Last week was really a busy one. We had two kindergarten graduations and one 6th grade graduation. They are very big and important events here. The kindergarten class had 40 students so they were split between two teachers at the beginning of the year. Therefore, two separate ceremonies. All the girls wear the same style and color of dress while the boys wear black suits with ties that match the girls' dresses. This year the color was aqua. Very nice looking. A meal is prepared for the students, teachers, and the student's family. The 6th grade graduation reminded me of our senior high graduations. They wore black caps and gowns. A meal was prepared for this graduation, too.
I was asked to "preach" for the kindergarten classes. So I took the scripture that is written on their certificates. It was Jer. 29:11. What a message the Lord gave me. Of course, Becky translated. One of the ladies from the district office told me it was very, very good. And when she addressed the parents, she reiterated what I had said. So I praise God for His timely message to the parents. The director of the kindergarten class gave the message for the 6th grade.
All the decorating was done by the teachers. What creativity. We blew up a lot of balloons with a couple of plastic "hand pumps" and tied all the knots. Our thumbs were really getting sore by time we finished. Basically, everything was hand made. We made a big arch with white and aqua balloons for the kindergartners to walk under as their names were called. One of their parents walked with them to their seat. A walkway was made with pine needles for the 6th graders to walk on on their way to their seats and the walkway had black balloons on either side. Their colors were black and gold. Decorations were also made for each table, and the family could take those home. A photographer was present at all the graduations taking pictures that could be purchased by the families.
Last week the teachers had to turn in grades at the district office. What a chore. All is done by hand in black ink. There cannot be one mistake, smudge, erasure mark, or the use of corrective white out. If so, the whole paper has to be redone. Wow! I'd still be doing it. I always make a mistake somewhere.
This week we have been busy cleaning, sorting, and counting all the supplies. Tomorrow we are going to paint the school inside and out. This was a project of the 6th grade class, and they made enough money to purchase the paint. So tomorrow it's roll up the sleeves and give the school a fresh look that it really needs.
Friday is the Christmas dinner for the teachers at a restaurant in Tegucigalpa. Our cooks and custodians are also included. We drew names last week, so everybody is excited and trying to figure out who got their name. Christmas in November! But we aren't in school in December.
Next week is the teacher conference at Lake Yojoa. Becky says it's a lot of fun and very good. I hope so. Then we come back and have Thanksgiving dinner with the other missionaries and English teachers in Tegucigalpa. Now I'm celebrating Thanksgiving after Christmas!!! This is the second year that I have not prepared Thanksgiving dinner for my family. What a change.
And a few days after that, I fly home for a few weeks. I'm ready to see my family and to have a change of pace. However, my Spanish teacher is requiring me to write her in Spanish via email. I can do that.
So my first year teaching English in Honduras is almost over. It has been a great year. Next year will be better, since the kids and I are more acquainted with each other, and we know what to expect from one another. They know more English, and I know more Spanish. There are some parents, besides the teachers, that are wanting classes, so will see how the Lord works it all out.
God truly is a good God. I am so thankful that I know him, and that He has good thoughts towards me. I can rest in that knowledge.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Saturday, October 31, 2009
God... a very present help in trouble Ps. 46:1
Last week a couple of the teachers was looking at the calendars that Joyce Kaufman and her students at Cheney High School made for me. When they came to the month of October, they were shocked to see pictures of the jack-o-lanterns. They were like, "Oh,no". Christians in Honduras, they said, do not keep Halloween. I told them I don't keep it and haven't for over 40 years. But they couldn't believe that Christians in the U.S. keep it. Very interesting. And even more interesting was the sermon this morning, because it started out with the knowledge that today is El Dia de Brujas, the day of the witches. It is a day of rejoicing for Satan's followers. Wow, it's the first time that I have heard a Christian pastor speak out against it. People may say that the people here are just ignorant and unlearned. Well, they know Jesus and if they are ignorant and unlearned, I guess He must have been, too, because He definitely knew of Satan's power and ability to deceive.
This last week was the last full week for students. Monday and Tuesday this week are for "recuperacion" tests for the kids that didn't past their tests last week. How times have changed. When I was in school, eons ago, you were expected to learn the first time around, and when tests were given, you either passed or you didn't. And maybe there were 1 or 2 kids that didn't pass in a grade or two, but it sure wasn't more than that, and we didn't get to take the test over. How our expectations have changed.
The Lord is definitely a very present help in the time of need. Yesterday, I was going to town to get my hair cut and do some shopping. And when I closed the door behind me I knew I was in trouble. I didn't have my keys! Oh, boy, what a pickle I was in. I couldn't leave the yard because I didn't have the key to unlock the gate. I couldn't climb over the fence because it's a little high and has barb wire on top. And even if I tried, somebody would have seen me and then the policia would have come, and they wouldn't know if I was trying to get out or in. I could see myself being taken to the police station and trying to explain what was going on. What a mess. All the windows have bars on them, so even though a couple of them were open, I couldn't squeeze through. I thought if I could jiggle the sliding door, maybe it would open. If I could get it open, I could get a broom handle and reach my keys that were on the table. Nope, that didn't work. Oh, boy, I'm here till 8 or 9 tonight when Will comes. The cell phone was in the house,too. Yeah, I hear ya!! So I've been praying all this time, of course, and when I decided I'd just sit on the bench and talk to God the rest of the day, my deliverance came. Will came strolling around the corner of the house. I was never so happy to see anyone in my life as I was him. Hallelujah! But he didn't have keys to the house. So we looked in the windows, thinking, etc. and Will says, ah ha! And away he went. Well, needless to say he got into the house, got my keys, and opened the door. And I praised God for sending Will when he did. Probably no more than 10 or 15 minutes had passed between the time I locked myself out and Will came. I continue to thank God for that even today. What God uses to build faith in his people. I'm sure He will bring this episode to my mind further down the road.
In about 4 weeks it will be time to head for the states until January when I come back. I'm ready to see my family again. I'm not anxious to see cold weather, ice, and snow. Snow is beautiful, but...
This last week was the last full week for students. Monday and Tuesday this week are for "recuperacion" tests for the kids that didn't past their tests last week. How times have changed. When I was in school, eons ago, you were expected to learn the first time around, and when tests were given, you either passed or you didn't. And maybe there were 1 or 2 kids that didn't pass in a grade or two, but it sure wasn't more than that, and we didn't get to take the test over. How our expectations have changed.
The Lord is definitely a very present help in the time of need. Yesterday, I was going to town to get my hair cut and do some shopping. And when I closed the door behind me I knew I was in trouble. I didn't have my keys! Oh, boy, what a pickle I was in. I couldn't leave the yard because I didn't have the key to unlock the gate. I couldn't climb over the fence because it's a little high and has barb wire on top. And even if I tried, somebody would have seen me and then the policia would have come, and they wouldn't know if I was trying to get out or in. I could see myself being taken to the police station and trying to explain what was going on. What a mess. All the windows have bars on them, so even though a couple of them were open, I couldn't squeeze through. I thought if I could jiggle the sliding door, maybe it would open. If I could get it open, I could get a broom handle and reach my keys that were on the table. Nope, that didn't work. Oh, boy, I'm here till 8 or 9 tonight when Will comes. The cell phone was in the house,too. Yeah, I hear ya!! So I've been praying all this time, of course, and when I decided I'd just sit on the bench and talk to God the rest of the day, my deliverance came. Will came strolling around the corner of the house. I was never so happy to see anyone in my life as I was him. Hallelujah! But he didn't have keys to the house. So we looked in the windows, thinking, etc. and Will says, ah ha! And away he went. Well, needless to say he got into the house, got my keys, and opened the door. And I praised God for sending Will when he did. Probably no more than 10 or 15 minutes had passed between the time I locked myself out and Will came. I continue to thank God for that even today. What God uses to build faith in his people. I'm sure He will bring this episode to my mind further down the road.
In about 4 weeks it will be time to head for the states until January when I come back. I'm ready to see my family again. I'm not anxious to see cold weather, ice, and snow. Snow is beautiful, but...
Saturday, October 10, 2009
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me...Ps.139:17
God continues to amaze me. He is so awesome and truly does meet all our needs. But He goes beyond our needs. God has blessed me with some really good friends here and at home in the U.S. I have been privileged to meet and become friends with some of God's other children here, those that I don't work with or attend their church. I was invited to go to the school that Johnny's daughter has started in Tegucigalpa. I was also able to meet her partner, Esther, who is a psychologist, and we were able to discuss those children with special needs. I met some of the parents and their children, too. Her pastor came to bless the school and those involved in the whole project. What an anointing. And then he called me up to pray for me. Wow! The words he said over me were confirmations of things that God had already revealed to me. However, there were a couple of new things. So we will see the things that God has spoken. His word never returns void unto Him.
The last couple of weeks have been very busy. I was able to go with Ruth, PIEDAD office secretary, and Becky to San Pedro Sula and El Progreso to pass out the Christmas gifts. That was on Monday and Tuesday. And there I was able to see two of my working buddies, Raul and Jose. I had a chance to ask about Raul's family and to talk to Jose who is getting married to Veronica in December. And of course Raul talked about me sweating like a horse which is an expression in English that I taught him. And in those two places, I am always wet. It is so hot there. Of course they're only an hour or so from the coast. Then on Thursday, Ruth and Becky came to the school where I work and passed out gifts. It's really early this year due to schools ending at the end of October which is due to all the political stuff that has been happening.
On the second of the month, the teachers at school threw a surprise birthday party for me. And it truly was a surprise. Since we have a teacher devotional on Fridays, I was sitting there listening to Patricia and looking up the scripture that I was suppose to read. Half way through the meeting I looked up and there on the whiteboard in huge letters was Happy Birthday Beverly. Talk about being blind!! The teachers were cooking food before and when I went into the kitchen they said it was a special day and just smiled. OK. They do things all the time that I don't know about until it is happening. So... But I was blessed. And they fixed enchiladas which is one of my favorites without the Parmesan cheese which really turns my stomach upside down and I mean that literally. They gave me green earrings and bracelets. Very pretty especially since that's one of my favorite colors. I did see Becky's car there when I went down to the kindergarten building and when she came out to meet me I didn't say, " Hi, how are you?" I said, "What are you doin' here?" Talk about bad manners!! I immediately apologized, of course. Her response was that they had called and asked her to come. Still didn't register. Talk about being blind in one eye and can't see out of the other!!! But they truly blessed me.
Eva had asked me the week before if I wanted to go with her and some friends mountain climbing near Santa Lucia. I said sure because I know my friend Eva and we were not going to climb a mountain like the one in Amapala. So the day of I asked her to call Denia, my Spanish teacher, because we wouldn't have time for a lesson. I could have called, but I wanted to make sure there were no mistakes in the message. Just being on the safe side. She said of course, so later when she was on the phone with Denia she told me that Denia had called her to say that she wasn't able to teach that day. Well, I praised the Lord because I didn't want to be the one that was not able to keep our class time, again. So at 3:00 we were on the bus heading for Santa Lucia. It had started to rain and when Eva got out her umbrella from her bag I saw a deck of cards and asked about them. She said we might play with them. Now I'm really wondering about this mountain climbing thing especially when she said I would know a couple of people there. So we were to meet the group at one of the restaurants. So who popped out from behind the wall when we found a table? You guessed it. Jessica and her daughter, AND my Spanish teacher and her son. Happy Birthday Beverly! That's two surprise birthdays in less than a week. We had great food, another birthday cake, and lots of laughs. This restaurant has three huge concrete slides. I remember asking Eva before if you could slide very fast down those things. Oh, yes, was her reply. Well, it's Eva saying come on Beverly. Are you kidding? Those things were huge. I don't know how tall they were, but we had to walk up about thirty steps from the bottom and that wasn't to the top. So away we went. Talk about fast. It was. And of course I had to go on all three. And they all weren't straight down. Some had curves. I told Denia to come on. Oh, that girl. I finally took her hand off the edge and held it, and away we went with her yelling all the way down. It was fun. That's one thing we will have to do when Doug comes back down with his family.
So now I'm 65. Everybody here says I'm joven, which means young. And I'm saying are you kidding. Especially when 35 is old here. Isn't that just the craziest thing you ever heard of? I refuse to get OLD. Older, yes, old, NO. Why should I? Because our cultures say that when we reach a certain age we should have all these diseases, retire, sit in a chair and do nothing, etc., etc. Do you know how many people retire and die within the first 3 or 5 years? Where is that written in God's word? Where is it written that when you are a certain age that God will not heal you anymore? I don't refuse to die if it's my time, but I sure refuse to have all these things that the world says I have to have. So God and life is good. I praise and thank Him everyday for my life and my health. I am so thankful to Jesus Christ for taking those stripes and going through the agony that I can't even imagine just so I could be healed. What a loving Savior we have. Paul said to renew our minds, and that we have the mind of Christ. And as a man thinketh, so is he. We are in this world, but we are not of it. We are citizens of a different country, and that's the culture we need to be listening to.
