Honduras Mission Trip Journal
July 16 - July 27, 2007
Youth & leaders from Youth Groups of:
First Presbyterian Church, East Aurora
St. Matthias Episcopal Church, East Aurora
First Baptist Church, East Aurora
Unitarian-Universalist Church, East Aurora
Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, EA
Trinity United Methodist Church, Amherst
Hope United Methodist Church, Pekin (gift)
When my dad first told me about this mission trip, I was both nervous and excited at the same time because even though I would finally be traveling abroad, I knew no one well. However, after various Youth Group meetings, I came to the airport without any extreme nervousness. When in Paraiso, the lack of nervousness continued and it befuddled me; but soon I realized that this was God’s way of showing me I was in the right place. His presence was so strong in Paraiso between the mountains, people’s faces, and actual church services. It was the town’s complete spirituality, instead of just in the church, that truly made me realize the numerous presence of God everywhere! I will always keep Paraiso in my heart, not to mention my family, Olvin, Ramone, the pastor’s family, and everyone else, when I return home. I have no idea how I will completely share my experience, but I do know that I want everyone to realize that God, or any faith, is not just church, it is nature, animals, people’s faces, and that feeling that forever warms your heart.
I thank everyone for this experience!
Love,
Corrine Allen
Honduras was a different kind of mission trip. Unlike Queens and New Orleans, there was no inner city youth to play with or any devastation to clean. What we were doing was creating a necessity for these people. Also living directly with some families that will be impacted by our work was truly an amazing experience. But the best part of the entire trip was working up every morning to see the sun coming up over the mountains. Seeing that makes you feel like you can take on the world. And it seems that every year I think to myself that the trip will never be as good as the year before, but it always is.
Joe Allen
This was my 3d mission trip with this group. It was an awesome experience for me. Going to Honduras was a huge learning adventure. I learned a lot about a culture, a language, and about myself. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of you on the trip and everyone of you is an awesome person. I will never forget the way God and you have touched my heart. See you all soon! Love,
Lizzi Aquilini
Because this was both my first mission trip and international trip, I didn’t really know what to expect. The first might in Honduras, I was still feeling lost, but once we started to work, and to get to know the people of El Paraiso, I was very comfortable. All the people we met were so open and friendly, and extremely thankful for our help. I came thinking I would never want to work on construction projects, but by the end of the trip, all I wanted to do is build rebar to support the walls. Also, in working on construction, I got to know more people my age, and to learn about their culture. I think the most important part of the trip, however, was when my host family wanted us to share in the memorial service for the father, who had died 6 months ago. This entire experience has taught me a lot about loving others and about faith in God.
Andrea Bailey
El Paraiso, Honduras, really is paradise. The mountains of Honduras are truly God’s canvas with El Paraiso nestled among them. The village exudes God’s love, as do the people. What an awesome experience. I hope that every time a child flushes a toilet (and it actually flushes), they think of the gringos who helped build their bathroom!
Claire Boyles
Going to Honduras, I was expecting it to be like last year.However, it was a completely different experience.Last year, I was able to speak the language and felt a sense of home.This year, I didn't know any Spanish and was introduced to a very different culture.The family that took me and Sara in was amazing and treated us just like their daughters.I've have never been so far away and yet felt so at home.The people of Honduras are amazing.To have so little and yet have such a strong faith is unbelievable. I learned that money isn't everything and often as Americans we tend to forget that.These people depend on day-to-day earnings just to make it, yet they are willing to take others in and give up their rooms for them.I am extremely glad that I traveled to Honduras because I feel it was good for me to experience such a different culture.I am leaving for college in the fall, and I will be meeting people with all different beliefs, so now I have an idea of what to expect.
