Trinity Youth Mission Trip to Honduras

Hurricane Felix

2007-09-04T17:39:00.001-04:00

Our prayers go out to all those affected by the hurricane - it is surreal to read about evacuations and preparations in cities and towns we visited just a couple of short weeks ago. May God be with and protect all who are in need in Honduras and its neighbor nations in the days and weeks to come.

-Charity

Steadfast Faith: A Message from Ferina

2007-08-22T16:35:00.000-04:00

The Youth Missioners and adult leaders landed at JFK Airport at 1:20AM after leaving our Honduran family with blessings on the Diocese of New York and the Diocese of Honduras. In Honduras we sowed seed and will reap the harvest throughout our lives!

While still upstairs in the Airport we gathered in a circle and thanked God for being with us every step of the way no matter where we went along our daily Labyrinth walk. We were reminded once again that our souls had been restored and our cups overflowing (Psalm 23). This was our guiding scripture for walking the Labyrinth. Each of us embraced the labyrinth as a metaphor for life and growth and even in moments of confusion, we turned to God for guidance.

In the circle of prayer we thanked God for our new beginning and blessing us with his abundance. The Reflection Team selected 2 Corinthian 9:6-15 as the guiding scripture for Sunday, August 19th. It reads as thus “The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gifts.

One evening during reflection we were reminded of the “teenage media coverage” in America where only the dark side of life is reported because it sells. As youth leaders on this journey we encourage the Church to boast in the Lord of his work in the young people of Trinity Church/St. Paul’s Chapel and Cristo Redentor. Journey to Adulthood blends actions and contemplation in teaching young people faith living while taking on new levels of responsibility.

We felt the evidence of the “Prayer for Young people” every day while in Honduras and we thank Trinity Church/St. Paul’s Chapel and friends for your blessings. While, still in the circle of prayer at JFK we joined you in prayer. God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (BCP)

With steadfast faith,
Ferina Moses

Scriptures for Reflection

2007-08-22T16:26:00.000-04:00

Each group reflection time included a reading and a reflection by one member of the group based on that reading. These reflection became the basis of the group reflections listed previously on the blog, weaving Scripture, personal journeys, and the group journey together in a wonderful, spirit-filled way. Below is the readings for each group gathering, along the the name of the person who reflected on that passage.

Friday, August 10,

Evening Prayer, Psalm 23 (Emory)
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff— they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD my whole life long.

Saturday, August 11

Morning Praise, Psalm 90:14-17 (Isaac)
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad as many days as you have afflicted us, and as many years as we have seen evil. Let your work be manifest to your servants, and your glorious power to their children. Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands— O prosper the work of our hands!

Evening Prayer, Psalm 136: 1-9 (Ferina)
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. O give thanks to the God of gods, for his steadfast love endures forever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for his steadfast love endures forever; who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever; who spread out the earth on the waters, for his steadfast love endures forever; who made the great lights, for his steadfast love endures forever; the sun to rule over the day, for his steadfast love endures forever; the moon and stars to rule over the night, for his steadfast love endures forever;

Sunday, August 12

(Morning worship at Cristo Redentor)

Evening Prayer, Romans 15:1-6 (Jamal)
We who are strong ought to put up with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Each of us must please our neighbor for the good purpose of building up the neighbor. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.” For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, so that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in harmony with one another, in accordance with Christ Jesus, so that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Collect of the Day
Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Monday, August 13

Morning Praise, Psalm 89:1-3 (Ali)
I will sing of your steadfast love, O LORD, forever; with my mouth I will proclaim your faithfulness to all generations. I declare that your steadfast love is established forever; your faithfulness is as firm as the heavens. You said, “I have made a covenant with my chosen one, I have sworn to my servant David.

Evening Prayers, Psalm 89:14-19 (Darius)
Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you. Happy are the people who know the festal shout, who walk, O LORD, in the light of your countenance; they exult in your name all day long, and extol your righteousness. For you are the glory of their strength; by your favor our horn is exalted. For our shield belongs to the LORD, our king to the Holy One of Israel. Then you spoke in a vision to your faithful one, and said: “I have set the crown on one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen from the people.

Tuesday, August 14

Morning Praise, Psalm 97:1-6 (Victoria)
The LORD is king! Let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. Fire goes before him, and consumes his adversaries on every side. His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles. The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness; and all the peoples behold his glory.

