Saturday, December 1, 2012

Heb.13:5...I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.

YEAH!! School is out for this year! Everybody is so thankful. It has been a difficult year, but now it is over.   So take a breath and begin preparing for next year, right? For me, I think this year was difficult because I missed last year, and my students didn't receive English. Well, the 7th - 9th received a program from an organization here in which our school is involved. I don't like the English workbooks  because there are many grammar mistakes  and other mistakes. Also, the teachers at the school don't know English, and therefore the workbooks are not checked properly.  Due to my experiences, I truly believe that textbooks in any language should be written by native speakers, and not by those that have learned a language as a second language. Many errors would be avoided, I think. And then as with many programs, the students are not taught everyday language. What a difference there is in the classroom lessons, and the real thing.  So therefore, the focus for my students is everyday language. I want them to be able to speak about everyday events.

This morning I went to the bank to pay my telephone and electric bills. I heard someone calling me, and it was the guy that owns the shop where I bought my cell phone. He wanted me to make a bank deposit for him. Wow! Talk about trust. He does speak English and has lived in Florida. But still...thank you Lord for favor.

I've been reading the Old Testament in Spanish. And this morning I was reading about Moses being taken from the river by Pharaoh's daughter. Saved from the Nile (?) and then later saved from the Red Sea, all by the hand of God. Interesting. God is ever present, isn't he?  I find it interesting when Christians pray, "Lord be with us".  Really?  He said he would never leave us nor forsake us. So if he isn't with us, where is he?  A Latino group, Rojo, sings a song called No, No, Me Soltaras. It's absolutely my favorite in Spanish. And that's what it says, "He will never leave nor forsake me".

I get to go home for a month in 17 more days. I'm getting excited. In fact my suitcase is coming out of the closet before I go to bed tonight. Some Christmas shopping starts on Monday.  I will get to hold my new great-grandson!  And another grandson is due about the time I return to HN. I have lived to see my children's children's children.  And not all of them have even started!!  God is so faithful, and his word cannot be broken. I'm so thankful for that.

So when I return to HN in Jan., I have to buy a car. Thank the Lord that Mario and his wife will be doing the looking, pricing, etc. I want to have an afternoon class for the parents that want to learn English at the school, and for that I need a car.  Will see how God moves in both of these things. He answered my prayer for buying a new sofa, so I know he will lead and guide in this area, too.

Also, I have been given another job by Mario; evaluate the teachers that teach English. Oh, wow! (Another reason to have a car). But the Lord will help me here. It was interesting when Becky and I went to San Pedro Sula for the graduations. At the William Smith school, two of the teachers were translating the speeches in English, since there were other Americans there that did not speak English. (They don't translate for me when I'm there :).  Anyway, one of the teachers said we need an American to come and help us with pronunciation. One that does not know any Spanish! I told her to please say that again! Truly, sometimes I mix  the English and Spanish. What a mess! And what a blessing that I met THE William Smith and his wife and party that was there. I always wondered who this man was that the school was named after. (I'm really trying to write without leaving a preposition at the end of the sentence. It's rather difficult to change old habits). He has a ministry that is worldwide. And do I remember the name?  No. I'll look it up later.

And it has been interesting to know that a few of our schools were started by the Jimmy Swaggart Ministries. (I hope I spelled his name correctly). And of course, when Jimmy had his big trouble, money for the schools stopped coming. But thank God for the faithfulness of his people like Mario and his wife. They and those that helped them kept the schools open. God used Jimmy to help me when I first came into Pentecost. What a blessing he was to me,  and there is a special place in my heart for him. God forgives and forgets upon repentance. Too bad people don't.

I talked to my brother today, and I'm so excited that he is thinking about coming here to see me next year. I just want to shout hallelujah! We have such a fantastic relationship. I think it's so special because we didn't get to grow up together. And when we are on the phone, sometimes we just giggle. Crazy! I keep reminding him that money is being spent just for us to giggle together!  But he's worth every penny, or should I say dollar? I love him and thank God for him.

God says for us to to talk about the things that he does for us so people can see and know how good he is. But many times Christians don't talk about the things he is doing in their lives. Why is that? Are we ashamed, embarrassed, what? And maybe I'm guilty, too. But  I have learned that we can tell what he has done, because it is he that does the work. If others have a problem with our testifying, it truly is their problem. And why am I talking about this?   I have no clue. Maybe someone needs some encouragement here. Oh, well, I'm going to go get my suitcase out of the closet!!!!



Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Ps. 107:1 O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good:for his mercy endureth for ever.

Many things have happened since my last post. A team from Coffeyville, Ks came the first week in November.  What a great team, and what a good time we had. They poured a ceiling/floor for another room at the school. They painted desks and played with the kids. It was very hot, as always, but God gave us a breeze on most days. Poured a floor. That doesn't sound too difficult until you realize that all the cement was mixed and carried upstairs by hand. The nationals are pros at this. Again the heat, work, food, and climate in general, took its toll on some of the guys. But they recovered nicely, thank the Lord. 

The construction of classrooms are a tremendous blessing, but when team members decide to sponsor a child,  that is a an added blessing because we know that the school will continue. And many from this team chose a child or two to sponsor. I praise God for them. The kids will continue to be taught the word of God, and they will receive an education, and with these, their lives will be changed.. 

A Seventh Day Adventist group came last Friday and used the school for a medical clinic. Over eighty families received some kind of help. I met some of the ladies. One was really surprised that there was no toilet paper in the bathrooms, and that she had to use a bucket of water to flush, and to throw the paper in the trash can and not the toilet. I went to find her some toilet paper and explained that she needed to carry some with her at all times. Some restaurants have it, and some don't, just like the school.  I'm so glad I grew up in an era where some people still had outside toilets!  Just think, the Israelites  had to carry a little shovel with them! 