The last couple of weeks have been very busy. I was able to go with Ruth, PIEDAD office secretary, and Becky to San Pedro Sula and El Progreso to pass out the Christmas gifts. That was on Monday and Tuesday. And there I was able to see two of my working buddies, Raul and Jose. I had a chance to ask about Raul's family and to talk to Jose who is getting married to Veronica in December. And of course Raul talked about me sweating like a horse which is an expression in English that I taught him. And in those two places, I am always wet. It is so hot there. Of course they're only an hour or so from the coast. Then on Thursday, Ruth and Becky came to the school where I work and passed out gifts. It's really early this year due to schools ending at the end of October which is due to all the political stuff that has been happening.
On the second of the month, the teachers at school threw a surprise birthday party for me. And it truly was a surprise. Since we have a teacher devotional on Fridays, I was sitting there listening to Patricia and looking up the scripture that I was suppose to read. Half way through the meeting I looked up and there on the whiteboard in huge letters was Happy Birthday Beverly. Talk about being blind!! The teachers were cooking food before and when I went into the kitchen they said it was a special day and just smiled. OK. They do things all the time that I don't know about until it is happening. So... But I was blessed. And they fixed enchiladas which is one of my favorites without the Parmesan cheese which really turns my stomach upside down and I mean that literally. They gave me green earrings and bracelets. Very pretty especially since that's one of my favorite colors. I did see Becky's car there when I went down to the kindergarten building and when she came out to meet me I didn't say, " Hi, how are you?" I said, "What are you doin' here?" Talk about bad manners!! I immediately apologized, of course. Her response was that they had called and asked her to come. Still didn't register. Talk about being blind in one eye and can't see out of the other!!! But they truly blessed me.
Eva had asked me the week before if I wanted to go with her and some friends mountain climbing near Santa Lucia. I said sure because I know my friend Eva and we were not going to climb a mountain like the one in Amapala. So the day of I asked her to call Denia, my Spanish teacher, because we wouldn't have time for a lesson. I could have called, but I wanted to make sure there were no mistakes in the message. Just being on the safe side. She said of course, so later when she was on the phone with Denia she told me that Denia had called her to say that she wasn't able to teach that day. Well, I praised the Lord because I didn't want to be the one that was not able to keep our class time, again. So at 3:00 we were on the bus heading for Santa Lucia. It had started to rain and when Eva got out her umbrella from her bag I saw a deck of cards and asked about them. She said we might play with them. Now I'm really wondering about this mountain climbing thing especially when she said I would know a couple of people there. So we were to meet the group at one of the restaurants. So who popped out from behind the wall when we found a table? You guessed it. Jessica and her daughter, AND my Spanish teacher and her son. Happy Birthday Beverly! That's two surprise birthdays in less than a week. We had great food, another birthday cake, and lots of laughs. This restaurant has three huge concrete slides. I remember asking Eva before if you could slide very fast down those things. Oh, yes, was her reply. Well, it's Eva saying come on Beverly. Are you kidding? Those things were huge. I don't know how tall they were, but we had to walk up about thirty steps from the bottom and that wasn't to the top. So away we went. Talk about fast. It was. And of course I had to go on all three. And they all weren't straight down. Some had curves. I told Denia to come on. Oh, that girl. I finally took her hand off the edge and held it, and away we went with her yelling all the way down. It was fun. That's one thing we will have to do when Doug comes back down with his family.
So now I'm 65. Everybody here says I'm joven, which means young. And I'm saying are you kidding. Especially when 35 is old here. Isn't that just the craziest thing you ever heard of? I refuse to get OLD. Older, yes, old, NO. Why should I? Because our cultures say that when we reach a certain age we should have all these diseases, retire, sit in a chair and do nothing, etc., etc. Do you know how many people retire and die within the first 3 or 5 years? Where is that written in God's word? Where is it written that when you are a certain age that God will not heal you anymore? I don't refuse to die if it's my time, but I sure refuse to have all these things that the world says I have to have. So God and life is good. I praise and thank Him everyday for my life and my health. I am so thankful to Jesus Christ for taking those stripes and going through the agony that I can't even imagine just so I could be healed. What a loving Savior we have. Paul said to renew our minds, and that we have the mind of Christ. And as a man thinketh, so is he. We are in this world, but we are not of it. We are citizens of a different country, and that's the culture we need to be listening to.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Taste and see that the Lord is good...Ps. 34:8
We are almost to the end of September. It has gone so fast. I suppose, from what I hear, that I have reached a milestone since I just turned 65. Hum, I don't feel any different then I did yesterday or the day before.
My youngest came last week, and it was so good to have him here. The Apostle Paul talked about being refreshed by the coming of people he knew and loved. Well, I understand exactly how he felt. We have needs sometimes that we aren't even aware of having. Evidently, I needed to see my son or at least one of my children. Didn't realize that till he was here. God knows and supplies all, doesn't he? So I am refreshed and ready for the next episode in my life.
Our most exciting event while he was here was our trip to Amapala. It's on the island called Isla de Tigre, Island of the Tiger. It's in the southern part of Honduras off the Pacific coast. Beautiful. The beach has black sand due to an extinct volcano. It's not dirty, it's just black. The water has an emerald green cast to it from the reflection of the mountains covered with green foliage. Anyway that's what I think. So since green is one of my favorite colors, I thought it was beautiful. The water was warm and comfortable. The weather was very hot there and Doug and I sweated liked horses, which means we were wet most of the time.
Our guide to Amapala was Johnny, the school bus driver, and Rafael, a young man who teaches at the school ran by Johnny's daughter. Rafael speaks both Spanish and English-a life saver to be sure. So the biggest adventure was to climb the 5,500 foot volcano. Oh my. Everyone thought it would be best that we two older people take a moto-taxi or car around the island. Well, when our tour guide came, that the hotel had called for us, I thought if he can make it, so can I. He was no spring chicken. So, up the mountain we went. I made it a little past half. A little wisdom needed to be heeded. So I told everybody to go on and I would wait for them. Well, Doug decided I shouldn't be by myself. So he suggested that the guide stay with me. Thanks Doug, but it really wasn't necessary. However, this gave Roberto(Bob), a chance to practice his English. He's very good and teaches, voluntarily, some 6th grade students. He wrote three words on his hand that he didn't know the meaning to, so I helped him with those. And yes I asked him how old he was, and he is 67. So we waited, and we waited. Finally the three survivors returned. And they all said that the guide could not have made it. Well, on the way down, Bob kept giving me a stick to use in walking down the mountain. I kept leaving them behind, because they took more energy to use than just walking. Maybe I didn't know how to use them correctly. Anyway, we had to be careful not to slip on the loose rock and go rolling down the hill. But I walk in loose rock to get to my classroom, and I don't use a stick. You just have to watch where you're putting your feet, and maybe walk sideways, and praying all the while, of course. Walking on vegetation also helps. Anyway, we made it down without any mishaps. Oh my, three hours up and one back. What a trip. So when we returned to the hotel, we asked when we would be charged for another day. At 4:00. And it was 3:50. We had 10 minutes to get our stuff and get to the taxi, a boat that would take us to the mainland. We made it.
Needless to say, we didn't do much the next day. Doug was in some kind of pain. The last half of the mountain climb was at a 75 degree angle. He said he thought he was going to die by time he got to the top, so I'm glad I stopped when I did, and that he didn't die! It was tough enough just to get half way there. Rafael is a mathematician, and he gave us the stats on the angle degree. It makes me tired to think about it.
However, we did walk to town and it helped him to walk it out. We went shopping and bought some things, and then we went and ate some pupusas. They are made with maseca(corn flour)dough with quesillo(cheese)and/or meat or both inside, and then they are fried on a grill. Very good.
On Saturday, we went to Tegucigalpa, the murder capitol of the world, as Doug calls it. We went downtown and then up to the United Nations Park where there is a small zoo, a huge statue of Christ overlooking the city, and a smaller statue of Confucius. On our way down, Doug was missing McDonalds of all things, so we went through the drive through and headed back to Valle. And the next day, it was time for him to head back to the states. We had a great time while he was here, and God blessed him with two new friends. How good our God is.
We've only had two days of school this week due to Mel Zalaya coming back into the country. Curfews have ran all day and night in some instances. Airports were shut down completely for passenger planes for a couple of days. Doug came and left at the right times. God puts things in place long before we even know what is happening.
I'm not much of a swimmer. I know how, but it isn't something that I enjoy. I'm sure it has to do with the fact that none of my family swam when I was growing up. I don't think my brother can swim either. I learned as an adult and wasn't too thrilled with the whole issue. However, I made sure all my kids learned to swim. So Doug said I had to snorkel with him. Whew! I ducked twice and said ok I'm done. But God knew and he provided Rafael who had not been swimming for many years. They had a fantastic time. So some day, I'll do it again.
Not much has been happening at school. Last week was a vacation and this week we have had curfews. However, the kids are still learning English and I'm still learning Spanish. So all is well.
Thank you for your support and prayers. Pray for the people of Honduras and that all with the government will be as God wills. God Bless you all.
My youngest came last week, and it was so good to have him here. The Apostle Paul talked about being refreshed by the coming of people he knew and loved. Well, I understand exactly how he felt. We have needs sometimes that we aren't even aware of having. Evidently, I needed to see my son or at least one of my children. Didn't realize that till he was here. God knows and supplies all, doesn't he? So I am refreshed and ready for the next episode in my life.
Our most exciting event while he was here was our trip to Amapala. It's on the island called Isla de Tigre, Island of the Tiger. It's in the southern part of Honduras off the Pacific coast. Beautiful. The beach has black sand due to an extinct volcano. It's not dirty, it's just black. The water has an emerald green cast to it from the reflection of the mountains covered with green foliage. Anyway that's what I think. So since green is one of my favorite colors, I thought it was beautiful. The water was warm and comfortable. The weather was very hot there and Doug and I sweated liked horses, which means we were wet most of the time.
Our guide to Amapala was Johnny, the school bus driver, and Rafael, a young man who teaches at the school ran by Johnny's daughter. Rafael speaks both Spanish and English-a life saver to be sure. So the biggest adventure was to climb the 5,500 foot volcano. Oh my. Everyone thought it would be best that we two older people take a moto-taxi or car around the island. Well, when our tour guide came, that the hotel had called for us, I thought if he can make it, so can I. He was no spring chicken. So, up the mountain we went. I made it a little past half. A little wisdom needed to be heeded. So I told everybody to go on and I would wait for them. Well, Doug decided I shouldn't be by myself. So he suggested that the guide stay with me. Thanks Doug, but it really wasn't necessary. However, this gave Roberto(Bob), a chance to practice his English. He's very good and teaches, voluntarily, some 6th grade students. He wrote three words on his hand that he didn't know the meaning to, so I helped him with those. And yes I asked him how old he was, and he is 67. So we waited, and we waited. Finally the three survivors returned. And they all said that the guide could not have made it. Well, on the way down, Bob kept giving me a stick to use in walking down the mountain. I kept leaving them behind, because they took more energy to use than just walking. Maybe I didn't know how to use them correctly. Anyway, we had to be careful not to slip on the loose rock and go rolling down the hill. But I walk in loose rock to get to my classroom, and I don't use a stick. You just have to watch where you're putting your feet, and maybe walk sideways, and praying all the while, of course. Walking on vegetation also helps. Anyway, we made it down without any mishaps. Oh my, three hours up and one back. What a trip. So when we returned to the hotel, we asked when we would be charged for another day. At 4:00. And it was 3:50. We had 10 minutes to get our stuff and get to the taxi, a boat that would take us to the mainland. We made it.
Needless to say, we didn't do much the next day. Doug was in some kind of pain. The last half of the mountain climb was at a 75 degree angle. He said he thought he was going to die by time he got to the top, so I'm glad I stopped when I did, and that he didn't die! It was tough enough just to get half way there. Rafael is a mathematician, and he gave us the stats on the angle degree. It makes me tired to think about it.
