Well we’ve arrived and gotten all settled into our new host house in Honduras. We are staying with a ministry called Hope at Hand. This ministry’s mission is to give hope to the community here Valle De Angeles. Their current outreach is at local school, but because their school year is almost over we are helping at one of their partner ministries called Fundacion Hogar Los Angeles. This is an organization that helps house and rehabilitate adults with autism and disabilities. Our team,Ahavah, was placed in a house with 5 guys named Ivan, Sammy, Juan, Fanklin, Ines. Their care takers which they call them “tias”–meaning aunt– were named Ingrid and Pita. They did not speak English so communicating with them on what we should do to help was a bit difficult.
The first day at the house I had a hard time connecting with this ministry. I felt uncomfortable and unable to relate and connect with these guys that had disabilities. I didn’t understand why God would create someone with these conditions. Their quality of life was so horrible and made me so sad. I found this to be really draining on me. I didn’t know how to serve them or how to love on them. I needed to spend some time in prayer about this and ask god to soften my heart.
The next day, we went back and I had a total change of heart about these guys. God calls us to love on the poor, windows and the broken hearted. He showed me despite my hardened heart that I don’t get to pick and choose who we are called to love. Instead we are called to love everyone. That is what Jesus would do. That same day, I was excited to interact and put a smile of these guy’s faces. I gave them hugs, because I love people best through physical touch. I got to sing and dance with them. They didn’t speak English, but with the help of google translate (THANK GOD!), and lots of smiles, I think we were able to brighten their day. These people, just wanted to be in community and be loved on. They are just like you and me, wanting human connection.
This is what God is teaching me this first week here in Honduras. So… This is my encouragement to you back home: I am sure you have people in your life that are not easy to love. Maybe you don’t understand them, or don’t like their behavior, or how they carry themselves, or maybe you guys disagree about something. However, I would encourage you to love them anyway. I know your probably thinking…. BUT Becca if only you knew MY situation… Even if I did know, I would still encourage you that Jesus still loves them, and he calls you to love them too. If you still find it difficult, Pray and ask Jesus to help you learn to love them anyway. From this first week, I’ve learned that everyone is deserving of love NO MATTER WHAT. After all, at the end of the day all we want is human connection and to be loved on.
I love you all and hope you are doing well back home!
I miss you.
-B
