1John 5:4 ...and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith

The Lord hears our prayers and answers them! So the lesson with the little ones went ok. I did my story and Corey did his. We had to translate to English for those that didn't understand Spanish. However, Corey had to translate part of his because I didn't know the words. So good job Corey!!!

Revelations 12:11 says that "they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony... Every time God answers a prayer, however small we think, we are over comers because what he does builds up our faith in him. So one day I am going to remain calm when I have to do something that is not comfortable for me, in Jesus name.

I learned through one of my former students in HN that Eva will be teaching them English this year. Another prayer answered. I wanted so much for them to be able to continue English. I believe that we need to train or help someone else to do the job that we do so that when we are no longer there, the job, ministry, etc. will still go on. I use to tell Eva all the time that she needed to be teaching English. Her reasoning was the same as mine with the little ones, I can't do that very well. Well, with God I can do all things that he has called me to do because he strengthens me. So please pray with me for Eva. She will be so good.

We just finished half of the trimester in Spanish. Whew! This next week is AGTS. I'm not for sure what it is all about. No one has explained it very well, but it will be in English. It's not a good thing to be without Spanish for a whole week. I'm thankful for Leticia because when we walk, she practices her English with me, and I practice my Spanish with her. God truly does supply all our needs.

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

Luke 18:1...that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

I think I'd better use the same scripture this time as last time!! What a two weeks this has been. Well, I didn't have to fix lunch. Ritchie made pupusas in my apartment. But then he told me that he had invited all the teachers! Thanks for that heads up while you're fixing lunch!! So I went next door to borrow some plates and forks. I have four plates, four saucers, and 4 salad forks, the little ones. But all went well. God always takes care of things and us. The teachers enjoyed the food. Pupusas are made like small tortillas, only they have cheese, meat, and/or beans inside. Really good. It appears that there is a controversy as to who "made" pupusas first: Honduras or El Salvador. Hondurans say they did, and El Salvador says they did. I don't really care, I'm just glad somebody did! They are one of my favorite foods in Central America.

And I found out from one of the missionaries that is stationed here that it is ok for me to walk by myself. Thank you Lord. Leticia and I usually walk on Mon. and Tues. Last Saturday we took the bus downtown and went to one of the museums. Very interesting. Today, Saturday, Robyn and I went downtown and ate at a little restaurant called " El Spoon". Good food!! And then we went to the national museum which is housed in the old army fort here in San Jose. Of course, Costa Rica doesn't have a military of any kind today. What was really interesting was the drawings and writings on the walls of the "jail" that was used for disciplinary actions towards the soldiers or for political prisoners. Some of the dates were from the 40's. And most said, "remember..." Very
interesting. One day this week Robyn and I walked down to one of the malls, ( a mile or so away)
and then went to another store that is like Dollar General. Good place to buy school supplies.

So now my assignment for this week is to tell the story of the three Hebrew children in the fiery furnace, in Spanish, of course, to the 4 year old kids in our day care. And there are only 4 here at this time. Do you know how bad I dislike doing something when I'm not for sure exactly what and how to do it? There's a reason I teach junior high and high school kids. I've been told it doesn't have to be perfect (like it would be anyway?) because they're only 4. Well, excuse me, I don't care if they are only 4. It needs to be done well. We're talking about a miracle that God performed. So the Lord will definitely have to perform another for me to do this. Am I complaining? Nope, it's just the way it is and my feelings about it. I can sit on the floor or in a rocking chair with kids on my lap and tell them stories, but this has to be with props and other things for them to do. Oh, and I have to teach them a song and a prayer, in Spanish of course! So I chose Jesus Loves Me for the song, and I'm praying for the prayer to come. Thank God for Robyn. She said she would draw the pictures for me, and I can write the story on the back. Smart, talented girl. Thank you Lord for her and her willingness to help me. And I was given a printer today so I can copy some pictures for the little guys to color when all is said and done. God is good and he does supply. And He will help me on Wed. The printer will be passed on to someone else when I leave here.

So in another week we change teachers. Hopefully, I'll be where I need to be. It's not a good thing to get a test and not know a thing on it. I'm thankful I have a college degree, and I don't worry about grades anymore. But at the same time, I want to do my best. However, when you don't know something, you don't know it. And today, Monday, I found out that I can go back a level when we change classes. Thank you Lord for that.

