Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! It will definitely be a NEW year!
The house sold, the closing went well, actually we closed on December 20 because the buyers wanted to go out of town for Christmas. So it was nice to get that part done and out of the way. We closed on the 20th, and we moved on the 26th and 27th.
We are all moved in and getting upacked and settled. Drop by and see us - we are now living at Harwood Hills, on Highway 121, between Bedford Road and Harwood - we are in apt. 706.
Thank you for all your prayers while we were going through the selling process, and to all who came out these days to help us move, and especially who came and carried things up those stairs for us!
Friday, December 29, 2006
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
A couple weeks ago I had had a rough day at work, and a rough day of ups and downs in getting the repairs done that had to be completed on the house prior to closing. I was feeling really beat up and asking myself "If I get this stressed and upset over things here, what will I do when I am away from my family and close friends and living in a foreign country, how will I react to situations there?" After giving myself a good mental beating, I tried to put on my happy face and headed to AWANA.
One of my kids comes to me before we got started and said "I need your autograph and your favorite Bible verse". I said "my autograph?" She handed me her AWANA book and it is a page where you are supposed to get a missionary to sign your book and write down their favorite Bible verse.
I can't even explain what that did for my heart! I said "Oh Shelby am I your missionary?" It was sweet Shelby Coffee.
Words cannot describe what that did to my spirit. I needed a child to call me a missionary, when I was at a low point, questioning my ability to walk out my calling to Honduras.
Love those kids!
One of my kids comes to me before we got started and said "I need your autograph and your favorite Bible verse". I said "my autograph?" She handed me her AWANA book and it is a page where you are supposed to get a missionary to sign your book and write down their favorite Bible verse.
I can't even explain what that did for my heart! I said "Oh Shelby am I your missionary?" It was sweet Shelby Coffee.
Words cannot describe what that did to my spirit. I needed a child to call me a missionary, when I was at a low point, questioning my ability to walk out my calling to Honduras.
Love those kids!
Thursday, December 14, 2006
It has been so long and so much has happened since I was last posting to my blog.
Since my return home I have been announcing my decision to move to Honduras sometime during the summer of 2007. The first thing to do was to put my house on the market. A little touch-ups here and there and my goal was to be on the market by October 1. I signed with a realtor on September 29. I made it!
Life has been a whirlwind since listing my house. There were days where I prayed no one would want to come and see it so that I could go home. When I first contacted a realtor I was told this is not really the time of year to sell a house, not high time for the selling market. Well I couldn't tell that around my place. By October 31 I had a contract for sale on the house, then another buyer stepped up and made an offer. After an inspection I learned I needed some foundation work. The negotiations got completely out of control and it being 2 weeks before Stacy & Travis's wedding I asked my realtor to stop negotiations. A few days after the wedding the original buyers came back again, at this point we could all think rationally and realistically, and now the buyers were under a time crunch, they needed to move from their current apt. by the end of December, so they were much more willing to negotiate to what I was asking for.
You know how when you just know something is right? Well that was how I felt. I think I made my realtor a little nervous. It was November 28, and I was agreeing to close on December 26. The hitch is that I needed to get the foundation work done - 21 piers - then get the cracks in the brick repaired - and get the cracks in the house patched and painted. I called the foundation company to get on the schedule, they said no problem, they could definitely do the work in time, probably the week before Christmas. . . which meant afterward I still would have to get the brick repaired and the interior cracks patched. But I knew it was right. Then came a confirming sign - before I had I met with a realtor God had given me a number, this was not the selling price we were asking, nor was it the number that we sold for, but when I subtract the price of the foundation work, which is coming out of my money at closing, from the price I sold the house for - yep it equals that number God had given me. I know I shouldn't need things like this, but sometimes I get a little wobbly and I guess He knows I need these little signs He sends my way.
So still we were going to be crunched for time. . . then the foundation company calls me the afternoon of December 1 and says we just had a cancellation do you want to do your work on Monday December 4? YES! So the foundation work was completed and I ran into a couple of snags with some of the work I needed done so I needed these extra weeks to iron everything out, get the right bids and the right people to do the work. Today the cracks in my brick have been repaired and the interior walls are being patched as I type. And I got confirmation on my our new apt. today, so we have a place to go after closing!
Now. . .let me back up a few years. . . I just love how God works! He has all these puzzle pieces that only He could ever make fit together! So many people from church helped to fix my house up which began in 2004. I think back to that time and the disrepair the house was in, roof, doors, paint, carpet, and the people who came with it in their heart to fix it up. And at that time God knew that in a few years I would be laying this house down to move to Honduras.
Now move to 2005. In February we had an office paycut. At the time I was thinking "This is bad" I have learned over the last few years to be careful what I judge as "good" and "bad". In September 2006 my boss paid me the difference in my salary during the 7 months of the paycut - and this money is what I have been using for the repairs on the house - trips to Home Depot, and paint, and brick work, patching walls. . . and I thought that paycut was a bad thing.. . no it was a savings account and God knew exactly when I would need it!
I will stop for now, but still have some neat stories I want to share, but will post them later.
I will try to keep things updated here so that you can see what is going on as I prepare to make the move to Honduras.
Since my return home I have been announcing my decision to move to Honduras sometime during the summer of 2007. The first thing to do was to put my house on the market. A little touch-ups here and there and my goal was to be on the market by October 1. I signed with a realtor on September 29. I made it!
Life has been a whirlwind since listing my house. There were days where I prayed no one would want to come and see it so that I could go home. When I first contacted a realtor I was told this is not really the time of year to sell a house, not high time for the selling market. Well I couldn't tell that around my place. By October 31 I had a contract for sale on the house, then another buyer stepped up and made an offer. After an inspection I learned I needed some foundation work. The negotiations got completely out of control and it being 2 weeks before Stacy & Travis's wedding I asked my realtor to stop negotiations. A few days after the wedding the original buyers came back again, at this point we could all think rationally and realistically, and now the buyers were under a time crunch, they needed to move from their current apt. by the end of December, so they were much more willing to negotiate to what I was asking for.
You know how when you just know something is right? Well that was how I felt. I think I made my realtor a little nervous. It was November 28, and I was agreeing to close on December 26. The hitch is that I needed to get the foundation work done - 21 piers - then get the cracks in the brick repaired - and get the cracks in the house patched and painted. I called the foundation company to get on the schedule, they said no problem, they could definitely do the work in time, probably the week before Christmas. . . which meant afterward I still would have to get the brick repaired and the interior cracks patched. But I knew it was right. Then came a confirming sign - before I had I met with a realtor God had given me a number, this was not the selling price we were asking, nor was it the number that we sold for, but when I subtract the price of the foundation work, which is coming out of my money at closing, from the price I sold the house for - yep it equals that number God had given me. I know I shouldn't need things like this, but sometimes I get a little wobbly and I guess He knows I need these little signs He sends my way.