Evening Prayer, Luke 11:27-28 Vigil of the BVM (Charity)
While he was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”

Collect of the Day
O God, you have taken to yourself the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Wednesday, August 15, Feast of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Morning Praise, Isaiah 61:10-11 (Emory)
I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my whole being shall exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots, and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up, so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.

Evening Prayer, Luke 1:46-55 (Lynsey)
And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

Collect of the Day
O God, you have taken to yourself the Blessed Virgin Mary, mother of your incarnate Son: Grant that we, who have been redeemed by his blood, may share with her the glory of your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Thursday, August 16

Morning Praise, Psalm 105:1-6 (Royce)
O give thanks to the LORD, call on his name, make known his deeds among the peoples. Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually. Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of his servant Abraham, children of Jacob, his chosen ones.

Evening Prayer, Psalm 105:39-45 (Lonny)
He spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light by night. They asked, and he brought quails, and gave them food from heaven in abundance. He opened the rock, and water gushed out; it flowed through the desert like a river. For he remembered his holy promise, and Abraham, his servant. So he brought his people out with joy, his chosen ones with singing. He gave them the lands of the nations, and they took possession of the wealth of the peoples, that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws. Praise the LORD!

Friday, August 17

Morning Praise, Psalm 102:12-17 (Ruth Anne)
But you, O LORD, are enthroned forever; your name endures to all generations. You will rise up and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to favor it; the appointed time has come. For your servants hold its stones dear, and have pity on its dust. The nations will fear the name of the LORD and all the kings of the earth your glory. For the LORD will build up Zion; he will appear in his glory. He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and will not despise their prayer.

Evening Prayer, Psalm 107:1-9 (Belinda)
O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, those he redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to an inhabited town; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress; he led them by a straight way, until they reached an inhabited town. Let them thank the LORD for his steadfast love, for his wonderful works to humankind. For he satisfies the thirsty, and the hungry he fills with good things.

Saturday, August 18

Morning Praise, Psalm 108:1-5 (Isaac)
My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make melody. Awake, my soul! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awake the dawn. I will give thanks to you, O LORD, among the peoples, and I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is higher than the heavens, and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and let your glory be over all the earth.

Evening Vigil Eucharist for Sunday August 19

Sunday, August 19

Morning Praise, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (Ferina)
The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. Through the testing of this ministry you glorify God by your obedience to the confession of the gospel of Christ and by the generosity of your sharing with them and with all others, while they long for you and pray for you because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

Collect of the Day
Almighty God, you have given your only Son to be for us a sacrifice for sin, and also an example of godly life: Give us grace to receive thankfully the fruits of this redeeming work, and to follow daily in the blessed steps of his most holy life; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Daily Evening Reflection

2007-08-22T16:23:00.000-04:00

Our days in Honduras were so full, that it was a true blessing to gather together at the end of the day and pray, share, laugh, and cry about the experiences of each day. Below is the outline of our evening reflection time.

In the Evening:

O gracious light,
pure brightness of the everliving Father in heaven,
O Jesus Christ, holy and blessed!
Now as we come to the setting of the sun,
and our eyes behold the vesper light,
we sing your praises, O God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
You are worthy at all times to be praised by happy voices,
O Son of God, O Giver of Life,
and to be glorified through all the worlds.

A Reading

Walking the Labyrinth: 10 days in Honduras—where have we been so far?

Meditation
Each evening , one of our group will speak about where their journey has taken them that day, consider the twists and turns of the “Walking the Labyrinth” and reflect on where they were led and how it was different from where they thought they may have been going. The group may respond as they feel called.

Open Prayer: prayers may be offered for ourselves and others silently or aloud

The Lord's Prayer

The Collect of the Day (for Sundays and Feast Days)

Concluding Collect
Lord Jesus, stay with us, for evening is at hand and the day is past; be our companion in the way, kindle our hearts, and awaken hope, that we may know you as you are revealed in Scripture and the breaking of bread. Grant this for the sake of your love. Amen.

Daily Morning (mostly) Reflection

2007-08-22T16:18:00.000-04:00

The group was greatly enriched by our reflections together, organized by Ferina Moses, Emory Edwards, and Isaac Miller. Below is the outline of the group reflection we used each morning, though occasional schedule conflicts moved the morning group reflection time closer to lunch.

