Here we are, the first of August. The kids in the states will soon be starting school, and here we are getting ready for the parade for Independence Day in September. So for three days of the week, the kids will only have part of their classes. the other part of the day will be spent practicing their part in the parade. Some will just be marching, while others will be practicing twirling their batons, playing the drums and lyres, and others bearing the flags of Honduras and the other countries that received independence from Spain at the same time. The parades are quite a big deal with most schools participating. The costumes from each school are different, but the theme of the parade is the same, whatever it happens to be.  

So last week I started taking classes at the Spanish school around the corner from where I live.  Since I don't have but one class every other Friday at the school, it seemed a good idea to learn more Spanish-Honduran Spanish.  Speaking Spanish is a little different in every Spanish speaking country, and I need more every day conversation that is spoken here. You really aren't taught much everyday conversations when taking most formal classes.  The director of this school understands and speaks good English. So if the teacher and I run into a snag, she can be there to help us.  So along with the formal, I will receive the other. It's really interesting that they have some of the same sayings that we use such as, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, throw in the towel, you're pulling my leg, etc. 

And I was happy to realize that I understood most all of what my teacher was saying. A couple of times, I asked her to slow down, which of course she did.  The director told me that I could basically write my own program.  I will see. I explained that I have holes in different areas that needed to be filled. She said that she understood because she has the same in her English. God knows exactly how to meet our needs, doesn't he?

Well, the little old 96 year old lady that lives around the corner...God has laid her in my heart!  Ok Jesus.  You know the Lord will interrupt your life in order that his will be done, not only for your life, but for the lives of others.  So it has happened with Ms Betty and me.  Some things have happened to her since she returned here in May or June, can't remember which.  Things that have been done by her "trusted" friends of 20 plus years including the stealing of her money.  Trusted "Christian" friends.  She has been so disappointed and discouraged.  The Lord helped me to find a good woman who will cook her meals, clean her house, and help her bathe, etc.  I don't have the time to do all those things for her. But I thank God for Ms Juana.  She is faithful.  She told another friend of mine that she doesn't want money from Ms Betty, because Ms Beverly teaches her daughter English, etc. So she is basically doing it for me. What can I say to that except, Thank you Lord for being faithful to me, and pour out your blessings on Ms Juana.

And can you believe that one of those "trusted" friends told someone that I had stolen Ms Betty's bottle of Vodka!!!! So funny.  I don't drink alcoholic beverages, but when I did, it definitely wasn't Vodka!  Horrible stuff.  Well, I did let that "trusted" friend know that it wasn't me. She didn't know what to say.  And that was good because she didn't need to say anything.  

I see the Lord move in so many different ways, it just makes me cry. He is so good to his people. His promises are so real.  But many of his kids don't know those pronises and sometimes they aren't willing to wait for his timing.  Boy, I have learned some of that the hard way.  But I thank God that I have learned.  My favorite time of the day is when I get up early and spend time in his word.  How rewarding that has been.  He has so much to share with his kids about himself.  He wants us to know him, not just memorize scriptures.  I remember one day a few years ago when I was walking through my house talking to him and I quoted that famous verse,  This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice in it, and just like that I heard the Lord say, "Will you?"  It made me stop in my tracks!  I just stood there and thought about what I had said and what he had just said, and I said, " Yes, Lord, I will." And I did.  It's in the doing with a faith believing heart in obedience.

My students have learned the song, What A Day That Will Be.  Some of them really like it.  They didn't know what to say when I told them that I wanted it sung at my funeral!!! I have so much fun with them sometimes. 

So now, I must finish cleaning my house.  God bless each one of you, and if you have the time and space on your prayer list, please pray for God to strengthen Ms Betty physically, emotionally, and especially spiritually.  She has a strong, sound  mind, and I praise God for that.  Thank you so much.

Wow! I have not been on here for a long time! I apologize to my faithful readers.  A lot has happened since my last note.

I went to IL to my youngest daughters for a week in June. We always have such a good time, doing nothing mostly, just enjoying each others company and going shopping for summer clothes for me.  And of course, my son-in-law reminding me, almost everyday, that when I leave HN I have a home there. Bless his heart and hers. But we will see what the Lord has to say about all of that when the time comes.  And  we were able to have lunch with a couple of sisters-in-law that I hadn't seen for some years.  It was a really enjoyable time together.  And as always, I was able to visit with my brother which is always fun. 