Amburley Burris
Honduras is a land so full of love and hospitality that I was shocked when we arrived. I was expecting the poverty and lack of personal possessions. However, the love of us and of God was so apparent that I feel that the community of El Paraiso has helped me more than I could ever help it. I realized more so than ever that nationality and money don’t make Americans better, but often worse because we feel we often have no need for the Lord. However, the love flowing from my family the first night and every other night after showed me everything I was missing in my life. The people in El Paraiso love God and do everything from their hearts in His name, and that makes them feel fulfilled and happy despite any hardships. The faith of the young people in El Paraiso was the most inspiring thing I have ever seen. They were so open to share, both with the community during church and one-on-one, the difference Jesus had made in their lives, and encouraged me to know what they know without being pushy or forceful.
This made me want to work even harder while in Honduras because I felt the whole time that I needed to repay this amazing new home and family of mine for all they had taught me and the light they had brought into my life by introducing me more so than ever to the wonders of God. The mountains were such a beautiful creation of God’s that I got to see every day and the trusting and innocent looks in the children’s eyes that seemed to simply say, “ I love you no matter what. Please love me too”, were so powerful that I have never felt a connection like that to God before in my life. When I think of God’s love and the impact He can have in our lives, I will never forget El Paraiso: the families that gave up so much for the strangers; the innocent children trusting that there is always good in the unknown, and the faith in every person that is unending and unconditional.
I will never forget this experience and know that I will return as much as possible to renew this feeling and continue to show Honduras and specifically El Paraiso that I can love too. Blessings forever, Libby Castle
This was my first mission trip and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d heard other people’s stories about past mission trips and the strong religious experience they’d acquired (staying up crying and talking all night in God’s presence). After the first couple of days I did not think that was going to happen. It felt it was more of a work trip than a religious trip. I think for most people, including me, it took me a while to get going. But by the end of the week, I had really opened my eyes and saw God in the view of the mountains and in the eyes and hearts of every person we’ve met, and also in the group. I’ve noticed that in the poor, they are so rich in faith and love, and the wealthy are so poor. I’ve really opened my eyes and in the end became closer to God. My faith has grown so much, and I’ve became more familiar with myself and my relationship with God. I will definitely miss El Paraiso. I left a part of my self there, and hope to return to help these people! This was an amazing experience and thank you to everyone who made it possible.
Maggie Castle
Everything in Honduras was a new experience to me. Having never traveled outside the country before, it was a huge culture shock. But after I finally got used to the daily routine, I was able to feel “at home”. What I’ll remember most about this trip is the amazing people I met. Even through the language barrier I was able to form such a bond (especially with my host family) that will forever be held in my heart.
I took a few things home from this trip. One being, I now have a great respect for all the people in the United States who are struggling to learn the English language. It is very difficult and mentally straining to just get through the day not knowing the native language. Another realization I made was that Americans spend way too much time worrying about money and material things. I’ve learned that number one priority should always be family. The Honduran people made me a part of theirs.
Allison Flattery
I wasn’t too sure of what to expect on this year’s trip. Looking back on the last nine days, I realize that it’s been amazing. Standing at the cross at the top of the mountain, I was able to see the beauty of this land that God created, that even though they may be poor, they are wealthy in beauty, faith and love. I will never forget the people I met here, especially my host family, Olvin, and the smiles on all the children’s faces. There will always be a place in my heart for Honduras.
Sara Gearhart
Our trip to Honduras this summer was beautiful.For the first time ever, our youth lived with the locals! We shared many meals and had tons of fun trying to communicate using different languages.
New Orleans can be a rough and ugly town, so it was great spending time with friends and meeting new ones. El Paraiso is a beautiful place with many charming features!Often, I found myself just standing in awe of the scenery.God is truly good, for he has blessed this earth with breathtaking life.El Paraiso is a perfect example of this life.Beautiful smiles, addicting laughter, sweet tea in a bag, mountains surrounding you in every direction. It comes to no surprise that they named the town “paradise.”
On Saturday night we got a taste of what its like to go to church in El Paraiso.We were exposed to a group of people who worship the same God as us, but in a very different way.
Never have I seen such a pure and uninhibited love for Jesus.Shouts of praise blasted out each window and danced into the air. Every concern and praise was cast unto God in one
simultaneous explosion of faith.It wasn't the extreme nature of their actions that struck me; it was the simplicity.There was no healer, no bookstore, no colored lights or fancy sound system.They were just praising God and they were really excited about it. With everyone singing and praying out loud I'm sure some of the gringos were overwhelmed.It was great!
