It is interesting how kids are. They thrive on responsibility and routine, and without these things there is chaos. As I have mentioned, all of the kids love Haley and want to play with her all of the time. I have given two girls a little extra responsibility in watching Haley and making sure she doesn't get hurt. Ana and Cindy always make sure Haley has water, that the other kids share their snack with her, and that she is included in what is going on. Ana likes to help change her clothes and her diaper when needed. Cindy likes to help her explore the world.
I just met Ana in July, but I have known Cindy for 4 years. Four years ago, I could not ever imagine trusting Cindy with anything or anyone, especially not my little girl. Now Cindy takes good care of Haley. Today, when Haley and Cindy were playing, Haley ran off the trampoline. Cindy ran to me and apologized for allowing it to happen, and that she tried to catch her, but Haley was too fast. Cindy had a look of terror in her eyes when she thought she might not get to play with Haley anymore. I gave her a hug and told her I knew it was an accident and it wasn't her fault.
Most days, since we have been here, Cindy has behaved very well. I praise God in the improvements in her behavior. Both Cindy and Ana have taken their extra responsibility seriously, and with that responsibility, they have behaved better too.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Visitation
Every month most of the kids get the opportunity to visit with their parents for two hours. Some have been taken from the home for abuse or neglect. Other kids have been given over to the government because the parents just do not know what to do with their children, and still others are removed by the government for abject poverty. So long as they haven't been abused by their parents they have visitation rights. Eight of the kids rode into town with Matt and my dad, and six rode to Sabana Grande with me and my mom.
Somehow, Ana and Jose's dad is dating Doris, Reina, Fernando, and Katy's mom. No one really knows how this came about, but it makes the visitation for these six kids a little more convenient. They are too poor to catch a bus in to town. Neither can read or write. The mother can barely count, and when she was having to come into the city, she came to visitation on the wrong day and then wouldn't be able to come back on the right day.
As we turned on to the street that leads up to the house, the parents were waiting for us. It is about 3 miles from the road to their house, and they walked down to meet the kids. When we headed home, they also rode down to say goodbye to the kids and walked back home.
The parents live in a 10X10 house or smaller with a dirt floor. They had an outdoor stove. As any parent would be, they were very excited to see the kids. The kids brought some lunch and juice to share with their parents, and the parents had bought a Coke that they wanted to share with their kids. We brought Haley with us, and they were ecstatic to meet a gringa baby. They were excited to share some coke with me and my mom too.
About 100 meters from the house is a park. The kids all wanted to play there with Haley. Ana took good care of her and made sure she didn't get hurt. As we all left, the parents made sure all of us had some mangos from the trees behind their house.
The mom is not mentally capable of taking care of the kids, and the dad clearly loves his two with all of his heart, but was not able to feed them. These parents love their kids so much, and I felt honored that I was able to be a part of their special time with the kids.
Somehow, Ana and Jose's dad is dating Doris, Reina, Fernando, and Katy's mom. No one really knows how this came about, but it makes the visitation for these six kids a little more convenient. They are too poor to catch a bus in to town. Neither can read or write. The mother can barely count, and when she was having to come into the city, she came to visitation on the wrong day and then wouldn't be able to come back on the right day.
As we turned on to the street that leads up to the house, the parents were waiting for us. It is about 3 miles from the road to their house, and they walked down to meet the kids. When we headed home, they also rode down to say goodbye to the kids and walked back home.
The parents live in a 10X10 house or smaller with a dirt floor. They had an outdoor stove. As any parent would be, they were very excited to see the kids. The kids brought some lunch and juice to share with their parents, and the parents had bought a Coke that they wanted to share with their kids. We brought Haley with us, and they were ecstatic to meet a gringa baby. They were excited to share some coke with me and my mom too.
About 100 meters from the house is a park. The kids all wanted to play there with Haley. Ana took good care of her and made sure she didn't get hurt. As we all left, the parents made sure all of us had some mangos from the trees behind their house.
The mom is not mentally capable of taking care of the kids, and the dad clearly loves his two with all of his heart, but was not able to feed them. These parents love their kids so much, and I felt honored that I was able to be a part of their special time with the kids.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Lights Out Church
The church here meets together several times during the week to sing, pray, and study the Bible. Last night as we were about to walk to church, the power went out all over town. It wasn't even a question if they would still be meeting. Matt and I walked up to the church with a lantern in hand, and very soon after Denis opened the doors to the church the power came back on. We sang a few songs before the power went out again. The second time the power went out, it was raining so hard, it sounded like a jackhammer on the tin roof. Many people just started reading their Bibles with the dim glow of the lantern.
I however sat and talked with my friend Kelin. Kelin and her sister Karol work with the summer groups and are two of the sweetest girls one might ever meet. We couldn't talk in normal voices, but instead we were having to yell in each others ears to hear each other over the rain.
When the rain subsided a little bit, we walked back home. The bridge over the creek on the Casa property was flooded. We were all soaked when we got home. It was dark at home like in the church, and we were all trying to find a change of dry clothes. I found something for Haley to sleep in and a clean diaper for her.
Fortunately, we live in a place with a roof over our head and blankets to keep us warm. Unfortunately, however, many people don't. They had to sleep in a wet home with wet clothes and no blankets.
I however sat and talked with my friend Kelin. Kelin and her sister Karol work with the summer groups and are two of the sweetest girls one might ever meet. We couldn't talk in normal voices, but instead we were having to yell in each others ears to hear each other over the rain.
When the rain subsided a little bit, we walked back home. The bridge over the creek on the Casa property was flooded. We were all soaked when we got home. It was dark at home like in the church, and we were all trying to find a change of dry clothes. I found something for Haley to sleep in and a clean diaper for her.
Fortunately, we live in a place with a roof over our head and blankets to keep us warm. Unfortunately, however, many people don't. They had to sleep in a wet home with wet clothes and no blankets.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
A day at the Dump
Today is Wednesday. As always, my dad went to the dump today. Matt and I went to the dump the first time he brought food there 3 years ago. A friend that worked with us at Harding when we were janitors gave us $100 before Matt and I came for spring break. We prayed and prayed that God would use that money for his glory. When we got here my dad said he knew exactly what he would do. With that $100 we bought bread for sandwiches, refried beans, and bananas. We went up there having no clue how it would be. Our hearts were grabbed by the extremity of life in the dump. I remember the first time I saw people, cows, buzzards, and rats fighting over the same thing. The first time we went in the men were grabbing and yelling when we didn't move quickly enough. It was a very dark, scary place. The four of us left in shock that any person could live this way. We didn't know how to express our emotion over the life we saw at the dump. While this day was very dark, and very difficult, it was the beginning of the light being brought into the dump.
