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.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Sunday, August 8, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Eccl.3:1 To everything there is a season...
Well, here it is,the last day of July. Hard to believe. The seasons here don't really change much so it's hard to think of one season passing and another one coming.
I had a big heartache a little over a week ago. Lobo died. It broke my heart. He was such a good dog. I miss him walking with me. When I went to feed the geese, he was right beside me. He would walk me to the wash room, wait for me to leave, and then walk me to the door of the house. Where I went, Lobo went. I miss him putting his left front foot on my left foot and standing against my legs so I couldn't move, all because he wanted me to pet him. However, I do not miss his barking just before bedtime. But I miss his greeting when I come home from school and when I leave in the mornings. This is from someone who supposedly doesn't like dogs. Go figure.
On the other hand, I had a great blessing this month. After sharing scriptures with Denia, the Lord healed her stomach, and she has returned to Him. That is the greatest blessing in this world, to have someone return to the Lord after being away for so long a time. And what a difference it has made in her life. Our English lesson has turned into a Bible study which is great. I still teach her son English.
I was so glad that yesterday was Friday and that the week was over! It has been a couple of weeks of chaos for this gringa. There were days that I didn't have all my classes because they were practicing for the Day of the Indian, meetings with parents to get their children's grades, and now practicing for the parade on Sept. 15 which is Honduras' Independence Day. I was so tired when I arrived home yesterday. But then I had an English class with Denia's son. But Rodrigo said he would like to have his English lesson on a different day. He wants to have that afternoon free. Boy, do I understand that. So we are changing it to Wednesday when I don't have a Spanish lesson. God does take care of the little things, doesn't he?
It's interesting that I have witnessed to adults since I have been here. When Eva and I talk, I either confirm what Ramiro has told her or vice verse. We are always confirming the word to her without the other one knowing it. But she always tells me that Ramiro told her the same thing. What a blessing for her and us. God will always confirm his word to us one way or another. Either a brother or sister in Christ, a sermon, something. He loves us so much and he wants us to understand.
It was my turn to do the devotional yesterday for the teachers. I talked about how important it is to read God's word daily. Many go to church, but they don't open their Bibles during the week to see what God is saying to them. We can't stand on or obey his word if we don't know what it says. Pastors don't have the time to teach us everything about God. And besides that, God wants to speak to us individually through his word, and he wants to have a personal relationship us. Amen?
So the word gringo. I have been told that it originated with the words green go. Our American troops were here for whatever conflict, and when the Hondurans wanted them to leave, they said green go because of the green uniforms. Hence, the word gringo. Gringa for the female. I don't take offense with this word, although some people do. And it's interesting when I see people that look like Americans, I call them gringos without even thinking about it. I guess it's because I know that they won't be staying here. I have been told that I'm a catracha which is the nickname for Hondurans. Every Central American country has one of these nicknames. It's like Yankees from the north in the U.S. and Rebels from the south. Not too big a deal.
So I'm going home to KS on the 12th of August for 4 days. I am so looking forward to seeing my family that lives there. I haven't seen them since Jan. And, I will be able to attend my granddaughter's wedding. What a blessing. What an exciting time in her life.
One of the evangelistic churches from Tegucigalpa is starting to meet here in Valle on Thursday nights. This past Thursday night was the showing of the film Facing the Giants. Of course it was in Spanish. I cannot keep up with the language in a film. But I knew what was happening because I had seen the film with my son Ken. So I am planning to go to their services on Thursdays. My friends here in Valle attend the church in Tegu. I have been there a couple of times including this past Mother's Day. I believe one of the pastor's will be having the service and not one of the leaders. Leaders are not pastors, but are trusted to minister the Word, etc.
I am so counting the days until I go home for a visit. Thank you Jesus that I have a family to go home to.
I had a big heartache a little over a week ago. Lobo died. It broke my heart. He was such a good dog. I miss him walking with me. When I went to feed the geese, he was right beside me. He would walk me to the wash room, wait for me to leave, and then walk me to the door of the house. Where I went, Lobo went. I miss him putting his left front foot on my left foot and standing against my legs so I couldn't move, all because he wanted me to pet him. However, I do not miss his barking just before bedtime. But I miss his greeting when I come home from school and when I leave in the mornings. This is from someone who supposedly doesn't like dogs. Go figure.
On the other hand, I had a great blessing this month. After sharing scriptures with Denia, the Lord healed her stomach, and she has returned to Him. That is the greatest blessing in this world, to have someone return to the Lord after being away for so long a time. And what a difference it has made in her life. Our English lesson has turned into a Bible study which is great. I still teach her son English.
I was so glad that yesterday was Friday and that the week was over! It has been a couple of weeks of chaos for this gringa. There were days that I didn't have all my classes because they were practicing for the Day of the Indian, meetings with parents to get their children's grades, and now practicing for the parade on Sept. 15 which is Honduras' Independence Day. I was so tired when I arrived home yesterday. But then I had an English class with Denia's son. But Rodrigo said he would like to have his English lesson on a different day. He wants to have that afternoon free. Boy, do I understand that. So we are changing it to Wednesday when I don't have a Spanish lesson. God does take care of the little things, doesn't he?
