Dos Portillos, Day 1

After our 6:20 breakfast this morning, we had the opportunity to worship with the HOI staff before driving to Dos Portillos.  Dos Portillos is a very small village about 45 minutes east of the Ranch.  We parked directly in front of the school, decorated with red, white, and blue balloons, and were welcomed by the smiling students.  There are about 30 students at the school (ages 4-14) and one teacher.  The village hasn’t seen American groups in about 7 years, but the smiles on their faces beamed with undeniable excitement that we were there. 

Our group dispersed into multiple smaller groups for Vacation Bible School and construction projects, including roofing and mixing cement for a pila and multiple cement floors.  A few members of our group went into the Pech Village close by.  The Pech are a group of people who can be traced back to the Mayans (there are only about 2,000-3,000 Pech people left today). 

Everyone in our group seemed to have the similar opinions about the day:

Our hearts were shaken.  Families living in homes with only a single room.  Children without parents.  Children bearing children.  A one room school house with an 18 year old teacher.  How could these people ever be happy?  The truth, though, is this: They don’t have the luxuries and comforts we have.  Their family structures are completely different than our own.  Most children will not receive an education past 6^th grade. 

BUT

They have something we don’t have. Joy.  Pure joy.  Not bound by their circumstances and possessions.  They aren’t consumed with obtaining the latest and greatest.  Families are not limited to those who share the same bloodline.  A person’s profession isn’t the most important thing in his life. 

The sense of community amongst these people is indescribable in words.  The people depend on each other and joyfully serve one another, taking care of children and working on each other’s homes.  With bare feet and clothes that don’t match or fit correctly, they are joyful.  Genuine joy that can’t be faked.  You see it in their smiles.  It’s not about the stuff they have but the love they have and share with each other. 

Although they may have never read the Bible or be able to recognize scriptures, the people we met are living examples of them.  1 Corinthians 4:8 tells us to Fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen.  For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.  They do everything in love, just as 1 Corinthians 16:14 commands of us.  How great would it be if all of God’s people lived this way?!  Loving each other instead of our things.

Our first day is over and we are eager to see how God will work as we arrive in the village again today.  Pray that our hearts will continue be open to what God is showing us and that we may encourage the Hondurans as they have encouraged us.  Pray for strength and energy as we work, and for God to give us the courage and words to speak to the people we meet.