We went again a couple times in June of 2008 when we were here. There was still nothing calm in the dump, and a lot of tension in the air. I went again today. My dad has committed to going every Wednesday, and in the last 3 years he has built trust with the people living and working in the dump. One thing that has has never changed, nor will ever change is that the dump is a very dark place. Satan loves that people live there, but it breaks God's heart. God does not desire that any of his children live in such despair, but sin entered the world and God is not where sin is. He desire to redeem us of our sin though.
A big change that was easily visible at the dump today was the calmness among the people in the dump. More than once, I didn't realize that someone had stepped in the front of the line and people weren't ready to fight when I handed them food first. They were all much more patient, seeming to know that so long as they waited the food would come. Today people thanked me for their food and many also said God bless you as I handed them food.
After 3 years of consistent work in the dump, the people there consider my dad their friend. Doors have been opened, and as relationships are formed people are starting to learn about God. None of this ministry could happen if it wasn't the people who support it. The last two years the money to continue the ministry to the people who so badly need light has been supported by a fundraiser done through Trey Morgan's blog. This year's fundraiser will be May 4.
My desire for you is to pray for this ministry and the people living and working in the dump not just on this day, but everyday. Also, many of us are fasting for 30 hours on May 4. I will be starting mine after lunch on Tuesday May 3 and going until dinner on Wednesday. Finally, if God moves you to you can support this ministry. God has great plans for this ministry, we know that.
We went again a couple times in June of 2008 when we were here. There was still nothing calm in the dump, and a lot of tension in the air. I went again today. My dad has committed to going every Wednesday, and in the last 3 years he has built trust with the people living and working in the dump. One thing that has has never changed, nor will ever change is that the dump is a very dark place. Satan loves that people live there, but it breaks God's heart. God does not desire that any of his children live in such despair, but sin entered the world and God is not where sin is. He desire to redeem us of our sin though.
A big change that was easily visible at the dump today was the calmness among the people in the dump. More than once, I didn't realize that someone had stepped in the front of the line and people weren't ready to fight when I handed them food first. They were all much more patient, seeming to know that so long as they waited the food would come. Today people thanked me for their food and many also said God bless you as I handed them food.
After 3 years of consistent work in the dump, the people there consider my dad their friend. Doors have been opened, and as relationships are formed people are starting to learn about God. None of this ministry could happen if it wasn't the people who support it. The last two years the money to continue the ministry to the people who so badly need light has been supported by a fundraiser done through Trey Morgan's blog. This year's fundraiser will be May 4.
My desire for you is to pray for this ministry and the people living and working in the dump not just on this day, but everyday. Also, many of us are fasting for 30 hours on May 4. I will be starting mine after lunch on Tuesday May 3 and going until dinner on Wednesday. Finally, if God moves you to you can support this ministry. God has great plans for this ministry, we know that.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Busy Day
This morning the kids all set out on a field trip to the children's museum, and my mom, Haley and I set out on a field trip of our own. We went close to the border to buy pottery for the Casa de Esperanza store. My mom had been buying from someone in Ojojona. A few months ago, they decided it would be more cost effective if they bought directly from the source. The place that the pottery is made is about 3km from the Honduras/El Salvador border. It was almost 100 degrees on the border, while here in Santa Ana it was about 75. We were dripping in sweat the whole time we were there. My mom had brought a few samples of things she wanted to be made. We also chose from several other items that were in the bodega.
While we were there, I sat Haley in a hammock, and she loved it. She played in the hammock for a long time. When she tired of the hammock, she and the artesian's daughter went into the house so that the whole family could meet her. As usual Haley melted hearts and left with gift. Someone gave her a little pink bracelet. Haley was very well behaved and did not fuss at all the entire 2 hours we were there. As soon as we got in the car Haley fell asleep and slept almost the whole way back to Santa Ana.
After we got back to Santa Ana, I took Haley to the house and gave her a little bit of food. When she was finished eating, the kids wanted to play with Haley. A few minutes into Haley's playtime, my dad came up and asked me if I wanted to go with him to look at another possible property for Matt and i to work on. This property was very large. I didn't know that we were going to be hiking, and I was wearing sandals. There was a small trail through the entire property. The land was about 30 acres. If purchased, it would need tons of work, but lots of great things would be yielded from it. The greatest part of this property was the natural spring. We would never run out of water there.
We got back to the house, and my dad asked me if I wanted to take Pamela to the doctor with him. Here they have doctor's appointments from 8-10 in the morning and 4-8 at night. When we got there we were told we were #34 in line to see the doctor. Fortunately, he focuses more on the people who really need to see him than the plastics. One of the plastic women, had been there since 2 in the afternoon. After waiting for a long time in the waiting room, The doctor spent all of one minute looking at Pamela's foot. He told her it was looking good, and that she wouldn't have to come back for a month. Please pray that her foot will continue to heal and that it will stop hurting. It has been another great day. We are sad that half of our time here is already up, but happy that we still have one more week.
While we were there, I sat Haley in a hammock, and she loved it. She played in the hammock for a long time. When she tired of the hammock, she and the artesian's daughter went into the house so that the whole family could meet her. As usual Haley melted hearts and left with gift. Someone gave her a little pink bracelet. Haley was very well behaved and did not fuss at all the entire 2 hours we were there. As soon as we got in the car Haley fell asleep and slept almost the whole way back to Santa Ana.
After we got back to Santa Ana, I took Haley to the house and gave her a little bit of food. When she was finished eating, the kids wanted to play with Haley. A few minutes into Haley's playtime, my dad came up and asked me if I wanted to go with him to look at another possible property for Matt and i to work on. This property was very large. I didn't know that we were going to be hiking, and I was wearing sandals. There was a small trail through the entire property. The land was about 30 acres. If purchased, it would need tons of work, but lots of great things would be yielded from it. The greatest part of this property was the natural spring. We would never run out of water there.
We got back to the house, and my dad asked me if I wanted to take Pamela to the doctor with him. Here they have doctor's appointments from 8-10 in the morning and 4-8 at night. When we got there we were told we were #34 in line to see the doctor. Fortunately, he focuses more on the people who really need to see him than the plastics. One of the plastic women, had been there since 2 in the afternoon. After waiting for a long time in the waiting room, The doctor spent all of one minute looking at Pamela's foot. He told her it was looking good, and that she wouldn't have to come back for a month. Please pray that her foot will continue to heal and that it will stop hurting. It has been another great day. We are sad that half of our time here is already up, but happy that we still have one more week.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
A different kind of Easter
Growing up, Easter was all about baskets full of candy, a crazy rabbit, and egg hunts. Saturday night, we always dyed our eggs together. We always had a nice lunch around a table and wore our fanciest clothes to church. When I was little my mom spent a long time putting my hair into curlers the night before so that it would be curly for church on Easter Sunday. Before we left for church, Mom took tons of pictures. She would use a whole role of film just on pictures of us in our nice clothes with our Easter Baskets. We knew Christ was the reason for the celebration, but HE wasn't the center point of our day like he should have been.
