Chris & Sharon’s Honduras Plans

Our last update covered our past; now it’s time to talk about the exciting future! Though we are returning to the same rural river valley of Honduras where we lived before, our home and ministry will be different. We will be living at the Give Hope 2 Kids (GH2K) orphanage in the village of Urraco. It is the very last village on a long and winding, dirt road that leads up the Rio Cangrejal (Crab River) from the coastal city of La Ceiba. Jason and Sarah, the directors of the orphanage, are long-time friends and have generously offered us space on the property for both a home and a medical clinic in the future!

Here is a little background on Give Hope 2 Kids. It was founded in 2006 and now has 38 orphans in their care. The children that come to GH2K become a permanent part of a stable Honduran family. There is no anxious waiting around to be adopted, they have found their forever home. In addition to providing a stable family environment, GH2K educates the children from kindergarten through the sixth grade at the orphanage. For secondary school most of the kids travel to Instituto El Rey (IER) located in the village of Rio Viejo.

So what will our ministry consist of? For myself (Chris) the plans are still evolving, but what is certain is that I will be offering my 17 years of experience in child development and education to the orphanage’s elementary school. Jason and Sarah have identified several areas where I can be of assistance, such as, working to improve the reading levels of the children. Even now, working remotely and despite lockdown restrictions we have been strategizing different ways to challenge and inspire the children. I also expect to remain involved at Instituto El Rey (IER), the school that I taught at for six years. I will not be returning there as a full-time teacher, but I will offer my services when possible. My hope is to renew and maintain longtime friendships with teachers and assist IER in providing a high-quality secondary education.

Sharon’s plans are, at this point, much more established and far ranging. No surprise there! Initially, she will work at the Jungle Hospital as a Nurse Practitioner with Dr. Martin. He is the same doctor with whom Sharon worked to open the clinic in 2007. The Jungle Hospital is located in the village of Rio Viejo, approximately one hour drive from the village where we will be living. She will be providing primary care for patients from prenatal to geriatrics and benefitting from Dr. Martin’s many years of experience. Some of the other services provided by the Jungle Hospital include: emergency care (from asthma attacks to machete cuts), medical and dental brigades, health education and screenings at over 25 schools, non-emergency surgeries, and assisting in Labor and Delivery. Closer to home, she will be providing medical advice and health education to the children and staff living at the orphanage in Urraco.

Sharon’s goal is to gain experience as a Nurse Practitioner, working with Dr. Martin, until she has sufficient medical competence and confidence to see patients on her own. When that happens, she plans to open a satellite clinic in Urraco at the orphanage. This community clinic will serve the surrounding area to expand access to medical care. The clinic will be a joint venture with Give Hope 2 Kids providing the land and the building and Jungle Hospital providing the medical supplies. Sharon will continue her involvement at the Jungle Hospital in Rio Viejo, but in a more limited capacity, as the running of the clinic will undoubtedly occupy most of her time.

Currently, we remain locked down in the small, remote town of Gobernador Gregores in southern Argentina. When we return to the United States we are expecting visits with people will look quite different than normal, due to the pandemic. Our desire is to be mindful of vulnerable and at-risk family and friends, as well as, all the loved ones with whom they interact. Keeping that goal in mind, we anticipate mostly virtual interactions and socially distanced outdoor meetings. This will not be easy; especially for Sharon! Hopefully, in the not-to-distant future, we can give all those hugs and kisses we are saving up! Also, if your church or small group would be interested in hearing more about our mission we would love to set that up with you.

We appreciate your prayers – here are a few requests we have:

• Sharon’s migraine headaches
• Our exit strategy for Argentina and getting back to the United States
• Our plans for returning to Honduras

Lastly, If you are interested in providing financial support for our work in Honduras you can donate here: Honduras Support. We can only go because people are generous enough to send us. 🙂

Chris & Sharon

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?”

Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” Isaiah 6:8