This is a most important and festive week for the church at Ciudad de Espana. It is a special week-long celebration of the family: a combining of their Father’s Day, Mother’s Day and Student’s Day (yes, that is a holiday in Honduras) into an all-encompassing Family Day. All week the students have been preparing for the weeks’ culmination tomorrow and we understand there is to be some “special celebration” as well. But each day thus far has been an adventure as the students teach us about their country through history, food and dance. And have we danced!
What has struck each of us, especially those who are here for the first time, is the pure joy and love found in this place. Although material possessions are minimal, the simplicity of their lives allow for faith and family to be their most important focus. We see this in the smiling faces of these children, as the parents beam with pride, and even in our own tears as we listen to these same children sing the “Let It Go” song (in Spanish) from the movie “Frozen” which was also sung last summer by our own RezWest Children! Yes, we hear you Lord and know that we are all connected through your grace and love.
We are in constant awe of the gifts and talents of the people here at the school: from Elmer who is a remarkable tailor and makes all of his family’s beautiful clothes as well as teaches computer classes and seems to know the answers to a myriad questions anytime asked; to Danilo who seems to appear out of nowhere as if he senses you need him; to the principal who is always smiling and calm and and is obviously respected by his students ; of our translators who are amazing in being able to answer all the myriad of questions we constantly ask them; to Yogi, the art teacher, who sells his own paintings to buy art supplies for his students . . . . and on and on.
This school of 417 children is filled with children of hope. They are receiving not only an excellent education but also a strong network of family, faith and community that will give them the confidence to make a difference in this beautiful country. In spite of almost insurmountable odds, hope is alive and well in this place. We have seen the Holy Spirit flow trough these children and families and yes, also through us.