Mission Lazarus July 19-27, 2019
By Jessica Green
Be not deceived; God has not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. As we have the opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:7-10 KJV
As I start my journey traveling from Houston Texas to Honduras, I sort of feel a little like a runaway from Bon Jovi's hit song. From the mass population, high technology, and vast roads everywhere to a place of remote mysteries, slower pace, and a new perspective.
I have always dreamed about making a mission trip, but never did. Honestly, I always felt unworthy and not the right kind of person to make a trip like this. How can I make a difference when I am such a sinner myself? I can hardly quote scripture. My best skill is singing memorized songs and doing hard work with my hands... I have been a Christian since I was 9 years old, and I have faithfully believed in God. I have attended church ever since I was a baby. I know Jesus is real, and I believe in the Kingdom Come. But how can I give back? Mission Lazarus spoke to me because of its about hard work and teaching others how to work hard. Through this work, they can serve God better and take care of their families and community.
"We long to see individuals grow in self-awareness, self-care, knowledge, and faith. All of our programs and services act as a potential entry point for a relationship, and our focus on the individual is where our mission to transform lives is enacted." Mission Lazarus
My husband and I moved to Philadelphia in 2017 for me to try changing my career. We had been working and living in Texas since 2011. My work in Texas was in Bicycle retail as a store manager. Retail hours wear you down, and management is always tricky. When I was presented with an opportunity to move into a district manager role, I believed this would be a significant next step. However, it only pushed me deeper into more extended hours and even less care of myself, my relationship with my husband, and my relationship with Christ. Long hours, less sleep, bad food choices, and even less exercise lead me deeper into my internal conflict about life and what it's for?
During this time, we started to attend the King of Prussia Church of Christ. Soon after I learned about Mission Lazarus at a church meeting. I emember feeling a stirring in me. This is something I can do and would enjoy. I know the game of business, the relationship of Christ, commitment to hard work, and I am genuinely a nice person. Maybe this could be a way for me to honestly give back and experience Christ. Sadly, the stirring was squashed by an email, a phone call and again the grind I went.
After two years of trying to sell our house in Houston and adapt to our new careers, we came to a difficult crossroads. We couldn't support two homes across the country anymore. We handed our destiny over to God and put our house up for sale in Philadelphia. We prayed the other house would sale in Houston. However, God had a different plan. The home in Philadelphia sold in two months with a profit. The grind of two mortgages was coming into sight. We were going to move back to Houston, and I was going to step back and let my husband's career take the lead. Fear is not a word strong enough to describe how I felt. I submit my 6 weeks’ notice with no plan except move back to Houston. I had an idea to set up the 1st floor as an Airbnb and then rethink who and what you are.
Two weeks before we left one of the members at King of Prussia, Jason, presented on Mission Lazarus. I felt the stirring again and then looked at my husband and said - "I need to go do this." After service, I walked over to the table and signed my name to the roster. "Wow ... did I just really do that," I thought. Then I turned and went to Jason and said, "I am going. I know I am moving, but I feel the urge and need to go with you". He smiled and said, "great, we would love to have you."
Our next step was a big move from Philadelphia back to Houston. A massive undertaking and very emotional for both of us. We were leaving our dream to head back to a place we both wanted to go so badly before. Four cats, two cars, and a trailer with three overnights were not easy.
Before leaving, God blessed us good news. My husband would be moving into a new role with his company. A step up and move away from working on construction job sites. Additionally, God blessed us further with some help financially as the company offered us a relocation budget. Another blessing happened when I had reached out to a longtime friend of mine who worked construction in Houston. I informed Cesar we were moving back and we needed his help to build out the 1st floor of our home. He was so delighted we were coming back and was in a place in his life where he needed this kind of work. Cesar would start work right away. By the time we arrived, most of the work was done and were a few weeks away from running our Airbnb on the 1st floor. Link to the unit.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19 ESV
Several weeks went by, and I got an email. Honduras. I thought I had no idea about my financial situation. I started to talk to my husband about paying for the trip, and he said, "don't care you are going. It's just money we will figure it out." So, obviously booked a 1st class flight. Just kidding. I booked a practical flight and sent my money to the church. The commitment was made, and I was going to do this. Hail to the King!