Before the Lord sent me to HN I never really thought about missionaries a lot. One reason was I didn't know too much about their lives. I listened when they came to the church, and I have supported them as a whole through the church. But when you're living around them, you see a whole different side of life for them. Like here, we have pre-school, elementary and junior high kids. They're great, but they have no place to go to visit their friends because they're all back in the states, and there is no place here for them to play outside. The little, and I mean little, park outside CINCEL's gate is not good because of the doggie leftovers that owners are suppose to dispose of and don't. And they have to learn to pick wisely what kind of gifts they want for birthdays, Christmas, etc. because it will all have to be shipped to wherever they are going. And that means weight and money. They have left grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, toys, bicycles, their schools, etc. because the Lord called their parents to be missionaries. Sometimes they go through some tough times emotionally and physically in order to adjust. What great kids these are. When they go past my door, I usually hear a "Hi Miss Beverly." They're from the the south, can't you tell? I praise God for them and I pray for them. I had to change schools a lot when I was growing up, so I understand that it's not always an easy thing to do. So I hope you will pray for the kids along with their parents.

So this is a little different than what I've written before, but life is life and sometimes it's tough. And yes, God is here helping and working with each of us and will use all the tough times to teach us and help us become what he wants us to be. And He always uses those tough times farther down the line, and they always increase our faith in him. But it is difficult to see that when you're in the battle.

Once again thanks for your support. Love and prayers.

Luke 18:1...that men ought always to pray, and not to faint.

The 4th week of language school is about to begin. I don't know whether to laugh or cry!!! However, things are beginning to make more sense. I didn't go to the feria yesterday to buy fruits and veggies. I needed a day to just stay home, and get my brain together, if that's possible. School goes very fast with a lot to learn and do, and it seems there is no time to just think about what you are trying to learn and understand. Plus take care of all the normal life stuff like laundry, buying groceries, etc. But when you're in the military, you go and do whatever you're assigned, period. And this is what it feels like, but then I am in God's army, so that takes care of that.

Today Leticia and I went with Ritchie to the church he attends. We had to take 2 different buses each way, and that was good. It gave Leticia and I a chance to start learning the bus system. It cost us each about $.75 total. The taxi, one way, is about $6. So the bus is definitely the way to go. I didn't understand the pastor's speech very well, but I knew what he was talking about. Pray, pray, pray, and more than just those 5 minute prayers.

I do pray, a lot. I don't like Costa Rica at all, or maybe I should say San Jose. It's always overcast, so I rejoice when I can get some sun. It's not cold, but it's not so warm either. The food is ok, not as good as Honduran or the states. But then you can buy what you want at the store, so that solves that problem. You are not suppose to go walking by yourself, because it's suppose to be too dangerous. That really stinks. I'm so used to walking. And I think I'm homesick for HN. Isn't that a little strange? But then someone reminded me the other day that I had lived there for 2 years. Missionaries are strange people! They love their own country, their flesh and blood families, and miss them, but their hearts are in the countries where God has sent them to minister. When they say the country they were born in is not home, people look at them like the just committed treason or something. And that's not the case. I wouldn't trade my citizenship for any other other country in the world, not even Honduras. But at the same time, it (the U.S.) isn't my home anymore. But then God tells us that this world isn't our home either. So we just have to put it in perspective. When my daughter-in-law was in the army, she said home was where her feet were. I think of that often when I'm not wanting to be here. I know I need this year here to learn, but...and it's those buts that get us into trouble!! So I just have to pray, because I know God sent me here for a good purpose, for his glory, and not to die, so...get over it, Beverly.

Thursday, Deya took Corey and I downtown on the train. We could not sit together or with her. We had to sit with others and speak Spanish. That was ok. When we got off the train, we went to the Mercado, market. Wow, it was big. You can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, spices, and a lot more. One of the meat venders was hollering "hey, hey," and when we turned around, he was holding a pig's head! (Of course, we had to film everything because Deya used it in our class for discussion). I'm telling you, some people in the U.S. would think that was just terrible, but you buy FRESH meat and veggies here, not something that has been frozen for however long. So I want to go back there when I need meat. I did buy an once of paprika for $.15, and I need some bay leaves, but didn't about it while I was there. Oh well, another day. We walked all over, took a bus to the other side of town, I think-I was so lost-and then we decided to walk the rest of the way home, which was about a mile or so. What a class!

