Los Laureles, and home again..

Hello Friends!


Since my last post, I have left Tegucigalpa, and spent 5 days working with my friends on the YES team in a dump community called Los Laurales, Honduras--nearby to the beaches of La Ceiba.
  
Reflecting on my time here as I'm sitting in the airport and about to fly home, I strongly sense that this may be in part the form of ministry that God has planned for me. Especially over the last week, I have sensed that God would have me spend my life discipling Hispanic children and young adults (especially the guys) who come from less-than-ideal backgrounds.  This, I actually find rather humorous... 


A few years ago, before even observing any official children's ministries down here, I felt the desire to someday start some kind of orphanage or some form of caring for the "least of these" of Central America.  As time continues this dream of mine (or is it really mine?) has grown, and I have been seeking opportunities to learn of ways to reach to the hearts of young people--primarily young men.


One of the boys I felt that I had really connected with in Los Laureles was called Diño. At 14 years-old, this young guy had already stacked up several chips on his shoulder--make that both shoulders.  Nearly every interaction that he had with the other local young chaps pretty much proved that true... for some reason though, he genuinely seemed to want to get to know me better, and at one point, I was able to spend 20 minutes swinging beside him on a hammock just telling him about myself and listening to him share about his background.  


Even though my Spanish is pretty limited, we were still able to have a relatively good conversation.  Still though, I'm looking forward to the day when I can communicate in Spanish fluently enough so that I can pour God's Word into thirsty boys like Diño without tripping over the language barrier.  These young men have tremendous potential for Christian leadership, and I am excited to think that God might have plans for me to be a part of discipling them in the future.


Thanks to all for your prayers and encouragement while I was on this trip!  Looking forward to seeing you all over the next few weeks.


Blessings!


-Benjamin