Our last night was a celebration, but a goodbye as well.We worked hard, played hard, met some amazing people and did a little soul reflecting to boot!My host family treated me as their own son.It was hard to say goodbye.Really hard! But it's all good, because I'm buffing up on my Spanish and I'm going back to finish what God started.
Clint Holmes
Honduras was quite the experience! There were high points and low points, but over all it was a trip I will never forget. The relationships that were made are going to be in my heart forever. It is hard to say goodbye to Honduras, but I hope that this goodbye won’t be forever and that I’ll be able to return one day!
Bethany Hubbard
Honduras was my 5th mission trip. Spiritual-wise it wasn’t the strongest, but for enjoyment, it was my favorite. I liked how we lived with the family. It was a wonderful time growing a relationship with the family. I’m really going to miss my family and hope to return someday.
Dan Hubbard
Honduras was a very unique experience. I connected with God, but it was not as intense as the spirit I felt in New Orleans last year. I learned to appreciate how people that have little to offer, share so much. God’s presence in El Paraiso was everywhere in the community and the people were all very devout Christians. I also learned how to connect with people even though I could not speak the language, a simple handshake, smile, and hug, goes a long way. Someday, I hope to return to El Paraiso and see the lasting results of our work and effort in what we did in the summer of 2007.
Dane Johnson
Honduras was my first mission trip and it was great. Bringing down the wall was a lot of work but a lot of fun, as was the rest of our “construction work.” Some things about this mission trip (e.g. staying with people who spoke no English), were hard, but they only made me stronger. We met so many people with so much faith, and they helped to strengthen my faith as well. The group of people from New York on this trip were great as well, and they really helped me throughout the trip. I know I will remember the people that we met in Honduras, children and adults, forever.
Margaret Kearns
Honduras was my first mission trip and an incredible experience. I think spending nine days living in another culture and speaking another language have helped me to grow as a person, secularly, and my time there really broadened my view of the world. Spiritually, I think I’ve taken baby steps towards God. No epiphanies, but a start. The smiles and trust of the children, the faith and hard work of the people, and the beauty of the country, have all shown me the hand of the Creator in their own small way, and have inspired a strong desire in me to go back to Honduras and continue our work there. I’ve promised to return, and though the how and when are uncertain, I’m already looking forward to it. The hospitality we experienced was incredible, given without thought for self. We may never know all that our families gave up to have us stay in their homes, but I know that for me, the Rodriquez family and all of Paraiso will have a special place in my heart, and my dearest memories. I can’t wait to see them again, or for my next mission experience with this awesome group. As they say (in Honduras),
Dios te bendiga (God bless you).
Pat Kearns
This mission trip to Honduras was very different than the others I have been on. It was more mentally exhausting than physically. Learning the Honduran culture and language was something that I will never forget. It was great to escape from my normal life and spend time with new people. The people of Paraiso showed me a lot about values, especially that of family. I will go home a new person, thanks to the wonderful people of Honduras! I want to thank everyone who made these mission trips possible.
Marla Kelley
There is not enough room in this journal to write about this trip. The very first night when we went on our tour and a soccer game broke out was amazing. That set the tone for us. I was like saying, OK Honduras, we are here ready or not!!! There are so many moments when I saw God. The one that stands out the most is when Greg told me he was doing this trip voluntarily. What a good and faithful servant!
Honduras has become Eveline’s and my second country and I want to thank you all for treating Honduras like it was your own. The respect you showed everyone was great and you’ve made me proud to be an American (sometimes that is not so easy to say these days). I am so , so proud of each and everyone of you guys. God’s peace and love be with you always.