This morning we started without water at my parents house. Yesterday, a kid accidentally broke a tube, and when Denis fixed it he forgot to turn the nozzle back on. The children's home was also out of water this morning for a very similar reason. My dad went an got about 2 gallons of water and told us if we needed more to go get it. Matt, my dad, Haley, and I all managed to bathe using less than 2 gallons of water. If there is a will there is a way. I used more than them in washing my hair. After I took my "shower" I put on the only skirt I brought with me and didn't have a shirt to match it. I didn't have any clean pants, but one pair was significantly cleaner than the other. I went and borrowed a shirt from my mom; I knew she wouldn't mind. After I was dressed (in what honestly was the nicest I had today), I hung the clothes out on the line. Even in Costa Rica, Matt and I usually use our dryer because it doesn't make much difference in the electric bill, but here it makes a huge difference in the bill, so must dry everything on the line.
As Matt and I were hanging the clothes on the line, Jaxson, Brayan, Antonio, Adonis, and Fernando came out with their homemade bows and arrows and said they were going to hunt. A few minutes later they showed us a bucket of 5 lizards that they had found. They were so proud of themselves.
When I got to church all of the kids wanted to sit with Lili which meant that they would be sitting near me. I had Ana, Cindy, Noemy, Reina, Lupe, and Maryuri all to watch this morning. Cindy and Ana love Haley so much, and they kept being distracted by her this morning. I don't really blame them though. We had a great Easter service. It is always an excellent reminder that our King is risen.
For lunch, we did not have a big feast, but we instead had corn tamales stuffed with beans. A sweet lady from church named Ana made them for us the other night. Ana is a very hard worker in the community and loves Jesus with every fiber of her being. There was no egg hunt, but some friends of Casa sent Easter candy for some of the kids. A few kids asked me why they were getting candy, and I said it is a tradition in the States on Easter Sunday for kids to get a little bit of candy. They were satisfied with that. Cici and Cindy both decided to share their entire packages of Skittles with Haley. Cindy also gave Haley a piece of gum and a few minutes later asked me if Haley was big enough to have it. I said that she wasn't because she doesn't know how to chew it and not swallow it. Then she very guiltily said that she thinks Haley may have already swallowed it. I think except for the piece of chocolate that was in the bag, Cindy gave her entire bag of Easter goodies to Haley.
In the afternoon my parents, Matt, Lili and I hopped in the car to go for a drive. This was very enjoyable because it was the first time since we got here that just our family was together without someone else around. We drove a long way south, but it felt very north. I don't know the name of the village we drove to, if it even had a name. But at the bottom of the town there was a river. We went to the river and Haley watched the tadpole swim and threw rocks. Typical to Haley, she tried to pick up rocks that were bigger than she is. It was really funny to watch her try to pick up rocks that were about 50 pounds. Haley really wanted to go play in the water but didn't understand why she couldn't.
We left the river with the plans to go eat in Ojojona, but when we got to Ojojona, all of the lights were out. Plan B was a fried chicken stand here in Santa Ana, but the lights here were out too. We decided that since Haley was sleeping we would go on to Tegucigalpa to eat at Popeyes. I love that chicken at Popeyes. Yum.
We got home and everyone went to bed very soon thereafter. While this Easter was celebrated like no other before, I am eternally grateful that Sunday came and Christ had risen. Chocolate eggs does not change that one bit. Let us rejoice on Easter that HE is risen, but let us also rejoice every day that we live.
Maybe tomorrow I will do one of my favorite Easter traditions with Haley and dye eggs.
This morning we started without water at my parents house. Yesterday, a kid accidentally broke a tube, and when Denis fixed it he forgot to turn the nozzle back on. The children's home was also out of water this morning for a very similar reason. My dad went an got about 2 gallons of water and told us if we needed more to go get it. Matt, my dad, Haley, and I all managed to bathe using less than 2 gallons of water. If there is a will there is a way. I used more than them in washing my hair. After I took my "shower" I put on the only skirt I brought with me and didn't have a shirt to match it. I didn't have any clean pants, but one pair was significantly cleaner than the other. I went and borrowed a shirt from my mom; I knew she wouldn't mind. After I was dressed (in what honestly was the nicest I had today), I hung the clothes out on the line. Even in Costa Rica, Matt and I usually use our dryer because it doesn't make much difference in the electric bill, but here it makes a huge difference in the bill, so must dry everything on the line.
As Matt and I were hanging the clothes on the line, Jaxson, Brayan, Antonio, Adonis, and Fernando came out with their homemade bows and arrows and said they were going to hunt. A few minutes later they showed us a bucket of 5 lizards that they had found. They were so proud of themselves.
When I got to church all of the kids wanted to sit with Lili which meant that they would be sitting near me. I had Ana, Cindy, Noemy, Reina, Lupe, and Maryuri all to watch this morning. Cindy and Ana love Haley so much, and they kept being distracted by her this morning. I don't really blame them though. We had a great Easter service. It is always an excellent reminder that our King is risen.
For lunch, we did not have a big feast, but we instead had corn tamales stuffed with beans. A sweet lady from church named Ana made them for us the other night. Ana is a very hard worker in the community and loves Jesus with every fiber of her being. There was no egg hunt, but some friends of Casa sent Easter candy for some of the kids. A few kids asked me why they were getting candy, and I said it is a tradition in the States on Easter Sunday for kids to get a little bit of candy. They were satisfied with that. Cici and Cindy both decided to share their entire packages of Skittles with Haley. Cindy also gave Haley a piece of gum and a few minutes later asked me if Haley was big enough to have it. I said that she wasn't because she doesn't know how to chew it and not swallow it. Then she very guiltily said that she thinks Haley may have already swallowed it. I think except for the piece of chocolate that was in the bag, Cindy gave her entire bag of Easter goodies to Haley.
In the afternoon my parents, Matt, Lili and I hopped in the car to go for a drive. This was very enjoyable because it was the first time since we got here that just our family was together without someone else around. We drove a long way south, but it felt very north. I don't know the name of the village we drove to, if it even had a name. But at the bottom of the town there was a river. We went to the river and Haley watched the tadpole swim and threw rocks. Typical to Haley, she tried to pick up rocks that were bigger than she is. It was really funny to watch her try to pick up rocks that were about 50 pounds. Haley really wanted to go play in the water but didn't understand why she couldn't.