In the Morning:

From Psalm 51
+Open my lips, O Lord, *
and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.
Create in me a clean heart, O God, *
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence *
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Give me the joy of your saving help again *
and sustain me with your bountiful Spirit.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen.

A Reading

Walking the Labyrinth: 10 days in Honduras—where have we been so far?

Meditation
Each morning, one of our group talks about where they think “Walking the Labyrinth” will take them during the day and on what they would like to accomplish. The group may respond as they feel called.

Open Prayer: prayers may be offered for ourselves and others silently or aloud

The Lord's Prayer

The Collect of the Day (for Sundays and Feast Days)

Concluding Collects
God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought us in safety to this new day: Preserve us with your mighty power, that we may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all we do, direct us to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Reflection at 38,000 feet

2007-08-20T10:19:00.000-04:00

Ali Lutz provided us each with a copy of the following prayer as we flew from Houston to New York:

May God bless you with discomfort at easy
answers, half truths, and superficial
relationships, so that you will live deep
within your heart.

May God bless you with anger at injustice,
oppression, and exploitation of people, so
that you will work for justice, equality, and
peace.

May God bless you with tears to shed for
those who suffer from pain, rejection,
starvation, and war, so that you will reach
out your hand to comfort them and change
their pain to joy.

And may God bless you with the foolishness
to think that you can make a difference in
the world, so that you will do the things
which others tell you cannot be done.

Day 10: Home Again

2007-08-20T10:13:00.001-04:00

We said goodbye to Honduras today and made our way back to the U.S. - this was a truly spirit-filled and life-changing trip, one we were all so proud to be a part of.

Catching dinner in the Houston airport-

Ali tries out a new travel pillow-

Walking through JFK - back in NYC at last!

Victoria's dad with Victoria at the airport - like at the beginning of the trip, everyone looks surprising bright-eyed.

Construction Team Reflection

2007-08-19T01:36:00.001-04:00

As we moved from building and painting to swimming and fellowship, I had time to reflect on our construction projects at Cristo Redentor, and how they transformed the church and our group. As Lonny, Royce, and I planned for our tasks as organizers of the construction projects, we kept coming back to the same quandary: we were aware of the general nature of the projects, but were low on the specifics (having not seen the space), so we had to trust that we'd be up to making most of the decisions on the spot. As we saw the church, and the nature of our work became clear, we experienced first-had the meaning of the phrase "God will provide." Everything we needed was there, including the passion and desire of each member of the group to be a part of the transformation in the space. Each person soon found a place where they fit into the work, sometimes using long-practiced skills, sometimes discovering an unknown nascent talent, but all joining together in God's work. We were able to accomplish as a team more than we planned, working alongside members of the church and assistants from the tech school. We also came to a deeper appreciation for the things we take for granted in our worship: things like ample finished space for Sunday school and group gatherings, air conditioning, and bathrooms on every floor. Most valuable of all, however, was the amazing spirit of kindness shown to us by the members of Cristo Redentor, which created in each of us a spirit of love and a glad willingness to get our hands dirty doing God's work. The sum of the experience ended up as much more than a new Sunday school room and pews for the sanctuary, and for this we are truly thankful.

Charity, on behalf of the Construction Team (Lonny, Charity, and Royce)

Walking the Labyrinth Together

2007-08-19T01:25:00.001-04:00

We've been exploring the theme of walking the labyrinth during our reflection gatherings - below are the ideas that emerged as we met as a group and reflected on our activities; the photos show examples of personal labyrinths on paper that members of the group have been working on.

