You know you’re in trouble the first
work day when you think it’s close to your lunch break
and you soon discover it’s only 9:30am! But despite the
shock to our systems from this thing called “manual
labor,” we settled in, worked hard, learned our roles,
and had a tiring but satisfying day of work. Hunter took the
responsibility as the American foreman while the rest of us
either sifted sand, loaded block, mixed mescla (mortar) or
concreto (concrete), or laid block.
That night at dinner, we each shared what
the best thing that we noticed that had happened that day.
“I enjoyed working with your dad,” or “I
loved getting to know Alejandro, Ariel, or Luís,”
were the type comments made, most focusing on the
relationships. Despite many of the team not knowing each other
that much or not at all, God has revealed how He answered my
prayer for unity of the team.
Afterwards, we gathered in the second
apartment, the one with all the comfortable furniture. There we
enjoyed a wonderful season of praise through music led by Steve
and Drew. Alfredo then shared how God providentially used his
tragic childhood for His sovereign purpose in beginning this
ministry. All were encouraged. Mizael arrived with a model of
the site and gave us a better picture of the entire layout of
the land. Alfredo then shared more specifics about La
Providencia and the future. LeaderTreks, who has sent ten teams
this summer and plans to send twice that next year, has been an
integral partner thus far. Plans have been discussed for one
day LeaderTreks building Leadership Training Facility for the
children next to the property and allowing their training
materials to be used to train these young Hondurans to be
leaders. Several of the team asked insightful questions to
Alfredo and we came away impressed at how thorough everything
involved in this project has been considered. More importantly,
we came away more determined in helping this work.
Eric only slept through about half of
Alfredo’s story.
“You gave me life and showed me
kindness, and in your providence watched over my
spirit.”
Job 10:12