So this Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. I definitely miss being home on that day. It is my favorite holiday. So Becky and I will go out to eat. Maybe an American restaurant here will have some mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, and pumpkin pie, but I won't hold my breath! But regardless of where we are on this most precious holiday in the states, we need to be thankful everyday for all God's blessings to us. I am so thankful for my Christian heritage and my family that is continually growing. Wow! 

I have been reading my Spanish Bible everyday. Some words I have to look up, but not too many. I started this week in Genesis. And it's amazing to see again the parallel between God the Father, Abraham, Isaac, and Jesus. Why some are told to only read the New Testament is a mystery to me. Without the Old, there wouldn't be a New. God is so good, and so real.

So today, I have to plan where to go with English for my classes next year. The kids have done so well with their conversation. One of the Seventh Day Adventist ladies  told me that one of my students came up to her,  introduced herself,  and began talking to her. She was very surprised with that and how well the student spoke English.  I praise God for that, and I know which student it was. God has blessed my soul, and has made me a very happy teacher.

So be blessed family, on this Thanksgiving Day.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Ps. 37:4...and he shall give you the desires of your heart.

Wow! What a day Becky, Maria, six 9th graders and I had on Thursday. We took the kids on a field trip to Tegucigalpa which is about 45 minutes away depending on traffic. Becky and I discussed places to go, and it was my bright idea to take them to the post office, San Felipe Hospital, the airport, and hopefully to go inside one of the passenger planes. My treat for lunch at Denny's.  Well, we couldn't go into a plane because we needed to have a letter written a month ahead to the airline company which of course we didn't know.  But now we do for the next time. But I wanted them to be able to see a plane take off and land so bad. So we decided to go to university museum instead. God works in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform. That isn't a scripture, but the principle is true. First we went to the hospital. The people in charge did not honor the information that was given to us originally. What's new?? However, a lady named Rebecca, (Becky and she got a long well !), took us to the maternity ward. We walked right in there with the mothers and their new babies! How precious! In our group of kids, we had one boy of 16 years. He was enthralled with the whole situation. He had his camera/video going full blast. It was totally awesome to watch these teens. Next we went to the post office. There they have a museum. There were things there that I had never seen. Very interesting. Again the kids were just soaking up everything. Then we went into the normal post office. You should have heard their exclamations of surprise and joy when Becky opened our box and mail was there. Well, guess what happened? I had a notice saying I had a package at the airport! Woohoo!!! I knew the package was from one of the ladies from ND that said she would send me multiple copies of beginner readers for my students. So off to the airport we went. We decided that Becky would park the van and pick up my package while I took the kids inside the airport. She said we had to leave there at a certain time in order to be on time for the rest of our journey. So I was keeping an eye on my watch. God is absolutely the best! They saw a small plane land, and two big passenger planes take off. Our fellow was thrilled. Again with the camera! Next to Denny's. Another adventure for them. Watching them trying to figure out what to order was very interesting.  Next we went to the university. So we saw stuffed animals, skeletons, babies that didn't make it, in jars, live crocodiles, snakes, and other such stuff. One of the girls asked me if the babies were real. She didn't think they could be. So Becky explained about natural abortions-miscarriages. And then we headed for home. We left the school at 8 and returned at 5. It was a full day. A joyful day. I couldn't stop praising the Lord. He had  answered so many prayers.

Now all this sounds a little boring for most folks, until you realize that these kids have never been to any of these places in their entire lives. Only two of them had been to downtown Tegucigalpa. To see the awe and joy on their faces is a picture I will never forget. One reason that I wanted them to visit the hospital is because they had never been to one even to visit someone. I found this out after I had written a short story about a boy being in the  hospital with a broken leg after being in an accident. Their assignment was to write a conversation between the boy and two friends that were visiting him. They had zilch! They were totally lost. I hope visiting the mothers and babies helped in this area! Will see. Let me give you a picture of the maternity ward. It is a long rectangular room with single, simple beds (not hospital beds) on each side. One half of the room was for mothers who had had caesarians and the other half for normal deliveries. There were no curtains between the beds. No such thing as privacy.  Compared to the U.S. some  things here are still quite primitive.

I'm still praising the Lord for that day. What an awesome God we have!


Thursday, October 11, 2012

Ps. 91:5-6 Thou shalt not be afraid...nor for the pestilence that walkest in darkness...

We are in the countdown for the school year's end. And we are all ready. It has been a difficult year for a lot of the teachers. New kids with a lot of discipline problems, need for at least 3 more teachers, etc. When a teacher has 42 students, it is very difficult to do the job well. There is not time to help those that are having troubles in the learning and behavior areas. It is so different here! But we have good teachers, and they do their best. Today we had a meeting between the director, me, Becky and the other two teachers from the elementary school and high school.  We met to discuss problems and solutions. We need to have behaviors and consequences written on paper to give to parents and students. Plus each of the teachers all need to be on the same page! We also will now have a calling tree. Woohoo!! So on Saturday, the 27th, they are coming to my house so we can do just that.  Becky and I are fixing lunch!

I had some really good news today. While in the meeting, the director said that one of the director's in a public school here has one of my former students, and he told her that this student speaks very good English compared to the students that are using the program "Hi Honduras." When this student was asked questions, he answered all of them correctly!!! I am so pleased. There are a lot of mistakes in this program.The national director has asked me to go through the books and mark down all the mistakes. He is going to take it to the district and talk to them about it. What a job!

I started this a few days ago! So now I must finish it. Today a group of four came to the school to check the Jr. High kids for Chagas disease. They prick the finger and take a blood sample. I went on line to check out this nasty insect that can cause big trouble when it bites a person. Hopefully, none of our kids will have the disease.  There is no cure, and the two medicines that are available are expensive and has many side effects.  This is the second insect that I have learned about here, and they are nasty critters. The first was the Bot fly. UGH!! 

So tomorrow is Friday! I have to give the devotional for the teachers. So we'll see how well my Spanish works!

I am  looking forward to December! Even though it will be cold, I need the time there. I praise God  that He is always with me.



Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Duet.28:2 And these blessing shall come on thee, and overtake thee...

