On a mission.... Honduras-bound

I've decided to go to Honduras with Habitat for Humanity!  I cannot wait!  Seriously, I'm so excited!

It is a one week trip and our team travels to Honduras on October 26, returning on November 3.  I don't know any of the volunteers and cannot wait to meet them.

As a part of this trip, each member of our team commits to fundraising.  Below you will find a link to my fundraising page. On that page, click on the 'Read more' link to learn more about the renovation project in Honduras.  If you feel so inclined, please consider donating by September 11.... all funds that our team raises will contribute to the mission of Habitat Honduras and help increase their impact even after we leave the country.  Any contribution is very much appreciated.  

Leanne's Habitat Honduras page

A few more details about the funds we raise...

The donations we bring with us fund projects like smokeless stoves, polished concrete floors, latrines, and structural reinforcements.  An average renovation in Honduras costs $1000-$1500, cheaper than if we were working on new home construction.  This means our funds can go even further and serve a greater number of families in the area!  Our donations stay with Habitat Honduras long after our team leaves, which makes this program sustainable on our own.  This is an important distinction from many short-term mission trips!

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One of the reasons that I am so excited to go to Honduras is because I had such a phenomenal time in Africa.  Two years ago I traveled with a team of volunteers to Rwanda, Africa.  It was also a service trip... we built and installed point-of-use water filters in areas where they have little or no access to clean water.  It was amazing to witness how people changed their lives after they had access to clean water.

I know that new homes will do the same for people in Honduras.  I look forward to witnessing the same thing in Honduras!

Another amazing aspect of the trip to Africa was the friendships that I formed with our team of volunteers.  I was fortunate to travel with an incredible group of people and forged some lifelong friendships with others on my team.

I am sure that strong bonds will form in our team of volunteers.  I cannot wait to meet the team I will work with in Honduras!

In Africa, I fell in love with the people.  They had such a humble and gracious presence.  And they had an incredibly intense joy and sense of gratitude!  It was so refreshing to experience and observe the Rwandan people.  To see their love of life, observe their joy and gratitude, and really connect with them...  It was a true blessing in my life.  The experience was such a profound reminder that we are all so similar.  Citizens of this planet.  I think of them often and am constantly inspired.

I am so excited to meet the people of Honduras!

As I prepare for my trip, I'll post updates here.  I've got to figure out how to pack one small carry-on bag and nothing else!  Yikes!  Sure, it's only nine days... but packing lightly is not one of my gifts.  :)  I think I'll also be able to post while on the trip.

I'm so excited!

I'm on a mission... Habitat Honduras.