If you have been following the expansion project progress over the last few years, then you know we have had so many awesome things going on in Rio Viejo! Last April we began the huge task of changing the leaky, termite-eaten hospital roof, adding a second story to the building, and renovating the current hospital space. This project is nearing the end (can I get an AMEN) thanks to the help of so many teams and volunteers!
On January 26th we welcomed Pastor Jerry and Mrs. Jeri Taylor from City Hope Church, Robin Taylor from Cleveland TN, Bubba and Jimmy from St. Amant Church, and Darion Rushing from Brandon, MS. With the help of these incredibly hard working men we were able to finish painting the interior and exterior of the hospital, hang ceiling fans and AC units in the hospital, paint two storage buildings, and hang AC units in two of the houses on the new property. It was an extensive list but due to their hard work and dedication, we were able to accomplish more than was anticipated!
Outside of the hospital renovation work that was going on, Mrs. Wendy and Mrs. Jeri put their interior decorating skills to work. The upstairs guest rooms in the dorm were given a much needed facelift and were transformed with a new coat of paint and decorations. They also decorated two houses on the family housing property in preparation for several volunteer families who will arrive in February.
To end an incredible week, the group set off on a roadtrip to visit Santa Barbara, a smaller town in the southern part of Honduras where our construction foreman is from. Along the way a lunch stop was made at Lake Yojoa, one of the largest lakes in the country, to enjoy a delicious lunch and break. Once the team arrived at their destination of Santa Barbara they toured the area and admired the many beautiful mural displays that were painted throughout the town square.
The next and final step of the hospital renovation project will be to clean everything and move back in! The goal is to be ready to provide 100% of our services by the end of February. We are so thankful for every person that has given of their time, talents, and resources to make this hospital expansion and renovation project possible and we can’t wait for you all to see it. It was indeed a BIG project, but what an honor to get to steward the things the Lord has given us.