We left the river with the plans to go eat in Ojojona, but when we got to Ojojona, all of the lights were out. Plan B was a fried chicken stand here in Santa Ana, but the lights here were out too. We decided that since Haley was sleeping we would go on to Tegucigalpa to eat at Popeyes. I love that chicken at Popeyes. Yum.
We got home and everyone went to bed very soon thereafter. While this Easter was celebrated like no other before, I am eternally grateful that Sunday came and Christ had risen. Chocolate eggs does not change that one bit. Let us rejoice on Easter that HE is risen, but let us also rejoice every day that we live.
Maybe tomorrow I will do one of my favorite Easter traditions with Haley and dye eggs.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
A Great Day for a Picnic
Today, began like most Saturdays at Casa de Esperanza do... wake up, have devotional, eat breakfast, do chores... Well, after the chores were all done, which for us is no easy task ensuring that 19 children do their chore, and do it well, a small group was coming. Only a group of five was coming, most of which the kids had met. Thankfully, everyone behaved well while the group was there. After the group left, all of the kids had to help pick up trash around the property. No one wanted to do this, but they had been told that if they didn't help they would not get to go to the park and have a picnic. Everyone wanted to go for the picnic.
The park is only about a quarter of a mile away. We all walked there together. When we arrived, they had set up 3 pools. No one had their swimsuits, and everyone wanted to swim. Also, it cost to get in to the pool. Most of the kids just wanted to swim, but we told them NO, so they just sat and looked at the pools. Really, though, they played a lot too. There are a bunch of things to climb at the park. Cindy and Ana toted Haley around as if she was their baby doll. They helped her up the slide, and helped her down.
By the time my dad arrived to the park with the food everyone was very hungry. Elbia had made chicken nuggets and rice for everyone. I think kids universally love chicken nuggets. Being the day before Easter and the last of everyone on holiday, we were not the only ones who thought a picnic at the park was a great idea. Every table at the park was taken by the time we left. When we got home, everyone was tired, and no one spent much time fighting off their nap (no one except Haley anyway).
In spite of the fact that no one got to swim, we all had a great time at the park today. Haley has become the new favorite toy of the girls here at Casa de Esperanza. Some of them have told on others because they won't share "the Lili". I have to remind them that she is not a toy to be faught over, but a person that can play with everyone.
The park is only about a quarter of a mile away. We all walked there together. When we arrived, they had set up 3 pools. No one had their swimsuits, and everyone wanted to swim. Also, it cost to get in to the pool. Most of the kids just wanted to swim, but we told them NO, so they just sat and looked at the pools. Really, though, they played a lot too. There are a bunch of things to climb at the park. Cindy and Ana toted Haley around as if she was their baby doll. They helped her up the slide, and helped her down.
By the time my dad arrived to the park with the food everyone was very hungry. Elbia had made chicken nuggets and rice for everyone. I think kids universally love chicken nuggets. Being the day before Easter and the last of everyone on holiday, we were not the only ones who thought a picnic at the park was a great idea. Every table at the park was taken by the time we left. When we got home, everyone was tired, and no one spent much time fighting off their nap (no one except Haley anyway).
In spite of the fact that no one got to swim, we all had a great time at the park today. Haley has become the new favorite toy of the girls here at Casa de Esperanza. Some of them have told on others because they won't share "the Lili". I have to remind them that she is not a toy to be faught over, but a person that can play with everyone.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Some things change, but others never do
Four years ago after Matt and I got married, we had an internship here in Honduras. My parents had not moved here yet, so we stayed in their house for the summer. That summer was one of the most difficult summers of my life, but it was also the best. We desired that each child in the home knew that we loved them no matter how they behaved. That summer they tried to see where the limit was of where we would no longer love them. The ones we had the most difficulty with are the ones that have the most special place in our heart even today.
Pamela had lived an unthinkable life until she came to Casa de Esperanza. Her eyes were dark, and she hardly ever smiled. She back talked all the time, and refused to listen to anyone. Somewhere during that summer we connected with her and welcomed her into our hearts. She knows we care for her, and she knows that will never change. Now Pamela is somewhat of a perfectionist, and would rather be in the kitchen helping the staff than playing with the little kids. She is beautiful and smiles a lot now. So much about her has changed. Pamela really does not like new people. She stays away from them as much as possible. That makes it even more special to me that she cares for us so much.
Cindy was abused many times, and was one of the most difficult children to deal with. It seemed that there was not a single punishment that would calm her down. Nevertheless, we made sure to tell her many times a day that we loved her and that she was a very special little girl. Cindy still has her stubborn streaks, but she is so much calmer. When I was here in the summer, she said to me that she knew she was bad the first summer we were there, but that she also knew we had a place in her heart forever.
As we have not been here much in the last few years, we can very easily see the physical and behavioral changes in all of the children. They are all growing up and changing immensely. But in the midst of all of the changes, one thing that never changes is their desire to know they are loved regardless. Tonight, I was putting Adonis and Lupita to bed because their house mom is off for a couple days. They are brother and sister and have just been here about a month. As I tucked them in and told them I love them, Adonis' face beamed. Everyone needs to hear that they are loved, especially people who haven't heard it much in their lives. Pray that God continues to teach us the importance of love.
Pamela had lived an unthinkable life until she came to Casa de Esperanza. Her eyes were dark, and she hardly ever smiled. She back talked all the time, and refused to listen to anyone. Somewhere during that summer we connected with her and welcomed her into our hearts. She knows we care for her, and she knows that will never change. Now Pamela is somewhat of a perfectionist, and would rather be in the kitchen helping the staff than playing with the little kids. She is beautiful and smiles a lot now. So much about her has changed. Pamela really does not like new people. She stays away from them as much as possible. That makes it even more special to me that she cares for us so much.
Cindy was abused many times, and was one of the most difficult children to deal with. It seemed that there was not a single punishment that would calm her down. Nevertheless, we made sure to tell her many times a day that we loved her and that she was a very special little girl. Cindy still has her stubborn streaks, but she is so much calmer. When I was here in the summer, she said to me that she knew she was bad the first summer we were there, but that she also knew we had a place in her heart forever.
As we have not been here much in the last few years, we can very easily see the physical and behavioral changes in all of the children. They are all growing up and changing immensely. But in the midst of all of the changes, one thing that never changes is their desire to know they are loved regardless. Tonight, I was putting Adonis and Lupita to bed because their house mom is off for a couple days. They are brother and sister and have just been here about a month. As I tucked them in and told them I love them, Adonis' face beamed. Everyone needs to hear that they are loved, especially people who haven't heard it much in their lives. Pray that God continues to teach us the importance of love.
