"Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do; forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)
Our mission is coming to an end; today we went to Buena Vista to dedicate the new home of the Iglesias family. We gathered with representatives from "Salt & Light," the Honduran brick mason and his assistant who helped with the project, relatives of the family and many from the community. It was a very emotional ceremony for everyone. Ronnie read in English and Henry, the "Salt & Light" representative, translated into Spanish. A blessing basket was presented to Martha containing flowers for beauty, bread for no more hunger, salt for flavor, a candle for no more darkness and sugar for sweetness of life. We also gave them a Bible that we had all signed. The children from the community presented us with flowers as a thank you for helping the Iglesias family. After the ceremony, cake and drinks were shared with all and then we set up all their beds and a table and chairs. Before we left, Martha said a thank you prayer that was so meaningful and ended with a beautiful song sung by Melvin Martinez.
We also went to see two Heifer International projects in Honduras; one in a honey cooperative and the other a bio-ecological farm where everything is recycled.
The day before Thanksgiving, a group of 14 individuals met at the airport in Greensboro, NC to embark on an adventure. Some have been friends for a long time, some had worked together on last year's team, some were acquaintances and others had just met. We are an interesting group to say the least; there are two married couples and a father and son. Our professions are as varied as our personalities...six are retired and some have taken on new professions. There are farmers, carpenters, contractors, a police officer, a bartender, a restaurateur, mailmen, a school teacher, a brick mason, a phone co. supervisor, a municipal worker, an ex-con, a welder and even a dog groomer. We came together for a common reason, we became one in Christ. With His help we accomplished more than anyone ever thought could be done. Tonight as we pack to go home and resume our lives in the US, we will never forget the friendship of our fellow workers, the hospitality of the Friends of Barnabas staff or the Honduran people. As the lyrics of a Casting Crowns song say: "Jesus paid much too high a price, for us to pick and choose who should come, and we are the body of Christ."
The Repair Team
Shaun Abernathy
Ann and John Amos
Clinton Dalton
Ronnie Dillon
Bill Hogan
Ben Kendig
Kyle Kirby
Chris Lewis
Terry Lewis
Frank and Lil Martin
Ernest Sandridge
Stuart Yeaman