Wow! What a week this has been. The students marched in the Independence Day parade on the 15th.  They did great. The parade started about 9, but we all had to be there at 7. We finished about 12. They marched, played their instruments,and twirled their batons the whole time. What a bunch of kids. I'm sure they were as happy as me not to have school this week.

After the parade, Becky and I headed for Tegucigalpa. After church on Sunday, we had lunch with Pastor Miguel, his wife, sons, Pastor Bill and his wife Maria Luisa. And then on Monday, the teachers came to Becky's for lunch to celebrate Teacher's Day. What a peaceful, restful time. That night we went to Pastor Bill's to celebrate his birthday. And what a surprise I got. Maria Luisa bought a small cake for me for  my birthday to take home! I wasn't expecting anything! I was there to celebrate with Pastor Bill who is only two days older than me! Surprise, surprise, surprise!

On Tuesday after a little shopping, Becky took me back to Valle. We had to stop at one of the nurseries to get her some plants for her little patio off her living room. Her green thumb is beginning to grow!!! So we had to go buy a few groceries after we reached Valle. I was looking forward to a week of no teaching, but who did we run into? One of my lady students, Elida. And of course I couldn't say no when she asked if we were having class the next day. But she is such a good student, and a friend, I might add. I have so much fun watching her read stories in English. How I wish my students were as enthused as she is. On to Thursday. My birthday!! Well my student cooked and brought me lunch!! What great food and fellowship! I received lots of b'day greetings. And my youngest son sent this little ditty. I didn't know he was a poet!!

Just a little note to say
That I hope this day went your way
Just another year behind
May the next years shine and shine.

Simply great!

And today the teachers gave me a small lamp that uses candles. I like those things a lot. And when I got home from school my former tutor brought me 2 dozen roses: red, pink, yellow, and white. They smell sooo good!  This birthday has lasted a long time. May God bless my family and friends. To be sure, they have blessed me with their messages, money from my Ladies in KM, gifts of all kinds, and most importantly, their love and friendship. Muchas gracias por todo and especialmente, gracias Jesucristo por todo!

And my scripture reference? This is my favorite chapter in Deuteronomy. Many years ago, one of my kids asked me if I ever wanted to quit or got tired of following the Lord. I replied that sometimes I felt like throwing the Bible in the closet and letting  it go especially when things were hard. BUT this chapter kept me because of verse 4. Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body... That meant my kids. I wanted them to be blessed.  God has a way of keeping us, doesn't He?  Truly I am blessed with a large family, and it keeps growing bigger!  And God has blessed me in this foreign land. What an awesome God He is. Always faithful when we fall flat on our faces due to sin, etc. He's there to forgive, pick us up, and never to remind us of our failures. Truly His blessings have overtaken me.


Sunday, September 9, 2012

Rom. 11:29 For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance,

YEAH!!! I received my residency on Thursday the 6th of Sept. Wow! What a blessing this is. No more leaving every three months and living out of a suitcase for a week or so. And no more buying extra visa time. This is great news for me, not only for my wallet, but also for my frame of mind. I don't have to be concerned about my students not receiving English because I have to leave at a time that is not convenient. I am so grateful for this blessing.

Another thing happened this past week. The national director named me subdirectora (like vice principal) of the school where I teach. This is not a position that I ever sought or wanted. I remember when I went in for my interview to work for SCK-SEC in Kansas as a special education teacher, and the director of the co-op asked me what I wanted to be doing in five years, and I told him teaching. I had no desire to be a principal, administrator, superintendent, etc. I had no desire to climb up the ladder. I just wanted to teach. He looked at me a little funny, but that was ok, because he hired me. But I have learned a few things. God will do the moving, whether you feel like it or not. Our best interest and the glorifying of His name is always on His heart. And He will provide all that is needed to do what He has called us to do.

And don't argue with the Lord because we won't win. The last time I told Him that I couldn't do something, He asked what if His son had said that he couldn't go to the cross. Well, that melted me, and I did what I had to do. And I don't want Him to get angry at me like he did with Moses when Moses kept saying why he couldn't do what God said for him to do. Neither do I want to end up in a whale's belly!!  But I know for a fact that He is always with me and He will never leave me. So here it is, whatever it is! So I covet the prayers of my church family as I  remind myself that God put me here, and He knows exactly where my Spanish is. And it was interesting to see the confidence on Mario's face when he told me that I could do this. Whew! Makes me sweat!! But I know his confidence foremost is in the Lord, but I also know that he has confidence in me, too.  And if the Lord has called us to something, we can and will do all in His strength that He gives us. So, here I am. The Lord told me several weeks ago that a person can't teach what they don't know. So I know I'm here to teach others what He has taught me. The people here can quote scripture like you wouldn't believe. But many times they don't know how to apply it to their daily lives. I had to learn how to do that, and so do they. There's more to obedience than going to church, singing all the songs, memorizing scripture, etc. There's that personal walking, talking, believing, and doing every word that comes from the mouth of God, and as my former pastor said, we only do what we believe. And this is especially true at the school.  But God has a plan!!

So once again I'm reading about Moses. The Lord always opens new understanding to things we have read a hundred times.  Like when at the burning bush, Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God, but in chapter 33 he asked God to show him His glory! And God found a way to answer Moses' request even when Moses could not look upon God's face and live.  Our God is truly awesome, and the more we know Him, the more awesome He becomes. 




Saturday, August 25, 2012

Rom.10:15 how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace...

Wow! It has been a while since I've posted. We have had two teams since my last post.. One from CA and the other from RI. The one from CA ministered at my school. What a blessing they were. They also preached at the church next to the school, and the Holy Spirit moved mightily. What a blessing.  Several were baptized in the Holy Spirit. The team from RI went to our school in Choluteca. The team did a VBS for the students. It was great! The weather was extremely hot just like San Pedro Sula, and everybody sweat buckets. The last couple of days that we were there, it rained in the afternoons. Those kids were so happy to see rain that they were out in it playing. Forget the shoes and uniforms, it was raining! One of the teachers said it had been a long while since it had rained there, and those kids were rejoicing!  Choluteca is kind of like the southwestern U.S. Hot and dry.