Flying into a new world. Just three hours on a plane can completely transform your world.
As we flew in, there was a place forgotten and overgrown. At least 50 houses overgrown and being reclaimed. A reminder to me about the power of God nature is his constant reminder. I ask myself what happened? I snap a photo and plan to learn more.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 KJV
Once united with the group, we loaded up our bags and started the 5-hour journey to the coffee farm. Along the way, we were able to see the depth of poverty and challenge the Honduran community faces. Much has changed in the last 8 years of my friends coming here. Many of the things they recalled had improved for the city and for the people. Before they used to fly out on a hopper plane. Now they can drive because the way to the farm is complete.
Our driver; Julio, is the minister for the farm and originally from San Francisco Honduras. His joy for us coming is infectious, and he is filled with joy to have his job. He loves Mission Lazarus and the family-style community it has brought to his county and town. Julio spent almost 20 years away from 1999 to around 2017 in America. His children are back in the United States still. A son in North Carolina and a daughter in Kentucky. He only sees them when they come here. When asked why did you come back here, he says, "my family." I didn't see my mom or dad for over 17 years. I felt it was essential to come to be with them. He joined Mission Lazarus in 2017 and loves every day of his journey. Julio believes his job allows him to work for God.
Our arrival at the farm is welcomed with a lively group of women busily preparing us a welcome feast of fresh chips, bean dip, carne asada, and rice. We gathered around the table for a meal and friendly fellowship. Afterward, we went out to observe the night sky and share a devotional. We are challenged to let God work in us this week and show us a connection to him. To allow ourselves to experience God in everything we do this week.
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11
Day 2
Our 1st morning is beautiful with fresh air and mist rolling thru the coffee farm. The temperature is around 65 and windy. I wake up at 6:45 am my time, which is 5:45 am. I get to spend a few hours just relaxing and enjoying the sunrise and mist role by. Around 7:30am, the ladies bring out a beautifully prepared breakfast for us.
Our morning feast is finished in full gusto, and we head outside to lay paver bricks. They need the paver area to dry the coffee harvest on which will come into its prime in late January or early February. We start out with cleaning and making the space ready for us and wait for the work crew. Honduran time is different than American time. If the job starts at 7:30am, it really begins around 8:45am. The team arrives, and we work thru instructions in poor Spanish and English. Then we roll up our sleeves and get to work.
The scripture Galatians 6: 7-10 is focused on the hard work we do for others of faith. It's essential to take time out of your life and your goals to do work for others. It's a way to show others your love and care for them. For me, it was enriching. Using my hands and building something gives me a deep meaning.
After a long day, we gather in the farmhouse for a meal and some friendly fellowship. Everyone is tired, but laughter fills the room, and great stories are shared. One by one, we all start to make our way to bed, and the day comes to an end.
As I lay down, the wind howls around the building and the night sets in. I recall my time on the great divide and fall back into memory lane. I remember nights out camping and sleeping my bivy sack and feeling God's miraculous power all around me. I fall asleep
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 2 Corinthians 5:20 ESV
Day 3
Honduras does not observe daylight savings time. So, the new daylight comes early. Breakfast was served first, and we had two hours to study or meditate. I, of course, found a quiet place and took some photos and enjoy God's grandeur. The wind is pushing the clouds across the sky rapidly, and everyone is hiding inside except for me. I have the whole place to myself. After our morning meditation, we gather up to walk to church.
It's a short steep half-mile walk to a small church up in the mountains. During our walk, we pick up a tagalong. A wild dog. Dogs in Honduras are not pets. They are perceived as a nuisance and not to be petted or feed. The food you give a dog is a meal needed by another person. Dogs find their food or hunt it. As an American, I find this heartbreaking, but I can respect the culture and have to, or they will feel uncomfortable with us.
As we approach the church, the sound of music can be heard as we get about a quarter-mile away. Once we arrive and the church is packed with 42 kids and about 40 parents. The service is high energy with singing, praying, and a great message about feeling strong regardless of your needs.
