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It would have been easier to have complained the whole way up the mountain, the whole shaky way down the mountain, it would have been easier to not have tried all of the different foods and drinks, it would have been easier to keep our distance from the people we had come to work with, it would certainly have been easier to avoid interacting with interested school children, it would have been easier to get upset and not laugh at mistakes, it would have been easier to mock the methods we were taught to work more efficiently, but then it would have been easier to just stay at home. 

Something great happened during the week of January 9-16. Hampden-Sydney College and Rivers Of The World sent a group of 10 H-SC men to Honduras. A week of brick laying, cement mixing, hole digging, and cultural interaction awaited the 10 eager travelers. Israel Gonzalez, his wife Floripe, and nephew Fabricio surprised us every day with their uncommon ability to make us all feel completely at home. Fabricio calmly acted as our guide, translator, and close friend. Israel exhibits a charisma rarely found among people, but frequently written about it classic novels. He is a gentleman who proves his faith by living a life of virtue and grace. 

Santos, the work foreman for the medical clinic project, showed us the true meaning of patience as he and his dedicated crew watched, listened, and taught us how to properly lay blocks, mix the mortar and cement, and how to sift the gravel and sand. After countless broken blocks, snapped shovels, and endless horseplay Santos would smile and guide us back to the task at hand. 

Every night after bowls of anafres, whole fried tilapia, and plantain chips at the Honduyate Marina we would walk back to La Posada and reflect on the challenges we faced that day. Rarely did we ever get caught up in the negatives, instead we focused on how laughter, faith, courage, and friendships helped us work harder every day. We talked for hours about the many challenges Honduras and other developing countries face in the quest to improve the quality of living for its people. 

By the end of the week our group had changed. We moved, worked, and acted seamlessly. We laughed a little bit louder, we talked about common bonds, and never did anyone complain without citing one of our favorite ROW quotes "and that's just the way I like". 

It was an injury free adventure that took us from Hampden-Sydney, Virginia through Raleigh-Durham airport to Houston, to San Pedro Sula, up to Lake Yojoa, over to Tualable, Siguaqtepeque, Copan, and Omoa. It was a week long cultural eye opening opportunity that caused routine introspection, disbelief, and a sincere desire to do more. There was cold, hard rain which slowed our trip up the steep trail to El Divisio where we were greeted by smiling and laughing children eager to entertain us with songs as we handed out educational packets. Of course, it would have been easier if we had just stayed home.

Wes Lawson 

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