God's people are such a blessing to those that come to minister. They try to take care of any needs that we have or that they think we have. And all the team  loved the typical food that was served to them.  Good stuff!

So this last week, I returned to my normal schedule except it wasn't normal nor will it be for several weeks. We have entered the time for different holidays: The Day of the Child, Teacher's Day, and Independence Day. So three out of five mornings are spent practicing the drum band, and all the students marching in  the Independence Day parade in Valle the 15th of September. And I just found out that nine week exams are to be given for my students on Monday! There is no such thing as a school calendar. Sometimes you're just flying by the seat of your britches as my Dad use to say. I don't feel like my students  have received much these last few weeks. However, Eva helped me out this last time when I had to be gone for which I thank God and her, of course.

And one of the greatest blessings for us is when members of a team decide to sponsor a child or children as the case may be. When you see the children crying because a team is leaving, you cry, too. Relationships are formed regardless of the short time that is spent together. And when you see a boy cry, that really touches your heart. 

So I praise God for all that He does not only when teams come, but the things you know He is doing in hearts even when you cannot see it. Just as a seed starts growing beneath the soil before you ever see anything, so also the Word of God. To Him be the glory forever.

I taught my three high school grades to sing Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord last week. They have a Spanish version, so the tune wasn't hard for them. They will sing it at the all school devotional in a week or so. Their faces showed their pleasure in singing one of their songs in English. 

Four hours were spent this week with Elida. Me helping her with her English, and she helping me with my Spanish. I've decided it's a lifetime adventure! However, I'm better than I use to be. When I write, it's Spanish and English intermingled! And sometimes when I'm giving the students new vocabulary, I'm writing in Spanish instead of English. We just laugh! I'm sure they must be thinking "crazy gringa" sometimes. And that's not used in a derogatory way. And I heard this week that another lady wants me to teach her English. Will wait and see how the Lord moves.

Please pray that our kids will be taught the practical side of God's word. They can memorize and repeat scripture like you wouldn't believe, but knowing how to apply it sometimes is another story. Thanks for all your support in this.

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Eccl. 3:14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever... r

So many days have passed since my last post.  And many things have taken place since, of which I cannot remember all.  But two more teams have come and gone since then.  My students did their homework while I was in San Pedro Sula, and that made me happy.  Them, too!!   So I need to work backwards here.

This last week the colegio had a four day seminar here in Valle that was sponsored by a young lady from California. The first two days were about moral values: honesty, self-discipline, good citizenship, etc., and then sexually transmitted diseases.  All were excellent, and these students needed to hear it all.  I asked a couple of my students, who I knew would tell me the truth,  if they learned anything and if they liked the seminar, and both responded with a strong  "yes". I wish the same could be done and said for adults, especially parents.  You can't teach what you don't know, and many of our parents have not been taught and therefore they can't pass the knowledge on to their children.  Things that we take for granted have not been taught here for the most part.  Things like waiting your turn, throw trash in the trash can, cross streets at that corner if there is one,  get out of the way of oncoming cars, etc.  The last two days were for crafts.

The team that came to San Pedro Sula was from San Antonio, Texas.  About half of them were Spanish speakers.  What a team!  The helped build a classroom and also ministered to the kids when they weren't building.  They also ministered in the church services.  One young man witnessed to one young national in particular.  He stayed behind one afternoon to help build when the rest of us went to the banana plantation.  Well, the last night they were here, which was also a Sunday night, the young national brought his sons and his nephew to church.  Of course, he and the Lord had a talk, and now they have a walk!  That's what it's all about in the end.  Jesus cares!

It's interesting to watch teams when they come!  You can tell the ones that could not live on the mission field.  Then there are those whose hearts have been touched and want to return.  The ones who only want American restaurants and food, and the opposites who want typical food.  Those that are afraid of everything even when we tell them they don't need to fear, and those who aren't fearful.  Those who realize that the missionary is the head honcho, and those who don't.  What a difference in their attitudes! Those who came to minister and serve, and those who came to increase their number of mission trips, etc.  It's interesting to me who was never on a mission trip before the Lord called me here.   Am I judging their hearts?  Nope.  It's just things I've observed.  But I am amazed at times.  But all in God's plan and time.  

A funny thing happened with one of the ladies that came for the Missionettes.  She was Skyping with her husband when she came running into my house yelling that a man was coming in through the gates. She was so scared!  I tried to quiet her because it was Wil, the man that takes care of my place.  We all started laughing because it was funny, not that she thought so!  Finally, when she was calm, she realized who he was. Evidently she wasn't here when the others either met Wil or was told who he was.  She called her husband back to explain what had happened, and he had almost called another husband of one of the other ladies that was here.  Can you imagine the chaos that would have caused???  She did give me permission to tell the story.  But it was so funny.  Wil is not a big person at all, nor scary looking.  Are you kidding?  There were 13 women in this house!  But her fear was partly because she didn't realize that he used his keys to get in the gate, and she didn't know if he had a gun.  What a time we had with that incident.  When I told Wil about it, he laughed, but then said how dangerous it can be in Tegucigalpa, but not here.  So he understood her fear.  He's such a blessing.

I am so thankful for the life that God has given me here.  Yes, I miss my kids and theirs, a lot.  My home church and my friends.  But when you are where God wants you to be, there is nothing like it, even in the loneliness that comes from being away from those that mean the most to you.  But the One is never away.  He fills that place with himself and with others that he puts in your path.  So for the last two months, He has put Gabrielle here.  What a girl!  I will miss her when she leaves this coming Tuesday.  I thank Him that He found me worthy enough for her to live with for two months.  She did learn that she could cook chicken by boiling it, and that macaroni and cheese could be made on top of the stove instead of the oven!  What fun!

