Giving Thanks

Honduran Thanksgiving gives an entirely new meaning to my traditional concept of Thanksgiving. I woke up not having any idea of what to expect, but the day quickly began to fall into place. I knew it would be a different kind of thanksgiving, I saw the community around me, the kids, the adults- the way of life is different. Yet the kids, both at the foundation and the community, have begun to work their way into our lives and hearts. When we woke up, I had the pleasure of working with Blanca, the lady who cooks as well as Jill and Audrey. We learned to make fresh corn tortillas, huevos con chorizo, refried beans and fried plantains over a wood-fired stove-- very contrary to typical American convenience but all around an awesome experience. After that, we began preparing a Thanksgiving meal for the whole community. Not knowing how many people or how many baptisms, we guessed as best we could to cook and prepare for all who would come. The day was exciting, frenzied at times, and overall an incredible day to be a part of. With a couple of setbacks, a small fire in the field, power going out and needing to cook things over a burning fire, God proved himself faithful through those circumstances. We sprinted to 2 o'clock, when finally the much expected baptisms began. The church quickly filled, overflowed and spilled out into the yard- we have counted anywhere between 70 and 75 baptisms in one day. Possibly the most exciting part for me was the variability of ages of those who were baptized; two of my "god-daughters" are actually mothers themselves and the other two are children. It was exciting to watch as John explained the Gospel with an egg and a chick, explaining our fallen condition as an egg which was cracked and describing new life as being like a chick. The faces in the Congregation lit up with delight, their smiles and laughter filled the room. As the baptisms began, I couldn't help but think of how beautiful the display of people was. So often, our culture tells us that we need to do better, to "clean up" before approaching the Lord, yet here in Honduras, everyone presented themselves as they are. These individuals came to offer the little that they have-- themselves. What a beautiful act of worship, simply to fall at the feet of the Lord and to be washed in the water of salvation and receive what the Lord has to offer. I was so humbled by this glorious display. We continued and served the community a thanksgiving meal, it came together with the work of many hands, and took everyone to serve efficiently. Our team, as a whole, worked incredibly. Finishing the day, what I noticed the most and has been a huge part of the week for is the way that love acts as the currency of communication. Despite language barriers and cultural differences, love expressed through hugs, kisses and smiles is the constant in this culture. Often, I can do nothing but smile and give hugs yet through that children and adults know and feel loved. I, in return, have been so overwhelmed by the outpouring of love from this community. One little girl, Sady sticks out in my mind-- after washing her feet on Tuesday, she remembered me. She came back to be baptized, wearing the same dress, appearing not to have showered and being dirty- covered in dust. As I watched the baptisms, she came and plopped in my lap to watch and after we left, for the meal, I felt two little arms gently wrap around me. Anytime we were in a crowd, she came and found me, holding tightly with hugs desiring attention. I knew nothing to say other than "Te quiero mucho" with a smile and a hug. Moments like these remind me of the way that we are called to love and in turn, in the same way that this little girl pursued me and held tightly, I was reminded of the Father's pursuing and enveloping love for us. After this Thanksgiving, I have learned gratitude in a new way, a way that expects nothing in return but the gift of love and life.

love,  Mary Ivon