Fulfillment.
Dawn broke. Morning alarms rang. Morning arrived much earlier than before. We drew deep yawns as we arose from our deep rest. We were tired, but we were resilient.
After packing and retreating to our respective vans, I was called to ride with Emi and two others to retrieve hardware from the nearest store and a piñata for Clayton’s evening birthday celebration. My father and I were inquired to guard the materials in the trunk while our companions sought out the familiar tools. We were reminded to be flexible, for the nearest stores did not carry the materials that we had grown accustomed to. Once the truck began to rumble through the roads in search of Ciudad España, Emi preceded to enlighten us about the everyday life, customs, and experiences of Hondurans. Our eyes opened.
Upon reaching our destination, we advanced to the sanctuary and were stunned at the volume of work that had been completed. We fulfilled the majority of our acoustic project after only another few hours of labor. Though the work was difficult, it was seamless due to the harmony of our God’s choir of laborers. God filled the sanctuary with His panels, His work, His love.
God fulfilled our hearts as well. Alexa and Abraham wandered into the sanctuary midway through the morning. I recognized their characteristics from vague images in my mind. I was blind of the genuine importance of our encounter, for I was unaware of the gratitude that filled their hearts. Lucy – one of our translators and teammates for the week – called my father and I to the door, and I knew that it was time to meet our sponsored students. We were greeted with warm hugs and photographs. My heart was fulfilled when I crouched to the level of Abraham and saw his jubilant and thankful face light up when Lucy informed him that we are the sponsors of his education. True enlightenment was captured in that precious moment.
We were blessed later in the afternoon when Abraham returned with his two younger brothers and gracious mother. They embraced us; we connected immediately. God blessed us with gifts to share with this incredible family, and they had gifts of love and compassion to share with us. Leslie, the mother of Abraham, participated in Michelle and Lisa’s classes and was an avid assistant in the sewing ministry. Their family inspires me to give all that I can. God blessed them with countless gifts that they have shared with the church, the community, and us. God fulfilled us all.
The sponsorship program is an important component for the success of the school. Many of the students would not have to opportunity to participate in this incredible school without financial support. At the end of the day, we were directed to a mural that consisted of the photographs of the students who have been sponsored through Church of the Resurrection. Tears were brought to my eyes when I finally fully realized the gratitude that filled the hearts of these sponsored families.
When we returned to the mission house and began to reflect on the experiences of our day, we celebrated. Today was a particularly great day for a Honduran celebration, piñata and all. A cake surprised Clayton during dinner before we proceeded to the back deck for his birthday fiesta. It was a rewarding celebration to cap a fulfilling day.
God was alive today, especially through the relationships that were erected and the ones that continued to strengthen. He calls us to use this fulfillment to continue to serve Him. Our evening devotion was dedicated to the struggles that we face after this fulfillment, and how we need to continue to take steps towards His love. God seeks us to continue his work even after these special experiences fade and routine settles.