So what has God been doing! Everything!  He is always  doing something even when we can't see it. You can't plant a seed today and reap a crop tomorrow.  He is so awesome and has such a sense of humor.  I praise Him for loving me and taking care of me. He knows exactly what is needed and when, and He is never late.  I praise Him for lifting my sad heart.  In the last couple of weeks, two friends have died, and another is on her deathbed.  I know all are appointed unto death once and then the judgement, but I will miss not seeing them again or hearing about them.  I pray the Lord comfort their loved ones, and I know He will.

Monday, July 2, 2012

There's nothing like getting a message from a program that has worked for four years saying that it is no longer supported by the previous program. Whatever!! Amazing how we trust something that is so unstable. The internet, cell phones, etc. Oh well, that's life in the 20's.

And it's amazing how time seems to fly! It seems I just posted and here it's been almost a month. And about that long ago, Becky, Gabrielle, and I was in a bank in Tegucigalpa getting a check cashed when this lady walked by and started speaking in Spanish. I had no clue to what she said. Several minutes later, she was in my face telling me how bad my country was, that I should leave Honduras, and that they were poor and broke. And then she proceeded to tell me that we were the biggest killers in the world. I just sat and listened and never said a word. What an experience! After she left, a lot of thoughts went through my mind. It's interesting how much she hates Americans, but spoke perfect English! I just hope she got everything off her chest. I sent a prayer up for her. Poor thing!

This Friday we leave for San Pedro Sula to be with a team that is coming. Again no English for my students, however, I'm leaving plenty of work for them to do. Will wait and see if it gets done.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

1Cor. 16:18 For they have refreshed my spirit...

In the last five weeks we have had two groups come in from the U.S. What a busy time it has been for Becky and me, and what an exciting group that came from Louisiana State University.  There were three girls and two guys. They came to minister to the kids at my school, and they also went the youth group from Becky's church to several places in Tegucigalpa. They helped minister in a nursing home, a hospital, a girl's detention center, and a center for boys. They were here from the 17th to the 30th. What a terrific group!  Their being here was like a shot in the arm for Becky and me. Sometimes you need a lift and don't even know it! But our Father sure knows, and supplies the need. I was telling them one day what a blessing they were for us. Alex said that when she was praying about being here that the Lord told her to be a refreshing for Becky and me. Wow! They were a great group.  Absolutely no complaining or grumbling about anything. Their personalities were so different but yet, they flowed together. One of the young ladies is from Tegucigalpa, but she didn't know the Lord when she went to the states to go to the university. Through Chi Alpha, on the campus university, she heard and accepted Jesus as her Savior.  What a testimony she has. The other kids also testified how they came to meet and accept Jesus.  Every Christian has a testimony about the saving grace of Jesus Christ.  What a miracle salvation is.  To believe something totally different than what you have or have not been taught is truly a work of the Lord through his Holy Spirit.

Now we have a group of ten from North Dakota.  What a group!  Some are Methodist, Lutheran, former Catholics becoming Methodists, and one that was raised in the Assemblies.  It's a blessing to watch the Holy Spirit at work.  From these denominations comes a group ready to serve and share the gospel.  They have been painting the outside of the buildings where I teach.  And some of the young people at Becky's church has come to help them.  What a blessing for us at the school.  A couple of the guys are building cabinets for the kitchen in the elementary school.  The cook is so happy!  They have also done ministry for the kids.  In the afternoons they go to Tegucigalpa to minister in some of the places where the first group has gone.  They were telling me how happy the old folks in the nursing home was to have lotion put on their hands.  Some would push up their sleeves to have the lotion rubbed on their arms, and some asked to have it put on their knees.  Such a small act, but such a blessing for the receivers and the givers.  The group also had small stuffed animals to give the people, and  they received them with such joy, even some of the men.  God knows how to lift our spirits.  A touch, a small gift, it all comes from Him.  

So today the group is going to Teen Challenge outside Tegucigalpa.  I stayed home to sweep and mop, and to have lunch with another family here in Valle.  Another one of the girls from LSU has an uncle and aunt that live here in Valle.  She called last night to invite me to lunch and to meet her family.  Another door the Lord has opened for me to get acquainted with more people from here.  I don't know all the Lord has for me, but I do know that this is part of His plan.  Where and what exactly He is planning, I haven't a clue.  I just know it's good.

So yesterday, I had my ninth grade girls reading Little Bear in English.  They did really good, and understood most before I read it in Spanish.  And I have started teaching the 7th, 8th, and 9th graders  nursery rhymes.  It not only helps with more vocabulary, but also present and past tenses.  And the kids have done well speaking English with the Americans that have come, especially some of the girls. I'm so proud of them!

My Spanish?  Well, yesterday I started to tell one of our ladies from the states that it was time to go, and I said "Ustedes" instead of "You all" and stopped, realizing what I had said.  The teachers that heard me started clapping!  So one of these days I'm going to speak good Spanish automatically, in Jesus' name, of course!  But I do understand a lot more when I hear people talking than I use to, so I'm making progress.  And I've learned to add the last vowel to the next word that begins with a vowel when singing at church.  In other words, you make one word out of two words.  And I need to do that when I'm reading!  Poco a poco says Wil.  Little by little.

The residency is being worked on, so will see if I have to leave in July.  Unless things have changed, I should be able to buy a month and leave in August.  We will have 2 teams in July, so that would not be a good time for me to leave.  But all is in God's hands.




