After just a few short hours of sleep I was up and taking my last cold Honduran shower for a while. My host family got up early to see us off, except for Sofia. Lorena even started making us breakfast. The bus wasn't supposed to be at the house until 6am but they were there at 5:45! My coffee was too hot to chug and there wasn't a "to go" cup available. We had everyone loaded and ready to head back to the states. Some of us were ready to go home while others wished they had more time in Honduras. I could've spent another week without a problem. I'm planning on returning.
I have just under an hour left of my flight from Houston to Pittsburgh. I'm exhausted and ready for bed! I will be stopping at my parents for a few hours of sleep and to pick up my dog and then back to Richmond I go! Tomorrow is payroll processing day. I'm so thankful my new employer allowed me to take vacation this past week to go on this amazing journey. When I signed up for this trip, I didn't know anyone. I now have 18 new friends in the states and many new friends in Honduras. God is so good!
"For we walk by faith, not by sight" ~ 2 Corinthians 5:7
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go." ~ Genesis 28:15
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
8.11.2012 The Zoo... with about 100 kids!
This morning we were up bright and early so we could set up the furniture in the house before we presented the family with the keys and blessed their house. I don't think there was a dry eye by anyone in attendance. It was so great seeing how God has used us to bless this family.
We headed back to IGC to pick up the kids for the field trip to the zoo. We decided against putting them in the dye dyed t-shirts we made them because they came dressed to the 9s! (or the best they have). It really was a beautiful sight. They were SO excited! They were really well behaved. The biggest difficulty we had in my group/bus was getting the kids to stay seated and keep their hands inside the windows. They kept wanting Chewy (Jesus) to drive faster. They were a little loud at times, but they were having a blast. Many of the children have never even been to downtown La Ceiba and have only been on a bus to get from their village to church a couple times a week.
When we got to the zoo, we immediately had lunch. We thought this was best since they haven't really touched anything to get dirty. I, again, saw this as a blessing. I got to spend another day with the children and the children were guaranteed another meal this week.
The week is really starting to catch up with all of us. I had to take a nape before church tonight. It was much needed and well deserved.
We got a thunderstorm with heavy rain so we weren't able to play volleyball. We told Roberto that CRC wins and they forfeited since they challenged us and then we weren't able to play. We told them the re-match will be in Morgantown!
We ended up going to Baskin Robin for ice-cream (AGAIN!). Hector and Lorena had a graduation party to attend so they asked Logan, Cienna, and I if we would watch Hector David and Angie. They were excellent (as usual) and enjoyed the ice-cream Logan bought them. We came home to pack and the kids watched Lorax. I was sitting on the love seat watching the movie with Angie and Hector David when Hector and Lorena came home from the party. Their friends came with them. They are from Guatemala. Wiler, the one who was the guest of honor, his wife, Leticia - also Lorena's best friend, and their 2 children. I would love to visit with them more, but I need some sleep! ...as more friends arrive.
We headed back to IGC to pick up the kids for the field trip to the zoo. We decided against putting them in the dye dyed t-shirts we made them because they came dressed to the 9s! (or the best they have). It really was a beautiful sight. They were SO excited! They were really well behaved. The biggest difficulty we had in my group/bus was getting the kids to stay seated and keep their hands inside the windows. They kept wanting Chewy (Jesus) to drive faster. They were a little loud at times, but they were having a blast. Many of the children have never even been to downtown La Ceiba and have only been on a bus to get from their village to church a couple times a week.
When we got to the zoo, we immediately had lunch. We thought this was best since they haven't really touched anything to get dirty. I, again, saw this as a blessing. I got to spend another day with the children and the children were guaranteed another meal this week.
The week is really starting to catch up with all of us. I had to take a nape before church tonight. It was much needed and well deserved.
We got a thunderstorm with heavy rain so we weren't able to play volleyball. We told Roberto that CRC wins and they forfeited since they challenged us and then we weren't able to play. We told them the re-match will be in Morgantown!
We ended up going to Baskin Robin for ice-cream (AGAIN!). Hector and Lorena had a graduation party to attend so they asked Logan, Cienna, and I if we would watch Hector David and Angie. They were excellent (as usual) and enjoyed the ice-cream Logan bought them. We came home to pack and the kids watched Lorax. I was sitting on the love seat watching the movie with Angie and Hector David when Hector and Lorena came home from the party. Their friends came with them. They are from Guatemala. Wiler, the one who was the guest of honor, his wife, Leticia - also Lorena's best friend, and their 2 children. I would love to visit with them more, but I need some sleep! ...as more friends arrive.
