Journal 2
Monday, February 13, 2017
Today we traveled a very bumpy road to Los Aguajes, which is in Las Vegas, Honduras. On the way a mule attempted to block our way, but Marco succeeded to promptly get it to move to the side and on we went to the top of the mountain.
We were greeted by the community leader, Jose, and as we exited the bus each of us received a smile, a greeting and a handshake. Men and boys from the community quickly unloaded our bus and set up all clinics. The crowd of families was smaller than expected due to it being the end of the coffee growing season. The money families are able to make at this time; women, men and children together, is more than they can make generally. In Honduras the money exchange is $1.00 US to 23.5 limpira. During this time of coffee picking, the family as a whole can earn $16.00 US a day. Karen saw a 69 year old grandmother who is taking care of 9 grandkids from her 3 daughters. Her daughters all work in other villages and visit once a month. There are no fathers involved. The three she brought with her today were 15, 4 1/2, and 2 1/2 years old.
Peggy gave her cross away to a woman waiting to see the dentist. The woman smiled and grabbed Peggy in a firm hug and was saying a lot, but all Peggy understood was "Americano" . Peggy knew in her heart this woman was thanking her for us being in her village to bring God's healing. And she was very grateful.
Judy gave her cross to a woman with 4 children aged 10, 7, 4 and 2 months. Mom was very proud of her children and thrilled with Judy telling her how healthy and good all the kids were. Judy also shared she asked all her patients if she could pray for them. Two of the women agreed, bowed their heads and proceeded to pray for Judy and our team.
On the way home yet another mule tried to stop us. He was tethered to a rope on the right side of the road and had crossed to the other side refusing to return. The rope was tight and would have choked him had we continued on. Walter jumped out of the truck behind us and tried getting him back to the right side but he was a typical "stubborn " mule. Eventually, Walter took care of the mule and we were on our way.
A trip to Pulhapansak waterfall and zip lining followed our return home. Eileen gave a devotion after dinner. She referred to 1 Corinthians:12: 4-11, reminding us we are similar to a barrel of monkeys. In the game the monkeys connect and make a single chain. No one can do this job we are doing alone. As a team we connect our talents, knowledge, energy, and compassion. We know we're not alone here; God goes with us and uses us to His needs. Thus our name "Sus Manos." The other reference was Galatians 5:22-24 which talks about the fruit of the Spirit. The gift of the Spirit is given to us when we become Christians. No one possesses all of the gifts. They're scattered purposely so we stay humble and become dependent on one another.
Another Blessed day at an end. Time for some rest, reflection and sleep.
Blessings to you all,
Peggy and Flo