Thursday, May 10, 2012

What a week I had in the states! I never realized that I had so much stuff stored at my daughter's house. I invited my kids and grand-kids to come and go through the stuff and take what they wanted.  So I had to unpack everything and then repack it all when they were done.  So I didn't get to visit much.  I did get to go shopping with my grand-daughter and her two little ones.  That was wonderful! I told my kids that this was a pre death sale, although I wasn't selling stuff. A couple of them said something like that being kind of morbid. Well, I think that depends on your outlook of dying and death. My Grandma died when I was seventeen, and she had things that were to be given to people when she died.  They never got them! I learned then that not all your wishes are respected or granted when you are no longer here.  So I was happy to give certain things to certain people.  What they do with them now is not a concern for me.  It had been on my heart for a long time to take care of this.  So I did, and now I just feel free.  God knows what we need to do and when and leads us in all things.  When I didn't know what to do with the things that were left, He laid it on my heart to ask my oldest if his church had yard sales.  Sure enough.  They had just finished one, but my son said he would keep the rest of the stuff at his house, go through it all again, and then put it in the next sale.  That was great news.  His church encouraged me when I was preparing to come to HN.  In fact, when I attended  their women's group, Pastor Annette always had a word for me, and it was right on target.  When we rest in the Lord like he said to do, all becomes so much more peaceful and easier.  I am so thankful for my relationship with him.  It has taken me a long time to get where I am, but I'm so thankful that He truly loves me and has my best interest at heart.  He has forgiven me of ALL my sins, and they have been many.  I'm so thankful for his love and patience and his continual work on me. 

My son-in-law asked when I was coming back to the states for good.  I told him  when the Lord tells me to do so.  He said something about choice and will.  Yep, we have both.  I told him that my choice and will is to do what Gods wants.  My youngest son told my youngest daughter at Christmas that I would probably die in HN.  She about came unglued!!!  But God will take care of all that.  It isn't something that I usually think about, but I'll know what to do when the time comes.  In fact it's kind of like when I was praying and asking God what to  do with the rest of my life before I knew I was coming to HN. Just like now, I couldn't see anything down the road, not even a coffin. So I am where I'm suppose to be, doing what I'm suppose to do, and when it comes time for other things, God will let me know.

My youngest son made a remark that I had heard and believed when I was a little girl.  It was  sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.  What a lie!  The Bible is full of instructions about the tongue and the damage or blessing that it can cause.  Proverbs 18:21,  tells that death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.  In verse 8, it says that the words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly.  Words do hurt, and they separate friends, family members, etc.  Sometimes, it's better to say nothing. My Grandma use to say that if you can't say anything good about someone, then don't say anything at all.  Good advice for us all.  I know we all need a confidant, someone to whom we can tell our hurts and sorrows, but it is someone that won't repeat to others our innermost thoughts and feelings. Proverbs is loaded with advice concerning our tongues, not to mention James in chapter 3.

So now I'm back in the swing of things. A week ago this Monday, I fell flat on the right side of my face on the street corner up from my house.  I bled like a stuck pig!  I had 2 little cuts under my eye.  Of course, I rushed back to the house because of the blood running down my neck.  Well, the next thing I noticed was Will with his nose smashed up against my window looking inside.  He has never done that before, and I was wondering what in the world  was he doing.  Then it dawned on me that he was looking for me.  I went outside and sure enough he was wanting to see how hurt I was. Either his son or another boy had seen me fall and went and told him.  He asked me if I wanted to go to the doctor, and I said no.  So he in his wisdom went and got some herbs, made a solution and told me to use it with cotton to wash my cuts, because this would prevent infection.  And then I was to use aloe vera for the cuts and bruises. And then I think I got a scolding because the only thing that I really understood was that he was here to serve me, but it was his tone! So God forbid that this happens again, but if something does, I will be sure to get Will! Pronto!!! So the cuts have healed and the bruises are almost gone. I praise God that I didn't break anything other than my glasses, and they were replaced last Saturday.  It's interesting because I knew that people who didn't know me would think that my husband gave me the black eye.  Sure enough, some of the kids at school asked the other teachers if my husband had hit me, and they explained what happened, and that I didn't have a husband.  It's quite common here, just like everywhere else. So sad.

So what other exciting things are happening?  The kids are learning English, and my Spanish is being used more.  A team of college kids will be here next week ministering to the kids here and in a couple of our other schools. That will be good. Ah, yes, I'm going this Monday to Tegucigalpa to get my driver's license. And hopefully I can also get my physical for the application for residency. That will be the last thing I need to complete the application.  Woohoo!!!!!

Before I went to the states in April, I had asked my youngest if he could get a KBI check for me through the internet. A friend had told me about this.  Well, he did and then told me that it would take 7-10 days which would be about the same time that I had to return to HN. I asked the Lord to put a rush on it if possible and if it was his will so that I could bring it back with me.  AND the report had to be translated into Spanish in the states! Lo and behold, I got it!! Praise God! Doug received it a few days before my departure and one of the secretaries in his office translated it for me. Muchas gracias Lariza!!!

God truly is good all the time.  What a wonderful God we serve. Truly his will will be done.



Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Ps. 30:5...in his favor is life...

This week is Semanta Santa-Holy Week, so no school. Yeah! However, I have tests to write :(

I return to the states this month in order to renew my visa here. I am applying for residency when I return to HN. There is not a lot to do, thanks to my age! I have to give 2 passport size pictures, copy of passport, police report from the US, letter from LACC, and have a physical that I can get here. The police report has to be translated into Spanish. They already have my birth certificate. So I am excited. I won't have to leave every three months or at all if I don't want to. I don't have to renew it, and I will be able to earn money if I want. I don't see that happening, but who knows? This will make everything so much easier for me. I can take the same weeks the students have off from school to go to the states. Therefore they won't miss English classes. They miss enough when teams come, and I go to help Becky. That's not a complaint. It's just the way things are, and I enjoy doing it and meeting other people from the states. Plus, having my residency will save me a lot of money. I can do other things with the money besides buy airline tickets.

It appears that Silvia cannot help me with Spanish or me with her for English. She is working in Tegucigalpa which means very long days. But Wil asked me about teaching a neighbor down the street, and she in turn will help me with Spanish. So will see how that turns out. In my spirit I feel one of my goals this year is to become acquainted with more people here in Valle. Perhaps teaching the neighbor is one open door. My friend in town told me this morning that I was a good Catracha-Honduran! I praise the Lord for giving me favor with the people here in Valle. It's interesting that people here know who I am, but I have no clue when I hear, Hola, Beberly! (they pronounce the v like the b) who is greeting me! But I respond with Hola! Valle de Angeles is a good place to live in Honduras, unless you have to have the conveniences of the big city, which of course, I don't.

