Week 25-Group Season

I knew in January that the final part of this journey would be spent with different short-term mission teams. Having been on several mission teams and having been here while groups were here during different summers, I knew that working with teams was time consuming. I had no idea.

Though not officially part of Torch Missions, David is an integral part in making arrangements and ensuring that everything runs relatively smoothly for all of Torch’s teams. That may include calling different children’s homes, calling for bulk food to be delivered, making various reservations for groups, preparing tools in the morning, and assisting with house builds. Because I am part of the MTM teams, I have been able to play a part in all of this, too. I used to believe hell was an eternal faculty senate meeting; I am now convinced that at least one level of hell is watching someone square up a house and knowing that your involvement would only make the process slower. All in all, though, I have come to enjoy many aspects of group season.  I enjoy being able to visit the hospital and play with kids there, even if I am reticent at the start. I enjoy working with others to build a house in a couple of hours. I enjoy worshipping and English and speaking with others about a slew of topics, even if small talk makes me want to vomit. I enjoy seeing Honduras through another’s set of eyes.

Groups of 18, 92, 30, 32, and 120 have come through the mission house. Those numbers represent some interesting characters. Some have encouraged me; one lady absolutely brightened my spirit when I was with her. At home, she takes interests in young girls who lack guidance and brings this loving-kindness with her to Honduras. She has an undeniable heart for people; after speaking with her, you know that you were heard and loved. I love the people who are totally invested in the work that is done here—work in Honduras, for them, is not just about the ten days that they are here, but also the other 51 weeks. These people are constantly praying for the people, know individuals by name, and sacrifice to help fund ongoing missions. I love the new-timers who help my jaded heart re-see parts of this world. God has used these people to help me rethink, reshape, and reaffirm my outlook on this world.

There are other characters on these trips that… quite frankly, should reconsider why they come on trips. You have those who love to play Santa Claus. Giving gifts can be a nice gesture—it can also be detrimental to a community’s makeup. There are the cocky veterans who create more work for those who are here for the other 355 days of the year. There are a few that come and treat this time like summer camp, creating pseudo-romantic attachments with some Hondurans here. They do not realize that when Hondurans fall for someone, they fall hard and can create emotional problems that those who live here have to help sort out. Some come because Honduras is their “happy place.” Hearing someone use those words almost made me puke on the spot. It would be more prudent to find a happy place that is closer to home and send the money that is used on the trip to a missionary here. I realize that this is probably judgmental and maybe unfair, but when someone comes on a short-term trip for 16 years and has never invested more than their ten days here, that is a problem.

This morning, we said goodbye to a group that I will treasure for a long time. Last year, Anna and Jake (my sister and brother-in-law) moved to San Angelo, TX, to work with the Johnson St. church of Christ. Shortly after their move, I went to Johnson Street to talk with them about this trip. The church’s missions committee became my largest donor even though they had spent so little time with me. Little did I know that a year later, I would be working side-by-side with a group of teens and adults, led excellently by my sister (seriously, this chick should get paid to lead these trips). The different service projects and activities were not new to me—I had done them countless of times—but being able to experience it with a group of 30 people who had never been here before helped me to remember why God has placed a passion for this country in my heart. This group was refreshing. The leaders stressed that they are only a small part of the ongoing work here. This group felt profoundly and processed much of what they saw on a much deeper level than many I have seen. Worship with this group was unbelievable—partly because of their apparent love of God, and partly because they could really SANG.

As they were leaving today, I felt as if family was leaving. I am excited to see what God does with this group; I know that, for many of them, lives will be changed because of the experiences here.

I have one more week in this place—a week of watching houses being squared and errands being run. A week of wrestling, video game playing, and homework doing. A week of laughter, hugs, and probably plenty of tears. I am thankful that I have another week here.