Recap: Honduras is my home

Had an awesome week in Honduras. Built a house, handed out more food and clothes than I could imagine, spent two awesome days at Jovenes en Camino (the orphanage in El Zamborano, Honduras for abused and neglected boys), and many other things. Most importantly, I got to spend time with some of my best friends who I unfortunately get to see only once or twice a year.

I've learned that while it is fun to have friends who go on the trip with me, I can hang out with them in USA. I don't spend thousands of dollars every year to go to Honduras and hang out with them. So this year, every chance I had, I spent with the Hondurans. What a difference those extra fifteen minutes made three times a day. Whether we were goofing around before heading out for the day, sharing a meal together, or actually having a (somewhat) serious conversation, I can't express the joy it gave me to simply be with some of my favorite people in the world.

I want to take a second to talk about a man who means the world to me. Marco (mi osito, which means my teddy bear) is a basically a single dad with two incredible children. Antonio is 18, and Amanda is 12. Several years ago, Amanda was standing too close to the stove when a pot of boiling water fell and burned over half her body. Because of finances, Marco's wife went to the US to bring in some more money to help pay for their hospital bills. She has never come back, and probably won't. She has also stopped sending money home. Now Marco has spent the past few years taking care of his two beautiful children, and you can tell he doesn't regret one second of it. Not only is he an amazing dad, but he brings joy to the people he's around. Joking and light-hearted, Marco and I are always joking and laughing.

We stay in pretty constant contact through texting, and he has easily become like my Honduran father over the past 3 years. He is protective, funny, caring, giving, and anything a great dad needs to be. Marco is probably dealing with a lot inside, but he carries himself in a proud way. He is proud of the kids he has, and he should be. They have grown up extremely well because of the incredible example they have as a father. I am so proud to have him in my life and so grateful to have spent my week with a man of such greatness.


In my opinion, this is what a real man looks like.