Group Reflections:
Reflection 1. The missionaries get missioned to.
Reflection 2. We set an intention for relationships, and we named our desire to be "touristy" and get it out of our system.
Reflection 3. God's steadfast love endures forever, and is reflected in our love and care for each other in the group.
Reflection 4. God's steadfast love was shown at the El Hogar home for abandoned children, where we were welcomed into their healing community.
Reflection 5. Our faith is strengthened in the small things.
Reflection 6. We put out faith into action.
Reflection 7. Sometimes we need to be the listeners.
Reflection 8. Hearing and obeying God's word is a way of creating life.
Reflection 9. God's promises are real.
Reflection 10. We helped feed people. We did not just come to help the poor; we came because they are like a family to us.
Reflection 11. We came to do a mission, and we got it done. We give praise to God through our work and in worship--even in a language we don't understand.
Reflection 12. We made the transition from mission to pilgrimage: we changed our venue (to Tela on the north coast), and it is an opportunity to get perspective, to see things differently. God provides what we need, and we need God.
Reflection 13. Our Eucharist began with our making sandwiches, building community with each other and sharing what we have. This same sandwich bread that we have been using all week will become the sacramental bread we break together at our Eucharist Saturday night.
Reflection 14. The Lord gathered God's family here in Honduras from the north, south, east, and west, and provided all that we need: those hungry in body, and those thirsty for love shared what they had with each other, and we have been touched by God on this trip.
Reflection 15. We reach the end of our journey and find that it is just a beginning: this entire experience of mission and pilgrimage is still only a step on the journey. We better understand the landscape of our souls and know better the path we are on.

Belinda's Labyrinth-

Victoria's Labyrinth-

Lynsey's Labyrinth-

Ali's Labyrinth-

Isaac's Labyrinth-

Day 9: Farewell to Deacon Connie

2007-08-19T01:10:00.000-04:00

After returning from Tela, we gathered for a vigil Eucharist, using bread left from our sandwich project as a connection to our work here. Joining us was Deacon Connie and her family.

A group picture in the lobby-

Deacon Connie presented each member of the group with a cross made from horseshoe nails - they are beautiful and thoughtful gifts to take back from this experience, and a symbol of our new connection with Cristo Redentor.

Day 9: Beach to Balcony

2007-08-19T01:02:00.000-04:00

We began the day with breakfast at our hotel, then headed back across Honduras, returning to the Marriott in Tegucigalpa in the evening.

Charity getting braids done by two local women, with Belinda supervising-

Views of the mountains from the bus on the way back to Tegucigalpa-

Nightfall in Tegucigalpa from the balcony of Lonny's room in the Marriott-

Day 8: On the Beach

2007-08-19T00:58:00.001-04:00

After spending time with the Garifuna, we headed to the beach in their village for some fun.

Belinda jumping rope on the beach-

Royce gets in on the action-

All together on the beach-

Day 8: Garifuna Village

2007-08-19T00:39:00.001-04:00

We spent the afternoon in a Garifuna village ourside of Tela - the Garifuna people are descendants of African slaves who shipwrecked nearby, settling in the area, and the native local population. They have kept their traditions alive for 300 years, and shared their dancing and food with us.

The building where we watched the dancing-

Garifuna drummers

Garifuna women dancing-

A Garifuna man performing a dance solo-

Telling a story through dance -

Group dancing-

A masked Garifuna dancer-

Garifuna men dancing-

Lonny, Belinda, and Royce get some lessons from the Garifuna-

Charity and Darius joining the fun-

Emory showing his stuff-

The delicious traditional dinner served after the dancing included rice and beans, fried plantains, and a whole fish cooked to perfection.

Day 7-Day 8: Tela and the Ocean

2007-08-17T14:36:00.000-04:00

We arrived safely last night at our hotel in Tela - we´re right on the ocean, which is truly beautiful. Last night brought some heavy lightning storms, which were beautiful to watch as they moved out over the ocean. Our restaurant lost power briefly, so we ate by candlelight for a bit - a really neat experience.

Downtown Tela

Our hotel-

The beach right outside our door-

View from the top floor of the hotel back toward the mountains.

Day 7: Cathedral of Honduras

2007-08-17T14:21:00.000-04:00

We visited the offices of the Diocese of Honduras in San Pedro de Sula, as well as the Cathedral located nextdoor. The staff graciously gave us a tour of the complex, church, and bishop´s office.
We held our midday reflection in the diocesan conference room.

Fr. Albert came and spoke to us about the Cathedral, and gave us some insights into our next destination, being a native of the Tela area himself.

The Cathedral of Honduras.

All of us in the chancel of the Cathedral.

Day 7: On the road again

2007-08-17T13:59:00.000-04:00

These are pictures from the bus of our drive to San Pedro de Sula. The scenery was spectacular, with mountains and valleys set against dramatic clouds. The last photo in this group is of the only lake in all of Honduras.