So still we were going to be crunched for time. . . then the foundation company calls me the afternoon of December 1 and says we just had a cancellation do you want to do your work on Monday December 4? YES! So the foundation work was completed and I ran into a couple of snags with some of the work I needed done so I needed these extra weeks to iron everything out, get the right bids and the right people to do the work. Today the cracks in my brick have been repaired and the interior walls are being patched as I type. And I got confirmation on my our new apt. today, so we have a place to go after closing!
Now. . .let me back up a few years. . . I just love how God works! He has all these puzzle pieces that only He could ever make fit together! So many people from church helped to fix my house up which began in 2004. I think back to that time and the disrepair the house was in, roof, doors, paint, carpet, and the people who came with it in their heart to fix it up. And at that time God knew that in a few years I would be laying this house down to move to Honduras.
Now move to 2005. In February we had an office paycut. At the time I was thinking "This is bad" I have learned over the last few years to be careful what I judge as "good" and "bad". In September 2006 my boss paid me the difference in my salary during the 7 months of the paycut - and this money is what I have been using for the repairs on the house - trips to Home Depot, and paint, and brick work, patching walls. . . and I thought that paycut was a bad thing.. . no it was a savings account and God knew exactly when I would need it!
I will stop for now, but still have some neat stories I want to share, but will post them later.
I will try to keep things updated here so that you can see what is going on as I prepare to make the move to Honduras.
Monday, August 21, 2006
This is the famous doocha! (I am spelling it like it sounds) I took these pictures for everyone who kept saying I was going on vacation. Mmmmm, last vacation you went on, did you have one of these in your shower?
I am just glad I finally learned how to work it! It was my second trip to Honduras before I learned how to get the water to be hot. Patty taught me!!
Each day we would pass out a congratulation award to each child who passed their test the previous day, and give them a star for completing that Pace. All the kids anxiously await to see if they passed and can get their new Pace. They all applaud for their classmates and ooohhhh and aaahhhh when someone passes with a 100!
This is my dear friend Rosie who I helped while I was in Honduras.
Rosie is a fantastic teacher. She is fluent in English. The children all love her!
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Enjoy some icecream! During my weekend at the orphanage we took all the kids into town to go to the movie. (how many people can you fit into a van in Honduras? - this is not a trick question!)
Going to the matinee movie was quite an experience. There were probably 150 kids in the theater and maybe 5 adults. They were running and screaming. Throwing gum (just ask Paula!). . . throwing popcorn . . . it was a wild time. So we watched Cars in Spanish. Our boys loved the folicula . All our kids behaved perfectly at the movie. Afterward we walked to get icecream. What a fun treat for all the kids!
Reynaldo! This boy can steal your heart with his smile! It will take him a few minutes to warm up to you, but once he does, you will be in love with him! Reynaldo's older brother is Fredy.
Reynaldo loves the water! The day we went to the swimming park, Reynaldo was jumping in the pool to me and he kept telling me to move back further and further when he would jump in. He would come up out of the water with the biggest grin on his face! He is a doll!
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Some of you may have heard that I am moving to Honduras. Some of you may have heard this before I even knew for certain I was called there. But it is true. . . I am planning to move to Honduras.
That's the short version. . . for the long version, read on. . .
Let me back up a little. . . While I was in Honduras in July, 2005, I kept thinking "what is the day to day" like here. You know, you go on a mission trip and it is constant activity, constant focus on God, constant focus on stepping out of your comfort zone to do all He has planned for you. . . then you come home and back to life as usual. But while I was there last year I kept wondering what it was like to be there every day, and I wondered how I could come home and continue to live as if I am on a mission trip. Those thoughts and questions are why I went this year for 3 weeks. When I arrived Annette asked me what I wanted to do, did I want her to take me to do touristy things, did I have something special in mind that I wanted to do, did I want to do something special with the kids at school? All I wanted to do for the two weeks before the team arrived was live there, be there for the normal day to day activity of being a missionary in Honduras.
My first few days there every time I would begin to write in my journal I wrote question after question and one question turned into three more and those three turned into six more and on and on. . . My first question was "Is it ME who wants to move to Honduras or is it God who is calling me?" Which led to more questions like. . . "Why would I want to move to a country where you have to wash vegetables with bleach?" . . . "Why would I want to move to a country where you brush your teeth with bottled water?". . . ".Why . . . country where I do not speak the language. . . where you cannot flush your toilet paper. . .where your house is surrounded by razor wire?". . . you see how the questions began to snowball. Finally I felt as if God was telling me to be quiet if I ever expected to hear an answer. I was doing too much trying to figure it out on my own and trying to rationalize the passion that I was feeling for the country, people, and children of Honduras.
It was Thursday evening when I went out on my own that I felt like I needed to be quiet and listen. That evening I sat looking outside of the mall (aka the small) at the mountains and the sky and the beauty of the country, just taking it all in. That evening as I prayed and waited I realized that whatever the answer, it was going to require sacrifice. If He was not telling me to come to Honduras I would be sad because I have such a passion and desire to be there, but if He did tell me to come there that would mean leaving friends and family and the comfort of my home to move to a third world country. I made peace that night, that whatever the answer I would accept it.
The next morning I was getting ready for going to the school, and I was thinking about all the chaotic dreams I had during the night, dreams of me running, being chased, fear, chaos and confusion. As I was remembering these dreams I thought of something else, and in my mind I thought it had actually happened. As I was thinking about it, I realized that it had been a dream too, I had to keep reminding myself that it was not real. In this dream, I was outside of the mall, just as I had been the night before, and was looking at the mountains and sky and enjoying the beauty, and then all the clouds in the sky began to move and formed the shape of a cross. I knew that I had my answer, that it was God that was calling me there, that I was hearing Him correctly.
Joshua is a senior this year so sometime after he graduates I will be moving to Honduras. I plan to put my house up for sale shortly. Please pray that it will sell quickly - this is the biggest stressor I feel currently. I will be helping at Ruach Christian School, the school run by Annette and Lance Turner. I have such excitement in my heart for the work that can be done in Honduras. I have a heart for the children. Whether kids in the U.S. or in Honduras, or any other country, they are so important. The kids can make a difference in the next generation, they can effect the world for Jesus. We are teaching the future pastors, prayer warriors, teachers and prophets. What a difference these kids can make at home and in Honduras.
So that is my heart. I am excited, I am humbled to be called, I am overwhelmed at times thinking of all that will need to happen before I go, and I am struggling with leaving Joshua. I will need your prayers and encouragement over the coming months. Thank you for standing with me over the years and for walking this part of the journey with me.
That's the short version. . . for the long version, read on. . .
Let me back up a little. . . While I was in Honduras in July, 2005, I kept thinking "what is the day to day" like here. You know, you go on a mission trip and it is constant activity, constant focus on God, constant focus on stepping out of your comfort zone to do all He has planned for you. . . then you come home and back to life as usual. But while I was there last year I kept wondering what it was like to be there every day, and I wondered how I could come home and continue to live as if I am on a mission trip. Those thoughts and questions are why I went this year for 3 weeks. When I arrived Annette asked me what I wanted to do, did I want her to take me to do touristy things, did I have something special in mind that I wanted to do, did I want to do something special with the kids at school? All I wanted to do for the two weeks before the team arrived was live there, be there for the normal day to day activity of being a missionary in Honduras.