It's amazing the things (attitudes) that are in us that we aren't even aware of sometimes. But God has a way of bringing them to the surface in order to help us change them. I was told by one of the teachers that I was fixing lunch for her and Ritchie in 3 weeks. I said, "Really?" She's going to combine our class that day. Supposedly it was Ritchie's idea. He says not!! That really ruffled my feathers! I like to be asked! Oh, well, so be it. I was praying, " Dear Lord, what am I suppose to fix?" He gave me an idea, so it will be ok. Then another teacher said that you're not suppose to answer your door barefooted. What?? No, it's not showing respect. My house, my friend, and I'm not suppose to go barefooted! Amazing! AND you're not suppose to put your book bag, purse, or Bible on the floor in the church. That too, is disrespectful. But, you should not leave them on your chair behind you when you are singing and praying because of thieves. Oh, yes, thieves do go to church. So I have decided to check this out with others. And to smooth the feathers.

I guess I've rambled long enough. I will overcome, because I refuse to be overcame by stuff. Because "when we all get to heaven what a day of rejoicing that will be, when we all see Jesus we will sing and shout the victory."

Love and blessings to all of you. And thank you so much for your prayers. As you can see, I need them.

Isaiah. 55:3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear and your soul shall live...

Great news! I have a new great-grandson. Jaden Alexander born yesterday(01/22/11), five weeks early, but is doing fine and will go home this week. Thank you Lord for answered prayer. His mama was also early, and "they" said she would be in the hospital 3-4 months, but she went home in a week too. How great is our God.

I have survived the first two weeks of language school! I don't know that I speak it any better at this point, but at least some missing components are being learned, and that's definitely good. I understand most of what my instructor says, but not all. So when I'm in total confusion, she slows down and goes a different direction, which helps a lot. I'm glad I have a year. I bombed the first test in the area of making a question from answers already given. It's like after the question word, then what goes where? I can ask questions, but this really threw me. But not to worry. I have a year, and I'm not getting a degree. And at this point in my life, I'm really not too worried. I just want to learn the language. I'm more concerned about quality, not quantity. I don't know if the teachers feel that way, but...
'
So what have I done? Yesterday a friend and I went to PriceSmart to buy a card. It's like Sam's. We could split the cost and each have our own card. We took a cab there and back. She is from Chile and speaks Spanish, but she is new here, too. So even though she speaks the language, she is a little nervous at doing things on her own also. The money is different for her just like it is for me. So we both have to figure out how much something cost in order to know if we want to pay the price. Even in Honduras, I always asked myself if I would pay that in the states. If the answer was yes, then I bought it. If not, then I wouldn't. So we were very proud of ourselves and thanking God for taking care of this and getting back home. We do have cards to carry with us in case we don't know how to say where we live or the cab driver doesn't know the area. Thank you CINCEL for those. She and I decided today that we are going to be brave and start taking the bus. It's much cheaper, and it is safe. We just have to remember to look and see where we get on and off!!

A bunch of us went to the mall Friday night to eat in the food court and walk around. Some of us stayed to watch a movie. It's in English and has Spanish subtitles. That's interesting especially when they make a big deal of stating that it isn't pirated. The only way I know that is because one of the students here explained it when I couldn't figure out what was happening. And yes, you can buy all the goodies before you go in just like in the states.

We went into one of the stores in the mall which is suppose to be something like Wal-Mart. Ha! One of the guys wanted to buy a backpack, and they were $70. Yeah, $70.00. In the states maybe $15. Crazy. We have to go to Panama in March because of our visas. Everyone has said to stock up on shampoos etc. because they are much cheaper there. Will definitely be looking at that.

Every Saturday morning some of us go to the feria. That's the farmer's market here. Definitely cheaper than in the grocery stores. There are two that are open on Saturdays and Sundays. We usually are there about an hour. Some of the apples come from the states, but they are usually from Chile. And yes, they are just as good. Maybe Johnny Appleseed went there too, you think?? No, I think God just spread his goodies everywhere that the climate he made was agreeable for them.

Ministry? Aw, yes, ministry. Well, my ministry appears to be to help those along the way with their faith in what God's word says. And I'm not for sure if that's the way to say it. However, one young fellow(he's 24) told me the other day that he was my mission. Really? It seems I'm always correcting, preaching or whatever to him. Bless his heart. And when I have prayed for him, God answered that night or the next day. This young man has a wonderful calling on his life to help the kids in El Salvador. He has been there 2 years already. He can speak very well, but he doesn't have all the other stuff that comes with learning language. So here he is. And me. God definitely has a sense of humor. So next week Leticia and I are going with him to his church. It's an arm of the one he attends and works with in El Salvador.

