Mission work in Honduras: Constucting the new kingdom

Palm Sunday at Cristo Redentor. There were 51 American mission team members (3 teams, 7 churches, 2 states, Germany represented,) the SBV children, the Honduran parish members and a visitor from Washington DC whom we met on the airplane. We started out in the courtyard and, after the blessing of the palms, we processed in waving our palms and singing (in Spanish) All Glory, Laud, and Honor. I was belting it out in English… The service was the same as every Palm Sunday service in every Episcopal or Anglican Church throughout the world. Although most of us couldn’t understand the Passion as it was read in Spanish we could all follow it. Connie preached a powerful sermon about how Jesus rode into Jerusalem and towards the cross to construct a new kingdom. It struck me that, in many ways, at SBV we are helping to construct that new kingdom for those dear children.

Casey and Renee, our two latecomers, arrived at Erika’s right in time for lunch. Both were exhausted but ready to go to SBV. We loaded the 16 ceiling fans and light kits into the vans and off we went. When we got to SBV we unloaded the fans and took a picture with all the kids. The fans will really make a difference in their bedrooms. It is really hot now with still air. The breeze and air movement will make the rooms so much more comfortable.

Today was field day with the kids. Amy organized the afternoon and a great time was had by all. There were games on the soccer field (I use that term loosely,) Frisbee, Casey dressed as a long, thin clown, making bracelets out of embroidery thread and just general fun and games. I often observe that kids are the same everywhere. Once again it proved to be true. Some of the children couldn’t wait to have their picture taken with the clown (I still can’t remember what the Spanish word is) and others were scared to death! We were trying to get a picture of a couple of the kids. The only way we were successful was by having Casey stealthily scoot closer and closer to them on the patio steps. He was behind them so they were unaware of their impending doom! Our own Auburn admitted she too is terrified of clowns. She overcame her fear by applying Casey’s clown face.

The best game was freeze tag which elicited great hilarity from Honduran children and Americans alike. This is Renee’s first visit to Honduras so I gave her a quick tour of the site. We got waylayed when we went to the nursery, though. The kids were up from their naps and ready to play. At one point, Renee had a child on each foot and was stomping around the patio with them – muchas giggles! Then, she was lying down with a whole string of children on top of her. I would lift one off and another would jump on. They are all so cute and Renee was the woman of the hour!

By 5:00 PM we were all exhausted. We arrived at Erika’s dirty, tired but very happy. After another stellar dinner, the teens flopped around in the living room while the adults spent the evening doing the dreaded sorting activity. This is truly a heinous task – hot, tiring, and really tedious. We unload bag after bag of stuff – clothes, school supplies, fabric, you name it. But after 11 of us worked like dogs we got it all bagged and tagged. Phew. We joined the teens and flopped in the living room for a short reflection time and Compline, led by Wheeler. By far the two favorite activities today were church (several teens loved it) and playing freeze tag!

Tomorrow is our first work day. I implored all the kids to go to bed early… here’s hoping!

Hope all is well there. It is beautiful but hot here. Keep us in your prayers tomorrow as we get going on the hard work. You are in ours.