When I left in December 2010, there was an empty lot across the street. Well, now there is a small pulperia with another building that has 4 rooms with baths for rent. And the fellow that owns it has asked me to teach him English! I already have one young lady on Saturdays. I will have to see how the Lord moves.

God protects us from so many things, and a lot of those we aren't even aware of. But I have to give him praise and glory for protecting from a goose attack. Geese can be as good a watch dog as a dog. We have two that have lived here longer than I have. There is one male and one female. Before I left last year, they were pretty friendly. I don't remember them being out of their pen much. I always took peelings, etc. to them. They love banana peelings! Well, one day after I returned here, I was walking to the pen to give them some food, and here came the male with his head down, hissing, his wings spread out, and he was moving fast right towards me. I was flogged once when I was little by a hen. And I remember how it hurt. A goose has to be twice as bad. All kinds of thoughts were going through my mind. I knew I couldn't out run him, and besides that, I didn't want to turn my back on him. And all of a sudden from deep, down inside me came this loud, HEY, NO. That goose stopped right in his tracks. He started peeping and muttering to himself and turned and walked away. I praised the Lord right then and there, and still am. I shudder to think of what that goose could have done! When I told Wil about it, he told me to carry a broom with me. This goose had once bitten Doris on the back of the leg. Boy, when God protects me from a goose, I truly don't have to walk or live in fear. Bless his name. He takes care of his kids! And there's proof that he is always with us!

Well, I have returned to the church that I attended before. I feel that is what the Lord would have me do. And when I went two weeks ago, the missionary was preaching about God's word being true, and when God's prophet says something, it will happen. Wow! I felt the anointing, and when she started praying for people, over they went. Wow! I had not seen that in the two years that I went there. Something has happened in that place. Praise God!

I praise the Lord that he always hears me. And when I am troubled by different things, he always answers, and those answers bring me peace. And it amazes me how and who he uses to make me see clearly what was so troubling before I brought it all to him. Truly there is no God like ours.



Monday, March 12, 2012

Ps.34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good...

And now school is in full force! I have 74 students in all, not counting one adult that comes to my house on Saturdays. Spanish is so much more ........than English. It's a repetitive language. Many times you repeat yourself, like "a mi me gusta" which literally translated means "to me it is pleasing to me", but actually means "I like." One of my student's father said he likes English much better because it is brief. You don't repeat yourself. Oh well, such are languages. Good news! My former tutor is coming to my house to help me continue with my learning. AND she wants to learn English! Woohoo! And since she will be learning from me, I don't have to pay this time. Thank you Lord!

The weather here is so unseasonal. It has been raining a lot , and cool enough that even I wear a light jacket to school. It has started to get hot about 2:00 in the afternoons, but yesterday and today the sun is actually shining at early morning. I am so thankful for that.

Today I didn't have to go to school. One of the teachers has to pick up workbooks for the 7th-9th grades to use to learn English. Therefore there are no classes for them today. No such thing as substitutes. I have really prayed for the Lord to help me change my attitude towards using this program. Many schools here use such programs, but the teachers nor the students can converse or understand English when it is spoken to them by a native English speaker. So we will see how it goes. The program means less work for me, but...I just turn on the CD and let it do the speaking. The kids repeat, and fill in the blanks in their books. These books would be ok if the kids already had 5-6years of English. I have one student who told me that she has had 5 years of English. Really? Bless her heart. However, she can't speak it or understand it! But praise God, Eva is teaching the 2nd-4th grades and that is a big blessing. And I will continue to have the students practice speaking and listening everyday with their partners. Last night on the way home from church, a mother and her two children were riding in the car with us. The little boy was counting in English, and then he started to sing Old McDonald Had a Farm. I recognized the tune more than his English. I have no idea which school he goes to, and he probably wasn't older than 2nd or 3rd grade. But he's learning.

The first two years that I was here, all I did basically was teach and study. This year I believe the Lord has a different course for me to follow of which I am so thankful. It's to meet more people here and to know more about Valle and Honduras in general. I am attending a very small church on Sunday evenings. I go with one of the teachers from the school. That was a prayer answered, because I was so tired of doing everything by myself. And I prayed about it. Lo and behold, here came Doris and invited me to her church. They pick me up and bring me home. It has brought us closer together, and I praise the Lord for that because she was one who use to just drive me crazy. I couldn't understand her when she spoke, and I never knew when she was teasing because of the tone of her voice. Now I know. God takes care of his children in everything if we just tell him our hearts. And, boy, do I!

So today, I have to buy groceries for me and some school supplies for one of my sponsored students. I asked Doris to find out if she needed anything, but at the same time, I didn't want to take responsibility away from her parents. So some school supplies it is.

What else has happened? A couple that came with the team from McPherson gave me a bilingual Bible. I am so thankful. Mine was stolen at the church in San Jose last year. The team was here from Feb. 23 to Mar.3. We went to San Pedro Sula to help build 2 rooms onto one of the schools there. It was hot!!! I love to go with the teams to help them and Becky, but when I'm gone, my classes do not receive English! The same thing happens when I go to the states every three months for my visa requirement. This really bothers me. So I am applying for residency here. Therefore I won't have to leave but can if I want. And of course I want to see my kids. But I will be able to choose the weeks when we don't have school here in order to go home. Evidently my age will have a lot to do with the requirements for residency. And from what I have heard, it's better than being younger. I will not have to renew it every year. Woohoo, and I can earn money if I want. Well, I don't think I will do that. The Lord sent me here to teach English, and freely he has given to me so freely I will give to them. (And of course, I am to be a witness of his glory and mercy, etc. That is a given). So here's hoping all goes well.

We still need teachers at the school, and the money to pay them which comes from the sponsorship program. So please pray for more sponsors for our students.

O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Amen.