My first few days there every time I would begin to write in my journal I wrote question after question and one question turned into three more and those three turned into six more and on and on. . . My first question was "Is it ME who wants to move to Honduras or is it God who is calling me?" Which led to more questions like. . . "Why would I want to move to a country where you have to wash vegetables with bleach?" . . . "Why would I want to move to a country where you brush your teeth with bottled water?". . . ".Why . . . country where I do not speak the language. . . where you cannot flush your toilet paper. . .where your house is surrounded by razor wire?". . . you see how the questions began to snowball. Finally I felt as if God was telling me to be quiet if I ever expected to hear an answer. I was doing too much trying to figure it out on my own and trying to rationalize the passion that I was feeling for the country, people, and children of Honduras.
It was Thursday evening when I went out on my own that I felt like I needed to be quiet and listen. That evening I sat looking outside of the mall (aka the small) at the mountains and the sky and the beauty of the country, just taking it all in. That evening as I prayed and waited I realized that whatever the answer, it was going to require sacrifice. If He was not telling me to come to Honduras I would be sad because I have such a passion and desire to be there, but if He did tell me to come there that would mean leaving friends and family and the comfort of my home to move to a third world country. I made peace that night, that whatever the answer I would accept it.
The next morning I was getting ready for going to the school, and I was thinking about all the chaotic dreams I had during the night, dreams of me running, being chased, fear, chaos and confusion. As I was remembering these dreams I thought of something else, and in my mind I thought it had actually happened. As I was thinking about it, I realized that it had been a dream too, I had to keep reminding myself that it was not real. In this dream, I was outside of the mall, just as I had been the night before, and was looking at the mountains and sky and enjoying the beauty, and then all the clouds in the sky began to move and formed the shape of a cross. I knew that I had my answer, that it was God that was calling me there, that I was hearing Him correctly.
Joshua is a senior this year so sometime after he graduates I will be moving to Honduras. I plan to put my house up for sale shortly. Please pray that it will sell quickly - this is the biggest stressor I feel currently. I will be helping at Ruach Christian School, the school run by Annette and Lance Turner. I have such excitement in my heart for the work that can be done in Honduras. I have a heart for the children. Whether kids in the U.S. or in Honduras, or any other country, they are so important. The kids can make a difference in the next generation, they can effect the world for Jesus. We are teaching the future pastors, prayer warriors, teachers and prophets. What a difference these kids can make at home and in Honduras.
So that is my heart. I am excited, I am humbled to be called, I am overwhelmed at times thinking of all that will need to happen before I go, and I am struggling with leaving Joshua. I will need your prayers and encouragement over the coming months. Thank you for standing with me over the years and for walking this part of the journey with me.
Thursday, August 03, 2006
Hello! After I left the internet cafe last night I remembered one big event that I left out of my update. . . Daibe, Pastor Felix´s son, is here with us this week. He took a bus, another bus and a taxi from Dan Li to Comayagua to spend the week with Joshua! Jim Faber asked Josh on Monday if he would like Daibe to come and of course he was thrilled. So it has been good for Joshua. It was very hard for him to think of coming and not getting to see his Honduran Family. So at least he got his brother for the week! We will see Bessie Friday when she is awarded the Amy Pack Memorial Scholarship. It will be a special time.
Did every read Romans 12? The weekend I was at the orphanage God took me to that chapter. I read it and read it again. Many times when He gets me to a passage He keeps me there for a while. There were many things that popped out at me while I was reading it. The first thing being that in my Bible the title of the chapter says Living Sacrifices. I felt like this chapter really spoke about this mission trip for everyone on the team. The next thing that really popped out at me (I am paraphrasing because I do not have my Bible with me). . . was in the first part of the chapter it talks about knowing God´s will. That was a big part of my trip, my first week here I was talking to Him about what his plan was for me in the future and in Honduras. The next thing that popped out at me was . . . I don´t remember the verse number, sorry, but it talks about having zeal, keeping the zeal. So I have been reading that chapter over and over since I was at the orphanage. Last weekend I had filled up my journal, so while Helen and I were out shopping we stopped in a little shop and I bought a spiral notebook to continue journaling in. The words on the front were in Spanish. I didn´t think much about the words, I just began writing in it. Then on Monday evening as I sat down to write I noticed that the front of the notebook says Romanos 12:1-21. I thought now how strange is that. . . God is definitely telling me something. So the next morning I asked Jim if I could share at breakfast for our devotional time. I had planned to read the first part of Romans 12. Before Jim had me speak, he said he had something he wanted to read. . . he read Romans 12:9 -21 . . . Now I am really going WOW!!!! So I shared that I thought it was so cool tha he read that section because I had planned to read at the beginning of Romans 12. I shared with everyone that I do not believe all this was a coincidence, but it was all orchastrated by God. . . me reading that chapter at the end of my first week here, then buying the notebook and later seeing that passage on the front, then Jim chosing that to read Tuesday morning.
This morning we were at the water park with the children at Ruach and the small boys from the orphanage. The older boys, with Mark, Hannah, Faith and John went with our teenages to San Pedro Sula to Wonderland the water park. I am sure they are all having a fun time!
Before I left Deanna gave me an amount of money. She told me that God have told her to give me that specific amount and that she felt there was going to be need in Honduras for that specific amount for me to give to someone here. One of the teachers at Ruach, Mary Cruz, she is so sweet! She has wonderful children, one of them you may meet, he is traveling to the states with Annette and Lance later this year to help them as they go to churches to talk about the school and their vision for their ministry here in Honduras. Well, Mary Cruz´s son, Celestino, thought he had lost his while a month or so ago. Well one day at the school they had someone there working on one of the toilets that was stopped up. They had to take much of it apart, and ended up pulling Celestino`s wallet out of the pipes. When this happened, everyone knew that he had not lost his wallet, but that someone had stolen it and then to hide the wallet had flushed it at the school. (we all laughed since you cannot flush toilet paper but some kid thought he could hide a wallet by flushing it). I do not know how much money was stolen from him, but God put it on my heart at that time to give Mary Cruz the money that Deanna had given to me. I had expected something like someone to say I need this specific amount of money, but after this happened, I knew that I didn´t need to know what it was for, but just that God had a plan for the money. Today I explained to Mary Cruz about the money, how God had spoken to Deanna about sending it with me, and how He had put it on my heart to give it to her. She began to cry and said that she had been praying for provision for her family, and that God had answered her prayer. What a beautiful moment! It was`t even so much about the money but that she had the faith to pray and that she would be so much encouraged because her prayer was answered. Answered through someone in the states who she doesn´t even know. Mary Cruz is a wonderful lady, with a wonderful family. Her son, Celestino, wants to be a preacher. He has come to the states for competitions with the sermons he has written. Some of you who have worked at the school before will know Mary Cruz.
I will miss my kids so much from the school. I was going around the pool this afternoon telling them all goodbye. I had fun playing with them today. I don´t think they realized my goodbye was goodbye, they will probably be looking for me on Monday.
