hope de l@s jovenes

I looked around the table at 6 eager faces, all with bright eyes and genuine smiles. Discussing "honduran-isms," regional dialects, and unique foods, the conversation was animated and lively.  We were sharing a meal together at what is quickly becoming my favorite restaurant in San Pedro and getting to know each other better.

4 of us are young people serving with MCC in Honduras; the other 3 are young Hondurans who will be sent out from the Mennonite church to serve in the IVEP and YAMEN programs of MCC. It was fun to talk about what they eagerly anticipate and what scares them about leaving home. Mostly...the food (read: lack of beans and tortillas) weighs heavily on their minds. Will Canadians be nice to them? Will they only eat bread? Will Bolivia be too cold? Will they make new friends?

We had a great time together that afternoon at a "pre-orientation" before their staggered departures to the great unknown. I laughed a lot and appreciated the thoughtfulness and sense of humor they have brought along with them for their adventure.

When I think of what gives me hope for Honduras, their faces come to mind. The spirit of curiosity, "disponibilidad" (availability?), gentleness and humor that they exude while talking freely of their love for God and commitment to their church makes me so proud. Proud that they will represent MCC Honduras and the Honduran Mennonite Church. Proud that people will be able to put a kind face with the stories they have heard about Honduras. With so much negative press, skepticism and high crime statistics from Honduras, it is exciting to meet young people that know they can play a part in making their country better. I know they will be great ambassadors for Honduras and make contributions in each of their respective assignments.

Please pray for these young people (2 going to Bolivia with YAMEN, 2 going to Canada with IVEP) and all the other participants (SALTers too*) around the world who are taking a huge step of faith this week, leaving their comfort zone to try something different. May they be richly blessed by their endeavors and return to bless their families, churches and community with what they will receive from others.

*shout out to my cousin who is taking off for Burkina Faso soon with the SALT program! much love and many prayers A.Z!

copaneca de corazon

^ it means: "in my heart, I'm Copaneca" or from Copan.

Yesterday we wrapped up the project with ACDIM in two of my favorite communities. It was a bittersweet day, but filled with so much happiness, so much of the "normal" ridiculousity of my co-workers, and SO. MUCH. FOOD.

In good Honduran fashion, we all shared palabras (words) reflecting on our 2 years with the women, encouraging them to keep moving forward and continue working towards their goal of having a small business. In return, they shared beautiful words of how much they appreciated our friendship, the time we spent with them every month, and the things they learned.

you know how i feel about soup. but this really was delicious.

the soup wasn't enough.
she had to buy her own chickens to take home.

one of my favorite vistas in Honduras

My heart was so full (as was my stomach). We were offered the same hospitality we have always received in these places and shared a fun day with our friends. It is hard to know I won't be going back for awhile.

And I couldn't help but think...no matter where I live in Honduras--I am Copaneca in my heart.