Wow! What a week this has been (11/8-11/15)! The team from Coffeyville, KS arrived last Saturday. All 14 of them. Yay, what a fantastic group. We love them. So, they stayed in a really nice hotel here in Valle.  They went with Becky on Sunday to Becky's church in Tegucigalpa. I went to mine here in Valle. They returned later that evening.  I went to bed at nine and left Becky to turn off the lights, etc.  Around 12:30 AM, my house phone started ringing. I thought that something had happened to one of my kids or to their kids, etc. Well, when I answered, it was Betty, my 96 year old friend. She was so sick and wondered if I could take her to the hospital. I praise God that Becky was here with her car. So I went to her room and asked if she could help, and of course, she said yes. So away we went to get Betty to take her to the hospital. Her blood pressure was off the charts, and she was dehydrated. So the Dr. and nurses did their thing to get all under control. They said they needed to keep Betty the rest of the night. I could not leave her by herself, so Becky went back to my house, and I stayed with Betty. Bless her ole heart. So I missed the first day of work with the team. However, I went home to shower, etc. when Betty's helper, Tina, came to the hospital around 8:30 AM. We had called her before but something was wrong with her phone connection, and she didn't hear it. We were told that Betty would be released around noon.  So I called both their cell phones around 12 to see what was happening. Neither answered, so I started walking to the hospital. First I went to Tina's shop to see if she was there. She was and said that Betty was fine, arguing with the Dr. etc. She definitely was better! And she was to be released around 4. So I came back home.  Around 7:30 PM, my phone rang, and Betty needed a way home. So Becky and I went to get her. Of course, they didn't have her release papers, ready, etc., but finally we got her and Tina to her house.  Today, she is getting stronger and is doing very well. Thank you, Jesus.

When Tuesday morning came, I went with the group to work on one of our schools in Tegucigalpa. What fun! A lot of work, but fun.  They tore roofs off 4 classrooms in order to put on new ones. Many of the ladies scraped and painted. On Tues. night they went to the church in Tegucigalpa. On Wed. night they went to my church and did a tag team preaching about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. One of our members translated for them. On Thurs. night we went to the church by the school where I teach. It was great. Two of the pastors spoke with Brandon, from the team, translating for one, and Becky for the other. But the biggest surprise was when one of my students went up to the pulpit to welcome the team and then sang "God Is Good" in English before all the preaching began. Another WOW!! She did well. Some of the team asked me if I knew that she was going to do that. I surely did not, but I'm so proud of her!!!

On Friday, the 14th, they decided to work half a day. Becky took me to get my residency renewed. Wow, we would have been out of there in less than an hour, but she forgot that I needed a letter from the Assemblies here in order to renew it, and I didn't know that I needed it. So to the school office we went. The office secretary called the secretary at the Bible school and was told  that we could get it after 11:30. So we went back to where the team was working. After lunch, all but the pastor and one lady from the team went back to Valle. The other two went with me and Becky. While I went to get my new residency card, Becky took the other two to the big grocery store a block away. They loved the place. Yay! Our supermarkets here are basically the same as the ones in the states. Then off to Valle we went. The team didn't have much free time while they were here, but they managed to get their souvenir shopping completed. And the next morning we went to a mountain overlooking Tegucigalpa  that has a huge statue representing Jesus. You can see the whole city from there. It's a beautiful view.   Our landing strip at the airport is not very long, and from the the mountain, it looks even shorter! And then off to the airport where we said good-bye to the team.  I don't like to say good-bye, and it comes from one of my students from Kingman.  Years ago I said good-bye to her at the end of the day, and she turned around and told me that good-bye is forever. We needed to say "see you later" because we would see each other again, God willing, of course. So she would always give me the "L" sign from sign language and say "see you later, Ms Blumer" when leaving for the day.  I have never forgotten her little piece of wisdom. So it's not good-bye team, it's see you later.

And this week, (11/18-11/20) we took the 9th graders from my school to the Copan Ruins in Copan which is NW of here.  We also went to a bird park, Pulhapanzak Waterfall and the Taulabe Cave.  The kids really enjoyed all the places we went and seeing parts of Honduras that they have never seen. They listened to the guide at both the bird park, the ruins, and the cave. They were very respectful. Normally, they are not that quiet when someone else is speaking. We stayed 2 nights in motels. And we were all ready to come home the 3rd day! When you understand that some of these kids have never been to Tegucigalpa, which is only about 40 minutes from Valle, and have never been away from their families, it's easy to understand their wanting to return home as quickly as possible. I love it when a guide speaks English along with his native tongue.  The students are surprised when they hear us talking. They really don't understand the opportunities that are available here if a person can speak English.

