My team (from left to right):
- Rob—dear, dear Rob. Answered any question with at least a 30 minute explanation (someone I would definitely want on my team in a game of Trivial Pursuit).
- Jared—a 13-year-old home-schooler who was an absolute delight (now isn’t that a teacher thing to say???) to have on the trip. Seriously, he is an incredible young man. Spending time with him made me miss teaching—just a little bit.
- Chris—a radio personality whose station is sponsoring a Compassion Weekend on June 17-18
- Mike—Jared’s father—it is easy to see why Jared is the young man that he is (polite, thoughtful, kind) for he is exactly like his father.
We visited three projects during this trip. The first project visited was the Vinedos Child Development Center located 10 km south of San Pedro Sula.
Horses and carts sharing the streets with cars and trucks was a common sight.
Across the street from the project. Trash was thrown directly into the river.
The bus parked on the main paved street.
Chris takes a moment for a "photo op."
I was pleased that the project had indoor “facilities.” (None of the homes we visited had indoor plumbing.)
The children have two areas for outdoor play: the dirt street which the project faces.
And the litter-covered lot beside the project.
Sponsors were assigned to one of three categories: Sports & Games, Vacation Bible School, and Arts & Crafts. After the introduction to the project staff, the fun and games began.
Chris, Mike, Jared, and I played Sport & Games with the kids, and Rob did Arts & Crafts.
First we handed out balls, jump ropes, frisbees, etc. that we brought from the States.
Some of the girls immediately began jumping rope.
Kim joined the jump rope fun.
This little boy was quite content just to watch.
Chris and Jared started a soccer game with some of the boys.
Mike and I taught the kids how to play Monkey in the Middle.
I only included the picture below because some of the kids were shoeless, and the boy below ran over broken glass and litter as if it were nothing.
Yes, I am the monkey.
I really must learn Spanish. The children assumed that since I am an adult, they could speak to me. Sometimes an interpreter was not around, and I had to try to figure out what the child was communicating—a very difficult and frustrating task all involved!
Jared, Mike, and some of the boys.
While we were outside, Sean was leading the kids in a rousing VBS song. (Notice the children peeking in the windows. The project does not have the workers nor the space available for all the children in the neighborhood. Honduran children, who are fortunate enough to attend school, attend for ½ day—and those enrolled in the project attend for the half day that they are not in school.)
Pam was making friends.
Chuck was getting ready for his puppet show.
Kimberly, Chuck (with puppet), and Goldie lead VBS. 
In the craft area, Rob helped the children with an origami frog Bible story craft.
Peggy’s craft was a bracelet with different color beads.
Peggy ties a bracelet.
The message of salvation presented with colored beads.
Gold: heaven
Black: human sinful nature
Red: the blood of Jesus
White: made clean from sin
Green: spiritual growth
Getting ready for lunch.
As the project workers prepared lunch:
Sean started a game of Pato, Pato, Gonzo (Duck, Duck, Goose). And the children are still peering in the windows.
Sean was the undisputed Pato, Pato, Gonzo champion.
Lunch is served!
After lunch, we made our first home visits (will be a separate post).
