Freedom Life Church Mission Team 2008

The following is a letter I sent out to friends and family (I have amended it to add more information)

Dear Friends & Family:

Thank you so much for your prayers for our Honduras Mission Trip 2008!

As much as one plans, I have learned that it won’t go as one plan’s. Proverbs 19:21 says it well, “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” That is what happened during this trip, my plans didn’t match my paper outline but God’s will happened, and that’s what only matters.

Day One: We had some passport issues at Norfolk International, VA. I learned that we have to use given names instead of nicknames for our airline tickets. So instead of Tommy it had to be Thomas. Half the group had to be re-ticketed at $100 each. That was at about 4:30 in the morning, what a wake-up call!

We boarded our plane but didn’t go anywhere because Atlanta was having bad weather. So we un-boarded and had breakfast and took a brief nap. Some of our loved ones were still around in the airport so we met up with them in Starbucks.

Finally we flew into Atlanta about three hours late. Our connecting flight already departed and Delta had only one flight per day to San Pedro Sula. Boy oh boy, that did not sit well, however I learned that we had to remain positive no matter the circumstance. A few of us tried everything to get us on another airline or alternative method to Honduras but they were all booked. After a few hours of trying to control our plans did we have to submit to an overnight stay in the Peach State. Despite this setback everyone on our team remained positive and upbeat, we made the most of it. It was a bit challenging though hand carrying nine 34 pound boxes of bibles in addition to our carry-on which was full of hygiene kits, school kits and supplies. That’s okay, we’re burning calories which doesn’t hurt . . . much.

Our airline found us a low-cost hotel and boy low budget it was! But! It was a bed and shower, just no extra set of garments or specific toiletries, like deodorant since our luggage was checked-in. So I hand washed some of my clothing but did hear later that some of the ‘guys’ flipped their undergarments. Yes, ewww! Before we went to bed I told everyone we’d leave at 7 a.m. the next morning so to be ready.

Day Two: Someone came knocking at our door at 6:05 am; it was one of our team members saying they were ready. I didn’t realize we sprung one hour ahead that night! Speedy morning it was. I was very impressed when I and the only other female in the group found all eight men of our team (two teenagers) all ready in the lobby. Since I was so impressed I let go of their smart aleck remarks. We made the 7:30 a.m. shuttle.

Good thing we arrived early, there was a long line getting through security. Finally when we arrived to our gate we had to wait to see if we would get a seat because we were placed on standby. Well, we didn’t get called. It was almost dejavu from the day before when we got in line again to get re-ticketed. By this time we learned a lot. We made sure to ask for an upgrade in hotel (the guys idea, not mine, they kept saying we stayed in a ‘ghetto hotel’ because it was in a very bad part of Atlanta), courtesy calling cards (5 minutes each), toiletry bag which contained a razor, toothpaste, toothbrush, detergent, hairbrush and a t-shirt (some wished it was underwear), plus a free meal in the airport up to $7. By this time we had confirmed seats for the next day.

When we arrived at the hotel it was certainly nicer and thank the Lord, a Target across the highway! We all took the hotel shuttle and I believe everyone bought underwear, I sure did. America!

Day Three: Off to Honduras, we were so happy to be in an airline seat. We arrived in San Pedro Sula around noon. The line in customs was slow but I was so relieved to be there. Next would be getting our luggage outside, 20 suitcases or duffel bags weighing 50 pounds each (I tried to ‘carry’ the ones with wheels), our carry-ons and 9-34 lb boxes of bibles. Outside waiting for us was our International Aid leader Kurt with three trucks and drivers, what a blessing. I was afraid that we would be stranded for a while. Communication to Honduras had been quite difficult this weekend.

Normally we would be staying in a hotel this night in San Pedro Sula then drive to the village the next day. However, because of our delay we drove straight to La Union for four hours. Paved roads for the first half and unpaved the second half. We made it in time for dinner at the retreat center. After we took our gear into our dorms and selected a bunk bed we headed to the dining hall where the other group, Covenant Life from Michigan started clapping and whooping that we finally made it.

After dinner we had a meeting with Kurt. He gave us ten pointers for our week there. 1. Free yourself of your expectations. 2. Try something new, be willing to try something new. 3. Keep ears, eyes and mind open. 4. Do ‘with’ not ‘for’ 5. Be flexible. 6. Respect Honduras staff and people. 7. Remember your purpose and task (Love of Christ & humility). 8. It’s not about you and it is about you. Integrate our experience and take back with us. 9. Enjoy community work. 10. Be flexible!

The pastor Freedom Life Church sponsors, Pastor Amilcar, invited us to his home that night. We all jumped into his truck, most of us in the back of the cargo bed. Some tried to sit on the edge like Hondurans do but soon found themselves sitting on the floor for how bumpy the ride was. We all had delicious Honduras coffee and sweet bread. We fellowshipped and prayed.

