Friday, August 1st: Last Full Day at El Hogar

 

Dear Faith Partners,

Here we are in the homestretch of our Mission trip to El Hogar, we leave tomorrow and today was another home-run.

1^st Base: Road trip through a beautiful national park to the girl's high school in Santa Lucia. The mountainous vistas were breath taking from their dormitory porch but the best picture was Slocomb's amazed look at seeing a newly installed washing machine juxtaposed to their old stone scrubbing board – what a romantic (smile).

Rev. Matt welcomed us with an impromptu talk which re-calibrated us with the global goals of El Hogar and congratulates our group as being so purposeful in our listening, as well as in our volunteer work.

2^nd Base: We deliver groceries to the mother of an El Hogar graduate as well as current student who makes all the tortillas for El Hogar. Her home is a single room second floor walk-up with a common bathroom. She was as thrilled to see us and so sincere and gracious with gratitude for the foodstuffs.

(We chose not to take any pictures.  However, we visited the same family this year that we visited last year, so you could find photos of the home visit from last year's blog.)

3^rd Base: Lunch break at Raul's favorite restaurant. We are all greedy for pop / soda with REAL sugar instead of high fructose corn syrup. A Fresca frenzy ensues. Que rico!

Slocomb shares the taste of mora juice, a local berry and it is an instant hit.

Grand Slam Home Run POW! WOW!. Eric knocks it out of the park with a visit to the American Embassy in Honduras where we discuss American policy re the 15,000 unaccompanied Honduran children with the Embassy's political and economic directors.

El Hogar's director, Doňa Claudia makes significant steps re-creating a relationship with the diplomats for the benefit of all Honduran children. The idea is that El Hogar, which disciplines children in faith and work ethics, is a perfect model to carry marginalized children along a path of educational successes for entry into the Honduran middle class.

(Again, no photos, but this time it's because they made us surrender our phones and cameras at the front gate.  Sorry!)

Intermission: Today we searched our hearts and reflected with God on the following question. Are Time and Talents the only gifts He has asked of us? The answer? He was not finished with us yet. Christ Church Cathedral El Hogar group 3 had a very, very emotional session when all he adult volunteers committed to the final T with pledges to be the Godmothers and Godfathers to 7 El Hogar residents. Praise be to God!

Post-Game Celebration: Much frivolity as El Hogar's children entertain everyone with song, dance, drama and a concert; the latter being Maurice's week-long sessions with a group he introduced to the piano soon after our arrival. (Photos below)

And to the faith partners: Thank you for your continued support of our work in Honduras!

Mr. Ernest Thompson & Dr. Cheryl Whittington

For Saturday, August 2nd:  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.