Inauguration of Indian Community Center

Mountain top experience

If you are one of our faithful blog readers you will likely recall me writing about how we are assisting a church from Mass. in building a community center for an unreached people group – an Indian tribe called the Toulupan Indians. We don't take much credit in the project except being the support when they are here – Tristan brings his tools and his big truck and he does whatever needs to be done to see the project through. It has now been 2 years that we have been a part of building the community center – since they chose the land until now – the completion of the building. Tristan helped clear the rock and level the land, he was with the team when the walls went up, when the rafters were raised, the roof put on, and this weekend we were there when the building was painted and the door handles put on. This is a labor of love for Tristan – he has loved being a part of this from beginning to end – watching both the building and the building of relationships be formed.

We went up Thursday (Tristan went up Tuesday, the rest of us Thursday) through Sunday so we could be a part of the final steps. Friday was full of all the last minute stuff that happens on a building – all the little things – and Maddy and I went along to help with the grocery shopping for the party. Saturday was the Inauguration – the Dedication of the Building and the handing over the keys to the tribal chief. Inauguration's in Honduras is a big deal! The fattened calf was killed (literally! All 350lbs of meat!)) as well as a pig – plus 80lbs of tortillas, 65lbs of rice, 10lbs each of onion, tomatoes, green peppers, etc. The village ladies cooked Friday and Saturday for the event!

Saturday afternoon was beautiful – overcast so it wasn't too hot – and SO MANY people showed up! After the hour long dedication – of mayors, and pastors, and leaders speaking about how this community center was a symbol to this village of how God has not forgotten them – that they are loved people and even though sometimes they may wonder if they are loved – because they are poor, isolated in the mountains, lack of education or medical services – that even though they have suffered a lot – God has not forgotten them and they are loved! They were challenged to have vision and faith - to use the building to bless others and to lead their village in faith and wisdom. It was a great dedication! And I do pray the same for them – that they realize they are loved and not forgotten about – that was the whole reason of the building – to show these people that they are important to Jesus – and it was done with no strings attached. Amazing.

After the dedication the food came out – thankfully there was enough food for all. I figure over 425 people were served food – we had bought 350 plates and they were having the people bring their plates back so they could be reused! Everyone was happy and talking and relaxing together. I held a couple babies so the mommies could eat. One baby was 26 days old – the mom is 16 AND she has a 2 year old. Wow.

Sigel did really great this weekend – he was so helpful and really felt comfortable up there. The first time we went we were there for 10 days and he was pretty miserable – I think the poverty and lack of electricity and running water reminded him too much of his past – now he was able to love on the people and feel more confident. There was also a 12 year old boy on the team so they played a lot and had fun together. As a mom of a baby this weekend was hard – we only ate breakfast and dinner (at 7:30pm) and we were on a construction site full of MUD. I didn't have access to a kitchen and so Maddy ate a lot of junk – chips and crackers. She loved the mud and slept well at night (although naps were difficult). It was a great weekend and we are glad we have been able to be a part of this project and see it to completion. I believe the church is now hoping to continue helping the community in other ways – maybe microloans, classes, improved education, medical brigades etc.