From your friends

In a whirlwind of activity, taking the time to reflect and write out one's experiences can be difficult. Some of our group have taken the time to do so and here are their experiences.



Don Cole:

THE DUMP

The most profound poverty I've ever seen. I would estimate about 300 or

The closer we came to the dump the deeper the silence grew in our vehicles. We had seen a video detailing the conditions and none of us were sure we'd be able to handle what awaited us over the next hill. Many over our group wrapped bandanas around their faces to filter out a smell so pungent it could be felt as it entered our lungs. There was no covering available, however, to place over our hearts. As we exited our vehicles we were given bags of water to hand out to the droves of people tirelessly digging through the wast to find enough plastic bottles, 100 pounds, to earn five dollars worth of Honduran money. The rule was that water must be placed into the hands of the people. Not thrown, but physically given, so we had to trudge through mire that bubbled and squished as it held fast to our shoes. I thought of how Jesus had washed the feet of his followers and knew that if that was the way he had called me to serve, I would have failed miserably. Lines of men, women, and children formed behind a pickup truck staring at silver cylinders filled with rice and beans. They patiently waited for their meal while many of us were eager to leave. The dump affected us all differently. None could deny that, too live in conditions like these, competing with buzzards and cows, one would have to be desparate.
After the dump we drove into the city for lunch. Hoards of people gathered around any tv they could find so they could watch Honduras play against Spain in world cup competition. Crowds poured out into the streets stopping traffic. It was then we discovered that many of the garbage trucks were off for the day to see the game and that what we had seen was a more sanatized version of life at the dump.
Some of our group noticed a woman with four children perched on a wall watching us and decided to give the children money. Afterwards they followed us into a courtyard with restaurants. We were able to buy them some food. I was overwhelmed when the woman behind the counter filled two to go plates with rice and noodles so completely that they could barely be closed. The contrast between affluence and destitution was vividly displayed in the courtyard. I have often felt angry that people could ignore others in such great need until I begin to wonder how many in my culture I have done the same too. THe difference. This time I was here to help. The planks never leave our eyes easily.