JOY!

It has been a while since I have blogged, which leaves me wondering where to even begin.  My parents' visit in October, adventures in the city, unforgettable moments at the feeding center, crazy rapidito rides, Thanksgiving in Nicaragua and my birthday last week would all be momentous occasions to share.  However, I will not be writing a novel on all of these random experiences...I will leave these stories for when I return home in 11 days!  As I write this, I find myself thinking, "Really?  11 days?"  Wow, time sure does fly!

It is interesting entering the Christmas season here in Honduras.  For a predominantly Catholic nation, I am quite surprised at the lack of "Christmas".  Christmas decorations are sparse and no one ever plays Christmas music!  It is funny because the Philippines started celebrating Christmas in September with the "Ber" months; however, Honduras isn't as festive, yet Honduras LOVES their holidays.  Needless to say, I am excited for snow, Christmas trees, Christmas music and church Christmas celebrations!  Without all of these small details, it honestly doesn't feel like Christmas!

This past weekend, I had the privilege of celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, without all of those "small details".  A "dump" lies just outside of Tegucigalpa.   All of the city trash and debris from surrounding communities is literally dumped into a giant pit.  Thousands of Hondurans live in the dump. Many of the residents cannot find work; therefore, they have resided to sorting through garbage in search of recyclables.  Due to the lifestyle of these parents, many children are forced into working 13-16 hour days helping their parents.  Drugs, gangs, violence, toxic air and the obvious filth define this area.  It is a very dangerous area for children, especially.  Sadly, many resort to the above "toxins" simply because life has no meaning.

In 2001, the pastor of my current church in Tegucigalpa, was driving by the dump with his 5 year old daughter.  She noticed the dump, as they pass it every day on their way home, and asked her father, "Why are there people playing in the trash?"  He replied, "Honey, they aren't playing in the trash, they live there!  They are working to find things to sell."  In complete shock, she responded, "But Daddy, that  doesn't seem good!  Can we help them?"  Her father said, "There are so many of them, I just don't know how we can help!"  The little girl turned to her father and replied, "But Daddy, we are Christians...we have to find a way."  A few months later, this pastor and his daughter were driving by the dump again.  His daughter turned and asked, "Daddy, what are you doing to help these people?"  He was dumbfounded by how she remembered their previous conversation!  He answered honestly, "I haven't done anything yet, I have been so busy!"  With innocence, she challenged her father in stating, "I thought you were a Christian.  How can you preach to people every Sunday about helping the poor and the needy, if you can't do it yourself."  With conviction in his voice, he told his daughter, "You are right. Where should we start?"  The girl responded, "Well, the kids need to go to school, right?"

Thanks to the Lord's prompting in the voice of a 5 year old girl, the pastor started a school in 2001, which met under a small tree for 5 years.  In 2007, some buildings were erected and is finally a K-11 school, serving children living in the dump.  Students are paid to go to school, as there parents could not afford them to leave the dump for a long period of time.  The school was named Amor, Fe y Esperanza (Love, Faith and Hope) and what a place of love, faith and HOPE this school is for many in the community.  Little by little, it is educating children to change the future!

On Saturday, teachers had an opportunity to go to AFE and take part in a Christmas celebration.  We all "adopted" children and bought items to make Christmas boxes for these children.  Then, on Saturday, we were able to give our "adopted" children their gifts.  If you want to know TRUE joy, watch a child open a bag filled with gifts for the first time!  As I stood and watched this incredible event take place, I couldn't help but pray over these children.  Why do they live in the dump?  Why was I blessed with money, a family that can provide for me, a home, a job, safety?  While I don't understand God's plan, I have to believe He is at work!  May God work to save these children!

 My girls :)

Amor, Fe Y Esperanza

(it truly is a beautiful and blessed school!)

"3,2,1 Merry Christmas!"

After all, isn't JOY the true meaning of Christmas, anyway?  May God show you true JOY this holiday season!

JOY!

It has been a while since I have blogged, which leaves me wondering where to even begin.  My parents' visit in October, adventures in the city, unforgettable moments at the feeding center, crazy rapidito rides, Thanksgiving in Nicaragua and my birthday last week would all be momentous occasions to share.  However, I will not be writing a novel on all of these random experiences...I will leave these stories for when I return home in 11 days!  As I write this, I find myself thinking, "Really?  11 days?"  Wow, time sure does fly!

It is interesting entering the Christmas season here in Honduras.  For a predominantly Catholic nation, I am quite surprised at the lack of "Christmas".  Christmas decorations are sparse and no one ever plays Christmas music!  It is funny because the Philippines started celebrating Christmas in September with the "Ber" months; however, Honduras isn't as festive, yet Honduras LOVES their holidays.  Needless to say, I am excited for snow, Christmas trees, Christmas music and church Christmas celebrations!  Without all of these small details, it honestly doesn't feel like Christmas!

This past weekend, I had the privilege of celebrating the true meaning of Christmas, without all of those "small details".  A "dump" lies just outside of Tegucigalpa.   All of the city trash and debris from surrounding communities is literally dumped into a giant pit.  Thousands of Hondurans live in the dump. Many of the residents cannot find work; therefore, they have resided to sorting through garbage in search of recyclables.  Due to the lifestyle of these parents, many children are forced into working 13-16 hour days helping their parents.  Drugs, gangs, violence, toxic air and the obvious filth define this area.  It is a very dangerous area for children, especially.  Sadly, many resort to the above "toxins" simply because life has no meaning.

In 2001, the pastor of my current church in Tegucigalpa, was driving by the dump with his 5 year old daughter.  She noticed the dump, as they pass it every day on their way home, and asked her father, "Why are there people playing in the trash?"  He replied, "Honey, they aren't playing in the trash, they live there!  They are working to find things to sell."  In complete shock, she responded, "But Daddy, that  doesn't seem good!  Can we help them?"  Her father said, "There are so many of them, I just don't know how we can help!"  The little girl turned to her father and replied, "But Daddy, we are Christians...we have to find a way."  A few months later, this pastor and his daughter were driving by the dump again.  His daughter turned and asked, "Daddy, what are you doing to help these people?"  He was dumbfounded by how she remembered their previous conversation!  He answered honestly, "I haven't done anything yet, I have been so busy!"  With innocence, she challenged her father in stating, "I thought you were a Christian.  How can you preach to people every Sunday about helping the poor and the needy, if you can't do it yourself."  With conviction in his voice, he told his daughter, "You are right. Where should we start?"  The girl responded, "Well, the kids need to go to school, right?"

Thanks to the Lord's prompting in the voice of a 5 year old girl, the pastor started a school in 2001, which met under a small tree for 5 years.  In 2007, some buildings were erected and is finally a K-11 school, serving children living in the dump.  Students are paid to go to school, as there parents could not afford them to leave the dump for a long period of time.  The school was named Amor, Fe y Esperanza (Love, Faith and Hope) and what a place of love, faith and HOPE this school is for many in the community.  Little by little, it is educating children to change the future!

On Saturday, teachers had an opportunity to go to AFE and take part in a Christmas celebration.  We all "adopted" children and bought items to make Christmas boxes for these children.  Then, on Saturday, we were able to give our "adopted" children their gifts.  If you want to know TRUE joy, watch a child open a bag filled with gifts for the first time!  As I stood and watched this incredible event take place, I couldn't help but pray over these children.  Why do they live in the dump?  Why was I blessed with money, a family that can provide for me, a home, a job, safety?  While I don't understand God's plan, I have to believe He is at work!  May God work to save these children!

 My girls :)

Amor, Fe Y Esperanza

(it truly is a beautiful and blessed school!)

"3,2,1 Merry Christmas!"

After all, isn't JOY the true meaning of Christmas, anyway?  May God show you true JOY this holiday season!

Pray!

I recently read an article stating that Honduras is the most dangerous country in the world.  I know, quite an opening, right?  I don't tell you this to make you fear for me and my friends living in this country.  I actually feel very safe and the school protects us well!   You do not have to come to Honduras to experience danger, as danger exists in every country around the world.  However, despite all of the stories I have heard from other teachers, I at times "forget" the dangers in Honduras.  This past week a father of a student in 3rd grade was shot while on his motorcycle.  (Thankfully, this man is recovering and should be heading home this week.)  My eyes were reopened to the sad reality of living in Honduras.

Like I said, I am not writing this to scare you, but I am writing this as a challenge to pray for my brothers and sisters in Honduras who have to live in light of this dangerous reality on a daily basis.  This student's story really hit home as I do tend to forget the horrific tragedies that occur in this country every day.  Honduras needs Jesus.  Honduras needs hope.

Today in church, our pastor was preaching on Matthew 5 and the importance of being salt in a sugar craving society.  People are always wanting us to sugar coat the truth, or in attempt to please people we do not stand for what we believe in.  He challenged us to live every day as the SALT of the earth, not sugar.  (I know, it does sound kind of funny!)   As he was preaching, he shared stories of Christians who are being persecuted for their faith here in Honduras.  I had always heard of persecution in the 10/40 window, but no one ever told me of persecution in Honduras.  This gang infested area is kicking all Christians and pastors out of the area and closing down churches.  Several pastors are refusing to leave their homes because they have a desire to reach this area for Christ.

I was moved to tears this morning as I heard these countless stories of "unsung Christian heroes" living here in Honduras!  I ask you to pray for this country that I have grown to love.  Pray for believers who are literally being a light in the darkness.  Honduras needs love and peace that only the Father can give.

My prayer continues to come from Habakkuk 3:2, "Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of Your deeds, Lord.  Repeat them in our day, in our time, make them known; in wrath remember mercy."  Precious Lord, reveal Your face to Honduras!

Wherever you are, be all there!

Yesterday, I hiked to the top of the mountain where I live.  At the top, I found a big rock and sat overlooking the city of Tegucigalpa.  As I sat, I contemplated the thought, "Wherever you are, be all there."  It is easy to let the anticipation of the future or things of the past dictate our present.  I have been blessed to have traveled all over the world.  God has worked in and through me in ways I never would have expected!  The blessing of traveling and ministering in 5 of 7 continents has also allowed me the opportunity to develop many different friendships around the world.   I am continuously grateful for these blessings; however, I often find myself thinking and dreaming about those people and places.  When I am home, I dream of Africa.  When I am around the world, I dream of life in the United States.  I dream of these places simply because I have fallen in love with the people there.   Recently, I was asked if I ever feel  homesick.  As I thought about it, I am homesick.  Homesick for heaven.   I will always be longing to be with those I love in other parts of the world.  Only in heaven will I be truly at home, as I will be worshipping Jesus with those I love all around the world.  How exciting to think of worshipping God with so many different cultures and people!

While I love traveling and loving on people all over the world, Honduras is my new home!  It is my goal to be ALL here this year.  As I was sitting on this rock yesterday, my heart was bursting with a love for Honduras and a desire to intercede for this country.  Yes, this "African" girl is falling in love with Honduras!  I do not know how long I will be here, but for now I will live to love and pray for these people!  My prayer yesterday was based on Habakkuk 3:2, "Lord, I have heard of your fame; I stand in awe of your deeds, Lord.  Repeat them in our day, in our time make them known; in wrath remember mercy."  Lord, save Honduras!  Reveal YOUR face to these people.  May the "scales" of their blindness fall from their eyes!

There will always be anticipation of the future or memories of the past.  However, wherever you are and whatever you might be doing, be ALL there!  Invest your time, energy, love and prayers to those you are surrounded by TODAY, for we don't know what tomorrow will bring.

"Jesus is our comforter"

As you may have read from my facebook post, this week has been quite an exciting one!  For those who know me, know my love for adventure and desire to be challenged.  Little did I know how "exciting" and challenging this week would be.  I am not only a 3rd grade teacher, but I am "mom", comforter, counselor, disciplinarian, maid, the handyman, entertainer, spiritual mentor and advisor.  Any teacher or mom out there will understand the need to fill many roles when dealing with children of any age.  At times I love playing all of these roles, and at times I doubt my effectiveness in these.  However, each day brings a refreshed desire to depend on God to meet my students needs!  

Every day I try to instill in my students the desire to seek God and depend on Him for everything!  On Tuesday, I had a little boy come up to me complaining his head hurt.  Now, I don't know about most students in the world, but mine LOVE going to the nurse.  If they sit wrong in their chair, they complain that they might have a back problem and need to go.  After a few days of constant interruptions in wanting to go to the nurse, I instituted a "rule".  "We only go to the nurse if we are bleeding, going to vomit or going to die."  (I know, it sounds funny, but so far it is solving the problem of always wanting to go to the nurse.)  My student kept coming up to me at the beginning of the day, complaining and since he was one that did not usually want to miss class, I figured it was probably a legitimate concern.  10 minutes later he returns from the nurse stating he was given a couple of pills to help with his headache.  Problem solved, right?  What he did not tell us was that he hadn't eaten any breakfast, and you all know what happens when you take pain medication on an empty stomach! :)  After I realize he hadn't eaten anything all day, I quickly try to get some crackers for him to eat, hoping it would settle his stomach.  Unfortunately, I was too late.  As I look up from the front of the room, I see him starting to cough and proceded to throw up all over his desk and the boy next to him!  I quickly jump into "mom" mode and hand him the garbage can while trying to console this poor student.   As I am holding the garbage can I see the boy next to him starting to gag (because he was just thrown up on.)  Another student is in the back yelling, "LALALALA!"  Another student says, "Miss, this smells I think I'm going to be sick."  Another girl unpolitely shares, "If he keeps throwing up, I am going to throw up on him."  Needless to say, my classroom erupted in chaos.  As my panicking students are sitting in the room, I tried to calm them down by telling them to breath deeply.  That did not work as well as I hoped, so, what is a teacher to do?  Thankfully, we were in the middle of Bible class.  I said to my students, "The Bible says we can come to Jesus in times of need and he will comfort us.  Open your Bibles and start finding comfort in God's word."  A student responded, "Miss, where do we look?"  "Well, begin in Genesis 1, I guess."  One little boy began reading Genesis 1 aloud as the class followed along.  When my student would throw up, he would just read louder!  "Miss, I am not finding comfort!"  "Keep reading,"  I replied, "It will come!"  Finally, a student shared, "I guess if God created the world, He knows everything.  I guess He would know we need Him now."  