Ed Koch
Reading the entries of the other Youth Group members, I have learned how much their spirituality has grown through this trip. As they did, in Honduras, I came to see God in a new way. Even more so, I came to see myself differently. Throughout the summer, my mood was apathetic, and I found myself disinterested and lazy. Coming to Honduras was an amazing wake up call. Here were people who truly lived. Their spirituality was so profound, their affection so sincere and their openness so inspiring that even in the first night of my stay, I could feel a change coming over me. Instead of apathy, I felt a sudden motivation to live as fully as the people I had met. I worked as hard as I could and in doing so, found a sense of purpose. I could be a part of something bigger than myself. This feeling was reinforced by the camaraderie which grew among the group. I loved being part of this collection of amazing and unique people. I loved the ability to talk about God unembarrassed and I loved being able to be myself, instead of hiding my emotions. I hope that I will never lose the spirit which was ignited in Honduras, and that I will truly live! And live in love and in service to the incredible people in this world.
Theresa Morlock
I have never seen God so clearly as on mission trips. This was my 3d trip with the Youth Group, so I had certain expectations. I expected to see God all around me and have my faith rekindled. As usual, God blew my expectations out of the water. I realize now, at the end of the trip, that God was present from the beginning. God showed Himself through the generosity of church members who donated hundreds of dollars to the trip. He was also present in the smiles of the children and the dedication of our host families. I enjoyed working with everyone, especially those who’s last year this is. I can’t think of a better way to spend our time together than serving God in the Paradise that is El Paraiso.
Paul Nowak
This trip was the most amazing experience of my LIFE! So where do I start? My experiences in the past is what led me to Christ. The darkness inside was destroyed when I was saved. Ever since I’ve been going to church and going on mission trips. Getting to help others in the name of God is so empowering and I want to do it for the rest of my life. This mission trip in particular was so special. We were able to stay with a family and get to know them on a personal level. On past trips, we met people, but weren’t able to get this close to them. My host family will always have a place in my heart, and that is why it was so difficult to leave Honduras. The 10 days we were given to stay here at first seemed a bit too long, but now that it is over, it seemed too short. Working with kids is challenging for me because for some strange reason, kids aren’t comfortable with me, but that’s ok. Someday that will change. Working on construction was awesome. I truly felt God working inside me when I felt tired and weak, but suddenly got a boost of energy. I felt like nothing could tear me down. Honduran people are so unique. I have never met people with such an open heart, who are so honest and want to serve the Lord with such passion. This trip has impacted my life so much that I want to return and continue serving God. I would also love to one day allow my host’s daughter Elizabeth to come to America and stay at my house so I can show her the same hospitality she showed me. This trip couldn’t have happened without God and I am grateful for this opportunity.
Merissa Olmstead
Paraiso is nestled in the crest of the mountains in the South of Honduras. We learned during our 9-day stay how appropriate the location of this amazing town is. The mountains are as vast and immense as the hospitality that was visited upon us by the families that welcomed the 35 alien Americans that had come to their doors. We worked with a local church, named Amor Viviente (living love). And that name couldn’t be more true. The people of the church loved us as brothers and sisters and the faith that their church preaches is a way of life. I was truly amazed by the powerful faith these people had, their belief in Christ directs EVERY aspect of their lives, each second from dawn to dawn, not just how they spend an hour of their Sunday mornings. They are relentlessly strong in their beliefs and having stood amongst them during prayer, sweat with them in the Honduran sun, and talked with them, I feel that if these people are Christians (which they most certainly are), then how can I call myself one. To me their view and way of Christian living is exhaustingly religious and exists on an apex I could never hope to reach in the climb that is my personal religious journey. I am amazed to have lived in a community so devoted to Jesus and so truly Christian. I have been touched by the love and hospitality of the people of Paraiso and I will never forget what I have experienced on this trip. Bendiciónes.
