Overwhelmed with Gratitude

There are no words to explain the beauty, joy, and love that I have been experiencing this week. To the point at which I have been so overwhelmed, there are few words coming from my mouth (which those of you who know me, know that is rare). The Lord has had his hand in each and everything we have been doing the past week. From every villiage we have stopped at, every bible we have distributed, and every hug we have received, I have been reminded again just how blessed I am. I have enjoyed every second that I have been here (except when I got pink eye at the beginning of the week), but have missed my family so very much. I see all these children Jane Kimmel's age with no shoes, cloths, or parents everywhere and my heart just breaks. I relaize there are so many in need here, but too many to help at one time. The reality of everything around me hits hard, but when I stop and listen... I realize the world is just how it should be. God would not have sent us to Honduras to serve and teach people about Him if the world was perfect. Praise God for His wonderful plans!

On a lighter note, I have met and feel in love with two people here. Yes, many of you know them... Arturo and Suyapa! Their testimony is amazing and their ministry serves the Lord every hour of the day. They are beautiful inside and out and have shown so much love to us "crazy Mississippians." Their faith is so strong and I am so glad the Lord has placed them in my life to inspire my walk with Him. Look how cute they are :)

And I can't forget the wonderful cooks we have had this week! The food has been wonderful and fried! Yes, I have probably gained 5 lbs. on this trip, or maybe 10. Gloria and Sandra are the hands that have been preparing our meals for us everyday. They are wonderful! So full of life and so funny. We are so thankful for them :)

On Thursday, we walked across this swinging bridge! It was a little scary, but a lot of fun :) Once we got across, we distributed cloths and told a bible story to the families there. It was really neat!

What?!?! Ahhhhh!

 Jane Kimmel's little hat :)

Arturo and me :)

Mrs. Linda made it across!

We spent friday at Santa Clara! We also had a wedding, which I am sure y'all have all heard by now :) It was so sweet and so special, because it was put on by the children for Cameron and Emily. Needless to say, tears were flowing! The men also put a roof on a new school house. They did a great job through hot and humid weather, which soon turned into rain.  Way to go guys!!!

Arturo sharing his amazing testimony with us...

Precious Rony

 The Coffee Plantation Crew

 Emily, Anna Marie, and Doris trying the sugarcane...

 I DID NOT like the sugar cane...

Nanners for everyone!

For our last afternoon, a few of us went to the Falls! Haha, little did we know, the bridge was out and we had to hike... yes, hike about 2 miles to get there! Oh, was it HOTT... but, we made it and the girls went for a dip. It was beautiful and I was excited to get some exercise in :)

 The beginning of our hike!

 We walked through a cow pasture... Where were my tennis shoes when I needed them?!?! :)

 About 20 minutes into it... Whew

 The rocks before the falls!

 We made it!!

 Me!

 Cam and Em :)

 The girls!!

 Jimmy and Noa!

 :)

 Gotta love a chaco tan line... :)

A beautiful sunset on our last day...

A huge thank you to our fearless leader, Mrs. Anne! We would not have made it without you! Thank you for all your time and effort you put in to making this such a wonderful experience for all of us! We love you!

I will forever hold a special place for Honduras in my heart. I had the best time getting to know everyone on this trip and am so thankful for the opportunity to share it with a community of believers!I will definitely be coming back in the future! God Bless!

(more pictures from the rest of the trip to come)

-Meredith