THE HOMES WHERE THE MISSIONARIES LIVE

The young missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints live in all kinds of homes and apartments while they are serving here in Honduras.  Some of the homes are quite nice and comfortable, while others aren't for the faint in heart.  This week we began what will be a mission-wide tour of home inspections.  They weren't surprise inspections; everyone had been warned that not only were we going to show up but that we were bringing with us President and Sister Dester.  I'll bet that there was some serious cleaning done this past week. 

Sister Dester has so many responsibilities as the wife of the mission president.  One of those duties is to assure that the missionaries stay healthy.  She is the "mission mom," and she is taking this calling very seriously.   One of Wayne's duties is to act as the "housing czar."  He is responsible for the renting of the homes and as such should be familiar with every home in the mission.  Up until now that hasn't been possible. Since the mission split the normal work load has been cut in half.  We presently have 69 homes.  This week we visited eight of them. We brought with us mops, brooms, dust pans, toilet brushes, sponges and disinfectant cleaner for those who needed them. We will try to see a handful more each week until we have seen them all and know that they are all up to standard.

Our sweet little nurse, Sister Tolliver and her companion, Sister Bayles, live in the nicest apartment in the mission.  Besides having air conditioning, which is very rare, they have a spare bedroom, and a nice kitchen.  Tile floors are the norm - we have yet to see carpeting in this country.  This apartment was selected purposefully because we needed a place for the new sister missionaries to spend the night when they first arrive in the county.  So, there are eight beds in this apartment - however, there is only one shower, so it takes some serious give-and-take.

There are some problems in the homes.  What else could we expect?  The average apartment we have rents for $125.00 per month, and many cost much less.  So, we have small bathrooms, and lots of peeling paint.  The apartments are often very dark, and poorly ventilated.  A musty smell is common in all but the very best of the apartments.  Fridges are often empty, beds aren't always made, and the floors aren't always swept and mopped. But the missionaries actually do a pretty good job.

Clothing is hung carefully, and a general orderliness is found in most of the homes.  Curtains are a luxury we usually do without.  Spare sheets or the Honduras flag are used to keep out the curious eyes of those who might pass by.  Fans are our missionaries best friend and every apartment has two of them.  They are moved throughout the day and night to provide the most comfort possible from the oppressive heat.  Nowhere is a blanket to be found. Most of the missionaries sleep on top of their sheet - only covering themselves on the most deliciously cool of the nights.  A table with two chairs is about the only other furniture that you find in the apartments.  They all just barely received a brand new microwave oven - the first time ever in this mission.  They don't have much, but joy reigns!  The real story of this mission is NOT what you see in these apartments, but what you don't see!  Nowhere is there found a pornographic poster or an inappropriate book.  There isn't a TV or a boom box - boy, does that statement ever date us!  There are no skateboards, or bikes or motorcycle helmets. There isn't anything that would detract from the Spirit of the Lord being present.  The homes aren't fancy, but we both felt like the Savior would have felt comfortable within these walls.

Some of our missionaries are used to having a private bedroom. Many have come from homes where hot and cold running water is readily available.  Most haven't had to do much of their own cooking or cleaning.  For all of these reasons and many, many more, a mission is the most amazing educational experience a young man or woman could have at this time in their life.  After two years (or 18 months in the case of the young women) these missionaries will return home with an appreciation for what they have been given.  They will come home with a vast knowledge of the scriptures and with the ability to speak to others about their beliefs.  They will return home focused on what is important and with an understanding of those things that matter very little in this life.  Do our missionaries live like kings and queens?  No!  But, they are comfortable enough... and they are happy!

Elder Van Neck grins as we give his apartment a passing grade.

We are so grateful to be here with these young missionaries.  This mission has been a blessing in our lives.  We hope that the work we have done - and will continue to do for another few months - has helped these powerful young missionaries.