Las Cinco Estrellas de Honduras

Shining a Light on Honduras

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Pati & Her “Five Stars”, a Young Adults Dream Team!

 (From Left to Right: Sofía & Pati, Alberto & Caroline, Melanie & Dani)

The Story

The years start coming and they don’t stop coming! For yet another year, Manos de Dios has partnered with the College & Young Adults Ministry to open the doors of missionary work to young adults who are interested in going on mission. We are thankful for their continued support and it is my privilege to share these stories that they have made possible. Welcome the latest class of “Young Adult Travel Award” recipients as well as myself (Dani Jaime), who could not resist being part of this amazing team.

Inspired by the five stars on the Honduran flag, the author has decided to honor them by affectionately naming their cohort after those symbols. After having had the adventure of a lifetime, they can be remembered as “Las Cinco Estrellas de Honduras” or “The Five Stars of Honduras”, not because they believe they deserve a spotlight… but because the author believes they can shed a light on the beautiful country and people of Honduras.

• Caroline Zavala

  • Age: 22

  • University of Arkansas - Psychology & Physician Assistant Program aspirant

  • Special Skills- Wellness & Healthy Living

• Melanie Jakubisin

  • Age: 28

  • Texas A&M University - International Studies - Politics & Diplomacy - Hispanic Studies - Spanish

  • Special Skills - Spanish, Bicultural, Migration issues  & Children’s Ministry

• Alberto Rodriguez

  • Age: 28

  • Texas State University - San Marcos - Electrical Engineering, Sustainability Studies

  • Special Skills - Spanish, Bicultural, Construction & Engineering

• Sofía Muñoz

  • Age: 25

  • Trinity University - Anthropology - Theater

  • Special Skills - ESL & Teaching

• Dani Jaime

  • Age: 29

  • UT-San Antonio - Communication

  • Special Skills - Translation, Bicultural & Ministry & Relationship Building

Five Stars indeed! This team of highly specialized individuals just so happens to bring gifts to the table that allow them to thrive in key areas of the Manos ministry!

• Caroline Zavala

  • Caroline was able to  help lead a class on nutrition and healthy living, inspiring members of the community to take better care of themselves and loved ones through better eating habits and attitudes.

  • Caroline was also essential in our partnership with Niños de la Montaña, offering medical expertise as part of her contributions to the medical brigade in Santa María.

  • Caroline also thrived in the Copa Manos tournament, bringing in her skills as a seasoned soccer veteran as a player in the legendary match between Santa Maria and Manos de Dios!

• Melanie Jakubisin

  • Melanie was helpful in more ways than one, as her natural proficiency in Spanish as well as her insight and expertise in Latino culture allowed her to be an intermediary for Hondurans and Texans.

  • Her experience in ministry, particularly Children’s ministry, brought life and joy to every one of our daily activities. Melanie could often be seen engaging with the children and young adults, encouraging & forging connections. She particularly shone during our VBS event where she brought out the smiles of children and team-members alike!

  • Her variety of skills allowed her to be efficient in different ways, from photography to interpretation & connecting naturally with locals, Melanie was the heart of the team.

• Alberto Rodriguez

  • Alberto could often be found tinkering with objects big and small. From glasses to playgrounds, his technical knowledge came in handy! He also was part of an exploratory team that visited the St. Mark’s Ojo de Agua school project.

  • His easy going attitude made it easy for him to connect with the Honduran young adults, particularly those in the Engineering fields. His belief in education and professionalism allowed him to create connections that will prove to be very fruitful for Manos in the near future…

• Sofía Muñoz

  • Sofía’s exceptional skills as an instructor were essential in her participation with Club Intercambio. She led the class in lessons and games in a way that allowed the students and missionaries to learn and connect with each other and amongst themselves.

  • Her experience as a traveler allowed her to become immersed in the country but her faith and curiosity allowed her to connect with individuals in ways she never thought possible! She particularly loved listening, praying and connecting with the families in Honduras.

• Dani Jaime

  • Dani Jaime embarked on the Honduran journey yet again, but this time committed to immersing himself as part of the team and not as a leader. This was easy as he found himself surrounded with exceptional individuals from whom he learned a lot.

  • His exploits this time included the usual; translation, integration, & intermediation, but also included support for the young adults as well as prayer & insight for newcomers.

Like all cohorts of young adults that have come on this mission trip, this one was one to remember… but none before have felt on the level of “The Avengers” quite like this one. This ministry has been blessed with young adults that not only committed themselves to a week long trip of service, but of continued support and interest in seeing this ministry grow. Their contributions will last a lifetime but so will their commitment. We cannot wait to tell you more in the future of how they continue to be involved!

Thoughts from “Las Cinco Estrellas”

Caroline

“This trip filled me with a sense of love, joy, and gratitude that is hard to put into words. It deepened my faith, reminded me of what is truly important, and strengthened my desire to continue serving communities like this throughout my life and career.”

Melanie

“The mission beyond the trip is this: Listen, Learn, and Love. It isn’t always about what you can give, it’s about what you can receive. For me, this trip gave me far more than I could have ever hoped to have given those I set out to serve.”

”Home in this instance is not an actual place, but a feeling of completeness and community.”

Alberto 

“The mission did not simply end when we returned home. Instead, it gave me a renewed understanding of how I want to approach life moving forward. I want to continue serving others, supporting my community, and living out Christ’s example of compassion and humility.”

Sofía

“The work of Manos is the work to which Christ has called us. I have never more fully fulfilled the commandment to love thy neighbor than I did this week. The kindness, gratitude, and humility I witnessed on this trip has changed me forever.”

Dani

“It was during this trip that I realized how far God has brought me, not because of how much I can do, but because of how much He loves me. I thought about the fruits I have gotten to witness over the years; the children that have been born, the youth that have grown, the faithful that have answered the call. These are the fruits that God has created through his promise to always be with us.”

“The young adults that have come on this trip have broadened my mind and have deepened my heart.”