Monday, June 7, 2010

Day 2 - Sunday 6

On to day two - new day, new challenges. My first cognitive memory of the day was special; I was woken up by something - something I don’t get to hear ever. A rooster. A rooster woke me up. You might be thinking that, “Hey, that sounds pleasant.” Well, you would be half right. I would have been nice had it not been four in the morning. And then again at 4:15. And then again at 4:30; you get the picture. That was certainly an interesting way to get things started today. Believe me, it didn’t ruin a great night of sleep. The team was exhausted from being up for 41 hours straight (give or take a few). I slept very well.

Day two started with, “Now today is a busy day.” I am beginning to believe Donna when she says things like that. For the first time, we were not able to wear nice clothes to church because the work began before and continued immediately follow services. We ate breakfast at 6:45 and packed the bus for a hard day’s work. Today was “Community Repair Day.”

Instead of building homes today (which there was a little of), we worked on improving homes of local church members. On the way to church, we stopped twice to unload wood for work to be done later. The first site was interesting. We were going to fix the wall and roof of a lady’s home...but the home was straight up a steep hill. With nothing like stairs, the climb was treacherous. Carrying a fourteen foot 4x4...the climb was a little more than treacherous. What I saw was awesome - thirty group members formed work line and passed the wood up the steep hill. What would have been a near impossible job for one turned into a little job for thirty. How great teamwork can be!

The second site was even crazier - we formed a work line, but the distance was too great. We were needing to carry enough wood to build a small house 1/5 of a mile (the distance was never measured so that is a guess). The line was saved by the fact that the last half of the path to the house was under four feet of weeds. The wood was taken as far as possible with the intent of finishing the transportation of wood tomorrow.

Finally, we were able to go to church. We attended the South Israel Church of Christ. The congregation was small but very loving. Most of us attended services while a small number of us held a VBS for the kids. The service was great. I have never witnessed anything like it; it was awesome to see brothers and sisters from so far away sharing in the love of Christ. God’s love covered all of that ground. God’s love is the same for them as it is for me. I need to be reminded of that constantly. He doesn’t love me any more than He loves them. I am no more worthy of His grace. God has protected and blessed the small congregation of South Israel. God is working in the church. God is evident to these people.

My favorite part of that church - they are all about helping their community. Every word they spoke was about going out into the city. Every prayer they prayed was about strength and courage to change the people around them. They truly, truly care for the people of Honduras. I admire that about them - in a world of poverty and hopelessness, they stick out and ask what they can do to help.

After church was over, the repairs began. We split into different teams; my team got “the mud job.” With a name like “the mud job,” my expectations were pretty low. The hike to get there was long and steep. Upon arriving and see what we were up against, things got a little hairy. We could see the end product in our minds, but we had to figure out how to get there. Three new walls needed erected and part of the roof needed redone. With close to five hours into the house, we are nearly done. We had to stop short of completion but hope to get back soon to finish the job.

The job felt...great. I loved seeing the woman and how grateful she was for our help. I loved seeing the children’s faces on seeing strangers help with their home. The home they live everyday in. The home that floods every time it rains. Knowing that someone cares enough for them to do this - nothing could be more valuable. Nothing could show Christ’s love to them more than giving of our time - forgetting our comfort and thinking of someone else’s. Christ was there, and Christ was evident.

We were extremely touched by a few of the little girls that lived there. They were quick to show us their appreciation. They were quick to speak to us and share with us. They were thrilled to see people, people they didn’t know, want to spend a little time talking to them. Over and over again - people want to be loved. My wife and Brenna got very close to one of the girls. This girl spent all day with us: talking, drawing, and writing thank you notes. Before we left, she gave out her gifts. Instead of being happy with our gift to her, she wanted to repay the favor. Not having a lot of money or resources, she gave of what she had. She gave two small stuffed animals; maybe animals she keeps close to her heart. Maybe something she cherishes. She gave a lot of thank you notes to us - all with personal messages of how grateful she was. Lastly, she gave one half of a best friend necklace. To someone she just met today, she gave one half of her best friend necklace. Something most people would be slow to give, she gave with no hesitation. Christ was there, and Christ was evident.

God, you are amazing. The world you have created is inspiring. The world I saw from the airplane is indescribable. Thank you for your hand and your willingness to give this world of yours a try. Thank you for creating all of this for us - all of this so we can see and share in your glory. All of this shows us how awesome you really are.

God we especially pray for strength in the days to follow. We pray that we keep our energy up and spirits high. We pray for your hand to hold us and keep us from harm. God, hold us close to you. God, never let me go. Help us to see the need around us. Help us to withhold nothing and give everything. Give all of ourselves for these people who desperately want to feel loved. God, I want to be more like your Son every day. I want to embody true love for the people around me.


Andrew Moore

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey guys....I am so excited as I read about what is going on over there! I couldn't wait to log on this morning! God bless each of you as you work together to do amazing work for His kingdom! you will be amazed at what the Hondurans will teach you, while you are there trying to "teach" them. I love you all and am praying for you daily:) Heather Hess

Tater_Pez said...

Thanks for the updates and best to my wife Margaret...I miss her! South Israel is an awesome church, great people, yes, I have been there. To God be the glory! Thanks for your service in His name.
Tate

Marty said...

Hey everyone!! This is Marty, Evan and Ryder Davis! We are so proud of you guys and are praying for you and your work every day. "Stay strong every day!" says Ryder. We love you guys!!!

Janna said...

Truly amazing to hear all that is going on in both the lives of the team as well as those in Honduras. Prayers for you all! May God increase his blessings on you!

Catspaws said...

Greetings from Harpers Ferry, WV:

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you continue this great work in Honduras.

A special hello and hug to Lindsey Hampton from Pat and Pam (Shockey) Patterson

Gwen Justice said...

My prayers are with you all.