Feb 11 0200 came mighty early, but we knew we had to hurry because we know Brother Bill. He arrived early. As we collected at Allyson and JT’s house it seemed that the group looked much more alert than I expected. We started out worried about Tim’s passport, but the document was recovered and we were intact as we formed our line at the Huntsville Airport ticket counter. Checking our bags was difficult but we wound our way through the process and headed off to Houston. After a snack and securing some Lempires (Honduran currency), we continued our escape from a 30 degree chill to 90 degree warmth. The island came into view when the aircraft banked sharply ; the water and land created a beautiful image .Roatan’s airport was slightly larger than Muscle Shoals and very crowded. We found that three bags have been lost and we begin to wonder about the contents of these wanderers. The tropical nature of the island and its mountainous terrain became more obvious on the winding, bumpy drive east. As we descended into Oak Ridge the road got smaller and rougher, and dustier. In mid afternoon we arrived at a dock and were met by water taxis; HL negotiated our trip to the key. Our home this week was actually a small island off the island. Flimsy houses on pilings line the shore of the inlet. We all knew the reason for the design. As we reached the key, we noted the grounds have a church building and two houses. Harriet and David live in a bright blue house that was rebuilt after Hurricane Mitch destroyed their previous home. The white mission house is a two-story structure with a raised wooden porch. Our assigned rooms are upstairs. Gary and I drew the SW corner room that had a breeze, but also collected the afternoon sun. Unpacking created the first of what became a familiar sensation- heavy perspiration. The girls claimed the upstairs bathroom and we were banished downstairs. The good news was we didn’t have to worry about clogging the toilet. We actually had plenty of time to unpack and meet our hosts. Harriet, David Micah, Smalley, Marlene, Florence, Beverly and Michelle showed us great hospitality from the start. We worshiped that evening and what an experience it was! The enthusiastic music was rhythmic, loud and totally filled the sanctuary. Pastor David’s message had many points but he encouraged us by saying we were putting up treasure in heaven by coming to work for others. He has quite a singing voice; Marlene and Harriet are strong singers also. Near the end of the service we sang a hymn that repeated the phrase “ I’ve made up my mind, to follow the Lord, for the rest of my life.” The melody and words spoke to me. Before we fell into our bunks, we sat out on the porch and shared our appreciation of the sights and sounds of the day. Later as we bunked in, I discovered that Gary is loud snorer. I hoped that it would be brief and most nights it was.

Feb 12 After waking at 0600, I found Bettye and JT already on the porch drinking coffee. During the week, we all joined them, but they were the nucleus of the early group. It was very pleasant until the sun gets higher and the temp follows. Our medical team loaded our supply suitcases and after a great breakfast, we headed north to Punta Gorda (fat point). Steve and I set up shop in a small church as Alyson and JT organized the registration and Sarah and Donna became “le Pharmacia.” Cindy ruled triage with a firm hand. Our patients presented with more chronic medical problems than acute or surgical maladies. The residents were polite, appreciative and good natured. Our lunch break presented us with a new dilemma. The pastor was a large lady who kindly presents us with sandwiches with an unknown filler. Some were brave and ate, others abstained. Across the road from the church/clinic was a beach and an enormous lagoon. Fishing boats moved around inside the reef. We had seen this beautiful area distantly as we drove along a ridge on the main road. As we reloaded the suitcases again, we calculated that we have seen over 100 patients and have distributed more of our supplies than we had anticipated. Steve looked fresh but I felt tired and hot. We returned to the feeding kitchen and got to see the downstairs church (named Iglesia), the smaller internet café building next door, and the jewel- the feeding kitchen, which is above the church. Can there be any doubt that this is God’s work? Our painters covered the walls of this large (about 5,000 sq ft) room with a soft yellow color. The temperature was nearly 100 in this room; I thought the medical work was easier than painting. Becky directed the creation of a mural on the South wall.. The Spanish letters were arrayed in arch and told all that this was “Rebecca’s Table”. She was clearly involved and seemed happy. We were all excited to see that. The medical team tiptoed out and we walked down to the mangrove landing and caught a taxi. This boat was narrow, unstable and nearly capsized. Despite our condition, no one was interested in a swim. After a relaxed meal, Sarah gave the devotional and she shared a new insight about God’s yoke. Today our yoke was fairly light.

