Thankful Thursday: Honoring Cindy and David Smith

This week’s Thankful Thursday celebrates two remarkable people whose vision and service helped shape the heart of Honduras Good Works from the very beginning.

Celebrating Our Founders

Cindy Smith, APN, played a pivotal role in the inception of Honduras Good Works, joining the very first medical mission trip in 1999. As one of the organization's founders, her dedication and early contributions laid the foundation for everything that has followed. From the very beginning, Cindy’s compassion and commitment were unmistakable. She was welcomed into the home of an 8-year-old girl during those formative years, establishing a genuine friendship with the entire family. Her visits often extended beyond the official mission trips, as she stayed in their modest house in Corral Quemado. These experiences included cooking outdoors together and walking down the river to neighboring villages, where she would sit, visit, and share coffee with various local families. Through these heartfelt connections, Cindy became a beloved figure in the community, always greeted with enthusiastic smiles and warm hugs whenever she returned with a medical or scholarship brigade. Over the years, her joyful spirit and steady presence have fostered deep trust and community among the people we serve.

Establishing the Scholarship Program

 Shortly after the inaugural medical mission trip in 1999, Cindy recognized the barriers to education faced by the rural poor, particularly the lack of opportunities beyond sixth grade. Driven by this insight, she established the Honduras Good Works Scholarship Program. What began with support for just a handful of young people has now grown to provide for more than 230 students, including those attending high school, trade school, and university. Thanks to Cindy’s vision and commitment, these students can now aspire to a brighter future for themselves and their families through education. Her leadership continues to inspire our ongoing investment in education as the key to long-term change. 

Leadership and Service

Cindy’s leadership extended beyond her work in the field. She served as Vice Chair on the Board of Directors from 2010 to 2016, and was honored as Board Member Emeritus through 2021, continuing to guide and support Honduras Good Works. Her insight and steady hand helped strengthen the organization’s direction and mission for more than two decades. 

Behind the Scenes: David Smith

David Smith has also been a dedicated and tireless supporter of Honduras Good Works. Over the decades, he has managed the transportation of packing materials to and from numerous packing parties and ensured the safe delivery of team luggage to the Houston airport, facilitating the logistics essential to each mission trip. While Cindy served in the clinics and classrooms, David quietly ensured that every box, bag, and piece of equipment arrived where it was needed — a vital role that kept our teams running smoothly year after year. 

A Grateful Tribute

With heartfelt gratitude, we honor Cindy and David Smith for their extraordinary service and their generous ongoing financial support. Their selfless efforts have enabled Honduras Good Works to thrive and continue the impactful work they began 26 years ago. Because of their faith, generosity, and steadfast love for the people of Honduras, countless lives have been touched, and the legacy they started in 1999 continues to grow today.

We thank Cindy and David for helping to build the foundation of hope that continues to guide Honduras Good Works. Their story reminds us that one act of generosity can ripple across generations. Continue their impact by supporting this year’s Chip In fundraiser: