Day 1 – Construction/English Class

The day began early, heading out to Arminea Bonito to see the new ministry site.  It was amazing what has happened since we were last here.  Two years ago, Beth and I prayed with Mike that God would deliver the land to them.  At this time we were standing on an empty field.  Just look at what all is there now:

The building in front is the school building, off to the right is the indoor soccer court and to the left is the medical clinic.  All are still in various stages of construction, but it is simply remarkable to see what God has done here.

We divided into 3 teams: 1 for the medical clinic and 1 each for the 2 construction projects.  Team 1 was working on starting the blockwork for a single mother’s house.  Team 2 continued work on the wall dividing the school from the medical center.  It was hard work, work that sweats through your shirt and pants, fun work though.  Team 1 was able to get the block groundwork done after painstakingly making the first row level off of the footer.  Team 2 aiding in the pouring of cement pillars for the wall and refilled dirt from the excavation for the wall’s base.  The morning went by fast and before we knew it, it was lunch.

It was then that the effort put forth started to catch up to us.  Everyone was tired, but in good spirits.  Greg began to feel a little sick, and rapidly progressed to other symptoms of heat exhaustion.  We first hoped some time in front of the fan and some Gatorade would do the trick, but Erin stepped in and after some quick diagnosis determined that he needed some fluids.  She hooked Greg up to an IV and ended up giving 2.5 liters of fluids!  He is feeling better now and should be fine the rest of the trip, but it was definitely a reminder to me to take breaks and drink plenty.

After lunch, some soccer and catching up with some kids I remembered from the previous trip, I went with John to meet Mike at the airport to pick up the remaining bags.  After a quick scare that we had lost 1 we loaded all the bags and took them back to the dorm.  I know everyone waiting on them was extremely happy to be able to take a shower and put on their own clean clothes tonight.

When returning from the airport we hear that there has been another injury.  Elizabeth, while playing soccer with some of the kids, dislocated her knee cap.  Erin was able to help ice and medicate after she was carried back to the clinic by Phil and Ross.  The ice helped and the swelling in her knee subsided.  She is still sore, but getting along.  I think the largest injury will be that she won’t be able to play soccer or go on the hike.  Please pray that her spirits remain high and she feels that she is still able to serve the Lord the remainder of the week.

English class went off without a hitch (except for the normal craziness of all those kids).  I really enjoy working with the kids one-on-one, it really feels like you are getting to connect with them.  After a quick stop off at the Clow’s for dinner and devotional we all headed back to the dorms.  Showers and prep for tomorrow ensued and we’re all now off to bed early.  Looking forward to another rewarding, yet hopefully less eventful, day.

Sorry for the lack of pictures.  I left my camera in the van this morning and I have no way to obtain the pictures from Mikala’s camera that was passed around today while here.  Hopefully more tomorrow.

One last prayer request for Mike and John.  These have been trying times for the Honduras Team and as men and leaders and husbands and fathers, it is difficult to not have anger or impatience.  With break-ins, car problems, car accidents, having to lay off workers and the general wear of many teams over the summer, there is a lot on their plate.  Please pray that they would continue to be shining examples of Christ both to us and to the people of Armenia Bonito.