A House Full of Dreams
I briefly mentioned yesterday about looking at a house that we hope to live and work in when we arrive in September. As we arrived on the property I could just imagine all of the work that we would do there, and for this reason I was filled with excitement. Currently the house sits on a couple acres of land. The house needs lots of work, but when it is finished, it will be amazing. The house has 4 rooms downstairs with a large room upstairs that can be made into 3 or 4 smaller rooms. We are hoping for our family to take a couple of the downstairs rooms and for a couple of the other downstairs rooms to be transformed into training centers. The property has a neat outdoor kitchen with a great place to eat there too.
As we walked through the house, I could picture all of the great things that God is going to do in that house. Please pray that the price of this house is just right. Pray that the purchase of it can be made before June so that this can be a summer project for the groups. Thanks you for your continued prayers.
As we walked through the house, I could picture all of the great things that God is going to do in that house. Please pray that the price of this house is just right. Pray that the purchase of it can be made before June so that this can be a summer project for the groups. Thanks you for your continued prayers.
Healing Rain
After living through one of the worst rainy seasons in Costa Rica, I felt that I might not ever rejoice in rain again. However, here in Honduras, the country has been so dry. Everything has turned brown, and wild fires have been going through their country in all of their fury. Tuesday all 3 flights from San Salvador to Tegucigalpa were canceled because there was so much smoke in the air the pilots wouldn't have been able to see well enough to land. Many people all over the country were praying that the rain would return. Here in Santa Ana it was difficult to breathe as there was so much smoke in the air. Last night we were able to sleep with the calming sound of rain falling on a tin roof. More than the pleasantness of the sound, we rejoiced that once again the land would begin to be nourished and the damaging fires would be extinguished; also, as the fires go and the rains come, the crops will begin to grow. Please pray that the rains continue, but that the rains to not become floods.
A few years ago, Micheal W. Smith sung a song about Healing Rain. Every year when the rains return, I think of this song:
Healing rain is coming down
It's coming nearer to this old town
Rich and poor, weak and strong
It's bringing mercy, it won't be long
Healing rain is coming down
It's coming closer to the lost and found
Tears of joy, and tears of shame
Are washed forever in Jesus' name
Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain
Lift your heads, let us return
To the mercy seat where time began
And in your eyes, I see the pain
Come soak this dry heart with healing rain
And only You, the Son of man
Can take a leper and let him stand
So lift your hands, they can be held
By someone greater, the great I Am
Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain
To be washed in Heaven's rain...
Healing rain is falling down
Healing rain is falling down
I'm not afraid
I'm not afraid...
A few years ago, Micheal W. Smith sung a song about Healing Rain. Every year when the rains return, I think of this song:
Healing rain is coming down
It's coming nearer to this old town
Rich and poor, weak and strong
It's bringing mercy, it won't be long
Healing rain is coming down
It's coming closer to the lost and found
Tears of joy, and tears of shame
Are washed forever in Jesus' name
Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain
Lift your heads, let us return
To the mercy seat where time began
And in your eyes, I see the pain
Come soak this dry heart with healing rain
And only You, the Son of man
Can take a leper and let him stand
So lift your hands, they can be held
By someone greater, the great I Am
Healing rain, it comes with fire
So let it fall and take us higher
Healing rain, I'm not afraid
To be washed in Heaven's rain
To be washed in Heaven's rain...
Healing rain is falling down
Healing rain is falling down
I'm not afraid
I'm not afraid...
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Adventures in Travel
We are here in Tegucigalpa, and it was an experience getting here. Tuesday morning, we planned on not doing anything at home for breakfast because we did not want to dirty up any dishes so we headed for donuts. Haley had thrown up Monday night, but she seemed to be feeling great Tuesday morning. However, we knew something was wrong with Haley when she hardly touched her donut. After breakfast, we planned on walking to the school to get our grades and say bye to some friends that are leaving Costa Rica while we are here in Honduras and going on to their field of service. Before we even got to the school, Haley once again began to throw up. I won't lie, I made Haley walk home from there because I did not want her puke on me. Poor thing wasn't upset that I made her walk, but that I had her binky with throwup on it and that I wouldn't give it to her. We got back home, put her in her third set of clothes for the day (although it was only 7:30).
We got to the airport and through security early, meanwhile, I was fervently praying that Haley would not get sick while we traveled. Thanks to God she didn't. I wouldn't have handled that very well. We had to change planes in El Salvador, but after much waiting, we were told that our flight was canceled. All three of us were a bit tired and cranky at this point, but relieved when they told us that we would be staying in the Intercontinental. We had a nice room with a down comforter, a big flat-screen TV, and a shower that produced really hot water with pressure. They also gave us a free hour of internet and a free 5 minute international phone call. We were allowed to eat dinner and breakfast no expense to us at the hotel. However, we promised Haley pizza earlier in the day. She loves pizza and was very cranky. We knew that she could play in the playplace while eating her favorite food and she would be a very happy camper. Thankfully this was the case. After dinner we headed back to the hotel to go to bed. That bed was the softest most comfortable bed I have ever slept in.
This morning we were supposed to be downstairs for breakfast at 5:30 and we would leave for the airport to get on our next flight. I didn't know that all of our boarding passes for today were already printed, so I had a slight worry that we might not make it on the earliest flight to Tegucigalpa today. Fortunately, all of us made it on the flight this morning with a couple seats to spare., and we ended up with another stamp on our passport that none of us have had before.
We arrived in Tegucigalpa, and my dad with his special badge walked all the way back to migration where they check our passports. Oh we were so happy to see him!! Haley has been saying POP for the last several days. Unfortunately when she saw him she had only been awake about a minute and wasn't really sure about everything going on.
Waiting for us on the other side of customs was Cindy and Brayan. They have both grown so much. Cindy is a beautiful young lady that will turn 10 in July. She has a very special place in mine and Matt's hearts, and she knows it. Brayan is 12, and he loves to practice his English. All afternoon he refused to speak in Spanish to me. Both Cindy and Brayan toted Haley around the whole airport until we sat down to eat.
After eating we piled in my dad's car and headed for Santa Ana! What a great feeling to be going to the place I love so much. Waiting for me in Santa Ana was my mom and 17 other kids that wanted to hug my neck. Mostly, they wanted to hug Lili. Precious child is so good natured. She was clearly exhausted when we arrived, but she let all of the kids get in her face and carry her.
The children refuse to accept that Haley has the ability to do anything on her own. They try to help her walk, climb, jump, or run. I keep telling them that they can play with Haley, but that they must not control her. The love these kids have for Haley us indescribable. I really fear they will love her so much that they will hurt her, but I hope not.
