On our last full day in Honduras, we participated in a couple of community outreach activities. First, we drove down the mountain to Santa Cruz, which is a small village right at the turnoff from the main highway. There we met Pastor Elvin, his wife Cynthia and his son Eliezar who took us to see a very poor family near the town.
The family includes Serapio, his wife Maria, their daughter Isabella, her son Christian and grandson Francois. Pastor Elvin has known Serapio, and Maria for a long time. Serapio is 80 years old and can't walk anymore. They aren't members of Pastor Elvin's church, but they trust in God to meet their needs and that's what we wanted to do for them today. We brought food and new mattresses to supply some of their physical needs. We also spent some time sharing some scripture and praying for them and their family.
Of their 10 children, two died in childhood, four died from disease and one was murdered. Their daughter is the only one of the remaining three children who supports her parents. She, her son and grandson live in the same family compound.
Their houses are in very rough shape. They have no electricity or indoor plumbing. The adobe walls have been degraded by the weather. Serapio is hoping that Pastor Elvin might be able to arrange to build a new house for them. When we say house, we mean a single room maybe 10' x 10'. It will be a challenge. The site is very remote and is accessed by walking about 100 yards down a footpath from a dirt road. But it's possible that other Ranch teams might be able to help out. We'll see what the future holds.
On our way back up the mountain, we stopped for a nice fried chicken lunch at a place along the main highway. Then we continued up to the soccer field near San Mattias and picked up the abundant trash that littered the field. This was just a way for the Ranch to be a good neighbor.
Since we got back early to the Ranch, we had some extra time to get organized to leave tomorrow and our hosts the Nelson boys lead Chris and Tom on a hike up to the lagoon at the top of WGO's property. We were surprised to learn that there are actually fish in the pond.
Instead of eating dinner in the dining room today, we had a wienie roast at the outdoor fire pit and gazebo. We also made s'mores, which were a hit of course. Martin gave a devotion and Tom prayed over everyone at the Ranch and all the people that make the Ranch possible.
We think we've completed all our online customs and immigration paperwork accurately, so we hope things go smoothly when we check in at the airport tomorrow. We're looking forward to seeing you soon. It's been a blessed week, and we'll have lots of stories to share with you. Thank you for following us on the blog. We hope you've vicariously enjoyed the week too.
OUR COMMUNITY OUTREACH TEAM
OUR VISIT WITH SERAPIO AND MARIA
THEIR KITCHEN
THEIR OUTHOUSE
THEIR VIEWS
TWO FARMERS
A FRIED CHICKEN LUNCH AT JOSE'S
THE SOCCER FIELD CLEAN-UP CREW
HIKING UP TO THE LAGOON
HOT DOGS AND S'MORES
