I am a member and have been a youth group leader at Lakeshore Lutheran Church for the past four years.  Presently, I am attending Grand Valley State University to become a special education teacher. Two years ago, I went on a short term mission trip to Honduras with LLF. That firsthand experience broadened my world view and allowed me to see how fortunate we are as Americans.   Our mission group was welcomed into a Honduran community and allowed to help build latrines and aid their goal to attain fresh water.  Through that opportunity I gained a new scene of responsibility over the resources I have to share. The people of Honduras held a special place in my heart and I knew that if I could offer anything to them in the future, I would return.  Last November Stacey Wiles spoke at a church service about a trip she took to Honduras.  While there she discovered an orphanage that she devoted time to teaching English.  She also announced that she would be returning that summer.   After hearing her stories about the boys at the orphanage and one in particularly about a boy named Adolfo with special needs, I knew deep down in my heart that I should join her to teach English and Adolfo.   So, I signed on for the trip. 

Through May and June I lived and taught at the small orphanage.  We taught the boys four hours a day and I aided Adolfo in exercises to facilitate his speech and reading efforts.   My time in Honduras was life changing.  I gained some great hands on experience in teaching but, more importantly, I forged some strong long lasting friendships with those who run the orphanage and 27 amazing little boys.    By giving them a second language we are giving them a leg up in their education.   Honduras is a country that struggles economically.  Many families are unable meat the most basic of needs for their children let alone give them an education. Don Roberto, the man who runs the orphanage is a strong Christian who loves those boys as his own.  He dreams that one day all of his boys will be able to support themselves as a result of an education.   Maybe, those same boys who have prospered will be able to carry on his work.  I know our educational efforts will help provide for a better future.  More importantly however, our shared experience resulted in the boys, Don Roberto, his family, Stacey, Sarah and myself to missionaries to one another.   Often, we get too caught up in our own problems and hassles and forget to reach out to others.  There is a verse in the bible that says, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” We were able to share Christian love with our time and skills but the Hondurans gave us so much more by letting us into and sharing in their worship, daily lives and struggles.