After playing with the kids for a few hours, my dad asked if we wanted to look at a property in Ojojona (no Sherry, we didn't walk). This is the property where we will one day care for the girls. It is beautiful, but it needs a lot of work. It was so exciting to vision our dream as actually one day becoming a reality. Please pray that everything works out for this property and house to be purchased.
Today I am grateful for another great day in Honduras.
We got to the airport and through security early, meanwhile, I was fervently praying that Haley would not get sick while we traveled. Thanks to God she didn't. I wouldn't have handled that very well. We had to change planes in El Salvador, but after much waiting, we were told that our flight was canceled. All three of us were a bit tired and cranky at this point, but relieved when they told us that we would be staying in the Intercontinental. We had a nice room with a down comforter, a big flat-screen TV, and a shower that produced really hot water with pressure. They also gave us a free hour of internet and a free 5 minute international phone call. We were allowed to eat dinner and breakfast no expense to us at the hotel. However, we promised Haley pizza earlier in the day. She loves pizza and was very cranky. We knew that she could play in the playplace while eating her favorite food and she would be a very happy camper. Thankfully this was the case. After dinner we headed back to the hotel to go to bed. That bed was the softest most comfortable bed I have ever slept in.
This morning we were supposed to be downstairs for breakfast at 5:30 and we would leave for the airport to get on our next flight. I didn't know that all of our boarding passes for today were already printed, so I had a slight worry that we might not make it on the earliest flight to Tegucigalpa today. Fortunately, all of us made it on the flight this morning with a couple seats to spare., and we ended up with another stamp on our passport that none of us have had before.
We arrived in Tegucigalpa, and my dad with his special badge walked all the way back to migration where they check our passports. Oh we were so happy to see him!! Haley has been saying POP for the last several days. Unfortunately when she saw him she had only been awake about a minute and wasn't really sure about everything going on.
Waiting for us on the other side of customs was Cindy and Brayan. They have both grown so much. Cindy is a beautiful young lady that will turn 10 in July. She has a very special place in mine and Matt's hearts, and she knows it. Brayan is 12, and he loves to practice his English. All afternoon he refused to speak in Spanish to me. Both Cindy and Brayan toted Haley around the whole airport until we sat down to eat.
After eating we piled in my dad's car and headed for Santa Ana! What a great feeling to be going to the place I love so much. Waiting for me in Santa Ana was my mom and 17 other kids that wanted to hug my neck. Mostly, they wanted to hug Lili. Precious child is so good natured. She was clearly exhausted when we arrived, but she let all of the kids get in her face and carry her.
The children refuse to accept that Haley has the ability to do anything on her own. They try to help her walk, climb, jump, or run. I keep telling them that they can play with Haley, but that they must not control her. The love these kids have for Haley us indescribable. I really fear they will love her so much that they will hurt her, but I hope not.
After playing with the kids for a few hours, my dad asked if we wanted to look at a property in Ojojona (no Sherry, we didn't walk). This is the property where we will one day care for the girls. It is beautiful, but it needs a lot of work. It was so exciting to vision our dream as actually one day becoming a reality. Please pray that everything works out for this property and house to be purchased.
Today I am grateful for another great day in Honduras.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
BUSTED PRIDE
When I was in highschool I always told a joke where the punch line was YAY FOR THE STUPID KID!!! It became a big joke among me and my friends whenever someone did something dumb, we would all say YAY FOR THE STUPID KID and laugh. Well today, I had a big YAY FOR THE STUPID KID moment.
Today at the park, I thought I would momentarily join in a soccer game of my friends's kids. They ranged in ages from 5-10. As I was running, my sandals flew off, but I decided to persue the act of getting the ball and scoring. Right as I was about to take the ball from Jacob Wilson and score, I tripped on a rock. I did something that Matt said looked like an upside down bellyflop. I got up and had dirt from head to toe. Matt was over on the sides talking, and when he saw my gracefulness on the soccer field, he burst into laughter. Our friends asked if he was going to check on me because the fall looked bad. He said that he was sure I was ok, but that I would probably have to nurse my pride a bit. I was, in fact, pretty embarrased, but I also hurt my food a little bit and have a great big bruise in the middle of it. Matt asked if it hurt to walk. I said tht every step that I make reminds me of my stupidity.
Today at the park, I thought I would momentarily join in a soccer game of my friends's kids. They ranged in ages from 5-10. As I was running, my sandals flew off, but I decided to persue the act of getting the ball and scoring. Right as I was about to take the ball from Jacob Wilson and score, I tripped on a rock. I did something that Matt said looked like an upside down bellyflop. I got up and had dirt from head to toe. Matt was over on the sides talking, and when he saw my gracefulness on the soccer field, he burst into laughter. Our friends asked if he was going to check on me because the fall looked bad. He said that he was sure I was ok, but that I would probably have to nurse my pride a bit. I was, in fact, pretty embarrased, but I also hurt my food a little bit and have a great big bruise in the middle of it. Matt asked if it hurt to walk. I said tht every step that I make reminds me of my stupidity.
A witness
Before we went to Valle de Sol yesterday, we stopped at the park for Haley to climb, swing, and play for a few minutes. I was watching Haley climb and making sure that the little girl didn't fall from a high place, when two boys about 10 or 11 years old approached Matt with a Bible in hand and asked him if he wanted to study the Bible with them. They were not asking Matt to teach them, the Bible, but viceversa. They said that their minister had been really encouraging them to be contagious Christians and to share the word of God everywhere they went. They asked Matt what he was doing in Costa Rica, and he told them he is a missionary. At that point they said God bless you and went to find someone else to study with. How great is it that some children have set out to teach others about God. Why is it that children are not afraid of rejection? I challenge everyone who reads this to be like these children and talk about God with whomever you come into contact this week.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Cafe Britt Tour
Yesterday a few friends from school and I took a tour to the Cafe Britt plantation in Heredia, Costa Rica. It was an adventure getting there as all things are in Latin America. I was the blind guide. All I knew was that Cafe Britt was in Heredia near an Auto Mercado. That is all of the directions we got on the website. We met at 9:00 AM and took our first bus into San Jose. In San Jose, we asked a series of different people to find the bus to Heredia. The bus driver told us we should go to the last bus stop in the center of town, but we saw a taxi line up and decided to get off there instead. We were making casual small talk with the taxi driver and he told us about his favorite place in CR. It was his favorite place because they grow a lot of pot there which makes it a good place to go and relax.
