Buenas Tardes!
I am currently in the mall with 20 minutes to write a blog, welcome to the world race.
We are currently staying with Zion Gate Ministries. An American named Toni and his Honduran wife run the ministry and we are truly being spoiled. Here are the basics:
- We have toilets but the paper is always thrown in the trash can otherwise you get to go fishing.
- The bathroom is coed therefore it is best to talk on the toilets and in the showers to decrease the awkwardness.
- We are given 3 wonderful American meals a day.
- We are all sleeping in one large room in our tents.
- Everyday we have the opportunity to go running.
Zion Gate Ministries focuses on pulling adolescents out of the streets. There are currently 5 boys living on the property. Boys whose previous life consisted of digging out of trash dumps, addictions to paint thinner and no stable family in their life. These boys are working to radically change their life for the better. They shower us with love, teach us English and are our constant tour guides.
What else do we do??
Toni has done a wonderful job of setting it up so we are able to work with multiple ministries.
- Monday-Wendesday: Work on the propery which Toni and his family obtained a year ago. It used to be the dirtiest dance club in Honduras therefore there is lots of work to be done. My team is currently sanding/painting the families house.
- Thursday: We visit IHNFA, a government facility for girls who are considered violent or whose lives are threatened. I had the opportunity to share my story with these girls and their stories are rough. From rape to addictions, these girls have been through it all. Our goal: to love them and show them their beauty. We do anything from painting their nails to beading their hair. It is truly amazing to see the smiles this simple act creates!
- Friday: We "take it to the streets." We literally go to the busiest intersection and go crazy for Jesus. We hold signs that say "Honk if you love Jesus" and "Jesus Loves you." The response is amazing and the response BLEW MY MIND! Cars were honking, people were waving and smiling. I couldn't help but wonder what the response would be in America…..I think there would be more staring than honking.
- Saturday: We go to a colony where others dare not go. We do what the people love best, futball (soccer). We go to the fields and do various activities, loving them and spreading the word of Jesus. I truly believe God calls us to go to them instead of just waiting in the church doors for them to come to us.
- Sunday: Day of Rest.
Here is a general idea of what G-Squad is doing in Honduras. I am loving the culture and it is truly obvious that God is showin up and showin out. Every single person on our team has a story of hurt and a broken past but we were all brought together to love these people and the results are breathtaking! I apologize I have no pictures, the internet here is extremely slow therefore you will have to have patience with me.
I love you all so much! Pray for this country. Pray for our team. Pray for your girl. Y'all are close to my heart!
Hay Esperanza En Cristo (there is hope in Christ),
Ellie