8.10.2012 A La Playa
Today we woke up early to dedicate the workshop. It was great to see so much progress completed this week. There is now a building with the work benches needed to teach the Honduran boys a trade and help bring them pride and facilitate dreams. Below is a picture of Builder Bill cutting the first piece of wood in the workshop. He moved to Honduras about 14 months ago and will be teaching the Honduran boys a trade and how to be a man of God.
Chestnut Ridge Church surprised Builder Bill with a drafting table! It has "IGC" engraved going down and "CRC" going across to always remind them that our church will always be there for their church and their mission.
After the dedication, the mission team and some of the IGC team loaded onto the bus to go on a canopy tour. What great fun! There were 20 platforms and one of them was 0.6 miles long!
Next we went to Hotel Palma Real for lunch, swimming, and the beach. The view was fantastic! We quickly changed into our swimsuits to cool off in the pool We found another group from the states and started a water volleyball game. I decided I needed to go enjoy the beach/ocean some. The water was AMAZING! I realized they were starting a beach volleyball game, so I got out of the ocean to play. This was slightly more organized, but the locals wouldn't listen when a gringo would call the bakk and take us out. I decided being covered with sand was a good thing and I was exfoliating my skin :)
Grace, Jason, Pamela, and I went for a walk on the beach to explore and take up some time before getting back on the bus to continue our busy day!
We stopped to buy some souvenirs and coffee before dinner. We ate many different kinds of pizza. Yulkiria and Nallive got to go with us and they had a blast. I asked the girls what their favorite part of the day was and they said "swimming and eating pizza" with us. I loved seeing the excitement in their eyes. What a great day spent enjoying the beauty of Honduras.
After the dedication, the mission team and some of the IGC team loaded onto the bus to go on a canopy tour. What great fun! There were 20 platforms and one of them was 0.6 miles long!
Next we went to Hotel Palma Real for lunch, swimming, and the beach. The view was fantastic! We quickly changed into our swimsuits to cool off in the pool We found another group from the states and started a water volleyball game. I decided I needed to go enjoy the beach/ocean some. The water was AMAZING! I realized they were starting a beach volleyball game, so I got out of the ocean to play. This was slightly more organized, but the locals wouldn't listen when a gringo would call the bakk and take us out. I decided being covered with sand was a good thing and I was exfoliating my skin :)
Grace, Jason, Pamela, and I went for a walk on the beach to explore and take up some time before getting back on the bus to continue our busy day!
We stopped to buy some souvenirs and coffee before dinner. We ate many different kinds of pizza. Yulkiria and Nallive got to go with us and they had a blast. I asked the girls what their favorite part of the day was and they said "swimming and eating pizza" with us. I loved seeing the excitement in their eyes. What a great day spent enjoying the beauty of Honduras.
8.9.2012 S'mores 101
Today, Grace, Vilma, Shirley, Abby, and myself went shopping to buy things to furnish the home we built this week. Our group raised enough money to build the home and furnish it with a stove, table, 5 chairs, dishes, glasses, silverware, food storage containers, towels, wash cloths, rugs, beds, mattresses, sheets, towel racks, a photo of our group and a photo of the family receiving the home, and best of all, a new Bible! I'm so excited to put everyone in the house Saturday morning before the dedication.
When I returned home from shopping in downtown La Ceiba all day, I took a quick shower and we took our family out to Applebee's for dinner. We saw a couple other families from our group as well. Hector couldn't stay long because I got home late and he had to go back to work. I was fortunate enough to get to try one of the smoothies from his business in the mall and it was DELICIOUS!
After everyone returned home for the evening, we taught our family how to make s'mores and about it's importance in American culture...especially around the summer camp fire. Hector decided to change his up a bit by using bread instead of graham crackers. The family had a great time roasting marshmallows and eating this American snack.
Once we finished with the s'mores I shared my testimony with them. First in Spanish and then in English. They thanked me for sharing and asked me some other questions about my past and hopes/dreams for my future. I was a little shocked at how well I did speaking/understanding Spanish. Glory to God!
Tomorrow we are going zip-lining, to the beach, and then shopping for souvenirs.
