Muddy mountain passages with pot holes the size of Rhode Island. Wooden bunk beds with hairy spiders crawling on the cross beams above your head. Outhouses that don’t flush and require a dirt deposit when you’re finished. It doesn’t sound like a vacation, does it? That’s because it’s not. But you don’t go to do mission work in Honduras to be on some fancy “please pamper me” vacation. It’s hard work. It’s out of your comfort zone. It challenges you both physically and emotionally. But it’s one of the most rewarding experiences you’ll ever have. I traveled with 26 other people from all over the United States to help for only one week in mountains of Olancho, Honduras. I left with a new perspective on life and an abundance of new friendships.
The medical team on the trip was composed of 10 people: one doctor, one nurse, one P.A., one pharmacist, 2 translators, and 4 prayer warriors/entertainers. In 5 days, they saw over 300 patients and distributed almost a 1,000 prescriptions. They touched the lives of so many people and not only met their physical needs, but their spiritual and emotional needs as well. Everyone else in the group made up the 4 work crews that helped in various locations throughout the mountainous region. We worked at 12 different sites building latrines, which consisted of a lot of concrete mixing, rebar tying, and brick wall building. We painted walls at a few different locations and planted trees at CEREPA, the alcohol and drug rehabilitation clinic in Catacamas. We also split off into groups that went to different schools to help in the Healthy Schools Program. They give the children vitamins and fluoride treatments, distribute toothbrushes, toothpaste, and soap, and check their height, weight, and teeth.
Throughout this experience, I met many people who will forever be remembered in my mind. Although the language barrier may have prevented us from verbally communicating well, I learned that a smile and a helpful hand can go a long way. I learned that compassion for people can actually make your heart hurt a little. And I learned that our material possessions do not make up who we really are inside. I feel we were really able to touch people’s lives in just one week. But really, the people we met left a huge impression on all of us as well. In the end, God was glorified and people’s needs were met. It was a wonderful experience that I will not forget.
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