NFA – A Leaky Roof

Last week, as I slept during a nighttime rainstorm here at NPH-Honduras, a repeated cold drip on my face broke my slumber. It brought to mind the proverb: “A leaky roof can fool the sun, but it cannot fool the rain.”

As I wiped my face, the truth of this saying became clear on many levels. Indeed, the imperfections atop our small casita allowed in the unwelcome precipitation. Similarly, in our personal lives, while the sun shines on our days, our defects and brokenness leave us to postpone needed repairs. However, with the arrival of the personal downpour of crisis, rejection or loss, we scramble for the basins and the mops.

Upon looking around this place, I see young lives which experience the brightest of sunny days – while having endured the blackest of thunderstorms. Only three years ago, Delia* – an engaging 16-year-old with a sparkling smile and quick wit – was abandoned by her family, while lying in a hospital bed, suffering from a life-threatening disease. Upon witnessing the love and support given to a hospital roommate, Delia appealed to join the NPH family as her own.

Now an NPH “Pequeña”, Delia is healthy, thriving and surrounded by unconditional love. She now helps at the home for her most disabled brothers and sisters, while proceeding through school to catch up to her age-appropriate grade level. She plans a teaching career for her future.

Delia’s story is but one of innumerable miracles we are privileged to witness in our time spent at NPH-Honduras. Working to be part of the patch for the leakiness in these children’s lives is a joy and an honor beyond measure.

Now, I gaze out the window, looking at the red-tile roofs of this loving place. Though the roofs may be in need of structural repair, they shelter children who are nurtured, prized and protected – regardless of the weather conditions.

How can we simplify our lives?  How can we continue to use our medical skills as we move toward retirement?  Can we enrich both our own lives and those of others?  Can we gain a better understanding of neighbor by living and working with him in community?

For us, these questions are being answered with the help of Mission Doctors Association (MDA).  Through MDA, we have volunteered our medical services yearly, and are now serving for five months at Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) in Honduras, Central America.

At NPH Honduras, we live among many young Hondurans from disrupted homes, who grow up together in a setting of safety, security and love.  Each has the chance to advance educationally, to grow spiritually, and to know what it is to be family.  Surrounded by dedicated local adults and international staff and volunteers, these youth are given the opportunity to build new lives for themselves, and to make their country a better place.

On a typical day, we may start with Mass at the home for elderly residents, followed by a walk to the NPH community clinic to see patients in a primary care setting.  After a lunch of beans, bananas and rice with the Honduran staff and volunteer nurses, we may return to the two-room casita we call home.  The afternoon may find us playing games with the young children of Casa Suyapa, helping the surgical brigade in triage activities, or hiking together on a mountain trail lined by fragrant pines.

We invite you to join us on our journey at “Neighbors Far Away”, and to learn more about Mission Doctors Association.