However, we did walk to town and it helped him to walk it out. We went shopping and bought some things, and then we went and ate some pupusas. They are made with maseca(corn flour)dough with quesillo(cheese)and/or meat or both inside, and then they are fried on a grill. Very good.
On Saturday, we went to Tegucigalpa, the murder capitol of the world, as Doug calls it. We went downtown and then up to the United Nations Park where there is a small zoo, a huge statue of Christ overlooking the city, and a smaller statue of Confucius. On our way down, Doug was missing McDonalds of all things, so we went through the drive through and headed back to Valle. And the next day, it was time for him to head back to the states. We had a great time while he was here, and God blessed him with two new friends. How good our God is.
We've only had two days of school this week due to Mel Zalaya coming back into the country. Curfews have ran all day and night in some instances. Airports were shut down completely for passenger planes for a couple of days. Doug came and left at the right times. God puts things in place long before we even know what is happening.
I'm not much of a swimmer. I know how, but it isn't something that I enjoy. I'm sure it has to do with the fact that none of my family swam when I was growing up. I don't think my brother can swim either. I learned as an adult and wasn't too thrilled with the whole issue. However, I made sure all my kids learned to swim. So Doug said I had to snorkel with him. Whew! I ducked twice and said ok I'm done. But God knew and he provided Rafael who had not been swimming for many years. They had a fantastic time. So some day, I'll do it again.
Not much has been happening at school. Last week was a vacation and this week we have had curfews. However, the kids are still learning English and I'm still learning Spanish. So all is well.
Thank you for your support and prayers. Pray for the people of Honduras and that all with the government will be as God wills. God Bless you all.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
...thou understandest my thought afar off . Ps.139:2
In Honduras, September 10 is El Dia de Los Ninos, the Day of the Children, and is celebrated in the schools. There is singing, skits performed by teachers, games, food, candy, cakes, and of course, the ever popular pinatas that are filled with candy. The children dress up in their finest for this occasion. It's a fun filled day. They are sent home with bags of candy, small toys, and cake for their mothers. At least that's the way it is in our school.
Well, a couple of weeks ago, the seventh graders and I helped Johnny and Noe fill in the crevices of our road with rocks and dirt. I prayed it wouldn't all wash away when it rained. And it all didn't, but some did. But at least, Johnny and Alex can drive the vans down the hill to the front of the school to let us all off instead of us falling down. We need a drainage ditch on each side of the road. I don't quite know how to do that when the one side is solid rock. I'm still hoping that the men in the area will come and help do what can be done. They did work on the main road and it is much better. I think there were ten that helped Johnny. So hopefully we can get a meal put together for them to show our appreciation. I had heard that because the people in that area didn't vote for this mayor, that he wasn't going to fix the road. So therefore, it wasn't going to get fixed. Interesting how everybody waits for the government to fix their problems, even if it's a rock/dirt road in front of their house. Of course in the states some official would come tell you that YOU couldn't fix something because of a possible law suit, or some ordinance, or whatever. But that's not here. I kept saying that it would only take a couple of hombres with a couple of shovels to fix this one place in the road, and the way these guys work, it probably wouldn't take 20 or 30 minutes if that long. I just didn't understand why they didn't do it. Well, for some reason, ten of them got together and made a big difference on the main road, and yesterday we heard and saw where the government is beginning to fix the whole road. I'm so glad. Thank you Lord.
Isn't it great when the Lord answers you in the little things? Things that aren't a prayer request but just things you think about with him. A couple of weeks ago I was thinking about a former Sunday School student I had many years ago. And lo and behold, I received a message from him this week. I am thrilled. I haven't seen him in 20 years or more. So the plan is to connect when I go home in Dec. and meet his wife and four daughters. Speaking of going home, where was my mind when I bought tickets to fly home in Dec.? It sure wasn't in KS, because I made my return flight to St. Louis! Oh well, God has a plan. I will be able to spend time with my daughter and her family, my brother and his family, and Mack and his family. I guess since I was leaving St. Louis, it was automatic that I'd return there.
I was walking through the house talking to the Lord, in my mind, and I asked him to remember mom, and realized I couldn't do that anymore because she isn't here anymore and she doesn't need it. I find myself thinking that I need to call her tomorrow and realize I can't, or I think of something that happened that I want to tell her and realize I can't. So I miss her. And it's ok because God is my peace and I know with him all is well. And He comforts me in those times, when I need it most.
So my youngest son is coming here Monday. I'm so excited. It will be good to see him. The rest of you can come too. I will be just as excited to see you!!! Anyway, we have planned a trip to the southern part of Honduras where there is an extinct volcano. From the Isla del Tigre(tiger)you can see the coast of El Salvador and Nicaragua. So we're looking forward to that. My Spanish teacher, Denia, was a little concerned yesterday. So she made sure we practiced how to ask for our check in a restaurant, soap at the hotel, or whatever she thought might occur. She acted like an old mother hen. Thank you Lord for her concern and help. And bless her heart, she is always dreaming about me. Poor thing. So when my Spanish is really good, she is almost beside herself with joy. But there are other days, when it isn't there at all. The joys and heartaches of being a teacher. I understand completely.
We are out of school all week. So glad. The school year is quickly coming to an end. When school resumes on the 21st, we'll only have about 7 weeks or so left. September 15 is Independence Day here. There will be a parade here in Valle. Our school usually marches in it, but not this year. We've been told it's because of swine flu.
The band from the 7th day Adventist school will be marching. We saw them practicing last week. Brought back memories of when my kids were in the marching school band.
So what else? The kids English is continuing to grow. Hopefully, next year I will be better prepared and more organized. I think most teachers always think we didn't do enough or we didn't do it as well as we should have, etc. We always need improvement somewhere.
Thanks to those of you who wanted to send an egg carton with Doug for me. That's great, but you would be surprised how easy it is to carry 12 eggs home in a small plastic bag and not break any.
Thanks for all your prayers for all of us here especially during the political turmoil. We truly appreciate them. God bless all of you.
Well, a couple of weeks ago, the seventh graders and I helped Johnny and Noe fill in the crevices of our road with rocks and dirt. I prayed it wouldn't all wash away when it rained. And it all didn't, but some did. But at least, Johnny and Alex can drive the vans down the hill to the front of the school to let us all off instead of us falling down. We need a drainage ditch on each side of the road. I don't quite know how to do that when the one side is solid rock. I'm still hoping that the men in the area will come and help do what can be done. They did work on the main road and it is much better. I think there were ten that helped Johnny. So hopefully we can get a meal put together for them to show our appreciation. I had heard that because the people in that area didn't vote for this mayor, that he wasn't going to fix the road. So therefore, it wasn't going to get fixed. Interesting how everybody waits for the government to fix their problems, even if it's a rock/dirt road in front of their house. Of course in the states some official would come tell you that YOU couldn't fix something because of a possible law suit, or some ordinance, or whatever. But that's not here. I kept saying that it would only take a couple of hombres with a couple of shovels to fix this one place in the road, and the way these guys work, it probably wouldn't take 20 or 30 minutes if that long. I just didn't understand why they didn't do it. Well, for some reason, ten of them got together and made a big difference on the main road, and yesterday we heard and saw where the government is beginning to fix the whole road. I'm so glad. Thank you Lord.
Isn't it great when the Lord answers you in the little things? Things that aren't a prayer request but just things you think about with him. A couple of weeks ago I was thinking about a former Sunday School student I had many years ago. And lo and behold, I received a message from him this week. I am thrilled. I haven't seen him in 20 years or more. So the plan is to connect when I go home in Dec. and meet his wife and four daughters. Speaking of going home, where was my mind when I bought tickets to fly home in Dec.? It sure wasn't in KS, because I made my return flight to St. Louis! Oh well, God has a plan. I will be able to spend time with my daughter and her family, my brother and his family, and Mack and his family. I guess since I was leaving St. Louis, it was automatic that I'd return there.
I was walking through the house talking to the Lord, in my mind, and I asked him to remember mom, and realized I couldn't do that anymore because she isn't here anymore and she doesn't need it. I find myself thinking that I need to call her tomorrow and realize I can't, or I think of something that happened that I want to tell her and realize I can't. So I miss her. And it's ok because God is my peace and I know with him all is well. And He comforts me in those times, when I need it most.
So my youngest son is coming here Monday. I'm so excited. It will be good to see him. The rest of you can come too. I will be just as excited to see you!!! Anyway, we have planned a trip to the southern part of Honduras where there is an extinct volcano. From the Isla del Tigre(tiger)you can see the coast of El Salvador and Nicaragua. So we're looking forward to that. My Spanish teacher, Denia, was a little concerned yesterday. So she made sure we practiced how to ask for our check in a restaurant, soap at the hotel, or whatever she thought might occur. She acted like an old mother hen. Thank you Lord for her concern and help. And bless her heart, she is always dreaming about me. Poor thing. So when my Spanish is really good, she is almost beside herself with joy. But there are other days, when it isn't there at all. The joys and heartaches of being a teacher. I understand completely.
We are out of school all week. So glad. The school year is quickly coming to an end. When school resumes on the 21st, we'll only have about 7 weeks or so left. September 15 is Independence Day here. There will be a parade here in Valle. Our school usually marches in it, but not this year. We've been told it's because of swine flu.
The band from the 7th day Adventist school will be marching. We saw them practicing last week. Brought back memories of when my kids were in the marching school band.
So what else? The kids English is continuing to grow. Hopefully, next year I will be better prepared and more organized. I think most teachers always think we didn't do enough or we didn't do it as well as we should have, etc. We always need improvement somewhere.
Thanks to those of you who wanted to send an egg carton with Doug for me. That's great, but you would be surprised how easy it is to carry 12 eggs home in a small plastic bag and not break any.
Thanks for all your prayers for all of us here especially during the political turmoil. We truly appreciate them. God bless all of you.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
And the peace of God...Phil.4:6-7
Again I am reminded that my life and times are in God's hands, that He knows everything from the beginning to the end. There are no surprises to Him. What a comfort to know that when I make plans and they are suddenly changed that God already knew it. And if I'm shaken by it, I just have to talk it all over with him, and my peace is restored.
I had made plans to go to Costa Rica because my visa was due again. I bought my tickets and was looking forward to going to another country. I really do like to travel by air. Instead I went to the U.S. again. I had received a message from my youngest son that my mother was having serious health problems. I knew something was up when I couldn't reach her by phone the preceding Sunday. I called my brother and he said that the doctors had not expected her to live through the night before. So I flew home on the 11th of August. She passed the 13th of August and was buried the 17th. Jesus said he would give us peace, but not the kind the world gives. I was so thankful for that peace when my mother was dying. People ask me if she went to heaven. Do I know if she made it to heaven? No, but I know God knows and he is a just God. I normally prayed with mom before we would hang up when I called her every week or so and she said she was right with the Lord. So I leave it there. Do we really know if an individual goes to heaven when they die? We hope so.
So I was able to spend time with my daughter and brother and their families while I was there. It was good to see my grandchildren and my great granddaughter, Nicole. I was able to visit with other relatives that I had not seen in years. So even though it was a sad time, it was also a time of rejoicing and reconnecting with other members of my family.
When I returned to Honduras, Becky and I went to San Jose, Costa Rica for the three days. It was a time of rest that we both needed. San Jose, the capital, is big just like Tegucigalpa. However, the people in Costa Rica drive like people from the U.S. That was a welcomed change. More English is spoken there than here in Honduras. English is a required subject in many of the schools there. We wanted to visit the language school, CINCEL, while we were there, but it wasn't open. We did a little shopping and went to Taco Bell so Becky could have a bean burrito. Well, they don't have bean burritos. And why would they when beans are a staple in Central America? But we were thinking Taco Bell, an American restaurant. Oh well, a Mexican pizza sufficed.
So back to Honduras and school. It was good to be back. I miss Honduras and everything about it when I'm not here. I, too, was missed, and that was nice to know. So on the first day back, we reviewed. It was good. On Fridays I do the devotional with the 7th graders. This was the second time that Eva, my interpreter, was not there. But God was there and my Spanish was ok. My lesson was on having peace and that our hearts not be troubled like Jesus said in John 14 and 16. He said in Matthew 10 and Luke 12 that he didn't come to bring peace but a sword. That sword, his word, will cause a division, not only in our families but in the world. Since Honduras is going through a difficult time now as are other countries, we are reminded in Mat. 24 that all these things must come to pass. But even so, we are told in Phil. 4:6-7 that if we pray about all the things that trouble us, God's peace will keep us. How good God is to his children. The new song we are learning in English is Come unto me...Mat.11:28-30.