What else? I miss my family. I miss Honduras, and I don't think I'll ever get use to all the bars on my windows and doors. Locked gates going in and out of the driveway. We in the U.S. do not realize the freedom we really have. Oh, to hold on to it.

I'm thankful everyday for the Lord Jesus Christ. He is so awesome. Never did I think I would be doing what I'm doing, let alone at the age I'm doing it. Now I understand Abraham and Moses much better than before. God doesn't stop using people when they reach a certain age. If we are his children, we serve him until the day he takes us home. It isn't just the "young" that he calls. He has a plan for all of us. It's the world that says, "You have worked long enough, and now it's time to retire." And do what? Serve ourselves? Die? No. And God doesn't call everyone to leave their families, homes, etc. and go to a foreign country. But he does call us to serve him, and be a light in the place he has put us. I pray that God's kids will read his word everyday in order to really know who this great God is. He will reveal himself to anyone that truly desires to know him. And when he does that, you'll never be the same.

Thanks to all of you that help support me in offerings and prayers. May God bless you abundantly.

Ps.68:19 Blessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits...

Here it is, a new year. As a child I never thought the year 2000 would be a reality. It was like a sci-fi movie that just wasn't true. I just couldn't think that far ahead. So now it is eleven years after! Many people make new year resolutions and I probably did to in my younger years, but no more. It just doesn't make sense to me to do that. I have goals, but it's one day at a time.

Christmas time was good. I spent time with my family and friends. And I loved seeing the changes in my grand-kids. They are growing up so fast.

And now I'm in Costa Rica at CINCEL, the language school for the missionaries that are going to Spanish speaking countries. It's a close knit bunch already. God's people connect with each other, and they grow into families. And the family just keeps growing! It's amazing to think that I have brothers and sisters all over the world. It is interesting to hear everyone's story of how the Lord moved in their lives to get them on the mission field. Every story is unique, but then so is each one of us. God has a plan for each of us, whether we're on the mission field or not, and he uses everything in our past one way or another to bring us to where we are today and to use it for his glory. I shudder to think where I would be today if God was not active in my life. It's a scary thought.

I have been here for 4 days and it has been busy. My apartment is 2 big rooms with 2 baths. They made 1 big apartment from 2 one room apartments. I'm so glad because I need space. Perhaps that's why I like to live in the country. God is so good, and he takes care of little things. For example, my rooms are shades of my favorite colors, green and brown. The coffee cups are like mugs that I like to use to drink coffee. I have a large closet and a queen size bed that is very comfortable. I have cable and the internet. I'm right across the driveway from the entrance to the school. It can't get much better than that.

This morning we went to the fruit market. It was very big. We share things when there are too many for one or two people. Ritchie (who is 25 , single, and stationed in El Salvador) and I split avocados and limes. Too many carrots in a bag? Share them. I just bought one huge carrot which will last me all week, whether I cook it or use it raw. There is nothing like fresh vegetables and fruits. Right now I'm cooking 3 beets, and in a few minutes 3 of us are going down the street to buy eggs. So we went, and now we're back. Great little store down around the corner. We also found a nursery, so I want to buy a couple of live plants next week so my nest will really feel like home. Just gotta have plants in the house!

There are many AG churches in San Jose, but tomorrow we will go to the one around the corner. I think it has 2 morning services. So it has to be really big. Will see.

Well, today we didn't go to the one around the corner! We went to another, and the pastor is the Superintendent over the AG churches here in CR. Some things I understood, and some I did not. However he likened Gen.1 with our lives. The world was created by God and then God brought order into it. Our lives are not in order when God calls us. He brings order by bringing light which of course is Christ. And then somewhere in his message he said that we have to live God's word and culture and not the culture in which we live. Ritchie nudged me and said that he felt like he was sitting in my living room, because I had just "preached" that culture message to him before we left for church. He had said,"oh, my God." When I said you ought not say that he responded that it was the culture here. Well, that was an open door and I walked right through it! They say it in Honduras, too. When I asked why he said it, he said he didn't know. We ought not be using God's name in vain. The culture of the kingdom of God is different than the culture here, in the U.S., and Honduras. Jesus went against his culture many times, and was loved or hated by those around him. We have to follow in his path. This is the second time that this culture theme has been confirmed for me. The last Sun. in the states, I went to church with my youngest son, and his pastor also made the same statement. I love it when God confirms something that he has given me. Oh happy day...

One missionary is here from Chile and is going to India. She is here to learn English and then Indi (?)when she arrives there. I will be helping her with English while she helps me with Spanish. Grandma used to say "turn around is fair play".

So tomorrow classes begin. I am so ready!!

Many thanks Lord for your peace, and for your daily care of us, and you truly do load us daily with benefits: family, friends, everything that we need and desire even when we aren't sure what those things are. And thank you for remembering my family always.

Ps.81:10...open thy mouth and I will fill it.

From Oct.24-29 we went to Choluteca with a group from Alabama. They added another room onto the school there, and I had my regular job of sifting sand! Two of the young ladies in the group decided to sponsor two children at the school. We praise God for that. Of the 4000 + students in our schools, only about 1000 + are sponsored. How much more we could accomplish if more of our students were sponsored.


Well, this past month has been really busy. And I'm sure I have forgotten some. Two girls working with Convoy of Hope stayed at my house after visiting the schools with Becky. We had a good time visiting and going shopping before they left. I was also able to visit with Jay and Nancy. What an entertaining time that was!!!

Went to San Pedro Sula for the Field Fellowship meeting and to celebrate Thanksgiving with the missionaries in San Pedro Sula. I was given the honor of giving the devotional at the meeting. God did well!! He got me so excited that I couldn't sleep part of the night. And I was just as excited when I shared what he had given me. And before I went to bed, I didn't have a clue on what I was suppose to talk about. But he brought the scripture to my mind about opening my mouth and he would fill it. But the minute I sat on my bed and opened my Bible, the Lord began to speak. What an awesome God we serve. There is none like him.

I will speak at the 6th grade graduation today on Pro. 3:13, the scripture on their invitations. So once again, he will fill my mouth. I also gave the devotional for the teachers on my last Friday at school. One of the teachers said at the end,"Wow! I learned something today." I praised God for that. So 3 times in the last 3 weeks. I'm amazed!

Then we will go to San Pedro Sula again on Wed. for 3 days of teacher workshops. Then the school year will officially be over. Hooray! I'm getting excited about going home and then to Costa Rica in Jan. for a year of language school.

My internet will be disconnected tomorrow in preparation to leave here. I have been told that I will get my house back when I return in 2012. That is a blessing. God takes such good care of me and all his children, if we let him.

So another month has come and gone. I am so ready to see my kids and grandkids AND great-grandkids. And to see my pastor and family, and friends. I am so blessed. Thank you Lord for all.

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

I just returned from a week in Belize with Becky doing 3 teacher workshops. All the teachers were appreciative for the information they received. We stayed with Tom and Kathi Moore, missionaries from Texas. We enjoyed Kathi's cooking tremendously, and I was grateful for all the knowledge that Tom shared with us about the people, country, and other things in general. Great stuff.

Our first workshop was at the Central Assembly School in Belize City. After the initial presentation while the teachers were making teaching tools, I heard the most awesome sound. It was a hymn being sung in English coming from the church! I haven't heard a hymn since leaving the states. I needed that!

Then we were off to the Banana Bank Lodge near Belmopan. What a beautiful place. It is owned by a couple from the states, Jerry and Carolyn Carr. They have lived there for 34 years. Carolyn from Tribune KS, and Jerry from Montana. On the grounds are several cabanas with thatched roofs, large swimming pool, very large bird cage, a jaguar, and 2 monkeys on chains with signs on their roped areas that says,"BEWARE monkey bites". Cute but dangerous. Since Carolyn is an artist, the rooms have many of her prints on display. Beautiful pictures of the jaguar. The live jaguar never came out of her cage while we were there. And one morning there was a donkey's head in her cage to feed on. It stunk! And the smile on it's lips wasn't very inviting either! Many of the windows are stained glass. Absolutely beautiful. Carolyn shared supper with us one night, and this is where I learned about the bot fly. I had noticed that she had a place on her shoulder that was dark red, and I thought that maybe it was a wound that was healing. Oh, no, I was informed that a dead worm was in there! I couldn't believe my ears. You mean you're sitting there with the larvae of a fly in your shoulder? Oh, yes, but it was dead because she had painted the area with clear finger nail polish (another good use for it other than our nails)! However, she was going to the Dr. to have it removed. I had never heard of this before. Well, I received an education, probably more than I wanted. Anyway this egg is dropped on your flesh either by a mosquito or the fly itself. It burrows into your skin and there feeds on you until it comes out as a fly. Oh yuck! They itch at first just like a mosquito bite, but then it begins to hurt because they are eating away on you. I looked them up on the internet, and they look just like Tom described them. Want to feel vulnerable? Check it out. I decided to stand once again on the scripture Ps. 91:6. During the meal Becky told about some kind of moth landing on the chin of a missionary while he slept. It laid its eggs there and he had to go to the doctor to have them removed when they began to grow. That freaked me out, too. Well, the next morning Carolyn met me outside and said she had to tell me that after she went to bed, she heard this fluttering noise. She turned on the light and saw this moth. She knew it wasn't the kind that Becky had talked about, but it was like the Lord was saying to her that they had such fun at my expense that...We laughed about it because God does have a sense of humor.