Rosie came with us after we left the pool to hang out with us this afternoon. I told her I will miss her so much. I have worked with her everyday at the school. She made me feel a part of the teachers and not an outsider or a visitor. She really made my time there special, and easy to adjust and fit in.
Tommy`s teaching is going great! Last night they had all the students there, which I have been told is unusual, so that is good that they are there to learn much from Tommy. Lydia was there with him last night to help with ministry time after he taught,because many of the students are ladies. She said it was so awesome how they responded and received ministry. Several ladies from the team will be going to the school tonight as Tommy preaches to intercede during the teaching and help with ministry after class.
Joy, the English teacher at the ministry school, told me that one of the students is not a christian. He delivers the chips and snacks to the school, and heard that there was good teaching and that he could learn English so he just started attending. I do not know his name, but pray for him that he would receive all God has for him. We have all thought it was incredible that someone not a Christian would come to a Bible school, what an awesome experience I am sure he is having this week with Tommy`s teaching.
There are so many things from this trip I could tell about. . . I know I will be journaling for weeks after I arrive home.
Well I should close now.
Love you all!
Did every read Romans 12? The weekend I was at the orphanage God took me to that chapter. I read it and read it again. Many times when He gets me to a passage He keeps me there for a while. There were many things that popped out at me while I was reading it. The first thing being that in my Bible the title of the chapter says Living Sacrifices. I felt like this chapter really spoke about this mission trip for everyone on the team. The next thing that really popped out at me (I am paraphrasing because I do not have my Bible with me). . . was in the first part of the chapter it talks about knowing God´s will. That was a big part of my trip, my first week here I was talking to Him about what his plan was for me in the future and in Honduras. The next thing that popped out at me was . . . I don´t remember the verse number, sorry, but it talks about having zeal, keeping the zeal. So I have been reading that chapter over and over since I was at the orphanage. Last weekend I had filled up my journal, so while Helen and I were out shopping we stopped in a little shop and I bought a spiral notebook to continue journaling in. The words on the front were in Spanish. I didn´t think much about the words, I just began writing in it. Then on Monday evening as I sat down to write I noticed that the front of the notebook says Romanos 12:1-21. I thought now how strange is that. . . God is definitely telling me something. So the next morning I asked Jim if I could share at breakfast for our devotional time. I had planned to read the first part of Romans 12. Before Jim had me speak, he said he had something he wanted to read. . . he read Romans 12:9 -21 . . . Now I am really going WOW!!!! So I shared that I thought it was so cool tha he read that section because I had planned to read at the beginning of Romans 12. I shared with everyone that I do not believe all this was a coincidence, but it was all orchastrated by God. . . me reading that chapter at the end of my first week here, then buying the notebook and later seeing that passage on the front, then Jim chosing that to read Tuesday morning.
This morning we were at the water park with the children at Ruach and the small boys from the orphanage. The older boys, with Mark, Hannah, Faith and John went with our teenages to San Pedro Sula to Wonderland the water park. I am sure they are all having a fun time!
Before I left Deanna gave me an amount of money. She told me that God have told her to give me that specific amount and that she felt there was going to be need in Honduras for that specific amount for me to give to someone here. One of the teachers at Ruach, Mary Cruz, she is so sweet! She has wonderful children, one of them you may meet, he is traveling to the states with Annette and Lance later this year to help them as they go to churches to talk about the school and their vision for their ministry here in Honduras. Well, Mary Cruz´s son, Celestino, thought he had lost his while a month or so ago. Well one day at the school they had someone there working on one of the toilets that was stopped up. They had to take much of it apart, and ended up pulling Celestino`s wallet out of the pipes. When this happened, everyone knew that he had not lost his wallet, but that someone had stolen it and then to hide the wallet had flushed it at the school. (we all laughed since you cannot flush toilet paper but some kid thought he could hide a wallet by flushing it). I do not know how much money was stolen from him, but God put it on my heart at that time to give Mary Cruz the money that Deanna had given to me. I had expected something like someone to say I need this specific amount of money, but after this happened, I knew that I didn´t need to know what it was for, but just that God had a plan for the money. Today I explained to Mary Cruz about the money, how God had spoken to Deanna about sending it with me, and how He had put it on my heart to give it to her. She began to cry and said that she had been praying for provision for her family, and that God had answered her prayer. What a beautiful moment! It was`t even so much about the money but that she had the faith to pray and that she would be so much encouraged because her prayer was answered. Answered through someone in the states who she doesn´t even know. Mary Cruz is a wonderful lady, with a wonderful family. Her son, Celestino, wants to be a preacher. He has come to the states for competitions with the sermons he has written. Some of you who have worked at the school before will know Mary Cruz.
I will miss my kids so much from the school. I was going around the pool this afternoon telling them all goodbye. I had fun playing with them today. I don´t think they realized my goodbye was goodbye, they will probably be looking for me on Monday.
Rosie came with us after we left the pool to hang out with us this afternoon. I told her I will miss her so much. I have worked with her everyday at the school. She made me feel a part of the teachers and not an outsider or a visitor. She really made my time there special, and easy to adjust and fit in.
Tommy`s teaching is going great! Last night they had all the students there, which I have been told is unusual, so that is good that they are there to learn much from Tommy. Lydia was there with him last night to help with ministry time after he taught,because many of the students are ladies. She said it was so awesome how they responded and received ministry. Several ladies from the team will be going to the school tonight as Tommy preaches to intercede during the teaching and help with ministry after class.
Joy, the English teacher at the ministry school, told me that one of the students is not a christian. He delivers the chips and snacks to the school, and heard that there was good teaching and that he could learn English so he just started attending. I do not know his name, but pray for him that he would receive all God has for him. We have all thought it was incredible that someone not a Christian would come to a Bible school, what an awesome experience I am sure he is having this week with Tommy`s teaching.
There are so many things from this trip I could tell about. . . I know I will be journaling for weeks after I arrive home.
Well I should close now.
Love you all!
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Hello!
Well I made it to the internet cafe tonight. I made it here last night too, but I obviously did something wrong because it did not post. I must have entered it as a draft and not actually pulished it, because it is not here.
I was rushed last night, Jim ran me up here, and I was trying to send an update but they were closing. . . so I guess I will start again.
The team arrived Sunday. It was great to see Joshua. I did not realize how much I missed him until I could see him on the other side of the glass when they were coming through customs. We rode on a school bus to the airport, which didn´t sound like fun originally, but it was a great trip, you could see much more I suppose because we were sitting higher on the bus. It was a good trip.
The teams are meshing together great! The team from Colorado had prepared some activities for the children at the church in Tegucigalpa. We went there after everyone arrived. They had some fun activities, with salvation bracelets, memory verses, and fun games for the kids.
Angel, Barbara Lee and Jim Faber stayed behind with Tommy and the rest of the team headed back to Comayagua.