Hard to believe it’s Day Four: Behind schedule but if we’re on God’s plan then we’re right on schedule.

We finally arrived to our befriended village, Agua Zarca. The villagers, especially the children had been waiting for us since Sunday but explained we had been delayed. It was so good to be there.

There was a mini lesson on how to construct latrines or ‘letrinas’ in one of the homes. A lot of manual labor, power tools would have been so handy. But we had to do with physical strength. Unfortunately most of the homeowners did not prepare adequately, so we started with what they needed to have prepared. I’m glad we didn’t have to dig the ten foot hole by four feet which collects the sewage, it was already done.

This first day we had to make the wooden form to create the base of the latrine and fill it with cement, rocks and rebar. We also made the lid for the sewage hole which is about two feet wider than the hole, however, some went a lot wider (bigger is better I guess). Two holes had to be created in the lid, so we stuck a bottle or a leftover PVC pipe. One is for venting, the other is for the pipe that attaches to the commode. So when they flush with a bucket of water it goes directly down.

Some of us cut lunch short and had VBS at the village school for the children. It was fun and a learning experience. We used one of our vehicles to play our VBS song because we intended to buy a CD player when we arrived in Honduras, but since our plans didn’t go accordingly, we improvised.

Day Five: I believe it was this day (forgot to include it in my journal) that one of our vehicle’s wheels got stuck in a hole on our way to the village. It was an interesting way to start our day. It took about twenty minutes to get it out. Someone tied a rope to the car with another car and pulled it out.

At the village we started building the walls of the latrine. We only had time to build 10 instead of 14 but that is okay, it’s God‘s plan.

We had VBS today, the kids were so excited beforehand. Every time they saw us they’d ask, ‘so we’ll see you at the school at one, right?’ Today in addition to our Bible reading we made necklaces which consisted of a wooden cross and colored beads. Each color representing a bible verse which leads up to the plan of salvation. This day, nine children accepted Christ into their hearts!

Pastor Amilcar had joined us today. After VBS we saw Pichingo who is known as the ‘crazy man’ who roams three villages, including Agua Zarca. Our U.S. and our Honduran pastor started talking with Pichingo and then were praying with him. He asked Jesus into his heart!! Afterward, the pastors were asking him about his decision and he was responding correctly instead of his usual mumbling. Pastor A. started to share Pichingo’s story how he came to be that way because he was not always crazy. Suddenly, Pichingo started telling his own story how he made a pact with a demon in the mountains . . . Pastor A. was obviously surprised and said “listen to him”, referring to Pichingo who was speaking clearly. I’ve known Pichingo since March 2006 and this was the first time I could hear him coherently, he was repeating his story about his pact. It was after the pact that he changed. It was amazing and weird at the same time, obviously God was at work. He was not completely healed from his state of mind but I believe he was given some clarity. Praise God!!!

Day Six: On our way to our village, we stopped by the Christian Bilingual School in La Union to drop off the books our church family collected for their library. I think we had about 150 pounds of books. A few of us had a chance to peek into some of the classrooms. I’ve been told by some of the school teachers that when students are given homework they are literally happy about it and say ‘thank you.’

At the village some were still working on the walls and others were constructing the roofs, indoor door frame and doors for the latrines. Later the following week one of the Honduran International Aid workers would install the commodes and piping for those needing help completing their latrine.

Instead of VBS today we had a mini fiesta with the children and villagers. Earlier one of the village women was seriously ill and the school teacher told me there were no cars going to La Union so they could take her to the clinic. With IA’s approval she was rushed to the clinic in one of our vehicles. Back to the fiesta, our Christian music, soccer ball for the games and other resources was in the vehicle that took the villager to La Union. More improvisation. But that’s okay, it’s God’s plan that is happening. Pastor Amilcar

preached, he had a guitarist with a little girl sing. Then we distributed beanie babies, every child received three minus one who got only two (the rest of the beanie babies were in the vehicle that left). Then the hygiene kits were distributed. It all went well.

Day Seven:
Both Covenant Life and Freedom Life traveled together to San Pedro Sula. Once on paved roads it was nap time. After checking into our hotel we went souvenir shopping where we put our bargaining skills to work. Then we all had dinner at a restaurant we walked to, it was a nice way to end our time there.

Day Eight: Home at last. Thank the Lord we all made it home together, instead of 11:05 pm at Norfolk International, we arrived around 2 a.m. But that is okay.

There is so much more that went on this week but I hope this gives you a glimpse of our stay. I discovered that it wasn’t all about the ‘letrinas’ but about relationships and accomplishing God’s plan and not mine.

