Happy Valentine’s Day from everyone here to our friends and family back home!!  We awoke tired but excited this morning.  The cabins were cold but with more blankets they were fine - although there were threats between some of the roommates of snuggling :0)   Breakfast was oatmeal and cereal with devotional time right afterward.  Roberto gave a wonderful speech about Jesus and the harvest in Honduras which is why we are here.  After breakfast, we made our lunches (sandwiches) and prepared to head out for the day.  The construction team boarded the “newer” bus while medical and VBS crammed into the “old” bus which was stuffed with people and toys; so much so that they had to unload some of the equipment they were taking with them.  Below are the details for each group:

 

Construction: We took an hour and a half bus ride to the church.  We had been informed that the church was partially completed so when we arrived we immediately went to work on mixing concrete, mortar and moving concrete blocks to build gables.  Some of the team laid concrete for the altar, others built the front gable with heavy concrete blocks and mortar, and the rest painted 3 metal trestles.   John gave out goody bags to the local kids.  Soon there was a group of about 7 or 8 kids and more kept coming!!   We started to lay the foundation for the floor.   We were blessed with sunny weather and there was a nice breeze blowing.  Several of us had to apply sun block continually because of all the sweat but we were smiling and laughing the entire time.   By the end of the day we were exhausted, covered in concrete, and ready for a shower but in very good spirits.  Being in the high mountains surrounded by lush green plants, coffee bean plants, and trees was amazing.  The lake we passed on the way up was beautiful surrounded by banana trees and sugar cane.  Our interpreters were fantastic.  They worked right along side us even though they weren’t being paid to do so.  It was a very productive first day.

 

VBS: The team set up at an elementary school and was outside for the majority of the time.  They had a Hawaiian theme just like VBS Outrigger.  There were two piñatas which generated a little madness when they broke open and a sea of children scrambled for all the candy.  The team saw many beautiful children and received so many hugs which gave them much joy.  They gave out lots of candy along with administering de-worming medicine.  They had crafts time with the kids making necklaces, bracelets and games.  There was dancing and singing as Joe Aldrich played the guitar.  Other played volleyball in a huge open pit.  Wonderful messages were given in Spanish by Hector and Roberto who told the kids that Jesus is the life, the blood  and the only way to the father is through me.  Some came home with sunburns but the feeling was one of happiness.

 

Medical:  The team set up inside of a school with classrooms designated as dental, women’s clinic, pharmacy and general medical.  The patients first came into the clinic and were greeted with evangelism which was done by a local pastor and Sonia who is very vocal about her love for Christ.  Then they went to triage to determine the treatment needed. There was a long line of patients awaiting the team’s arrival. We needed more help in triage than anticipated.  Many children complained of headaches and “parasitos”.  After asking a few questions it was found that the children’s headaches were caused by the stoves which were emitting carbon monoxide or too much coffee, which is hot and cheaply available in Honduras.  The parents and other adult’s headaches were caused by carrying heavy loads on their heads.  Pharmacy kept very busy dispensing all kinds of medicines. Women’s health saw about 30 patients while dental was extremely busy.   Optical patients were overwhelmed with joy when they received their glasses and could really see for the first time in their lives. Physicians were in high demand as expected. Our interpreters were invaluable to us.  All the care given was greatly appreciated.  Overall, about 300 people were seen. The ages ranged from newborns to 90 year olds.  It was a chaotic day but God was there through it all.  Little kids cried while triage nurses were trying to determine what was wrong.  The older kids were shy but eager to see a doctor.  The parents were very specific with what was wrong with their children.  While the older people had several symptoms.  It was surprising that no one minded waiting everyone was very patient, even those with kids.