Monday evening we had the teacher appreciation dinner for the teachers of Ruach. Everyone had a great lesson in FLEXIBILITY! After arriving back at the hotel people were getting ready, with showers and the electricity went out, then the storm hit. Down pouring rain and lightening, and then we did not have any more water. The teacher dinner was supposed to be outside at Annette´s house. We had decorated with Christmas lights, and set up table and chairs for 50 that afternoon. It got moved to Enlaces, thanks to Annette`s friend Autumn. We arrived, wet and in the dark, but with candles the festivities still happened. Power came back on during the last 10 minutes.
Tuesday the teenagers started their activities. They had some good response from the Honduran kids during the ministry time. Joshua did his teaching Tuesday afternoon. I was proud of him, I hear he did a good job on his teaching about perseverance.
We have played games with the kids 1st through 6th grade. Today was the end of that activity, and tomorrow is the water parks. The teenagers going to San Pedro Sula to a water park, pray for their safety, it is a 3 hour trip both ways. And the rest of us will be going with the younger kids and the kids from the orphanage to a local water park.
Friday we go to the orphanage for a cook out and then back to Comayagua for a time to share and end the trip.
It is hard to believe it is almost time for me to come home. It was hard today, being in the class with the kids this morning and I kept thinking that it would be the last time to do that with these kids. I will miss them all so much! I will miss everything about my days here helping at the school.
I have more to tell you. . . read Romans chapter 12. . . Lydia and I took a taxi here to email home before we meet the team across the street for dinner, so I better end now.
Look for more abut Romans chapter 12. . .read it while you wait. It has a lot to say!
Love you all!
Steph
Well I made it to the internet cafe tonight. I made it here last night too, but I obviously did something wrong because it did not post. I must have entered it as a draft and not actually pulished it, because it is not here.
I was rushed last night, Jim ran me up here, and I was trying to send an update but they were closing. . . so I guess I will start again.
The team arrived Sunday. It was great to see Joshua. I did not realize how much I missed him until I could see him on the other side of the glass when they were coming through customs. We rode on a school bus to the airport, which didn´t sound like fun originally, but it was a great trip, you could see much more I suppose because we were sitting higher on the bus. It was a good trip.
The teams are meshing together great! The team from Colorado had prepared some activities for the children at the church in Tegucigalpa. We went there after everyone arrived. They had some fun activities, with salvation bracelets, memory verses, and fun games for the kids.
Angel, Barbara Lee and Jim Faber stayed behind with Tommy and the rest of the team headed back to Comayagua.
Monday evening we had the teacher appreciation dinner for the teachers of Ruach. Everyone had a great lesson in FLEXIBILITY! After arriving back at the hotel people were getting ready, with showers and the electricity went out, then the storm hit. Down pouring rain and lightening, and then we did not have any more water. The teacher dinner was supposed to be outside at Annette´s house. We had decorated with Christmas lights, and set up table and chairs for 50 that afternoon. It got moved to Enlaces, thanks to Annette`s friend Autumn. We arrived, wet and in the dark, but with candles the festivities still happened. Power came back on during the last 10 minutes.
Tuesday the teenagers started their activities. They had some good response from the Honduran kids during the ministry time. Joshua did his teaching Tuesday afternoon. I was proud of him, I hear he did a good job on his teaching about perseverance.
We have played games with the kids 1st through 6th grade. Today was the end of that activity, and tomorrow is the water parks. The teenagers going to San Pedro Sula to a water park, pray for their safety, it is a 3 hour trip both ways. And the rest of us will be going with the younger kids and the kids from the orphanage to a local water park.
Friday we go to the orphanage for a cook out and then back to Comayagua for a time to share and end the trip.
It is hard to believe it is almost time for me to come home. It was hard today, being in the class with the kids this morning and I kept thinking that it would be the last time to do that with these kids. I will miss them all so much! I will miss everything about my days here helping at the school.
I have more to tell you. . . read Romans chapter 12. . . Lydia and I took a taxi here to email home before we meet the team across the street for dinner, so I better end now.
Look for more abut Romans chapter 12. . .read it while you wait. It has a lot to say!
Love you all!
Steph
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Hello! Jim arrived safely Thursday. We all spent Friday evening at the ministry school, where Jim is staying until the team arrives, playing games.. . actually the men went in one room and played hearts and the ladies stayed in another room talking and laughing! It was a fun time. We had Paula and Mark and the kids with us yesterday evening, because they had to make a trip into Teguc with Annette to do some residency stuff.
Friday morning I woke with some stomach problems, but I am feeling better today. Although I have not eaten anything, so I am still playing it safe.
I left the school during lunch yesterday to come home and get some medicine then headed back to the school for the rest of the afternoon. I didn't think anything about traveling by myself, it was a good feeling to know that I was confident enough to do that. I am good at pointing. :)
Thursday evening we met Glenda at Villa Real for dinner. I had not had a chance to see her yet since I arrived, so we had a fun ladies night laughing and cutting up. Jim Pack took her kids to Wendy's so I haven't seem them yet, but I am sure it was a welcome break for Glenda.
We are preparing for the team's arrival, preparing for the team's arrival tomorrow, making preparations for Parents' Night at the school next week, and all the fun activities for the kids at the school.
Helen has been working with a group of girls at Restoration Church in Barrio Bokeem this week, so we are heading there this afternoon for their dance practice, then Helen and I are going to go downtown to do some shopping.
One of my second graders is having a birthday party at the school next Tuesday. His mom, Mary Cruz, made sweet invitations for all the children, and his teachers (me included!) so I have a birthday gift to shop for today.
I hear we have some who are coming on the trip who are having health issues, Michael Carrigan and Lydia Grady, please pray for them. Lance is still having back pain, please continue to pray for him. There is so much burning trash here that the air can really be bad, I just yesterday started having some congestion and headache so please pray that this will not turn into anything.
Joshua can you bring me some sudafed for nose and sinus congestion? I brought everything under the sun but that! But Thank God I remembered the Immodium and Tums! :)
Thank you everyone for your comments, I love staying in touch with everyone this way!
I was really sad at school yesterday, knowing that this was the end of the "school as usual" because when the team is here next week it is constant excitement. . . I enjoyed the day to day living and teaching at the school. But I am so excited to see Joshua tomorrow! Once I get him here, it will be hard for me to come home!
Thank you for your prayers, please continue to pray as the team travels here tomorrow, one team from Restoration and the team coming with Corey from Colorado. And pray for the people here in Honduras that we have come to love on and tell about Jesus!
Love you all!
Friday morning I woke with some stomach problems, but I am feeling better today. Although I have not eaten anything, so I am still playing it safe.
I left the school during lunch yesterday to come home and get some medicine then headed back to the school for the rest of the afternoon. I didn't think anything about traveling by myself, it was a good feeling to know that I was confident enough to do that. I am good at pointing. :)
Thursday evening we met Glenda at Villa Real for dinner. I had not had a chance to see her yet since I arrived, so we had a fun ladies night laughing and cutting up. Jim Pack took her kids to Wendy's so I haven't seem them yet, but I am sure it was a welcome break for Glenda.