So what else is happening? I started oil pulling in August. I had never heard of it before that time. I was talking to our Father one day and said to Him that He had healed me of everything that had come my way.   And then I asked about my teeth because I had a little cavity forming on the outside of one of my bottom teeth.  Why not my teeth? Well, a few days later, I went on line and looked to see if there was any thing natural for healing teeth. Wow! The information that was there was astonishing. So I began oil pulling, drinking raw milk (umm good!), quit eating processed food and food made with flour that had not been fermented, etc. Well, the teeth are whiter than ever before, the black spot is getting fainter, and I've lost weight. The belly fat that I was concerned about is almost nil. You really can drink whole milk (raw) and lose weight. What a deal! And I even made butter. Yay! Grass fed cows produce the best milk. And I can buy it when I return to the states. I've already checked it out. Thank you, Lord. I wish I had known this years ago, and maybe I wouldn't have a mouth full of fillings and two crowns, and my kids would have had better teeth. But better late than never.

Next week is Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday. How I miss having it with my kids. It's just not the same without them. However, it is a day to give special thanks to our Father in heaven for all that He is and does. So be blessed on this special day.

Beverly says,                                  

Hello Everybody,

Here we are again in the Thanksgiving Season.  My favorite time and holiday of the year.  As God’s children  we have so much to be thankful for.  Our greatest blessing is knowing the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The Lord has truly blessed me this year.  I have a new great-granddaughter born in August, and there will be another great-grandchild making his debut in December while I’m home or before I get there!  Praise be to God. He has let me see my children’s children’s children. What a blessing. And if you read my blog, that I’m behind on, you will know that I celebrated my 70th birthday in September. Becky and my daughter were really sneaky in throwing the biggest surprise party that I’ve ever had. It was wonderful.  And no, I don’t feel any different now than before.  Thank you, Jesus,

The school year is basically over. My students did well this year. The 7th, 8th, and 9th graders sang at the school’s 22nd anniversary in October. They sang Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord in Spanish and English, and then sang they God Is Good in English. A lady from the district was sitting next to Becky and she said, “More , more”, when the kids finished. One of my 9th grade girls spoke to the people present in English, and one of the visitor’s told our National Director that he needed to send his kids to our school for English.  That was definitely encouraging for me. So how God will use some of the  students and their English in the future, I don’t know. But I know that He never wastes time or talent.

Have  a blessed Thanksgiving,                     

In His service,                                                                  

Beverly                                                                            

One morning I was reading about Jacob. And I was curious to know his age when he married Leah and Rachel. I was totally shocked! He was 84 years old. The sisters were many years younger. I checked several references, and they all said the same thing.  He was a strong, healthy man, and worked everyday, and he fathered many children. When I read about him before, I always thought of Jacob as being in his late 20's or early 30's. Boy was I blind. The Bible tells us that Esau took his wife at 40 years old. Well, he and his brother were twins, and Jacob wasn't married until later. How culture blind we are sometimes by not seeing what the words are really saying. Open my eyes, Lord!

The last couple of months have been really busy. All the parades the kids had to be in really took a lot of time. Not only the days of the parades, but all the practicing that was involved.  A couple of weeks ago, one of our missionaries that is now in Springfieldd, MO came for a day for a spiritual time with our teachers here, and then we went to San Pedro Sula to do the same with the teachers there.  So Becky and I were there for the weekend. It was a good time with the teachers and the Lord. Before Becky and I left SPS, we went to this huge grocery store. Oh my, it has things from all over the world I do believe. It would take a lot of time to really go through and check out everything.  I think if you can't find it there, then it probably isn't in HN. It now has to be my favorite place to go while I'm there. It also has a conveyor belt instead of an escalator to go up into the store, and you use it  also for your cart when you leave.  Just don't let go of your cart!!!

Oct. 3&4, our area directors were here for a spiritual retreat at my house for the missionaries and associates that are here in HN. And there aren't many of us! They do this once a year and I love it.  It's a time to spend apart from the normal daily routine and reflect on the things that God is doing in your life, and where you are spiritually.  That was Thursday night and Friday. On Saturday, we celebrated 22 years of the school here in Macuelizo.  It was a happy time. Different classes sang different songs. My students from 7th-9th grades sang three songs. I had told them that we were going to sing in English and then let them choose the main song which was "God Is Good". They really like that song.  They also sang "Open the Eyes of My Heart" in Spanish and English.  They did a great job said my directors. Becky told me that there was a lady from the district sitting next to her, and when the kids had finished their songs, she was saying, more, more. That's an awesome confirmation. I praise the Lord for all.  Of course there were different speakers that spoke about the school, etc.  

We have a project at the school that will help feed our students.  Pens have been built for the chickens that will produce eggs and meat.  We also have a garden that has tomatoes, green peppers, onions, cucumbers, etc.  And there are also banana plants at the end of the property.  We also have two ovens in the technical school that uses wood instead of electricity.  A lady from the area comes and teaches the girls how to use them.  So we will have bread for the kids to eat, too.  It's exciting to see these things come into being when it has been a dream of Becky's for many years.  God always has a time for everything even though it is not in our time frame. Praise God for all that He is doing.

So now it's time for finals again.  I'm looking forward to the end of the school year! Today, some of the students gave an oral report on "Who Am I?". They spoke English very well. Yay!!! A couple of them had written that they like to go to church to learn about God. I asked them if they wanted to know about Him or did they want to know Him? When they understood the difference, they said they wanted to know him. Another YAY!

God is so very good. We cannot understand everything that He allows to happen unless He chooses to tell us, but I'm so thankful that I know that He knows everything about everything and everybody.  I'm so thankful that He is surprised by nothing. What a God we love and serve.

Ps.92:14-15 They shall still bring forth fruit in their old age; they shall be fat and flourishing; to shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.

Well, I am now 70 years old. How awesome is that?  How do I feel? Not Any different than four days ago when I was 69!!! I had the biggest surprise party ever.  Becky and my daughter Penny were very sneaky along with all the teachers, etc. And the biggest surprise was seeing four teachers from San Pedro Sula. They left SPS at four o'clock in the morning to be here on time. It's basically a four hour drive.  These are the same ones that want me to go to SPS to teach English.  What an easy job that would be compared to here because they have a bilingual school. But the Lord has put me here, and if and when He says to leave here for wherever, then I will go.  But what a blessed day.  And to top it all off, my one student here at home made dinner for  my family and Becky.  Pupusas are the best, not to mention her upside down pineapple cake, Honduran style.  What a day! And of course, I had to think about my mother. I weighed almost nine pounds when I was born!!! Whew!!

The Lord has blessed me with a large family, and it's continuing to grow. He's blessed me with good health, friends, something to do, a nice house, yard, etc. But the greatest blessing is knowing that   

He is always with me.  When I mess up, He is here to help me through the bad feelings, guilt, etc. , and to forgive. My daughter, who was here with hubby Steve, and I had a discussion about death. I told her that I think about it because it is an experience that I will go through. She asked me if I was afraid, and I said no. A Christian only changes his house when he dies physically. He is still living! Jesus gives us so many promises to help us along the way. Our part is to believe what He says. When Pastor Rick and his team were here from CA, he gave me a word from the Lord. He said that I wasn't in the last chapter of my life, and that the greatest was yet to come. I know that it was from the Lord because of things that I had been thinking about that no one else knew. But the Lord knows every thought that we have, and I'm so glad that He does! I didn't realize that my thoughts were what they were until Pastor Rick spoke to me, and then I had complete understanding. How our God loves us!

So I give thanks first and foremost to the Lord for my life. I give thanks to my daughter who wanted to make this day really special for me and for her hubby Steve, who loves his mother-in-law so much. I thank Becky for all her love, work, and effort to pull this off so wonderfully for me. I give thanks to my other children and grandchildren who sent greetings, and to Doug and his family for the Skype video. And I thank my co-workers, friends, and students for their well wishes and gifts. And a special thank you to the ladies of Martha Circle in Kingman.  I pray the Lord bless all of you a hundredfold.

Ps.148 Praise ye the LORD...both young men, and maidens, old men, and children:

What a bitter sweet day this has been! One of my adult students is leaving for the states in two days, legally, I might add! Her last class, really wasn't a class, was today.  Memories, such memories we have.  She was saying how scared she was when she first started, and then learned that another lady whom she knew was also in the class.  The peace that she soon felt, the English that she learned, and the fun that we had. We laughed a lot.  It was great. I will miss her so much, but we know that God has a plan for her, and this is part of an answered prayer for her. So all is well.

And we really had a good laugh when I told about my milk being delivered by horse back Saturday morning! I asked Will if I could buy some milk from him, and he said yes.  So it was delivered by this handsome young man on a horse.  I should have taken a picture. I paid him for my 2 liters, and as he turned to go, I saw several more bottles of milk in his saddlebags.  I thought people in the states will think this is really weird. Well, maybe, but it's part of everyday life here if you want raw milk.  Oh my, how rich it is.  I haven't had this kind of milk since I lived in Michigan in the 60's. What a blessing. 

Becky and I took a trip to another department Saturday. We went to Julticalpa, Olancho.  A lot of logging goes on there, and other than that, nothing much different.  We did go to the little mall there and bought birthday presents to take to a party the next day for a little lady turning five.

Well, I started this yesterday, so I'd better finish it today.  The little lady yesterday loved her gifts. Yay!!

