Update from Honduras: Carson-Newman's Bowlin, Hayes share their thoughts on day one of their mission trip to Honduras

(Carson-Newman juniors Rachael Bowlin and Angelle Hayes are on a mission trip in Honduras. Below is their blog. Check back for updates on their trip.)

Throughout the past couple of days our team went in thinking we were going to be adding on classrooms to an already existing school, but come to find out we are building a two story high school. While on the worksite, our main job so far has been to dig 8 feet deep holes to support the base of the school--we feel like we're in the movie "Holes!" for the next couple of days we will continue to make re-bar and dig holes which will hopefully lead to laying down cement to create the foundation. However, since it is considered a day of rest, we attended church where we saw how the Honduran community celebrated their love for Jesus and for us even though there was a language barrier. Here, instead of words, they cherish deeply a simple hug and smile. After church we proceeded to a woman's impoverished home where we were graciously greeted with a can of coke and some cookies because the woman wanted to show her appreciation for us in what we are doing for the community. After lunch we went to the poorest community we've seen so far in which the majority of the houses are made of mud and wood. We handed out multiple donations mainly of which were clothes and shoes which lit their faces with a glow that will never be erased from our memories. After we worked, the children took us on an adventure to their man-made playground, a waterfall and a mango tree.

~ Rachael & Angelle

Having been to Honduras a few times, it never fails to make me realize how much we take for granted back in the states, especially those that I hold closest to my heart. The place we are staying at is located right next to an orphanage of 31 children. These kids have no parents and no immediate family, but they have each other and God, which is simply all they need and desire. I've gotten especially close to a few girls that live there, and every time I step foot outside our house I hear them yelling "Anjela!" which is my name in Spanish. They can't wait for us to come play, paint their fingernails, or to simply just sit there and smile at each other for the lack of being able to communicate much with them. Two girls and I were washing dishes inside the house after dinner while listening to music and my little orphan girls ran up to the window to tell us goodnight and that they couldn't wait to see us in the morning, which made me even more excited. When we went to the impoverished city where we handed out donations I got to reunite with a girl I had become extremely close to last year. It was an amazing feeling that she recognized me and even still remembered my name from a year ago! I had printed off a picture of she and I from last year and framed it to give to her as a gift. I was waiting all afternoon for her to get back to her house, and frankly I thought I wasn't going to get to see her. But to my surprise, right before we loaded up the bus, I felt a tap on my shoulder and a glowing smile of Carolina-the girl I was waiting for all day! Multiple other God moments have occurred throughout the few days we've been here and I'm thrilled to see what else God has in store for us!

~Angelle

This is my first time to Honduras and I love it I have had so much fun so far. In just the short period we have been here I have already learned and grown so much closer to God. I have been through adversity and it's a big culture shock which has made me appreciate what I have back home. Especially my family living next to the Orphanage has made me realize how blessed I am to have an amazing family and friends. Over the period we have been here I have grown close to a 3 year old orphan girl named Julian. She always has a smile on her face which reminds me of how God is always looking over me. Julian's has no family but she is still so happy and loving, today we played with Plato and she made three pies and she said mamma y padre y God I wanted to start crying but then she made me a Plato ring and sand Bonita which means pretty, she is adorable and I want to take her home with me:). Also today when we visited the other community was just amazing to witness how they lived and how they stood out in the hot sun for hours waiting to get two shirts, one pair of shoes, a toothbrush and a hat. After giving away donations I gave some kids some candy and a few girls headbands, they were so appreciative and had a huge smile on their face. This adventure has been life changing and I am excited to see where God leads me next!

~ Rachael