We are preparing for the team's arrival, preparing for the team's arrival tomorrow, making preparations for Parents' Night at the school next week, and all the fun activities for the kids at the school.
Helen has been working with a group of girls at Restoration Church in Barrio Bokeem this week, so we are heading there this afternoon for their dance practice, then Helen and I are going to go downtown to do some shopping.
One of my second graders is having a birthday party at the school next Tuesday. His mom, Mary Cruz, made sweet invitations for all the children, and his teachers (me included!) so I have a birthday gift to shop for today.
I hear we have some who are coming on the trip who are having health issues, Michael Carrigan and Lydia Grady, please pray for them. Lance is still having back pain, please continue to pray for him. There is so much burning trash here that the air can really be bad, I just yesterday started having some congestion and headache so please pray that this will not turn into anything.
Joshua can you bring me some sudafed for nose and sinus congestion? I brought everything under the sun but that! But Thank God I remembered the Immodium and Tums! :)
Thank you everyone for your comments, I love staying in touch with everyone this way!
I was really sad at school yesterday, knowing that this was the end of the "school as usual" because when the team is here next week it is constant excitement. . . I enjoyed the day to day living and teaching at the school. But I am so excited to see Joshua tomorrow! Once I get him here, it will be hard for me to come home!
Thank you for your prayers, please continue to pray as the team travels here tomorrow, one team from Restoration and the team coming with Corey from Colorado. And pray for the people here in Honduras that we have come to love on and tell about Jesus!
Love you all!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Wednesday evening. . . this evening was spent sitting in the backyard, Lance on the guitar, Lance, Chelsea and Annette singing, playing with Redman and Gracie (doggies), and enjoying the cool evening.
Thank you everyone for your comments. I look forward to reading from each of you each evening. Graham and Gabe - I wish I could smuggle Faith in my suitcase and bring her back to the states for a while, but I had a hard time getting through security with a suitcase full of crayons, I do not know how I would explain a little girl!
Elaine - yes Faith and Hannah did their dance for me, and I have pictures :) They were so sweet performing my last night there. Before we went out for a night with Faith. Paula, Chelsea, Faith and I. . . a trip into town to Wendy's for a frosty.
Nancy - thank you so much for your prayers and your notes on my blog. I do not need Tommy to bring anything for me, but thank you so much for asking.
I started today to feel sad as I was thinking about how the days I have left. Only a few more days and the team arrives, and that is good, and I am so excited to see Joshua, but at the same time that means that only a week left once the team gets here. And next week will be so much different, and I have so enjoyed being with the kids in class each day. I came wanting to experience the day to day life of living in Honduras, and helping at the school, that is what I have experienced and have loved it! I am trying not to think about the going home part, but just enjoy the days I am here.
I have been trying to make a plan to see Glenda, right now the plan is for me to get together with her sometime Thursday, I pray that works out. I am excited to see her and Daniel and Gabriella. I have not even been to that side of Comayagua, which seems odd... but with Pastor Felix no longer at Restoration in Bokeem, it is different.
It is 11:00 and 6:30 will be here soon, and the roosters begin their morning talks back and forth way before my clock goes off, so I should head to my room.
Goodnight from Honduras!
Thank you everyone for your comments. I look forward to reading from each of you each evening. Graham and Gabe - I wish I could smuggle Faith in my suitcase and bring her back to the states for a while, but I had a hard time getting through security with a suitcase full of crayons, I do not know how I would explain a little girl!
Elaine - yes Faith and Hannah did their dance for me, and I have pictures :) They were so sweet performing my last night there. Before we went out for a night with Faith. Paula, Chelsea, Faith and I. . . a trip into town to Wendy's for a frosty.
Nancy - thank you so much for your prayers and your notes on my blog. I do not need Tommy to bring anything for me, but thank you so much for asking.
I started today to feel sad as I was thinking about how the days I have left. Only a few more days and the team arrives, and that is good, and I am so excited to see Joshua, but at the same time that means that only a week left once the team gets here. And next week will be so much different, and I have so enjoyed being with the kids in class each day. I came wanting to experience the day to day life of living in Honduras, and helping at the school, that is what I have experienced and have loved it! I am trying not to think about the going home part, but just enjoy the days I am here.
I have been trying to make a plan to see Glenda, right now the plan is for me to get together with her sometime Thursday, I pray that works out. I am excited to see her and Daniel and Gabriella. I have not even been to that side of Comayagua, which seems odd... but with Pastor Felix no longer at Restoration in Bokeem, it is different.
It is 11:00 and 6:30 will be here soon, and the roosters begin their morning talks back and forth way before my clock goes off, so I should head to my room.
Goodnight from Honduras!
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Good evening all. I love reading everyone's comments on the blog. Today was a typical day at school. I just so enjoy being there with them, the day just flies by. Helen has been teaching the children a dance and a mime which they will perform on Parents' Night next week. The children are so excited and eager to learn. We had second graders doing hip hop all around the room after they came back from practicing today. They are all too cute!
This evening we went to Bible study. Several missionaries here in Comayagua meet on Tuesday night for Bible study. . . the most important is everything is in English! Lance leads the praise and worship and as always it was fantastic!
Please pray for Lance, he is having back pain and we all gathered around him tonight to pray for healing of his back pain.
God is moving in many people who are on this trip and I know it will be an incredible time when the team arrives here on Sunday. I believe we are all growing closer in our relationship with the Lord and desiring more of Him. Tonight at Bible study we read from John 6:35 - 53 and discussed this passage and then took communion as we focused on Jesus. It is always amazing how you can look at different things and see the how God ties so many things together. Just like our discussion at Bible study and the growing that is happening all around, and myself included, as we focus on him, read His Word, desire for more of Him and receive all He has for us.
Thank you for continuing to pray for all that is going on in Comayagua and the orphanage in.. . I couldn't spell it if I tried, so I won't try. . . please remember Annette and Lance, as well as Helen and Chelsea who are are here.
Love you all!
Steph
This evening we went to Bible study. Several missionaries here in Comayagua meet on Tuesday night for Bible study. . . the most important is everything is in English! Lance leads the praise and worship and as always it was fantastic!
Please pray for Lance, he is having back pain and we all gathered around him tonight to pray for healing of his back pain.
God is moving in many people who are on this trip and I know it will be an incredible time when the team arrives here on Sunday. I believe we are all growing closer in our relationship with the Lord and desiring more of Him. Tonight at Bible study we read from John 6:35 - 53 and discussed this passage and then took communion as we focused on Jesus. It is always amazing how you can look at different things and see the how God ties so many things together. Just like our discussion at Bible study and the growing that is happening all around, and myself included, as we focus on him, read His Word, desire for more of Him and receive all He has for us.
Thank you for continuing to pray for all that is going on in Comayagua and the orphanage in.. . I couldn't spell it if I tried, so I won't try. . . please remember Annette and Lance, as well as Helen and Chelsea who are are here.
Love you all!