I am pretty sure my whole class thought I was nuts!  Honestly, I thought I was crazy for telling them to read their Bibles as I try to regain control of the class and comfort my sick child.  However, how great that they were able to begin practicing using the Bible in times of need!  Once I got past the initial feelings of all that was happening in my room, I began to laugh.  It honestly was a hilarious moment in our classroom!  

I was also challenged by my students.  They sat and read while I took care of the mess!  One boy even took the initiative to read the Scripture to the class (he will probably become a pastor one day;).  How often do I go to the Bible when my life is in utter chaos?  How often do I just sit and read the Bible when my world seems out of control?  A funny moment in my third grade class caused me to reflect on my spiritual walk as well.

And may you find comfort today in 2 Corinthians 1:2-5:

"Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."

Challenges

My classroom is often a very funny place, due to the language barrier.   Last week, we read a story about sea creatures.  On one of the pages we read the following sentence: "Perhaps we can go to the beach tomorrow."  One student raised her hand and asked, "Miss, what is 'perhaps'?.  I explained that perhaps meant "maybe" or "likely".  I wrote the word on the board and we brainstormed other sentences with this word.   Little did I know how much they loved this word, but how quickly they would forget its meaning.   The next day, students submitted their homework, which was comprehension questions based on our story.   I received some interesting responses.  One question was "What is a baby whale called?"  One little girl wrote, "A baby whale is called a perhaps."  Another little boy answered, "Perhaps a baby whale is called perhaps."  (He was getting closer!)  Another question read, "Why was the character like the turtle?"  One little girl responded, "They were both perhaps."  I think we might need to review the meaning of "perhaps"! :)  They are so funny!  I got a good laugh from their responses.  At least they were trying to use the new word!

This past week I have been watching my students grow in their excitement for the Bible and God!  It is always so encouraging to hear students say, "Miss, I love how the Bible is always filled with good things for us!"  or "God must REALLY love us!"  It is so exciting to watch their love for Bible increase.   Although we had some really great moments in 3B, it was a more challenging week as well. I often felt like Solomon trying to sort through problems and determine who was right and who was wrong.   On Friday, I had two sobbing uncontrollably over another students words.  Two of my boys started fighting during indoor recess and another boy was upset for feeling left out.   It was an exciting time in my classroom.  There were times when I would just pray, "Lord, give me wisdom to help these students solve their problems. "  It is so hard to know who is telling the truth sometimes!

After a long week at school, the fun did not stop.  I am a small group leader for 9th and 10th grade girls.  The school puts on a high school youth group type program for the students, since many don't have any church activities.  I have 5 girls currently, 4 of whom are MKs at the school.  At first, I thought it was funny that I was put with the only 4 MKs at the school.  After praying about it, I really feel that the Lord can use me and my co-leader to help them grow.  I have never been an MK, but I have been a PK and I understand some aspects of growing up in the church and having parents involved in ministry.  The one challenge for me is the fact that these girls are SO smart!  They want to learn more and I just feel unequipped to lead them.  I know God is calling me to step out of my comfort zone to lead these girls, I just pray I may be open to His leading in this small group.  Please pray for these girls to know God in a new way and grow deeper in their relationship with Him.

I immediately left small group to head to my church for a young adults small group.  It was all in Spanish, but thankfully my friend, Jenna, was able to help translate for me.   As you all know, the language barrier has been difficult for me.  On Friday night, I was able to understand some of the lesson, which was huge!  God is at work.  I absolutely love my church and am so blessed by my new friends there.  I pray we will continue to grow in our friendship and challenge each other in our life with Christ.

As I am learning daily, "God does not call the equipped, He equips the called."  May I remember these truths during the challenges and continue to see His calling for my life!

