Agua Salada

Friday, July 18, 2025

Today we had the pleasure and honor of serving the community of Agua Salada. This was the third consecutive year I have been in this community. It was easy to recognize the community because the people have always seemed to have the gift of hospitality and a twinkle in each of their eyes. The Community Leader was waiting for us to step off the bus and shake the hand of each team member. The community rose to stand and pray together with me at the opening of the clinics. The children and parents all comfortably visited the stations as though we were old friends. In the dental clinic where I serve, the children opened wide for fluoride with no hesitation and the patients I saw for extractions gave me a nod at the end of the procedures and I am pretty sure mumbled “Gracias” though biting on gauze and being numbed.

Our evening reflection centered on a message from Bob Goff’s book, Live in Grace, Walk in Love, “Let the reasons not to fear outnumber your reasons not to try.” The first time missioners each told a surprisingly similar story of an early interest in joining Friends of Barnabas. They reflected on the initial reaction of their worried parents when this opportunity was introduced–strong vocal hesitations about their daughters going to Honduras (translation: a firm NO). Valerie and Haven remained committed to this mission because of team members they knew who served Friends of Barnabas many times and the wonder of a mission in remote mountain Hispanic communities. They were uniquely gifted with fluent Spanish and health care bound professions giving them the opportunity to interpret for the team doctors. They calmly explained to each set of parents that the trip was well organized, and the team had gone for about 25 years with many safety protocols in place. They became more comfortable with the planned mission trip at each team meeting and more excited as this possibility gelled into a reality. Although a “strong interest” in serving Jesus and Friends of Barnabas in Honduras initially sounded like an adventure to each of them, their maturity and personal resolve helped mold an unshakable commitment to be a part of the team. 

Honduras called and Valerie and Haven answered. And what a blessing they were to the healthcare team and the communities! They will be remembered in the communities for their kindness and love in reaching out to the Honduran people professionally and socially. In turn their hearts are touched and forever changed by the people of Honduras. As Bob Goff summed up, “If you choose to be brave by choosing love and people give you some funny looks or get mad–if choosing love gets you into some trouble–it doesn’t mean that you failed. It more likely means you actually believed what Jesus said and did something about it.” 

Our love to you communities of Honduras until we return!

Claire Kaugars