Today we served at The Guardian Angels School. A school providing for kids in difficult situations. The children referred here have challenging circumstances – from single moms needing help getting on their feet with a job or kids in abusive situations. The school’s focus is on the whole child – physical, emotional, and spiritual. They also provide services to the parent(s) to help stabilize the family. I was so impressed by how this school is run. The kids were extremely well-behaved. We helped serve them lunch, and after praying, they all waited until everyone at their table had their plate and utensils before starting to eat. And they ate everything on their plate. Impressive that it was homemade by the school cook. It looked delicious. And the kids ate everything on their plates – a far cry from the lunches in the U.S., where the kids throw away 1/2 of their school lunch. The kids proceeded to brush their teeth after turning in their plates and utensils – all without being asked.
We interacted with these kids for a few hours, playing with them in various activities. The nail polish station was a huge hit! After many students got their nails painted, the kids painted the PH volunteers’ nails. Some of our volunteers had at least 7 layers of nail polish – it was incredibly thick. Overall, it was a great time interacting with these kids, providing fun and a safe place.
We then went to a local restaurant together, and Shawn and I had the privilege of sharing a table with Chris and Andrea, the leaders of the Comayagua church. We met them four years ago when we first served on the Project Honduras team. We were very grateful for that special time of connection. They have amazing hearts.
We then went sightseeing in downtown Comayagua, visiting the City Center – a park with mission architecture surrounding – including a Catholic Church with the oldest working clock in the Western Hemisphere – over 900 years old!! Some then went on a chocolate factory tour while others fellowshipped outside.
Shawn and I then had the chance to visit Chris and Andrea’s home – just the two of us. This was a welcome surprise to us. We had less than an hour there, but it was a glimpse into a typical Honduran house. Out of respect, I did not take any pictures. I cannot think of one person’s home back in the U.S. that is smaller. Even my son’s college apartment is much bigger than their home. Yet, in Chris and Andrea’s home, I see gratitude and contentment with what God has given them. In the U.S., we have so much more, yet most of us are not grateful and content – we long for more, not fully appreciating what we have.
The Comayagua church then hosted a celebratory dinner for us at their church building. It was a fabulous time of eating together, fellowshipping, and a time of group sharing on the ways Project Honduras and our time in Comayagua has impacted us. I believe this is what heaven will be like – getting very close with people you don’t know very quickly despite a culture and language barrier. The Hondurans then cleared the tables, turned up the music, and danced the night away. It was super fun! I had the chance to dance with both kids and to watch them dance together. The team had fun celebrating and partying with our Honduran brothers and sisters. What a great time! – Written by Jennifer Alexander