Steph
Monday, July 24, 2006
I am back! I don't even know where to begin in telling you about my weekend adventure. I was picked up by the Colbath family and Chelsea at school Friday afternoon. The drive up the mountain is beautiful! The trees and the plants and flowers, everything is so green and beautiful! The boys are preciousos! I absolutely feel in love with them all. From baby Carlitos, to Ely who never stops talking or moving or eating, to the oldest, Roman, they are all so precious! I sat tonight and wrote about 8 pages in my journal, trying to take in everything I experienced over the weekend. The trauma these boys have suffered in their lives, and the love they are now experiencing, you can see how much they love Mark and Paula, and what a huge work the Colbath family is doing there. They are doing so much more than running an orphanage, they are giving these boys a new chance at life, they are raising them up to know the Lord, and the know the Love of their Heavenly Father. It is no wonder the devil keeps throwing things their way.
There is so much to tell you, I am honestly overwhelmed and not sure where to begin. . .
The boys all gathered around me Friday evening to pray for me. After Bible time Mark and Paula asked the kids to all get around me and lay hands on me and pray for me. WOW!!! There is nothing more precious to me than to hear a child's prayers. This truly was a highlight for me!
The weekend was filled with activity, crafts, painting pictures, playing outside on the swing, a trip into town to see a movie, lots of plates of food, and lots of fun!
A doctor from Comayagua came Sunday, with his family and another family from his church. (It was Dr. Herson, who stitched Joshua's head last year). They checked out all of the children, provided all the medicines, each child has several meds, vitamins, calcium, etc. His church has offered to pay for some further testing for the kids. This was such a blessing to Mark and Paula. While the kids were taking turns to be seen by the doctor, his wife was leading the children in praise songs. They brought each child a bag with snacks, fruit, coloring book, and crayons. The kids were all blessed by the day.
Please pray for the orphanage, for the kids and the Colbath family. They needs many prayers for the health of everyone there. If you could see all the bags of medicine for each of the children.
This morning I got up early to see the boys off to school before I came back to Comayagua. It was sad saying good bye to them, but I will see them again in a few weeks, so I have that to look forward to.
I was happy to be back at the school today. Rosie said when I wasn't in class this morning all the kids asked where I was. I got a lot of hugs when I finally got there today.
I know I have skipped over a lot. But I am still taking it all in.
Helen Jackson arrived safely in Comayagua yesterday. Chelsea has come to Annette's with me, and will stay until Thursday before returning to the orphanage. Please continue to pray for the work we are doing at Ruach, and for the orphanage.
Steph
There is so much to tell you, I am honestly overwhelmed and not sure where to begin. . .
The boys all gathered around me Friday evening to pray for me. After Bible time Mark and Paula asked the kids to all get around me and lay hands on me and pray for me. WOW!!! There is nothing more precious to me than to hear a child's prayers. This truly was a highlight for me!
The weekend was filled with activity, crafts, painting pictures, playing outside on the swing, a trip into town to see a movie, lots of plates of food, and lots of fun!
A doctor from Comayagua came Sunday, with his family and another family from his church. (It was Dr. Herson, who stitched Joshua's head last year). They checked out all of the children, provided all the medicines, each child has several meds, vitamins, calcium, etc. His church has offered to pay for some further testing for the kids. This was such a blessing to Mark and Paula. While the kids were taking turns to be seen by the doctor, his wife was leading the children in praise songs. They brought each child a bag with snacks, fruit, coloring book, and crayons. The kids were all blessed by the day.
Please pray for the orphanage, for the kids and the Colbath family. They needs many prayers for the health of everyone there. If you could see all the bags of medicine for each of the children.
This morning I got up early to see the boys off to school before I came back to Comayagua. It was sad saying good bye to them, but I will see them again in a few weeks, so I have that to look forward to.
I was happy to be back at the school today. Rosie said when I wasn't in class this morning all the kids asked where I was. I got a lot of hugs when I finally got there today.
I know I have skipped over a lot. But I am still taking it all in.
Helen Jackson arrived safely in Comayagua yesterday. Chelsea has come to Annette's with me, and will stay until Thursday before returning to the orphanage. Please continue to pray for the work we are doing at Ruach, and for the orphanage.
Steph
Thursday, July 20, 2006
I was sitting at Wendy´s eating dinner when I thought of something I should have posted about my day at the school... I was coming back over to the mall to send out a few other emails and as I am walking through the mall I hear "Miss . . . Miss". . . I forget that if I hear a child saying that it might be for me. . . there is one of my 2nd graders from the school running to give me a hug!
What I had forgotten was . . . I wanted to share with you about our special food we had today at the celebration. . . tamales, but not your normal tamale, it was just the corn breading, and then they sprinkle montekea ( I am spelling it like it sounds . . . surely not correct), it is the Honduran equivalent to sourcream. It was good but interesting. I also had their traditional drink, which when they were pouring it into the cooler looked like liquid mud. It actually was good. It is made with rice, seeds from some fruit, and cinnamon and pepper. Yea, doesn´t sound great does it. . . but if you can get over the looks and the feel of it, it is very good. It is a special treat because it takes a long time to get all the seeds, dry them out, roast them, crush them, and then make the drink.
Well the sun is begin to go down a bit, if I think I want to venture to Central Park for ice cream I better head out.
I will post again about the fun with the Colbaths!
What I had forgotten was . . . I wanted to share with you about our special food we had today at the celebration. . . tamales, but not your normal tamale, it was just the corn breading, and then they sprinkle montekea ( I am spelling it like it sounds . . . surely not correct), it is the Honduran equivalent to sourcream. It was good but interesting. I also had their traditional drink, which when they were pouring it into the cooler looked like liquid mud. It actually was good. It is made with rice, seeds from some fruit, and cinnamon and pepper. Yea, doesn´t sound great does it. . . but if you can get over the looks and the feel of it, it is very good. It is a special treat because it takes a long time to get all the seeds, dry them out, roast them, crush them, and then make the drink.
Well the sun is begin to go down a bit, if I think I want to venture to Central Park for ice cream I better head out.
I will post again about the fun with the Colbaths!
Hola from the Internet Cafe in Honduras!
I am on my adventure tonight. Came to the mall. . . also known as the "small" . I am on the computer at the internet cafe. My plan is to go across the street to Wendy´s and then if I am still feeling adventerous I will take a taxi to the Central Park before I head back to Annette´s. They have a shop with the best ice cream in the Central Park! Sorry Cristy. . . I will take ice cream over coffee any day! But I do remember your coffee place, you and Patty!
Today at the school was a celebration day for the kids. They celebrated the Day of the Lempera. . . I didn´t understand all about it, but it is a special day, something about Indians. The month of July is a special history month for Honduras. Many of the children dressed in traditional Honduran dress. I got many sweet pictures. The girls loved being in their twirly dresses, big earrings and lipstick!
Tomorrow morning Paula will be picking me up at the school and I will spend the weekend at the orphanage. I am looking forward to seeing all of them, and passing out all the hugs and gifts that have been sent with me from the States.
The weather here has been wonderful. Nice and cool. It has rained every evening, which cools it down. I was telling Rosie today in class that it has been over 100 degrees in Texas since I left, we decided we would keep this weather we are having here! Sorry!
