Wonderful Wednesday

Every year before our trip, church members in Nashville faithfully prepare notes of encouragement for each team member to open during our time in Honduras.  I usually open one of mine each morning.  This morning, my card included this verse:  “See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared.”  Exodus 23:20

Henry, our bus driver and assistants

This verse reminded me of our bus ride home last night.  Our bus driver, Henry, is very conscientious and I’m sure he is as anxious to be “home” as we are.  Last night, as we neared Cofradia, the bus slowed and eventually stopped on the side of the road.  We thought at first the bus was having some sort of mechanical difficulty.  Later that evening we learned that, due to concern over road conditions, extra precaution had been taken to get us home safely.  Our God truly had sent an angel ahead of us to guard us.  We were and still are grateful.  

Susan with patient and Mom

Look at the second part of the verse that reads, “… and to bring you to the place I have prepared”.  Today, we are in Los Charcos.  This is a village Luke 9:2 has visited several times over the last ten years or so.  Los Charcos has a high percentage of special needs kids.  We encounter challenges and opportunities here not often seen at our other clinics.

Michelle with Nelsi and her father

Apart from the special needs of some, the general health of the community seems slightly better than the last two days in Guaimaca.  Certainly their teeth overall are in better shape.  Dentist Doug believes it is because we have been coming here on a regular basis and providing oral education along with the extractions of “problem” teeth.

Five or six of the young adults who assisted us in Guaimaca for the last two days drove to Los Charcos today to offer their services as interpreters.  Ernie, Jonathan, Daisy, Vikki, Johnnie, Yami, and others are a huge help to those of us who do not speak Spanish.  The value of their contribution to our ministry efforts cannot be over stated.

One of the lighter memories we all have of Los Charcos is the monkey that lives at the house across the street from the school where we hold the clinic.  We all looked forward to laughing at the monkey’s antics!

Moises (Moses) the monkey

Jason, Jerry & James laughing at the monkey's antics

Today is bright and sunny.  I don’t have a thermometer, but I’m guessing it is about 75 degrees in the shade.  The warmth is a welcome relief after the cold, rain, and clouds of the last three days.  Lunch under the mango tree is pleasantly wonderful!

Lunch with Daisy and Elizabeth under a mango tree

My spirit is light today.  Maybe it is because of the sun.  Maybe it is because we saw old friends and familiar faces.  Maybe it is because of the lack of medical emergencies.  Maybe it is because many hands make light work.  Or, just maybe, it is because this is the place God prepared for me today.