What a contrast!

Today is our last full day in Honduras. This morning we ate breakfast, had our devotion time led by pastor Jerry, and then gathered around the big tree for our team picture.  The team picture is a tradition and a great way to have a memory of all our teammates.

We boarded the old school bus and said good-bye to Cofradia.  Henry, our very capable bus driver, drove us over the back roads to the park with the huge statue of Christ.  From this vantage point, you can see all of Tegucigalpa.  And the monument of Christ can be seen from anywhere in the city.  It’s a very cool landmark.  It’s also cool to see the airport right in the middle of the city.  Several airplanes landed while we were watching.  It is surreal to be on land yet above an airplane that is in flight!

After a leisurely hour in the park, we descended into the city.  What a contrast!  While at the park we saw very few people, and there was a stillness and quiet all around that was very refreshing.  

As we entered the city, the number of people and cars increased significantly!  And the noise!  Have I mentioned that there seems to be a “language” among drivers that involves their horns?  One honk is “Hello” or “Hey”.  Two honks seems to be an alert that “I’m passing”, or “I’m coming around the curve”.  Three honks  seems to be “Move over, please”.  More than that seems to be some sort of horn swearing and cursing.  J

We made our way to El Patio Restaurant.  This restaurant is a team favorite.  Their specialty is grilled kabobs of all kinds.  No kidding, the kabob skewers are about 18” long!  It was a crazy amount of food, but it tasted so good!

After lunch, we checked into our nice hotel, and we dispersed.  Some went straight to their room for a (reliable) hot shower, some took naps, and others ventured across the street to shop.  Across the street is a modern shopping mall with many of the stores that you find in the States.  Here’s a brief look from inside the mall:

After dinner in the mall, we headed back to our rooms for a good night’s sleep in a very comfortable bed. 

As I sit in my comfy bed, clean and warm after a shower, I can’t help but compare my current environment to those of the Hondurans we just served in our clinics.  Most didn’t have running water, or if they did, it was one spigot for the entire household.  Most of the beds would have thin mattresses, or sheets of foam rubber, if they had any mattress at all.  We gave out beans, corn, and rice at each clinic. Today, we ate grilled chicken, steak, shrimp and veggies.  We are in a temperature controlled environment, and most only have windows with no screens.

I’m reminded to be thankful.  And I’m reminded to be a good steward of what I’ve been given.  My prayer is that this is a lesson that will stay with me through the year.

Tomorrow we head back to the States.  Thanks for your prayers.  And thanks for the kind words about how the blog has helped you follow our trip.  Your affirmation kept me going.  Bendiciones! Blessings!  

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Wow, you are a dedicated blog reader! Just for fun, since we have a blazing fast internet connection here at the hotel tonight...