Well, let's see what has happened since the last time that I wrote. One Wednesday night before I went home in June, I locked myself out of the house! The minute the closed behind me, I knew that I didn't have my keys. So I couldn't get in my house or go out my gate! I tried everything possible to open the doors. Nothing worked. It had been raining off and on, so I thanked God for the hammock that hung on the porch. I could wrap up in it.  Not too warm, but better than nothing.  I didn't think that Will would come because of the rain. He doesn't have a key to my house, but he can get through the sky light after taking it apart!! So I'm laying there thinking there has to be a way to get into my house.  Finally, I thought of the key that Will uses for the rooms and bathroom that he uses when he is working here. So I jumped up to go get it and prayed that it would fit my door. It didn't, but it did fit the  bedroom door that used to be inside my house.  So I slept, if you can call it that, in one of them.  I had no more laid down when the rain came and rained most all night.  I praised the Lord for his goodness and safe keeping of me.  So when I got up the next morning very early, I was thinking about the teacher that rides the van with me.  She walks on the road next to the house.  So I hailed her as she went by and told her what had happened and to please pass it on to the director and to please call Becky who in turn would call Mario who would call Will, etc.  And then one of my students mother came by, so she told her daughter who came to the house about the same time that the van came.  Inside they were laughing but Eva had Becky on the phone.  So before long, Mario, Becky, Will, and my student were here.  So all turned out well.  I had put a key outside before but had taken it in the house, so Mario told me to put one outside, again.  And Will hadn't come the night before because his little one had had an asthma attack.  But God is so faithful to take care of us.  When my pastor found out why I hadn't attended church, he told me that their house was my house, and that I could have come there.  When I told him that I couldn't open the gate, he understood.  And in the back of my mind for the last two days had been the feeling that I needed to ask for that day off to get ready to go to the states.  Well I didn't pay attention to that "small voice" but ended up taking the day off anyway.  What an experience.  I'm so thankful that I know that the Lord is with me at all times by his Holy Spirit, and that I am never alone, and He knows the beginning to the end of whatever comes along.  He is not surprised by anything.  And of course, nothing happens to me without his approval.  but I don't want a repeat of the experience.  The teachers asked me if I had been afraid.  I told them no because I wasn't alone.  The Lord was with me.  They would have been afraid.  Of what?  No one could get on the property unless they cut the fence and crawled through somehow.  And I don't think they would have attempted that with Brownie barking and growling at them. 

What else?  I was asked to preach at the church on Wednesday night a couple of weeks ago.  One of the ladies that goes there speaks English translated for me.  She is the  English teacher  at her school where she teaches.  My pastor told me that he liked the message and that I could preach on Sunday.  I said oh, no, but I have a feeling that it is coming. Thank you Little Ethan for your prayers.  I was asked to give my testimony for the women's group in August.  I know that the Lord will sift through my 70 years and give me what I need to share.  

Every other Friday, we have the children's devotional at school.  There are three groups and each has its own devotional with a teacher presenting the Word.  So on the opposite Fridays, I have one class, if there isn't something else taking place, and usually there is.  So I'm going bonkers with nothing to do.  So beginning next week, I'm going to start taking Spanish classes at the language school around the corner from where I live on Fridays.  Yes, I can get by and have for seven years, but I want more than just getting by, and especially if the Lord is going to have me speaking His word.  I don't always want to have to have an interpreter.  And I want more.  There are people that I understand fairly well, and then there are those where I don't understand anything that they say.  And just like with English, they use idioms and expressions that I don't know.  And the slang??  Well, that's another issue.  One of my friends told me that it's considered rude when when you don't acknowledge someone that is passing by you on the street either with an adios or hola.  So she said that one day she said to herself that she needed to give a person the tongue of her shoe because they didn't greet her!  Get it?

So classes at school are going well.  I gave a little paper person to each of  my 9th graders.  They had to decide whether it was male or female and then give it an English name.  I was surprised that most of my girls said their's were male.  They were to take their "person" wherever they go, introduce him/her to their parents, etc.  Some were excited, and some just wanted to crawl under their desks! But we will see what happens.  They have a week's vacation, so hopefully they will practice their English this week.  I told them they could use the "crazy Gringa" as an excuse to help them through any embarrassment!! Their assignment is to speak English to him/her everyday and to write the conversations.  This will be used for their final for the next 9 week grading period.  We shall see what happens.

We have had this week off because it's the Week of the Student.  So for the last 3 days, my stomach has been giving me fits, but by faith in the stripes that Jesus bore for me, I know I'm healed. So until later.