Justin Parrish
This trip to Honduras was my first mission trip with the Youth Group. At the beginning of the trip, I really wasn’t sure of what to expect. Then, while I was sitting in my bed after meeting my host family for the first time, I was wondering how in the world I was going to be able to survive 8 more days. Luis, our host father, had made it clear that he didn’t speak any English, so we wouldn’t expect him to understand us. I was relieved that Geoff was my roommate because we both knew the deal on most of the things because we travel a lot. It was also nice because it felt comforting to have a family member with me. Taylor and Pat were also housed right across the street from us so we all walked 15 minutes to the church at least once everyday. There were 4 members in our family - Luis (father), Estrella (mother), Luis Alfonso (son), and Claymer (daughter). Luis Cito (as Luis liked to call him) and Claymer took a few days to get used to us, but once they did we had a lot of fun times together.
I’ve never felt more hospitality and gratitude from anyone in my life. Every day when we came home from work, Claymer would smile and yell “Hola!” to us as we came in, and I looked forward to that every day. We (Geoff and I) worked off of each other’s knowledge of Spanish to speak and understand most of what was going on.
This trip changed me more than just physically: I made new friends, experienced true joy and gratitude, and I felt that I made a big difference for people who have so little. This will stay with me for the rest of my life.
David Pictor
This was a truly incredible experience/journey. It brought me closer to my friends, and most importantly by brother. I made new friends which is so important to me. I love the country and culture. I wish I could do this every day for the rest of my life!!
Geoff Pictor
All the expectations and assumptions that I had for this trip were proven wrong. This was mostly because I viewed the mission trip as a cool vacation to help people. It was not about my faith or learning about their faith. I was more excited about helping people and being exposed to a new and exotic culture. Fortunately, as the trip unfolded, I changed that attitude toward the trip. It was still about helping the church, building the bathroom, and teaching kids how to play freeze tag; but I also started to see God in these experiences. God was everywhere on this trip and for me that was a life changing experience. I’m not sure if it was being in Honduras that changed me so much, but I do know for sure that the leaders of our group and the faith that saturated El Paraiso was the encouragement and support that I needed to take a leap of faith. Thank you all so much for an amazing first mission trip! Love,
Taylor Smith
The Mission Trip to Honduras has been a wonderful experience. The community was truly welcoming and made all of us feel at home. I had expectations before I came, and none of them were true. The trip was better than I expected. God was easily visible in many places and in the people of El Paraiso. All of the people there will be truly missed.
Michelle Taylor
Honduras is God’s land. The mountains shine with his grace and the faces of the people shine with his love. I have never felt so at home so far away from my family. Honduras truly is a place that anyone could fall in love with. Before I went on this trip, I had prepared myself to live in a little town, in a little house with no shower; I was so wrong. El Paraiso is a beautiful town that may be poor in money, but they are so rich in their faith. I will never forget the people I met -- my mother and father, Olvin, they will always be in my heart.
Jillian Thomas
This mission trip was amazing! It has truly changed by life. The unexpected relationships I have made with the many Hondurans will be in my heart forever. The love that I have felt this week was tremendous. My host sister, Elizabeth, was so caring and now I can say I have a sister in Honduras. I have never felt this connected to our place of mission before. I am determined to go back to Honduras as soon as possible. God is good and even though at times I doubted if I was even meant to go to Honduras, I now know that I definitely was. God has used this trip to show me a level of love that I had never known before. Sitting here writing this brings tears to my eyes thinking about the hundreds of hugs from Olvin and the other special children, the connection I had with Enma and my new sister Elizabeth. I am so thankful to be able to spend this experience with you all! I love you all so much and I hope that we all keep in touch. God has brought us all together for a reason and I can not wait to do his work together next year. Gloria a Dios!
Jessica Watt
This year’s trip to Honduras was the best by far. It really showed me not to take for granted all the stuff that we have here in the U.S, and that you don’t need fancy clothes or expensive gadgets, all you need is love. The people were so nice, and without question they just let strangers into their homes to live. We were so different than them, but yet they still did as much as they could to make us feel at home! Playing with the kids and seeing their faces as we ran around in a circle playing "Duck, Duck, Goose," just made my day. I wish I could have brought one of them home with me, especially little Olvin. The food, oddly enough was very good!, I would have loved to bring the Pastors wife and mother home with me to cook my everyday meals! They were so generous, and I won’t forget the Pastor’s family. I loved my host family also very much and it was hard to leave them. I wish that we can all see those wonderful people again sometime. The memories from this trip will last for a lifetime, and it truly was an awesome experience. DIOS AMA A HONDURAS! [God loves Honduras]
Kristin Watt
Going to Honduras was one of the coolest trips, besides New Orleans, that I have ever been on. I will always remember all the people and animals we met. The people I will never forget were Pastor Andres, Greg, and Melvin. The animal I will never forget is Goofy.
