Top 10 things about community
1) 5 people, headphones in, singing 5 different songs out loud at once
2) Early birds vs. the sleepy heads, later nighters vs. early to bed
3) 2 people brushing their teeth, 1 in the shower, 1 going to the bathroom, 1 doing makeup, 1 drying hair, and 1 changing all in one bathroom.
4) Good conversation and laughter with a bunch of your friends over every meal
5) 10 people, one room, all doing different things
6) Never alone unless you have headphones in…that’s about as close to “alone” as you get
7) Saying hi to squadmates’ family and friends via skype
8) Everyone farts in front of everyone and if you say you don’t, yours are just always silent
9) You know your squadmates entire wardrobe
10) You know what all your squadmates do in their sleep….Snore, Fart, Nightmares, Talk…..
Month 3 Honduras this was my "community"
Top 10 Cultural differences in Central America
1) They speak Spanish
2) Toilet paper never gets flushed, always goes in a trash can
3) Corn tortillas (every meal), beans and rice, eggs, and plantains are common meal choices
4) Mountain dew is impossible to get in Guatemala and EXTREMELY rare in El Salvador and Honduras
5) You are instantly a part of their family and always greeted with a hug and a kiss on the cheek
6) Tons of round-a-bouts, parasites, and ants
7) Standing in the bed of a truck or riding in a big yellow school bus is common public transportation and if you’re 1 inch away from everyone around you 10 more people could probably fit
8) Showers are cold
9) Dish soap is a solid in a plastic tub
10) Hand washing clothes and hanging them out on the line to dry
Top 10 favorite foods
1) Pupusas (ES)
2) Tostitos with ground beef, green beans, carrots, and potatoes on top (G)
3) Mangos (CA)
4) Bean and veggie soup (H)
5) Tortillas filled w/ rice, beans, cheese, tomatoes, avocados, and plantains then grilled (H)
6) Chocolate filled croissants (R)
7) Beef Stroganoff (R)
8) Veal Soup (R)
9) Beef and veggies over rice with a really good sauce (ES)
10) Refried red beans (ES)
Top 10 Impactful People
(So many more have impacted my life on the race but for the sake of my readers I've narrowed it down to 10)
1) Dani aka “Dona” ~ She is an amazing bold woman of God. She isn’t afraid to tell me how it is. She has a past similar to mine so she is able to relate to a lot of things I’ve gone through. Her passion in both Guatemala and Honduras is equal to mine and I’m excited to move to Honduras with her next year! She has been an incredible support to me, a listening ear, tons of fun, and a great laugh!
2) Jill aka “Jilly Fish” ~ A complete sweetheart! She is sincere, honest and caring. She has been my shoulder to cry on several times and has held my hand through some extremely tough moments. Never judging, always loving. She is my confidant, my encourager, and my prayer warrior.
3) Kevin ~ He is a man full of passion and a heart truly after God! His heart for ministry is amazing. He has encouraged me, spoke truth into me, reminded me that what I’m doing is worth it, and he has continued to pray for me. His love and joy is contagious!
4) Pastor Roni ~ His heart for the orphans is indescribable! God’s love pours through him and into others. God works and speaks through him. I have never met a man with such great faith! He truly walks boldly in faith in every aspect of his life. I love his jokes!!
(Far right)
5) Benjamin ~ A man full of love and compassion! He loves whole heartily and blesses those around him. He speaks life and encourages. His every action is Jesus filled. He brings joy to everyone he comes in contact with.
6) Andres ~ Little baby Andres, only 2 months old. So incredibly precious! He’s the first I gave a piece of my heart to in Guatemala. Even though he will never remember me, I know I was there to be Jesus’ arms…to love him, hold him and comfort him.
7) Hector and his family ~ Watching this man come from where he was and start the journey to where he is going has been amazing! It was a joy getting to know him and his beautiful family. I’m so excited to see God continue to work in his life. God’s grace and redemption is a beautiful thing!
Tony and his amazing wife Nidia
8) Tony ~ A man full of compassion and grace! He holds his arms wide open for the boys and girls who the world says will fail. He gives them an opportunity, he believes in them, and gives them hope. He loves them whole heartily as if they were his own.
9) Cassie ~ An amazing woman who has left everything behind for the sake of following Gods calling. She left life as she knows in America to move to Honduras to be the mother of Luis (one of the boys from Los Pinos). In the process she has also gained a daughter. Her love for these children and her faith in God to just up and go is a huge encouragement. I was pondering the idea of moving to Honduras after the race and after meeting her it confirmed it is possible and completely worth it!
10) The boys and girls of Zion’s Gate ~ These boys and girls have done and seen more than anyone should have to in a lifetime. God’s grace and redemption is active in their lives. They have decided to walk away from life as they know it and better themselves, get into school, and give their life to Christ. Thanks to Tony, they are able to come live on the property and are giving an opptunity to succeed. I’m so excited to watch them continue to grow into awesome men and woman of God!! They are my brother and my sisters and I love them like crazy!! SEE YOU NEXT MARCH!!!
