Hard to see, process, understand, and more

Going back a few days...I forgot to mention that some of that lovely rain we were getting in Sampedrana was actually in the house/building where the group was staying. That problem should be fixed by the next time we stay up there. Rain indeed was everywhere (on the roof, on the walls, on the floor...not quite as bad as it sounds...but not great either.)

Also present were rocks blocking the road (what better place for a group picture?) that we had to move egyptian style (lassos moving smaller rocks to get the big one to push out of the way)

and of course Tom showing the Honduran kids how to properly assemble a bunk bed, much to their fascination. No cost was charged for the spectators of such engineering feats.

Today was a visit to the hospital to encourage, bring joy to, and pray for patients and their families. It was a growing experience for all of us. It does not matter how many times one has been there, there are always new people to see, problems to see, God lessons in store, etc. I had the pleasure and pain of being the translator for the cancer ward today, the area where the most terminal or critical patients are, and it is definitely heart breaking. One little boy who could not raise his head or move his body, having a large, dirty, tube-like affair jutting from his neck, in an isolated room (where you know that does not mean good things) upon hearing my blurted question that slipped past my better judgement: "how are you doing?" barely eeked out with his little voice "fine." Meeting so many of those kids and parents that are so grateful for such little time, little encouragment are most often times most encouraged by the one thing that we can do that has lasting value...prayer.

After that we did some pre-planned corn distribution in the area around the clinic. It is continually amazing to see such poverty and conditions in an urban center for the country, and yet here is another picture of a house that is almost to the top of the peak near the clinic where this family is living (and we are none to pleased with the looks of those bellies on the twins in the picture). They were very grateful for the opportunity to get the corn we delivered, and the prayer for their family as well. In all we distributed 1,200 lbs of corn today. Praise God!

After that came preparation for youth group, where five of the guys helped rock the house, Seth gave his testimony (as he did in the hospital to many children...as he survived a brain tumor and saw many going through a simliar situation) Steve preached, and then they all played a game...no one was injured in any of the four activities (although I wondered during the game....I suppose me wondering meant though that they were indeed trying as hard as they could)