Saturday, February 11, 2012

Phil.4:19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Wow! Yesterday the sun shined ALL day! What a blessing. It has been chilly and rainy ever since I returned. Ugh! And today it is shining. I am so thankful. It is really cold in IL and KS, brrrrr!

So the last couple of weeks has been spent at the school enrolling students. As of now, we have 40 in the 7th-9th grades. I will be teaching 5th and 6th grades also, but I'm not sure of the numbers. I received a blessing yesterday from two former students and one is now attending elsewhere. The English that he is receiving is malo(bad)according to him. Nothing is translated for him, and he fills in the blanks on the pages after listening to the lesson on tape. (I have been told by different people that I should only speak in English when I teach. That may be okay for little ones who still have the God given ability to speak any language when they are born, but as they get older and don't use those specifics, those not used go by the wayside. Therefore, it becomes more difficult to learn and speak correctly in another language as the child gets older. Granted, there are people that God has given linguistic ability/talent, and they pick up languages very quickly, but most of us don't have that talent. And during some of the conferences I attended on how the brain works, the brain has to have some kind of info(schema)to attach incoming information in order to use it. Therefore, I believe the kids will learn quicker if that schema is provided, hence, translations). So one of the students asked if he could come back to my class. I said absolutely. I was pleased that he remembered English so well. I learned when I was teaching children with disabilities that students can fill in blanks correctly and not have a clue to understanding what they just wrote. I want these students to be able to carry on a conversation in English, and to be able to read and write with understanding. I want the kind of quality where the students will remember how to use the language after they finish the classes. I believe God for the grace and help for both me and the students.

So what else has happened? The dryer is now fixed, thank you Lord. And we learned that there was nothing wrong with the land line. It was the phone that was bad! Calling long distance is better on my land line. It sounds like the person is standing next to me, whereas on the cell, they are in a tunnel with a lot of static and difficult to hear and understand what is being said.

We need two more teachers desperately. Our first grade class has 46 students. Way too many for one teacher, if quality is the goal. And of course, we always need sponsors for our kids. And the need is now. I have to stand on God's word that says he will meet our every need according to the riches in Christ Jesus.



Monday, January 30, 2012

Heb.11:36 For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of God...

Wow, the month of January is almost over. Much has happened in the past two months. Graduation from CINCEL took place December the 9th, and I left San Jose, CR on the 10th. What joy to be going home after being there a year.

I was able to spend time in IL with my brother. We had such a good time together, basically just enjoying each others company. And of all things, we visited the cemeteries where family members were laid to rest. I was thinking we must really be getting old, because that's what "old" people did when I was a kid! But Donnie and I never grew up together in the same house, so we have a unique relationship. When I call him on the phone, we spend most of the time giggling! And over nothing, mostly. We definitely don't agree on lots of things, but we sure do love each other. The rest of the time was spent with kids, grand kids, and great-grand kids. What a family God has blessed me with. And it just keeps getting bigger!

And of course I was able to spend time with my friends and pastors Byran and Julie and their new little one. What a precious bundle he is. How I miss my church in Kingman. I always spend the last Sunday that I am home with my youngest at his church in Wichita. God blessed him as a child to play drums in church, and he is still playing. I praise God for that.

I wasn't able to be at the meeting with the ladies in Martha's Circle, but I did get to see and talk with some of them at my friend Amy's 90th birthday.

It was so different in the states after living in a foreign country for 3 years. I had to remember to throw toilet paper in the toilet instead of the waste paper can. Then I was waiting for a friend to come to a restaurant so we could have breakfast together. I arrived a little early, so I'm sitting on the benches inside the door waiting for her. After 15 minutes had passed the time we were supposed to meet, I told the waitress that I would go ahead and be seated. A minute after being seated, the waitress said my friend was sitting in the other room waiting for me. She had also arrived early and was waiting for me! So two things I learned: there is not a smoking area anymore, which is where my friend was sitting, and I need to look around before I sit down to wait for someone. But we had a good laugh, a good breakfast, and a great time visiting. And of course we talked about the Lord and what he is doing in our lives. Not always what we expect!

A couple of my children and I had a great time discussing the Lord, the end times, etc. And to watch the Lord at work is totally fantastic. A young lady asked me to explain a scripture to her while I was home, and I did to the best of my knowledge. But the amazing thing was that a friend had given her the Bible and it "fell" open to the exact spot that she needed. Some would say it was coincidence. I personally don't believe in coincidences. The Holy Spirit is always working, and especially when someone is searching for answers. I love that. God is so faithful.

Some relationships were restored, and I give thanks always to God for that because he's a restorer of broken relationships. Hallelujah!

Becky and her friend Mary, from the U.S. picked me up at the airport. They stayed here until Becky's new apartment was ready this past Tuesday. So now I have been in my house in Valle for a few days. What a great feeling, but at the same time, it is strange being totally by myself since Dec. 10! At first I didn't know what to do with myself!! But school for teachers will start this coming Wednesday, and then I will be very busy. It will be good to see some of the students I had in the 5th and 6th grades. I ran into one of my former students last week, and he hugged me for the longest time. Bless his heart, he was such a good student. He didn't cry, but his eyes were sure wet. He will be in 10th grade this year, and I don't know if we will have that grade where I teach. If not, he will attend the public school that is about a mile away. Here high school ends at the end of the 11th grade. One of my other students is working in a coffee field, so I don't know if he will return to school or keep on working. If the family needs money, most likely he will continue to work. Things are so hard here for kids, especially in the country.

And my friends here in Valle came to see me. What a great reunion. I missed them a lot when I was in CR, but we did email each other.

And my Spanish? Well, I can understand numbers better when I am buying something. And I'm trying to talk more with Wil, the fellow that takes care of the property here where I live. He always tells me, poco a poco, which basically means little by little, Beverly. So I need patience and practice.

I praise God for all he is doing in my family and my friends, and for all the prayers he hears and answers. And I thank him for this life he has given me. Blessings to all.