We got to the tour and learned everything from how to plant to how to drink. Our tour guides were funny both in English and Spanish. One lady there was an embarassment to all Americans though because when the tour started in Spanish, she rudely yelled out ENGLISH PLEASE!! One might say that at least she said please, but there was nothing polite about her voice. The my 3 friends and I put our head down in embarassment.
I learned that it takes 3 years for a coffee plant to began to produce crop, but then it produces coffee beans for 25 years. We learned that the fruit on the plant is actually sweet. It is not until the fruit is processed and roasted that it has the delicious coffee flavor. Here in Costa Rica coffee is harvested by hand in March. They harvest in March because they know there is no rain. They also told us that a good coffee will still have a good flavor if you have it cold. We were entertained and educated.
On the way back to San Jose we stopped at Auto Mercado, a supermarket filled with over-priced food items from the States. I bought a couple Dr. Peppers and Cherry Cokes one of each for me and for Matt. I love coffee, but Dr. Pepper and Cherry Coke ranks above all other drinks. Only if I had had some crushed ice to go with it.
While I enjoyed my day with friends, Matt took Haley on a date to Wendy's. For dessert they shared a Frosty. To finish their date they played at the park. Judging by all of the different things on Haley's shirt, I would say that they also had a great day.
We got to the tour and learned everything from how to plant to how to drink. Our tour guides were funny both in English and Spanish. One lady there was an embarassment to all Americans though because when the tour started in Spanish, she rudely yelled out ENGLISH PLEASE!! One might say that at least she said please, but there was nothing polite about her voice. The my 3 friends and I put our head down in embarassment.
I learned that it takes 3 years for a coffee plant to began to produce crop, but then it produces coffee beans for 25 years. We learned that the fruit on the plant is actually sweet. It is not until the fruit is processed and roasted that it has the delicious coffee flavor. Here in Costa Rica coffee is harvested by hand in March. They harvest in March because they know there is no rain. They also told us that a good coffee will still have a good flavor if you have it cold. We were entertained and educated.
On the way back to San Jose we stopped at Auto Mercado, a supermarket filled with over-priced food items from the States. I bought a couple Dr. Peppers and Cherry Cokes one of each for me and for Matt. I love coffee, but Dr. Pepper and Cherry Coke ranks above all other drinks. Only if I had had some crushed ice to go with it.
While I enjoyed my day with friends, Matt took Haley on a date to Wendy's. For dessert they shared a Frosty. To finish their date they played at the park. Judging by all of the different things on Haley's shirt, I would say that they also had a great day.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
10 Funny things that Haley says
Haley says lots of really funny things. Part of this is simply because she is not even two and is learning to talk. Part of this is also because not only is she learning English but also Spanish, so many of her expressions are Spanglish
1. As she is swinging or on the slide she yells PEEEEEE. She thinks she is yelling WEEE!
2. When she holds her hand out and says MONEY PWEES MONEY she is not asking for MONEY, but for her GUMMY VITAMINS.
3. Whenever she is in the bathroom she holds up her hands and says ASH MANOS. This is one of her Spanglish combos. She is wanting to wash her hands, and MANO is the word for hand in Spanish.
4. She says a lot of words backwards, the most common is cup. When she wants her drink she says PUCK.
5. Her favorite songs are ITSY BITSY SPIDER, THE BUTTERFLY SONG, THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE, and PIGGIE TOES. She frequently says PIDER, BUF-Y, GITE, and PIGGY doing part of the motions to the songs indicating which she wants us to sing.
6. Every meal we hear MORE, MAS. MORE, MAS. MORE, MAS. Mas means more in Spanish. It surprises me still that she knows what they both mean.
7. The second Haley wakes up from her nap she comes to find us and says PARQUE (park in spanish).
8. Today we saw a commercial to which I responded was kinky then Haley began to yell KINKY KINKY KINKY. Maybe I should be more careful what I say.
9. If we ever mention COKE or CHOCOLATE she will say the corrosponding word until she gets it. It goes much like this - COKE, COKE, COKE PWEAS. COKE PWEAS. CHOCYAT MAS PWEAS, CHOCYAT PWEAS, MAS YA MAS CHOCYAT PWEAS. We hear these phrases many times for hours on end just because someone accidentally mentioned one of these words.
10. When we ask Haley her name she usually says LALA! (Since we call her Lili all the time). If she doesn't say LALA she will say CUK, or MIMI for Chuck and Mary. She loves them so much she even says that their names are hers sometimes. She knows she is being funny because after a couple rounds of this game she laughes and says LALA.
1. As she is swinging or on the slide she yells PEEEEEE. She thinks she is yelling WEEE!
2. When she holds her hand out and says MONEY PWEES MONEY she is not asking for MONEY, but for her GUMMY VITAMINS.
3. Whenever she is in the bathroom she holds up her hands and says ASH MANOS. This is one of her Spanglish combos. She is wanting to wash her hands, and MANO is the word for hand in Spanish.
4. She says a lot of words backwards, the most common is cup. When she wants her drink she says PUCK.
5. Her favorite songs are ITSY BITSY SPIDER, THE BUTTERFLY SONG, THIS LITTLE LIGHT OF MINE, and PIGGIE TOES. She frequently says PIDER, BUF-Y, GITE, and PIGGY doing part of the motions to the songs indicating which she wants us to sing.
6. Every meal we hear MORE, MAS. MORE, MAS. MORE, MAS. Mas means more in Spanish. It surprises me still that she knows what they both mean.
7. The second Haley wakes up from her nap she comes to find us and says PARQUE (park in spanish).
8. Today we saw a commercial to which I responded was kinky then Haley began to yell KINKY KINKY KINKY. Maybe I should be more careful what I say.
9. If we ever mention COKE or CHOCOLATE she will say the corrosponding word until she gets it. It goes much like this - COKE, COKE, COKE PWEAS. COKE PWEAS. CHOCYAT MAS PWEAS, CHOCYAT PWEAS, MAS YA MAS CHOCYAT PWEAS. We hear these phrases many times for hours on end just because someone accidentally mentioned one of these words.
10. When we ask Haley her name she usually says LALA! (Since we call her Lili all the time). If she doesn't say LALA she will say CUK, or MIMI for Chuck and Mary. She loves them so much she even says that their names are hers sometimes. She knows she is being funny because after a couple rounds of this game she laughes and says LALA.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Corazon de Marsmelo
The other day, Matt's grammar teacher told him he had a corazon de marsmelo. In Honduras, the word for "Marshmellow" is besito, so I was surprised to learn that here it is marsmelo (it is actually spelled like we spell it in English.) He laughed at Dixie, and she told him it was a compliment because he has a soft-squishy heart that melts easily for other people. Well today, at our time in Valle del Sol, I decided Emilce also has a corazon de marsmelo.
