Meet Johnny Butler, an incredible H&H volunteer and regular trip participant from Warsaw, Indiana,. Johnny went on his first trip in 2019, and has been on 4 trips since. Together with Johnny we’ve dug many septic tanks for bathrooms and painted homes – he’s one hard worker! Thank you so much for all that you do, Johnny!
How did you first hear about Humanity and Hope?
Through my involvement with Warsaw Community Church, I had obviously heard of mission trips and found interest but never really thought I would go. Then it just stayed on my mind and I went back and forth on the idea but felt really drawn to it. Spiritually, I just felt like I needed to go. Something just kept telling me I need to just go.
How have you seen H&H grow over the years?
The first time I went on a trip, they were building the community bathrooms in Remolino. Today, those same people have the option to a house with indoor plumbing. I am sure that was something they never saw coming. It’s just amazing to see the progress the team has made in such a short amount of time. It was also great to see the progress literally right before my eyes.
What was your favorite part of going to Honduras?
It would be being a part of the baptisms and seeing how much H&H has made an impact over these eleven years. You really saw the communities come to life during the H&H anniversary with their own style in each community. Also, as my dad was a veteran, seeing the Honduran flag flying next to the US flag during one part of the ceremony was pretty incredible and actually made me emotional. Everyday on the trip was better than the last. We all said at the end of the day doing ‘wow that was a great day’ and then every other day we said the same thing. These trips have a way of giving so much more back to you.
What would you share with someone thinking of going on a trip with H&H?
There should be no fear. You might not have all of the answers but that’s the great thing, you figure it out as you go.
How have your visits to Honduras impacted your daily life?
It has prompted me to be more present. In our day to day lives, we have a lot of responsibility and I think it’s easy to forget the blessing we have living in the United States. Riley says it a lot -‘we hit the birth lottery living in the United States’ and he’s right. We never had to worry about a good education or an indoor bathroom. So, I think that’s the main takeaway that we can’t lose sight of the blessing we have.