Saturday, June 29th: Bonus Day at El Hogar

Love is one of those things that you just don't have until you're giving it away. It requires a connection – a relationship – and it requires that you do something to build and sustain your relationship and the person with whom you are connected.

I spent a lot of time last week thinking about this week. I thought about each of the people on my team, each of our needs and what each of us brings to the table for a place and a people like El Hogar. I thought about team dynamics and I thought about what my goals for this week should be. I am very proud to say that my biggest goal is being accomplished. I'm sure I'll write a lot about that here. I'm also planning to share with you the moment I had this afternoon, when the goals and the scope of El Hogar were put into perspective for me.

My goal this week was for our team to connect with the people of El Hogar. This trip isn't about what happens to you during the week; it's about what happens to you for the rest of your life. Relationships don't happen here, they begin here.

The El Hogar Team is pursuing these long-term relationships in many different ways, and each of them makes me proud to be involved with the Cathedral and with El Hogar. God's love may happen one week at a time, but it happens 52 weeks a year.

Something unexpected happened for me this afternoon, and it may be the highlight of my week. Due to various circumstances the team has ended up staying in Honduras for an extra day (in the end, crazy as it may seem, we save money by being here longer). This morning El Hogar began a new campaign, “Sudando la Camiseta por El Hogar” (Getting Our T-Shirts Sweaty for El Hogar), and our group got to participate in the program. Frankly, I sweated through my t-shirts for El Hogar every day this week so I feel like I deserve some extra credit. But the big deal today was that El Hogar alumni of all ages spent the day at the orphanage with the kids. They had several nostalgic moments, some of them remembering when the used to line up before every meal under the same tree under which the kids line up before every meal today, or remembering the first day they arrived at El Hogar and feeling Claudia's hug and hearing her say to them, “You are beautiful,” for the very first time.

The objective of the day was two-fold. The kids, alums and some of us volunteers spent the morning “sudando la camiseta” by changing all the light fixtures (not just the bulbs) in the school building and by building and fencing-in a new vegetable garden for the orphanage. I must admit that I'll be proud to say, when I return to El Hogar next year, that I helped create the garden they'll be using to provide fresh vegetables for the orphanage.

After lunch, Claudia gave the alums an opportunity to speak to the current students. I apologize for not having pictures of this part of the program; I was too caught up in what the alums had to say to think about making sure someone was taking photos. Many of the middle-aged men took advantage of the opportunity to share with the kids (remember: the first ever class of El Hogar girls is currently in the 6^th grade, so there weren't any middle-aged female alums at the event). Each one, after explaining how important the lessons he learned at El Hogar as a small child were to his adult life – how learning discipline and values and the importance of having dreams and goals for one's life gave each of them the opportunity to succeed as adult members of Honduran society – returned to his seat and tried to hold back his tears, but each one of them failed. Each one, when given the opportunity to share with the El Hogar kids the importance of what they are learning, took full advantage and poured their hearts and souls into every word they had for the children. Each one was brought to tears thinking about what El Hogar did for them and what El Hogar is doing for today's students. I learned the power of Love and Hope today.

One of the men stuck out to me. He is in his late 30s, has a wife and children of his own that are the same age as the kids at El Hogar, has his own business (thanks to his El Hogar orphanage and Farm School education) and has several employees and is obviously doing very well for himself and for his family. I remember his name – I'll never forget it – but for the sake of this blog we'll call him Alejandro. Alejandro was one of the kids who, many years ago, arrived at El Hogar as an abandoned child of an impoverished mother who decided that she couldn't afford him any more. As a kid at El Hogar he was a goofball and a troublemaker but he took the life lessons that El Hogar teaches very seriously and now, thanks to El Hogar, he has risen up to become part of the budding Honduran middle class. What made Alejandro special to me was that every time he spoke about his time as a child at El Hogar, I could see him as one of the kids here. And as I saw him as one of the kids here, I began to see each of the kids here as a future Alejandro. That's when it all came together for me, and that's when I couldn't hold back the tears either. After the program, I had a few minutes to say goodbye to the El Hogar staff and to the students before we had to leave. Every time I high-fived or hugged one of the kids, I saw Alejandro in him. (I say “him” because all the girls were on a field trip today, so there were only boys around when we were getting ready to leave.) I saw that each of these children, born into extreme poverty without any hope of a life away from the streets except for El Hogar, will be able to rise up and be the hope of his country because of the place where I have had the incredible fortune to spend the past eight days.

