We split into two groups: preparation and cooking. Our chefs did a good job of cooking a typical Honduran breakfast for the community, even though we felt a little bit conflicted over how slow we were cooking the food. After making about 150 sack packages, a couple of scholars and International Samaritans accompanied us as we made the trek up to the garbage dump to hand out the food. The distribution only took a couple of minutes for us to realize there wasn’t enough food. Maritza from IntSam explained this is because we had come later in the day when there are more people working in the garbage dump than in the morning. Following this encounter, we attempted to figure out the source of this injustice through conversation. We have learned that International Samaritan is the only organization that focuses on garbage dump communities in Honduras, and that the source of many of these injustices are improper government budgeting and corruption within the Honduran government.

The latter half of the afternoon we had many moments for reflection and conversation. A couple of us also engaged in playing soccer with the kids after lunch. We also learned about some popular Honduras snacks and were presented with a quick opportunity to try some Honduras food culture at neighboring Walmart near where we are staying. We ended the day with our nightly reflection and some heated games of Mafia. Today we have encountered the reality of food insecurity, culture through conversation, each other, and our conflicted feelings over our purpose here.

Just a reminder that International Samaritan can only do so much with their current resources, so don’t forget to continue sharing the donation link in support of Tegucigalpa’s Buen Samaritano neighborhood! Here is the link: