Jeremiah (Jota) was on the roof of the Sunday School building a few days ago when he noticed a young boy, about six years old, in the distance. He was too far away for Jota to see his face. The boy was struggling to balance five large empty water containers on his bicycle to go fill them. He tried and tried and tried and finally figured how to balance them while riding his bike. Around the corner of the house another young boy, about five, came running and knocked the water bottles off of the bike and laughed and laughed as he ran away.
Jota was struck how that playful relationship reminded him of his deceased brother when they were little. He could not get that little boy and his bicycle out of his mind the rest of that day and the next as he worked. He made up his mind to go over to that little boy's house at some point to get to know him.
In the meantime, Jota struck up a friendship with two boys at the worksite. Reynaldo is about six years and full of fire. He helped around the work site and became Jota's little shadow. At the worship services at the church, Reynaldo and his brother sat in Jota's lap.
Today, Jota decided to seek out the little boy with the bicycle and asked Reynaldo through gestures to help him navigate through the neighborhood. Reynaldo eagerly led the way, but had misinterpreted Jota's request. Reynaldo thought Jota wanted to go to HIS house. After walking together down the path away from the church. Reynaldo broke into a run to his house. THE house. The house that Jota was watching days before. Reynaldo ran under a tree and brought his bike to show Jota. THE bike. Jota could not speak. Could it be?
About that time Reynaldo's brother came running out of the house. Jota was overcome with emotion. Fighting back tears, he jumped on Reynaldo's bike with Renaldo on his lap. As they rode through the village, Jota was in two places at the same time. In Honduras with his good buddy Reynaldo, and also riding bikes with his brother at some wonderful point in time in their childhood.
Anything is possible with God.
Jeremiah...what a great bike ride moment you had with Reynaldo! Keith and I reflected on your story at lunch today. We both remembered being entertained by the neighbors behind the Sunday School building. I know Dr. Juan, Brian, and Dennis can also reflect on watching several little boys preforming their water fetching chores. While continuously laying block after block on that tall back wall, we were amazed how those boys could handle more 5+ gallon bottles than the average little boy weighing less than 75 lbs. Whether on an oversized bike or even using a wheelchair as a wagon, they were persistant to acccomplish there daily chore...and did so with a smile.
ReplyDeleteAm I to understand that Wiley was not 100% for one day? And that a part of his medicine for recoverery was an unfinished Sunday School class room floor awaiting the next day? Wiley you are a true Clydesdale...a model for us all. Get well
To Team II, I know I can speak for Team I when I say thanks for completing the construction mission assigned. We did what was not typically expected...two projects over 10 days. We should all be respectfully proud. For months and even years to come, we will all reflect on how many children from El Carrizo will enjoy listening to one more story about their maker and their God in these three new nondescript class rooms. And on a daily basis the Paulino Flores' family will enjoy their new estate home on the Flores' family compound.
The amazing fellowship both teams encountered with the beautiful God fearing people from El Carrizoas will remain with each of us forever.
Thanks again guys. We all pray for your safe travel home. Can you get Glenn to sit in the front navigator's seat beside Gerrado on the way back to Tegus?
Tomas
Wow. I am speechless. It's the ultimate God wink, and I'm so thankful for it. So proud of my husband...so proud of all of you. Continuing to pray for you daily and for safe travels home!
ReplyDeleteBlair
Team 2,
ReplyDeleteI know you are all having a wonderful experience in El Carrizo and in your service throughout that region of Honduras. I have enjoyed reading about the relationships you have built with some of the many kids and adults with which we (Team 1) worked, played, and worshiped. Great work and service for our God!
By the way, were those work pictures of Jeremy staged? I didn't see anyone else around and his clothes sure were clean. Oh, wait, I get it, he got there early one morning to get a head start on the work! Way to go Jeremy!!!
We all wish you a safe trip home.
Take care,
Keith (better known as Keesh in Honduras)
What a great, spirit lifting story. Jeremiah is "jump rope man" HERO in our house. You should hear Dylan laugh and laugh and laugh at the video.
ReplyDeleteThat is SO awesome! You never know where God is going to wink at you, and I'm glad that Jay felt such a strong connection to both brothers. I feel it for him, too!
ReplyDeleteBlessings abound! Safe travels to all . . .Maria