It's interesting that I have witnessed to adults since I have been here. When Eva and I talk, I either confirm what Ramiro has told her or vice verse. We are always confirming the word to her without the other one knowing it. But she always tells me that Ramiro told her the same thing. What a blessing for her and us. God will always confirm his word to us one way or another. Either a brother or sister in Christ, a sermon, something. He loves us so much and he wants us to understand.
It was my turn to do the devotional yesterday for the teachers. I talked about how important it is to read God's word daily. Many go to church, but they don't open their Bibles during the week to see what God is saying to them. We can't stand on or obey his word if we don't know what it says. Pastors don't have the time to teach us everything about God. And besides that, God wants to speak to us individually through his word, and he wants to have a personal relationship us. Amen?
So the word gringo. I have been told that it originated with the words green go. Our American troops were here for whatever conflict, and when the Hondurans wanted them to leave, they said green go because of the green uniforms. Hence, the word gringo. Gringa for the female. I don't take offense with this word, although some people do. And it's interesting when I see people that look like Americans, I call them gringos without even thinking about it. I guess it's because I know that they won't be staying here. I have been told that I'm a catracha which is the nickname for Hondurans. Every Central American country has one of these nicknames. It's like Yankees from the north in the U.S. and Rebels from the south. Not too big a deal.
So I'm going home to KS on the 12th of August for 4 days. I am so looking forward to seeing my family that lives there. I haven't seen them since Jan. And, I will be able to attend my granddaughter's wedding. What a blessing. What an exciting time in her life.
One of the evangelistic churches from Tegucigalpa is starting to meet here in Valle on Thursday nights. This past Thursday night was the showing of the film Facing the Giants. Of course it was in Spanish. I cannot keep up with the language in a film. But I knew what was happening because I had seen the film with my son Ken. So I am planning to go to their services on Thursdays. My friends here in Valle attend the church in Tegu. I have been there a couple of times including this past Mother's Day. I believe one of the pastor's will be having the service and not one of the leaders. Leaders are not pastors, but are trusted to minister the Word, etc.
I am so counting the days until I go home for a visit. Thank you Jesus that I have a family to go home to.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
II Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him...
Well, what a deal!! I had to go to the ATM at the service station which is a mile, give or take a few feet, from my house. Of course, I walk. Well, lo and behold, it was gone. The station doesn't have one anymore. The only one that I knew about in Valle that takes MasterCard. Boy did the thoughts begin. Basically, no money except a few $ in U. S. and very few limpiras. So I'd have to go home to get them plus my passport or go to Tegu or call Becky or....I'm praying, Lord, what do I do? My cable is due today. Am I going to have to go to Tegu every month to get money? I had a few limpiras, so I decided to buy the laundry soap and coffee. Before I got to the store, I thought I'd ask the guard at the other bank if they had an ATM inside. Sure enough, Praise God, they had one that takes MasterCard. I usually go to the other bank down the street to pay my phone bill and electric bill, and they don't have an ATM or at least I've never seen one. Will check that out the next time I'm there. Nothing like having money and not being able to get to it-or so I thought. There is a little building at the park in the center of town that has an ATM, but it doesn't take MasterCard. So praise God there is one here that I can use.
I will be getting a new Spanish teacher next week. She is a cousin to my former teacher, Denia. Due to the classes at the university in Tegu, her time will not allow her to continue teaching me. But I will still get to visit with her on Friday afternoons since I'm teaching her son English. A few of our classes turned into a Bible study, and due to the moving of the Holy Spirit, she is going back to church. Hallelujah!
I split my 5th and 6th grades into two classes each. What a difference that makes. It's amazing how much the attitudes change. I still have a couple in the 6th grade that I think need to be in their regular class and not in mine. They could care less and they don't respond in a positive way.
I am so thankful that Jesus said he would never leave or forsake us. Truly he is a very present help in the time of need regardless of how big or small. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness.
I will be getting a new Spanish teacher next week. She is a cousin to my former teacher, Denia. Due to the classes at the university in Tegu, her time will not allow her to continue teaching me. But I will still get to visit with her on Friday afternoons since I'm teaching her son English. A few of our classes turned into a Bible study, and due to the moving of the Holy Spirit, she is going back to church. Hallelujah!
I split my 5th and 6th grades into two classes each. What a difference that makes. It's amazing how much the attitudes change. I still have a couple in the 6th grade that I think need to be in their regular class and not in mine. They could care less and they don't respond in a positive way.
I am so thankful that Jesus said he would never leave or forsake us. Truly he is a very present help in the time of need regardless of how big or small. Thank you Lord for your faithfulness.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Mat. 7: 12 ...whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them...
