Many of you know very well the story of Rubén. And many of you also know that a young woman named Rosalina recently became our second patient guest to receive the benefits of staying at La Casa de Rubén. If you are not familiar with these stories please scroll down and read the two previous blog posts and then come back to this one.
One of the things that disabled people often suffer with is boredom and feelings of worthlessness, of having no purpose in life. Imagine how great the struggle was for Rubén while spending 2 1/2 years laying in a bed with nothing to do except to look out a small window, or maybe listen to the radio occasionally.
Much of this changed for him simply by coming to La Casa de Rubén and going to physical therapy 2-3 times per week. As he gained strength, and with the help of the staff, he quickly began to be able to stay in his wheelchair more and more. Now bedtime is the only time he is not in his wheelchair. Some of the time in his wheelchair is spent reading now that he has enough strength and movement to hold down a book and turn the pages.
But even with this the feelings of boredom and worthlessness persist. Thankfully we have a God who cares.
Let me introduce you to a young man named Aguinaldo. Before the idea came to us for La Casa de Rubén we hired Aguinaldo to do some electrical work for us in La Campa. It was easy to get to know and like him because he is such a humble, gentle young man. He also happens to be an excellent electrician.
Shortly after we moved into La Casa de Rubén we needed some electrical work done so Aguinaldo was called upon again. He came and did excellent work. But he also took time to begin building a personal relationship with Rubén. One day Aguinaldo pulled me off to the side and told me that he had an idea that would help Rubén and asked permission to pursue it. Of course, I said yes, go for it!
Because God cares He had touched Aguinaldo’s heart to find something for Rubén to do that fit his interests and could be done taking into account his physical limitations. Yesterday Aguinaldo’s idea became much more clear when he presented a small, basic CNC machine that he built using materials he had in his shop and small electronic boards and processing chips that he purchased.
The machine is connected to and operated by a computer. Currently the machine only has the capability to draw images from the computer onto paper. But even this opens up opportunities for Rubén to be able to spend his time doing something that makes him feel productive. There is great dignity in feeling and being productive.
Yesterday we spent a lot of time talking and dreaming at La Casa de Rubén of the future possibilities there are for Rubén using a computer, this machine, and his creative desires to produce all sorts of things that he can sell to support himself, and perhaps someday, his own family.
Rosalina came to the house with her sewing skills and while she is there she continues to produce beautiful hand stitched cloths of various sizes. These cloths can be used as table cloths or decorative hanging tapestries. They typically serve a more practical purpose here in Honduras as they are often used as tortilla warmers. You’ll be hearing and seeing more about Rosalina’s cloths very soon.
We are so grateful to God for how He works by bringing people together in ways that can’t be predicted. Who knew a contract electrician would be the one God chose to use to open up a whole new world of value and dignity to people like Rubén.
We are also grateful that the Lord has brought you into our lives. Thank you all for your prayers and support of FHD Missions Honduras and La Casa de Rubén. We can’t do this without you.