We started the day well before dawn in Leawood, all of us excited for the adventures ahead. It was a little cold and icy in Kansas City so our plane had to get de-iced. We ended up making our connecting flight in Atlanta in just the nick of time, Gracias a Dios! We were filled with anticipation as we saw the blue waters and lush, tropical land of Honduras, on our descent into San Pedro Sula.
Stepping off the plane, sunshine and humidity greeted us, a far cry from the chill of the Midwest. We made our way through immigration and then customs. We had a delay getting through customs with the medicine that we brought for the Hogars. But Michelle, who shared her tremendous gift and interpreted, and Jane, our fearless leader, negotiated and haggled and after about 2 hours…we were able to leave customs. ¡Gracias a Dios! Sor Matilde and Sor Deysi along with the drivers, Daniel and Don Christian met us with hugs, a precious poster and smiles!!! A quick bite to eat and we were off – heading down the highway, up into the mountains to Santa Rosa de Copán.
The highway was under construction almost the entire way. So the trip took about 4 1/2 hour, we truly didn’t remember we had been up for so long!! The nuns of the elderly home were there to greet us as we passed through the gate. It is truly amazing the spirit of charity and hospitality that they all have!! We exchanged hugs and names. Then we headed to the Hogar de Niñas.
We were greeted at the door with confetti, so so so many hugs and joyous songs the girls had prepared for us. It was so moving!! It made all the tiredness melt away in an instant!! We had dinner with the nuns of the Hogar de Niñas, Sor Deysi, Sor Florentina y Sor Alejandrina. Then off to bed for a good nights rest after the 20+ hour day – with our hearts full!! What a gift!! And the week has only just begun… Jessica
St. Michael the Archangel Honduras Mission Project 