Our ministry this week was Los Piños. We were all told about Los Piños because almost all of the boys that live at Zion’s Gate are from there. We weren’t told much just that it was a dangerous and scary place with lots of poverty. That didn’t prepare me well enough.
Tuesday through Thursday my team of six, Cassie who is a 25-year-old full time missionary here at Zion’s gate, one of the boys that lives with us but is from Los Piños, and a few more people all pilled into Tony’s little five seat KIA. (I think the most we got shoved in this week was 12) Los Piños is a little more than thirty-minutes away and it is mostly all down hill but once we get to Los Piños it is straight up hill. So everyday Cassie would drop us off at the bottom of the colony and we would walk in with one of the boys. We would hike about twenty minutes up the mountain on a dirt road until we got to the section of Los Piños that all of the boys are from that we know at Zion’s Gate. From there we would climb up a big set of stairs and then on out it was just small uneven dirt trails that went up and up and up. Most of the houses that we visit are just one room with dirt floors. If they have electricity it is rigged and illegal so often times it doesn’t work. A bathroom is a hole in the ground because there is no sewage system and definitely no toilet paper. There is trash everywhere. They collect rainwater to do dishes and wash clothes so when it doesn’t rain for days at a time like this week there are dirty dishes and clothes everywhere. Most people wonder when there next meal will be and how they will get the money to buy it. There are so many underfed cats and dogs and roosters in and out of most people’s houses. Its dusty and dirty and there are bugs everywhere. None of the houses that we visited had fathers or husbands living there. It is hard to explain what it is like to be in such an environment. Words cannot really describe what it feels like and looks like in Los Piños.
Yesterday before our visit to Los Piños we went with Cassie to a government orphanage. We went into the room for special needs children and it was probably the most heartbreaking situation I have ever been in. After being in there for no more than five minutes I had broken down in tears. I couldn’t understand how these children’s parents could just leave them at the doorstep of this government home to be raised by someone else. It hurt to see these children just laying there not getting any love or attention.
One little boy was mute. Stefan had his guitar and asked if he was allowed to strum the strings. His care taker said “yeah he can play it but its not like he can hear it.” As soon as she said that I started balling. I started thinking of all the things that I hear and say everyday with absolutely no second thought. I used to complain about being woken up every morning at Zions Gate by huge semi trucks but at least I am able to hear them. We take for granted so many things.
We take for granted that our moms and dads love us. Its supposed to be normal to have parents that love you but here its quite the opposite. Too not know who your dad is and to not have a relationship with your mom because she beats you is common.
This week has been really hard but I am learning so much and becoming more and more thankful for everything that I have been blessed with my whole life. Even though there are hard times I love life here in Tegucigalpa!! Please pray for the people of Los Piños and for IHNFA, the government orphanage.
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Carly, I am so proud of you. Wish some of those chrildren could feel the love in my heart. God Bless you and guide you and keep you strong
Love hearing your heart! Wish I was there to hug you and the babies. I love you sweet girl!!!!
Love you sweet beautiful seester!! Thinking about you and praying for you and those you’ve seen!
Wow honey! What an experience you are having and being able to share it with us makes us realize how blessed we are as well. You keep on keeping on with that beautiful soul!! I love you!!!
Love you carly stay strong girl
Thinking of you!! ๐
stay strong Carly! I know this must be so hard, but God is there with you, which is completey awesome!! ๐ I love you and pray for you often ๐ be safe and have fun!
Carly what you are doing is awesome! You are awesome and you are serving an even More awesome God! let Him continue to fill you and guide you i love you
praying for you!!! Stay strong you’re doing so many awesome things! Love you Carly!!!
So excited to see an update today! Keep up the good work! Anything worth it is hard! We love you!
Carly, Just this week one of my readings was Psalm 27. Read verses 10 and 11. You are doing a wonderful thing by sharing God’s love with those who have not been given it by those who should have done so no matter what the reason. Let’s pray they feel His love and know He will be the difference. I love you. Grandmama
Carly, you are part of our daily prayer. God is using you for such good things and we are proud to know you. Stay strong and most importantly depend on God!
Dear Carly,
You and your mission are in our prayers daily. I know your heart is full and also know that God’s words and His abiding love will flow from you.
I love you and hold you in my heart. Be safe.
Barbara
So proud of you! You are in my prayers! Follow God’s plan.
Hey, Sweet Girl! I am SO proud of you and what you’re doing!! Just think of what your loving nurturing soul can give to those precious little ones that need just what YOU have to give them!! You are there for just a passing moment…they are there for life. Give them all you can of yourself and let them feel the Love of God! They will never forget you, because you are truly that inspiring! My constant prayers to you and everyone you have met and will meet on your journey! love you! Lisa
Hey, Sweet Girl! I am SO proud of you and what you’re doing!! Just think of what your loving nurturing soul can give to those precious little ones that need just what YOU have to give them!! You are there for just a passing moment…they are there for life. Give them all you can of yourself and let them feel the Love of God! They will never forget you, because you are truly that inspiring! My constant prayers to you and everyone you have met and will meet on your journey! love you! Lisa
No idea how excited I am to check my email and have one about an update from you or Laura! I love you and am so blessed to know you! Such a blessing that you get to share your heart with everyone! LOVE YOU!!!!
It is so tough having to see all of what you are seeing. I saw it in Peru and its heartbreak, yet such a blessing to see how BLESSED we are here in America. I’m praying for you and Laura everyday. Keep pushing everyday for Jesus and keep loving and his name is going to be made known!
Carly, you are so strong and a wonderful person for all you’re doing for these children. I will continue to keep you, your team, and all those children in my prayers. Love you!! Hebrews 10:23-25
It is so awesome to get on here and have so many encouraging comments from so many people I love so much! Thank you all for reading and commenting, it means so so much to me! It is great to be able to see how much support I have at home. I love you all more than you know!!!
This blog made me tear up because I know exactly that feeling of brokenness. It’s so beautiful and worth it though; keep going after it!
The part about being thankful for hearing those trucks in the morning really hit me! Sounds like you’re doing great and really learning a lot. Proud of you Carlito! Miss you and love you!