Well, now I'm meddling as Bro. Gruver use to say. But I went walking after listening to the news about the Gulf Coast, and I was thinking about how the Americans give, not just big corporations and the government, but little people like you and me whenever there is a national or international disaster. And now that we face another in the gulf states, I hear a lot about how we are canceling our vacations there. Why is that? The people there depend on us for their livelihood especially the little restaurants owned by Mom and Pop and the small hotels and motels. It makes me sad that many vacationers have canceled. Because why? They can't swim in the ocean? Probably for most, it wouldn't be the first time that they swam in the ocean anyway, or took a boat ride out to wherever. Wow, wouldn't it be great to see all these vacation people go there anyway and help these people retain their livelihood? If I was home and was going on vacation, I would go there. I've never seen an oil spill(not that I ever wanted, too), but it's there. Maybe I could even help clean some of the stuff off the beach, I don't know. We help everybody else, why can't we help them? I'm not saying send money to the Red Cross, Salvation Army, or any other charitable organization. Just go on your vacation. Can't think of anything to do while there? Maybe you should just do nothing and rest. Wow, there's a novel idea, especially when Americans have said that rest is their #1 recreation. Well, rest is not a recreation. It's a bodily need in order to stay healthy. America is facing BIG problems in every area. But this is one area that we can do something about. Just go on the vacation. We can choose to help our brothers in need. Maybe it won't keep them in business for the next ten years, but it might. Sure can't hurt. Who's to know? And they need to see our bodily presence there and know that we do care about them, not just people from government offices who are paid to go there to help fix the problem. Jesus said it's more blessed to give than to receive. But we do receive a blessing when we give of ourselves and our money. Almost nothing feels better than knowing you have helped someone else when they were in need. And if we were one of those in need, would we not appreciate someone coming and helping us?
I love my country, the U.S.A. And in my heart, I feel one of the reasons God has blessed us so is our willingness to give. Didn't He say that when we gave, it would be given back to us, pressed down, shaken together, running over? We can't out give God, and he cares about these people. So maybe He's saying to you, "Hey, why not go south to the Gulf this year?
I love my country, the U.S.A. And in my heart, I feel one of the reasons God has blessed us so is our willingness to give. Didn't He say that when we gave, it would be given back to us, pressed down, shaken together, running over? We can't out give God, and he cares about these people. So maybe He's saying to you, "Hey, why not go south to the Gulf this year?
Monday, June 7, 2010
Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out my spirit...
El Salvador! Beautiful from the air. The country looks like a beautiful patchwork quilt with all the fields a different shade of green and brown. It's much flatter than Honduras. We arrived in San Salvador on Wednesday afternoon after a forty minute flight. Received a visa for ninety days for ten dollars. After going through customs, we met up with our guides that loaded us onto a bus to take us to our hotel. Not everyone stayed in the same place. Our hotel was Hotel Siesta. Very nice. I was thankful for the air conditioner, especially when it was time for bed.
After settling in, we were taken to the church for the evening service at 7:00. Those of us from HN all wore blue shirts that had been ordered for us. We looked good! There was close to 400 people there for the seminar, not counting the workers from the church. Of course, everything was in Spanish, but the one message that stood out for me was for us to remember the dream/vision that God gave us. That brought back the message that Pastor Vernon gave me when I went and talked to him about what I believed God wanted me to do. He told me that God had given me the vision, but it was up to me to keep it alive. I really didn't know how much I needed God to renew my spirit when I went to El Salvador. But I did, and He did. Thank you Lord. How much He loves and cares for His children and provides what we need when we need it. I wasn't too thrilled about going to a teacher conference, because most is the same thing all over again with maybe a different name than what I had learned. But this was a Christian missionary/teacher's conference. What a difference. The mornings were filled with messages from the different pastors/leaders over LACC. After lunch, there was time for two workshops, dinner and then another service. So we were there at the church from 8 AM to 8 PM or longer. They have a school there also that goes from preschool to twelfth grade. It's also bilingual, but so is El Salvador. The food they served was wonderful. The grounds of the church and school are beautiful. On Friday afternoon, we had about three hours to go on a tour. We had three or four choices. Becky and I chose the volcano. But it rained off and on all day and by time the bus got there, it was so foggy that we couldn't see anything. What a disappointment, but the restaurant that we went to offered us free tea or coffee. That helped, plus the restaurant itself was beautiful and peaceful. A time to relax. Then back to town and the last service.
Between dinner and the evening service, we had the opportunity to watch the high school band. What a band. They take part in competitions and have been number one in El Salvador for the last three years. I could see why. The formations they performed were absolutely marvelous. Every note and movement memorized. They have a great teacher. Every time they were finished, we would all want more, so they obliged and gave us a couple more performances. May God continue to bless them.
U.S money is used in El Salvador. The driving there is like Costa Rica and the U.S. The literacy rate is over 90% just like Costa Rica. The literacy rate here in HN is under 50%. So sad. So many people here do not believe that a formal education is important, much less reading. As a whole, Hondurans do not want to read, especially for enjoyment. I mentioned to one of the teacher's last year where I teach that the kids needed to read. She said something about the parents being afraid to let their kids read. I asked why and she said perhaps the parents were afraid of losing their children. I said, "Are you kidding? What do they think the internet and cell phones will do?" She said she didn't know. Fear-so much in this country. So much ignorance here due to the lack of a good education. I was talking to one of the teachers at the high school where I teach, and I mentioned Anne Frank, and she had never heard of her. I couldn't believe my ears. I thought everybody in the world had heard of Anne Frank. The teacher knew about Hitler, although I don't know to what extent, so therefore I thought for sure she knew of Anne Frank. Not so.
