Our group is very attached to the kids. We make a point to spend the day at the property. We decide to do something extra special for the children before we leave. The children almost never go out to eat. It is so expensive, a luxury for sure. The missions team puts our money together and decides to take the children to a local favorite restaurant, a Chinese place in town. The children are excited. They all dress up. It is such a beautiful blessing to see how blessed they all are by our generosity. It is amazing what a few dollars and a little bit of time can do to brighten the lives of children. Even the little ones are able to come. The food is good, but the real joy is seeing how happy the children are.
We linger at the restaurant, but have to return to the property. We have to say goodbye. It is difficult. The young ladies in our group are especially attached. Some of the Honduran children don’t stop crying. Many of the children bring us gifts to take back to our families in America. I’ve grown attached to Elmer (who reminds me of my own Paul back home) and Antonio. While on this trip, I taught Elmer, age 6, I think (he says a different age each time I ask him!), to throw a football. Antonio is 13, as tall as I am, with a desire to preach. I ask Antonio why he wants to be a pastor. He says, in fairly good English, “I want to work for God.” It is hard. I will not forget my time in Honduras. I never want to forget the children there.
