Beautiful blessings in life: a plush sofa with way too many pillows. After another month of ministry our squad has gathered together in Valle de Ángeles, Honduras for a few days of leadership training before we jump back into ministry in Nicaragua. Saturday the 28th was a day full of despedidos and “hasta luegos.” I don’t believe in goodbyes, and certainly not in Catacamas, Honduras.
As many of my squamates leave to explore this new town I’ve chosen to stay back. It’s never easy leaving a piece of your heart somewhere, especially when you’re not sure if or when you’ll return. Also, I’d be crazy not taking advantage of a completely empty and quiet room while I can! So, as I relax let me tell you just the beginning of my month three in Catacamas, Honduras.
Prior to arriving we were cautioned to “not do this,” or “not go there,” to “keep an eye out,” and, essentially, expect to meet danger around every corner. That might be a bit of an exaggeration, but when you travel to a place labeled as one of the most dangerous countries in the world, one would expect warnings and caution. Nevertheless, even with these concerns my heart fluttered with excitement for the first time in weeks. Thinking back, I believe it was the Holy Spirit convicting me of the adventure that was ahead.
From the moment we arrived to meeting our ministry contact, Pastor Nelson Estrada, I felt a sense of peace and assurance that this was going to be a good month. Pastor Nelson and his church, Centro Cristiano Encuentro (CCE), have a heart for missions and the people of Catacamas. CCE has begun many ministries: a water purification plant, Discovery Christian School (bilingual school from preschool to 6th grade), Encuentro (the Christian high school), El Comedor y Guardería (a feeding program and childcare for impoverished families), and also run their own TV and radio station where their services are broadcasted throughout the week.
Our Honduran family
Our ministry this month focused on teaching at Discovery Christian School (DCS). They requested we only speak English to ensure that the students would practice their skills. Our first day we were welcomed with warm smiles and numerous love notes from children we had only just met. Each one of the members of Dar Vida worked with a specific class; I chose Math and Biology. While I’m still questioning if teaching is something that lies ahead in my future, I learned to live out patience like never before. In turn, I was blessed with many “lightbulb moments” when addition, subtraction, greatest common factor and least common multiple finally made sense in the children’s minds. I also have to say, I got a nice pre-algebra review as well 🙂
My rambunctious and brilliant 6th graders
Saturday mornings we would spend at the Comedor y Guarderia to play with the children, have fellowship with the mothers and serve them lunch. We were blessed to spend all four Saturdays in March with them and see their joy and delight they have in life, regardless of their financial situations. On the very last Sunday the children and their families were invited over to the retreat center where we stayed at to swim.
It’s impossible to include every detail of the month but I hope this is a good start, especially with photos, to show you the home and family I found in Catacamas, Honduras.
Much love!