My Spanish lessons have gone from 2 days to 3 days a week. My teacher worries that because I live alone, I don't get the practice that I need. (Jesus and I speak English)! She wishes that I could live with a family here in Valle that just speaks Spanish. Be immersed. That's the key.
We need our road fixed that goes to the school from the main road. Two of our teachers have fallen in the last week and have hurt themselves. They haven't broken anything, thank you Jesus, but they've been hurt. I asked the "principal" if the men from the area around the school would get together and work on it. She was doubtful, but maybe if we got the word out, some would come and work on it. Will see what can be done next week. Jesus said ask, and if we don't ask...
Again thanks for all your prayers and support.
I had made plans to go to Costa Rica because my visa was due again. I bought my tickets and was looking forward to going to another country. I really do like to travel by air. Instead I went to the U.S. again. I had received a message from my youngest son that my mother was having serious health problems. I knew something was up when I couldn't reach her by phone the preceding Sunday. I called my brother and he said that the doctors had not expected her to live through the night before. So I flew home on the 11th of August. She passed the 13th of August and was buried the 17th. Jesus said he would give us peace, but not the kind the world gives. I was so thankful for that peace when my mother was dying. People ask me if she went to heaven. Do I know if she made it to heaven? No, but I know God knows and he is a just God. I normally prayed with mom before we would hang up when I called her every week or so and she said she was right with the Lord. So I leave it there. Do we really know if an individual goes to heaven when they die? We hope so.
So I was able to spend time with my daughter and brother and their families while I was there. It was good to see my grandchildren and my great granddaughter, Nicole. I was able to visit with other relatives that I had not seen in years. So even though it was a sad time, it was also a time of rejoicing and reconnecting with other members of my family.
When I returned to Honduras, Becky and I went to San Jose, Costa Rica for the three days. It was a time of rest that we both needed. San Jose, the capital, is big just like Tegucigalpa. However, the people in Costa Rica drive like people from the U.S. That was a welcomed change. More English is spoken there than here in Honduras. English is a required subject in many of the schools there. We wanted to visit the language school, CINCEL, while we were there, but it wasn't open. We did a little shopping and went to Taco Bell so Becky could have a bean burrito. Well, they don't have bean burritos. And why would they when beans are a staple in Central America? But we were thinking Taco Bell, an American restaurant. Oh well, a Mexican pizza sufficed.
So back to Honduras and school. It was good to be back. I miss Honduras and everything about it when I'm not here. I, too, was missed, and that was nice to know. So on the first day back, we reviewed. It was good. On Fridays I do the devotional with the 7th graders. This was the second time that Eva, my interpreter, was not there. But God was there and my Spanish was ok. My lesson was on having peace and that our hearts not be troubled like Jesus said in John 14 and 16. He said in Matthew 10 and Luke 12 that he didn't come to bring peace but a sword. That sword, his word, will cause a division, not only in our families but in the world. Since Honduras is going through a difficult time now as are other countries, we are reminded in Mat. 24 that all these things must come to pass. But even so, we are told in Phil. 4:6-7 that if we pray about all the things that trouble us, God's peace will keep us. How good God is to his children. The new song we are learning in English is Come unto me...Mat.11:28-30.
My Spanish lessons have gone from 2 days to 3 days a week. My teacher worries that because I live alone, I don't get the practice that I need. (Jesus and I speak English)! She wishes that I could live with a family here in Valle that just speaks Spanish. Be immersed. That's the key.
We need our road fixed that goes to the school from the main road. Two of our teachers have fallen in the last week and have hurt themselves. They haven't broken anything, thank you Jesus, but they've been hurt. I asked the "principal" if the men from the area around the school would get together and work on it. She was doubtful, but maybe if we got the word out, some would come and work on it. Will see what can be done next week. Jesus said ask, and if we don't ask...
Again thanks for all your prayers and support.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
I can do all things...Phil.4:13
Well, it appears I'm a little behind on things. However, I finally got the newsletter out. What a mess. I never planned to be a publisher of anything nor a big user of a computer. God has a way of putting you in places and doing things you never cared to do. So everyone hopefully will have some patience with all this when things don't look like a professional job. Because it truly isn't. People, especially Doug, says to just go in and play with it. Ha! That's exactly how I got on Facebook, that I don't have time for, don't really know how to use, and then I lose things and don't know how to find them again. And it appears that I touched a button somewhere along the line and changed the font in some places in the newsletter. Oh, well, hopefully next time will be better. Need lots of prayer here. But in the fast world we live in, everything has to be instant, and you're required to be everything, whether you want to be or not. I thought I was doing pretty good just doing on line banking and doing it right.
So what's happening? Will begin Spanish lessons three days a week instead of two, so that's six hours a week instead of four. The problem here is not having anyone to converse with, since I live by myself. I teach English just about all day long. I speak with the teachers and shop owners in Spanish, but that's not for a long period of time. And you know, I can trill that "r" when I'm using my prayer language, but not in normal speech. I finally decided that it's because I'm not controlling my tongue when using my prayer language. God is. So my prayer is for him to loosen my tongue when speaking Spanish.
What else is happening? Yesterday we didn't have classes except for the 7th graders. Parents came yesterday to get their childrens report cards and to talk to teachers. The other 7th grade teacher wasn't there, so the only class the 7th graders had was with me. And since it was Friday,
it was devotional time. Eva wasn't there to translate due to meeting parents in the kindergarten. Since they are learning the chorus "Come, now is the time to worship" in English, we worked on singing and looking up the words they didn't know which were not many. Thank you Jesus. They sing it in Spanish in church. Then we talked about what they wanted to be career wise. Which means, they have to go a different direction than what is considered normal here. A girl gets pregnant at 13-16 (and above) years old. The guy goes else where, and starts over again with another girl and is not held accountable for the children he is helping to create. They don't look towards the future. It's here and now. So with God's help, maybe this group can be different. They looked a little shocked when I said it was pecado, sin, in God's eyes. It's very difficult to break away from your culture into God's culture, and maybe impossible without God's help. For the two are not the same. So I pray God will open their eyes, ears, hearts, and minds to his truth. And that they will work towards the careers they said they would like to have. The area I work in is very poor. So God and his grace is a definite need in their lives. And I'm so glad that he hears and sees the poor. And He will make a way for them if they make him their savior. A choice we all have to make.
Received the sad news that one of my former students had passed away. Really broke my heart. She was such a blessing to have in class. She had muscular dystrophy, if I remember correctly, and was probably 18 or 19 years old. I had her during her freshman and sophomore years. We had a lot of fun trying to figure out what was going on in Lost, the television series. And we never could. She decided that's why they named it Lost, because we were. She had a great sense of humor. She will be missed by all who knew her. I pray God will comfort her family.
So what's happening? Will begin Spanish lessons three days a week instead of two, so that's six hours a week instead of four. The problem here is not having anyone to converse with, since I live by myself. I teach English just about all day long. I speak with the teachers and shop owners in Spanish, but that's not for a long period of time. And you know, I can trill that "r" when I'm using my prayer language, but not in normal speech. I finally decided that it's because I'm not controlling my tongue when using my prayer language. God is. So my prayer is for him to loosen my tongue when speaking Spanish.
What else is happening? Yesterday we didn't have classes except for the 7th graders. Parents came yesterday to get their childrens report cards and to talk to teachers. The other 7th grade teacher wasn't there, so the only class the 7th graders had was with me. And since it was Friday,
it was devotional time. Eva wasn't there to translate due to meeting parents in the kindergarten. Since they are learning the chorus "Come, now is the time to worship" in English, we worked on singing and looking up the words they didn't know which were not many. Thank you Jesus. They sing it in Spanish in church. Then we talked about what they wanted to be career wise. Which means, they have to go a different direction than what is considered normal here. A girl gets pregnant at 13-16 (and above) years old. The guy goes else where, and starts over again with another girl and is not held accountable for the children he is helping to create. They don't look towards the future. It's here and now. So with God's help, maybe this group can be different. They looked a little shocked when I said it was pecado, sin, in God's eyes. It's very difficult to break away from your culture into God's culture, and maybe impossible without God's help. For the two are not the same. So I pray God will open their eyes, ears, hearts, and minds to his truth. And that they will work towards the careers they said they would like to have. The area I work in is very poor. So God and his grace is a definite need in their lives. And I'm so glad that he hears and sees the poor. And He will make a way for them if they make him their savior. A choice we all have to make.
Received the sad news that one of my former students had passed away. Really broke my heart. She was such a blessing to have in class. She had muscular dystrophy, if I remember correctly, and was probably 18 or 19 years old. I had her during her freshman and sophomore years. We had a lot of fun trying to figure out what was going on in Lost, the television series. And we never could. She decided that's why they named it Lost, because we were. She had a great sense of humor. She will be missed by all who knew her. I pray God will comfort her family.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
update
July 4th has come and gone. I remembered it, forgot it, and remembered it again. It doesn't seem like July at all. Maybe it's because it isn't hot here like there, and farmers aren't driving tractors, etc. It all seems a little surreal. Meetings for teachers there will be starting before long. We had school all last week but left earlier than usual. Most of the teachers come from Tegucigalpa, and they were a little nervous. Life in Valle was the same. I did go to town with my friend to pay my cable bill,etc. She grew up here and can read the "climate" so I was safe. I just read where the curfew has been lifted. That's good, maybe. I just pray that truth will prevail and God's will be done. I must study some more. It seems like that's all I do. Teach and study, but then that's why I'm here. So later.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
II Tim. 1:7 For God hasn't given us the spirit of fear...
Well, here I am in my house following the advice of our embassy. Wow, since I've been here, I've experienced an earthquake of sorts, and now a coup, anyway that's what the news is calling it. I feel like I'm on house arrest even though I've never experienced that. I'm sure it would be safe to go uptown in Valle, but I won't. A friend is coming this morning to go do some things for me in town. Bless her Lord. But since I have to stay at home, I have a few cleaner windows. So maybe I'll get the rest washed by tomorrow.
I'm still giving English lessons and taking Spanish here at the house. We haven't had school all week. Hopefully, it will resume next week.
I didn't have electricity yesterday due to the rain. So I decided when it came back on to cook some things and put them in the freezer for the next time. Oh, yeah, the freezer will keep for a few days. Oh, the dependence on electricity. Now if I had a "stove" like many of the people here, I wouldn't have a problem. The things these people can do without the modern conveniences is amazing to me. However, I really don't want to wash my clothes on a washboard by hand. But I do know how, if ever I need to do it. And speaking of that, we have to go a different way to school since the rains have really made a big mess on the road we normally travel. So out in the middle of nowhere, it seems, there is this strange looking piece of construction that would remind you of gates on a dam. There's 5 or 6 openings. I finally asked what it was, and sure enough, it's a place for the people to do their laundry. It's right there by the creek, and there are washboards built in the cement. Wow! They have special soap for laundry, and the soap they use to wash dishes can also be used in cold water that kills bacteria and germs. One of the brands is made by Colgate.
So am I fearful? Not at all. God is in control and He allows things to happen for His purposes. In our patience, possess we our souls. So if things come to worse, and I pray they don't, He will move us out. Will keep you updated as much as possible.
I'm still giving English lessons and taking Spanish here at the house. We haven't had school all week. Hopefully, it will resume next week.
I didn't have electricity yesterday due to the rain. So I decided when it came back on to cook some things and put them in the freezer for the next time. Oh, yeah, the freezer will keep for a few days. Oh, the dependence on electricity. Now if I had a "stove" like many of the people here, I wouldn't have a problem. The things these people can do without the modern conveniences is amazing to me. However, I really don't want to wash my clothes on a washboard by hand. But I do know how, if ever I need to do it. And speaking of that, we have to go a different way to school since the rains have really made a big mess on the road we normally travel. So out in the middle of nowhere, it seems, there is this strange looking piece of construction that would remind you of gates on a dam. There's 5 or 6 openings. I finally asked what it was, and sure enough, it's a place for the people to do their laundry. It's right there by the creek, and there are washboards built in the cement. Wow! They have special soap for laundry, and the soap they use to wash dishes can also be used in cold water that kills bacteria and germs. One of the brands is made by Colgate.