Well, this week is vacation for all the schools. I'm so glad. We all need a break. So this week I'm working on a small booklet of English vocabulary for the kids. The schools here are required to teach English, but most of the kids can not carry on a simple conversation. So that's why I'm making the booklet. I want my students to be able to converse, albeit very simple. I'm also trying my hand at writing very short stories for the kids to read using the vocabulary that they have learned. Will see how that works out. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Blessings to all.
After settling in, we were taken to the church for the evening service at 7:00. Those of us from HN all wore blue shirts that had been ordered for us. We looked good! There was close to 400 people there for the seminar, not counting the workers from the church. Of course, everything was in Spanish, but the one message that stood out for me was for us to remember the dream/vision that God gave us. That brought back the message that Pastor Vernon gave me when I went and talked to him about what I believed God wanted me to do. He told me that God had given me the vision, but it was up to me to keep it alive. I really didn't know how much I needed God to renew my spirit when I went to El Salvador. But I did, and He did. Thank you Lord. How much He loves and cares for His children and provides what we need when we need it. I wasn't too thrilled about going to a teacher conference, because most is the same thing all over again with maybe a different name than what I had learned. But this was a Christian missionary/teacher's conference. What a difference. The mornings were filled with messages from the different pastors/leaders over LACC. After lunch, there was time for two workshops, dinner and then another service. So we were there at the church from 8 AM to 8 PM or longer. They have a school there also that goes from preschool to twelfth grade. It's also bilingual, but so is El Salvador. The food they served was wonderful. The grounds of the church and school are beautiful. On Friday afternoon, we had about three hours to go on a tour. We had three or four choices. Becky and I chose the volcano. But it rained off and on all day and by time the bus got there, it was so foggy that we couldn't see anything. What a disappointment, but the restaurant that we went to offered us free tea or coffee. That helped, plus the restaurant itself was beautiful and peaceful. A time to relax. Then back to town and the last service.
Between dinner and the evening service, we had the opportunity to watch the high school band. What a band. They take part in competitions and have been number one in El Salvador for the last three years. I could see why. The formations they performed were absolutely marvelous. Every note and movement memorized. They have a great teacher. Every time they were finished, we would all want more, so they obliged and gave us a couple more performances. May God continue to bless them.
U.S money is used in El Salvador. The driving there is like Costa Rica and the U.S. The literacy rate is over 90% just like Costa Rica. The literacy rate here in HN is under 50%. So sad. So many people here do not believe that a formal education is important, much less reading. As a whole, Hondurans do not want to read, especially for enjoyment. I mentioned to one of the teacher's last year where I teach that the kids needed to read. She said something about the parents being afraid to let their kids read. I asked why and she said perhaps the parents were afraid of losing their children. I said, "Are you kidding? What do they think the internet and cell phones will do?" She said she didn't know. Fear-so much in this country. So much ignorance here due to the lack of a good education. I was talking to one of the teachers at the high school where I teach, and I mentioned Anne Frank, and she had never heard of her. I couldn't believe my ears. I thought everybody in the world had heard of Anne Frank. The teacher knew about Hitler, although I don't know to what extent, so therefore I thought for sure she knew of Anne Frank. Not so.
Well, this week is vacation for all the schools. I'm so glad. We all need a break. So this week I'm working on a small booklet of English vocabulary for the kids. The schools here are required to teach English, but most of the kids can not carry on a simple conversation. So that's why I'm making the booklet. I want my students to be able to converse, albeit very simple. I'm also trying my hand at writing very short stories for the kids to read using the vocabulary that they have learned. Will see how that works out. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
Blessings to all.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
What a great time Penny and I had shopping. Two days of it. It was so nice to have had that time with her. And hopefully, I have most of what I need for Costa Rica next year. I also was able to meet my newest great-grandson, Caleb. He's four months old and loves to talk and smile with you. Yep, now we have three Calebs in the family. But that's ok because the Caleb in the Bible is one of my heroes.
I was wanting a piece of cherry pie with vanilla ice cream on top, and I ate two pieces! Absolutely wonderful. It's kind of funny how you miss something to eat when you're not home. Cherry pie of all things. They don't have that here. Sometimes the larger grocery stores in the city have the frozen ones that are imported, but not where I live. And sometimes those that are imported are a little old.
