We’ve been teaching English class at a boys home in Armenia called Ninos de la Luz since December, and have been able to build some really good relationships with the boys. Ninos de La Luz is a privately funded orphanage (Some are orphans, some are from broken homes) with boys from 5-21. They don’t have many opportunities to leave the compound, so we decided to take them to a soccer game last Sunday. We went to their church, then everybody came over to Josh and Andy’s for a barbecue. After lunch we walked over to the stadium for the game.
chowing on some chips
La Ceiba is the home of two soccer teams in the Honduran soccer league – Victoria and Vida. They both play in the same stadium, and virtually everyone in the city is a fan of one of the two (remember: in latin america, soccer and life are arguably synonyms). Each season they meet once in an epic battle known as “El Clasico” (The classic – i hope you figured that one out) I personally am a Vida fan. I am ashamed to admit my original reason for becoming a Vida fan. I bought their jersey when I was Christmas shopping without really knowing what team it was, only that is was something Honduran. But after Sunday, I can have real time pride! well kind of…
spot the gringos!
Vida and Victoria are both middle-grade teams in terms of talent in the Honduran soccer league, but Victoria is usually a step above (although Vida is more popular). So when Vida scored in the first five or ten minutes, I was thrilled! However, as the game progressed, Victoria answered with two (very pretty, i might add) goals in the first half. My team was looking a little low in spirits and it looked like things were going downhill… until about 15 minutes into the second half, we scored to tie it up! Tension was running high, a lot of whistles were blown and cards given out – mostly in Vida’s favor. We had the upper hand, the momentum, the spirit, and with 5 minutes left in the game…Victoria scored. I was shocked. I had grown so attached. “Pero Jamie, solo es un juego” Melvin told me. (its a just a game). Despite the disappointing ending, we all had a great time with the boys and enjoyed being part of the lively crowd. We look forward to continuing our ministry with them.
). I had an awesome time hanging out and catching up with her, and it was exciting to bring her out to Armenia Bonito to share in several days of ministry work. Most of my work is teaching kids, whether Bible stories or English, so it was especially helpful to hear her tips on classroom control.
That's right. The three of us -- Josh Bolton, Jamie Jacobsen, and Andy Stuntz -- are delaying college for a year to serve as missionary interns in La Ceiba, Honduras. We'll be helping two new missionary families as they plant a church, start a medical clinic, and reach out to street kids. Mostly though, we want to be vulnerable and to experience and share the power and hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. That's where it's at, and that's where we want to be. Join us as we slowly learn what in the world that means!