Busy Days in Izopo

We have been without Internet for a few days, which is amazingly disruptive! Although we are living in a simpler environment, we all rely on daily access to wifi to contact our families and keep up with activities at home. We have been busy, although communication has been limited.

On Friday, we had an opportunity to learn about the rural bank system in the Izopo area, one of the most effective parts of the Solidaridad effort. Doris, the director of the Solidaridad work in the area, is an expert on rural banks. Most of the Izopo people have never used a bank, so this is a great opportunity to learn to save some of their hard-earned money for larger purchases.

Saturday was the Solidaridad Community Day, when all the residents gathered for teaching about preventing dengue fever, while the children were taught Bible lessons and played games. Some of our group attended the festivities, playing with the children and talking with friends and volunteers.

At the same time, a group of men from North Central worked with men from a  Pennsylvania church to pour a cement floor for a family from the Izopo church of Christ. It was very hard work, since they did the cement the Honduran way - mixing it with shovels in a pile on the ground! The family is delighted with the new floor, and the men survived the tough day.

The youth group has also had a very busy few days. Their blog is coming soon.

Community Development Workshop in Izopo

The past two days, Phil and Jeanne led a community development workshop in Isopo, with the church leaders and interested members. Each 2-3 hour session involved exploration of issues about faith, community, health, and ways in which the community can promote their own development. The church discussed ways that their beliefs impact their actions and influence their lives. They explored ways that they can prevent health problems and find early assistance for lower cost, and are seeking new ways to help each other as a community. While 60 Izopo adults participated in the discussions, the children were taught and entertained by Kristi, Leah, Alyssa, Arianna and Nate - greatly appreciated work! We are excited to see the ongoing changes fostered by these discussions.

In the center of this photo, with gray sweatshirt, we see Juan, a 4th year student from Baxter who had been working in Izopo. With the help of LaVega church and Juan, the Izopo church is growing by leaps and bounds and has grown to over 60 members!

Wednesday evening, the team was treated to dinner and a relaxing evening at the home of Julio and Karina, from LaVega church. Their beautiful home is located high above Tegucigalpa, and features incredible views! We are grateful for their hospitality and friendship!

Learning with LaVega leaders

Sunday was a day to draw closer to the LaVega church leaders. We shared a time of worship with our Honduran brothers and sisters (thankfully, the wonderful sermon was bilingual).

In the afternoon, we had an opportunity to meet with the LaVega leaders (men and women), for a seminar on community development, while our teens did crafts with the children. Much wisdom and insight was shared by the leaders, including much laughter as we watched a skit with Phil carrying José across the 'river' on his back! By the end, we renewed our commitment to work together to help people in disadvantaged areas of Honduras find healing in all areas of their lives - physical, emotional, social and spiritual, and to continue in our goal to inspire and assist community development.  The concluding time of prayer was very special, holding hands in unity and brotherly love. All glory and praise to God!