Where do I begin after my last post? There have been so much that has happened in the past three days.

Saturday: Amazing! We got to hang out with the kids in the afternoon before the church service. It was quite amazing seeing how much energy these kids have and how awesome they are at the same time. They were amazing kids playing games, especially soccer, and making me silly by pulling nutmegs on me (kicking the ball between my legs). Then came dinner, the best night that has happened on this trip. All of the children came and met at the boy’s house. When I was playing futsal (a smaller version of soccer), I felt a presence by God, telling me I was doing well with these kids. He told me to enjoy what  I was doing. I did as he asked and had fun

with the kids. They were the best players I have ever played with and had amazing shots on goal. I couldn’t stop every goal when I was in goal. It was a long, hard day and later having a sore body that night, but it was well worth it.

Sunday: Crazy! I didn’t know what to do when the day came. There were so many games and so many fun activities. There was handball, baseball, Frisbee, and more games as well. All the games had fun and creativity to them. Of course, I enjoyed any game that involved me being a goalkeeper. I loved handball as I played as the goalkeeper on my team. It was an amazing game and was able to do more than I expected. As lunch time came around, I completely stepped outside my comfort zone. When I walked to the Posa (lake or swimming pool), I walked and saw Madeleine and William all wet hearing that they swam in the Posa. The next thing I knew, I jumped in the pool and joined all my friends in the Posa.

Well, where do I start about this amazing place? As soon as we reached the Ranch, I immediately fell in love with the area it is in and how amazing the people are. From the kids to the adults, they are sympathetic and very patient. When we had dinner at the houses, I had a very deep and meaningful talk with one of the tios. He discussed with me the importance of language and the barriers there are to it. It made it more meaningful understanding what he was trying to say to me and that we could carry the conversation for so long. It was a great test to start of this mission trip.

As the night went on to dinner, I had the most amazing time with the niños. They were so energized and ready to run all over the place. They wanted to have piggyback rides and to be able draw pictures and other activities as well. It was entertaining when they tried to speak a little bit of English. Some actually wanted a lesson for English. To the best of my ability, I tried giving them a few basic phrases like “What’s your name?” and “My name is ….”

Now today being our first full day and doing chores, it was both tiring and useful. I decided to work in the tortilla factory with two of the Chicago people. It was a long process for making 1000 tortillas, especially since it felt like it was over 90 degrees. However, it was well worth it having a conversation with Dona Gloria and having fun with her as well.

As the day went on, we had an amazing tour with Nelson of the Ranch. When we reached the school, I had a great and funny time with one of the kids. I didn’t realize until later, but he liked the hat I was wearing. He had a Seattle Sounders t-shirt and I was wearing a Seattle Sounders hat. It was a connection that we felt when we saw our Sounders apparel. Now after a long first full day in Honduras, we have had an amazing experience so far and it is going to get better.    

(Pictured below: The dedication plaque on the wall of the kitchen—cocina, and Dona Gloria at the door of the tortilla house)