I had a great time on the mountain with the cross. I will never forget this trip.
Mindy White
I think this mission trip brought me back towards my faith in a lot of ways.It is easy to forget or to simply brush aside what we can't explain, especially in a society where that is encouraged.In Honduras I realized that I am not alone and that Christianity does have a place in my life.I'm glad I got the opportunity to share this experience with everyone else who came along.Hopefully, the faith of each and every one of us will continue to grow.
Brad Whitney
Gracias! I can’t think of any more appropriate word than that to sum up this youth mission trip to Honduras. Thank you, God, for the blessings of this trip. Thank you, Pastor Andres and the people of Amor Viviente Church for your incredible hospitality and love. Thank you, adult leaders, for your hard work and compassion in leading our youth. Thank you to our awesome youth mission team, for giving of yourselves so completely to serve God and your neighbor with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And thank you to all who gave so generously to make this mission trip a reality. Gracias, gracias, gracias! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
The significance of this mission trip is unparalleled in my experience (this is the 7th trip I have led). For high school youth to live in people’s homes, becoming part of the people’s lives, is something normally reserved for college students and Peace Corps workers. It says much about the maturity of our youth that they could handle such a situation so well. Such a deep and intimate connection opened up a level of sharing I’ve rarely seen before. In truth we became a part of each other’s lives, sharing each other’s faith, each other’s hopes, and each other’s love. My prayer is that we will keep this connection alive and develop an ongoing partnership and sharing in ministry with La Iglesia de Amor Viviente. We need the people of El Paraiso and they need us. Our youth have opened up an incredible opportunity for shared ministry that can transform us all. Let’s keep the door open. Thanks be to God for the great things God has done!
Pastor Buddy Hubbard
Living with Pastor Andres and his beautiful wife Florie for ten days was a memory I’ll cherish forever. They treated us with such warmth and hospitality- that we became friends quickly. In Pastor Andres, I caught a glimpse of a man who loved God deeply. Somehow, despite the language barrier, he shared with us the years he spent in Nicaragua, walking the mountain trails, bringing the bible to 4 little churches, despite great personal risk. And he shared with us his dreams for his present pastorate –how he wants to touch the people of El Paraiso with God’s love through the church’s school and other ministries. His faith was inspirational and his kindness, along with that of his congregation, touched me with God’s healing power and grace. I pray that God will give the opportunity for our families to meet again.
Pastor Jan Hubbard
I love Honduras! I have been going there to Our Little Roses, a home for girls, since Jan. 2002. This was my 13th trip to Honduras since then and my 1st to Tegucigalpa and El Paraiso. I was very excited to be going somewhere new in Honduras. It exceeded my expectations. The kids were amazing! Flexible, adaptable, willing to try the new and different. When we arrived, everyone went off with their families, some speaking no Spanish and the families speaking no English! Yet by the end of the week, they were all communicating! They all worked so hard!
We were so welcomed by the Pastor, his family and host families. Our pastor’s wife, Florie, was expecting a baby July 25, and yet helped prepare lunch for 35 every single day! I was relieved to leave without having to help deliver her baby on the big yellow bus (she wanted to go on the 2 hour bus ride to see us off), and very sad to say good-bye to our new family.
The church services were an experience of sharing and communion, an incredible sense of welcome and love between “el grupo de jovenes” and the members of Amor Viviente.
The spirit and love of our kids to their new friends was wonderful to watch what a great group of kids and what a special trip. It really is true, every trip is special and unique. The “35 gringos” will long be remembered in El Paraiso, as we will never forget our trip to paradise.
Eveline Koch
