So after an incredible weekend, week 2 is underway. They say time goes fast on the mission field, and that it does! Saturday was an exceptional day. I spent the day with Debbie. She and her husband are missionaries to Black Island people. They have lived her 8 years. Their first year was building relationships, just getting to know people and their struggles. After the first year they came to understand that having employment and being able to support a family was a priority need. To help meet this need they started a business “Made in Roatan” where they have a storefront near where the cruise ships come in. They have 25 local workers who make crafts, jewelry, paintings to sell to tourists. They give the workers 100% of what they sell. They disciple people in the shop, mentor and even teach their employees to minister to the cruise ship tourists. Debbie teaches women to make jewelry at her house on Saturdays as she spends time building relationships.
So we went house to house on Saturday, visiting together or as I called it, ‘front porch storytelling’ which was so wonderful! Listening to their stories of hardship, perseverance, and true grit was just such a humbling experience. For lunch we went to a local spot: Madahs and enjoyed Island food, very much a Creole like dish. While having lunch, a man started to play guitar and the entire place broke out in song…singing old spiritual hymns. It was amazing! Sunday after church all the volunteers are able to go to one of the local resorts for beach time, snorkeling. I was just ecstatic when I realized my little camera that I picked up for the trip takes underwater photos…wow…what fun. Today back to clinic….feeling much more comfortable as I get to know the staff. I look forward to another amazing week in Roatan. Adios para ahora, Cheryl