Beginning the Pilgrimage North

2007-08-16T02:33:00.000-04:00

Our group will be going to the north coast tomorrow (Thursday) to visit San Pedro Sula and Tela. The next update to this site will most likely take place sometime during the day on Friday, though a brief update on Thursday is possible. Stay tuned as we move into the next phase of our journey!

Art from the VBS

2007-08-16T02:24:00.001-04:00

Here are some examples of the Noah's Ark art picture projects the kids completed at VBS:

Day 6: Visit from the Bishop of Honduras

2007-08-16T02:17:00.000-04:00

We were blessed with two visits today from Lloyd Allen, Bishop of Honduras. He first came to see us at Cristo Redentor, then joined us for dinner that evening.

Bishop Allen observing vacation Bible school:

Out to dinner with Bishop Allen at El Patio restaurant in Tegucigalpa:

Day 6: Welcome Back Don Carlos!

2007-08-16T02:12:00.000-04:00

We give thanks for the recovery of our regular van driver, Don Carlos, who was apart from us for two days as he sought treatment for an eye problem. Don Carlos will now be able to accompany us as our driver on our trip to the North Coast tomorrow.

Day 6: VBS skit on depression and a message from Tristan de Fontenay

2007-08-16T01:59:00.001-04:00

During today's vacation Bible school, Deacon Connie and Ms. Moses presented a skit to the children on depression written by Trinity youth member Tristan de Fontenay. Below are excerpts from the booklet and a note from Tristan explaining the project.

From Tristan:

Traditionally, youth group mission trips are built around activities that enrich the community visited with resources as well as spiritual enrichment. While I may not be able to physically attend the mission trip, I have offered to develop a resource in answer to a need identified during a similar mission trip to the country of Panama. On the previous trip, discussion with a local health provider in a country clinic revealed that while physical conditions are given priority by donor organizations, mental health needs, primarily depression, require identification and treatment. In many communities in the United States, there is a similar concern about under-identification of depression. One way of addressing this has been the development of depression screening activities in the community. This national campaign has been successful in increasing provision of care for psychiatric needs in underdeveloped communities. Therefore, I have been granted the latitude to develop a depression information booklet to be sent with the Trinity youth group on its mission trip to Honduras. I shall be supervised by a board-certified general and child psychiatrist who is a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Ultimately, I presented my materials to Ms. Ferina Moses and the Trinity Church youth group, who, true to form, have encouraged me in this intellectual and spiritual pursuit.

Day 6: Vacation Bible School

2007-08-16T01:51:00.000-04:00

Today was the final day of vacation Bible school - after the activities (including sing-a-longs, noisemaker construction, and skits) were finished, the kids joined us outside for fun on the playground, and wished us well as we left.

Belinda and Isaac bid farewell to some of our new friends-

The group waving goodbye to us from the churchyard-

A storm blew through during the afternoon - according to folks at the church, it was the first lightning Tegucigalpa has seen in three years. Consequently, some of the folks were hesitant to venture to the second floor of the church. The clouds were beautiful as they moved across the sky.

Day 6: Finishing What We Started

2007-08-16T01:33:00.001-04:00

Today was our last day working on our projects at Cristo Redentor - we accomplished all we set out to do, and got to know each other a lot better through the process of working with each other and with our new Honduran friends.

Jamal, Ali, and Lonny finish transforming the concrete-walled storage room into a warm beige Sunday school room.

Lonny works on the tenth and final pew-

Charity and Emory sand the splinters off the pews-

Once all the pews were completed, we put them into place - here Royce is forming the left row.

Mother Garcia, Ms. Moses, and Deacon Connie pose with the brand new pews.

Isaac´s Second Entry

2007-08-16T01:33:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, I told you I´d keep you posted so here it is! First news item: We´re going to the beach tommorow! It´s bound to be loads of fun in the sun, I think I´m going to build a sand castle and then body surf a little bit. Second news item: I worked with some impovershed children in the feeding program today. Before the actual feeding part came in, though, we played a rousing game of kick-the-various-empty-plastic-bottles-around-while-avoiding-the-holes-in-the-concrete. Later I was told they were only allowed one meal a day (I wasn´t sure if that was in addition to the protein shake they were fed to stave off malnourishment), but today was different. Today, they got two, thanks to us. We were also allowed to give a couple more cookies to this trio of siblings (two sisters and a brother) who were living on the street, supported by the eldest of the three (an eleven year old girl who did God knows what for money). I feel a little down that we can't offer the same service a few more times, but Jesus is calling us to the beach. While we journey to the crystal clear waters of Tela, growing spirtually of course, I´ll be praying for God to help them like we did. I don´t think He would be distracted by things like working on his tan.

