Things I Learned in Honduras Part 1

The next few entries will be chock-full of lessons I learned on my trip to Honduras. Some humorous, but all very important. I hope you enjoy:

Lesson 1:Good work ethic does not speak a language.

When people are working toward a common goal they need only watch each other attentively and listen for clues to see what the other needs. I helped build chimneys, mix and transport cement, and build latrines all without speaking the same language as 80% of the people that I was working with.
Truth? Sometimes not being able to talk is a blessing. I learned so much by just watching and listening; not so much to what was being said, but more to how it was being said. Language barrier and all the people of Olancho taught me what it means to work hard. They showed me how to create work that I can be proud of, and how to make the most of my time. They taught me what truly creative solutions look like, and I am eternally grateful to each one of them.

Lesson 2: Just because a guy gives you the eye, it doesn't mean he's going to come over.

I learned this very valuable lesson from a beautiful infant boy named Lucca. My second to last day in the village in Olancho I worked with a family to help them build their latrine. The youngest boy Lucca and I played pick a boo from about 10 feet way. He giggled and even decided to mix things up by hiding behind a tree. Every time he caught my eye I thought, this handsome little guy is only moments away from coming over and playing some patty cake with me. He even learned my name (in Olancho everyone calls me Ana), and proceeded to repeat it excessively. By this time all of his friends, family, and neighbors are encouraging to come over to me and say hi. But after an hour and a half of hide and seek Lucca never did. I snapped a picture of him posing with a friend and we said our goodbyes from a smaller distance of about 3 feet. I never got a hug, he never came over to shake my hand or play patty cake with me. But you know what? I have no regrets. That was one of the best hours of hide and seek I ever had, it was more than enough. Thank you Lucca.

Learning to Serve

So I'm on a plane in route to Honduras for my first mission trip. Truth be told I'm a little nervous. What will be expected of me? What does it mean to be the hands and feet of Christ? I had been praying about these questions for awhile before the trip but I think I knew that I couldn't really learn or even hear the answers; I would have to live them. So, I pull out my copy of the book that our group leaders recommended, Toxic Charity by Robert D. Lupton, in an attempt to get a little more perspective. Boy, did I ever. Ten pages in I was twice as confused about what I was supposed to be doing. Confused in a perfectly wonderful way, that made me want to dig deeper and draw closer to Christ.



I absolutely recommend this book for anyone who plans to work with charitable organizations. Whether or not the organization is religiously affiliated , this book shines some light on the fact that most charitable efforts, despite the best intentions, often cause harm to the very people they are attempting to help. What I recognized in the book's examples and in my own life is a need to try and be a savior instead of attempting to be more like Him.
Think of it like teaching; the best teachers don't do the work for their students, they teach them how to do the work themselves. They teach them to solve problems on their own, they help them learn. And the absolutely phenomenal teachers know that the best way to teach is by learning from your students what they need. Sure, it's more time consuming and it takes much more energy but, its the only way to create lasting change. Its the only way to truly help others.