A Sabbatical Detour

If you've been following along with my sabbatical adventures, you know my family and I have been soaking up the sun and sea on the idyllic island of Roatan, Honduras. It's been a much-needed reset—lazy beach days, snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, and plenty of time to reflect and recharge.

But sabbaticals aren't just about relaxation; they're about growth, connection, and stepping outside our comfort zones. That's why we decided to hop over to the mainland for a few days in Tegucigalpa (or Tegu, as the locals call it) to visit my dear friend Hernan Sierra and his wonderful family.

Hernan and I go way back, and I've always admired the warmth and resilience of his household. Bringing my family here felt like the perfect way to blend our island paradise with a dose of real Honduran heart. We've been treated like royalty since we arrived, diving into some of the most incredible local cuisine you can imagine. Every meal has been a celebration, shared around the table with laughter and stories that bridge cultures and generations.

We've also been out exploring the city's vibrant sites. Tegu has this gritty, authentic charm that's a far cry from Roatan's laid-back vibe, but it's captivating in its own right. We've wandered through bustling markets, marveled at colonial architecture, and even picked up matching **Team Olympia** jerseys—Honduras' beloved soccer team. (Yes, we're now officially die-hard fans, ready to cheer them on from afar!) And tonight, we're capping off the day with a visit to the iconic **Jesus Statue** overlooking the city. I can already picture the sunset views from up there.

But amidst all the fun and flavor, the real reason I wanted my family to experience the Sierra household and this corner of Honduras runs much deeper. Today, we ventured into one of the poorest neighborhoods in the city, a place literally built on a garbage dump. It's hard to wrap your head around: families scraping by in makeshift homes amid the refuse, most of them headed by single mothers who've been abandoned by husbands and fathers. Survival here means sifting through the landfill for recyclable materials to sell—just enough to put food on the table. And even that meager income is chipped away by a "war tax" of 10-15% demanded by local gangs. It's a cycle of poverty that's as heartbreaking as it is unjust.

We had the profound honor of delivering groceries to several homes in the area. Simple staples like rice, beans, oil, and canned goods—things we often take for granted. The gratitude in their eyes was overwhelming, and the kids' smiles lit up the dim surroundings. My family and I felt privileged to contribute in this small way, but let's be honest: it only scratches the surface. This neighborhood is a stark reminder of the challenges** so many face in Honduras and beyond— violence, and lack of opportunity** that no single act of kindness can fully address.

As most men do, Hernan and I discussed politics over our time together. The current Honduran President is pushing the country toward a more socialist path, which raises concerns for many here. I wish I could take her on a mission trip to Venezuela to witness firsthand what socialism has wrought—where locals might beg her through tears to turn away from that road—or better yet, to Havana, where ordinary citizens scrape by while the Castros and their comrades live like kings. Nevertheless, there's been a noticeable improvement in Tegu since our last visit. I asked a few local men what they attributed this positive change to, and they credited Trump's border policies as the best thing to ever happen to Honduras. With stricter enforcement, men are no longer abandoning their families to seek new lives in the States; instead, they're staying and striving to “Make Honduras Great Again”.

One of the highlights of our time in Tegucigalpa was the opportunity to preach at Hernan Sierra's church (La Rocka), with Hernan himself graciously translating my message into Spanish for the congregation. Drawing from Acts 20:35—"It is more blessed to give than to receive"—I shared on the theme of generosity, encouraging everyone to embrace a life of open-handed living that reflects God's abundant grace. The fellowship afterward was truly heartwarming, filled with shared stories, prayers, and connections that bridged our worlds; I trust that God used our time together to plant seeds of transformation in many hearts. As Julie and I prepare to head back to Roatan soon to continue our sabbatical, it's bittersweet to leave Caitlyn and Cole behind—they'll be staying on to serve alongside Hernan's church, pouring into the community and gaining invaluable experiences.

The fishing has been good! We all enjoyed a feast of Black Fin Tuna. We also caught several large Barracuda. It turns out that eating barracuda in the Caribbean is dangerous, which is a shame - I was planning to make some fish dip like we enjoy back home. Follow us on social media for all the pictures and videos. Julie has captured some amazing images of the coral reef in the area with her underwater photo gear.