So am I fearful? Not at all. God is in control and He allows things to happen for His purposes. In our patience, possess we our souls. So if things come to worse, and I pray they don't, He will move us out. Will keep you updated as much as possible.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
...who is so great a God, as our God? Ps.77:13
Oh happy day. I now have my identity back. I went to Tegucigalpa on Thursday, stayed with Becky over night, and Friday morning we were at the U.S. Embassy just before eight. Of course we didn't get out of there till almost nine. Then we headed to immigration for my visa. The lady said it would cost me L1900. That's $100. We had already checked and we were told it wouldn't cost anything. Praise God, I didn't have to pay. Because it was a new passport, which I did have to pay $100 to get, there were no stamps in it noting when I had come into and left the country. So they had to go looking for the information in their computers. After a good hour or more, they found the copy of my re-entering the 23rd of May. So, she stamped my passport, and away we went. Even though it was time consuming, all went well, and everyone was nice and helpful. After we left the embassy, I started thinking about why they put gel on your hands when you enter the embassy. Most people don't go in there with dirty hands. It made me think about the "spray' or whatever that we were told about when my purse was taken. I was thinking, what do they know that we don't know? Interesting. Maybe you can answer that one, Gary.
One of the teachers asked me if I liked (still) Honduras. Of course the answer was yes. I told her we have ladrones, thieves, in the states too. She was totally shocked. People think the U.S. is like heaven. What a badly mistaken idea. I told her people are the same all over the world. You have honest people and dishonest people. It doesn't matter where they live. It's a matter of the heart.
School is going well. I now have a "certified" teacher coming to the house two days a week for two hours each to help me with Spanish. I was asking questions that Eva didn't feel she could answer adequately. So the brain really gets a workout. I can tell she's definitely a teacher, and she teaches 4th graders in a school not too far from ours.
The Honduran team from El Progreso put the roof on one of the other buildings at school, and put electricity in our rooms. I now have one light bulb and one electric outlet. Woohoo! Thank you Lord. No, we don't have the transformer. If my information is correct, they ran a line from the kindergarten building. There is so much that needs to be done there, but when you run out of money, you have to wait until more comes in. How I appreciate those that give to missions. Without that, there wouldn't be a school here where I teach. In fact, Jessica, the young lady that comes to my house for English lessons, has such artistic abilities. If I had the money, I would send her to art school. So if somebody out there would like to sponsor her to go to art school, let me know. It is so expensive and at this time, she doesn't have a job. However, I had her draw a vine, Bible,and branches on one of my walls, so we could have a place to put our favorite scriptures written in English, of course. The kids have really enjoyed looking up their favorite scripture in Spanish and then translating it into English. So I have hearts, flowers, and papers with scriptures and art drawn on them taped to the wall. It's cool.
I want to thank all of you that remember us here in prayer. It's so important to us. God does keep us. We just had a new president installed this morning with Congress removing the other one. What all that means for the future, I'm not sure, but God knows and is still in control. It's "he that putteth down one, and setteth up another". Ps.75:7 So even when things don't look good, they are.
Blessings to you all.
One of the teachers asked me if I liked (still) Honduras. Of course the answer was yes. I told her we have ladrones, thieves, in the states too. She was totally shocked. People think the U.S. is like heaven. What a badly mistaken idea. I told her people are the same all over the world. You have honest people and dishonest people. It doesn't matter where they live. It's a matter of the heart.
School is going well. I now have a "certified" teacher coming to the house two days a week for two hours each to help me with Spanish. I was asking questions that Eva didn't feel she could answer adequately. So the brain really gets a workout. I can tell she's definitely a teacher, and she teaches 4th graders in a school not too far from ours.
The Honduran team from El Progreso put the roof on one of the other buildings at school, and put electricity in our rooms. I now have one light bulb and one electric outlet. Woohoo! Thank you Lord. No, we don't have the transformer. If my information is correct, they ran a line from the kindergarten building. There is so much that needs to be done there, but when you run out of money, you have to wait until more comes in. How I appreciate those that give to missions. Without that, there wouldn't be a school here where I teach. In fact, Jessica, the young lady that comes to my house for English lessons, has such artistic abilities. If I had the money, I would send her to art school. So if somebody out there would like to sponsor her to go to art school, let me know. It is so expensive and at this time, she doesn't have a job. However, I had her draw a vine, Bible,and branches on one of my walls, so we could have a place to put our favorite scriptures written in English, of course. The kids have really enjoyed looking up their favorite scripture in Spanish and then translating it into English. So I have hearts, flowers, and papers with scriptures and art drawn on them taped to the wall. It's cool.
I want to thank all of you that remember us here in prayer. It's so important to us. God does keep us. We just had a new president installed this morning with Congress removing the other one. What all that means for the future, I'm not sure, but God knows and is still in control. It's "he that putteth down one, and setteth up another". Ps.75:7 So even when things don't look good, they are.
Blessings to you all.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Ps. 23:1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
Well, here I am after only a couple of weeks. And for those of you that like mysteries, I have one for you, so keep reading.
We were out of school this week for a break, don't know that it had a name, but everybody needed it. Becky had a young lady from CO here the past two weeks, and I was blessed to spend time with her also. Thursday, the 11th, was her last night, so it was her choice where we would eat. She chose Chili's, one of mine and Becky's favorite restaurants. So away we go. Our service was not as great as it normally is, but... So after we ate and paid the bill, we got up to leave and a feeling of dread went through me, and I remember thinking I didn't want to walk through all those people. Now that was weird, because you most always walk through a crowd of people at restaurants like Chili's, Applebees, etc. especially at that time of the evening. And it doesn't bother me, normally, but you will see that that whole evening was not normal. So we walked through the crowd of people inside and outside, and most were North Americans. I remember putting my hands on one young lady and saying,"con permiso, por favor"(excuse me,please, so I could get through the crowd) even though she was an American. Well, Lauren and I were ahead of Becky and we got in the car. However, Becky wasn't behind us. I looked back and I thought she was waiting for a car to pass. But after the car passed, she was still standing there. I knew something was wrong so I hopped out of the car to go see about her. By time I got around to the back of her car, she was at the back of it and bending over. She was in pain because she had banged her knee bone on one of the benches on the way out. By that time, Lauren was looking out of the car to see what was wrong. Becky was soon able to get in the car, and I went around to my side to get in. The minute I sat down, I said,"Where's my purse"? It was nowhere to be found. So back inside the restaurant we went to make sure I didn't leave it there. Well, I didn't. The manager went through the camera tapes and sure enough it shows me leaving with my purse over my shoulder. It was a very small purse and carrying it that way put the purse itself under my arm. What a shock! No purse, no passport & visa, no driver's license, no bank debit card, no credit card, no insurance card, no glasses, no cell phone, and over $200 gone because I had just used the ATM. Pictures of kids, grand-kids, friends-all gone. Everything I normally do, I didn't do. I normally don't carry my passport, because I carry a copy always. I normally don't leave the car door open when I get out, and I did when I went to check on Becky. But then Lauren was in the car. There were no people or cars around our car when I went to check on Becky. Chili's outside camera only scans the side of the building and not the front. If it did, we would know what happened. So who got my purse and when? The guard didn't see anybody, and the manager came outside with a flashlight to help us look under cars, etc. but to no avail. My purse was gone. What a shock. I had my passport copy, or otherwise, I would be an illegal alien. Ok you guys, don't go any farther with that statement.
The next morning at the office, the secretary was telling about people doing this out side of restaurants like Chili's. They use some kind of spray that makes you lose your memory for a few minutes. Yeah, I know. Sounds like something from Steven King or your favorite sci-fi film. But later, a couple of missionaries told Becky that they had heard it on the news.
So what happened? Becky, Lauren, and I have no clue and neither does anyone else. The whole thing is just strange. On Friday, we took Lauren to the airport and said goodbye. Then we went to the U.S. Embassy to apply for a new passport. I had to go get new pictures taken, and don't think they aren't beauties. With not much sleep the night before, I had suitcases under the eyes!! Vanity, vanity. Next, to the immigration office, then to get my eyes examined and new glasses, and of course a new cell phone. So we really got everything replaced or it's on it's way. I emailed the bank and called the credit card company the night it happened. So all is well.
So why did all this happen? I haven't the slightest idea. But God knows and He allows things to happen for a reason and a purpose (thank you, Jen). God gave me peace through all of it. I knew He would take care of it all. I'm thankful that it happened this way and that we weren't assaulted or hurt. I told the girls I was not sitting in an ash heap and scraping myself with a potsherd, and everything that was lost could be replaced. It just caused some inconvenience for us. I'm not the only person who has been robbed of their passports, etc. And God made the way easy for us to take care of everything. People were nice and helpful and we didn't have to wait forever. And you learn to wait in Honduras.
So I praise God for His presence. He is always with me, and He knows everything from beginning to end. I don't have to worry about anything, because He will take care of me and all that concerns me, even this. And that thought kept going through my mind during all that happened. He knew what was happening even though I didn't. Thank God that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and is ever faithful. Pastor Bill said I was now baptized. So that makes me a bonafide missionary.
Now some news about school. Becky, Lauren, and I painted a couple of the classrooms this week. The Honduran team from San Pedro Sula will be here this week to work on the other building some more and to fix the area in front of the high school. I will be glad to see them again. However, I probably won't get to help them.
The earthquake that we had a couple of weeks ago, rocked me in my bed at 2:30 in the morning,I remember thinking earthquake tremor and rolled over and went back to sleep Lots of damage up north in El Progreso and San Pedro Sula, but none here. In fact a lot of people slept right through it. Thanks for all the prayers that were made on our behalf. The people of Honduras thanks you too.
Until next time, sounds like a news commentator, God bless and keep you.
We were out of school this week for a break, don't know that it had a name, but everybody needed it. Becky had a young lady from CO here the past two weeks, and I was blessed to spend time with her also. Thursday, the 11th, was her last night, so it was her choice where we would eat. She chose Chili's, one of mine and Becky's favorite restaurants. So away we go. Our service was not as great as it normally is, but... So after we ate and paid the bill, we got up to leave and a feeling of dread went through me, and I remember thinking I didn't want to walk through all those people. Now that was weird, because you most always walk through a crowd of people at restaurants like Chili's, Applebees, etc. especially at that time of the evening. And it doesn't bother me, normally, but you will see that that whole evening was not normal. So we walked through the crowd of people inside and outside, and most were North Americans. I remember putting my hands on one young lady and saying,"con permiso, por favor"(excuse me,please, so I could get through the crowd) even though she was an American. Well, Lauren and I were ahead of Becky and we got in the car. However, Becky wasn't behind us. I looked back and I thought she was waiting for a car to pass. But after the car passed, she was still standing there. I knew something was wrong so I hopped out of the car to go see about her. By time I got around to the back of her car, she was at the back of it and bending over. She was in pain because she had banged her knee bone on one of the benches on the way out. By that time, Lauren was looking out of the car to see what was wrong. Becky was soon able to get in the car, and I went around to my side to get in. The minute I sat down, I said,"Where's my purse"? It was nowhere to be found. So back inside the restaurant we went to make sure I didn't leave it there. Well, I didn't. The manager went through the camera tapes and sure enough it shows me leaving with my purse over my shoulder. It was a very small purse and carrying it that way put the purse itself under my arm. What a shock! No purse, no passport & visa, no driver's license, no bank debit card, no credit card, no insurance card, no glasses, no cell phone, and over $200 gone because I had just used the ATM. Pictures of kids, grand-kids, friends-all gone. Everything I normally do, I didn't do. I normally don't carry my passport, because I carry a copy always. I normally don't leave the car door open when I get out, and I did when I went to check on Becky. But then Lauren was in the car. There were no people or cars around our car when I went to check on Becky. Chili's outside camera only scans the side of the building and not the front. If it did, we would know what happened. So who got my purse and when? The guard didn't see anybody, and the manager came outside with a flashlight to help us look under cars, etc. but to no avail. My purse was gone. What a shock. I had my passport copy, or otherwise, I would be an illegal alien. Ok you guys, don't go any farther with that statement.
The next morning at the office, the secretary was telling about people doing this out side of restaurants like Chili's. They use some kind of spray that makes you lose your memory for a few minutes. Yeah, I know. Sounds like something from Steven King or your favorite sci-fi film. But later, a couple of missionaries told Becky that they had heard it on the news.
So what happened? Becky, Lauren, and I have no clue and neither does anyone else. The whole thing is just strange. On Friday, we took Lauren to the airport and said goodbye. Then we went to the U.S. Embassy to apply for a new passport. I had to go get new pictures taken, and don't think they aren't beauties. With not much sleep the night before, I had suitcases under the eyes!! Vanity, vanity. Next, to the immigration office, then to get my eyes examined and new glasses, and of course a new cell phone. So we really got everything replaced or it's on it's way. I emailed the bank and called the credit card company the night it happened. So all is well.