Feb 13 We enjoyed the cool morning, ate breakfast and loaded up for Diamond Rock. Our painters and chefs returned to the Bight. To understand the locale one needs to know that a bight is an inlet of the sea. Oak Ridge is an area of east central Roatan; it faces south on a thin east to west finger-shaped island; locals call the village at the head of the inlet “ the Bight”. We noted that generally the poorer people lived inland and the poorest citizens of Oak Ridge live in “the Bight”. We got a great picture of our temporary home during our eastward trek to Diamond Rock. This road was scary in good weather. No one wanted to see how it traveled with rainfall. Our second clinic was located next to a school. We saw but about 30 patients because the principal was charging an access fee. HL guessed that Harriet would not be pleased. Having returned to the feeding kitchen around 1300, we grabbed paintbrushes and pitched in. Our white paint didn’t seem to cover the trim very well. After our evening devotional, Marlene taught us several new songs. Someone suggested that we didn’t need a Christian music station, because we had Marlene. Our bus trips were much shorter because of her singing. She had us leaning and singing for the Lord all week.

Feb 14 Hump day. On Wednesday our roving, suitcase medical clinic headed to the Bight. We set up in the church and for a change, had plenty of room. As the day progressed we got hotter and the lines increased. The noise was deafening. The sound of children being fed upstairs and their shouts as they played around us made it difficult to speak or hear. Our patients in the Bight were younger and seemed mildly ill. Respiratory complaints dominated, but Yohanna, my translator, noticed that I spend more time when the symptoms were abdominal. As our supplies dwindled and our energy faded, the lines mercifully ended. We had given away large amounts of cough , allergy, pain, and diarrhea medicine. 50,000 doses of vitamins were shared. Our able administrator, Alyson, estimated that we had seen over 150 patients today. Perhaps we saw everyone in the bight! HL had promised a walk into the village and what a walk it was! After a cool drink, we summoned our waning energy and followed our young leader. We trekked by the school, picked our way through a mangrove swamp, and climbed up and around the hills. One hill was so steep that “special methods” were required to allow everyone to reach the pinnacle. Despite the poverty, we encountered playful children and young mothers washing. Washing seems to be a continuous task for Hondurans. Realizing that the night would be busy, we hurried down to the dock and returned to the key. “The cleanup” was an event with some urgency that evening. Our need to shower and change clothes was absolute, but so was the promise that the power would cease “around 6”. Our showers required electricity to pump water and each evening, it was crucial to get that cooling, cleaning ritual accomplished before the power was terminated. Tonight was the dedication service for Rebecca’s Table. In case I haven’t mentioned it, Wednesday’s heat was stifling. The upstairs feeding room/kitchen filled slowly with visiting Gringos, local church members., and even the Bishop from the mainland- Sister Eleanor. We sang together and listened as Harriet, HL and Becky described the origins of the kitchen and the name “Rebecca’s Table”. Our handkerchiefs were moist and this time it was not perspiration. Becky ‘s presentation was dignified and powerful. Harriet suggested that every mother in Oak Ridge wished to have HL for a son. We felt great pride that he had earned such incredible respect. In Oak Ridge, Roatan it is a very good thing to be a friend of H.L.Ray. Sister Eleanor finished the formalities with a rousing charismatic sermon that was unlike anything we had seen (or heard). The subsequent fellowship included the largest collection of cakes I had seen. The cold beverages got more of my attention. No the day is not over yet! After returning to the key, we decorated the sanctuary for the upcoming retreat, and met on the porch to discuss the day. We thanked God for the gift of that remarkable day. Actually, I had one more bit of excitement that night. At about 0200, a drunk tried to climb into bed with me. He was one-half in the bunk when I awoke and place my foot on his shoulder and told him that I was going to eject him from his second story perch. Pastor Gary calmed both and negotiated a peaceful retreat. We both doubted his claim that he was only after a drink of water (he wanted more than the “tear drop” I gave him). I can’t remember a day quite this full.

