Honduras Visit

Just a quick update on the trip to Honduras. I meant to do this right when I got back but with having to make preparations to go to Washington this afternoon for Grandma's funeral, the blog went to the back burner.

Anyway, it was a great time to get away. Quite a small group - just eight of us (nine whenever Ledy was with us). We got a lot accomplished in organizing, storing and distributing medicine and medical supplies. The clinic continues to be improved with each visit. They have new cabinets since the last time I was down and air conditioning in a couple of the treatment pods. Dental equipment (beds, x-rays, etc..) had arrived but we weren't able to set them up yet - probably in January with two dentists coming.

Ray arranged for some local workers to start on the dining porch at the Farm. This is really needed as the current eating area cannot hold the large teams that have and will be coming. God provided us a builder who is a Christian and very enthusiastic about his work.

One of the things that caught my attention was the total contrasts you see in technology and wealth. For example, seeing two men driving down the road in an ox cart - very primitive. But one of them was talking on a cell phone! Actually, cell phones are everywhere, even with the youth. I'm told they buy cards with minutes on them when they can afford. It was also incredible to me to see some of the beautiful new homes being built in some of the small towns. Money must be coming in from somewhere (USA?) or business must be really good (smuggling people into the US?).

Crystal and I left last Monday with the rest of the Team staying through until Thursday. The day after I left they were to hold a clinic day for women. Only dealing with women's' health issues (pregnancy, etc...). David V. had set up appointments with a few dozen women so that it wouldn't be a crazy mess the day of the clinic. I understand that they have gone to this appointment system and that the locals are catching on and cooperating. It doesn't mean that they won't treat someone who has a serious problem who walks in. Several were seen over the week I was there and several more had their medications refilled. Pat H. and Jan were the nurses for this trip and are the ones that will examine/treat the women patients.

One of the items that I'm excitedly waiting to hear about was a visit the Team was to make after dropping me and Crystal at the airport. They were to visit a home in San Pedro Sula for young pregnant girls (12-15 years). These girls have been kicked out of their homes for getting pregnant and have nowhere else to go. Some may even be victims of incest or rape. The Team had prenatal vitamins to provide plus other supplies. Pat says this is really on her heart so hopefully they were able to find the home. Definitely a chance to show God's love and mercy.

The January trip to Honduras is full (33 scheduled for week two) so if someone would like to go it will have to be the April or July trip. I can help make the connection so let me know.