So today, the 8th graders had to choose a partner and talk.  They could not write their conversations first. It had to be from the mind and heart.  They were a little apprehensive when I told them what they had to do, BUT they did absolutely wonderful. Yay, 8th graders! That definitely increased their confidence.  Before they would write out their conversations, memorize, and talk. But today was really good. I think they surprised themselves. They know more than they thought they knew. Definitely made this teacher proud of them and happy.  9th graders are next!

Ps. 128:Yea, thou shalt see thy children's children, and peace upon Israel.

Can you believe it? Almost time for school to begin a new year in the states! Time flies. Of course we are just in our 3rd nine weeks here, but it's going fast, too.

A group was here from CA for ten days and they really blessed our students, teachers,  Becky and me. 

They had skits that we had not seen before with messages beyond the salvation message. And this is a need in our schools. Our students have heard the salvation message many times, and they need messages that apply to other areas of their lives and walking with Christ. And this group provided some. Thank you Lord. The group, made up mostly of high school students, ministered, prayed for and with the students, and spent the afternoons painting some classrooms. We also spent two days and nights at the Castillo del Rey camp grounds outside of Tegucigalpa. The kids had games, competitions, food, and church services.  They enjoyed them all. Some of the kids were filled with the Holy Spirit including two from the states. Yay Jesus! Becky and I were told that the kids from my school were the best behaved, etc. Another PTL.  Also I was told that my students spoke really good English! Another yay Jesus!  It was an awesome time  in the Lord's presence. There were two or three from the states that knew a little Spanish, but language was not a problem when the praying began. God moved! The leader and Pastor of the group spoke Spanish too, so he interpreted just about everything he said. It was great. 

And now we are practicing for the Independence Day parade  Sept. 15, so there won't be classes everyday:(  So I need to re-think lessons for the 5th and 6th grades. They don't come as regular as the other grades.  As my one adult student always says, "What problems!" One of my newer students has been invited to live with her aunt and uncle in the U.S. They are legally there!!! In fact her uncle is an American. Anyway, she didn't like English, but her aunt told her that if she wanted to come to live with them, she had to learn English first. Yay auntie! What a motivation that is.

I started putting my newsletter on my blog, and it's interesting how everything gets out of line! Oh, well, don't sweat the little things. I'm not a publisher or a page designer, etc. and I don't have time to become one. But I do apologize for the scrambled mess! The Honduran flag in the upper right hand corner didn't come through, and the bottom is all messed up too, but the message is intact, and I guess that's the important thing.

And Barbara, I hope this finds you well and blessed. I think of you often and send up a prayer for you. Love you.

So now, it's time to listen to some church songs in Spanish. I'm getting better remembering them! But just like the states, there are so many!

Celebration!! I have a new great-granddaughter! Perfect and beautiful. Thank you Jesus.

Until later.

Beverly says,                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                      07/2014

Hello from Honduras

What a glorious God that we serve! He is always involved in everything that touches our lives. Even when we don’t understand what is happening, we know that He does, and He has all in his hands.  He has a plan, and it will be accomplished in His time. 

Some of you know the struggle that I was having at the end of last year and the beginning of this year in attending the church that I have gone to here in Valle since my arrival here in 2009.  To make a long story short, God has placed me in another that also believes in the baptism in the Holy Ghost with the initial sign of speaking in tongues and with other signs following. Hallelujah!  I have peace and fellowship that was not present in the other church.  I praise God for this change.  Sometimes we are very reluctant to change from the status quo.  However, God is always on the move, and sometimes that requires us to move too.

I didn’t have to go to the school this week since it is the Week of the Student.  We were supposed to have this week off in June. Wouldn’t you know it?  Two days after buying my tickets the government said the free week would be in July!  I went to IL anyway with the Director’s blessing.  I understand the people here having no hope sometimes.  When you are told something by the government, you make plans for that time, and then the government changes everything at the last minute. It can be very frustrating and disappointing at the same time.  I’m so glad that God isn’t like that.  When He says something, you can stake your life on it.

English classes are going well in the school and here at home.  The father of two of my students here at the house stopped me on the street outside my house yesterday to introduce himself again and to thank me for giving classes to his daughters.  They like their classes. Yay! Thank you, Jesus. The high school kids have learned the song “God is Good”, so the sixth grade teacher liked it and asked me to teach them the song also.  Boy, I am not a singer, but the Lord does make up the difference!  So when Americans come,  the kids usually sing the English songs for them. I’m so proud of them! Speaking of Americans, a group came from LSU a while back and ministered to the kids in skits, playing games with them, and having an overnighter at the school with a bonfire.  When it came time to pray for salvation and other needs, I never saw these respond to a group like they did this one.  And most of their requests were for family members to know Christ.  It was totally awesome.

