La Vista

La Vista, the Blue and Purple building, is located on the edge of Marcala. It is a new two-story house that Casas por Cristo has modified and leased since 2023. The home sits on the back of the property with a 12-foot concrete block wall enclosing the courtyard and tying into the house itself. The downstairs has a large outside porch with tables and chairs, semi-covered from the rain and sun. The courtyard features a fire pit and plenty of room to kick a soccer ball, stretch out, and relax after a long day of building. Inside is a large kitchen, dining room, one large bedroom housing up to 7 people, and one full bathroom. Upstairs is a smaller outside porch with chairs and hammocks, offering a beautiful view of the mountains and surrounding neighbors. There are two bedrooms with 9 beds in each room, a full bathroom, water for personal hygiene, and fans. The steps accessing the second floor are outside and exposed to the elements. Located across the street in front of the Casas house is a small store (tienda) stocked with sodas, chips, and local snacks.

Facility Info

AC

There are no heaters or AC units.
We have three fans in every room.

Bathroom

There are three bathrooms (one downstairs and two upstairs).
Do NOT flush the toilet paper (Use the wastebasket provided in each bathroom instead)..
DO NOT drink the tap water or use it to brush your teeth (Casas por Cristo will provide purified drinking water in each bedroom to use instead).

Cleaning

Empty your trash as needed.
Brooms are available.

At the end of your stay, before you leave…

Strip all your linens from the beds.
Place your used linens and towels in a pile in the middle of your bedroom floor.

Kitchen

For everyone’s safety, we kindly ask that you do not enter the kitchen while the cooks are preparing the meals. Food is served on real plates with regular utensils.

Lights

The downstairs bedroom light switch is located on the wall opposite the door.
The downstairs bathroom light switch is located inside the bedroom doorway.
The upstairs bedroom lights are located to the left when entering the room.
The bathroom lights are on the outside wall to the right.

Safety

While Marcala is a safe area, we ask that you follow these guidelines outlined in our Risk Plan.

Before departing La Vista, take a picture of the motor taxi phone numbers in case you require a ride back instead of walking.
Ensure that your missionary and team leader are aware of your whereabouts at all times.
Always have at least one other person with you.
Minors should always be accompanied by adults outside of our facilities.
Be vigilant with your belongings when walking around.
Refrain from touching the animals.
Instead of giving monetary gifts, offer to pray for people.
Dress modestly, avoiding tank tops, short shorts, leggings, or tight-fitting clothing.

Services

Let your missionary know if your team would like to attend a local church service during your stay.

Store

Casas por Cristo has merch that you can buy to help support our cause. Ask your Casas missionary to take you to our physical store during your trip or shop online when you get home.

Supplies

Cleaning, bathroom, and towel supplies are located by the downstairs bathroom.

Trash

Trash cans are located in every room.
There are outside trash cans next to the vehicle entry door.

Valuables

Please keep your valuables with you.

People You Might Encounter

Honduras Field Coordinator

Wilfred is originally from San Raymundo, Guatemala. He began working for Casas por Cristo in August 2021. He joined the Honduras staff in October 2021. Wilfred has a very positive outlook on life. You will be surprised by his level of maturity and his love for God.

Honduras Field Coordinator

Darwin was born in Marcala, Honduras and in 2004. He has been volunteering with Casas since 2023 and became an official employee in 2024. Darwin is very quick to learn English, the construction of the Casas homes, and to keep the cooks supplied with everything they need to prepare meals.

Primary Lead Cook

I was born July 31, 1970 in Marcala. I have 9 siblings, and I am the youngest daughter. I have two adult daughters, Skarleth and Karla. I am also the grandmother of a beautiful girl named Victoria. I have been serving with Casas por Cristo as the head cook since the Honduras location opened in 2023. Cooking for the teams is my ministry. I want to make sure all of the dishes are perfect. If someone is not eating my food, I will ask them what is wrong so I can make changes. I am outgoing and enjoy laughing and hugging everyone I encounter.

