After first hearing about Humanity and Hope on the Almost Famous Podcast, Sara wanted to learn more. She was looking for an organization that focused on building relationships instead of short-term fixes, and wanted to go on a mission trip that prioritized sustainable change and lasting impact. We are so excited to share Sara’s story!
How did you hear about Humanity and Hope?
I heard about H&H through the Almost Famous Podcast!
Why did you choose to come with us?
The mission of H&H really resonates with me. I never wanted to go on a short-term mission trip because I didn't like the idea of going somewhere just to provide extremely short-term relief and then leaving, likely never seeing the people again. I am a very relationship-oriented person and was searching for something that could provide a lasting impact while also forming relationships with the people who are being helped. I feel that God has given me a heart for longer-term missions, particularly with sustainable change, and I am so thankful that God led me to H&H. I felt like He was telling me to go on the July 2018 trip. I initially didn't listen and tried to sign up for the August trip, however it was full when I submitted the last of the paperwork. I was told that the July 10-17 trip was open, but I doubted that I would be able to go because of the higher cost (and airline flights since it was sooner). I know that God will make things happen if He wants them to happen, but the human part of me was worried! I set up a Gofundme page with the perspective that, if God wanted me to go on the trip, He'd provide a way with funds, since I could not afford it fully in my budget. I was astounded, as I was able to raise more than the amount I needed in 6 days! I was only hoping to raise at least half by the deadline (now I see how small my faith was!). I took that as a sign that I was meant to go, and now looking back, I can totally see why God led me to go in July.
What was the most eye-opening thing you saw or experienced in Honduras?
I will never forget hearing Angelica (from La Cuchilla) talking about how she felt as if God had forgotten them and overlooked them, and how the people from other communities would call them "the dirty people" and "the hole," and yet when H&H became involved and helped start the chicken business, she started feeling as if God saw them again and was blessing them! That truly showed me the magnitude of the impact God is making through this organization. I also was really encouraged to hear how H&H’s involvement has changed the perspective and begun shifting the culture in the villages. Emerita shared that H&H has taught her how to love others and be generous. Although I didn't initially realize how big this was, I realized how HUGE this is after learning that the general culture in Honduras is not always one of helping your neighbor just for the sake of being generous, but rather to see what is in it for oneself. This shift is so amazing and really shows the gospel at work in the villages!
Favorite part
Oh gosh, there's not just one! I really loved connecting with Carol (one of my trip leaders) and seeing God work through our conversations and interactions with one another. We both connected with a little girl, Nicol, in Remolino on one of the days and it was so sweet. I braided Nicol's hair and she seemed to relax, and started singing as I did so. She was so smiley and giggly while we were playing and talking with her. I think she loved the adult one-on-one attention! As a gift for braiding her hair, she gave me handfuls of snails from the river. The river was clearly her favorite place, and possibly her safe place, and for her to want to give me a part of it meant so much to me! I also really enjoyed going on the home visits in La Cuchilla. I went with Faviola to the home of Wilson, a little boy who really struggled to advance in school (he is currently in 1st grade for the 3rd time). His story and experiences have really pierced my heart and I think of him and his family every day. I have stayed in touch with Faviola since leaving Honduras, and am now the unofficial/official first health sponsor for H&H, sponsoring the health care for Wilson so that he can get the medical attention he needs, and to hopefully positively impact his schooling (and life in general)!
Any advice (or encouragement) you'd give to someone who is thinking of joining us on a trip?
Pray about it and go! It is such a meaningful experience and way better than you can imagine. Get ready to go out of your comfort zone and just immerse yourself in the experience.
How has your trip impacted your daily life post trip?
I think about the people in Honduras every day. It has made me reevaluate my own circumstances and reevaluate what I spend my money on. I feel like my mood and outlook on my life has shifted drastically because I see my privileges and blessings with a whole new perspective.
Tell us about your current involvement with H&H
I am the health sponsor for Wilson! I am also hoping to join the Hope Circle donors, but need to see how much Wilson will need on a monthly basis to make sure I can afford it.