Coming to the states this time was a little different. We made it to Houston without any problems. While we were waiting for our flight to St. Louis from Houston, I looked around at the people and just about everybody was on some kind of electronic device. Too bad if you wanted to talk or meet someone new. However, I was looking over the shoulder of the young man sitting next to me. He was watching a western on this little bitty thing,and I was wondering which one. When it was over I apologized for watching and of course he said that was ok. Anyway it was a re-make of the 2:10 (or 3:10) to Yuma. Of course, I saw the original!! So we started to talk a little. Then our time to leave changed. The flight in to Houston was late due to bad weather in the east according to the older gentleman on my right. They had to fly around some storms. Then it changed again. The lady at the podium said they had to clean the plane before we could board. Then after the time changed again, she said they had to replace a light in the bathroom. They didn't want us to go into a darkened bathroom. THEN the Captain came out and I heard her say that these people had waited long enough and they needed to get us on board to STL. Well, the next thing that occurred was the Captain talking to a supervisor who talked to another supervisor. Finally, the lady at the podium said we would be flying without a working bathroom. We had ten minutes before boarding. Everybody headed for the bathrooms, including the guys. So now we're ready to board. Well, we got to the door of the plane and was told we couldn't board. Back to the gate. By now the sign above the door had a different city and time on it. Now what? The lady said that the STL group was to go downstairs and wait a few minutes for a different plane. Our baggage was being transferred to another plane. So down we all went. At last we were able to board and leave for STL-two hours later. Two hours, not much in a lifetime, huh? But it was interesting to watch people's reactions. One old fellow was furious and said he would never fly Continental again. He would take United. His daughter informed him that those two companies were merging. Of course she was just as angry and using a few choice words to say their luggage probably wasn't being loaded and wouldn't make it at the same time they would arrive. The fellow with the movie, another young lady, and I started talking. I finally said, " You know, this could be a lot worse." They agreed, and after talking, we decided that before all these electronic devices came into being that people actually met and talked to other people when they traveled. How the world has changed in the past 20 or 30 years. Sometimes it's a place I don't like very much. But then I look at all the beauty that God has created, and it's ok again. And our luggage made it to STL at the same time. You never know what God might be protecting you from. So all was well. I just have to make sure that I give the people that are going to meet me the number of the flight that I will be on. Oops!!!!
So I have been back a week and it has rained a lot just about every day and night. Some have said it is unusual for this time of the year. We shouldn't be getting this much until June and July, and again in September and October. Going to and from school has also been interesting. Watching the water run down and across the mountain road is interesting. It makes a path with or without mans help. If it gets blocked one way, it will go another. As I was watching and thinking about it, I thought isn't that what the Lord does for his children? When there seems to be no way at all, He makes a way. It was a great reminder about the awesome God we serve. Absolutely nothing is impossible to Him and to those that believe.
So next week I go to El Salvador for a conference with other LACC teachers from different countries, and other missionaries. I'm excited about meeting them and hearing John Bueno speak. He spoke at my commissioning service in Springfield MO in 2008.
What else is happening? The students that had English last year are doing well. They won't initiate a full conversation, but they will answer all you ask them. Well, the things they know anyway. Soon testing time will be here again. I just have a real aversion to testing. But it's one of those things that has to be done. So I will start reviewing this week. I'm in the process of writing some short stories using the vocabulary they are learning. Will see how that works. Most Hondurans do not think that reading is important at all. So therefore very little is done in that area. They don't realize how important it is. If you don't know how to read, you sure can't read God's word. That puts you in a position of believing always what someone else says about God. The Bereans were famous for checking the scriptures to see if what they heard was truth.
So I need to study my Spanish and start getting test previews ready. Nothing worse than walking into class and not know what you're doing.
I was wanting a piece of cherry pie with vanilla ice cream on top, and I ate two pieces! Absolutely wonderful. It's kind of funny how you miss something to eat when you're not home. Cherry pie of all things. They don't have that here. Sometimes the larger grocery stores in the city have the frozen ones that are imported, but not where I live. And sometimes those that are imported are a little old.
Coming to the states this time was a little different. We made it to Houston without any problems. While we were waiting for our flight to St. Louis from Houston, I looked around at the people and just about everybody was on some kind of electronic device. Too bad if you wanted to talk or meet someone new. However, I was looking over the shoulder of the young man sitting next to me. He was watching a western on this little bitty thing,and I was wondering which one. When it was over I apologized for watching and of course he said that was ok. Anyway it was a re-make of the 2:10 (or 3:10) to Yuma. Of course, I saw the original!! So we started to talk a little. Then our time to leave changed. The flight in to Houston was late due to bad weather in the east according to the older gentleman on my right. They had to fly around some storms. Then it changed again. The lady at the podium said they had to clean the plane before we could board. Then after the time changed again, she said they had to replace a light in the bathroom. They didn't want us to go into a darkened bathroom. THEN the Captain came out and I heard her say that these people had waited long enough and they needed to get us on board to STL. Well, the next thing that occurred was the Captain talking to a supervisor who talked to another supervisor. Finally, the lady at the podium said we would be flying without a working bathroom. We had ten minutes before boarding. Everybody headed for the bathrooms, including the guys. So now we're ready to board. Well, we got to the door of the plane and was told we couldn't board. Back to the gate. By now the sign above the door had a different city and time on it. Now what? The lady said that the STL group was to go downstairs and wait a few minutes for a different plane. Our baggage was being transferred to another plane. So down we all went. At last we were able to board and leave for STL-two hours later. Two hours, not much in a lifetime, huh? But it was interesting to watch people's reactions. One old fellow was furious and said he would never fly Continental again. He would take United. His daughter informed him that those two companies were merging. Of course she was just as angry and using a few choice words to say their luggage probably wasn't being loaded and wouldn't make it at the same time they would arrive. The fellow with the movie, another young lady, and I started talking. I finally said, " You know, this could be a lot worse." They agreed, and after talking, we decided that before all these electronic devices came into being that people actually met and talked to other people when they traveled. How the world has changed in the past 20 or 30 years. Sometimes it's a place I don't like very much. But then I look at all the beauty that God has created, and it's ok again. And our luggage made it to STL at the same time. You never know what God might be protecting you from. So all was well. I just have to make sure that I give the people that are going to meet me the number of the flight that I will be on. Oops!!!!