When I returned home from shopping in downtown La Ceiba all day, I took a quick shower and we took our family out to Applebee's for dinner. We saw a couple other families from our group as well. Hector couldn't stay long because I got home late and he had to go back to work. I was fortunate enough to get to try one of the smoothies from his business in the mall and it was DELICIOUS!
After everyone returned home for the evening, we taught our family how to make s'mores and about it's importance in American culture...especially around the summer camp fire. Hector decided to change his up a bit by using bread instead of graham crackers. The family had a great time roasting marshmallows and eating this American snack.
Tomorrow we are going zip-lining, to the beach, and then shopping for souvenirs.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
8.8.12 In the Trenches...
Today, Barry shared his testimony and I was teary eyed the entire time. I'm always amazed at how God works and I love hearing the stories of how he has worked in the lives of others. He came over and spoke to me after our devotion time was over and shared a little more of his story with me. I shared with him the beginning part of my testimony and how God taught me forgiveness. As I was sharing my story, I began to cry (and I am not a crier). He hugged me, which made me cry hearder and I'm not sure why.
I went to prepare the t-shirts to be tye dyed and to play with the kids. We made green, purple, pink, red, and orange shirts for the field trip on Friday. We went to listen to Justin and Dillon practice for church tonight. We also went to learn more about sponsoring a child at CNI. There are 11 here in La Ceiba who are in need of a sponsor. I am trying desperately to work this into my bedget. I am just trying to figure out which child I want to sponsor. When the afternoon session was over, we loaded everyone up into the vehicles to deliver meals to 20 of the CNI families. The poverty here finally hit home. WOW! These kids live in shacks on the side of the mountains. Some of them live in homes built by Hogar Total (Total Home). I was doing OK keeping my composure until I physically gave a grandmother her supply of food. I was so over come with emotion. When I prayed to God to break my heart for what breaks his, I had no idea it would be answered so quickly. These kids run around barefoot through the mud, trees, rocks, etc like they have the best pair of running shoes in the world. I just want to give away everything I have! Bill pointed out that the kids all seem to be happy playing with their friends and don't seem to notice how poor they are or how much they don't have. Americans are so spoiled and have absolutely no idea what "poor" is about.
Tonight is the big volleyball game against the CNI staff and I am trying to decide if I'm going to play. I'm not much for playing "for fun" and I'm not sure I can tolerate "back yard volleyball". Plus I don't want to get hurt.
I want to close out today with this verse from Isiah.
"Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings."
I went to prepare the t-shirts to be tye dyed and to play with the kids. We made green, purple, pink, red, and orange shirts for the field trip on Friday. We went to listen to Justin and Dillon practice for church tonight. We also went to learn more about sponsoring a child at CNI. There are 11 here in La Ceiba who are in need of a sponsor. I am trying desperately to work this into my bedget. I am just trying to figure out which child I want to sponsor. When the afternoon session was over, we loaded everyone up into the vehicles to deliver meals to 20 of the CNI families. The poverty here finally hit home. WOW! These kids live in shacks on the side of the mountains. Some of them live in homes built by Hogar Total (Total Home). I was doing OK keeping my composure until I physically gave a grandmother her supply of food. I was so over come with emotion. When I prayed to God to break my heart for what breaks his, I had no idea it would be answered so quickly. These kids run around barefoot through the mud, trees, rocks, etc like they have the best pair of running shoes in the world. I just want to give away everything I have! Bill pointed out that the kids all seem to be happy playing with their friends and don't seem to notice how poor they are or how much they don't have. Americans are so spoiled and have absolutely no idea what "poor" is about.
Tonight is the big volleyball game against the CNI staff and I am trying to decide if I'm going to play. I'm not much for playing "for fun" and I'm not sure I can tolerate "back yard volleyball". Plus I don't want to get hurt.
I want to close out today with this verse from Isiah.
"Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins and will raise up the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of Broken Walls, Restorer of Streets with Dwellings."
8.7.2012 (Too tired to come up with clever blog titles)
Today we had a lot of rain from Tropical Storm/Hurricane Ernesto. Not many kjids showed up for CNI today so we spent a lot of time organizing supplies and playing with the children. They LOVE to jump rope and play soccer with ANY type of ball they can find. They were also very interested in our cameras and phones. I was quickly dissed when they saw my phone is not an iphone nor does it have games on it! (I'm so old!) Some of the children who attend CNI are in need of a sponsor. It is $45/month. I have been praying about this and I've been trying to get to know all the children who attend CNI.