Primary Assistant Cook

I was born in Santa Barbara, Honduras on May 22, 1959. I have 5 children, and 2 of them are pastors at the Christian Family Center Church in Marcala. I am a leader in my son’s church, too. I am humbled to see how my family serves the King of Kings and our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
My name is Dalila, but everyone calls me Abuela (Spanish for Grandma). I am a prayer warrior. I got involved with Casas por Cristo in 2023 when I surprised everyone by knowing how to cook iguana, per a team’s special request. I am now a permanent part of the kitchen staff. I keep everyone focused in the kitchen but I am also quick with jokes to keep everyone laughing. My son, Pastor Darwin, is one of the first pastors in Marcala to be part of Casas por Cristo.

Second Assistant Cook

I was born in Tegucigalpa, Honduras on February 26, 1989. I have 2 children, a girl and a boy. I am a Sunday school teacher for my church here in Marcala, and feel blessed to have the opportunity to teach children about God’s love. I have been working for Casas por Cristo since 2024 as the second assistant cook. I am always eager to step in and help others. I will quickly take the broom or dirty dishes out of your hands. This is my ministry, as well. With every new team that comes to build, I am in awe of the big hearts full of love for me and the families receiving the gift of a home.

MARCALA

Meaning: “Land of Prisons” in Lenca (indigenous language)
Pronunciation: Mar kah lah
Population: 15,050
Location: 56 miles west of Tegucigaalpa
Department: La Paz
Region: Southwest
Elevation: 4,096 ft.
Climate: Subtropical highland
Rainy Season: April – November
Average Temperature Range: 55°F – 84°F (with high UV index)
Currency: Lempira (HNL)

CITY PROFILE

Nestled in the highlands of La Paz department in Honduras, lies a small town that is a treasure trove of cultural richness and diversity. Welcome to Marcala, a place where ancient traditions are still very much alive. Marcala is known for its coffee, which has been cultivated here for centuries. Coffee is not just a source of income for the people of Marcala. It is also an integral part of their culture. Aside from coffee, Marcala is also famous for its handicrafts. Local artisans create beautiful pieces using traditional techniques passed down from generation to generation.

The people of Marcala are proud of their heritage and have preserved their customs and traditions despite the challenges they face. Their economy is primarily agricultural, with coffee production being the primary source of income. Many families rely on coffee farming for their livelihood, which exposes them to the volatility of global prices. Despite this, the city has made progress in diversifying its economy, attracting investment in tourism and service industries. However, despite these developments, poverty remains a significant issue in Marcala. The poverty rate in the city is estimated to be around 68%, with many families struggling to afford safe, sustainable housing. Many families live in overcrowded, substandard conditions, which makes them vulnerable to health problems and natural disasters.

By working alongside the Honduran church, Casas por Cristo volunteers help alleviate families’ financial burdens and bring the hope of Christ to this remarkable land full of beauty, history, and culture. With the provision of safe and secure housing, the largest tangible gift anyone will ever receive, you can proclaim the truth of God’s love not only to a family but also to the community at large.

Check out our Honduras Culture Guide for more info!

Restaurants

Name	Information	Coordinates
Solimon Coffee Shop and Restaurant	Wide variety of food choices, lots of seating, $10-$15.	14.1587060, -88.0215342
Cafe & Chocolate Marcala	Serves coffee, cakes, pastries, and donuts. Located in town square.	14.1539782, -88.0348916
Aroma Cafe	High quality coffee and pastry shop in town square.	14.1541914, -88.0341074

Activities

Place	Information	Coordinates
Massage	Upper level at north end of the building. $20 for a 45 minute full-body massage.	14.1542688, -88.0361788
Town Square	Scenic spot to walk around, experience the culture, and shop. Several shops, cafes, and restaurants surround the park.	14.1543800, -88.0344336
Casas Office Honduras	Casas store and coffee tour also found at this location.	14.1596510, -88.0374934

CASAS POR CRISTO

Casas por Cristo exists to open the door for local pastors and churches to share the love of Jesus Christ by serving. Our mission is to build and serve. Check out our story to learn more.