I wish I could describe exactly what month 10 of the race was like and all the beautiful memories I have from my time in Honduras, but there are some things that I can’t always put into words the way they have deeply set in into my heart. Honduras was one of the most special months of the race for me.
We spent our month living on a beautiful farm in a small village town called Seguatapeque, Honduras. We stayed with an American family from Texas (the Colbath family) who moved to Honduras 10 years ago. They have four biological kids and eight Honduras kids whom they have taken into their family and loved as their own. We lived on their farm called Hope Farm Honduras.
We got the opportunity to do a lot of different things – we taught P.E. and English at the local public school, helped with after school tutoring, did work on the farm (including cutting down trees with machetes), helped with after school sports programs (including soccer, baseball, and self-defense class), and we got the opportunity to lead youth group for the local missionary kids. Our month was busy, but it was so much fun!
We had a lot to do every day, but the most special and memorable moments for me were simply just playing with the kids during my down time. We would play soccer, card games, and swing on my hammock. I loved spending time with them.
This month was so special because of the people. We became really close with the Colbath family and got to spend a lot of time with them. It helped that they all spoke English, so we were able to communicate with them and really get to know them. Each person in their family is so unique and I saw Jesus in each one of them. They are all so special to me, so I want to share a little bit about each of them:
Bubby (5 years old). I had so much fun with this little cutie! He is so full of joy, love, and determination. He is always smiling and giggling at something. His smile is adorable and I just couldn’t help but smile every time I saw him. When he’s determined to do something, nothing can stop him!
Misa (7 years old). Misa is an awesome soccer player and I had a lot of fun playing with him! He is so passionate, joyful, and carries a strong faith. I loved watching how he did everything with such passion and joy. I remember when I was showing him a picture of me standing by a huge cross, he looked at me with bright, passionate eyes and said “Did you see God up there?” I love how much faith he has!
Cindy (9 years old). I connected so well with this girl! She reminds me a lot of myself when I was her age. She loves to do girly things like paint her nails, but she also loves to do adventurous things and play outside in the mud! She is beautiful, caring, and joyful. My last night I was with her, she looked at me and said “I wish you could stay here and be my sister.” I held back tears and said “Me too.” I will never forget that moment.
Carlitos (13 years old). This boy is so curious, joyful, and kind. He always wanted to know what we were doing every time he saw us. His kindness and joy was infectious. He was always happy to see us no matter how many times we had already seen him that day.
Daniela (13 years old). This girl is so special, beautiful, and pure. She was always so sweet to us and always loved spending time with us. She is a leader to the younger kids and she was always ready and willing to play games with them.
Tim (14 years old). Tim is a hard worker, diligent, and passionate in everything he does. He will probably be the president of Honduras one day. He’s really good with a machete and an ax. He’s a little bit shy (as you can tell by his resistance to take a picture), but once he opens up, he’s a pretty funny and awesome person.
Arnold (15 years old). This boy became like a little brother to me. He is a REALLY good soccer player and he excels at everything he does. He is strong, friendly, and he’s a natural leader. We laughed so much about so many random things this month. He’s has so much potential and I can’t wait to see what he does in his future.
Eli (16 years old). Oh Eli… This boy is a hoot! He is super friendly, persistent, and a really hard worker. He made us laugh so much this past month. He loves to be the center of attention and make people laugh. He is persistent in everything he does and works so hard at everything he puts his mind to.
Rey (16 years old). Rey is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. He is a selfless servant, compassionate and gentle. I watched him put others before himself so many times. It was so admirable and inspiring to me. He will do such great things in his future!
Faith (19 years old). Faith and I became good friends while I was there. We taught P.E. class together every day and she translated for me when the kids couldn’t understand my Spanish lol. Faith has a calm and patient spirit about her. Even if the kids were going crazy around us, she always remained calm. She is humble, peaceful, and a true servant leader. She’s also really got the touch when it comes to dealing with all her brothers.
John (20 years old). John is a servant, a leader, and he lives in so much freedom. He is definitely a goof ball and doesn’t care what people think. It’s obvious that he lives in freedom by the way he carries himself and it’s obvious he is a strong spiritual leader the way he leads others.
Paula and Mark. These two have become people that I respect, admire, and love so much. They pour out Jesus every single day. Their generosity, kindness, and selflessness is just so obvious in the way they live and treat others. They are a true example of living out their faith.
When the time came to say goodbye, I wished I could stop it from happening and swallowed back tears. I hate goodbyes. My heart felt heavy. But in the midst of the heaviness, The Lord reminded me of something he revealed to me through my little sister before the race – loving deeply also hurts deeply at times.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned and one thing that the Father has shown me over and over again – it’s worth it. It’s always worth it to love deeply and experience the fullness of the Father’s love without holding back.
It was so hard to leave, but I am so thankful for the time I got to spend with them and they have made a lasting impact on my life.Thank you for loving us and showing us Jesus every single day Colbath family. We love you!