God bless you all.

Hello from Honduras!                                                                                                             

     I hope this finds all of you walking in the presence and blessings of our Lord.  There is no better way to live.  Amen?

     Don’t you just love it when the Holy Spirit speaks to you and then confirms what he said? It’s totally awesome. So what am I talking about?  I was at a place last week where I didn’t know what to teach next to my 9th graders.  I teach everyday conversational English.  There are many people here that have been taught English verbs and other words, but they can not carry on a simple conversation.  I want my students to be able to do so.  So before I even arrived at shcool, I heard the words “Start them reading.” So I’m sitting at my desk listening again to the words: Start them reading. I said, “Lord,  they don’t like to read at all.” Then I looked at my lesson plans and I had written the question, would you rather listen to or watch… Without really thinking, I reached over to the book shelf and pulled out a book.  I did not  look at the title.  I just opened it to the first page and read these words: Tell me.  Would you rather… That did it!  I gave the Lord thanks, and  I read that book to them at class time..  They liked the book, and of course, they understood it especially when they looked at the pictures and could identify the objects in Spanish. They then had to choose a partner and pick a book to read together.  After they had been reading for a few minutes, I asked them if they liked it.  I received a very positive, yes.  The Lord knows what he’s doing, and he knows the plan that he has for each of these students and their learning the English language. And He knows how to speak to me. The  books that they are reading are books from Dr. Seuss, etc. Lots of crazy, wonderful words and sounds.  There are, of course, other small books with characters, plots, etc.  So now the challenge is for them to understand these elements in order to really understand what they are reading.  Kids here do not read for pleasure.  They only read because they have to do so. Rote memory is the norm here.  And the next great blessing was when a few of the kids came and asked me if they could have some of the other books to read at home.  Was this teacher on cloud nine?  Absolutely! I should know by now that the Lord knows what I need and when, and He will supply that need especially when we know that he sent me here to do exactly what I’m doing.

     I want  to thank those of you that support me by writing to me, praying for me, and supporting me with your finances.  I thank the Lord for each of you.  And I praise Him for the new friends that I have because of your coming here on a team to minister to the students,  or building new classrooms for them, and even supplying eye glasses for the community where our students live.  You efforts will not go unrewarded buy our Father. Once again thank you.    

In His Service,

Beverly                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

It has been a great week of vacation! I have 2 more days after today, but I'm almost ready to return to school.  I definitely needed this break.

I learned that my grandson didn't break his collarbone. PTL! That was good news. He did however do something to his shoulder. Not for sure what. The Dr. said  to wait to see if whatever was wrong would heal on its own. I pray so.

Not much happening here.  Big parade in town with their statues going before them to celebrate Good Friday.

Becky and I went to Choluteca on Tuesday to visit the school there. They were having a kind of vacation Bible school for 2 or 3 afternoons.  It's so good when you see the church working with the school. There were lots of kids there. PTL. And the temp was 102 degrees!  Very hot and dry in southern Honduras.

On the way home we stopped at a place where they remove the salt from the sea.  It appeared to be a fairly simple operation.  We want to take our 9th graders there for one of their events during their 9th grade trip before they graduate. However, the man told us that they only operate the salt beds from January to April. After that they do the shrimp beds.  But that will still be good for us to see.  I wanted to buy some salt, but the man wouldn't let me pay for it.  I only wanted a little for my use, but he gave me quite a bit in a large plastic bag.  So I have been passing it out to friends.  Becky is supposed to give him a call when we take our trip.

This afternoon I'm going to go to the church and help the ladies plant flowers.  I have a really good pastor.  He was not feeling well last Wednesday night and didn't attend the service.  We had a very drunk man come in, but he didn't stay.  In fact  there were 2 or 3 in the street when I walked to church.  But they didn't bother me.  Pastor usually walks me home after Wednesday night services because it's dark.  But that night, I caught up with Brother Rafael and finished walking home with him since he goes by my house to get to wherever he lives.  But about 5 or 10 minutes after I got home, Pastor called to see if I was ok. He speaks some English and it's interesting how we mix our English and Spanish to talk with each other.  It's funny, but we get our messages across.  It's interesting to look and see just how God makes all  things work to our good and for his glory.

Until later, be blessed!

As of this week, our classes at school begin at 7:00 AM. So now I leave my house at 5:45 and return home between 1:30 and 1:45 PM depending on the time that we leave school.  And that's not all. The government has said that the students also have to go on Saturdays. Wow! They only have to attend for 2 or 3 hours. Really?  Well, we will have to see how all of this plays out.  I have heard that there are some very unhappy parents, not to mention some teachers!! Some kids have to walk for an hour or more to get to their school.  The idea is that the kids will learn more.  Some of the public school classes have 40-60 students. That's too many for any class for any time period. So we will wait and see what happens.  Saturday is my day! I can sleep till at least 5:00 AM. And it's the one day that I don't have to go anywhere unless I want to go. And I enjoy being at home!! But if I can help some of my students that are having difficulty with their English lessons, then I will go to the school.  And will smile about it.

The weather here is still a little chilly, but not like the states. Wow! That's a mess. I'm glad I'm here.

My 96 year old friend left for the states today for a few months. I will miss visiting with her. We have such a time together.

I received sad news a couple of weeks ago. One of my dearest friends was killed in an automobile accident. Apparently he had fallen asleep and missed a curve on his way home from Wichita.  I was really shocked, because he had always said that he would be dead a couple of days in his house before anyone found him because he lived alone and in the country. I guess I really believed that he would die that way. It is believed by his family that he didn't suffer any, and I am thankful for that. I will miss him. He was such a humorous guy. Always playing tricks on someone and joking around.  Of course he had his serious side, too. I have heard that the county or whoever is looking into making some changes with that curve because there have been so many accidents there. I hope they do. I appreciate my youngest son attending the funeral, and the other kids helping with the flowers.

So now, I must study some Spanish!  Oh, oh, my son is calling! My grandson just had his collarbone broken. Ouch! So they are on their way to the hospital. This was his last wrestling match this year. Last year he broke a finger in his last match. There must be something memorable  for these last matches!!! I pray the Lord that all will mend correctly with as little discomfort as possible.

So now back to studying!!

 A lot has happened since my last blog. I went home in December to see my family, and I was also able to spend a week in IL. I was able to meet a new great-granddaughter who was 4 months old. What a bundle of joy she was and is. And she definitely loved her Grandmama! And then on the Dec. 20, a great-grandson made his debut. What a bundle of joy he was. And it was an added blessing that he was born on his great-grandpa's birthday. My family just keeps growing! Praise the Lord for all!

Becky and I returned here the second week in Jan. to meet a group from MO. They worked on one of our schools in San Pedro Sula, and a couple of ladies had brought eyeglasses to give to people. Some of us had gone through the neighborhood before handing out fliers to announce the give away, and the time for the church service since there is a new pastor at the church. The response was wonderful. Many people came and received glasses. Praise the Lord for this. And the church was filled on church night.  We had the opportunity to pray for the people at the end of the church service. It was great. Our only hitch during the group's stay was that one of our older men fell and broke his hip the day before they were to leave for the states. Ouch!! He was taken by air to the states, and I hear he is doing fine.

So now school has started. Once more I am teaching 5th-9th grades. I have a few new students at the junior high level. But I'm really looking forward to seeing my 8th and 9th graders take off. They have remembered a lot. Yay!! One of my former students is coming on Tuesdays after I finish with my regular classes to continue learning English. She was such a great student before so I know she will do great. She now has a husband who will encourage her, and that is a BIG blessing. I also have her younger brother who is an awesome little student, too.

I only have 2 students coming to my house, and unless the Lord says differently, that's all I'm taking.  My youngest daughter told me that I need to do something besides work.  I wonder where she got that wisdom??!! So I decided she was right.  So I want to learn to cook Honduran food. And Monday afternoon, I decided to make sauerkraut. That's not Honduran. I made a quart. It will be ready to eat tomorrow or I can let it do its thing longer. Will see how it tastes and then decide if it's where I want it to be. I didn't realize how easy it was to make. Cabbage and salt. And today, on TV, I saw somebody talking about making sauerkraut and how good it is for you. Hmmm!  

I have been invited by my pastor's wife, who is also a pastor, to go with her to visit a mother and her 25 year old physically handicapped daughter. We went yesterday, shared the Word, and then prayed together.  It was great. The daughter reached out and took my hand and gave me her teddy bear. My pastor's wife told me later that the young lady doesn't normally do that. So once again, thank you Lord, help me to be a blessing to them.

Now it's time to go to church. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beverly says,                                  

Hello Everybody,

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

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

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

Have  a blessed Thanksgiving,                     

In His service,                                                                  

Beverly                                                                            

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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