Friday July 29
Heading out to the house we didnt quite complete last night to finish it out. We get there to find that the Son in law had arisen with Honduran sun and had it all finished before we got there ! Not only did he finish the work we ran out of daylight to complete, but he added his own touch.. a set of stairs ! What love and caring for his family! Jesus truly blessed Marta and Claudia with a wonderful son in law and husband.
On to market day! We divided up into teams looking for certain vegetables and produce. I was in team cabbage, along with Lanetta, Shawna, Connie, and Maria. Maria and Lanetta understand spanish the best out of the five of us, so we designated them our negotiators. The rest of us were tasked with just keeping track of what we had already purchased, as we couldnt find the entirety of our order at one vendor. We needed 100 cabbages, most vendors had around 20 at most. Marco, who knows current market prices, gave us X amount of Limperes to purchase those cabbages so we had to make sure we found the best deals :) Those poor little tykes who were pushing the carts carrying our cabbages sure earned the tips we gave them, I think the carts were carrying as much as some of them weighed themselves !!
Then it was off to a neighborhood soccer field where we set up a line for people to fill their bag with nutritous produce (carrots, cabbage, cucumber, bananas, onions) and it still amazes me how those people's eyes light up at the prospect of a decent meal for thier families for the evening. The LORD is awesome and he works miracles here every day !!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Day 11 Marta
Thursday July 28
Today we headed to the far side of Tegucigalpa up in the mountains to build a wood house for 70 year old Marta (Martha in American). She had been sharing a tiny shack with her brother, her daughter Clauda, son in law and their children Antonio, Alejandra, and a small Nina whom I cannot remember the name.. A friend of the family, Jose, came along to help. He was an amazing worker! trying to keep us Gringas from working too hard LOL.
Sean and Ethan were the only males from our group, and carried a good majority of the work. The rest of the crew was female consisting of Lanetta, Shawna, Emily, Sabrina, Maria, and myself. Lanetta had a prior committment for the last half of the day she left around 1 pm. We worked as hard as we could, but we were still a couple of boards short of finishing when we were forced to stop because of darkness.
Marta was positively astonished at how much we had accomplished, and at the size of the dwelling. 16 X `15 ft. I know that sounds very tiny, but for these mountain people it is truly a mansion. Marta's eyes were like saucers when she saw the inside with a hinged door and window, exclaiming *ES GRANDE !!* Then she hugged and kissed us all as we left. I know I felt very rewarded as we left with a huge sense of accomplishment.
Today we headed to the far side of Tegucigalpa up in the mountains to build a wood house for 70 year old Marta (Martha in American). She had been sharing a tiny shack with her brother, her daughter Clauda, son in law and their children Antonio, Alejandra, and a small Nina whom I cannot remember the name.. A friend of the family, Jose, came along to help. He was an amazing worker! trying to keep us Gringas from working too hard LOL.
Sean and Ethan were the only males from our group, and carried a good majority of the work. The rest of the crew was female consisting of Lanetta, Shawna, Emily, Sabrina, Maria, and myself. Lanetta had a prior committment for the last half of the day she left around 1 pm. We worked as hard as we could, but we were still a couple of boards short of finishing when we were forced to stop because of darkness.
Marta was positively astonished at how much we had accomplished, and at the size of the dwelling. 16 X `15 ft. I know that sounds very tiny, but for these mountain people it is truly a mansion. Marta's eyes were like saucers when she saw the inside with a hinged door and window, exclaiming *ES GRANDE !!* Then she hugged and kissed us all as we left. I know I felt very rewarded as we left with a huge sense of accomplishment.
Day 10 the farm
Wednesday July 27
Today we visited the farm. This project is getting off the ground, but when it is complete, it is hoped it will produce both fish and vegetables for distribution to the Honduran people. The vision is that the wastewater from the fish will fertilize the plants, and some of the plants will feed the fish in a self perpetuating cycle that will need very little upkeep once it is in effect.
We weeded rows of vegetables, dug new rows for more plants, raked the grass out of the newly dug rows. Very hard work.. I wonder if I can locate them a used John Deere!! LOL
After the hard work, we traveled to the school for the blind. These kids are simply amazing. They can usually walk around most obstacles simply by listening, hearing others walking about and talking around them. They sang for us, and we sang for them :) We even recognized a few of the songs they sang, and we sang along (In english of course) Then it was back to Julio's for evening Devo and planning. Another Great Day in Honduras !