The second school was Valley of Peace. Teachers were engaged and really liked the recipes for making glitter, play dough, and using white toothpaste to stick things to the walls.

The last school was at Red bank, a Mayan village. They, too, enjoyed the presentation and making the teacher tools. When we arrived there, the first thing was to eat in the home of one of the villagers. Two vegetable sized serving bowls were given to each of us. One bowl contained white rice and the other a soup with a couple of large pieces of chicken. NO spoons! A huge basket of tortillas were placed on the table. They use the tortillas to soak up the soup. There's no way that I could have eaten all that food. Tom or Kathi asked for spoons. So thankful for those utensils!! It was delicious, but far too much. They cook in a different building outside the main house. The main house consisting of one room with a very small table, the one where we ate, 2 bedrooms, and I think one bathroom. This main part had a metal roof. The other a thatch. In the "kitchen" there was a sling of sorts hanging from the ceiling, and inside was a 7 month old baby girl. Happy as a lark, she was. Talk about innovation. You could give a little push and swing her to sleep. The only problem for this westerner was that she could only see the ceiling. She could hear all that was going on around her, but couldn't see anybody unless they poked their heard in her "sling". I don't know what else to call it.

Belize is suppose to be very hot and humid. I really did pray that it would not be so, because I sweat so much to the point that it looks like I just washed my hair. Some people perspire, but this lady sweats! So I figured I'd be changing clothes a couple of times a day. Well, lo and behold, if God didn't do it again. The weather was beautiful. NO sweating!! Well, one time at Red Bank, but not enough to speak about. I praised him everyday for that. Of course, no one else was complaining about the weather, either, not that we Christians complain :-)!!

Belize truly is a small country. Less than 400,000 people. But most of it is jungle. I would not want to live there . Everyday commodities are very expensive because most is imported from other countries. They do have jaguars there that like dog meat, so we heard, but they usually stay hidden from human eyes.

God has truly blessed me in coming to Honduras. He has allowed me to visit other countries and meet many of his children. He has protected me, kept me healthy, provided for me, and taught me more about himself. I love him and give him glory for all he is. Truly he will bless his people in their obedience and love to him.

Ps.147:8 ...who prepareth rain for the earth...

Here it is, the middle of September. This school year will soon be over. I think we are all ready to see the end in sight. But always, there with the relief that it will soon be over, is the sadness that comes with the realization that you won't see some students again. It is especially sad that my students won't receive English next year. The 7th and 8th graders are just really getting comfortable with using the little things that they have learned. So it's really a downer for me. But God is in control over all, and He has the plan for their lives, not us. We just have to do our part when he puts them in our lives.

Last month, Becky and I enjoyed cherry pie and ice cream. Heavenly!! We still have 2 cans of the pie filling left, so 2 more before we leave in December. Yee-Ha!!

The last two months have been a little trying with all the rain. The road to Macuelizo is a disaster. We have had to get off the van and walk a little ways in order for the bus to get unstuck or to get over the humps that were formed by traffic going through the mud. It's a mountain made of rock, but the crevices have been filled in with rock and dirt that's like clay. But all the rains have washed it away. Last year we didn't receive this much rain and I wondered if Honduras really had a rainy season. Oh, yes, it does. So many people here get scared when it rains very hard. It's because of all the damage that the rain caused during Hurricane Mitch in '96. One of the fellows that owns the pulperia, where I wait for the van to go to school, told me that he was afraid when it rains hard, and he asked me if I was afraid. I told him no, because I'm not, and he looked incredulous. He wanted to know why, and I said it was because of God. A couple of days later, he asked if Jesus had been a man. I said yes, and he didn't say more. So the Lord is busy. And it's interesting that the pastor preached on God's promise that He would not destroy the earth with a flood ever again and about the covenant rainbow with Noah. A very timely message.

