Taste and see that the Lord is good...Ps. 34:8

We are almost to the end of September. It has gone so fast. I suppose, from what I hear, that I have reached a milestone since I just turned 65. Hum, I don't feel any different then I did yesterday or the day before.

My youngest came last week, and it was so good to have him here. The Apostle Paul talked about being refreshed by the coming of people he knew and loved. Well, I understand exactly how he felt. We have needs sometimes that we aren't even aware of having. Evidently, I needed to see my son or at least one of my children. Didn't realize that till he was here. God knows and supplies all, doesn't he? So I am refreshed and ready for the next episode in my life.

Our most exciting event while he was here was our trip to Amapala. It's on the island called Isla de Tigre, Island of the Tiger. It's in the southern part of Honduras off the Pacific coast. Beautiful. The beach has black sand due to an extinct volcano. It's not dirty, it's just black. The water has an emerald green cast to it from the reflection of the mountains covered with green foliage. Anyway that's what I think. So since green is one of my favorite colors, I thought it was beautiful. The water was warm and comfortable. The weather was very hot there and Doug and I sweated liked horses, which means we were wet most of the time.

Our guide to Amapala was Johnny, the school bus driver, and Rafael, a young man who teaches at the school ran by Johnny's daughter. Rafael speaks both Spanish and English-a life saver to be sure. So the biggest adventure was to climb the 5,500 foot volcano. Oh my. Everyone thought it would be best that we two older people take a moto-taxi or car around the island. Well, when our tour guide came, that the hotel had called for us, I thought if he can make it, so can I. He was no spring chicken. So, up the mountain we went. I made it a little past half. A little wisdom needed to be heeded. So I told everybody to go on and I would wait for them. Well, Doug decided I shouldn't be by myself. So he suggested that the guide stay with me. Thanks Doug, but it really wasn't necessary. However, this gave Roberto(Bob), a chance to practice his English. He's very good and teaches, voluntarily, some 6th grade students. He wrote three words on his hand that he didn't know the meaning to, so I helped him with those. And yes I asked him how old he was, and he is 67. So we waited, and we waited. Finally the three survivors returned. And they all said that the guide could not have made it. Well, on the way down, Bob kept giving me a stick to use in walking down the mountain. I kept leaving them behind, because they took more energy to use than just walking. Maybe I didn't know how to use them correctly. Anyway, we had to be careful not to slip on the loose rock and go rolling down the hill. But I walk in loose rock to get to my classroom, and I don't use a stick. You just have to watch where you're putting your feet, and maybe walk sideways, and praying all the while, of course. Walking on vegetation also helps. Anyway, we made it down without any mishaps. Oh my, three hours up and one back. What a trip. So when we returned to the hotel, we asked when we would be charged for another day. At 4:00. And it was 3:50. We had 10 minutes to get our stuff and get to the taxi, a boat that would take us to the mainland. We made it.

Needless to say, we didn't do much the next day. Doug was in some kind of pain. The last half of the mountain climb was at a 75 degree angle. He said he thought he was going to die by time he got to the top, so I'm glad I stopped when I did, and that he didn't die! It was tough enough just to get half way there. Rafael is a mathematician, and he gave us the stats on the angle degree. It makes me tired to think about it.

However, we did walk to town and it helped him to walk it out. We went shopping and bought some things, and then we went and ate some pupusas. They are made with maseca(corn flour)dough with quesillo(cheese)and/or meat or both inside, and then they are fried on a grill. Very good.

On Saturday, we went to Tegucigalpa, the murder capitol of the world, as Doug calls it. We went downtown and then up to the United Nations Park where there is a small zoo, a huge statue of Christ overlooking the city, and a smaller statue of Confucius. On our way down, Doug was missing McDonalds of all things, so we went through the drive through and headed back to Valle. And the next day, it was time for him to head back to the states. We had a great time while he was here, and God blessed him with two new friends. How good our God is.

We've only had two days of school this week due to Mel Zalaya coming back into the country. Curfews have ran all day and night in some instances. Airports were shut down completely for passenger planes for a couple of days. Doug came and left at the right times. God puts things in place long before we even know what is happening.

I'm not much of a swimmer. I know how, but it isn't something that I enjoy. I'm sure it has to do with the fact that none of my family swam when I was growing up. I don't think my brother can swim either. I learned as an adult and wasn't too thrilled with the whole issue. However, I made sure all my kids learned to swim. So Doug said I had to snorkel with him. Whew! I ducked twice and said ok I'm done. But God knew and he provided Rafael who had not been swimming for many years. They had a fantastic time. So some day, I'll do it again.