Feb 15 The sounds of Roatan will stay with me for a very long time. Night and Day found water taxis chugging along the waterway behind the missionary house. Each boat seemed to have a distinct pitch. The social club across the inlet occasionally offered some party music to the background. Roosters crowed all night long in Roatan, and the Kelley’s three dogs joined the chorus when the mood struck them. Harriet and her staff provided us with another great breakfast on Thursday. All of our food was good, but I was most fond of the pineapple jelly, fritters, fresh fruit and Honduran coffee. We may be the only team to gain weight on a mission. Our youth retreat team assumed control and the rest of us had an easy time as their support staff. They carefully directed the kids in a variety of activities. The older attendees were remarkably tolerant during the portions of the program directed toward the younger children. After the group broke up at noon, we bussed off to Bojangles for lunch. HL was really good with these youngsters. I passed on the beach trip and opted to return to the key. We enjoyed a Coke at the Reef House and relaxed with the turtles. Since the youngsters were spending the night on the key, we served them dinner and enjoyed worshiping with them. Our service was very moving. Following his sermon retracing the historical and theological evolution of our faith, Gary directed the removal of the chairs into the courtyard area. JT illuminated a 6 ft cross while Tim instructed us to write down our greatest failing. He burned the pile of paper to symbolize God’s forgiveness. As the youth retreated onto their sleeping mats, we studied the stars on the cloudless, moonless night. I will never forget their numbers or their brightness. There is at least one advantage to being without electric lights. Evenings under the stars with one’s brothers and sisters were a grand way to end a day.

Feb 16 The second day of the retreat was packed with more activities. The kids really enjoyed Lisa and Taska’s pictures. They decorated their photos with hearts- sticky hearts no less. Steve, Cindy and I finished up the medical work by counting and sorting the remain meds. We left a useful cache for those who follow. Surely the “good Samaratan” is the missionary’s parable. Gary chose this topic for his afternoon sermon and lead us in the discussion concerning the fundamental philosophies represented by the main characters. The kids really seemed to get into the discussion. Following the service, they thanked us with prayers and hugs. Another wet handkerchief moment. One of my favorite memories of the trip is the nature of the Hondurans we met. They are tolerant, kind and resourceful. We felt appreciated and safe. When we saw their home circumstances, we were surprised by their clean appearance, happy demeanor, and their ability to improvise. If they were presented better opportunities, they would do well.

Feb 17 Saturday was fun day. We bussed west past the airport to Coxenhoe. Our bags became weighted down with vanilla and hot sauce. Further west we encountered the end of the island and what seems like another world. The Mayan Princess is a luxury resort with lovely rooms, a large complicated pool, and a gorgeous beach. Rough weather prevented our boat ride to a shopping area to the north. Our taxis took us to the area. Shops, restaurants, dive shops and small hotels line the crowded street. The merchants relieved us of most of our cash and we headed back to Oak Ridge. We were so stuffed with food we could barely manage any of the grilled chicken Smalley prepared. Packing this night was a little sad, but we were eager for our own beds, showers and some cooler air. Even the possibility of snow flurries in Florence sounded good. With the medicines gone, we had plenty of room for our returning possessions. .

Feb 18 The morning found us in good spirits and we enjoyed another great breakfast. The day was windy, cloudy and significantly cooler. Harriet provided our morning devotional. She is a remarkable lady. I’m not sure I have ever met a more heroic person. She moved us by thanking us for our work and our attitude. She tells us that the staff and church members enjoy our fellowship. We are pleased by Harriet’s generous words. There were a few more tears this morning. Following her prayer for our safety, we presented her with a cross for her alter (she is the co-pastor ) and one of two large nails which are replicas of nails likely used to crucify Jesus. The other went to an amazing man, Pastor Mesa. His leads the church in the bight and is reputed to be the hardest working man on the island. He and his wife Betty have worked closely with HL to create the church building and “Rebecca’s Table”. During this trip, God has certainly introduced us to some of his ”most valuable team”. Our last water taxi ride led to our small bus and thereafter to the airport. Bettye discovered that they found the last lost bag, but the agent was out for lunch and we left it. Hope they enjoyed the Maalox and IV fluids. Our return was uneventful; we reentered the world of organization, ques, and anxiety.

Postlude We are anxious to meet and fellowship with our Honduran travelers. Our experiences have created new bonds; we have worshiped in new ways with new friends; and have worked for wonderful people who we have come to admire individually and collectively. JT uses a phrase that expressed my feeling about the trip. He says “it’s a God thing”. Amen