Today we visited the farm. This project is getting off the ground, but when it is complete, it is hoped it will produce both fish and vegetables for distribution to the Honduran people. The vision is that the wastewater from the fish will fertilize the plants, and some of the plants will feed the fish in a self perpetuating cycle that will need very little upkeep once it is in effect.
We weeded rows of vegetables, dug new rows for more plants, raked the grass out of the newly dug rows. Very hard work.. I wonder if I can locate them a used John Deere!! LOL
After the hard work, we traveled to the school for the blind. These kids are simply amazing. They can usually walk around most obstacles simply by listening, hearing others walking about and talking around them. They sang for us, and we sang for them :) We even recognized a few of the songs they sang, and we sang along (In english of course) Then it was back to Julio's for evening Devo and planning. Another Great Day in Honduras !
Day 9 flooding OH NOES
Tuesday July 26
After a ham egg and cheese croissant Honduran style, we set off to Casa De Esperanze where one group went to try to finish up the block house, and Lanetta and I went to work with one of the Casa workers (Dennis) on a drainage problem. Behind one of the dorms a natural culvert was overflowing and running under the door to the dormitory. Lanetta speaks much more Spanish than I do (which is to say almost nil) and Dennis speaks very little english. It was interesting to attempt communication as to what we would be doing, but Dennis was very patient with us trying to explain :) I learned the difference between Banos (showers) and restrooms (Sanitarias). I learned how to ask for a trowel (Bana al adia?) LOL see Ive forgotten already.
We spent the day mixing cement and mortar, then placing bricks along the culvert behind the dorm to divert the water away from the dorm. We found out very quickly just how hard mixing cement is. WOW never knew I could get so tired ! Thankfully one of the other crews finished their job up rather quickly and showed up to help us finish. Wesley's crew pitched right in and mixed that cement like there was no tomorrow ! Then we spent just a little more time having fun with the Casa kids :)
After a ham egg and cheese croissant Honduran style, we set off to Casa De Esperanze where one group went to try to finish up the block house, and Lanetta and I went to work with one of the Casa workers (Dennis) on a drainage problem. Behind one of the dorms a natural culvert was overflowing and running under the door to the dormitory. Lanetta speaks much more Spanish than I do (which is to say almost nil) and Dennis speaks very little english. It was interesting to attempt communication as to what we would be doing, but Dennis was very patient with us trying to explain :) I learned the difference between Banos (showers) and restrooms (Sanitarias). I learned how to ask for a trowel (Bana al adia?) LOL see Ive forgotten already.
We spent the day mixing cement and mortar, then placing bricks along the culvert behind the dorm to divert the water away from the dorm. We found out very quickly just how hard mixing cement is. WOW never knew I could get so tired ! Thankfully one of the other crews finished their job up rather quickly and showed up to help us finish. Wesley's crew pitched right in and mixed that cement like there was no tomorrow ! Then we spent just a little more time having fun with the Casa kids :)
Day 8 back to work !
Up early and back with Josue to the block house in Santa Ana near the Casa. A lot of heavy work, but we managed to accomplish a lot today. We completed 5 layers of blocks, and we can now see the door and the window! Our crew consisted of Emily, Jeff, Brandon, Lanetta, Shawna, Maria, and myself. It is amazing to see the project getting close to done. When I first saw it, there was only the concrete foundation in place. Brandon and Jeff were just amazing they worked with energy that I know I couldnt match! Way to go boys.
The Honduran sun kissed me until I blushed.. oh wait that is no blush, where is my Aloe vera ?!? We worked until we nearly dropped! Reminds me of my younger days growing up on my grandfather's farm. Afterwards we went just up the street and met a few more children from Casa De Esperanaz. These children brighten at any love and attention , it is such a joy just to sit and talk and watch them. Great work with those Kids Marco and Terri. The beauty of the countryside strikes me anew every day, GOD is such a great artist.
The Honduran sun kissed me until I blushed.. oh wait that is no blush, where is my Aloe vera ?!? We worked until we nearly dropped! Reminds me of my younger days growing up on my grandfather's farm. Afterwards we went just up the street and met a few more children from Casa De Esperanaz. These children brighten at any love and attention , it is such a joy just to sit and talk and watch them. Great work with those Kids Marco and Terri. The beauty of the countryside strikes me anew every day, GOD is such a great artist.