So I have been back a week and it has rained a lot just about every day and night. Some have said it is unusual for this time of the year. We shouldn't be getting this much until June and July, and again in September and October. Going to and from school has also been interesting. Watching the water run down and across the mountain road is interesting. It makes a path with or without mans help. If it gets blocked one way, it will go another. As I was watching and thinking about it, I thought isn't that what the Lord does for his children? When there seems to be no way at all, He makes a way. It was a great reminder about the awesome God we serve. Absolutely nothing is impossible to Him and to those that believe.
So next week I go to El Salvador for a conference with other LACC teachers from different countries, and other missionaries. I'm excited about meeting them and hearing John Bueno speak. He spoke at my commissioning service in Springfield MO in 2008.
What else is happening? The students that had English last year are doing well. They won't initiate a full conversation, but they will answer all you ask them. Well, the things they know anyway. Soon testing time will be here again. I just have a real aversion to testing. But it's one of those things that has to be done. So I will start reviewing this week. I'm in the process of writing some short stories using the vocabulary they are learning. Will see how that works. Most Hondurans do not think that reading is important at all. So therefore very little is done in that area. They don't realize how important it is. If you don't know how to read, you sure can't read God's word. That puts you in a position of believing always what someone else says about God. The Bereans were famous for checking the scriptures to see if what they heard was truth.
So I need to study my Spanish and start getting test previews ready. Nothing worse than walking into class and not know what you're doing.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Ps. 127:3 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD...
God is so good. When He calls you away from your family, He provides others to help you through those times where family is important and normally present. Being away from children and grandchildren on Mother's Day is especially difficult for mothers on the field. It's a day that mothers are made to feel extra special by their children. So again this year, several of us are without our own children, just as those that are single are without their mothers. And like some, my mother is no longer alive. This was the first year without her. I missed calling her and wishing her a great day. I didn't get to send her a card or give her a gift. So this Mother's day was a little difficult to say the least.
I went to church with Ramiro and his family, and friends on Friday night. The church was honoring mothers. A couple of people were walking through the congregation before church and were taking pictures of mothers with their children. When one of them was before Yesica and Melisa, Yesica said, "Beverly, be my mom." So we had our picture taken. The pictures were shown on a screen after services and copies were given to us when church was over. I don't like to have my picture taken at all, but this one came out really good. Yesica's mother wasn't there and neither were my children. I praise God for the friends He has given me here. We all adopt mothers and children! But I praise God for my children that e-mailed me early Saturday morning and on Monday. And for the one who called Sunday night. You lifted my spirit. I thank God for each and every one of you. I love you all very, very much.
Yesterday, Olympia and her sister-in-law made lunch for her mother, mother-in-law, Becky and I. Badder, pronounced Bother, made us a card. It was so nice. They made enchiladas, the Honduran way. Absolutely delicious. Becky and I had a very quiet, peaceful, enjoyable day. What a blessing.
Friday the kids celebrated Mother's Day at school. The teachers had a really good program. Kids did skits and sang. Some of the teachers were dressed like the little people or pillow people. Absolutely hysterical. They couldn't see what they were doing at all. They had these long bags, the kind that rice, beans, and corn comes in, over the top half of their bodies with a face painted on them. One of the teachers kept bumping into the wall while another almost sat on the lap of one of the fathers that was there. Everybody was laughing. The teachers said later that they were so hot and sweating so much that they couldn't see. It was hilarious. Then they had two of the mothers break balloons by sitting on them in a chair. Whoever broke the most won. What a contest. Finally, they played musical chairs. Well, when the last two mothers popped down on the last chair at the same time, one of the legs on the chair broke and all ended up on the floor. Absolutely hysterical. No one was hurt of course, but it was funny. Everybody enjoyed themselves. And of course, a meal followed which was delicious.
Instead of going to Costa Rica for my visa renewal, I'll be going to IL to spend 3 days with my daughter, and I'll also be able to visit my brother who has been having some health problems.
I hope all you Mother's had a great Mother's Day. Children truly are a blessing from God.
