The Laurel Hill UMC team spent a busy Sunday afternoon preparing and packing medications, vitamins, pills, and other supplies for the week. Earlier on Sunday we attended a wonderful bi-lingual worship service at a nearby church. It was a unique experience to see and hear God's Word preached in Spanish and English and to feel His Love expressed through different cultures.

This morning the team departed on the bus for the trip to Buena Vista Rio Bonito. As the name implies, it was indeed a beautiful view on the top of this mountain. The team, which includes quite a few first time visitors to Honduras, quickly set up their stations in the local school house, and began to serve the local community. The stations included a medical clinic, pharmacy, vitamin/de-worming, eye care, and dental care.

Dr. Judy had one patient, a young man, who had a badly infected big toe. Dr. Judy treated the toe and the young man also received a pair of sandals to wear, allowing more freedom for the toe to heal, without the constriction of his old shoes.

Ceci Harris, working as an assistant with Dr. Judy, had a cross-sharing moment with a sweet little nine year old girl. The girl had already visited the clinic with her mother and had left. During the walk home, she had fallen and received a cut over her eye. The team was able to create a butterfly bandage and patch her up, and Ceci gave away her cross to the little girl.

The team returned safely to La Casa de Alfredo where the Honduras staff and the Laurel Hill team had a very nice dinner together. It was a good opportunity for us all to share some things about who we are, to practice speaking and listening in another language (for those of us who are not translators!), and to experience the love of Christ in yet another dimension.

In the devotion Monday night, Pastor Norman spoke about the Gospel of Mark chapters 1 and 2, and how we can see the supernatural working of God even in what we may see as normal everyday tasks. There was also discussion about the disciples who would normally be considered as unlikely choices for disciples. Questions included "where did you see faith in others today?" and "how are you an unlikely disciple?".

 Our mission on Tuesday will be to serve the community of El Cedral. Please continue to pray for The Friends of Barnabas Foundation as we reach out to serve these communities with the love of Christ.

Dr. Judy Bunin