UHSM Honduras 2025 day two
The day began at 8 a.m. with a devotional on John 15:5. We reflected on how two people working together are stronger than one—especially when facing the challenges of this world.
Afterwards, we hopped on a big yellow dog (school bus) with the world’s best driver, who skillfully navigated winding mountain roads, sharp curves, and deep valleys to get us to the construction site. After unloading the tools and lumber, we had a short, but tough hike across rugged terrain to reach the site. Some of us nearly fell, but thankfully, everyone made it safely. The volunteer work in the community this year was to continue building a house for a single mom, Adabelle, who works for the souvenir shop that we stop at every year.
Her house was being built on the side of a mountain with a 40-foot drop (editors note, remember parents that teenagers can exaggerate at times, it was more like 39 and 1/2 feet)—with no room for error. A few beams were already in place, so we started by carefully climbing out to them and hammering boards into place. Once that was done, we hiked back to the bus and returned to the school for lunch. We enjoyed rice, egg salad, regular salad, cantaloupe, and pineapple juice—it was delicious.
After lunch, most of the group took a much-needed nap. Refreshed, we got back on the bus during rush hour and returned to the build site. This time, we had to put up a wall—with no floor beneath us. Balancing on thin boards with no safety straps (editor's note, this time they are not wrong), we struggled to build the wall correctly but eventually got it right. Then came the hard part: setting it up over the cliff. Standing on the edge, we held it in place while our amazing builder, Nelson, secured it with nails and support beams.
After that wild experience, we returned for dinner—some had tacos cooked by Mrs. Holly, while others tried authentic Honduran food at a local restaurant, then some still came and ate the tacos that were made. After dinner we hung out with the children in the living room until it was time for the devotional and we all were able to lead a Bible study on Noah’s Ark while broken into smaller groups. The children read the story in Spanish while we read in English. They loved it.
We played until their bedtime at 9 p.m., then returned home, shared words of affirmation, and reflected on the day—what God taught us, and how we grew from it. We are both looking forward to day 3 and finishing up the walls for Adabelle's new house tomorrow!
Written by Elijah Hesson & Zach Steffa
Edited by BJ McMichael
Afterwards, we hopped on a big yellow dog (school bus) with the world’s best driver, who skillfully navigated winding mountain roads, sharp curves, and deep valleys to get us to the construction site. After unloading the tools and lumber, we had a short, but tough hike across rugged terrain to reach the site. Some of us nearly fell, but thankfully, everyone made it safely. The volunteer work in the community this year was to continue building a house for a single mom, Adabelle, who works for the souvenir shop that we stop at every year.
Her house was being built on the side of a mountain with a 40-foot drop (editors note, remember parents that teenagers can exaggerate at times, it was more like 39 and 1/2 feet)—with no room for error. A few beams were already in place, so we started by carefully climbing out to them and hammering boards into place. Once that was done, we hiked back to the bus and returned to the school for lunch. We enjoyed rice, egg salad, regular salad, cantaloupe, and pineapple juice—it was delicious.
After lunch, most of the group took a much-needed nap. Refreshed, we got back on the bus during rush hour and returned to the build site. This time, we had to put up a wall—with no floor beneath us. Balancing on thin boards with no safety straps (editor's note, this time they are not wrong), we struggled to build the wall correctly but eventually got it right. Then came the hard part: setting it up over the cliff. Standing on the edge, we held it in place while our amazing builder, Nelson, secured it with nails and support beams.
After that wild experience, we returned for dinner—some had tacos cooked by Mrs. Holly, while others tried authentic Honduran food at a local restaurant, then some still came and ate the tacos that were made. After dinner we hung out with the children in the living room until it was time for the devotional and we all were able to lead a Bible study on Noah’s Ark while broken into smaller groups. The children read the story in Spanish while we read in English. They loved it.
We played until their bedtime at 9 p.m., then returned home, shared words of affirmation, and reflected on the day—what God taught us, and how we grew from it. We are both looking forward to day 3 and finishing up the walls for Adabelle's new house tomorrow!
Written by Elijah Hesson & Zach Steffa
Edited by BJ McMichael
Posted in UHSM Honduras Mission Trip
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6 Comments
So proud of you boys! We are continually praying for all of you!
Love the update Elijah and Zach! And BJ’s edits! We are so proud of y’all! You are continually in our prayers.
Its amazing what yall are doing, so proud of each of you, praying for safety & souls to be saved
So proud of the courage of these young people and leaders. GRAMMY is praying for the safety and souls for Christ!
I think I received the unedited version of this. Enjoyed it all over again.
nProud of you young men, and continuing to pray for you throughout the day.
Proud of you all!! Continued prayers!! Love seeing the pictures!!