Day 7 Santa Ana congregation and Casa kids
Sunday, July 24
Slept in just a little bit! WOOHOO. Breakfast at 8 instead of 7 :) Then it was off to worship with the congregation Iglesia Christos at Santa Ana (Church of Christ). What an amazing group of brothers and sisters! Singing and praising GOD. Even though I understand almost no spanish, I could feel the love and sharing atmosphere. These people glorify GOD through worship, and it was an honor to be welcomed to their service :) They introduced a new preacher, many tears were shed. After a short meet and greet after service, it was off to the Falls to an afternoon visiting with the casa kids.
We brought along sandwich fixings, Ham Turkey and Chicken, as well as cookies for the kids. What a treat, the Kids from Casa de Esperanza are so loving and joyful, full of life. The falls are very milky and I asked Marc about this. He informed me they are a mineral spring, and quite warm. Very gorgeous ! Watching Lanetta play fish was well worth the trip !
I ended up carrying one of the casa kids, Marjorie, on the way back as she was trying desperately to catch up to *Papi*. The kids love Marco ! She refused to stop to put her shoes on because she was afraid Marc would get too far ahead :) Lucky for her, someone was there to tote her around!! LOL
Slept in just a little bit! WOOHOO. Breakfast at 8 instead of 7 :) Then it was off to worship with the congregation Iglesia Christos at Santa Ana (Church of Christ). What an amazing group of brothers and sisters! Singing and praising GOD. Even though I understand almost no spanish, I could feel the love and sharing atmosphere. These people glorify GOD through worship, and it was an honor to be welcomed to their service :) They introduced a new preacher, many tears were shed. After a short meet and greet after service, it was off to the Falls to an afternoon visiting with the casa kids.
We brought along sandwich fixings, Ham Turkey and Chicken, as well as cookies for the kids. What a treat, the Kids from Casa de Esperanza are so loving and joyful, full of life. The falls are very milky and I asked Marc about this. He informed me they are a mineral spring, and quite warm. Very gorgeous ! Watching Lanetta play fish was well worth the trip !
I ended up carrying one of the casa kids, Marjorie, on the way back as she was trying desperately to catch up to *Papi*. The kids love Marco ! She refused to stop to put her shoes on because she was afraid Marc would get too far ahead :) Lucky for her, someone was there to tote her around!! LOL
Day 6 Hospital Esquela
Saturday July 23
Hospital Esquela (teaching hospital) Lanetta Dusty and I went to the pediatrics ward where visited and prayed with many sick children ranging from a few days to teens. Teen patients seemed extremely grateful to receive prayers on their behalf, and mothers of the infants were definitely happy to have us beseeching the LORD on their children's welfare.
I have to be very honest, hospital visitation is my least favorite area of Christian ministry. It leaves me emotionally drained, it is very hard for me to see people in such pain and suffering. Yet I did as the LORD commanded and visited and prayed with them, asking the LORD to see these suffering people through their illness and back to their much needed health. Many difficult cases awaited the learning physicians there and we prayed that GOD would be with those interns as they gathered knowledge and that he would grant them the wisdom to use that knowledge to the benefit of the sick and suffering.
After leaving the Hospital, we stopped by the October 21 project which is a home for juvenile boys who had been living on the streets. Some excitement ensued very soon after we arrived as one of the boys took advantage of our distraction to attempt an escape so we left before getting to truly learn more about the center.
Hospital Esquela (teaching hospital) Lanetta Dusty and I went to the pediatrics ward where visited and prayed with many sick children ranging from a few days to teens. Teen patients seemed extremely grateful to receive prayers on their behalf, and mothers of the infants were definitely happy to have us beseeching the LORD on their children's welfare.
I have to be very honest, hospital visitation is my least favorite area of Christian ministry. It leaves me emotionally drained, it is very hard for me to see people in such pain and suffering. Yet I did as the LORD commanded and visited and prayed with them, asking the LORD to see these suffering people through their illness and back to their much needed health. Many difficult cases awaited the learning physicians there and we prayed that GOD would be with those interns as they gathered knowledge and that he would grant them the wisdom to use that knowledge to the benefit of the sick and suffering.
After leaving the Hospital, we stopped by the October 21 project which is a home for juvenile boys who had been living on the streets. Some excitement ensued very soon after we arrived as one of the boys took advantage of our distraction to attempt an escape so we left before getting to truly learn more about the center.
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