Day 6: Feeding Program

2007-08-16T01:27:00.001-04:00

Today, Mother Garcia, Ms. Moses, Belinda, Isaac, Lynsey, and Victoria participated in the feeding program. They traveled to Villa Nueva to feed hungry children. Arriving early, they played with the kids before offering them food and drink in the form of sandwiches, chips, cookies, and Tang.

Day 5: Preparing to set God's table

2007-08-15T01:10:00.000-04:00

The group made 125 sandwiches for tomorrow's project to feed children of Villa Nueva, an outreach in an impoverished community on the outskirts of Tegucigalpa.

The sandwich building begins-

Toasting a job well done, and looking forward to tomorrow.

Day 5: Work in Progress

2007-08-15T00:51:00.000-04:00

Today we built two more pews (we're up to 9) and began priming and staining them. We also sanded the walls and primed the upstairs Sunday school room we cleared out yesterday. Vacation Bible school continued with more Noah-centered activities, plus singing (in English and Spanish), art projects, snacks, and tons of laughter. Most of the children in attendance at the VBS are from a local home for abandoned children, and it has been a true delight to get to know them. Despite being the middle day of the project, this was no "hump" day--the energy and committment from everyone in the group remained very high.

Lynsey and Isaac are rolling with it!

Victoria and Isaac take in the prime(r) view-

Isaac mixes it up-

Belinda with her drill team - Emory and Willan

Picnic al fresco, in front of Cristo Redentor-

Royce, Mother Garcia, and Charity love to putty!

Jamal, Victoria, and Darius stain a pew-

Willan, Pele, Royce, Jamal, and Darius - a great staining team.

Lonny and Samuel after a super vacation Bible school

Day 4: Vacation Bible School

2007-08-14T00:08:00.000-04:00

After spending the morning working on our construction projects, we held vacation bible school for 30 area children in the afternoon. The fun-filled two hours centered on the story of Noah's Ark.

Lynsey helps a young girl assemble a cross necklace with cord and beads.

Jamal takes poloroid pictures of two of the older helpers.

Lynsey helps the kids affix their poloroid pictures into a drawing of Noah's Ark - each child's face is framed in the drawing by a window in the hold of the ark, and they colored in the rest of the drawing around their pictures.

Day 4: Putting Faith into Action

2007-08-13T23:47:00.000-04:00

Today we started working on our projects at Cristo Redentor.

The first task was to clear out the rooms we will be painting and tiling; Charity and Lynsey are clearing a pile of spare doors-

After the rooms were cleared, they needed to be swept in preparation for the new flooring, and Ali, Victoria, and Mother Garcia were up to the job-

Next, some of the group began working on the pews; here Jamal and Lonnie are preparing a kneeler for installation on the back of a pew-

Each pew has to be sanded, and the screwheads covered with putty - Belinda and Darius are hard at work sanding the pews assembled before our arrival-

Ms. Moses has an expert sanding arm!

Royce and Emory work with our local assistants, William and Pele, to build new pews. William and Pele are currently students at the Technical Institute run by El Hogar, the home for children we visited yesterday.

Victoria takes her turn working the drill with Emory and Royce assisting-

Royce, Isaac, William, and Emory inaugurate the very first complete Trinity pew-

Day 3: Getting to Work

2007-08-13T00:49:00.000-04:00

Preparation began today for our work week ahead: a trip to the supermercado for lunch supplies was followed by productive planning for tomorrow's vacation bible study activites, including road-testing craft projects.