Staying at a four-star hotel doesn't feel the same, the day after you visit a one-room house that you couldn't even park your car in and has been home to a mother of three for fourteen years. Steak doesn't taste the same after a week of rice, beans and tortillas when all you can think about is how all some people will ever eat is rice, beans and tortillas. Do I feel guilty about the life I live and the “things” I have? No. But I am reminded why I have this life and what I am called to do with my things and while it all feels like growing pains today, tomorrow I will be taller and more ready to live out the life that God has called me to live.

You are a part of this story now. I mean, if you didn't care about or feel invested in our church's relationship with El Hogar, then how in the world did you make it to the end of this ridiculously long blog post? I want to thank you, but I'm “that guy” who thanks you for something you haven't done yet. Thank you for your continued support of not only us, the Cathedral Summer Missioners, but of the missions we strive to support as well. You are a part of the El Hogar and Mountain TOP stories now, and I hope that you will embrace your part in these stories and seek out ways to live the life God is calling you to live through them. I expect big things from you, the same way Claudia expects big things from every child who hears her call him “beautiful” for the very first time.

See you soon!

-Slocomb Jenkins Reed

For Sunday June 30th:  O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go:  Preserve those who travel; surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey’s end; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

 

Friday, June 28th: Last Day at El Hogar

Hello family, friends, and faith partners,

I would first like to thank you for your support of our group this week. Your prayers and love have helped us immensely to get through this emotional roller coaster. We started our morning with the daily devotional, with all of the children on the cancha (concrete soccer field). We celebrated the birthdays of Michael, the future entrepreneur, and Jose, the future military officer. We then traveled to Monterrey, up the hill from El Hogar, to visit the home of Marvin. Marvin is a graduate of El Hogar and the Technical School and now works as a guard and handyman at El Hogar while putting himself through college.

To reach Marvin's house, there were a series of pathways and a set of stairs. These were not normal stairs, but a series of loose wooden planks. After climbing the stairs, there was a small one-room house made of wood. Marvin, his mother and his two sisters share a double-size bed which takes up most of the room. When his sisters come home from school (one is a 5^th grader at El Hogar, the other is in high school), the four of them share the one bed. Marvin's mother works in the kitchen at El Hogar in exchange for food for the family, sells tortillas and cleans houses to pay the $30 rent every month. Marvin plans on becoming a civil engineer so that, among his other goals, he can buy a nice house for his family to live in. The one-room house has an electric stove top, a small television, a mini fridge, and a few other small appliances. Their bathroom and kitchen are communal with six other families.

While traveling down the treacherous hill to arrive at the girls' school in Santa Lucia, “The Kathy Sackett” became a popular dance, see tutorial below. The girls live at the house in Santa Lucia and go to a private high school in Tegucigalpa.

We ate lunch at La Florida in Valle de Angeles. The pork chops were a big hit. Shopping in Valle de Angeles was fairly productive, considering the short amount of time we were given to go to the shops. When we arrived at El Hogar, we were greeted by a celebration and talent show from the children. The talent show featured skits, jokes, poems, singing, and lots of love. I saw God in their numerous hugs to every member of the group.

Sincerely,

Celeste Kearney

How to do “The Kathy Sackett” dance:

1. Clench your fists
2. Raise your arms so your hands are above your shoulders
3. Make a shrieking noise

For Saturday, June 29^th: Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with your most gracious favor, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in you, we may glorify your holy Name, and finally, by your mercy, obtain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

(Posing in front of his mother's house.  The four of them have lived here for 14 years.)

(The stairs up to the house.  His mother has a herniated disc and requires surgery, which will be free thanks to the Honduran public health system, but the wait list is currently seven months long.)

(A View from the Girls' House)

(Group Photo on the Girls' House Porch)

(Lunch at La Florida)

(The kids put on a Talent Show for us.)

(Introducing two of their five piano students, who learned two new songs this week for the performance.)

(Talking to the kids about how much this week has meant to each of us.)

("Good" Bless You)

(Lots of Goodbye Hugs)

(Posing with their Star Pupils and their Certificates of Recognition for Piano Classes)

 

Thursday, June 27th: Visiting the Farm School

Today started with a birthday celebration at El Hogar. Guillermo, who wants to become an agronomist, was honored at morning prayer circle and because we were going to the farm school today he came along with us to see the farm and the school and talk with other students at the school. It was a pleasant surprise and the whole group enjoyed the one-on-one time we spent with him. Going to the farm only heightened his desire to further his education in his chosen field.

