Honduras Trip
Posted by Bob Ruehl
on Mar 06, 2015
Rotarians from around Northwest Ohio are back from a trip to Honduras.
Our friend Gina Reuter told me a few weeks ago that she was going to be taking a humanitarian trip to Honduras.
I asked her if she would take a few pictures, and share her story with us, when she got back.
Here is Gina's report in her own words.
Here is Gina's report in her own words.
I recently traveled to San Pedro Sula, Honduras on a seven day international mission trip as part of a team of 11 Rotarians who represented the Tiffin, Bryan, Swanton, Bellevue and Elyria Sunrise Rotary Clubs. Keith Hodkinson from the Tiffin Club also made the trip.
After the initial shock of being immersed in the city with the highest per capita murder rate in the world wore off, and getting used to seeing the heavily armed guards everywhere, it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.
We spent the week at La Casa de la Nina, a girls’ orphanage in the city. They called it an “orphanage”, but it was more of a home for girls whose parents had either abandoned them or were otherwise unable to care for them.
During our stay we made building repairs, painted, and did lots (and lots!) of clean-up work at the facility. In addition, we were able to provide each of the 14 girls with new shoes, new school uniforms and undergarments, and replenished the pantry with basic food staples. We were also able to provide them with three new computers. I think the best part though, was the interaction we were able to have with these girls throughout the week. They wanted to help us with every task and soaked up every bit of our attention. In a short time we accomplished so much, and formed a bond with them that I know none of us will ever forget. Leaving them was an emotional time for all of us.
It truly was an amazing experience and I learned that, even though our lives here are so different, it’s still the same in so many ways. We’re all human, you know? We laugh at the same things and cry about the same things, in any language. I hope to be able to look at life from another perspective from now on, with a sense of simplicity and gratitude. I encourage anyone who has a similar opportunity to take it – you won’t be sorry!