So why did all this happen? I haven't the slightest idea. But God knows and He allows things to happen for a reason and a purpose (thank you, Jen). God gave me peace through all of it. I knew He would take care of it all. I'm thankful that it happened this way and that we weren't assaulted or hurt. I told the girls I was not sitting in an ash heap and scraping myself with a potsherd, and everything that was lost could be replaced. It just caused some inconvenience for us. I'm not the only person who has been robbed of their passports, etc. And God made the way easy for us to take care of everything. People were nice and helpful and we didn't have to wait forever. And you learn to wait in Honduras.
So I praise God for His presence. He is always with me, and He knows everything from beginning to end. I don't have to worry about anything, because He will take care of me and all that concerns me, even this. And that thought kept going through my mind during all that happened. He knew what was happening even though I didn't. Thank God that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and is ever faithful. Pastor Bill said I was now baptized. So that makes me a bonafide missionary.
Now some news about school. Becky, Lauren, and I painted a couple of the classrooms this week. The Honduran team from San Pedro Sula will be here this week to work on the other building some more and to fix the area in front of the high school. I will be glad to see them again. However, I probably won't get to help them.
The earthquake that we had a couple of weeks ago, rocked me in my bed at 2:30 in the morning,I remember thinking earthquake tremor and rolled over and went back to sleep Lots of damage up north in El Progreso and San Pedro Sula, but none here. In fact a lot of people slept right through it. Thanks for all the prayers that were made on our behalf. The people of Honduras thanks you too.
Until next time, sounds like a news commentator, God bless and keep you.
Friday, May 29, 2009
My times are in thy hand...Ps. 31:15
Well, it appears that some people read my blog almost daily. I guess I'm a little behind. Sorry about that. I really do not like to write that much, although I could probably talk forever. So let me see what has been happening in my world.
Since my last writing, we celebrated Mother's Day. It was like our Father's Day celebration. The students and teachers did skits and then we cooked dinner for the mothers.
The day before Mother's Day was used for conferences with parents and handing out grades. My students are doing good. Some are really excited and want to learn the language while others could care less. Kids are kids whether here or in the states. I have been told by the nationals that my Spanish is good. Well, it will pass. I can get the message across, but when you spend several days or a couple of weeks with only English speakers, the Spanish does a nose dive.
I didn't make it to Costa Rica for my visa renewal. Instead, as some of you know, I came to the states. What a trip! It was good to see all of you. And to be in church with you on Wednesday night. It felt good to be home.
I thought I was just coming home in order to renew my visa, and of course to see my family while I was there. Well, God had some other plans, as always!! After church, I decided to drive by my house. Well, the grass was very tall and it looked like no one was living there. The next day, I called the young lady that was buying it, and sure enough she had moved. Well, that left one day to get things done. I told my daughter-in-law, that when I saw the place in the day light that I would surely sit down and cry. I kept that yard mowed and it always looked good. (We are stewards of the things God gives us). Well, I didn't cry. God has released me from the place that was home for 12 years. So now I ask that you pray with me that it will sell quickly and that the Lord will help my son with all the stuff that he will do to help me. Isn't it great to know that God knows everything and that He will take care of us, regardless of what other people do? I'm so glad that nothing takes Him by surprise.
Well, we had an earthquake yesterday morning, the 28th. My bed started rocking about 2:30 a.m. and I remember thinking, earthquake tremor. I've never been in an earthquake before, but I rolled over and went back to sleep. When I got up, I wondered if it really happened. It did. All the LACC schools are fine along with our families. One of our churches has a broken window, and things fell off the walls of one of pastor's home up north. So we are praising God that it wasn't worse. There was damage in the towns of El Progreso and San Pedro Sula where we were earlier. Most people that I know here slept through it, and didn't know anything happened. I thank all of you that heard the news for praying for us here.
Some of our English and Spanish lessons here at the house sometimes takes a back seat because the Lord is opening doors to minister. It's either praying for one of the ladies or sharing scripture and confirming what the Lord has already said through a sermon from their pastor. I am so thankful for God's grace and patience and for confirming His word to us. And speaking of His word, I never keep my Bible out with me when when I fly. I always ask for a window seat so I can look out. I see those clouds and think of the scripture referring to them as the dust of his feet, and how high He will be when He returns, and how we will be going up to meet Him. It takes my breath away. Well, this time, I kept it out and laid it in the middle seat until I could sit down. I thought I would spend some time in Psalms. When I sat down, the lady sitting in the aisle seat tapped it and smiled at me while shaking her head up and down. The only thing she could say in English was thank you. We began talking and She told me that she was going through chemo for cancer and had already had a mastectomy. She also had osteoporosis really bad. I said, nosotros oramos (we pray) and she said yes. So we did. She had tears in her eyes when we finished and the stewardess came by and asked if she was alright. I told her we were praying. She affirmed that and went on down the aisle. God knows, doesn't He? We continued to visit after praying. She was flying to the states to see her grandson graduate.
Tomorrow I am going to learn how to make pupusas and tortillas. Pupusas are tortillas that have cheese and or other things like sausage or chicken inside. They're really good.
Thank you for all your prayers. You don't know how much it means to those of us that are here to know that people at home are praying for us. We, too, remember you.
Blessings,
Beverly
Since my last writing, we celebrated Mother's Day. It was like our Father's Day celebration. The students and teachers did skits and then we cooked dinner for the mothers.
The day before Mother's Day was used for conferences with parents and handing out grades. My students are doing good. Some are really excited and want to learn the language while others could care less. Kids are kids whether here or in the states. I have been told by the nationals that my Spanish is good. Well, it will pass. I can get the message across, but when you spend several days or a couple of weeks with only English speakers, the Spanish does a nose dive.
I didn't make it to Costa Rica for my visa renewal. Instead, as some of you know, I came to the states. What a trip! It was good to see all of you. And to be in church with you on Wednesday night. It felt good to be home.
I thought I was just coming home in order to renew my visa, and of course to see my family while I was there. Well, God had some other plans, as always!! After church, I decided to drive by my house. Well, the grass was very tall and it looked like no one was living there. The next day, I called the young lady that was buying it, and sure enough she had moved. Well, that left one day to get things done. I told my daughter-in-law, that when I saw the place in the day light that I would surely sit down and cry. I kept that yard mowed and it always looked good. (We are stewards of the things God gives us). Well, I didn't cry. God has released me from the place that was home for 12 years. So now I ask that you pray with me that it will sell quickly and that the Lord will help my son with all the stuff that he will do to help me. Isn't it great to know that God knows everything and that He will take care of us, regardless of what other people do? I'm so glad that nothing takes Him by surprise.
Well, we had an earthquake yesterday morning, the 28th. My bed started rocking about 2:30 a.m. and I remember thinking, earthquake tremor. I've never been in an earthquake before, but I rolled over and went back to sleep. When I got up, I wondered if it really happened. It did. All the LACC schools are fine along with our families. One of our churches has a broken window, and things fell off the walls of one of pastor's home up north. So we are praising God that it wasn't worse. There was damage in the towns of El Progreso and San Pedro Sula where we were earlier. Most people that I know here slept through it, and didn't know anything happened. I thank all of you that heard the news for praying for us here.
Some of our English and Spanish lessons here at the house sometimes takes a back seat because the Lord is opening doors to minister. It's either praying for one of the ladies or sharing scripture and confirming what the Lord has already said through a sermon from their pastor. I am so thankful for God's grace and patience and for confirming His word to us. And speaking of His word, I never keep my Bible out with me when when I fly. I always ask for a window seat so I can look out. I see those clouds and think of the scripture referring to them as the dust of his feet, and how high He will be when He returns, and how we will be going up to meet Him. It takes my breath away. Well, this time, I kept it out and laid it in the middle seat until I could sit down. I thought I would spend some time in Psalms. When I sat down, the lady sitting in the aisle seat tapped it and smiled at me while shaking her head up and down. The only thing she could say in English was thank you. We began talking and She told me that she was going through chemo for cancer and had already had a mastectomy. She also had osteoporosis really bad. I said, nosotros oramos (we pray) and she said yes. So we did. She had tears in her eyes when we finished and the stewardess came by and asked if she was alright. I told her we were praying. She affirmed that and went on down the aisle. God knows, doesn't He? We continued to visit after praying. She was flying to the states to see her grandson graduate.
Tomorrow I am going to learn how to make pupusas and tortillas. Pupusas are tortillas that have cheese and or other things like sausage or chicken inside. They're really good.
Thank you for all your prayers. You don't know how much it means to those of us that are here to know that people at home are praying for us. We, too, remember you.
Blessings,
Beverly
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Cloud Covering Ps.121:6
It's hard to believe that another month has gone by. I have just spent the last 12 days in San Pedro Sula which is in the northern part of Honduras and very, very hot. I had the chance to help a team from MA build a couple more rooms onto the school in El Progreso.
I have heard of bucket brigades, but have never actually seen one in progress. These buckets contained cement. They were hoisted to the second floor by a rope with 2 hooks made of re-bar. They were quite heavy, and not even full, but it took 2 men to pull the rope and get them to the top. Then they were passed from person to person and poured into the proper place. What a job. Only half of the floor could be done in one day. The other half was done the exact same way the next day. One room had to filled with dirt in order to get it ready for a floor after the sides were built with cement blocks. It was good to have a backhoe come in and do the filling. It would have taken several days to shovel it all. And speaking of shoveling, I found my niche. I shoveled the rock and sand needed to make the cement, or is it called concrete? Sorry, I haven't taken time to find out the difference. I think you use cement and when it gets hard, it's called concrete, right? I'm expecting one of you fellows to straighten me out on this. Anyway, I had to throw a shovel full of dirt and rocks against a framed screen to separate the sand from the the other stuff. What a job, but I loved it. I used muscles that I didn't remember I had.
It was soooo hot, but we were all praying(thank you, Betty) for cloud cover and a slight breeze. God answered our prayer every day, and boy did we praise Him for it. Everybody's clothes were wet with sweat. What a workout. And the amazing thing was that we didn't HURT. We were sore, but not hurting. Amazing God that we serve. People were getting red but not burning. What an experience.
I was asked by the Nationals to translate their Spanish to English and the English asked me to translate to Spanish. Oh, boy! But I got the messages across and everybody was happy. I told Raul, the jefe, (boss)Yo estoy sudano como un caballo-I am sweating like a horse. He had never heard that and thought it was hilarious. Guess what he was saying in English the next day? You got it. Jose told me I had good Spanish. It was so funny because everybody knew my job was the shoveling. No one said it, but we all kind of knew what each person's job was. Jose wasn't there the first day, so when he came, he started shoveling. I finally just stood back and watched because I wasn't for sure what to do. I thought maybe I had taken his job. Well, when Raul and one of the other guys saw what was happening, they immediately told him that I was doing it. So bless his heart, he quit and let me continue. But he did step in and help me when they started going faster and he threw the rocks into the other pile for me. I really appreciated that. Plus it gave us time to get acquainted and for him to learn some English and me to practice my Spanish. And I have to give credit to 2 of the women on the team. They came over the couple of days and shoveled too.
When we drove in the first day, all the kids had lined the drive way to welcome us. What a sight. They sang worship songs in Spanish and had learned some in English, which they also sang on the last day when they did a human video. What a powerful lesson they gave.
We were able to play soccer and volley ball with them. No, I didn't play soccer, but I did volley ball. The guys thought the kids had decided that if the Americanos were losing, they would let them win, so the goalie just let that little ball go right on through at the end of the game. It was funny and everybody had a good time.
I was able to check out some English workbooks at one of the school book stores in San Pedro. I bought enough for my 7th graders, thank you Covenant Assembly, and will check out the book stores in Tegucigalpa for the other students. Will start in them tomorrow and see what happens. They are not used to having books of their own to study, so I'm curious to see what transpires.
I guess I should tell you that I didn't go to Costa Rica. I just renewed for one month and will go this month. I hope this finds you all well and blessed. Again thank you for all your prayers and giving. God always blesses with much more.
I have heard of bucket brigades, but have never actually seen one in progress. These buckets contained cement. They were hoisted to the second floor by a rope with 2 hooks made of re-bar. They were quite heavy, and not even full, but it took 2 men to pull the rope and get them to the top. Then they were passed from person to person and poured into the proper place. What a job. Only half of the floor could be done in one day. The other half was done the exact same way the next day. One room had to filled with dirt in order to get it ready for a floor after the sides were built with cement blocks. It was good to have a backhoe come in and do the filling. It would have taken several days to shovel it all. And speaking of shoveling, I found my niche. I shoveled the rock and sand needed to make the cement, or is it called concrete? Sorry, I haven't taken time to find out the difference. I think you use cement and when it gets hard, it's called concrete, right? I'm expecting one of you fellows to straighten me out on this. Anyway, I had to throw a shovel full of dirt and rocks against a framed screen to separate the sand from the the other stuff. What a job, but I loved it. I used muscles that I didn't remember I had.