I can't believe how fast time flies.  My days are filled with loving on my precious 3rd graders and trying to help them learn SOMETHING!  As I have reflected over the last couple of weeks, there is a lot God has been showing me and for that I am grateful.

On September 15, Honduras celebrated its Independence Day.   Honduras goes all out in their celebrations.  Due to the holiday, the school gave us the Thursday and Friday off from school.  I am sure many schools would want to celebrate Independence Day in the classroom; however, Pinares went all out.  We are blessed to have many incredible Honduran teachers at our school, who educate the children in Spanish and Honduran Social Studies.  These teachers were in charge of planning and executing a Honduran Independence Day celebration.  When I first heard they were planning a celebration, I thought we might have an assembly or a special activity with our students.  What I did not know was the elementary would have assemblies and activities from 8-1:30pm!  We were all asked to dress in Honduran colors or traditional Honduran dress to celebrate Honduras!  It was a great day complete with a Honduran lunch and Honduran cultural celebration!  My 3rd graders presented a Honduran song.  I was so proud of them.

Here is my precious class of 3B students!

And of course the day would not be complete without a silly photo.  They do make me laugh:)

School ended at 2:45pm on Wednesday.  At approximately 2:50pm, 13 of us teachers departed for a long weekend in Tela, on the Northern coast of Honduras.  We arrived at the bus station about 5 minutes after our bus departed (this was about the only thing that has happened ON TIME here in Honduras!).   I laughed when I heard we missed our bus because literally nothing starts on time!  God worked out a better plan though.  We were able to leave only 15 minutes later on an even nicer bus!  It was great getting a chance to dive deeper in relationships and I was even able to practice my Spanish with a lovely Honduran woman sitting next to me!  

After riding the bus for about 7 hours, we arrived in Tela!  The Lord was good and gave us a beautiful weekend!  I loved getting to know each and every one of the amazing teachers I work with.  It was a refreshing time.   Here are some pics from our trip!

On our way to the bus stop!

Goodbye rainy Teguc.  Hello beautiful, sunny Tela!

Due to recent storms, the water wasn't that clear.  But, we were still excited to be in the Carribbean Sea!

Enjoying a day at the beach!

On our way to hike through the rainforest, our awesome taxi driver gave us each a leche!  It is a really good Honduran fruit!

Some of us hiked through a rainforest.  And by hike, I literally mean, hike.  A man with a machete was cutting the trail for us.  While in the rainforest, I found some vines and thought it could be fun to swing like Tarzan!

To see more photos, go to my facebook page!  The trip was not only good for relaxing, going on adventures and developing deeper relationships with friends, but it also helped me remember where I live.  One night, our group went to a pizza place on the beach.  As we were finishing eating, a little boy came to stand near our table.  He never begged, but stared longingly at our food.  One of my roommates noticed right away and felt called to feed him.  A couple of girls went inside to order food, while I spoke with this boy in the broken Spanish I knew.  I learned his name was Walter.  He was 9 years old and had 4 sisters.  He loved soccer and swimming at the beach.  It was obvious Walter had not eaten in a while, as his stomach was quite bloated.  I was so touched by meeting Walter, I was moved to tears.  I have lived in this country for about 2 months and I had already "forgotten" to look at the needs around me.  It is easy to become overwhelmed with the beggars on the streets and become hard hearted toward some.  Walter did not beg, but in his quietness, the Lord granted his request for food.  God brought Walter to our table because he knew we would feed him.  He knew we would love him.  But, what if we didn't notice?  What if we let that opportunity go?  God would have used others, but I am so thankful he let us get to know Walter in that brief time!  I don't know all of his story, but I have been praying for him constantly since meeting him.  The day following my interaction with Walter, I asked the Lord to watch over Him.  As I was praying I was reminded of the verses in Psalm 19:1-4 which state, 

" The heavens declare the glory of God; 

   the skies proclaim the work of his hands. 
² Day after day they pour forth speech; 
   night after night they reveal knowledge. 
³ They have no speech, they use no words; 
   no sound is heard from them. 
⁴ Yet their voice^[b] goes out into all the earth, 
   their words to the ends of the world."

It was as if the Lord was saying, "I will watch over Walter and I will keep him.  I was with Him before you even met him.  My creation alone will declare my glory and reveal myself to Him."  How I pray Walter will know the Lord.  That He would be a man of God.  

Please join with me in praying for Walter.  How I wish you all could have met this precious child of God.  Pray for his physical needs and spiritual needs.  Who knows who God will put in our lives to minister to and be ministered by?  May we always accept each opportunity as it comes.  My eyes have been re-opened to the needs of Honduras and may I live a life worthy of serving them!