Thanksgiving comes early!

Just spent a week in Honduras with an organization that has been a client of mine – Heart to Honduras.  Here were some impressions from that trip.

1) I saw virtually all facets of HTH’s ministry in action – the churches, clinic, school, agriculture, provision of clothing and food, etc.

2) I was reminded that poverty is real and that I am rich beyond measure – not merely in material possessions, but in access to healthcare, education, and travel.  My life has options – not everyone’s does.

3) The Honduran team is a dedicated group of individuals who are gifted, committed, and making a difference in their communities.  They are led by a coffee grower and businessman, Jose, who is bringing a new level of organization and a vision for self-sustainability to the ministry.

4) Pastor Jaime lives with his wife and two sons in three small rooms attached to his church rather than living in his house – he allows others to live in his house.

5) Pastor Ricardo, 22 years old, is moving into a small room attached to his church so that the congregation can use his humble home for additional educational space.

6) Pastor Freddy is developing land for his congregants to grow crops, raise chickens, and farm Tilapia (fish).  He has cleared a soccer field for neighborhood teens to use – it is dirt with two goals comprised of metal frames with no nets.  Kids were playing happily on it as we visited.

7) I had a number of meaningful conversations with Honduran church leaders and leaders of Corazón para Honduras (“Heart to Honduras” in Spanish).  It was humbling to see the commitment these people have to their calling.

8) Power Chicken should consider franchising restaurants to the US – great food at a good price.

9) Toilet paper goes in a trashcan next to the toilet rather than in the toilet itself – ALL toilet paper, in every establishment throughout the country, including hotels.  That took some getting used to.

10) There are road conditions varying from excellent (like our interstates) to nearly impassable (think off-roading in the truest sense – I found out that there really is a reason for 4-wheel drive other than impressing your suburban neighbors with the possibility of an adventure you’ll never pursue).

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