Again, thank you so much for your prayers and please pray for the community of Agua Zarca!

Blessings,

Maria Winchell
Missions Leader
Freedom Life Church

8 Weeks and less than a day to go!

Time seems to be flying now that we are nearing our departure to Honduras. This year we'll have the opportunity to work with the villagers in constructing latrines. New this time around is our chance to minister by providing Vacation Bible School for the village children after each workday. And on the last workday we are having an Outreach Festival event for the entire village. Please pray for God's hand in all we say and do!!! Thank you, Maria Winchell

Latrine Project - 2008

Unfortunately I made an assumption that we would be working on the bio-sand water filtration system for this upcoming trip. I just received confirmation that we will be working on latrines. Here is a picture directly from International Aid showing us what to expect.

Quicamote

Pastor Amilcar emailed us some pictures from Quicamote where they held a church gathering for surrounding villages.

Bean Project

Here are some pictures Pastor Amilcar emailed us showing the 'Bean Project' FLC helped sponsor.

Coming: Mission Trip 2008!!!! for March 8-15, 2008

Freedom Life Church is partnered with International Aid – ‘Befriend-A-Village’. “Based upon the Christian principal of Help Thy Neighbor, Befriend-A-Village mission projects empower village residents—influencing faith, health and quality of life, one village at a time.”

Freedom Life Church has befriended Agua Zarca village and is committed to them for 10 years. This will be our third year going!

If you are interested in investing yourself physically and spiritually please sign up in the foyer, next to the green box for recycling inkjet cartridges which is a fundraiser for mission supplies.

If you have any questions please contact Maria Winchell, Missions Leader at winchell@cox.net

HONDURAS - March 10-17, 2007

The following is a letter I sent to friends and family when I returned from my second mission trip to Honduras.

Dear Prayer Partners, Friends & Family:

Thanks to everyone who prayed for me and our team of nine while we were in Honduras this year. May God Bless your faithfulness!

March 10-17, 2007 (for some it went to the 18th or 19th, I’ll explain later)

Our flight out of Norfolk to Atlanta & San Pedro Sula, Honduras went pretty smoothly. As soon as we walked into customs in Honduras it was incredibly warm and humid. Some of us were still wearing winter clothing.

Outside the airport while we were waiting for our drivers to load our luggage into small pick-up trucks we met another church group from Michigan, Covenant Life (www.ghclc.org) who were headed in the same direction. We discovered they were the same group we met last year at La Union, Lempira at Vida Abundante Church compound (our Honduran Host). They arrived the night before we left. This year we spent the week together with their team of 19, same compound but different villages.

As our church, Freedom Life befriended Agua Zarca village (34 homes) they befriended a nearby village (120 homes) at Nueva Paz (New Peace).

Our first night we stayed at Copantl hotel, same one as last year. We had lunch and dinner with Covenant Life, our Honduran hosts, the driving team and translators. It was nice meeting other people. This is also where we met our International Aid leaders who would be working with both groups throughout the week, married couple, Kurt & Matteah from Michigan.

The following morning Covenant Life and Freedom Life traveled to La Union in seven all-terrain vehicles. The first three hours the roads are pretty smooth but the last two were definitely not time for a nap unless you want to suddenly slap your head against the door window. However, it’s these last two hours where the mountains are so breath-taking beautiful you wouldn’t dare take a nap.

There was only one bathroom break on this trip, at our stop and those with experience brought out their traveling toilet paper, traveling toilet seat covers, anti-bacterial gels . . . need I say more? In some places where we travel there is no toilet paper or bathrooms for that matter. At one point we made a stop to enjoy the beautiful mountains, some at that moment needed to use the bathroom but no facilities nearby, so some watered the evergreen bushes or small trees at a coffee bean plantation. I guess they would be labeled organic, right?

When we arrived at La Union, Vida Abudante Church compound we all threw our luggage into our dorms and selected a bunk bed. Our lunch was ready so we headed to the dining hall where we had spaghetti. Can you believe our food was prepared on a stove made from adobe and heated by wood? The village ladies do a wonderful job at preparing our meals.

After lunch both groups met at a tiled patio (next door to the dining room) for a meeting with our IA leaders. Kurt and Matteah gave us ten helpful pointers to take with us during our time at the villages. ‘Flexible’ was stated three times, hint hint.

Fifteen minutes after our meeting we all headed to our respective villages. Okay, this part of the drive to our villages is even bumpier, steeper and windier than the last two hours of our drive to La Union. Thank the Lord, it’s only 25 minutes to Agua Zarca and 25 minutes back. If you seriously take a nap during this drive, chances are good you may not wake up.

