Maddee Abbs

Wow! This week in Honduras was absolutely breathtaking. God has taught me so much through this mission journey, my fellow missionaries, and the people we ministered in Honduras.

One thing God taught me on this trip was that we should never treat someone different because of a disability. I met a wonderful six year old girl who had autism. She loved wearing sunglasses and having people around her. We played catch, colored, and even showed her how to use a fidget spinner. While we were playing catch, she was throwing perfectly. I have never seen a better thrower but I still managed to miss the ball one time. The ball rolled under the trampoline and when she got up, I assumed she was going to get the ball. Instead, she jumped into my arms and wrapped me in a huge bear hug. I became so overwhelmed with emotions that I began to cry. She showed me that we should just love each other and eliminate judgment which would make the world a better place.  Her simple hug has changed my life forever and has helped me grow as a young adult.

Everyday, we would wake up and have breakfast together. We got to start the day with a wonderful meal and good fellowship. We reviewed what we would be doing all day and then we would pray. It made me feel refreshed and ready to start my day. Then we would go to our first distribution. We would set up quickly so that we would have more time to play with the kids at the end. The children would line up and would start by getting their feet sized. This is the most important step because the kids needed to get shoes that were the correct size. Then they would go get their feet washed. Unfortunately we were only able to wash feet at one distribution because we did not want to take their drinking water. Luckily, that one site was the first distribution, and we got to start out with that symbolic experience. The happiness of the kids faces when they got their feet washed was spectacular. If they were lucky, Mr.Bish would tickle their feet which was hilarious to watch. After their feet were washed, they would receive a new pair of shoes. Most would put back on their old shoes and would save their new shoes for nice events. They didn’t want to get them dirty while playing soccer or blowing bubbles with us. Then they would get to pick two new toys. They could get a sticker, a ball, a coloring book, a notebook, or a bracelet. It was incredible getting to see them smiling and happy after getting their new shoes. After the first distribution, we would go get lunch. At the last distribution, we got to go to the grocery store to buy lunch so we could eat with the kids in a village. They were so happy that they got to have a delicious sandwich, chips, and a cold drink.  After lunch, we would go to another distribution. Then we would stop at the hotel and get changed for dinner. We were blessed that two restaurant owners opened up their restaurant just for us. The food at all the restaurants was delicious! After dinner, we would go back to the hotel and meet as a big group. We would talk about our day and if someone wanted to share a story, they could. We also would say a prayer and thank God for the day we had. Then we would go into small groups. My small group was awesome. I felt like I could tell them anything I had on my heart. We laughed, cried, and wore matching flamingo fanny packs. Then after that, we got to go to bed for a few short hours. Thankfully everything is much slower and laid back in Honduras so we had enough time to do everything!

One of my favorite memories on the trip was when I got my feet washed. We were able to stop at the beach and my feet got super sandy after putting my toes in the water. We all packed into the cars with sand on our feet and no one really cared. We stopped at a gas station to pick up water and I got out to use the restroom. When I came out, there was a guy who had his hose running. He asked me if I wanted to get the sand of my feet and of course I said yes. He got every last grain of sand off of me and I had it up to my knee. This experience was extremely humbling because a stranger took the time out of his day to do an act of kindness for me.

The people of Honduras are absolutely phenomenal. They are so kind and are immensely grateful for what they have. It is truly inspiring. My life will never be the same because of this trip and I want to thank the whole parish for the prayers, encouragement, and financial support.

Love in Christ,

Maddee Abbs