La Bienvenida

                We awoke early that morning, ate breakfast, had a quick orientation, and then we were off.  Where we were headed, none of us really knew, but we realized that we were embarking on one of the most challenging experiences of our lives: Morazán province, the village life of La Hacienda and El Junquillo.  These people have touched my heart, and I doubt I will ever forget.  I have an image forever burned in my mind, and all because of two major things--their welcoming nature, and their open hearts and homes.

               On the day of travel, we ended up walking up half of the hill that was on the way to the village of La Hacienda.  Soon, we reached the top of the hill after a grueling and unexpected climb.  (It was so unexpected, that you should ask A.J. about those flip flops that he was wearing for the climb.)  At the top of the hill, we came upon one of the oddest things that I have ever witnessed.  There was a small congregation of people waiting for us, by no means the entire village, but they were there to welcome us and lead us into the village.  Not only were they waiting for us, but when we unloaded the bus, they shouldered the burdens of our water and our bags and carried them down the hill on the way to meet the rest of the village. 

When we reached the chapel, the entire village was out in force, waiting for us. They waited to welcome us into their village and into their homes to show us what they were doing in their lives.  Never before have in been welcomed into a place like I was then.  We were led into their chapel with all of our belongings, and we sat there for several hours as many of the members of the village introduced themselves to us.  Soon after, we were told who we would be staying with for two nights.  I was paired with Kyle and Mr. Broyles, and we were to stay with Basilia, the mother of the house at which we stayed.  As soon as we knew who our new house mom was, she whisked us and our items away to her house, where she showed us where we would stay, where the outhouse was, and then showed us where we could bathe.  It was intriguing to me when we stayed with these people that they were willing to literally share with us all of the physical possessions that they had, yet they had so few of them.

  As I lay in my hammock the first night, trying to sleep, I had considered whether I would be able to do that for a complete stranger in America, and I came to the conclusion that I probably could not.  I have so much, yet I doubt I would be able to welcome a complete stranger into my home for even two nights and share with them all that I have.

The second day in the villages was even more more interesting.  We spent the entire day with the village of La Hacienda.  We toured the village, which was a very interesting experience in which we entered many different homes to speak with many of the people who were going through their daily routines.   They all welcomed us into their homes and tried to teach us about what they did in their lives.  The told us how much it meant that we stayed with them, and yet when it was all said and done, I believe that they had far more of an impact on us than we had on them.  After seeing some of the wrongs, I know that I now need to make some rights, especially after that second day.  At one point, I was watching the children play games with some of the other members of this trip.  I watched them laughing and yelling and having fun, with complete innocence.  But then I thought about the opportunities that the kids have.  I considered it as I watched: how many doctors and lawyers and Bill Gates´s and Mozarts and scientists who will cure cancer do we lose because these children have no opportunities, and I realized that in the long run, my life dream is to somehow improve these children´s opportunity, give them an equal chance, because right now, the situation is so wrong here.

Finally, I want to tell you how much the time in La Hacienda meant to me.  The next morning, we walked a few miles to another village (called El Junquillo) that lies across the only road that goes through this area. It was a place very similar to La Hacienda, and the people welcomed us as they had in La Hacienda. After a great soccer game (we lost) and a fun dance, and a prayer service the next morning, it was time to leave. As we walked back to the road with the people of El Junquillo insisting on carrying our luggage for us, I noticed that the people of La Hacienda were there, out on the road, waiting to say goodbye to us.  Because of how welcoming the people were to me, as we left, I actually felt a loss in my heart, especially for Basilia and her children.  As we left, I looked out the window, and I saw them, and I smiled, and I waved, and I yelled ¡Adios! to them.  They waved to me, and I will forever have an image burned into my mind of Basilia and her family.  I now know that I will dedicate what I do in the long run to help people like this, with little educational opportunity, to have the opportunity to be more and to make the world a better place for all to live.

And as a final note, hey mom and dad, Mike and Matt, Katrina and the Maxcy family.  I´m doing well and having an amazing time.  I miss you all.  I can´t wait to get back and tell you all about the trip.  I love you all, and I´ll see you soon.