Midway thru service, the children are asked to leave. A few of us sneak out to go see how the kids' worship is going. It's beautiful! The children are led by two young ladies who are both 12 years old. They do a fantastic job of getting the kids up singing and rejoicing. I Can't resist, and I capture a video of the children. We slip back inside to continue worship with the adults.
At the end of the service, we blessed and get to observe a special presentation. The congregation has a special lady whose home had been damaged by the recent rains and flooding. She and her family of 10 lost so much from this disaster. It was remarkable to see the considerable food donation the church has collected for her. We are humbled to see a group of people who have nothing come together to help someone. A real sacrifice for each family to make this donation and a very humbling experience for each of us.
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, mility, meekness, and patience. Colossians 3:12
After service, we are provided with a special lunch of chicken, rice, and potato. There is a young girl named Gracie, who was so adorable and she kept sitting close to me and watching me. I try to chat with her, but our language barrier is too strong, so we smile at each other and just take a few pictures.
Afterward, we visited the home of the special lady who the church wanted to help. Julio wants us to see the house and put a plan together on how to get her home fixed. The journey down to the house is a quarter-mile down a steep hill with rocks and water erosion. There are roosters, chickens, and lots of turkey's blocking the way into the home. They strut about and try to make us feel unwelcomed. We greet the family, who comes out to see who is arriving. All of them are still in their Sunday best and smiling and waving. There are 7 children and 3 adults living in this home.
The family was so thankful and loving and embracing and invited us into their humble home. The kitchen is a pure clay hearth with some food being cooked, and there are no comforts like tables, chairs, refrigeration, or microwaves. The homes have no doors either. The air-conditioning and ventilation are all-natural.
While standing in the smoke-filled kitchen light beams from above through the pin holed roof. One can see the tin roof is damaged and clearly leaks badly during storms. My 1st impression of a home in Honduras is humbling and emotionally challenging. I am confronted with my grace and bountiful blessings in a whole new way. I recall the most challenging moments in my life, and they seem so minor compared to the ones this family must face.
We walk the property and take a look at the damage and take photos. After our walk thru we are determined to make sure money and resources will be collected to help restore the damaged walls and a roof.
After our visit, we drive to the mission HQ and picked up 60 Bibles. Tomorrow I and three others will go out with a guide to deliver these Bibles and pray with other families who live around the coffee farm. We will be inviting them to a Bible study and kids VBS this coming Wednesday.
Our journey for the day ends back at the coffee farm with a beautiful meal and time to relax and marvel at the stars. I spend hours watching the night sky and taking photos of the stars. Two meteor showers are happening, and I am blessed to see several shooting stars. God's plan for us is unique. Each of us born to different walks and ways of life. However, at the core of it all, we are the same. Each desire to be loved and comfortable. To feel no fear and to know that when we die, there is a place for us to rest.
In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may also be. John 14:2-3 ESV
Day 4
I fear anything I could write about this day could accurately convey the gravity of the poverty the families we visited endure. Each visit, I see a small glimpse of the life they live, the hardships, and the joy they have for life. Each family pierced my heart, and I find myself giving my lunch to a family, and most of the food I had in my day bag to bring a smile to a little kids day. My snacks and lunch are a week's worth of food for some of the families we visit.
Visit 1
Our 1st visit is with Anthony. He is an older gentleman who is home for the day because he does not feel well. During our conversation, we discover he has 9 children and 10 grandchildren. Another blessing is his wife is at work on the Mission Lazarus coffee farm. We pray for his health, farm, family. As we start to leave, we are honored and humbled with a tour of his garden and patio. His home has a beautiful garden with herbs and many flowers, and he proudly shows us his tomato plants and his health chickens.
Additionally, he shows us a way he keeps his family feed most of the year. An enormous metal container protected in his home full of dried beans. His pride in being able to feed his family is precious and feels his expressions with joy.