Thoughts from Emory

2007-08-13T00:48:00.000-04:00

The warm greeting by Deacon Connie and Maria del Carmen from the Diocese of Honduras at the airport.... That first meeting on Friday night at Eglesia Episcopal Cristo Redentor where parishioners opened their hearts to us and shared their dessert... The man at St. Lucia who invited me to pray with him in his church... All of the people walking along the sides of the road with their heavy burdens... Making stronger connections with the youth and adults in our Trinity Mission... Don Carlos our bus driver who has the patience of Job and the ability to get into places I wouldn't even attempt... Church this morning with all of the joyful music, and more hugs and kisses than you could imagine... Ruth Anne celebrating the Eucharist in Spanish and making us all proud... Meeting a missionary from my birth state of South Carolina and meeting another mission group from St Andrew's Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant, SC... The kids at El Hogar "the home for abandoned, orphaned and hopelessly poor children" in Tegucigalpa; being welcomed openly by joyful children who were so excited to see us; being invited to join in a game of basketball by Martin; feeling called to rearrange the priorities in my own life... Worshiping and reflecting with such a wonderful and insightful group of Trinity Youth...

Day 3: Visit to Home of Love and Hope

2007-08-13T00:29:00.000-04:00

We were blessed to have the opportunity to visit an Episcopal home for children in Tegucigalpa - Home of Love and Hope (www.elhogar.org) where orphan kids, as well as kids whose parents are incarcerated or too poor to feed them, all live, learn, and grow together. It was truly eye-opening to meet these wonderful young Hondurans and learn about the home and its wonderful work here.

Meeting up on the central playground, minutes before a lively impromptu game of basketball featuring Trinity youth and kids from El Hogar.

One of the brightly-colored classrooms where the kids work hard to get an education.

Chalk drawings covering the walkway at the entrance to the complex.

Day 3: Sunday Morning Services

2007-08-13T00:15:00.000-04:00

We attended services this morning at Cristo Redentor - we were welcomed very graciously by the congregants, Mother Garcia was the celebrant, Darius was blessed by Deacon Connie for his recent birthday, and we met some new friends and fellow pilgrims, members of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant, SC.

Jamal's hello from Honduras

2007-08-12T23:26:00.000-04:00

I thought that today was very interesting including the orphanage, where the children who were born into poverty accepted us as if we were one of them. I believe that we as Americans take what we are given for granted and that instead of always asking for things we should give.

Jamal

Royce's intro

2007-08-12T23:18:00.000-04:00

Today's exprience was interesting, especially the orphanage. Personally, I think we as Americans take our blessings for granted; whereas some people in Honduras are born into poverty. Being that we are the ones blessed, we can share our blessings with the less fortunate. We are here in Honduras on that mission, and I am thankful to be a part of it!

Royce

lynsey from honduras

2007-08-12T23:11:00.000-04:00

hi everybody we are doing good in honduras it's really nice here, the people are really kind and opened their home to us today. We went to the church, it was really nice - i had a good time, love how they sing and just had joy in the church and everybody was happy..!!!!!!

connections in honduras

2007-08-12T23:07:00.000-04:00

The connections we as a youth have made from my point of view are both heartful and emotionally powered by the people here. They have moved me personally in such a way that I truely believe I have a whole new look on life both emotionally and physically. The journey has only begun................

Belinda

This is Isaac's entry.

2007-08-12T23:04:00.001-04:00

This trip is loads of fun, and I have only gotten mildly burnt. It's okay, because I believe that the favor of God is worth an increased chance of cancer. When it comes down to it though, I believe I am doing this as much for my own growth, both intellectually and emotionally, as I am for the big guy upstairs. I will keep everyone posted, so tune in next time!

Victoria's Entry

2007-08-12T22:58:00.000-04:00

Today was an awesome day!!!! We went to church... it was grand. We played with kids... it was joyous. We ate pizza... it was delicious. We swam in a pool... it was wet. I thought we learned a lot about community and necessary it is to show love for those outside and inside of our various communities. We also learned about how blessed each of us are, and how much we need to show love to those less fortunate than ourselves.

Hi from Honduras

2007-08-12T22:54:00.000-04:00

hello every body back at home, im missing you all and i want 2 let you know that my B-DAY was very exciting and FUN!!! buela that i miss I LOVE YOU ALL.....and i will be home before you know it. Tell buela that i miss her very much and telkl Thebin that i said(WHATS UP BIG- T). love you all bye.

Darius

Youth Reflection Group

2007-08-12T22:24:00.000-04:00

Walking The Labyrinth is the leading focus of this Youth Mission Trip. The goal is to pray our way through this Honduras experience. The objective is to remind ourselves that at every crossroad we can choose to seek God’s mercy and guidance; to draw, walk, pray and experience a labyrinth.