The way I have seen Christ each day is in our team of missionaries. As I sat on the bench and interacted with the children blowing soap bubbles, I looked across the way and each of our team was playing games or helping the children make friendship bracelets or color and draw or playing soccer. In them I saw the the light of Christ shining through, each and every one.

I would like to thank each and every one of you who supported the team and our work at El Hogar

with your prayers and your gifts making this pilgrimage possible. I call it a pilgrimage because it has been a journey of faith stepping out of our comfortable lives to this life of cold or lukewarm showers, at times not having running water at all, eating other than familiar foods, struggling with a strange language. In spite of all those hardships the joy that the children brought to each one of us is what keeps us going and has made it all worthwhile.

Let me put a plug in here to each and everyone reading this blog. If you have ever thought of sponsoring a child who has been rescued from a life on the streets and now has an opportunity to learn and be a productive part of their community I ask you to please consider becoming a sponsor. Know that your gifts are wisely used under the Christian leadership here a El Hogar.

Yours in Christ,

Carl “Carlos” Harbour

(If you are interested in supporting El Hogar or sponsoring a child, contact Slocomb at sreed@cccath.org or come to our El Hogar Team presentation at the Cathedral later this summer, time TBA.)

For Friday June 28th:  Almighty God, who has promised to hear the petitions of those who ask in your Son’s Name:  We beseech you mercifully to incline your ear to us who have now made our prayers and supplications unto you; and grant that those things which we have faithfully asked according to your will, may effectually be obtained, to the relief of our necessity, and to the setting forth of your glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(A View Into Tegucigalpa From The Van)

 (Posing With the Birthday Boy)

(At the Farm School with the Birthday Boy)

("Hey, let's go skip stones in the lake."  "Okay.")

(The Evening's Arts & Crafts)

Wednesday, June 26th: Visiting the Technical School & Playing with the Kids of El Hogar

Dear Faith Partners,

There is a huge tree on the grounds of El Hogar. The trunk looks like it could be 100 years old. I thought about how this tree is similar to the strong foundation this place is providing for 100's of children. It's branches rise high above the razor wire fence that sits atop the cement block walls that surround El Hogar. The branches rise above the evils and unsafe environments that all of these children would grow up in if not for El Hogar. Like the branches, El Hogar will bring most of these children up and out of the depths of poverty, rising above where they came from.

The name, El Hogar de Amor y Esperanza (The Home of Love and Hope), certainly lives up to it's name.

I saw love today....

~ in the words and actions of Director Claudia as she made the birthday of a little girl, Nancy, a very special day. Nancy's dream is to be a doctor. Claudia gave her doctor clothes, a medical kit and a stethocscope to wear all day. She had a pediatrician and an orthodontist come to the orphanage to talk to Nancy about becoming a doctor. She was able to visit the orthodontist's office today as well. During the morning gathering, a birthday song was played over the loud speaker and all the children sang to Nancy. This evening a few of the volunteers went to “Doctor Nancy” in the clinic with various ailments so she could cure them.

~ as a teacher fixed all of her student's collars and lovingly touched them before their day began.

~ in one of the volunteers, who said he was not a kid person, yet bought candy for the children's store so that they can continue to sell items to the students of the orphanage. He also bought Doctor Nancy flowers.

~ in the eyes a child as he grabbed my hand to stand next to him during the morning meeting.

I saw hope today …

~ as teachers came to a 2-hour workshop after working all day to listen to one of the volunteers talk about how to help some of their students with learning problems.

~ as we observed students learning various skills in woodworking, metals, electrical wiring and computers at the El Hogar Technical School. These students want to learn a trade in order to better their lives.

~ as I heard a boy at the technical school wanting to be one of the ones who make a difference in the lives of the Hondurans. He wants to have his own business in order to give jobs to others and help his country.

El Hogar is a holy place. As soon as you enter the grounds, you feel a positive spirit that can only be of God. He is in the eyes and smiles not only of the children but in the volunteers. It is a total giving and receiving of love. One can never give without receiving something in return. There are many riches of the poor that one can only experience living in this type of environment. I feel blessed that I was able to share in the riches of this trip. Thank you for your financial generosity and prayers that have allowed me to be part of such a wonderful experience.