The cancha at school has been finished, and now the guys are working on the other building. (Before they are finished working this time, they will also replace the guttering on the kinder building). The kids enjoy being able to play soccer on the new cancha. What a blessing all this is from the Lord. I'm so glad He supplies his people, and when they give when He says give, so much can be accomplished. I don't want this school to always be the poorest of our schools here in Honduras. So much the Lord has to do here. I want it to be the light that He has called it to be.

On the 15th of this month, we celebrated the Independence Day of Honduras. Our kids looked great. Our drummers played the whole distance. Why the judges were at the end of the parade route, I will probably never know. Our drummers were in the 5th and 6th grades. They played the whole distance which was probably a mile and a half, give or take a few feet. But it was uphill over half the way. On the last stretch, our little ones in kinder had to quit. They just couldn't go any farther. The little girls were twirling batons. So cute. And the little guys had drums. So needless to say, the judges didn't see them. The judges did thank the extranjeras(me and Becky)for coming to Honduras and helping them. It was so hot, and all the kids wore uniforms of one kind or another. They were actually sweating, too. Not just this gringa. So now, no school till next Tuesday. And today is Teacher's Day. I received a message from my phone provider saying Happy Teacher's Day.

I received a very nice gift from Silvia, my Spanish teacher. A new Spanish Bible. I have a parallel in Spanish and English. And I always cover the English side when I read for her. Not good enough! So this one is a 2000 translation of the 1960 that I already have. So praise God. It's so funny, because she'll ask me if I understand after I read. I have to tell her the truth. Of course I understand what I just read, because I know what it says in English. She just sighs. God bless her!

And last Tuesday during my lesson, I found out that Valle has a POST OFFICE!!!! Silvia said. I couldn't believe my ears. Are you kidding me? For two years I've been saying that we don't have one. Well, today, during my lesson, we are walking there. So in 2012 when I come back here, si Dios quiere, (if God wills)I will have a mailbox here. Do wonders never cease.

Thanks once again for all your prayers and support. God truly does hear and answer our prayers. God bless all of you.

Eph. 5:20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God...

What a great time in Kansas, minus my daughter-in-law's bout with MS, of course. But the timing was right so I could help out with the trips to the doctor.

Kelcie and Derek's wedding and reception were beautiful. I pray that Jesus will always be at the center of their marriage, and that the smiles they wore on Saturday will forever be there for one another through good times and bad. God bless you both, and the children that are to come from this union.

What a great time to visit with the other side of the family from Montana. Grandma Harter and I have a beautiful family in common. It has been several years since I have seen them, and it was good to chat with the different members of the family. It was good to visit with Uncle Dave. He and I shared a rental car in 1996 when we were in Belgium at the same time to visit Gary, Susan, and family. Kelcie was about 6 or so then. So I'm glad they all made the trip.

I had discovered a black speck on my front left tooth. So I decided while I was in the states that I should check on getting an appointment in Dec. when I return to the states for a longer time. So I went to see about an appointment on Saturday, and the secretary asked how Monday morning at 8:00 would be. Absolutely wonderful. So off to the dentist. Praying that it wouldn't cost a lot. So the dentist came in, asked me where I was living now, looked at the tooth, and said he could buff it out. OK. That sounded good to me. So he did. As I was leaving, his associate said he wasn't charging me for anything. Wow! Thank you, Dr. Hall. May God bless you in blessing me.

Pastors Bryan and Julie came to visit me on Monday afternoon with little Elliott, and that was a real treat. Thank you so much. I had gone to church with Doug on Sunday and didn't get to see them. I miss them as my pastors and friends. And little Elliott is now 7 months old, and is a very happy baby. Plus he's absolutely gorgeous.