I love all of you and love reading your comments! Thank you for your prayers!
Steph
I am on my adventure tonight. Came to the mall. . . also known as the "small" . I am on the computer at the internet cafe. My plan is to go across the street to Wendy´s and then if I am still feeling adventerous I will take a taxi to the Central Park before I head back to Annette´s. They have a shop with the best ice cream in the Central Park! Sorry Cristy. . . I will take ice cream over coffee any day! But I do remember your coffee place, you and Patty!
Today at the school was a celebration day for the kids. They celebrated the Day of the Lempera. . . I didn´t understand all about it, but it is a special day, something about Indians. The month of July is a special history month for Honduras. Many of the children dressed in traditional Honduran dress. I got many sweet pictures. The girls loved being in their twirly dresses, big earrings and lipstick!
Tomorrow morning Paula will be picking me up at the school and I will spend the weekend at the orphanage. I am looking forward to seeing all of them, and passing out all the hugs and gifts that have been sent with me from the States.
The weather here has been wonderful. Nice and cool. It has rained every evening, which cools it down. I was telling Rosie today in class that it has been over 100 degrees in Texas since I left, we decided we would keep this weather we are having here! Sorry!
I love all of you and love reading your comments! Thank you for your prayers!
Steph
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Well I have had 2 wonderful days helping in the 2nd grade class. Rosie needs help with the number of kids and the amount of time needed to listen to them read and help with their word pronunciation and learning English. It is a ton of fun! I was so excited to help in her class, because you all know how much I love my 2nd graders at home! These kids are no different. Just speak a different language. :)
Last night I went with Annette and Lance to Bible study they have weekly with some other missionaries here in Comayagua. Lance led praise and worship, it was a wonderful time. Everything that people had on their hearts to share last night all blended together. It was a wonderfully blessed time for all!
I took a step out of my comfort zone today. It may not sound like much, but those who know me well will know this was a step for me. I told Annette I need to push myself to go out on my own. Today after school I took a taxi to her house by myself. She wrote on a paper the barrio I needed to go to, she sent me with her cell phone in case I had any problems, and considering I could have walked home it was not far, but for me it was definitely a step of faith. I made it with no problem! Tomorrow Annette and Lance have worship team practice at the base so I am planning an outing on my own after school tomorrow. Some easy places that will not require much explanation to the taxi driver... the Mall . . . Wendy's... maybe I will even get some icecream. Then back to Annette's house in Barrio San Miguel numero uno.
Paula is picking me up at the school Friday morning and I will spend the weekend with them at the orphanage and return to the school on Monday.
I am having a wonderful time. I love the school, the kids, the teachers. Today I sat with the teachers during lunch as they all spoke Spanish, I was able to get the idea from the few words I picked up and the gestures and facial expressions. . . but even though there was a communication gap I felt comfortable and happy being there with them.
Love you all! Thank you for all your comments and prayers. They are certainly felt and much needed. Sorry this post is so long, I am just excited about being here!
Love you!
Last night I went with Annette and Lance to Bible study they have weekly with some other missionaries here in Comayagua. Lance led praise and worship, it was a wonderful time. Everything that people had on their hearts to share last night all blended together. It was a wonderfully blessed time for all!
I took a step out of my comfort zone today. It may not sound like much, but those who know me well will know this was a step for me. I told Annette I need to push myself to go out on my own. Today after school I took a taxi to her house by myself. She wrote on a paper the barrio I needed to go to, she sent me with her cell phone in case I had any problems, and considering I could have walked home it was not far, but for me it was definitely a step of faith. I made it with no problem! Tomorrow Annette and Lance have worship team practice at the base so I am planning an outing on my own after school tomorrow. Some easy places that will not require much explanation to the taxi driver... the Mall . . . Wendy's... maybe I will even get some icecream. Then back to Annette's house in Barrio San Miguel numero uno.
Paula is picking me up at the school Friday morning and I will spend the weekend with them at the orphanage and return to the school on Monday.
I am having a wonderful time. I love the school, the kids, the teachers. Today I sat with the teachers during lunch as they all spoke Spanish, I was able to get the idea from the few words I picked up and the gestures and facial expressions. . . but even though there was a communication gap I felt comfortable and happy being there with them.
Love you all! Thank you for all your comments and prayers. They are certainly felt and much needed. Sorry this post is so long, I am just excited about being here!
Love you!
Monday, July 17, 2006
Hola from Honduras! I arrived safe and tired yesterday afternoon. But so happy to be here!
Annette was patiently waiting for me as I was one of the last people to get off the plane, and there was a huge mission team there, so getting through customs and getting my luggage was an ordeal. But I made it! I helped at the Ruach today, I was in the learning center today. So I saw many of the kids that I have known from years past. That is always fun!
I think tomorrow I will be helping Rosie with the 2nd graders. Made me think of my 2nd graders at home! It will be fun to work with that age group here. I have not done that before.
All my luggage arrived safely. Although I was searched going through security in Dallas. My carryon which was full of boxes of crayons set off alarms. The lady who searched my bag had to open each box of crayons. She said that someone had attempted to come through with explosives disguised in a crayon box, so now they have to search all boxes of crayons. That was an interested start to my day, when I am carrying about 50 boxes of crayons in my bag. But I made it through!
I loved seeing everyone's comments on my blog page. Thank you all for your prayers during this time!
Annette was patiently waiting for me as I was one of the last people to get off the plane, and there was a huge mission team there, so getting through customs and getting my luggage was an ordeal. But I made it! I helped at the Ruach today, I was in the learning center today. So I saw many of the kids that I have known from years past. That is always fun!
I think tomorrow I will be helping Rosie with the 2nd graders. Made me think of my 2nd graders at home! It will be fun to work with that age group here. I have not done that before.
All my luggage arrived safely. Although I was searched going through security in Dallas. My carryon which was full of boxes of crayons set off alarms. The lady who searched my bag had to open each box of crayons. She said that someone had attempted to come through with explosives disguised in a crayon box, so now they have to search all boxes of crayons. That was an interested start to my day, when I am carrying about 50 boxes of crayons in my bag. But I made it through!
I loved seeing everyone's comments on my blog page. Thank you all for your prayers during this time!
Friday, July 14, 2006
My suitcases are packed, my desk at the office is cleaned off, and I am ready to go. I am excited to see the kids at Ruach Christian school, and to see my sweet Faith Colbath! I am carrying peanut butter, chocolate chips, crayons, pencils, erasers, scissors, dryer sheets, Bath & Body smell goods, bracelets, loads of birthday cards, and gifts... oh yea and I did find room to pack myself some clothes. :) The most fun is taking things to give away. I have had fun picking up things from Annette's and Paula's needs list. Thank you to all of you who have helped me get to this point whether it was financial support or prayers. I could not have gotten to this point without all of you! Check back during my trip, I will try to post updates about my days whenever I can get to an internet cafe. Thank you for your prayers for me, for my family, and for those I will meet in Honduras.
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