We are suppose to tye dye shirts tomorrow. Too much rain today and too little children in attendance. I also want to go back out to the construction site and work on the house.
Cienna and I have been spending a lot of time together and we laugh A LOT! Lorena took Logan, Cienna, Hector David, Angie, Sofia, and myself to the mall or ice-cream and to pick up supplies to make s'mores. As we are walking around the mall, Cienna says we are "The Beverly Hill-Gringos".
Hector has been busy working and practicing with the church band. I haven't been able to spend much time with him. We have church service tomorrow night and then the CNI/La Ceiba Church has challenged the Mission group to a volleyball match. We attempted to practice this afternoon, but the cement court had some standing water in it and the ball was soaked with water. Cienna and I are active volleyball players (She is on the club team at WVU and I play at Richmond Volleyball Club), so this just wasn't cutting it for us. Plus we like more structured volleyball. Thankfully, no one got hurt in practice and hopefully no one gets hurt tomorrow. The mission teams have never beat the church/school. I think we need to change this!
We are suppose to tye dye shirts tomorrow. Too much rain today and too little children in attendance. I also want to go back out to the construction site and work on the house.
Cienna and I have been spending a lot of time together and we laugh A LOT! Lorena took Logan, Cienna, Hector David, Angie, Sofia, and myself to the mall or ice-cream and to pick up supplies to make s'mores. As we are walking around the mall, Cienna says we are "The Beverly Hill-Gringos".
Hector has been busy working and practicing with the church band. I haven't been able to spend much time with him. We have church service tomorrow night and then the CNI/La Ceiba Church has challenged the Mission group to a volleyball match. We attempted to practice this afternoon, but the cement court had some standing water in it and the ball was soaked with water. Cienna and I are active volleyball players (She is on the club team at WVU and I play at Richmond Volleyball Club), so this just wasn't cutting it for us. Plus we like more structured volleyball. Thankfully, no one got hurt in practice and hopefully no one gets hurt tomorrow. The mission teams have never beat the church/school. I think we need to change this!
8.6.2012
Today was my first day working in the CNI Clinic. I spent part of the morning watching the kids juimp rope and play soccer. Patty and I went over to introduce ourselves to 2 young boys and a little girl who were watching the soccer game. Anthony and Kevin were very talkative. I couoldn't get a response, head shake, or even eye contact from Anthony's little sister. I started reading a Clifford bot to them (in Spanish) and they really liked it.
I then took out my camera to show them some pictures of my family. They quickly wanted to have their picture taken and to take pictures with my camera. This was cut short because the teachers said it was time for class... and it was starting to rain.
In the morning group, I helped reinforce verbs and the students completed a worksheet. The next worksheet was to cut out pictures and cooresponding words and paste them into their notebooks. It was to reinforce matching and vocabulary.
The mission team ate lunch together and talked about our morning experiences. Shirley informed us that 2 people in the Total Health Clinic accepted Christ into their hearts this morning. What wonderful words to hear.
It was then time to start the afternoon session with a new group of students. I started out reinforcing addition skills to the 1st graders and then helped a little boy write the alphabet.
We returned home and rested up a bit and then played cards wtih our family, told jokes, and ate dinner. Little Sofia slept through most of it and Hecter was at work. I taught Angie how to fishtale hair and she painted Cienna and my nails with the sparkely purple nail polish I bought her. We listened to music and enjoyed a strong thunderstorm from Tropical Storm/Hurricane Ernesto...well Cienna didn't so much enjoy it.
I'm showered, journaled, and getting ready for bed. I'm leading the morning devotional for our group so I need to get some sleep!
I then took out my camera to show them some pictures of my family. They quickly wanted to have their picture taken and to take pictures with my camera. This was cut short because the teachers said it was time for class... and it was starting to rain.
In the morning group, I helped reinforce verbs and the students completed a worksheet. The next worksheet was to cut out pictures and cooresponding words and paste them into their notebooks. It was to reinforce matching and vocabulary.
The mission team ate lunch together and talked about our morning experiences. Shirley informed us that 2 people in the Total Health Clinic accepted Christ into their hearts this morning. What wonderful words to hear.
It was then time to start the afternoon session with a new group of students. I started out reinforcing addition skills to the 1st graders and then helped a little boy write the alphabet.