I went to church with Ramiro and his family, and friends on Friday night. The church was honoring mothers. A couple of people were walking through the congregation before church and were taking pictures of mothers with their children. When one of them was before Yesica and Melisa, Yesica said, "Beverly, be my mom." So we had our picture taken. The pictures were shown on a screen after services and copies were given to us when church was over. I don't like to have my picture taken at all, but this one came out really good. Yesica's mother wasn't there and neither were my children. I praise God for the friends He has given me here. We all adopt mothers and children! But I praise God for my children that e-mailed me early Saturday morning and on Monday. And for the one who called Sunday night. You lifted my spirit. I thank God for each and every one of you. I love you all very, very much.
Yesterday, Olympia and her sister-in-law made lunch for her mother, mother-in-law, Becky and I. Badder, pronounced Bother, made us a card. It was so nice. They made enchiladas, the Honduran way. Absolutely delicious. Becky and I had a very quiet, peaceful, enjoyable day. What a blessing.
Friday the kids celebrated Mother's Day at school. The teachers had a really good program. Kids did skits and sang. Some of the teachers were dressed like the little people or pillow people. Absolutely hysterical. They couldn't see what they were doing at all. They had these long bags, the kind that rice, beans, and corn comes in, over the top half of their bodies with a face painted on them. One of the teachers kept bumping into the wall while another almost sat on the lap of one of the fathers that was there. Everybody was laughing. The teachers said later that they were so hot and sweating so much that they couldn't see. It was hilarious. Then they had two of the mothers break balloons by sitting on them in a chair. Whoever broke the most won. What a contest. Finally, they played musical chairs. Well, when the last two mothers popped down on the last chair at the same time, one of the legs on the chair broke and all ended up on the floor. Absolutely hysterical. No one was hurt of course, but it was funny. Everybody enjoyed themselves. And of course, a meal followed which was delicious.
Instead of going to Costa Rica for my visa renewal, I'll be going to IL to spend 3 days with my daughter, and I'll also be able to visit my brother who has been having some health problems.
I hope all you Mother's had a great Mother's Day. Children truly are a blessing from God.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Ps. 29:2 Give unto the Lord, the glory due unto his name...
Well, here I am back in Valle after almost two weeks in El Progreso and San Pedro Sula. What a hot, hot, hot time. Some days were over a 100 degrees. It doesn't get that hot here in Valle. Here you normally have to cover yourself with a blanket at night time. Not there. Air conditioning is needed for most of us gringos anyway. I don't think I could live there. The heat is oppressive, for me anyway. A group of 19 were there from MA. Several of the men spent a couple of days in bed from what we call Montezuma's Revenge. Headache, fever, diarrhea, vomiting, etc. It's horrible. From what the Nationals say, it is caused from the change in diet, exercise, and climate.
Even with the sicknesses, a lot was accomplished. Two second story rooms were completed including having the roofs put on. A floor was poured in one room on the bottom floor which made it complete. It takes a lot of preparation time just to get ready to do the actual pouring. Everything is basically done by hand. However, the concrete mixer was used to mix the concrete for the floors.
The most marvelous thing happened when we were getting ready to pour the floor on the one room upstairs. They pour concrete on corrugated aluminum. Hot stuff that is blinding when the sun shines on it. And it was shinning very bright that day. The guys thought they might get a third poured due to the heat. But just as the buckets of cement got passed upstairs, a cloud moved between us and the sun and stayed. Everybody noticed. It was phenomenal. We started at 2:30 and finished at 7:30 after dark. The whole floor was poured. It would never have happened if God hadn't moved that cloud to cover us. It reminded me of the cloud that was with the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness.
Another thing happened that reminded me of our spiritual forefathers. Most of us had swollen feet. It's due to the heat. The Israelites feet never swelled during their 40 year stay in the desert. We weren't in the desert, but it sure felt like it. And we weren't there for 40 years.
One of the fellows that came had made a hoist to help with the lifting of concrete, blocks, etc. I think the buckets were faster, but it lifted wheelbarrows of concrete. It will be a blessing for the Nationals when moving blocks and other heavy objects upstairs, especially when there aren't many of them there.
The ages of the group ranged from eighteen years old to seventy eight years old. Everybody had a place and a job. But isn't that the way God works? No one is left out. My job is sifting sand. I love to do it. Me and my shovel. Two of the younger ladies were discussing the need to help me when one said they couldn't keep up with me. I'm use to it;they are not. However, one became quite good using a shovel by the time they left to go back to the states. I told her that I would pass on my shovel to her when the time comes. And all the ladies did help me by keeping the sand from piling up behind the screen and moving the pile closer. Thank you so much.
I did get in one block line, but not the concrete line. I don't think I could have kept up with everybody, especially in the afternoon heat.
I was invited again to come teach English in El Progreso. But again,I don't think I could stand the heat, and it's up to God where I go and don't go.
I talked about the cloud cover which was a big deal. But God deals in the little, everyday things that sometimes we miss. One of the fellas told me that he and his wife decided not to call anymore on the last couple of days before he was to leave for the states. However, the day before he was to leave, he said there was a nagging in him to call her. He finally did. She was just getting ready to leave the house for the airport to pick him up. Isn't God good to us? And the Holy Ghost can be a great nagger-He makes a good parent, spouse, whatever the need. Praise God. He cares about every detail in our lives, and sometimes we don't hear or heed the first call. So I thank Him for the gentle shoving.
