Las Lomitas is full of
fighters. People that won’t give up, even though they understand the direness
of their situation. One year ago, when we began talking about an electricity
project here, we met with some serious doubt. But, thanks to the president of
the patronato (town council), Pablo, we’re at a place today that we never would
have dreamed last year. Faithfully meeting with the mayor and pressing forward,
we are so very close to beginning the construction of the electricity project
here in Las Lomitas.
The mayor has signed a written
agreement that he will involve himself in this project, providing wires,
transformers, etc. The national electrical organization, the ENEE, has provided
the engineering plans and the approval for connection to the national grid upon
completion of the project. All necessary
land easements have been signed. The community has fought, prayed, and waited
for this day to come, and they are now involved as much as possible. To buy
posts, the community has now provided nearly $1700, an enormous sum for a
community so poor. They have also agreed to provide all unqualified labor for
the project. Digging post holes and dragging cables will be work for many men
in the near future. Here’s where you come in.
Electricity changes lives. It
surely will bring some problems, but the opportunities it provides are
incomparable. Refrigeration extends food and medicine storage. Outlets allow
for phones to be charged and appliances to be used. Public lighting provides a
level of safety that these people need so desperately. Indoor lighting extends
the evening. Small businesses can begin. Imagine the difference in the life of
a woman who now scrubs laundry by hand for three hours a day. Surely these
changes will not come overnight, but they will now be possible with
electricity, even unreliable Honduran electricity.
$1700 is a lot of money, but
still nearly $12,000 short of what is needed to buy posts. Several generous
donors have already provided the much of the money for the post purchase, but
all funds are helpful. Any funds provided above this amount can be used to help
continue the project into the second phase of expansion. This is an incredible
chance to come alongside those in need and make a real difference in their
lives. We have a large file full of documents detailing this project should
they be desired by anyone, and we would be so very happy to send them.
Those interested can donate
online by visiting www.hth.org and
using the “Donate” page. You can contribute using either PayPal or with credit
card using the “Churchwerks” option. In addition, you can send a check made out
to Heart to Honduras. With any of these donations, please designate the funds
to “Las Lomitas Electricity.” Thank you so much to those of you that have
already donated and to those of you that I know will respond to this need. Stay up to date on the blog. Community Development efforts are ramping up and the need for funding will increase as projects come in. We'll keep you informed as the needs develop.
I'm so excited for you guys and the rest of the community. I can't wait to see how different things are the next time we come to visit you! We will continue to pray that you receive the funds you need and that things continue to move forward with the project. This will be a huge victory for the people of Las Lomitas!
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