We returned home and rested up a bit and then played cards wtih our family, told jokes, and ate dinner. Little Sofia slept through most of it and Hecter was at work. I taught Angie how to fishtale hair and she painted Cienna and my nails with the sparkely purple nail polish I bought her. We listened to music and enjoyed a strong thunderstorm from Tropical Storm/Hurricane Ernesto...well Cienna didn't so much enjoy it.
I'm showered, journaled, and getting ready for bed. I'm leading the morning devotional for our group so I need to get some sleep!
8.5.2012
Church service tonight was amazing! We only stayed for worship because it was the same service as last night. I enjoyed translating the songs for Bruce. My favorite song is Marvilouso Cristo and my host dad sings it. He is part of the band at church.
We are all a little tired, but having a blast. We gave our families the presents we bought them and they were so excited. I told them that I am tired but I will play JINGA with them tomorrow evening.
I will be working in the CNI clinic tomorrow and I am looking forward to meeting the children and helping them make new name tags.
Good night for now.
We are all a little tired, but having a blast. We gave our families the presents we bought them and they were so excited. I told them that I am tired but I will play JINGA with them tomorrow evening.
I will be working in the CNI clinic tomorrow and I am looking forward to meeting the children and helping them make new name tags.
Good night for now.
Sunday, August 5, 2012
That was the best cold shower...EVER!
There is no hot water in Honduras...or even warm for that matter. Only cold. We worked on the house today and got to meet the family who will be moving in this week. The tin roof was put on and we leveled out the floor with dirt and they will mix the concrete tomorrow. We also prepped for the windows and doors to be hung. We went back to the church for lunch and had, yet another, delicious meal. Once we finished eating and enjoying each other's company, we split up into 2 groups. One group went back to the work site to load up rocks/building supplies for future projects and the other group sorted and organized the supplies we brought with us. We have the school supplies for the CNI (including t-shirts to tye-dye with the children!) and then medicine for the health clinic. We took inventory of all the medicine and their uses.
We walked home from the church and began getting ready for Sunday night church services. I was never so happy to take a cold shower! It felt AMAZING! Then, I had to get out and I was drenched in sweat. Everyone has been so nice and we are really enjoying ourselves.
Our devotions this morning was from John 10:1-15 - The Shepherd and His Flock. I started confusing myself because I was listening to the pastor speak in English and then Roberto (Charlie Brown) would translate and I started mixing the languages up in my head! Easy mistake, I guess.
After church services tonight, we are going out to eat as a group. I hear the Chinese food down here is absolutely AMAZING and like nothing we have in the states. I'll report more on this later.
God Bless!
We walked home from the church and began getting ready for Sunday night church services. I was never so happy to take a cold shower! It felt AMAZING! Then, I had to get out and I was drenched in sweat. Everyone has been so nice and we are really enjoying ourselves.
Our devotions this morning was from John 10:1-15 - The Shepherd and His Flock. I started confusing myself because I was listening to the pastor speak in English and then Roberto (Charlie Brown) would translate and I started mixing the languages up in my head! Easy mistake, I guess.
After church services tonight, we are going out to eat as a group. I hear the Chinese food down here is absolutely AMAZING and like nothing we have in the states. I'll report more on this later.
God Bless!
Let the Journey Begin...continued
We have arrived in Honduras! I have no idea what time it is, but it doesn't matter. I am enjoying the community within my group and I'm on Honduran time.
It is a little warm and a lot humid. Feels like Richmond. We ate lunch at Power Chicken and the food was really good. We weren't the only "gringos" there. As I was finishing up my meal, I started looking around the dining area and noticed a high number of "Gringos" on their smart phones taking advantage of the free wifi. (I'm embarrassed to say that I was in this group. I wanted to post on Facebook that we made it safely). All of the locals were engaging in community and conversation with one another.
We are on the bus to La Ceiba and my hand writing has much to be desired. Until another time...
It is a little warm and a lot humid. Feels like Richmond. We ate lunch at Power Chicken and the food was really good. We weren't the only "gringos" there. As I was finishing up my meal, I started looking around the dining area and noticed a high number of "Gringos" on their smart phones taking advantage of the free wifi. (I'm embarrassed to say that I was in this group. I wanted to post on Facebook that we made it safely). All of the locals were engaging in community and conversation with one another.