I was suppose to leave on Tuesday, and after Doug and I arrived at the airport, they were saying that the flight to and from Houston would be delayed due to bad weather there. So we decided that I would stay another day and leave on the morrow. Worked out great. So back to Doug's house. He left for work very early, and after Jen got the kids off to school, she went to get some much needed sleep. I was really tired so decided to follow in her footsteps. So I went downstairs and slept till 11. It was great sleeping weather. Raining, and everyone knows how good it feels to lay down, listen to the rain, and then fall asleep. I can't even remember the last time I slept till 11:00, if ever. But it sure felt good, and I didn't feel too guilty!

So the return home was without event, although I visited with a missionary that lives in Canada. He was coming here for whatever business his church has here. Also visited with a father and son on the way to the states that had come here on a medical mission trip. He was Independent Assembly of God. I don't know the difference between the two because spiritually we believe the same things. The Assembly I went to in IL was Independent. So he gave me the name of the pastor that has a church here that is not to far from Valle. So maybe I will meet him some time. It would be interesting to know if he knows people that I know.

When Becky and I walked into my house, we were hit in the nose with a horrible smell. We discovered that all the meat in my freezer was thawed and spoiled. The electricity had been off for a couple of days. However, that would not have thawed the meat, especially when no one was opening the door. Something had happened to the fridge again. It was blowing hot air instead of cold. So back to Becky's for the night. Mario brought a small refrigerator the next day until the other could be fixed. And it was fixed the day after, so that was good. The scripture, give us our daily bread came to mind. I had enough meat for a month or so, because it's nice to go to the supermarket in Tegu when I'm there and stock up. Guess I should rethink that. Especially when the electricity is not so dependable this time of the year with all the rain. Well, welcome to Honduras where things are so unpredictable. You really do have to depend on God, because He only is unchangeable. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever. So whatever the need, He will supply it.

So now the kids have to write letters to their sponsors in the states. The 6th, 7th, and 8th graders are writing theirs in English. I hope!!! They also are memorizing the 23rd Psalm in English. I am memorizing it in Spanish. I didn't think it was fair to ask them to memorize without me doing the same.

I praise God for his goodness and blessings, and someday I will see his face, but more important is to hear the words, Well done my good and faithful servant.

John 14:2 In my father's house are many mansions:...

Friday afternoon Eva and I went walking. So let's go to the cemetery. I've been to just about every place else in town, but not there. So we did. The most peaceful place is a cemetery. No one there to bother you. This one was a little creepy looking to me because the graves are almost on top each other. And some of the headstones and vaults were not standing straight. I was sure the path we were on went over some graves. Grandma always said you never walk on a grave. It's disrespectful. So I felt a little guilty. They have a lot of graves above the ground with the casket inside the concrete vault. One family had several vaults built on top each other, and the whole building was made to look like a castle! (Made me think of the Father's house wherein are many mansions). There really was no room to walk between the graves. That's how close together they were. Some were covered with the ceramic tiles, others were plain cement or painted. I guess I'll have to take a picture. Never thought about it Friday. Speaking of cemeteries, I went to my second wake a couple of weeks ago. And that always makes me think of my own! Unless we're alive when Jesus returns, we'll all go that way sometime.

Before I leave in December, we are talking about going to the mine that's near Valle. They used to mine silver from it. It also had a beautiful waterfall, but that was destroyed by Hurricane Mitch. The rain from Hurricane Mitch did a lot of damage in Honduras.

Last week seven schools came to our school. We hosted a fair day where the different schools brought things made from recyclables. We took first place in every area. What an accomplishment. Made us proud, the right kind of course. Now they are planning a science fair for the seventh graders. That ought to be interesting.

Work has begun on finishing the "cancha" for the high school. That's an answered prayer for me. It's something these kids need. I'm so thankful for those of you that sent me an offering to help with this.

We have an epidemic of dengue at this time. It's caused by a particular mosquito. The hospitals have been full. A campaign has been underway to clean up dump sites and to empty any vessel outside that can hold water including flower pot saucers. Cities have been using pesticides to kill the mosquitoes and their larvae, but it rains just about everyday, so the fight is continual. Dengue can kill. There are three basic types and the one that causes a person to bleed from different areas of the body is the worst. Right now we have a teacher that is very sick with it. She is suppose to return to school in another three days. I hope so.

In two days I leave for KS to see my kids, grand-kids, and to attend my granddaughter's wedding. I am soooo excited. Hopefully, I will get to see ALL my kids. Thank you Lord for my BIG family. What a blessing they are to me. And thank you for all the friends that you have given me. They, too, are a blessing in my life.