I had the opportunity to testify about my coming to Honduras. What an awesome experience it has been. And to meet other brothers and sisters in Christ that I wouldn't know if I weren't here. In fact, I couldn't quit talking about Him. But isn't that what we are suppose to do? Tell of His goodness to us. That's our testimony.
Well, the rainy season wasn't suppose to begin until May, but I think it is here, It rained while I was gone, and it rained most of the night last night. It's a little after 5 in the afternoon now and it's thundering and getting really cloudy. I'm sure the rain is coming, but we need it big time.
Until later. Blessings.
Even with the sicknesses, a lot was accomplished. Two second story rooms were completed including having the roofs put on. A floor was poured in one room on the bottom floor which made it complete. It takes a lot of preparation time just to get ready to do the actual pouring. Everything is basically done by hand. However, the concrete mixer was used to mix the concrete for the floors.
The most marvelous thing happened when we were getting ready to pour the floor on the one room upstairs. They pour concrete on corrugated aluminum. Hot stuff that is blinding when the sun shines on it. And it was shinning very bright that day. The guys thought they might get a third poured due to the heat. But just as the buckets of cement got passed upstairs, a cloud moved between us and the sun and stayed. Everybody noticed. It was phenomenal. We started at 2:30 and finished at 7:30 after dark. The whole floor was poured. It would never have happened if God hadn't moved that cloud to cover us. It reminded me of the cloud that was with the Israelites during their 40 years in the wilderness.
Another thing happened that reminded me of our spiritual forefathers. Most of us had swollen feet. It's due to the heat. The Israelites feet never swelled during their 40 year stay in the desert. We weren't in the desert, but it sure felt like it. And we weren't there for 40 years.
One of the fellows that came had made a hoist to help with the lifting of concrete, blocks, etc. I think the buckets were faster, but it lifted wheelbarrows of concrete. It will be a blessing for the Nationals when moving blocks and other heavy objects upstairs, especially when there aren't many of them there.
The ages of the group ranged from eighteen years old to seventy eight years old. Everybody had a place and a job. But isn't that the way God works? No one is left out. My job is sifting sand. I love to do it. Me and my shovel. Two of the younger ladies were discussing the need to help me when one said they couldn't keep up with me. I'm use to it;they are not. However, one became quite good using a shovel by the time they left to go back to the states. I told her that I would pass on my shovel to her when the time comes. And all the ladies did help me by keeping the sand from piling up behind the screen and moving the pile closer. Thank you so much.
I did get in one block line, but not the concrete line. I don't think I could have kept up with everybody, especially in the afternoon heat.
I was invited again to come teach English in El Progreso. But again,I don't think I could stand the heat, and it's up to God where I go and don't go.
I talked about the cloud cover which was a big deal. But God deals in the little, everyday things that sometimes we miss. One of the fellas told me that he and his wife decided not to call anymore on the last couple of days before he was to leave for the states. However, the day before he was to leave, he said there was a nagging in him to call her. He finally did. She was just getting ready to leave the house for the airport to pick him up. Isn't God good to us? And the Holy Ghost can be a great nagger-He makes a good parent, spouse, whatever the need. Praise God. He cares about every detail in our lives, and sometimes we don't hear or heed the first call. So I thank Him for the gentle shoving.
I had the opportunity to testify about my coming to Honduras. What an awesome experience it has been. And to meet other brothers and sisters in Christ that I wouldn't know if I weren't here. In fact, I couldn't quit talking about Him. But isn't that what we are suppose to do? Tell of His goodness to us. That's our testimony.
Well, the rainy season wasn't suppose to begin until May, but I think it is here, It rained while I was gone, and it rained most of the night last night. It's a little after 5 in the afternoon now and it's thundering and getting really cloudy. I'm sure the rain is coming, but we need it big time.
Until later. Blessings.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Ps. 139: 2...thou knowest my thought afar off.
How wonderful God is to me. He truly knows my every thought and feeling. For those of us that didn't grow up in a Christian home, thoughts enter our mind that come from our lives before we knew Christ. One day not long ago I was walking home from the bus after school, and it was one of those days. There was not a particular thing that was wrong, it was just a lot of thoughts, things, etc. and I was thinking Lord, if I was a drinking woman, I'd just go get drunk. Of course I'm not a drinking woman, but that's the way I felt. Anyway, the thought came to drink from the fountain of life. How awesome was that? And I am so thankful that God KNOWS me. He knows everything about me. I don't have to try to hide anything. I did exactly that. I started talking to Him about my feelings, thoughts, etc.and soon all those things that were bothering me were gone. I had peace once again. The fountain of life gives us life. He is the fountain of life. So now I know I need to drink from that fountain instead of trying to get away from what ever is bothering me. I am so thankful that God loves me and is with me 24-7.
Thank you Lord.
Thank you Lord.
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