Day 2: Trabajo Duro (By Brooke Wright)

Yesterday we went to a homeless shelter, where anyone could come just as they are. The goal as I understood it, was to get the people off the streets, which are really dangerous at night.  There were families and other individuals that lived in very tight quarters; some of the rooms didn’t even have a roof.  It was a very new experience to me, a little overwhelming, but very very humbling.  

As for the work we did…. wow! I have never been so exhausted after a day’s work.  First we had to dig out these rocks and prepare the place where we were going to place the cement that we also made. It was very challenging mentally, emotionally and definitely physically! Blisters, scraps, and cuts were not uncommon and we survived just fine. We had the privilege of experiencing what it would be like to work as a common man in Honduras. We worked for about eight hours and at the end of the day if we were getting paid, it would only amount to five to ten dollars!!! Can you imagine that???? We were told minimum wage was about two dollars a day. One amazing thing was to see how everyone helped everyone. While we were working, some of the homeless people who lived there also came and worked along side us. I remember carrying this bucket of rocks on top of my shoulders and as I was turning the corner, I was struggling and a young boy came and took it right off my shoulders. Every time he saw me coming around the corner he would help. I was so thankful; the people I came to be a blessing to blessed me that day. 

 Although yesterday was a good day, today was the best day so far!!! We went to a little village and what I saw there will be imprinted on my heart forever. I know this isn’t my day to write about, but I just have to say that those children are so precious and language did not get in the way. They welcomed and loved us and it was such a good feeling to just love them back. And through all this I learned that it didn’t matter if they were dirty or smelly or was sick or had lice or anything else because in their face was the eyes of Jesus and all of a sudden nothing mattered but just spending time with them. I could talk and share a lot about this day, like how hard it was to leave the children that hung onto my waist the entire day and how awesome it was to serve the children and give the employees a break, but I will have to leave the rest to another blogger. Thank you for your time!