Post Trip to El Hogar 2024

We had the privilege of relating our stories and experiences to the St Luke's congregation at the Sunday service after we got back from Honduras.  Our hearts are full of things we want to tell.  Melina and Rob sang "Padre Nuestro" (The Lord's Prayer) and "Adios" which they had sung in Honduras with the boys at the technical institute. "Adios" was written by Rob as a good-bye to the students.  Daniel, Steve and Rob spoke passionately of their first visit to El Hogar and it was impactful to all of us who heard them.  

The theme of the children in El Hogar was even taken to the Sunday School class and the children were able to add their names and creative drawings to the mural that the boys started in our evenings of activities at the institute.    

In the past week, we have processed so much, missing the laughter and smiles of the boys we met, hearing the joyful conversation of the children as they got off the big El Hogar orange bus in the morning and the sound of the cicadas that dominated the evenings.  They loved to sing and always gathered around Rob's guitar and Melina.

We loved how the kids seemed to like our activites and crafts.  Some were really good artists.

Some were quite passionate about games.

Some were just happy to hang out - with each other.  We know from the stories that the kids have told, that many  have had difficult lives before they came to El Hogar.  They are always inspired and encouraged by the teachers and the staff to have dreams and to work hard to find success they need in their lives to be independent and productive citiizens of Honduras.                                     We loved this picture of two friends who seem to be supporting one another.  

As well as getting their full academic Grade 12, the technical courses of carpentry and electricity are included and many girls are part of the electricity stream.  They are inspired by their female instructor and you can see one of the girls is being prepared to climb that pole. 

And you have to really know what you are doing in this country when you go up those poles!

We loved our trips in the van to our various stops, as it gave us sights and sounds of the culture and fabric of Tegucigalpa.  There are so many little shops set up everywhere as people try to eke out a living in this country.  And many stops to buy their lunch.

It's not uncommon to see a truck full of bananas or fruit go by.  And there is nothing like the fruit in Honduras, probably picked off the plants yesterday instead of coming by truck for a week before it gets to us at home.  

And who can forget that excellent cup of coffee at Galeano, a special little coffee place. This Honduran coffee brand sources their specialty coffee beans directly from small, independent coffee producers in rural Honduras and then gives back to the community in many ways.   

Living in Honduras can be a mix of experiences.  The country has a rich cultural heritage, beautiful natural landscapes and a tropical climate, but faces many challenges with the poverty which we saw everywhere.  Poverty is complex indeed, but it is said over and over again, that to address many of the complexities of poverty, that one thing is to include initiatives to improve education. What a feeling of hope we have for the 230 students in the El Hogar system and for the 1,000 students who have graduated over the last 43 years to break the cycle of poverty in their families. 

In the midst of it all, and in this very hot time of the year just prior to the rainy season, we are amazed at how there are tropical trees in bloom in this heat.  The beauty of the bright colours of Bougainvillea stand out in the lest likely of places 

Looking back at a few pictures and remembering this wonderful group of women on this trip, as we visit the Tegu factory, where magnetic wooden toy building blocks are manufactured and can be purchased in North America.   https://tegucanada.com/   We were quite impressed with this company that uses hardwood which is found in abundance in Honduras' forests and creates stable jobs for many Hundurans.  Zoe, one of the students from the Technical school who soon will start a co-op there, joined us.  

Worship at St Mary's Cathedral was lively and welcoming and special.  We loved that Padre Gerrardo invited Bishop Mariann to help with Communion.  

Even the littlest ones like to get into the music and clapping was probably one of the earliest things this young lad learned in this church.  

Rob got to meet J.R. who leads the music at the church.  If they had a chance to share their music, it would be inspiring.   

We had time for our team picture.  It is a tradition to be taken at this location at the Primary Campus for the many years that we have come to El Hogar.  This is the team of 2024 and we have shared fun and stories and are grateful for each one and all that has contributed to this experience as a team. A family actually. We recognize that we are blessed and we want to help where we can and continue to learn how to be partners with El Hogar.  But this is only part of this ministry.  You all help with your donations, your encouragment, and your prayers.  We coudn't do it without you.

Even the littlest ones like to get into the music and clapping was probably one of the earliest things this young lad learned in this church