It was soooo hot, but we were all praying(thank you, Betty) for cloud cover and a slight breeze. God answered our prayer every day, and boy did we praise Him for it. Everybody's clothes were wet with sweat. What a workout. And the amazing thing was that we didn't HURT. We were sore, but not hurting. Amazing God that we serve. People were getting red but not burning. What an experience.
I was asked by the Nationals to translate their Spanish to English and the English asked me to translate to Spanish. Oh, boy! But I got the messages across and everybody was happy. I told Raul, the jefe, (boss)Yo estoy sudano como un caballo-I am sweating like a horse. He had never heard that and thought it was hilarious. Guess what he was saying in English the next day? You got it. Jose told me I had good Spanish. It was so funny because everybody knew my job was the shoveling. No one said it, but we all kind of knew what each person's job was. Jose wasn't there the first day, so when he came, he started shoveling. I finally just stood back and watched because I wasn't for sure what to do. I thought maybe I had taken his job. Well, when Raul and one of the other guys saw what was happening, they immediately told him that I was doing it. So bless his heart, he quit and let me continue. But he did step in and help me when they started going faster and he threw the rocks into the other pile for me. I really appreciated that. Plus it gave us time to get acquainted and for him to learn some English and me to practice my Spanish. And I have to give credit to 2 of the women on the team. They came over the couple of days and shoveled too.
When we drove in the first day, all the kids had lined the drive way to welcome us. What a sight. They sang worship songs in Spanish and had learned some in English, which they also sang on the last day when they did a human video. What a powerful lesson they gave.
We were able to play soccer and volley ball with them. No, I didn't play soccer, but I did volley ball. The guys thought the kids had decided that if the Americanos were losing, they would let them win, so the goalie just let that little ball go right on through at the end of the game. It was funny and everybody had a good time.
I was able to check out some English workbooks at one of the school book stores in San Pedro. I bought enough for my 7th graders, thank you Covenant Assembly, and will check out the book stores in Tegucigalpa for the other students. Will start in them tomorrow and see what happens. They are not used to having books of their own to study, so I'm curious to see what transpires.
I guess I should tell you that I didn't go to Costa Rica. I just renewed for one month and will go this month. I hope this finds you all well and blessed. Again thank you for all your prayers and giving. God always blesses with much more.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
To God Be The Glory
Hi Everybody,
Life is so interesting here. In Valle, you see mules, horses, cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, city buses, SUV's, taxis, and moto-taxis all at the same time going to and fro on the streets. And of course all the people that are walking. I love it! My mother always said that I should have been born 100 years before I actually was, but then she would have had to, too, and I don't think she would have liked that. And where else do you carry a dozen eggs home in a little plastic bag that just fits. I think I held my breath most of the way home. They were not in a container, oh no, just the plastic bag that was not very thick. And yes, we made it home just fine. Thank you Lord.
It has finally gotten hot here. I am so glad. I have heard of the snow and ice storm that you are having in KS. I'm not a bit envious!!
I attend the little church next to the school. It would probably remind you of the old fashioned country church of years gone by. Nothing fancy. But the people have the joy of the Lord and does it ever show. The praise service was probably an hour long last Sunday. One of the young men leading the songs sang till his voice was almost gone. He didn't care. He was too busy worshiping. It's good to see men raising their hands, crying, and unable to stand still. There was nothing out of order, and no, no one was swinging from the light bulbs. (We don't have chandeliers)! And the drums was being played by a 10-12(?) year old boy. I found out later that Christian is in the third grade. He did very well. Once in a while, he would get off beat, and his dad would get him back on track. But that didn't stop the worshipping that was taking place. It took me back to Calvary Temple when Doug played the drums, a little older than this young man. And now he plays at Asbury Methodist. Truly God's gifts and calling are without repentance.
I ran into my first, and I hope my last, coral snake. He was only a baby, about 4 inches long, but he sure had that little head up ready to strike. I hate killing things, but I didn't want him going into the school yard where he was headed. So between me and one of the mothers, the little guy met his end beneath some big rocks.
The men from San Pedro have been working on the tech building. They also finished the floors on the two rooms of the upper level of the high school. People ask, all the time what do we need here. Well, the $15,000 for the transformer, money for textbooks, and sponsors for those children that don't have any. I would love to have some kind of window coverings for the high school. We have openings with bars, but no coverings. So the wind blows the posters off the walls and they have to be re-taped to the wall just about every morning. Windows are expensive and they get broken by people throwing rocks. So I'm not for sure what the answer is for this situation. The walls are made of concrete blocks and then cemented over, but not to a real smooth finish. Life is a little rugged here!
The English classes are going well. I finally said that only English would be spoken because I was learning more Spanish than they were learning English! Amazing how the English was beginning to be used. Thank you for all the prayers for my learning the language here. I am getting better.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are very long days. I'm usually up by 4:30 every morning, but those 3 days don't end until about 7 in the evening. After school, I am learning Spanish and then teaching English. And when 7 comes, I'm ready for bed, almost.
Becky and I met a group of college kids from Wheaton College in Illinois that was here to put a water system in one of the small areas south of here. The young man said he had never seen the Holy Spirit move as he did when the system started operating. Everybody was crying and giving praises to God for what he was doing for them through these kids. They had raised $65,000 to come and do this. What a loving God we serve!
I was waiting for the bus when a group of North Americans went by. They are volunteers at the orphanage here in Valle. One fellow was going to be here for a week and the two married couples are here until the Lord says it's time to leave. Sometimes I'm amazed at all the people that leave their homes and families to go to strange places in order to fulfill the calling God has placed on their lives. He is so totally awesome, and He can sure add some adventure to our lives.
I can't believe that I have been here almost three months! At this point in time, the plans are to be in Costa Rica next weekend in order to renew my visa. After 3 months, you have to leave the country for 3 days and then re-enter. Becky will go with me. We can't go to the countries right next door due to some agreement between these countries. It would be nice if we could, because Becky could drive there. But God has his plan, yes? This is good timing since we are out of school this next week and the following Monday for Semana Santa-Holy Week for Pascua, Easter.
The devotional went well yesterday. The lesson was basically about God having a plan for our lives and giving us a free will to be able to choose who we would follow, and the rewards that would be received for the choice we make. It was "excellente" according to Johnny and a couple of the students. So again I give thanks and credit to the Lord for that.
So I guess this is it for now. Thank you so much for all your prayers and giving to the Lord. He will truly bless you.
Life is so interesting here. In Valle, you see mules, horses, cars, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, city buses, SUV's, taxis, and moto-taxis all at the same time going to and fro on the streets. And of course all the people that are walking. I love it! My mother always said that I should have been born 100 years before I actually was, but then she would have had to, too, and I don't think she would have liked that. And where else do you carry a dozen eggs home in a little plastic bag that just fits. I think I held my breath most of the way home. They were not in a container, oh no, just the plastic bag that was not very thick. And yes, we made it home just fine. Thank you Lord.
It has finally gotten hot here. I am so glad. I have heard of the snow and ice storm that you are having in KS. I'm not a bit envious!!
I attend the little church next to the school. It would probably remind you of the old fashioned country church of years gone by. Nothing fancy. But the people have the joy of the Lord and does it ever show. The praise service was probably an hour long last Sunday. One of the young men leading the songs sang till his voice was almost gone. He didn't care. He was too busy worshiping. It's good to see men raising their hands, crying, and unable to stand still. There was nothing out of order, and no, no one was swinging from the light bulbs. (We don't have chandeliers)! And the drums was being played by a 10-12(?) year old boy. I found out later that Christian is in the third grade. He did very well. Once in a while, he would get off beat, and his dad would get him back on track. But that didn't stop the worshipping that was taking place. It took me back to Calvary Temple when Doug played the drums, a little older than this young man. And now he plays at Asbury Methodist. Truly God's gifts and calling are without repentance.
I ran into my first, and I hope my last, coral snake. He was only a baby, about 4 inches long, but he sure had that little head up ready to strike. I hate killing things, but I didn't want him going into the school yard where he was headed. So between me and one of the mothers, the little guy met his end beneath some big rocks.
The men from San Pedro have been working on the tech building. They also finished the floors on the two rooms of the upper level of the high school. People ask, all the time what do we need here. Well, the $15,000 for the transformer, money for textbooks, and sponsors for those children that don't have any. I would love to have some kind of window coverings for the high school. We have openings with bars, but no coverings. So the wind blows the posters off the walls and they have to be re-taped to the wall just about every morning. Windows are expensive and they get broken by people throwing rocks. So I'm not for sure what the answer is for this situation. The walls are made of concrete blocks and then cemented over, but not to a real smooth finish. Life is a little rugged here!
The English classes are going well. I finally said that only English would be spoken because I was learning more Spanish than they were learning English! Amazing how the English was beginning to be used. Thank you for all the prayers for my learning the language here. I am getting better.
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are very long days. I'm usually up by 4:30 every morning, but those 3 days don't end until about 7 in the evening. After school, I am learning Spanish and then teaching English. And when 7 comes, I'm ready for bed, almost.
Becky and I met a group of college kids from Wheaton College in Illinois that was here to put a water system in one of the small areas south of here. The young man said he had never seen the Holy Spirit move as he did when the system started operating. Everybody was crying and giving praises to God for what he was doing for them through these kids. They had raised $65,000 to come and do this. What a loving God we serve!
I was waiting for the bus when a group of North Americans went by. They are volunteers at the orphanage here in Valle. One fellow was going to be here for a week and the two married couples are here until the Lord says it's time to leave. Sometimes I'm amazed at all the people that leave their homes and families to go to strange places in order to fulfill the calling God has placed on their lives. He is so totally awesome, and He can sure add some adventure to our lives.
I can't believe that I have been here almost three months! At this point in time, the plans are to be in Costa Rica next weekend in order to renew my visa. After 3 months, you have to leave the country for 3 days and then re-enter. Becky will go with me. We can't go to the countries right next door due to some agreement between these countries. It would be nice if we could, because Becky could drive there. But God has his plan, yes? This is good timing since we are out of school this next week and the following Monday for Semana Santa-Holy Week for Pascua, Easter.
The devotional went well yesterday. The lesson was basically about God having a plan for our lives and giving us a free will to be able to choose who we would follow, and the rewards that would be received for the choice we make. It was "excellente" according to Johnny and a couple of the students. So again I give thanks and credit to the Lord for that.
So I guess this is it for now. Thank you so much for all your prayers and giving to the Lord. He will truly bless you.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Hospitality Rom. 12:13
My first experience with a missions team was a learning experience. We had a team of 12 from OK come to help with the building of our high school tech rooms. I really don't know if tech is the right word. The rooms will be used to teach welding, baking, computers, and working with electricity. Of course we will need equipment, teachers, and $15,000 to buy the transformer needed to supply electricity to the classrooms. And naturally, we are believing God to supply the need because He said He would. So the team supplied a need for us. We, Becky and I, were up every morning between 4 and 5 to cook breakfast for everyone. Another need supplied! Then everyone was off to the school and building site.
I went to teach, and they went to carry cement blocks, mix cement, lay the blocks, etc. The ladies also helped paint the old desks. They sure needed a face lift. Kids here are like kids at home. They like to leave their art work and names behind for others to see! The team really enjoyed the Honduran food at lunch time. Fresh fruits and vegetables, tortillas( ours are smaller and thicker), cheese, and meat. YumYum!! We took them to Honduran restaunts for dinner. They enjoyed that, too. I should say we all enjoyed that.
We all went to CEAD for church in Tegucigalpa on Sunday and to Macuelizo for a mid-week service on Tuesday night where the associate pastor from OK spoke with Becky interpreting.
Now back to normal, whatever that is. I am in charge of devotions with the 7th graders on Friday mornings before they have their PE and then go home at noon. Well, lo and behold, the Lord has done it again. Johnny can play the guitar and has a beautiful singing voice. He is going to lead us with some worship songs during some of the time, and Eva is coming up from the Kindergarten to translate the message that I have for the students. So another prayer request is that I give what God wants them to hear. I am so amazed at everything that that the Lord has done and is doing.
