As we come to the close of a busy week of Mountain Medical Missions, the Laurel Hill UMC 2013 team sends you our greetings for the last time from Honduras.  The team spent the day on Saturday enjoying some free time together sightseeing and shopping. 

 

Our first stop today was at Desvio Cataratas de Pulphapanzak where the team viewed the beautiful waterfalls.  The setting offered a nice place for the team to sit for a while and share some reflections from the past week of mission work.  Many thoughts and feelings were expressed about how both the Honduran and American individuals worked so well together as a team.   Dr. Judy mentioned how Donaldo, a Honduran member, had appreciated the team's friendliness.  New relationships were built, and existing ones were strengthened.  Team Leader Lois Miller recalled how the team had worked so well together back in January when the spaghetti dinner had been held to raise additional money.  Another thing that was thought to be very meaningful was the joint prayer shared by the team and the communities at the beginning of each day's mission.  

Margarita, one of the cooks at Casa Aflredo

The team also reflected on all of the work that the Laurel Hill UMC Mission Committee had performed through the fundraisers such as the auction dinners, yard sales, and the mulching project.  The work that was done this week could not have taken place without all of the work that was done by this committee throughout the past couple of years.  We also thank each one of you who were behind the Laurel Hill team with prayer and support in unseen ways.

All things work together for good to those who love God (Romans 8:28). 

After our time at the waterfalls, we traveled to San Pedro Sula, where we stopped for some great takeout food and went to Nury's home to eat lunch.  We were able to meet Nury's parents while there, and view some childhood photos of Nury.  It was a nice time of sharing.  We finished our time in San Pedro Sula with some time shopping in the Supermercardo.   

Saturday evening, during devotion, Pastor Norman Ramsey read from the Gospel of Mark Chapter 4 about the parable of the sower.  This is considered the most important parable, because as Jesus said to the disciples "Do you not understand this parable?  How then will you understand all the parables?"  Pastor Norman advised the team to not spend time "chasing birds" and to "not try to fix people", but to just sow the seed.  He advised to "make sure you keep what you receive" and to let the Word get rooted in you.  Finally, be a good seed sower, and be good soil. 

Stan Michael Repair Team

 This week has been a blessing for the team as we have worked to bless others.  Many lives have been touched during the days of this mission.  The team has acquired a deeper understanding and love for the Honduran people, as well an appreciation of the physical beauty of this country.  The American and Honduran team members experienced many moments of love and shared understanding.  We thank all of the Friends of Barnabas Foundation staff, and our Team Leader Lois Miller for the excellent planning and leadership provided that made this week a success.

 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.  (Philippians 4:23). 

Joe Corley

Suzanna Cuellar

Phil Deane

Theresa Duke

Cindy Funk

Bud Funk

Ceci Harris

Stan Michael (repair team)

Lois Miller

Eileen Neary

Sara Nelson

Norman Ramsey

Anita Toone