We are on the bus to La Ceiba and my hand writing has much to be desired. Until another time...
Saturday, August 4, 2012
Let the Journey Begin!
The Thbursday before my mission trip departure I met up with some of my volleyball friends and a former co-worker for dinner. It was great to share a meal and the time with them. Their well wishes were sweet and funny at the same time!
Originally, (over the 4th of July Holiday) my friends devised a "rescue" plan in the event I'm captured while in Honduras. Kip would come...prepared with his U.S. Military background/training. Justin would use his ninja skills and Rusty would be there for his charming good looks. They only had 1 stipulation if I get captured...They get to spend at least 1 day on the beach before coming to my rescue. It's great having friends who care so much for you, I think.
I left work in Richmond, VA at noon on Friday and began my trip to WV to meet up with the rest of my mission team. I was able to spend some time with my parents and nieces before meeting everyone at Chestnut Ridge Church. I was attempting to explain to my nieces (soon to be 3 and 5 years old) where I am going and what I will be doing. They asked me to blow dry and braid their hair after their bath and then we said their bed time prayers. Brooke (soon to be 5) said she wanted to say the "Now I Lay Me" prayer. She did an excellent job! I only had to help her a couple times. Paige (soon to be 3) says, Tía, I'm going to need some help with my prayers because I'm much littlier than sissy." We did the 'God Bless" prayer. We say God Bless and then say a family member, friend, or pet we want God to bless and protect. The girls were then tucked in and kissed good night.
This has not left me with about 45 minutes for a quick nap. It definitely was NOT enough time. We all met at the church, loaded luggage, prayed and traveled to the Pittsburgh International Airport. I enjoyed the drive to Pittsburgh because I got to know Beth, Dillon, and Justin some during this time. It took quite some time to get ALL of our baggage checked and our boarding passes printed. The printer kept locking up and starting from the beginning. We had so many tickets/bags, the machine/computer would time out and we would have to start over. I think Ben Franklin/Geutenburg could have printed our boarding passes faster on a printing press faster than this printer was doing. Not to worry...everyone stayed calm and the United employees were very helpful.
We got through security and when we got to our gate, we were able to board. No waiting!
I got a very brief nap on the flight to Houston. The air was quite cold, but I was so exhausted, I didn't really notice.
Upon arrival in Houston, we migrated to our gate. We flocked to the Starbucks for coffee and quick snack before boarding the plane to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. There were 2 other mission groups on our flight. Their mission is to dig wells to provide drinking water to the people of Honduras.
Our flight was scheduled to depart at 9am Houston time. However, a passenger didn't make the flight and according to international flight regulations (says the pilot -- I'm taking his word on this and not researching it) each piece ofl uggage must be accompanied by its passenger. The workers were in the "belly" of the plane retrieving the luggage before we could depart. This took about an hour and the flight was full and the air conditioner was not working well. The exact opposite of our last flight. This time did allow me to get acquainted with one of my group leaders, Dave Bayles. He shared with me about his trip to Honduras last year as well as his career. I feel slightly like and outisder on this trip because pretty much everone else already knows everyone else on the trip and I met all of them because of this trip. I know my life has already changed and positively impacted by our paths crossing. I will stop for now. Mostly because I am still in flight to Honduras and nothing else has happened :)
More to come!
Dear God:
Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to serve the people of Honduras and show them your love. I pray that you use me and our group for your glory. Please wrap us in your protection. Amen.
"I will prise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies." Psalm 57:9-10
"Look down from Heaven, your holy dwelling place, and bless your people..." Deuteronomy 26:15
Originally, (over the 4th of July Holiday) my friends devised a "rescue" plan in the event I'm captured while in Honduras. Kip would come...prepared with his U.S. Military background/training. Justin would use his ninja skills and Rusty would be there for his charming good looks. They only had 1 stipulation if I get captured...They get to spend at least 1 day on the beach before coming to my rescue. It's great having friends who care so much for you, I think.
I left work in Richmond, VA at noon on Friday and began my trip to WV to meet up with the rest of my mission team. I was able to spend some time with my parents and nieces before meeting everyone at Chestnut Ridge Church. I was attempting to explain to my nieces (soon to be 3 and 5 years old) where I am going and what I will be doing. They asked me to blow dry and braid their hair after their bath and then we said their bed time prayers. Brooke (soon to be 5) said she wanted to say the "Now I Lay Me" prayer. She did an excellent job! I only had to help her a couple times. Paige (soon to be 3) says, Tía, I'm going to need some help with my prayers because I'm much littlier than sissy." We did the 'God Bless" prayer. We say God Bless and then say a family member, friend, or pet we want God to bless and protect. The girls were then tucked in and kissed good night.
