Honduras Mission - 4/14/10

The other day I had an epiphany. I felt the sudden urge to return to Tegucigalpa, Honduras with items and money gained in the USA from charitable donations and fundraising. Ever since my trip to Honduras last year, I have had a passionate love for the country and the people. I enjoyed the school trip last year, but I realized that I want to plan my own individual service trip to Orfanato Pedro Atala in Tegucigalpa. I will have to plan the ENTIRE trip: the flight, the details, the donations, the fundraising, etc. It is a huge challenge because of the massive responsibility I'll have and the relative lack of support. This will trip will permanently establish a desire for service to others in my life, and help me become more mature and comfortable as an individual.

I hope to collect four suitcases of donations for the orphanage and perhaps monetary donations as well. I want to be successful in this trip and I want it to run without a flaw. I just hope my efforts will be realised and that I will feel content with my contribution to an impoverished nation. I can't wait to see the smiles on the kids faces when they receive all of our gifts. It is one of the best feelings in the world.

I am beginning to establish some vague plans for the trip. I'd probably go for Memorial Day weekend, plus or minus a few days. I would stay with my friend Mafer Betanco and her family in Tegucigalpa. At the orphanage, Orfanato Pedro Atala, we would bring toys and other donations, and perhaps teach an English lesson or paint a mural. To collect items for the trip, I'll put announcements in at school for desired donations and then to raise money I'll do bake sales. All money raised would go to purchase items for the orphanage or to pay for shipping if necessary. To pay my flight and other costs, I am in desperate search of a job. As long as I get the job, my parents' approval, and the OK from Mr. Hieser, the trip is set. Off to do more planning!