The pastor's wife, from OK, and I really enjoyed talking and sharing things of the Lord. What a time of refreshing for both of us. It was so good.
Until next time, I truly thank you for all your prayers and giving. May God bless each of you.
I went to teach, and they went to carry cement blocks, mix cement, lay the blocks, etc. The ladies also helped paint the old desks. They sure needed a face lift. Kids here are like kids at home. They like to leave their art work and names behind for others to see! The team really enjoyed the Honduran food at lunch time. Fresh fruits and vegetables, tortillas( ours are smaller and thicker), cheese, and meat. YumYum!! We took them to Honduran restaunts for dinner. They enjoyed that, too. I should say we all enjoyed that.
We all went to CEAD for church in Tegucigalpa on Sunday and to Macuelizo for a mid-week service on Tuesday night where the associate pastor from OK spoke with Becky interpreting.
Now back to normal, whatever that is. I am in charge of devotions with the 7th graders on Friday mornings before they have their PE and then go home at noon. Well, lo and behold, the Lord has done it again. Johnny can play the guitar and has a beautiful singing voice. He is going to lead us with some worship songs during some of the time, and Eva is coming up from the Kindergarten to translate the message that I have for the students. So another prayer request is that I give what God wants them to hear. I am so amazed at everything that that the Lord has done and is doing.
The pastor's wife, from OK, and I really enjoyed talking and sharing things of the Lord. What a time of refreshing for both of us. It was so good.
Until next time, I truly thank you for all your prayers and giving. May God bless each of you.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
God Supplies All My Need Phil. 4:19
God has certainly supplied all my needs! I have rented Mario and Doris' house here in Valle de Angeles at a most reasonable price with all utilities paid. What a blessing. The property is beautiful and has a fellow named Will( he and his wife just had baby number four) that takes care of the grounds and buildings. There is also Lobo, BIG German Shepherd that definitely takes care of me. Where I go on the property, he goes right beside me. And of course all is fenced in.
I attended my first wake here in the Valle. I don't know if this takes place in the city or if other small villages do it this way. But the family prepres the body, buys and places the deceased loved one in the casket(which has a see through glass above the face area) holds the visitation in their home, uses family or friends pick up truck and takes the body to the cemetary or to another location in town in order for all to pay their respects that could not go to the house where the first or the second message is given by the pastor. The body is then put into the ground. I did not go to the cemetary or to the service held here in town. The body has to be buried within 24 hours of passing away. As a child, I heard my Grandma tell of the same kind of wakes when she was younger. I thought how far we from the U.S. remove ourselves from sickness and death. We die in a hospital with basically strangers surrounding us, regardless of their compassion, and then our dead bodies are again given to strangers to prepare our bodies for burial. Interesting.
I woke up yesterday to complete darkness. And when I say darkness, I mean so dark I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. No electricity! I thought of one candle in the house. Woohoo! Alas! No matches-Well you would be surprised at how much light my cell phone and little alarm clock face can put out in total darkness! It came back on right after daylight. I stayed home to have cable and internet installed in my house. Well they called before they were to come and sure enough the power had gone off again. To make a long story short, it all was installed around noon. I must say it is nice to be connected to the outside world and to be able to have more than one channel( that came in not so good with only Spanish)to watch. Now for all of you that know how much I dislike computers and all that other stuff, I have to confess that here I appreciate it. In the states, not so much.
I have been praying for a tutor in Spanish. When I was ready to get on the van Mon. morning, a young lady that was standing near by asked if this was the bus to the school. I said yes and to my surprise she got right in and sat next to me. Wellllll, she had been hired as another teacher for the kindergarten, had lived in England for a short time, and therefore speaks some English. Praise the Lord big time. He just dropped us in each others laps. So we start this week helping each other with the language we need to learn. How awesome our God is. He has taken care of every little thing that concerns my life here. I stand in total awe of Him and His grace.
My classes at school are going very well. I started teaching the kindergarten teachers yesterday. Johnnny, the bus owner and driver is also coming to learn English. I'm sure since there is someone who can interpret for me, it won't be long before I am teaching Bible classes for the teachers at school. Will see how the Lord moves.
Today a team from OK is arriving to help with the building and finishing of new classrooms for the high scool, grades 7th-9th. We just have the 7th this year but will add a new class each year if possible.
I think I experience something new everyday. I told the Lord that He must be part Latino! because there is no need to get in a hurry here. And His time frame is not always ours. And as much as we hate to wait, we do have to learn to wait on the Lord, yes? I told Becky everybody there needs to come here for a lesson in patience!! But you know, everything gets taken care of that needs to be taken care of. So all is well here.
Thank all of you that have been praying for me. You don't know how much I appreciate it. Until later, may God bless and keep you.
I attended my first wake here in the Valle. I don't know if this takes place in the city or if other small villages do it this way. But the family prepres the body, buys and places the deceased loved one in the casket(which has a see through glass above the face area) holds the visitation in their home, uses family or friends pick up truck and takes the body to the cemetary or to another location in town in order for all to pay their respects that could not go to the house where the first or the second message is given by the pastor. The body is then put into the ground. I did not go to the cemetary or to the service held here in town. The body has to be buried within 24 hours of passing away. As a child, I heard my Grandma tell of the same kind of wakes when she was younger. I thought how far we from the U.S. remove ourselves from sickness and death. We die in a hospital with basically strangers surrounding us, regardless of their compassion, and then our dead bodies are again given to strangers to prepare our bodies for burial. Interesting.
I woke up yesterday to complete darkness. And when I say darkness, I mean so dark I couldn't see my hand in front of my face. No electricity! I thought of one candle in the house. Woohoo! Alas! No matches-Well you would be surprised at how much light my cell phone and little alarm clock face can put out in total darkness! It came back on right after daylight. I stayed home to have cable and internet installed in my house. Well they called before they were to come and sure enough the power had gone off again. To make a long story short, it all was installed around noon. I must say it is nice to be connected to the outside world and to be able to have more than one channel( that came in not so good with only Spanish)to watch. Now for all of you that know how much I dislike computers and all that other stuff, I have to confess that here I appreciate it. In the states, not so much.
I have been praying for a tutor in Spanish. When I was ready to get on the van Mon. morning, a young lady that was standing near by asked if this was the bus to the school. I said yes and to my surprise she got right in and sat next to me. Wellllll, she had been hired as another teacher for the kindergarten, had lived in England for a short time, and therefore speaks some English. Praise the Lord big time. He just dropped us in each others laps. So we start this week helping each other with the language we need to learn. How awesome our God is. He has taken care of every little thing that concerns my life here. I stand in total awe of Him and His grace.
My classes at school are going very well. I started teaching the kindergarten teachers yesterday. Johnnny, the bus owner and driver is also coming to learn English. I'm sure since there is someone who can interpret for me, it won't be long before I am teaching Bible classes for the teachers at school. Will see how the Lord moves.
Today a team from OK is arriving to help with the building and finishing of new classrooms for the high scool, grades 7th-9th. We just have the 7th this year but will add a new class each year if possible.
I think I experience something new everyday. I told the Lord that He must be part Latino! because there is no need to get in a hurry here. And His time frame is not always ours. And as much as we hate to wait, we do have to learn to wait on the Lord, yes? I told Becky everybody there needs to come here for a lesson in patience!! But you know, everything gets taken care of that needs to be taken care of. So all is well here.
Thank all of you that have been praying for me. You don't know how much I appreciate it. Until later, may God bless and keep you.
Monday, February 2, 2009
New Home
Today I rented Mario and Doris' house in the Valley. It has 3 bedrooms, big living/dining room area, small kitchen, 1 1/2 baths, and a hallway. It has a porch that goes all the way around the house. They are charging me very little-a lot less than Becky allotted for in my budget. They pay for water,except my drinking water, electricity, and phone(ha ha guys, it's a land line!!). I just have to pay for long distance, but then I have that instument called a cell phone. Anyway the only thing I won't have for a while is the internet, but Doris is going to see how much it will cost to install the cable since it goes right by their house. I also have the use of the washer and dryer. And guess what else? It has a bathtub-don't laugh. Most places here have only showers. But I'll have one of those, too. The school bus/van goes right by the house! Lobo, the BIG German Shepherd also lives there. So you don't have to worry about my safety. There is a family man that also stays and takes care of the property, that of course is fenced in. It's beautiful and I can't thank God enough for supppying it. But then, He does all things well, doesn't He? I don't have to buy sheets, blankets, etc. I pray God will pour Mario and Doris out a blessing that they won't be able to contain, because that is surely what He has done for me through them. He has just worked out every little detail, and I know He isn't done, because school hasn't even started. So this is the latest.
THANK YOU for all your prayers.
(Doug, I'll work on the blog thing!)
THANK YOU for all your prayers.
(Doug, I'll work on the blog thing!)
Saturday, January 31, 2009
First 12 days
The first 12 days have been very busy and interesting. We've shopped for birthday presents for students of LACC that have sponsors. Do you know how long it has been since I've shopped for clothes for little kids? A long time! Don't ask me at this point in time if something looks like a size 8, 10, or 12! Your guess is as good as mine or maybe better!
So we cleaned the office and moved furniture. Since we don't have a paper shredder, I elected to be the shredder. You wouldn't believe it, but I filled two garbage bags. Wow!
We went to check out a few places to live in the Valley. Not many there, and the ones we saw were not good. Then we went WAY out in the country, near the school, and wow what a place, but very expensive. Of course, I wouldn't have to buy food, cook it, do laundry, clean or anything else. The price was being negotiated since I am a volunteer here, and the place was started by a Catholic priest to help the poor in Honduras. But at this time, I'm waiting on the return of Mario and Doris to find out their plans for me with their house. So hopefully, I will know Monday. But not to worry. God knows the place He has for me.
Let's see. What else? Internet is not very dependable everyday. The Valley has an internet cafe but I couldn't get on in the village with my lap top. Becky says Mario has internet at his place. The expensive place has it.
I have become an eavesdropper!! Reading Spanish is good. Hearing it clear is another matter.
So I'm listening to all I can.
Ok, I think that is it for now.
So we cleaned the office and moved furniture. Since we don't have a paper shredder, I elected to be the shredder. You wouldn't believe it, but I filled two garbage bags. Wow!
We went to check out a few places to live in the Valley. Not many there, and the ones we saw were not good. Then we went WAY out in the country, near the school, and wow what a place, but very expensive. Of course, I wouldn't have to buy food, cook it, do laundry, clean or anything else. The price was being negotiated since I am a volunteer here, and the place was started by a Catholic priest to help the poor in Honduras. But at this time, I'm waiting on the return of Mario and Doris to find out their plans for me with their house. So hopefully, I will know Monday. But not to worry. God knows the place He has for me.
Let's see. What else? Internet is not very dependable everyday. The Valley has an internet cafe but I couldn't get on in the village with my lap top. Becky says Mario has internet at his place. The expensive place has it.
I have become an eavesdropper!! Reading Spanish is good. Hearing it clear is another matter.
So I'm listening to all I can.
Ok, I think that is it for now.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Comprando para ninos
Yesterday, Becky and I went clothes shopping for the LACC kids. Today we separated them all and put them in bags to be delivered at a later date. I learned that just one class a year is added to the schools. :( That means I won't have the 6th graders that I had when I was here before that would be 8th graders this year. I am disappointed there, but God knew it and He knows the kids I'm suppose to teach, so it's ok. I will have 5th, 6th, and 7th grades.
I am speaking some Spanish. I can read most of the stuff that I have seen. I ask Becky just to be sure. Some conversations I understand, and for some I am totally lost. Imagine that!
She's freezing and the girls in the office are cold. I think it's great!!!
Oh, by the way, I was able to watch the new season of Lost. Hooray!!
I am speaking some Spanish. I can read most of the stuff that I have seen. I ask Becky just to be sure. Some conversations I understand, and for some I am totally lost. Imagine that!
She's freezing and the girls in the office are cold. I think it's great!!!
Oh, by the way, I was able to watch the new season of Lost. Hooray!!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
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1/19/09Flight to Honduras was great. Met young lady from London who will be teaching English also, but not with me.Remember sunrise.Oh yes, bought the dreaded cell phone!!Iron and coffee pot to follow. Definite necessities.
1/20/09 Went to Valley today with Sherry and Becky to look at an apartment(no,no)and then we looked at Mario and Doris's property. Definite yes IF price and a few other things are agreed upon. Won't know till they return from the states at end of month. Ate pizza at the little restaurant there-made from scratch-about 30 minutes-Excellent!!Had an American Expresso coffee-mmm good.