Not much has been happening at school. Last week was a vacation and this week we have had curfews. However, the kids are still learning English and I'm still learning Spanish. So all is well.

Thank you for your support and prayers. Pray for the people of Honduras and that all with the government will be as God wills. God Bless you all.

...thou understandest my thought afar off . Ps.139:2

In Honduras, September 10 is El Dia de Los Ninos, the Day of the Children, and is celebrated in the schools. There is singing, skits performed by teachers, games, food, candy, cakes, and of course, the ever popular pinatas that are filled with candy. The children dress up in their finest for this occasion. It's a fun filled day. They are sent home with bags of candy, small toys, and cake for their mothers. At least that's the way it is in our school.

Well, a couple of weeks ago, the seventh graders and I helped Johnny and Noe fill in the crevices of our road with rocks and dirt. I prayed it wouldn't all wash away when it rained. And it all didn't, but some did. But at least, Johnny and Alex can drive the vans down the hill to the front of the school to let us all off instead of us falling down. We need a drainage ditch on each side of the road. I don't quite know how to do that when the one side is solid rock. I'm still hoping that the men in the area will come and help do what can be done. They did work on the main road and it is much better. I think there were ten that helped Johnny. So hopefully we can get a meal put together for them to show our appreciation. I had heard that because the people in that area didn't vote for this mayor, that he wasn't going to fix the road. So therefore, it wasn't going to get fixed. Interesting how everybody waits for the government to fix their problems, even if it's a rock/dirt road in front of their house. Of course in the states some official would come tell you that YOU couldn't fix something because of a possible law suit, or some ordinance, or whatever. But that's not here. I kept saying that it would only take a couple of hombres with a couple of shovels to fix this one place in the road, and the way these guys work, it probably wouldn't take 20 or 30 minutes if that long. I just didn't understand why they didn't do it. Well, for some reason, ten of them got together and made a big difference on the main road, and yesterday we heard and saw where the government is beginning to fix the whole road. I'm so glad. Thank you Lord.

Isn't it great when the Lord answers you in the little things? Things that aren't a prayer request but just things you think about with him. A couple of weeks ago I was thinking about a former Sunday School student I had many years ago. And lo and behold, I received a message from him this week. I am thrilled. I haven't seen him in 20 years or more. So the plan is to connect when I go home in Dec. and meet his wife and four daughters. Speaking of going home, where was my mind when I bought tickets to fly home in Dec.? It sure wasn't in KS, because I made my return flight to St. Louis! Oh well, God has a plan. I will be able to spend time with my daughter and her family, my brother and his family, and Mack and his family. I guess since I was leaving St. Louis, it was automatic that I'd return there.

I was walking through the house talking to the Lord, in my mind, and I asked him to remember mom, and realized I couldn't do that anymore because she isn't here anymore and she doesn't need it. I find myself thinking that I need to call her tomorrow and realize I can't, or I think of something that happened that I want to tell her and realize I can't. So I miss her. And it's ok because God is my peace and I know with him all is well. And He comforts me in those times, when I need it most.

So my youngest son is coming here Monday. I'm so excited. It will be good to see him. The rest of you can come too. I will be just as excited to see you!!! Anyway, we have planned a trip to the southern part of Honduras where there is an extinct volcano. From the Isla del Tigre(tiger)you can see the coast of El Salvador and Nicaragua. So we're looking forward to that. My Spanish teacher, Denia, was a little concerned yesterday. So she made sure we practiced how to ask for our check in a restaurant, soap at the hotel, or whatever she thought might occur. She acted like an old mother hen. Thank you Lord for her concern and help. And bless her heart, she is always dreaming about me. Poor thing. So when my Spanish is really good, she is almost beside herself with joy. But there are other days, when it isn't there at all. The joys and heartaches of being a teacher. I understand completely.

We are out of school all week. So glad. The school year is quickly coming to an end. When school resumes on the 21st, we'll only have about 7 weeks or so left. September 15 is Independence Day here. There will be a parade here in Valle. Our school usually marches in it, but not this year. We've been told it's because of swine flu.
The band from the 7th day Adventist school will be marching. We saw them practicing last week. Brought back memories of when my kids were in the marching school band.

So what else? The kids English is continuing to grow. Hopefully, next year I will be better prepared and more organized. I think most teachers always think we didn't do enough or we didn't do it as well as we should have, etc. We always need improvement somewhere.

Thanks to those of you who wanted to send an egg carton with Doug for me. That's great, but you would be surprised how easy it is to carry 12 eggs home in a small plastic bag and not break any.

Thanks for all your prayers for all of us here especially during the political turmoil. We truly appreciate them. God bless all of you.