The guiding scripture is Psalm 23. We are comforted by the fact that no matter where we go in life, God is with us and protects us. If we can see the labyrinth as a metaphor for life and growth, then we can also be consoled by the notion that we are never lost in it the way we might be lost in a tangle or a maze.

Our lives are like the labyrinth. We move through them, make choices about when and where to turn and when to turn back. At every point, we must decide how we will proceed, how many times we want to make the same mistakes and when we will turn to God. In our exploration of the labyrinth, we want to turn to God at every crossroad. We will practice the prayerful surrender of our lives.

Each morning we begin with a service of praise and prayer, and every evening we close with a service of reflection and thanksgiving. Each of us is taking turns preparing a meditation at each service. We are considering our goals, what we want to accomplish, where our group journey has led us, and the twists and turns we have experienced along the way. We have met and been welcomed by the good people of Cristo Redentor in Tegucigalpa and joined them at a Friday evening class and at Sunday services, where Mother Garcia presided at the Eucharist.

We continue to be blessed with a spirit-filled group whose love for God, each other and the people of Honduras continues to grow every day. We are praying for our Trinity Church/St. Paul’s Chapel family daily. Though we are apart for awhile, we remain one in Jesus Christ. Please keep all of us in your prayers as the Trinity Youth continue on this mission.

With steadfast faith,
Isaac Miller, Ferina Moses, and Emory Edwards
Trinity Youth Mission Reflection Group

Day 2: Birthday Celebration

2007-08-12T00:40:00.000-04:00

Today is Darius's birthday, and we were all honored to spend it with him.

We managed to surprise him in the hotel with this cake, provided by the lovely hotel kitchen - the words are painted onto a slab of chocolate.

Happy Birthday Darius!

Day 2: Basketball!

2007-08-12T00:21:00.000-04:00

We worked off our delicious lunch with a friendly game of basketball - NBA, here comes Trinity!

Day 2: Valle de Anjeles, second stop

2007-08-11T21:14:00.000-04:00

This is the town square of the second town we visited today - we were able to wander around the village together and do a little shopping

Day 2: Valle de Anjeles, first stop

2007-08-11T20:42:00.000-04:00

We visited two towns in the Valle de Anjeles region today - here are some pictures from the first town:

This is a view from the first town, looking back toward Tegucigalpa

One of the highlights of the visit was the church of Santa Lucia

2007-08-11T09:52:00.000-04:00

Here is the church, where we were warmly welcomed by Deacon Connie, who posed with us for photos before refreshments were served.

2007-08-11T09:48:00.000-04:00

The youth took a moment to relax in the hotel lobby as the group leaders checked us in to the hotel. We then set out from the Mariott to see the church where we will be doing our mission work.

2007-08-11T09:44:00.000-04:00

The photo from the air is of our very first glimpse of Honduras, as we came south over the Yucatan peninsula and Belize. The country looked especially green and mountainous from this vantage point. We landed at the Tegucigalpa airport, which is in the middle of a valley (and the city) - the other photo is the view from the runway.

2007-08-11T09:41:00.000-04:00

The halfway point - we all made it to Houston, where we enjoyed some great BBQ. SOme of the youth got a game of cards going on the floor while we waited for our second flight.

2007-08-11T09:35:00.000-04:00

At Queens, getting ready to leave NYC, and looking bright-eyed (especially Ali!) despite the early hour.

Travel to Honduras

2007-08-11T09:29:00.000-04:00

Greetings! Yesterday was spent getting together, getting to see the world from seven miles up, and getting to know each other a bit better. The trip was smooth, and we're settled into our hotel. We had a chance to go to the church where we are working last night, and meet many of the congregants. Last night was the conclusion of a lengthy education series, and in celebration of our arrival and the end of classes, the group welcomed us warmly and shared their celebration cake. It was so wonderful to be with them and receive their hospitality. By the time we made it back to the hotel, we were ready to eat a good meal and settle in, which is exactly what we did.

Now that we are set up in the technology dept., there should be regular entries from many members of the group, as well as pictures of our adventures.

Blessings,
-Charity Lofthouse

Test Entry

2007-08-08T13:37:00.000-04:00

Testing 1-2-3 - This is the test entry before the trip. 48 hours until the adventure begins!