The team’s day began with its usual amazing breakfast courtesy of Carlos at UMC in Danli. Then we loaded the van for our final commute to El Obraje. We arrived at Pastor Alejandro’s home for the day’s agenda which included mixing concrete and helping Agostin & Orlando finish a floor for Marvin’s family, visiting homes we help to transform earlier in the week, facilitating a volleyball tournament for 5th and 6th graders and making a home visit with a man who has struggled with alcoholism. After Pastor Alejandro’s prayer and scripture reading, the man shared his story of his journey through alcohol abuse, deportation from the U.S. and his decision to turn over his life to Christ and join the El Obraje church. It was a very emotional moment for all as he exposed the darkest hours of his life to strangers from Kansas City. We closed our visit with everyone surrounding him, laying a hand on him as both Pastor Patrick and Pastor Alejandro prayed for him and his family. It was an extremely powerful event to be a part of!

 Goodbyes are never easy! It certainly was the case today as we bid farewell to Pastor Alejandro and his wife Mari, Agostin and Orlando as well as several villagers from Obraje we have come to know and love. It was amazing to see how just in one week relationships have been fostered between members of our team and our hosts as we worked, laughed and cried together.

 This evening we experienced Honduran tacos by Carlos’ hands which were deliciously outstanding! We said one last goodbye of the day to Carlos, then headed back to the hotel for packing, card playing and rest. Tomorrow is cultural day as we climb the 12 stations of the Cross in Danli, drive to Valle de los Angeles for a little shopping and sightseeing, then make our way to Tegucigalpa for a farewell dinner for our team and our coordinators in country. What a blessed week it has been!