Honduras 2008 Mission Trip

Incarnation’s Honduras Mission Trip 2008: Through the Eyes of First Timers

Church of the Incarnation’s mission trip to Honduras in June was a glorious success.  A group of four parishioners from St. John the Apostle, Pottsboro, joined us to learn how we plan, prepare and conduct mission trips to this third world country. It was great to work alongside the Pottsboro folks.  We are so very blessed in so many ways.  We worked in a part of the country that was new to us this year - Siguatepeque.  There were lots of unexpected joys and challenges (this is a mission trip, after all).  We traveled safely.  We had marvelous leadership.  The time we spent with the people of the San Bartolome Episcopal Mission community was filled with joyful hard work and lots of spirit filled moments.  Our daily worship times fed us.  We ran a medical/dental/pharmacy clinic, constructed a parish hall building for the community, and conducted Godly Play in a vacation bible school format.  Our faithful mission team of 35 people included 8 members for whom this was their first mission trip experience. 

Here are some reflections from a few of these first timers:    

Christina Di Loreto: “We go on mission trips to help others.  We go to share our medical skills, to share the Word, to build buildings that can help communities grow.  We pack, we plan, we teach, we share.  We hope to change the lives of others.  We hope that we have impacted their lives in a positive way.  Funny, we don't think about how much it impacts ours.” 

Sam Kincaid: “As a first time missioner, I experienced a kaleidoscope of awareness.  The people of Honduras that we worked with, in spite of their obvious hardships, were caring, thoughtful and proud; perhaps a lesson in what is really important.  At the center of this all, in a small church in a small town in central Honduras, we were embraced by the traditional Anglican ritual offered in an unfamiliar language with a most familiar message.”

Dr. Charlie Richardson: “It is difficult to express in words my experiences while on my first mission trip to Honduras.  I was most impressed with the total commitment to our mission on the part of every team member as well as the superb leadership of those in charge.  I also understand the contributions of many others at Incarnation who donate their time, physical energy and money to the Honduras mission efforts even though they were not participants on our trip this year.  For example, on packing day numerous individuals helped pack the large bags that contained our supplies, equipment and medications.  Many others contributed prayers and funds for our success.  Two parishioners delivered 60 large team duffle bags to DFW Airport at 4:30 a.m. on departure day!  Once we were in Honduras, the interaction with the people of Honduras, their gratitude, our combined Eucharists, the dedication of each of the missioners and many other factors make it easy for me to understand why some on our trip had been on a mission trip numerous times.  Based on my experiences while on our recent mission, I too anticipate being a participant on future mission trips.”   

Laura Hines(Pottsboro):  “It made me realize that it is not about what we have to do in everyday life.  It is all about listening to what God wants you to do and having faith that He will show you, guide you and comfort you through it!”