We arrived at the La Ceiba airport in one piece with most of out luggage, and were picked up and driven to the Cruzadas' compound. That was the first time I ever saw a building surrounded with walls that had broken glass stuck into the top- to provide protection. It was a sight that would soon become commonplace.

After greeting everyone, we headed to the hotel where we would spend the night before driving out to Limon the next day. There I encountered another first, as I brushed my teeth with bottled water.
The next morning we loaded up the truck with supplies and headed out in the afternoon. About two hours of the ride was on paved road, and the remaining two hours was on a bumpy road that quickly became familiar. When we finally arrived in Limon it was dark so we ate and crashed at the clinic.
We woke up the next morning to find people waiting downstairs for the clinic to begin. These people had woken up at five to leave their village and come to the clinic.
Quickly getting our system down, people saw the doctor and dentist, and lab work was done. Medicine was prescribed and all patients received worming medicine and vitamins on their way out.
That afternoon I went to see the sewing school. I found about 30 girls who worked proudly at their various projects. After hearing about their previous projects, their progress was evident.
The next day we packed up and headed out on a 2 1/2 hour drive to a little village. Most of the people in this village had never seen a white person before, and they spoke a language that was a combination of French, Spanish, and English.
We worked most of the day and saw about 200 patients. There were people with infections and sore; a boy with an inner ear infection that had spread to his brain, rotten teeth, worms, and 60% of them had malaria.
But, they were the happiest and most loving people I have ever met. Despite waiting all day, each one still had a smile to give us. And although they were sick and lived in poverty- a village with no electricity, with little water, with pigs running around, and naked children... they showed more love that I have ever seen.
That night we went to their church in Limon. They played the drums and a turtleshell. Their music was strong and beautiful. And when they prayed, it was a prayer that was full of harmony- as each member of the congregation lifted their voice in their own unique worship. That night Jerry, Uncle Tom, and Richard each gave a talk, and Sr. Eleanor interpreted.
Later that week we headed out to another little neighboring village. Again we saw many people. And again I was amazed by their incredible love. While we were there, we saw their woodworking school, about 20 kids (boys and girls) were working with joy at their trade. Towards the end of the day when we were packing up, the little children took me outside to play Pato, Pato, Ganso! (Duck, Duck, Goose.)
On the morning we were leaving Limon, a little girl was brought to the clinic in acute respiratory distress. She was 15 months old. They hooked her up to a machine that opened up her bronchi and gave her some shots. Still very lethargic, we gave her juices in an effort to re-hydrate her. She responded beautifully and was up and walking around. When we left, we left behind medicine and directions with her mother, and promised to keep the little girl in our prayers.
Once back in La Ceiba we held clinic at the compound, which was a comfort as we faced up to the upcoming reality of reentering American society.
That night we had a pool party for all of the girls from the girls' dorm. Most of the girls had never worn, much less owned a bathing suit before. And, getting them into those bathing suits, well that is a story in itself.
We left La Ceiba in an airplane that fit 12 people.
Coming back home was difficult, and a large part of me wished I could have stayed in Limon. But, obedient to my situation, I am here, with the hope of returning to Honduras soon.
I also attached two pictures. The one is of the girls from the girls dorm when we bought them bathing suits for their pool party. And the other is of me with a little girl from the little village that we went to (where the team had never gone before). That was the village where the majority had never seen a white person before.
Alright, I'm sorry it is so long. Thank you!

Vaya con Dios,
Rachel Teresa Wentlent