God created the human race in His image; He ingrained the need and desire for community and fellowship within us because that is His desire. To know and be known on a deeply personal level. He loves us because He is love. He cannot be anything other than loving towards us.
In 1st Peter 2, His word declares us a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His possession. The truth is our identity as people is not caught up in what we do, but rather found in who we are. And who we are is simply His. I’m learning this more and more through my time at the home. The residents live so fully in who they are. They don’t spend their time comparing themselves to others, wishing they had other personality traits or giftings. They know who they are and that is what enables them the freedom to love so completely.
Inside the walls of Hogar Los Angeles, we are given that same freedom. To love fully, and to live like we are loved wholly as people chosen by the One who never fails to pour more of Himself over us. The Lord does not do things half-heartedly. He does not give of Himself in pieces. He came so that we may have life, and have it in abundance. Two months of living in Honduras has shown me this. There is complete fullness in the presence of Christ, but there is always more to be discovered. This is the wonderful, divine paradox. Truth. The reality I never want to stop living in.
Thanks be to God for two months of sweet life here- in Valle de Angeles, Honduras and in His presence. My heart is full of joy.