Thank you so much for your financial and spiritual support.  I appreciate it so much.  I pray God bless you in your faithfulness. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                             In His service,                                                                   

Beverly

AGWM Acct#2946234

    

Ps. 81:13 Oh that my people had hearkened unto me , and Israel had walked in my ways!

Well, I think I'm becoming kind of political in my older age! I watch the news and see what is happening in the "home of the brave and the land of the free", and it just kind of makes me sick! Matthew Henry said that if we don't serve God, we will serve our enemies.  I believe we are seriously getting there. This country that has served as a beacon to the world is slowly dimming. How sad for a nation that was built upon Godly principles.  I guess the important word here is "was".  God told the nation of Israel in Duet. 8 that when He brought them into a good land,  built goodly houses, and their gold multiplied that they not forget Him.  And verse 17-20 reminds us that it was God who gave us our wealth and freedom, etc. God is no respecter of persons or nations.  He punished Israel for her departure from Him, and I don't believe the USA is any better.  Jesus said to whom much is given much is required. We as a country have been given much.  What is happening to us? And where are we headed?

So I was able to go to IL for a week in June.  What a wonderful time I had with my daughter and my brother. And I was able to do some shopping and to get a decent haircut! Yay! Of course, two days after I bought my ticket the government said that the school didn't get that week off. Well, I went home with the director's blessing since none of this was my fault. But I did feel bad, but not bad enough to change my plans. And if the truth be known, I needed the break.

This week there is a group here from CA to minister to the kids at school and to paint some of the classrooms. Yay! Both are needed and appreciated. My students were using their English which made me very proud of them.  My work and their is showing!

So much of me in the last month has not wanted to write! And it's true for today also. So later!

II Chron. 20:15...for the battle is not yours,but God's.

Here we are in the middle of May. Wow!  The year is almost half over.  Amazing how time seems to fly.  So we had a week off in April for Semana Santa. I stayed home and enjoyed it immensely.  I washed windows and curtains, etc.  I made sure I went to town just about everyday to keep from becoming a hermit which I could do with no trouble.

Mother's Day has come and gone.  I talked to my children in the states by Skype or email, etc.  Thanks kids!!!!  I do miss seeing you on this particular day.  And some of my students here also blessed me. One brought me lunch, another brought me a really nice Dumb Cane plant, and tonight my one class of four students, with one adult, is taking me to the pizza place here in town.  And I can't forget Will. He knocked on my door early morning on Mother's Day to tell me happy MD and then gave me two yellow roses from the yard here. And of course he had a big bouquet for his wife. I thank the Lord for him and his family always.  We had our normal Mother's Day celebration at school.  It was good. 

So I just returned from having pizza with my class.  What fun we had speaking in English and Spanish.  My adult student who is a teacher in the public school here kept reminding the girls to use English.  The girls presented me with a coffee mug filled with goodies, and my adult student gave me a top with a picture on the front representing Valle.  What a great surprise! As we were talking about this and that, the subject of my age came up.  And when I told them that I would be 70 in September, they looked a little shocked.  So I asked them how old they thought I was, and they all in unison said 55!  I wanted to kiss them all!  So that's twice in the last two weeks that I've been told 55. Interesting.  God has blessed me with good health and friends in this new land called home.  He always gives blessings for faith in his word and obedience.  When he says go, you go. When he says do, you do, yes?  We learn those things in the process of learning who our God really is. That doesn't mean that we don't stumble and fall at times.  But he is there to pick us up, and we learn from those times.

So what is happening here?  Well, supposedly there is a new public school opening near us. The government has promised to pay parents if they will send their kids there. Interesting.  Teachers were a little concerned, but like I told our director, God knew about this long before she did. And He has a plan regardless of what does or does not happen with the other school.  We need to watch and see how he works. Isn't our Lord the best?  Nothing happens or is planned without His knowledge, and that's knowledge to rest in.  We will continue to do what God has called us to do.  Some things have been said against us by the person who has authority over the opening of the school, but the battle is the Lord's, and whoever fights against us when we aren't even fighting is really fighting against the Lord, and we all know who wins that battle.  So God's will be done.

A team of young people from LSU will be here next week to minister to the kids at our schools here in Macuelizo and Tegucigalpa.  That will be a busy week.

So I do believe that the rainy season has started.  It has rained some every night this past week.  That also means some cooler weather especially at night. Yeehaw!!  Valle has such good sleeping weather all year round.  I love it.

So now it's time to get busy.  Be blessed.

