Back to Honduras...

It’s fun to be back here in Honduras after 2 years.  Some things are the same, but a lot has changed too.  I’m remembering different areas that I visited while I was here 2 years ago.

When I arrived on Friday, we stopped by to meet up with the STEP girls at the ministry where they were serving for the last 2 weeks.  They have been serving at a Children’s Home for abused and neglected children.  They have noticed a huge change in the actions of the children from the time they first met them until now.  When they first started serving there, the children were not very open or receptive to doing activities…now the children would not leave the STEP girls alone!  The children were much more open to their love.  What a beautiful thing!

I had an opportunity to do a quick visit with the host families for Brynne, Nikki and Kristen. 

Saturday morning started with a “track” workout for me.  I’m training for another half marathon in March and my training program called for a track workout this morning.  My “track” was basically a soccer field with a dirt path around it.  Not quite ideal…given the higher elevation, hills, uneven terrain, and not to mention the dogs running around that I had to avoid.  But, I got it in…along with some help of Jim chasing me (only for a ¼ mile).

After breakfast, Jim, Sonia and I went to market.  What a fun experience!  I always love the markets in other countries---the sights, sounds, and smells. 

The sights you see while driving on the road are always interesting, too.  Just look at all of these random things you can purchase from your car while waiting in traffic…cotton candy, water in plastic bag, phone cases, phone car chargers, random fruits, bread, toothpaste, newspapers, towels, artwork, miscellaneous nuts, steering wheel covers, air fresheners, tomatoes, wiper blades, key chains…

We joined all of the girls at Kristen’s host family’s home for young adult small group, followed by a meal of nacatamales.  I’ve had these before in Nicaragua…these were better…but still definitely not my favorite thing.  It’s a corn meal mush, with meat, potatoes, steamed in a banana leaf for hours.  How does that sound to you?

I’ve had the opportunity for a quick meeting of all of the host families.  It’s been awesome to see how the girls are connecting (or trying to connect) with their hosts families.  There are still challenges, but they are all pushing through.  They’ve been here 2 months now—so, that gives them lots of time to still continue to grow in their relationships here.  They are all doing terrific with the language.  I have to say…I didn’t understand ANYTHING during the small group study tonight.  I couldn’t keep up!  I’m proud of these girls!