Visit 2
Our next stop is a short drive up the road. We stop at the community school and experience a rare opportunity to spend time with so many children. There are 21 children and two teachers. The school's primary teachers are Lisia and Dany who are responsible for teaching all grades kindergarten to 6th grade. Education in Honduras is provided by the government until the end of 6th grade. Students can pursue additional education but must pay for it and travel great distances to get 7th to 11th-grade education. This is extremely difficult as there are no buses and this must be done by foot, donkey or bicycle. The families have to pay one to two dollars the US per day, and most only receive three to five US dollars a day. The choice is food or education, and food outranks most of the time. The dropout rate in 6th grade is exceptionally high. Here at this school, the current 6th-grade class has one girl. Boys are more likely to be working hard at age 10, and the school's demographics support this.
As we talk with Lisia, the primary teacher he shakes his head and mentions his work is too much, and he is sorrowful some days. He feels so much responsibility and wishes the children would not drop out, but he can't stop it. He asks for prayers in patience, perseverance, and strength. For the kids, he asks for shoes and glasses. Only one student has glasses, and many need them. Even the other teacher needs them. He calls all the children over and asks for us to lay hands on the children and pray for them. We group around the children and pray over them. After praying, we get to spend time with each child. I have some Welch's fruit snacks, and we split the 6 packs between all the students. They love them!
I have a shiny green amazon gift bag and Brianna; Josh and I start to cut it up so we can put bows in the girl's hair and bracelets on the four boys. We pulled the ribbon tie out and parted it into 12 bows and then cut the bag up into strips of fabric. After handing out bows and snacks, we play Pata Pata Gonso (duck goose) and spend some time just having fun with the kids. We leave a few Bibles, a few boxes of crayons, and some coloring books. We invite the children to our meeting and VBS Wednesday at the church. I hope and pray, we see many of them.
“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:1-3)
Visit 3
Out next visit is a short drive further up the mountain where we see Pedro at his coffee farm. We park on the top of the hill and hike down past some cows and many baby coffee plants. Pedro spots us and walks out to greet us. He is so excited and asks us to join him on his patio. His wife is away working away at Mission Lazarus farm, and he wants to show us his wife's crafts.
She makes baskets out of pine needles and wrapped with pink strings. They are beautifully made and Brianna, and I purchase. Pedro's home is full with his two grandsons, six children, and wife all living in the same place. Ten family members all live in his small house. Unlike the other visits, Pedro's home is abundant with some comforts like chairs, dishes, and tables.
We group up in his living room and spend time talking with Pedro and his Grandson about the prayers they need. Pedro's family is enduring some family hardships with peace, and he asks for peace in his family. Another daughter of his will be traveling back from Spain to see them, and he is nervous for her travel and for her time again with the family. Additionally, one of his boys goes to the Mission Lazarus school and walks two hours each way to learn carpentry. All of these things he asks for us to pray over. We group up and pray with him and his family who are home. As we leave, we present him with a bible. Pedro says he can't read and we discover his youngest grandson can. Jose Andreas takes the Bible and reads for us the Lord's Prayer.
"Pray then like this: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom comes, you're will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.'" Luke 11:2–4 (ESV)
It's so hard to say everything that is going on, but it's an incredible journey, and I am thankful to be here.
Visit 4
Our next visit is a mile or so higher up the mountain on winding tight road. It's a community of three homes all within walking distance of each other. We arrive at the home of Trenida. She is home her youngest daughter of two and welcomes us into her simple home. Here we father with some chairs in their living area to learn more about Trenida. Her husband is off at work on the farm, and two of her girls are at the Mission Lazarus school studying to be seamstresses and finish their 7th - 11th-grade education. The rest of their daughters are at the school we visited earlier.
In total, she has six daughters. They have lived in this home for 18 years. Trenida keeps her house very clean and loves her daughters deeply. The wall is covered with photos of the girls, and she shares them with us. She wants to show us the impact the Mission Lazarus has on her family and is excited about the unique things her daughters can do. None of them are married or have children. This feels here with joy because she sees they can have opportunities she never had. Trenida's mother is sick and elderly. Her mother lives down the mountain in San Marcos alone and is need of prayers. Her father passed 38 years ago, and her mother takes care of herself. She asks for us to pray for her mother and her daughters.