In God's Love,

Kathy Kremer

For Thursday June 27th:  Lord Christ, when you came among us, you proclaimed the kingdom of God in villages, towns, and lonely places:  Grant that your presence and power may be known throughout this land.  Have mercy upon all of us who live and work in rural areas; and grant that all the people of our nation may give thanks to you for food and drink and all other bodily necessities of life, respect those who labor to produce them, and honor the land and the water from which these good things come.  All this we ask in your holy Name.  Amen.

 (Our Birthday Girl, Ready to Become a Doctor)

(Rubbing Alcohol Hurts, even on fake injuries)

(Metalworking & Welding Class)

(Carpentry Class)

(Electric Shop Class)

(Getting to Know the Kids of the Technical Institute)

(Teachers Learning from One Another)

Tuesday, June 25th: Second Weekday at El Hogar

Hi faith partners! For those of you who don't know me, I am Nia Warren and I am one of the nine missioners on this journey in Honduras. Today we woke up at around 6:30 to go to the devotional for the children. They told the story was about David and Goliath and how, because David had faith in God, he was able to defeat Goliath. Then we went into Claudia's, the director of the orphanage, office and she brought some of the children to share some of their stories with us. Their stories were very touching, but my favorite part was when we heard about their dreams. Despite the hardships all of the children had been through, they all wanted to make the world and their communities better places to live. One seven-year-old boy really stuck out to me as he said that he wanted to be and astronaut so that he could save the world. This was the moment when I saw God today. This boy has been through so much and, despite everything, he wanted to help other people so they would not have hard times. I also see God in the children every day with their continuous hugs and the warm smiles on their faces.

Later in the day, the team broke into groups and we led and observed classes. Celeste and I led an art class and we colored and drew with the children. Many of the children wrote my name on their artwork and gave me the work as a present. Now that we have been here for a few days, the children have gotten to know us and are more comfortable with us. After art and dinner, we had a group of 8- to 10-year-old boys and we did various activities such as blowing bubbles and making name tags. This gave me the opportunity to get to know some of the boys more personally, and make even further connections.

I want to thank you for supporting me through this journey and, although this is my second time here, this experience has changed my life. My experience being here for the second time is much different from my first. Last year at El Hogar, I began to appreciate the life that I had. However, this year, I have seen a new way to love and how important it is to forgive and love unconditionally like the children at El Hogar. Once again, thank you for giving me this opportunity.

-Nia Warren

For Wednesday June 26th:  O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son:  Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unites us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(Drawing together)

(Self-portraits)

(Playing "Wax Museum")

(Hard At Work)

(Helping However We Can)

(Bubbles!)

Monday, June 24th: First School-Day at El Hogar

Hello up there!

My name is Kelly Flanigan and I recently started volunteering with the 5000 Club, but you probably don't see me at Christ Church on Sunday mornings. However, I have the same mission as the other members of our group and I'm thankful for the opportunity to be here with Christ Church.

Today we did a numerous amount of things. It was a little different than the past two days because today the children were in their regular routine of a school day. We woke up about 6:15am and joined the children in their morning devotion. Although I had no idea what they were saying it was such an interesting moment to watch the way these children behaved as well as how the teachers were so passionate. Following devotion, we went to breakfast, painted the outside of the classrooms, I played soccer as the “assistant PE teacher”, we made arts and crafts, and finally the ending devotion from one of the teachers in charge. One thing I left out was the meeting with Claudia, the director of El Hogar. The reason I left this out was because this is truly where I saw God today. She told us several stories of the backgrounds of the students and how she was there in their times of need. Her love and passion is absolutely unbelievable. She couldn't be a more perfect role model for these children. One thing that stuck out to me during that meeting was a saying she said, “We teach them here how to fly and then they have to learn how to fly and fly their own flight.”

All of us had a great time today. As each day progresses we are seeing the way God works more and more. I want to thank all of you Faith Partners for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers as well as supporting us to go on this trip. It truly has been a life-changing experience and it has only been 3 days!It is amazing how God works. I hope you all are enjoying our posts and pictures. God bless!

-Kelly Flanigan

For Tuesday June 25th:  O heavenly Father, who has filled the world with beauty:  Open our eyes to behold your gracious hand in all your works; that, rejoicing in your whole creation, we may learn to serve you with gladness; for the sake of him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.

(Getting The Job Done)

(These two are teaching four kids how to play "Ode To Joy" on piano this week.)

(Striking a Pose)

(All the kids loved their drawings and asked for permission to put them on the walls next to their beds.)

(Our assistant PE teacher, taking the kids to school)

(Giants, Wizards & Dwarves {Gigantes, Magos y Duendes})