We picked Rigo up enroute to Ciudad Espana for the last time. That man is a walking Wikipedia! He spent considerable time in Chicago as a child (& therefore learned to speak English fluently). He has contracted with UMVIM in various capacities (and, blesses everyone he works for/with). A man of great faith, Rigo has a Jesus-heart. We were blest to have him translate and share his great knowledge of his country with us. Today, he shared the history of Ciudad Espana and introduced us to 2 entrepreneurs who told us about their small businesses started through the Entrepreneurial Training Program. We were happy to purchase baking supplies from an entrepreneur who manages a pulperia (convenience store). Fyi, flour and sugar are sold in 1# plastic bags and lard is in a plastic roll (like sausage). Staples such as rice, beans, bread, dairy, condiments and, of course, candy, soda and juice can be found in most pulperias (which are often part of the front of a home).
We helped with making semitas again. Today, they packed 5 to a bag with the invitation to the church. We wish we could go door to door in this evangelism effort!
We have come to enjoy our sweet snacks such as Yippy (like Kit Kat), Chiky shortbread cookie sandwiches (with a chocolate center), now we can add semitas to that list! We've also tried a variety of plantain chips and chicharrones (similar to pork rinds).
Shortly after we arrived back at the Mission House (earlier than usual this afternoon), we were treated to real Honduran takeout for lunch from Pollo Supremo (what many of us thought was lunch at school we later learned was just a snack!) We’re told this takeout is Sheree’s favorite. Not having had any other takeout in Tegucigalpa, we wouldn’t disagree. Cindy will have dinner for us later (resulting in 4 meals today!)
More prayer letters keep coming…thanks to Joyce who has been busy rounding them up for us. We are so blest by the love and support of family and friends back home (&, in some cases, across the country).
This team has jelled well…like jelly on toast? Each of us has a responsibility for the group (i.e. preparing devotions (all), leading songs (Bill), handling money conversion (Melissa), initial lesson planning (Natalie and Sally), metrics (Joel), photographer (Monty and Ryan), “cruise directing”, sponsorship information and special support for Joyce (Cheryl) Note: Joyce is leading her first mission trip for COR (& she’s doing a fantastic job!) I hope you are enjoying my contribution through this blog (Ruth). The success of this trip has also been effected by Alex’s leadership. Because of past experience in Panama with the Peace Corps, Alex speaks excellent Spanish. His “cool, calm and collected” nature is the perfect match for our bouncy, bubbly Joyce!
Joyce shared that: “Jesus, once again, has struck!” after Joel and Monty shared encouraging words from Paul. Tonight we begin our Jesus letters. Jesus letters are notes we will open 6 months from now which are essentially like encouraging notes to our future selves.
Last, but, by no means least, Thomas, the CFO/COO/CEO? of the Mission House shared about the history and purpose of the Mission House and his personal faith journey. He lead us in singing: “O Let the Power Fall on Me.” A traditional hymn from his home church in Roatan.
Something new since the pandemic began…we will take a Covid test tomorrow morning in preparation for our return home.