One of the first homes upon entering Agua Zarca lives one of the orphan girls I fell in love with last year, Rosario, 10 years old. She was there amongst many of the children and adults waiting for our arrival. As soon as they knew it was us in the trucks everyone got excited. As we neared Rosario’s home she immediately recognized me and started waving crazily; I have to admit I really got choked up. Wow, it’s arriving in another place and time ….. visiting another extension of my family.

As we drove further into the village we saw many other children and adults, many familiar faces. When we got out of our vehicles, Rosario hugged me repeatedly and strongly, she has a beautiful smile. There we got to shake hands and talk with the villagers, re-igniting our start of our relationship from last year.

We met briefly in the village church for a bit to re-familiarize with the villagers and for the local Pastor to share and remind everyone why we were there. Rosario sat next to me and said: “The comb you all gave me last year I still have it.” I realized a simple comb was important to her. And then she said, “The skirt I’m wearing is one that you all gave me too.” I said it looked pretty on her.

The next day we came back and started working on making ‘hornillas’ or Lorena stoves. They are made from sand, clay dirt, dried pine needles and very fresh manure, courtesy of the village cows. The reason for the manure it acts as a repellant toward mice and cockroaches so they won’t be encouraged to make the hornillas their home. We made fifteen from scratch and made repairs on some from last year that we did. Last year we made 27 from scratch, the cows were very busy.

One interesting thing happened one afternoon at the village, some of us were walking to visit Rosario’s home, she lives with her aunt Luciana and 14-year old sister Carmela to see the hornilla that was in the process of getting built (last year her aunt and others opted out from having one built). Almost reaching her home, we heard some racket behind us, about ¼ mile away there was this cow with horns (looks like a Yak) who was bucking (didn’t know cows bucked) and a man on his horse shepherding it into a fenced area on the mountain, while Hermelinda (Rosario’s aunt who lives across from them) was opening the gate. As the cow was going nuts she got scared, initially I thought the cow threw her because I saw her in a leap motion but apparently she attempted to jump out of the way. Finally the cow went in and Hermelinda started walking toward us. Things looked well until I noticed she was crying loudly and limping. I went to her and noticed she had a deep gash and a cut on top of her right foot caused by barbed wire. A few of us cleaned the wound and got it to stop bleeding from the first-aid kit which we carry with us for the mission group.

Someone on our team arranged to have her taken to the clinic in La Union. I was fortunate to go with her. You know how I said it takes 25 minutes to get to La Union or to Agua Zarca? Well, I had Speed Racer as our driver that day and of all the times I’ve been to the village and La Union I’ve never arrived at either place so quick before. I think my life flashed before my eyes many times during that trip especially when I eyed the steep hills. That night I ended up with a doozy of a headache.

The clinic in La Union is tiny, clean and has various rooms. There is a room for minor surgery, dental room, labor & delivery room, observation room and nursery room. When I mention ‘room,’ it’s literally one room per specialty mentioned. Hermelinda was taken right away into the minor surgery room, the doctor immediately said she needed stitches. I’ve never seen stitches being performed before and it’s not pretty. He gave her a shot of Novocain next to her injuries but definitely not enough time for it to kick in before he started to sew away. She kept saying ‘Dios mio!’ or ‘My God!’ I guess after having twelve stitches put in I would exclaim the same.

In fifteen minutes she got stitched up, got medication for infection prevention, Amoxicillin and for pain, Ibuprofen. Someone from our group paid $165 Lempiras or about $8.68 USD. I know that is not a lot of money in the US but it’s a lot in Honduras. Then about two minutes later we stopped at another clinic, no more than a whole minute (literally, no more than one whole minute!) from entering and leaving the building she got a Tetanus shot for free.

Next, our speedy return to Agua Zarca. The driver and I were the only ones who wore seat belts. Another villager came with us who didn’t wear his seat belt and Hermelinda didn’t want to put hers on. I was trying to encourage her but she didn’t know how to wear it and looked uncomfortable at trying, so she gave up.

On our drive back I had a definite visual why we need to wear seatbelts. The villager and Hermelinda struggled to stay in their seat and I struggled not to choke every time the seatbelt would tighten.

I have much more to share but this is enough writing for now. I hope you got a little experience of our trip to Agua Zarca.

On our last day at San Pedro Sula airport as we all started checking-in our baggage and getting our flight tickets, I and two from our team got our tickets with seat assignment, the others got their tickets but no seat assignment. They were put on standby due to overbooking. We three inside were SO happy to get home.

When the three of us arrived in Atlanta only one made it home as scheduled. I and one from our team were put on standby. We slept in the airport, camping in a tent is more comfortable. The two of us made it home the next day on the 18th. The remainder six of our team made it a day later, the 19th.

I thank the Lord for your prayers Home Sweet Home!

Blessings,

Maria