HONDURAS SAN PEDRO SULA - DAY 3

Today, we planned to make food for those who work in the trash dumps. Along with that, we experienced our group of ten students, along with the mothers, sons, and daughters, becoming a family. Putting the phrase 'it takes a village' into perspective. The speed at which food came together once we found our flow was amazing. Moms guided us in faster ways to cut vegetables and showed us their secret tricks. Little kids ran around, keeping spirits high and furthering that sense of one big happy family.

Going into the trash dump for a second time made the once uncomfortable and awkward place more familiar. This motif of family and connection continued as those who were picking up food did not focus on themselves, but instead, asked for extras for their kids who were stuck at the top of the mountain, still working, their mothers and fathers who were busy digging for recyclables to sell to support their loved ones. Walking into the mountains to meet the workers and give them food initiated a unique change in many of our fellow students. The realization of how can I say I stand with the poor if I am not willing to walk out and stand with them.

Finishing the day, we listened to stories of some of the scholars. Their moving testimonies prove the worth of the scholarships that they receive, the difference between now and then quite apparent in each story. After their stories, we ended on a high note, each student mixing scholars in a friendly, but competitive, game of fútbol.