On Friday, June 8, 2012, Maritza
and I, along with our dear friend, Elvin Cerna took a trip to a nearby location
where we found an open field approximately 50 meters into a tree line off the
main road (PAM AM Highway). When we turned off the main road we found ourselves
on a dirt/gravel road that eventually turned into a very muddy and bumpy path
that led us right through the center of a community of wonderful people.
As we travelled down this path we
saw small shelters on both sides of the vehicle constructed of tin sheets. I
thought to myself, how be it that these people live in these ovens? Not sure
how many of you can imagine the heat. I have been in these types of homes and I
will tell you that it is not a comfortable feeling especially for those of us that
are use to natural breezes or the infamous AC. These shelters were the homes of
each family who resided in this community. The place seemed desolate, but as we
continued to travel down the path we seen a lady who we talked to briefly.
After letting her know who we were and the purpose of our visit, she started to
run ahead of our vehicle letting all the residents know that they had company.
They very quickly started gathering in a central area under a tin roof sustain
by wooden posts. It appeared to be their town meeting place and or possible
school area.
.JPG "Tin houses.")
As I travel around the
countryside with our guide, Elvin, I often wonder can there possibly be a place
worst than this one, and sure enough there is. This was an unbelievable site.
As we travel from San Pedro Sula (City) to our apartment at Plan Escalon
(Mountain Region), we often see from a distance people living in tiny shelters
made of tarp and cardboard boxes and say wow, how so, but on this day I found
myself standing in the midst of his type of poverty.
When we pulled up to the open
shelter, we started to talk with the people. I met the president and
vice-president of the community. They appeared to have been together for a very
long time. They received us with open arms. I was told that they had been at
this site for about a year now; the government blessed them with the location
and helped them build the homes they lived in. There is currently no
electricity or running water at this place, but they were cheerful nonetheless
and trusting God for the project. The project is when the government makes a
commitment to help a certain community with something, such as electricity,
water, etc. In the mean time while they wait for the government to deliver they
continue to live their lives as best they know how.
As I continued talking to the
people, they told me that there were about 100 homes in this community.
Approximately 50-60 people showed up and some looked on from a distance,
perhaps not trusting our intentions. As I looked around before addressing the
crowd I saw beautiful mountains surrounding this community and green grass in
many areas. This appeared to be a very promising location for this group of
people. For me it was a beautiful site that perhaps for the people a sites that
has never been noticed as many of us in the states, working so hard for the
American dream while life passes us by. We’ve heard of the saying stop and
smell the roses but quite honestly never do. In fact we are always in such a
rush that we even miss the roses. I suppose that it is because we are so
consumed with our current situation that nothing else really matters.
Life is so complicated at times,
but yet there is hope and it is the hope by which these people live. After
sharing some words of encouragement and of hope with the community we
administered de-parasite pills to all present and distributed five bags of food
to each family present along with a small bag of vitamins. Each bag serves up
to 6 people and up to 10 if other things are added, such as potatoes,
plantains, and other items that may grow in the community. We had a great time,
and I have to admit that as we handed out the food, the smiles on their faces
put a smile on my heart in return.
As we continue this journey, I am
realizing more and more that life situations and circumstances can knock us
down, but if we choose to get back up and try again, there is certainly hope
for a new tomorrow. We must remember that a DAY is just simply one of the many
that lie ahead in our lives and so once again, we must choose to enjoy each one
as a gift from God. It is a privilege that He allows each of us every day that
we are alive. We all need to simplify our lives and start to enjoy it with our
friends and loved one, so that it does not pass us by.
As a parent, I am so proud and very grateful for my daughter, Maritza (12) who always makes herself available to the mountain kids and is willing to help with the distribute of whatever it is that we take to help the people.