Visit 5
Our next visit is a short hike away and one of the more difficult homes for me. We slid under a barb wire fence and look down on the home of the Santos Mendoza family. We meet most of this family at church on Sunday. They are a family of musicians, and they have lived in this home for 8 years. Goyo Santos told his story of conversion on Sunday, and he is blessed to be changed by Christ. He is recovering from singing in bars and making his money at clubs and now makes money singing and teaching for Christ. His home is in dire need of repair, and there is a new home being built above the old house on the hill. They need more money to finish creating the home. The photo here will tell the story better than my words. Eleven family members live here.
Visit 6
The group walks a short distance to another family who is building a new home. Louis and his son Rafael have been cutting trees and forming the lumber to create a new home. Which looks amazing. Louis and Julio know each other well. Louis is a preacher at another church on the other side of the mountain and, helps with the Mission Lazarus work. This visit is uplifting and an opportunity for us to learn a little about Julio's friends. Louis has a family of six who lives in his house. They are building a new home for his son because he is looking for a wife. Rafael hopes to create a new home to bring him luck to find a wife. Louis and Julio enjoy some humorous teasing with Rafael, and we all leave feeling encouraged by their enthusiasm.
Visit 7
We have to drive down the mountain to the next cluster of homes. These homes are on another coffee farm not owned by Mission Lazarus. It's lush and full of plants. The farm owner does not live on location. Instead, the farmer allows two families to live on-site in return for farming the land.
It's a very precarious and challenging drive down to the homes. Parts of the road are damaged, and the bridge over a runoff is damaged. I keep thinking it would have been safer to have walked down. Julio feels confident, and he keeps driving down to the home of Maria Isabel Gomez. Two young girls who meet us earlier at the school greeted us. They are smiling because they remember us from earlier in the day. I give them each a granola bar, and they giggle and run back in the house to eat their snack. The house requires a lot of repairs. We are humbled by the lack of comforts and touched by the difficult life they lead.
They have four children, one boy, and three girls all living in their small home. Most of the family has to work to make ends meet. Currently, her 18-year-old daughter works full time at Mission Lazarus. She asks for prayers for her family.
Visit 8
Our final visit for the day is the most emotional visit for us. We traverse further down the steep hill to Rosa Maria's home. Her home is inside of the small farming plantation of the last house we visited. As you walk up you think to yourself this is the right size home with a large platform to dry coffee. There are lush plants all around, and you begin to believe this family has a lovely farm and opportunity. We find Rosa washing soccer jersey's outside overlooking a beautiful farm. She is alone, and the rest of the family is in the home. They do not come out to greet us and don't appear to be helping Rosa. Chickens run and scurry away as we walk thru the farm. I notice these chickens look very sick and not too good for food.
As we talk with Rosa, we learn that they live on the boss’s farm. They get to live here and farm. They do not receive any income or portion of the crop to help them. Only a place to sleep. Her family works hard on the farm early and late while working other jobs in the middle of the day. They have lived here for seven years because they don't have options to go elsewhere. Rosa is visibly upset, and Josh asks her, "How do you do it?"
Rosa replies, " The only thing I have is faith."
Rosa tells us about her big family and proudly brags about her daughter, who works at the mission in the leather shop. We take a few mins to pray for her and her family. I feel her intense sadness and am compelled to hold her in a tight embrace. We don't speak the same words, but our hearts understand each other. Rosa is strong but alone in her faith.
We leave the mountain and head to the Mission for the rest of our stay. As we drive back, I am deep in my thoughts from all of the visits. It's impossible to share the feelings I had, but I can say it changed me. I feel so blessed and thankful for my life. I understand deeply why so many people see the US as the land of opportunity. I find myself really thinking of why do these countries choose this path for their people? Why do they not try to make things better? The problem is more significant than I can fully digest. I believe this is an issue that starts with the leaders of the country. I have no concept of how to fix it, but I think the help Mission Lazarus is doing will help create comfort and stability for these families. I believe deeper in their program and cause.
Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. 1st Samuel 12:24
Day 5
This day was a big workday, and I needed a day to reflect on the visits from the day before. We start the day at Mission Lazarus Honduras warehouse. It's packed with workers, students, cooks, teachers, and operations staff. They gather daily to pray, sing a few songs, and listen to the leaders to deliver powerful messages. Today's word is on respect and covers 10 key ways to show respect for your parents. I am sad I didn't take a photo or take notes. I was too blown away by the moment to take a picture.
Afterward, we load up into our work trucks and take the journey to the top of the mountain to the Finca San Lazaro. It's 12k or 7.5 miles. A nice run and takes 45 mins by four-wheel-drive truck. Today it's 5 to a car with 5 workers in the back of ours. It's an exciting experience to make the trip up the mountain instead of starting the day on the mountain. When we arrive, we get to work on the patio. Our work is a full day of laying brick and enjoying the company of others. An easy day and I am mostly in my head just processing this journey.
As I lay down at the end for the day, I am rejoicing. I am filled with the power of God's unique ways and how a love for him can build a great community.
Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Colossians 3:23
Day 6
We worked our final morning on the Patio at the Farm, and I am so proud of our KOP group. We knocked out some serious hard work. We built stronger friendships and made new friends. The patio was 90% complete, and the Honduran team will finish the job with the supplies we purchased. At the end of our workday, we take a walk back up the mountain to the small church. It's time to host our meeting and VBS for the community. The small church is full of children and adults who have traveled from all over the mountain to attend the meeting. It was so impressive singing for the congregation and for helping with kids VBS. I was utterly impressed with how well behaved the children were. We made cross necklaces, sang Jesus Loves Me, colored some, and played football (soccer). The pictures I have here will do the job correctly on how adorable this was. Then we came back to fellowship and enjoyed a Honduran evening rainstorm. What a glorious day!Therefore, be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it until it gets the early and late rains. James 5:7
Day 7
It is our last full day at Mission Lazarus, and we take a full tour of the facility. We learned more about the fantastic efforts being made to change lives. One of my big takeaways during this trip is the government provided education stops at the end of 6th grade. Mission Lazarus works hard to continue the learning and vocational skill process.
Mission Lazarus has woodworking, sewing, and leather making schools, all of which are no cost to the Students. Students spend one day in class learning Science, Math, English, and computer skills, and the next day at a vocational school. There is a clinic on location to provide dental and medical to students and staff.
The 93 students are from the other side of the mountain and have to walk almost three hours each way and show a commitment to good grades, attendance, and dress code. Each student earns money and a bonus as they pass their schooling. I, of course, purchase many items and several bags of coffee from the student. I love my new computer bag for my computer. I highly recommend supporting the students by making a purchase.
The items they make in the vocational school are sold online at https://lazarusartisangoods.com/
We start at the woodworking school and meet Carlos and Marcos who teach the students. They are 24 students in the program, and several are working on handcrafted knives and learning to make chairs, tables, and many other daily needs. It's an impressive facility, and each child is blessed and happy to be learning this valuable skill.
We travel down to the children's refuge. This a forever refuge and the children who live here will most likely never be reunited with their families. Mission Lazarus protects the children by only allowing us to tour an unoccupied home and to tour when the children are away at school. Mission Lazarus believes it is essential to maintain as healthy of life for the children as possible and don't wish to parade the children in front of missionaries. Preferring not to use the children to pierce our hearts.
Currently, the refuge has 38 children with 8 living in each home. The caretakers are called Tia's, and there are three assigned to each home. The Tia's spend two weeks at the refuge and one week at home which allows for two Tia's to be present at all times.
The children receive a full education, healthcare, therapy, and technical skills training while living on the refuge.
Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. In vain, you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat- for he grants sleep to those he loves. Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one's youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their opponents in court. Psalm 127:1-5
We wrap up our tour with a final lunch at the Mission and an opportunity to visit with other churches. It's time for our trip to conclude and we load up the trucks with our bags and drive back to the big city of Tegucigalpa.
I close with this photo. I will be thinking long and hard on the things I have learned.
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