I first came to know about the Honduras Mission while I was returning from a trip to Honduras after a brief visit with my parents. I was born and raised in San Pedro Sula and I usually go back home twice a year to visit my family.
I was at the airport and I saw a group of missionaries all decked out in Neon Yellow T-shirts. As I sat in the waiting area ready to board, I struck a brief conversation with one of the gentlemen on mission. I asked him where he was from and what church parish he belonged to. To my surprise he said “St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in the Woodlands.” I told him I had joined the parish a few months earlier and that I was interested in getting more involved at church.
To me, this immediately sparked my desire to join. This mission felt very personal to me because my parish was helping my people; my fellow Hondurans whom the great majority live in truly impoverished conditions, lacking the most basic necessities like running water, electricity, safe and clean housing, basic education, healthcare, etc. I could go on for hours…but at that moment I felt that even when I was away from home, I could do something to help from my home in Texas.
As I waited to board, I also watched Deacon Mike Mims interact with his group. He seemed so joyful and passionate and I could truly see in him the satisfaction of a job well done. He was a power to be reckoned with. I knew Deacon Mike from his homilies at church on Sundays and as a member of the SALT band. I just loved his spirit and his teachings. I just knew that this was a group I wanted to belong to. He was a true inspiration to so many and I wanted to be a part of this. Sadly, this would be Deacon Mike’s last mission trip. I was devastated at the news of his passing. As saddened as I was, I knew this was not the end of his vision. Something happened inside of me that I wanted to help continue that vision that this servant of God had set forth. He had touched so many lives and even after passing he was touching mine!! Even to this day, I thank him because without even knowing him personally, he touched my heart and he ignited my desire to serve on this Mission.
I must admit, I have not gone on any of the mission trips yet. My parents are older and sick. I usually go home twice a year to care for them and spend time with them. I use all my vacation time solely to visit them. I figure, when they pass, I can go. But there are many ways that I have been able to help.
As a home team member, I coordinate a team of volunteers to help with getting the mission trip packed and ready to go. Usually these are the missionaries themselves. I prepare all the lanyards, and luggage tags for the missionaries. I help coordinate the orders and delivery of T-shirts for all those joining the mission. I facilitate rides to and from the airport on departure and return days. I also serve as the emergency contact here in the US so, in case something happens, there is someone at home to help.
The Home Team is composed of other fellow missionaries that might not be able to go on mission during the current year, but they want to help in any way possible. They serve as volunteer packers, sorters, drivers, etc. It takes a great deal of help and coordination to get a mission like ours off the ground. I have been a member of the core team for 4 years and a volunteer for 2 years. It has been a privilege to work alongside such wonderful and inspiring Core members in this capacity to help bring the love and light of Christ to my fellow Hondurans. I am eternally grateful to this Mission, to this wonderful parish community and the leadership of our Pastor, Father Tom and the rest of the clergy who continue to share their love and support to my beloved Honduras. May God continue to bless our Mission and our Parish in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
~ Bendiciones Carmen
Honduras Mission Home Team
The Home Team is composed of other fellow missionaries that might not be able to go on mission during the current year, but are searching for ways to help. It takes an enormous amount of organization and time to prep for our mission. Carmen McCain has been leading the charge as a member of the core team for 4 years.