Well, I just remembered something that happened last week, and I have to record it before I forget it again. I have found that when you are living in a foreign country, you can miss the goofiest things sometimes, like cherry pie, the Olive Garden, etc. Well, one day this past week after we boarded the van to come home, I had the strongest desire come over me. I wanted so badly to walk down my lane,  open my mailbox, and reach in and pull out a letter or even a flyer!  I didn't care as long as it was real handable(is that a word?) paper something. I just wanted a real paper letter. Yes, I know I can print an email.  Sorry, it's just not the same.

Newsletter

Hello from Honduras                                                                                    03/2014                                                                               

Dear Friends                                                                                                                          

I hope this finds you all walking in the blessings of our Lord! And speaking of His blessings, seven of our students accepted Jesus as their Savior yesterday during our devotional time at school. The moving of the Holy Spirit is an awesome thing to behold. As they were asking Jesus to come into their lives, I saw some of the seventh and eighth graders praying and wiping tears from their own eyes.  And I was especially blessesd when I saw the boys doing so.  So many times the teachers work and pray and see nothing for all their labor, and then it happens. Fruit is born.  We sometimes forget that seeds are growing under the soil before we ever see a little seedling. God is so good not wanting any to perish. He has a plan for each of these students, and my prayer is that I fulfill my part in their lives.

The English classes are going well.  The kindergarten teacher is teaching English to the second graders fulfilling  part of her university requirement to become a certified teacher. This is so great. She had them when they were in kindergarten and they remember some of the things she taught them at that time. They want to learn English, and they asked their regular teacher to learn with them. And she is. PTL! I really do see this school as a bilingual school in the future. What a blessing for this area that is looked down upon by many of its neighbors. But isn’t that just like our Lord to lift up the poor and downtrodden?

Besides teaching at the school in the mornings, I now have six coming to my house in the evening or late afternoon. There are three adults and four girls.  One of the adults is a teacher here in Valle at the public school. Most of them know English words and phrases, but cannot carry on a simple conversation. They make my day because  they are so eager to learn. I also had a chance to teach some literature classes in one of our schools in San Pedro Sula when a team from McPherson, Ks came at the beginning of the school year to help build two school rooms. (They didi an excellent job)! The school is bilingual so it was an easy teach for me.  Even though the students read every word correctly, they did not understand all that they read, so it was a blessing that I was able to explain those things. When it was time to leave, they asked me to come there and teach, even to the point that the they asked Mario, the National Director of LACC in Honduras, to send me there. He didn’t because that’s not where I’m súpose to be!! But it’s a great feeling to know that you’re wanted!! Also one of the teachers told me that they need North Americans to come and help them learn the correct pronunciation of English words. Do you hear the call?

The biggest prayer right now for the school is to have more qualified teachers and the money to pay them. Our kinder class has 60 plus students, and  our principal is now helping our one teacher. Our first grade has 50  students and one teacher.  The fifth grade has 34 with one teacher. We need more sponsors for our students because part of that money helps pay our teachers. Several of them come from Tegucigalpa on the bus everyday. It is a need not a want. Once again a BIG thank you to all of you that support me both prayerfully and financially. May God continue to bless you for your faithfulness.  

In His service,

Beverly                                                                                            beverly.blumer@gmail.com                                                           

                                                                                                           beverlyblumer.blogspot.com

  acct# 2946234

                                                                                                                                                       

                                                                                                                                     

Ps.15:7 I will bless the LORD, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

One more week and then a week's vacation.  Yeah!!! This coming week I will be giving the 9 week tests. The 7th-9th grades will be oral. The 5th and 6th graders will be matching English and Spanish vocabulary. The week after Santa Semana will be for recuperation. Those that didn't pass their tests will have to take them again. 

I have experienced two firsts in the last two weeks. Last week I went to my first Honduran baby shower. It was a lot of fun, and they basically do the same things that we do in the states. However, there were some fathers there, and they had to participate in some fun activities just for them. It was hilarious to watch them. And yesterday I went to one of my student's celebration of her 15th birthday. That birthday is a big deal for the girls here. They are not adults, but at the same time, they are not considered little girls either. It took place at the church. The pastor gave a small message encouraging the young people there to keep Christ first place in their lives, parents next, and then the church. There was a time of praise and worship. I was able to meet her parents which was a blessing. And then, shock of all shocks, one of my former students came and gave me a hug, and then said that she was his sister. Are you kidding? No, he wasn't! What a difference, and I'm sure he told me that his father was a cop when he was in my class.  Well, that wasn't true! Oh, well.

The church that I now attend has a new place to meet, and it's right around the corner from where I live. I was praying that it wouldn't be far from the village, but I didn't know that the Lord was going to put it so close. Bless his name!

