Sharing the experience!

                                                    My experience at the FINCA!!!

              (This is a short first-hand experience from my Dad of his Finca visit!)

 Since Natalie left Jacksonville on 8/13/14, I had been counting the days until 3/8/14!  I originally thought we would visit in August or September 2014. However, a beautiful opportunity presented itself when Natalie informed us the Ross Family was traveling to the FINCA during Spring Break! Sweet Pea and I said we are ALL IN! haha. (Let me tell you, experiencing the FINCA with Greg, Cathy, Matthew, and Tiffany Ross was AMAZING!!!) I was a little nervous. Of course I was very, very, did I mention VERY EXCITED to see my beautiful daughter, Natalie!!! However, what would a trip to Trujillo, Honduras entail? Break out Rosetta Stone, learn the language, get in shape, get all supplies packed, coordinate passports, communicate, line up work, off we go!!!

What a Beautiful country!!! Mid 80's, Caribbean Ocean breeze, sunny, relaxed, laid back. Who needs roads? haha Wash your car in the river!!! Even more beautiful than the weather were the PEOPLE!!! AWESOME, AMAZING CHILDREN AND ADULTS who may have little from the USA material perspective, but have EVERYTHING from the LOVE OF GOD AND NEIGHBOR perspective!!!

Starting the visit with a Fiesta for a young boy turning into a man on his 15 birthday!!! What a beautiful celebration!!! Everyone in their Sunday best giving glory to God for a soul going to a higher level of service for our LORD!!! It was a full day, so we turned in. Fall asleep to the ocean breeze and  wake up to the call of the rooster - that continues all day!!! haha

Monday go to serve in the clinic!!! Being a pharmacist for thirty years was a gift from God

that I was happy to share!!! What amazing work being accomplished by Natalie, Pediatric nurse, and Laura, ARNP. They are a great team bringing quality of life to the children and community with God's grace. Helping sick babies, stitching up teenage boys from Machete accidents, assisting young moms - the list goes on and on!!! Most recently LIFE FLIGHTING a young boy suffering from seizures that would have taken his life without appropriate medical attention!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

We were blessed to attend HOLY MASS on the farm. The singing of the children is still ringing in my ears. I wish I could fly ALL of them to Jacksonville, FL to sing in our parishes! Their voices are so beautiful and INSPIRING!!! I love the way they sing the Lamb of God in Spanish!!! The HOLY MASS is beautiful in any language!!! I was happy to be present for the celebration of the HOLY EUCHARIST in Spanish!!!

 PRESENT!!! Truly, this is the ONLY way to understand the work of the HOLY SPIRIT in Trujillo, Honduras at the FINCA and in the community!!! The missionaries are AMAZING!!! They are roughing it, but they lift up their sacrifices DAILY for HIS HIGHER PURPOSE!!! Serving those children and community!!!

I was very blessed to be immersed in this PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT!!! I truly enjoyed every minute. Whether it was serving in the clinic, playing baseball with the children, helping cook at the mission house, or walking into the community outside and around the FINCA. The people in the community are truly the hands and feet of Jesus Christ. They offer you a plastic chair in their humble home and all the love you can receive. I was truly humbled by their outpouring of love of God and neighbor!!!

 It is really difficult to put into words all the HOLY SPIRIT is accomplishing in Trujillo, Honduras. I was sooooo blessed to be a small part of HIS WORK!!! I would encourage ANYONE and EVERYONE to participate in ANY way GOD is calling you to. It may be a visit. Linda and Larry Forseth have AWESOME accommodations at Tranquility Bay, just 8 minutes North of the FINCA by foot on the most Beautiful beach!!! Their hospitality is second to none. Meals are delicious!!! Larry is a pilot if you would like to take a day excursion to a neighboring island. Linda is an awesome cook, plays a heavenly harp, accompanied by an angelic voice. Their fellowship enhances your experience.

 Another way to participate - the first way - is through PRAYER!!! Heartfelt, 24/7, sincere prayer for the children, adults, and missionaries that HIS will be accomplished. That HE will provide the grace necessary for the instruments the missionaries TRULY are!!!!

 Financial assistance is always welcome. You can imagine all the needs of 30 children, the people that care for the children, and the supplies and resources necessary to accomplish HIS WORK in Trujillo, Honduras!!! 

 Words can not do justice to the AWESOME WORK being accomplished!!! The Gospel of our Lord, Jesus Christ truly comes ALIVE at the FINCA in Trujillo, Honduras!!! I would be happy to share any additional experience that may be beneficial to your call to serve!!! ALL THE BEST!!! THANK YOU LORD FOR GIVING ME THE OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE IN TRUJILLO, HONDURAS AT THE FINCA!!!!!

Natalie, I know there is soooooo much more to say!!!! To give HIM glory for all we experienced. I hope this helps to encourage other to serve in the way HE is calling!!!

Love, Pappi