Last Day Adventures in Faith for Orphanages

Today was a hard day. It was the third and last day of our Faith programs with the village children and orphans, as tomorrow is a major holiday in Honduras. Our practice paid off - this was the best day of all. Todays theme was the Nativity. The team first did the skit with Maria narrating. Afterwards, the children reenacted the Nativity with lots of angels and sheep. It was a touching moment to watch.

When it came time to say good-bye, we thought our hearts would burst as all of the children hugged and kissed us. Our momentary glimpse into their life is over. We wondered what the future would bring each and every one of them.

One of the Franciscan Friars who has been in Honduras for several years joined our discussion group last night. He observed that the recent political plight of Honduras has been very difficult on the poor, but the cycles of "brokeness" are much more deeply rooted in this country. Recognizing the magnitude of political reform and cultural evolution that must occur to make a long term difference for the majority of the people here, these Friars tirelessly work to accomplish what they can day by day. "Each small candle lights a corner of the dark," as a well-known songwriter once said. Here, the Friars burn those candles brightly for those they serve. Our contribution has barely been a flicker by comparison.

We were also blessed by a talk from Carol Restaine from a lay group in the church called Missioners of Christ. She is a consecrated woman who has dedicated her to working with the Honduran poor. In her eight years here her work has centered on working with the poor of Comayagua and surrounding areas. She said that even in the most challenging and difficult circumstances her faith in Christ always guides and sustains her. Her relentless energy and efforts bear that out.

We had breakfast today with Toni Sacca and Laura Deas who are here this week filming a mini-documentary. Dr. John Kelley has commissioned this documentary in order to raise awareness of the poor pre-natal and maternity care for women in Honduras. Up to 70% of poor women in Honduras are victims of sexual abuse before the age of 15. Toni and Laura interviewed a 21 year old woman yesterday that just had her third child. Her oldest is 10. The purpose of this documentary is to raise money to open a birthing center in San Benito which is a medical center that the Franciscan Friars operate.

While there is much good work going on here, there is so much more to be done. We thank you for your support in our mission.

Steve and Cathy Reilly

PS This evening we did our annual talent show. We laughed and were in awe at some of the people and their talent. Tonight we also celebrated David and Joe´s birthdays with cake. Br Matteo also bought some snacks for us as we watched a comedian and then fireworks from the third floor roof of Casa Guadalupe.

Happy New Year. Tomorrow we are going to some waterfalls to have a picnic. We will bring 25 Honduras with us. We are all looking forward to a relaxing day.