Let me tell you, it was a beautiful day today in Santa Rosa de Copàn. We started off this morning with a beautiful breakfast with the Sors. I learned about the difference between bananas and plantains (which the Hondurans call “male bananas”). The three college students tried Honduras coffee in Honduras for the first time (delicioso!!) and then we headed to get the girls for mass at the Cathedral.
The Cathedral was filled to the brim for the celebration of Epiphany! The priest in the homily talked about the three kings, who had to leave behind everything, their home and kingdoms, and follow the star to find Jesus, the most spectacular thing in existence in a place that was simple and beautiful. This was an impactful reminder for us that Jesus is present in every one of the joyful girls, sisters, and elderly we have the opportunity to love and encounter.
After mass, we spent some time with the elderly before lunch. Highlight: I had the opportunity to dance around with a few of the young ladies helping the elderly. One of the men brought out a handheld stereo and played some American music!
We headed over to the Hogar de Niñas for a large lunch and then spent time loving on the girls. Highlight: I got my hair dutch braided by the best braider in the house, Isabel! Truly an honor. 🙂
We had an activity for our saint of the day, Saint Faustina, and I had the opportunity to tell her story entirely in Spanish, which was definitely outside of my comfort zone but went well. We then gave the girls wooden prayer boxes to paint and decorate with stickers/gems, so that they could write their intentions and put them in the box. The girls were excited about the activity and the older ones took a long time designing and decorating their boxes.
We spent some time playing games with las niñas and I had the joy of watching both my parents (Rose and Chris) play a competitive game of monkey in the middle—soccer edition. Chris just about wiped out and Rose ended up running after the ball too many times, but it was the fun to watch their playful sides make an appearance.
We wished Antonia a very happy birthday and experienced a radiant joy on her face as we celebrated her. A few of the girls who had graduated from the Hogar a few years ago (including Antonia’s sister) came and brought desserts to celebrate her birthday.
We ended the night with a rosary and a delicious dinner with the Sors. Sophia and I had the opportunity to ask one of the sisters why she decided to become a nun and learn more of her story. We are tired from an eventful first full day and cannot wait for the rest of the week!
Please keep las niñas, the elderly, and our mission team in your prayers this week. Thank you for coming along!
Saint Faustina, pray for us.
Blessings,
Sammy
St. Michael the Archangel Honduras Mission Project 