This has not left me with about 45 minutes for a quick nap. It definitely was NOT enough time. We all met at the church, loaded luggage, prayed and traveled to the Pittsburgh International Airport. I enjoyed the drive to Pittsburgh because I got to know Beth, Dillon, and Justin some during this time. It took quite some time to get ALL of our baggage checked and our boarding passes printed. The printer kept locking up and starting from the beginning. We had so many tickets/bags, the machine/computer would time out and we would have to start over. I think Ben Franklin/Geutenburg could have printed our boarding passes faster on a printing press faster than this printer was doing. Not to worry...everyone stayed calm and the United employees were very helpful.
We got through security and when we got to our gate, we were able to board. No waiting!
I got a very brief nap on the flight to Houston. The air was quite cold, but I was so exhausted, I didn't really notice.
Upon arrival in Houston, we migrated to our gate. We flocked to the Starbucks for coffee and quick snack before boarding the plane to San Pedro Sula, Honduras. There were 2 other mission groups on our flight. Their mission is to dig wells to provide drinking water to the people of Honduras.
Our flight was scheduled to depart at 9am Houston time. However, a passenger didn't make the flight and according to international flight regulations (says the pilot -- I'm taking his word on this and not researching it) each piece ofl uggage must be accompanied by its passenger. The workers were in the "belly" of the plane retrieving the luggage before we could depart. This took about an hour and the flight was full and the air conditioner was not working well. The exact opposite of our last flight. This time did allow me to get acquainted with one of my group leaders, Dave Bayles. He shared with me about his trip to Honduras last year as well as his career. I feel slightly like and outisder on this trip because pretty much everone else already knows everyone else on the trip and I met all of them because of this trip. I know my life has already changed and positively impacted by our paths crossing. I will stop for now. Mostly because I am still in flight to Honduras and nothing else has happened :)
More to come!
Dear God:
Thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to serve the people of Honduras and show them your love. I pray that you use me and our group for your glory. Please wrap us in your protection. Amen.
"I will prise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. For great is your love, reaching to the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies." Psalm 57:9-10
"Look down from Heaven, your holy dwelling place, and bless your people..." Deuteronomy 26:15
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Are You a Threat to Satan?
I found this devotional online this morning and it goes perfectly with my last blog. Enjoy!
Are You a Threat to Satan?
1 John 4:4-6
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Just 27 more hours until I start my mission trip journey! I pray I get all of my task accomplished (work and home) before I leave and that I don't forget anything! I'm SO excited! MUST STAY FOCUSED!! :)
Are You a Threat to Satan?
1 John 4:4-6
Scripture records two occasions when Satan asked God for permission to test a believer. The Devil attempted to break the faith first of Job (1:6-12) and then of Peter (Luke 22:31-34). Jesus warned that Satan wanted to "sift" the disciple like wheat--shaking his faith in the way a farmer separates wheat kernels from debris. The Enemy hoped that Peter would fall away like chaff. But both attacks ultimately failed, and the men came through with faith restored and strengthened by the Lord. However, at the time of trial, each found himself attacked in the most vulnerable area of his heart.
Is your life making an impact worth talking about? Are you serving God in such a way as to make Satan feel threatened? If not, you don't need a major attack for your faith to suffer greatly. Instead of being alert and recognizing the battle at stake, you will be lulled into uselessness like a frog in water heating gradually to a boil.
But when you grow spiritually--rejecting lies and taking hold of the wholeness that is yours in Christ--you threaten the work of the Evil One. The Lord calls on you to extend His love to specific people because you have just the right knowledge, story, or temperament to reach them. And when you do, you reclaim stolen territory for His kingdom.
You may think you're not important, but the Lord knows your true value. As His beloved child and friend, you have an important part in His plan for eternity. Satan fears you when you recognize this truth. Fight back and rely on God's Spirit--greater is He who is within you!
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Just 27 more hours until I start my mission trip journey! I pray I get all of my task accomplished (work and home) before I leave and that I don't forget anything! I'm SO excited! MUST STAY FOCUSED!! :)
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