Standing in line at the Miami airport I was a ball of nerves. I was really nervous about coming to Central America. One might ask why if I’m Hispanic? Well, although I’m Hispanic, I’m from Puerto Rico, a little Caribbean island that is a commonwealth of the United States. Culturally, Puerto Ricans, are very different. I didn’t expect to like the food especially since I HATE beans. I was nervous that my Spanish wasn’t going to be good enough when translating for others, nervous about the dangers of being in Central America, and lastly nervous that my heart wouldn’t be a 100% in ministry since we are so close to the end.
Well, let me say I was nervous for no reason.
Turns out I actually fell in love with Honduras. Culturally, our differences are minor and it doesn’t matter where you’re from in Latin America we have the same core values. My Spanish is pretty darn good and I haven’t forgotten it in 9 months. I stay hate beans but I absolutely loved ministry this month.
This month the entire squad got to serve at Puerta de Sion or in English Zion’s Gate ministries. Unlike my squad I didn’t really spend much time at Zion’s Gate. I spent most of my team at a very special ministry called Corazon de Cristo (Heart of Christ). My team was the first team to serve there and let’s just say I never left (I was at Zion’s Gate on the weekends).
Heart of Christ is such a beautiful, amazing, inspiring ministry. Gracie, the lady who is in charge, has a heart for women, children, and disabled people who have been abused, beaten, and abandoned. At Heart of Christ, she has girls who have gotten pregnant by rape or incest, she has three cerebral palsy girls, and three little toddlers who have been abandoned by their moms. Along with the children’s home Gracie works alongside with the police to seek justice and rescue women, children, and disabled people from abuse. She risks her life to help others because she KNOWS that God sent her to help those who cannot help themselves. It was an absolute honor serving with Gracie this month.
My next blog will tell you more about my experience at heart of Christ.