I started this a couple of days ago, so I guess I'd better finish it. I always try to call my brother very four to six weeks since he doesn't have or want a computer. We giggle all the time, over dumb stuff, but that's what brothers and sisters do, yes? Anyway, as we started talking he proceeded to tell me that he was going next week to pay his funeral bill. Oh, boy, another funeral conversation! In the past month, our family has lost three people that was fairly close to some of us. And that brought up the subject with my youngest son and his wife about what will happen to dear ole mom if something should happen to her in HN. And then my youngest daughter told me about a dream she had of me and my coffin! It seems that she was somewhere with it, and she couldn't keep track of it. It just kind of disappeared from her possession at times. And she said it was one of those dreams where everything was all messed up and confusing. I still laugh because I can see this picture clearly. It wasn't funny to her at the time of the dream, but really, a runaway coffin? That would be me, no? Not really. My personal belief is that the Lord gets us prepared for that event. There are so many in the Bible that knew they were going to die.  And it's interesting to note that when I worked in the medical field, they always went in three's. Eva says in sixes or sevens here!!! Oh, well, I've had no "premonitions" or anything else in that category, so kids, be at peace. Now those are interesting words, huh?

So all the tests that I left to give are to my 5th and 6th graders. And then on to free time for a week. Although Eva has asked me to help her with her homework for the university, but that won't be everyday.

It is so dry and smokey here. We need a rain, but the dry season is here for a couple more months. It's smokey because the farmers are burning their land getting ready to plant the next crop. But it sure plays a number on the breathing! And it's HOT! Finally.

I had a couple more people ask me to teach them English. I had to decline. I was sick a couple of days last week and just bone tired. The Lord let me know that I was not to take on more students. And then a couple of people basically said the exact same things to me that didn't know what the other had said or what the Lord showed me. I praise Him for taking care of me, and that He will confirm His word to us. I also have a better understanding of how people can let their ministry take over their lives to the point of losing focus of everything else including their families. Not a good road to go down.

It's my turn with one of the other teachers to do the devotional on Friday for the teachers. So I need to
ask my Father what His will is for that time, and that He will open our ears to hear, our eyes to see, and our hearts and minds to understand, and then to do whatever it is that we need to do to serve Him.

Pro.3:6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Here we are in the middle of March. I can't believe that one month of school has already passed.  Many things have happened since returning in January.

A team from McPherson KS came the last of February for ten days and left the first week of March.  We went to San Pedro Sula in the North, and it was very HOT! The team helped put up walls for two more classrooms. PTL.  I did get to teach a literature class three times while we were there, and I loved that. The school is bilingual, so it was easy for me. The students know a lot of English, but had some difficulty understanding the story.  So I was glad I could help them understand. Before I left, the teachers and students were asking me to come there to teach. And then when Mario came, they asked him to tell me to come there to teach! Funny!  And even explaining that the heat for me would be very difficult, they said that I would have an air-conditioned classroom and an apartment! Bless their hearts. However, after a few days, the air conditioning bothers me, too. For me to be somewhere else, the Lord would have to do some changing of the ole bod. And of course He could do that if I was suppose to be somewhere else. But I know where I'm supposed to be. Thank you Lord. And the one teacher who gave me her class said they need Americans to come and help them with the correct pronunciation of words. My prayer is for retired people to come and help us. They would be self supporting and would be able to stay for prolonged times. I appreciate people that give two or three months of their time, but it doesn't help much in teaching language when there is no one to take their place when they leave.

And great news!! My friend Chepe is alive! He wasn't the one killed in October.  Becky saw him a few weeks ago. I feel for the family of the man that was killed, but at the same time, glad for Chepe and his family.

God laid it on my heart to give money for a roof over the cancha ( like a court for tennis, basketball, etc.) area. This area will be used for graduation and other events. It will also help protect the bathrooms from being flooded when it rains. So I thank all of you  that supported me last year because your dollars also went into this project. 

English classes are going well at the school, and I now have two more adult students coming to my house. One of them teaches at the public high school here in town. And one of my former students at the school is coming to the school for more English. He comes at times when I don't have a class. He came to my house last Sunday when I was getting ready to leave for church. "Beverly, I want to learn more English." When I asked him why, he said that he wanted to work at the embassy. I'm so glad that he has a goal to work towards even if he doesn't end up at the embassy. There are jobs here that require English.  So...

An interesting thing occurred last night. I was watching TV when I heard the most awful sound. It sounded like someone was trying to break down my door. I opened it because I knew there was no one else here. Oh, my!  Brownie, the German Shepherd, was foaming at the mouth big time, lying on her side, and her legs were paralyzed. She couldn't straighten  them out. I started praying immediately. I called Will soon after. She was able to move by the time he arrived. He asked if I had any milk. We gave her what I had, and he went to the corner pulperia to buy more. Evidently she had grabbed this big brown toad that is extremely poisonous. The milk took care of the poison in her after a little bit of time. Evidently she had a seizure and the noise I had heard was her body banging against my door. I am so thankful for Will!  I wish I knew all that he knows about plants and animals. He took one look at there and knew instantly what the problem was and what to do. Thank you, Lord for answering my prayer and for Will being the fellow that he is.

A few months ago, before I went home in December, I went through a strange and trying time. I would get up on Sunday mornings and would not want to go to church. Sometimes, I would get dressed to go,  and at the last minute, wouldn't go. My spirit was saying no, but my mind and everything that I believed was saying yes. I would feel guilty on the days that I didn't go. I prayed about it all the time, but the feeling wouldn't leave. Finally, when I came back in December, I decided that I was going regardless of the feeling. Well, I went, but it was not a joyous time. I still was feeling guilty and not really wanting to go and still praying. Anybody that knows me knows that I like to go to church and worship, etc.  One morning while I waited for the school van, one of the ministers from the church was doing his morning walk, and he stopped to talk to me. He invited me to join him and others to worship Sunday morning in another place.  So I went and have been going ever since. God by His Holy Spirit leads and guides his children, but I didn't understand what was going on, and He didn't tell me. But I knew something was wrong, and decided the problem was me.  But the problem wasn't me. It was something else, and He wanted me to move on.  Last Sunday during the service, I was thinking about how people react when some leave a church and start another. They are accused of following the devil, trying to disrupt and destroy the church, etc., etc. But as I was thinking these things, the Lord let me see that this is not always the case. Sometimes He leads others out to build another gathering place for other people to hear His word.  So I give Him praise for helping me through this and for giving me understanding. Also, for putting me in a place where I can worship Him in the Spirit and in truth. My Lord and my God, how great you truly are.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow...from hymn

BRRRRRRRRRR!! It has been on the very chilly here since coming home last Tuesday afternoon.  Wednesday night the wind blew really strong all night.  I'm so thankful that the house that I live in is well built.  Otherwise, I may not have had a roof Thursday morning!  Fifty plus degrees and the low sixties are really cold here. I see you all laughing, but being 4500 plus feet above altitude is a little different than sea level. 60 degrees should feel a little warmer, I think! Friday appeared to be a little warmer than Thursday, but it was cloudy, wind blowing, and a lot cooler :( ! I keep hoping it will become a little warmer.  Speaking of weather, an interesting conversation took place last Thursday when I went to put more minutes on my cell phone. The fellow that I purchase them from has citizenship in the US, but he is from HN.  He said the reason it was so cold here was because of the weather in the states, and that God was wanting the people in the states on their knees praying. I replied that the Lord also wanted the same for the people in HN.  He told me that 70% of Hondurans believed in God, implying that most of the people in the US did not. I came back with the statement that even the devils believe in God, and it's not what you know (believe) but what you do with what you know.  He did not know what to say, but I pray he will think about what I said.  (The scriptures that I referred to is James 1:22 and James 2:19).  I have known him since I first came to HN in 2009. He lived close to the place where I used to catch the bus to school, and when he saw  that  I was an American, he began talking to me in English. He is married and he sends his two little girls to a bilingual school here in Valle.  It's interesting to me that the US is to blame for the world's ills.

I think this past time in the US was probably the best that I have had since leaving in 2009.  I was able to see all my kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids. What a  blessing!  And one of those grandkids was born after I returned here last year. What a sweet bundle of joy! He always had a smile and was softer than Charmin!!  And his daddy, mommy, and sisters drove from OK to IL to see me.  Wow,  was I surprised to see them.  I had good visits with all my family and my friends.  And it was especially nice to spend a whole afternoon with Barbara whose husband passed away this past year.  He gave me a word of wisdom before I left for HN the first time.  I didn't understand it at the time because I was in the honeymoon stage.  But since I'm in the "marriage" state, I understand it completely.  I thank the Lord for Leroy and the word that he gave me.  I remembered it several times last year!

So now it is Monday, and I'm starting to work on plans for the coming year.  Decisions, decisions. School starts for teachers in 2 weeks and the kids the following 2 weeks.  I will be ready with God's help.  The two sisters that come to my house will now be going to school in the afternoons, so if all goes well, they will have lessons with me at 5:30 after their regular classes.  And Elida will be here most other evenings for English and to help me with my Spanish.  So begins my new year in HN.

And it appears that I have been invaded by fleas!!! I have killed more fleas in the last two days, and I also sprayed.  So I hope that will take care of them.  I think that I would rather have cockroaches if I had to have anything.  At least they are bigger and they don't bite you.

So now I must get busy.  Once again I thank all of you for your prayers and financial  blessings.