Emilce is 10, and initially upon meeting her you might thing she has a sassy little attitude. She likes to try to control things in class, but still manages to always show respect for me. Last week she told me that if I didn't bring Lili (Haley), she would quit coming to class. I kind of laughed at her, but at the same time, I thought she might be serious. Last week Haley wasn't feeling well enough to go, but she was better today. As soon as Emilce showed up, she had Haley by her side. It didn't matter to her that Haley was wet from a leaky diaper, she wanted her in her lap. During the singing time (which I didn't lead today, gracias a Dios), she asked if Haley could go with her to get some cookies. I told her Haley would cry if she went away without me, so she said, "Well you can come too, profe." I went and she first bought some cookies, which I assumed were for her, but she bought them just for Haley. She bought some gummy worms for herself and asked me what I wanted. I never cease to be amazed at the genorousity of others who have so much less than me.
After the Bible lesson, Emilce patiently helped Haley color than showed me where the pulperia (small store that sells daily necessities) was where I could buy Haley a diaper. She did not care that Haley is very heavy; she just toted her around all afternoon.
After everyone finished coloring, they had 3 options 1) to learn some English (which several had been wanting to learn to speak), 2) work a puzzle or 3) play outside with a ball. Emilce took option 4 which was make sure Lili doesn't get hurt. She was very gentle with her all afternoon. Before we left, she asked to take Haley to meet her mom at her house, I told her that Matt could walk with her while some other kids and I cleaned up the building. Matt said her house was not nice by our standards, but much nicer than the tin houses with dirt floors in this village. It was a cement block house that was stuccoed with a tile floor. The "kitchen" was a clay oven, and the 2 rooms were separated by a a sheet of tin.
I was reminded by Emilce's love for Haley that you have to have much to have a giving heart. We often make excuses for why we cannot give to others, but to give you just need love and time. That translates in any language.
Don't forget to comment to win a bag of Costa Rican Coffee.
Emilce is 10, and initially upon meeting her you might thing she has a sassy little attitude. She likes to try to control things in class, but still manages to always show respect for me. Last week she told me that if I didn't bring Lili (Haley), she would quit coming to class. I kind of laughed at her, but at the same time, I thought she might be serious. Last week Haley wasn't feeling well enough to go, but she was better today. As soon as Emilce showed up, she had Haley by her side. It didn't matter to her that Haley was wet from a leaky diaper, she wanted her in her lap. During the singing time (which I didn't lead today, gracias a Dios), she asked if Haley could go with her to get some cookies. I told her Haley would cry if she went away without me, so she said, "Well you can come too, profe." I went and she first bought some cookies, which I assumed were for her, but she bought them just for Haley. She bought some gummy worms for herself and asked me what I wanted. I never cease to be amazed at the genorousity of others who have so much less than me.
After the Bible lesson, Emilce patiently helped Haley color than showed me where the pulperia (small store that sells daily necessities) was where I could buy Haley a diaper. She did not care that Haley is very heavy; she just toted her around all afternoon.
After everyone finished coloring, they had 3 options 1) to learn some English (which several had been wanting to learn to speak), 2) work a puzzle or 3) play outside with a ball. Emilce took option 4 which was make sure Lili doesn't get hurt. She was very gentle with her all afternoon. Before we left, she asked to take Haley to meet her mom at her house, I told her that Matt could walk with her while some other kids and I cleaned up the building. Matt said her house was not nice by our standards, but much nicer than the tin houses with dirt floors in this village. It was a cement block house that was stuccoed with a tile floor. The "kitchen" was a clay oven, and the 2 rooms were separated by a a sheet of tin.
I was reminded by Emilce's love for Haley that you have to have much to have a giving heart. We often make excuses for why we cannot give to others, but to give you just need love and time. That translates in any language.
Don't forget to comment to win a bag of Costa Rican Coffee.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Hard questions
Saturday, I met a lady who worked for years in Costa Rica and in Argentina working with street girls. She was telling me about some of the hard questions that the girls asked her. They asked her things like:
There are a few pieces to this puzzle. 1) We live in a fallen world and 2) God has given us freewill. God created mankind to desire relationship with him. He designed us to want to follow him in our hearts. He could have made us like servant-robots that follow him, but then we would have a forced relationship, which really is no relationship at all. Because God gave us freewill, sin entered when Adam and Eve ate the fruit, and there has been sin ever since. God cannot be where sin is. Because of sin he expelled his people from the Garden. Because of sin he destroyed the earth. Because of sin, he separated the languages. The whole time his desire was that people woule choose to be in relation with him. Eventually, he sent his son Jesus Christ to redeem the world. Jesus came here and suffered unimaginable pain so that our sin could be redeemed and we could have relationship with the Father. God does not want any of his Children to be hurt, and his heart breaks anytime someone hurts one of his children. While he desires that sin not be in the world, he provides a way to redeem us from our sin. He can heal our wounds, and he is waiting with open arms. This world is Satan's kingdom, and Satan lives to kill and destroy, but our Lord is a savior from the destruction, and he provides hope.
We know that every aspect of our ministry, people need to bathe in prayer, for hard questions will come up all of the time. Our humanity cannot easily understand the things of God, but we know that he loves us and desires redemption.
- Grandma Sandra, if there is a loving God, why did he allow my dad to do those things to me?
- Grandma Sandra, if there is a loving God, why did he allow my mom to sell me into prostitution?
- Grandma Sandra, if there is a loving God, why did my parents abandon me?
- Grandma Sandra, if there is a loving God, then why did he allow me to be raped?
There are a few pieces to this puzzle. 1) We live in a fallen world and 2) God has given us freewill. God created mankind to desire relationship with him. He designed us to want to follow him in our hearts. He could have made us like servant-robots that follow him, but then we would have a forced relationship, which really is no relationship at all. Because God gave us freewill, sin entered when Adam and Eve ate the fruit, and there has been sin ever since. God cannot be where sin is. Because of sin he expelled his people from the Garden. Because of sin he destroyed the earth. Because of sin, he separated the languages. The whole time his desire was that people woule choose to be in relation with him. Eventually, he sent his son Jesus Christ to redeem the world. Jesus came here and suffered unimaginable pain so that our sin could be redeemed and we could have relationship with the Father. God does not want any of his Children to be hurt, and his heart breaks anytime someone hurts one of his children. While he desires that sin not be in the world, he provides a way to redeem us from our sin. He can heal our wounds, and he is waiting with open arms. This world is Satan's kingdom, and Satan lives to kill and destroy, but our Lord is a savior from the destruction, and he provides hope.
We know that every aspect of our ministry, people need to bathe in prayer, for hard questions will come up all of the time. Our humanity cannot easily understand the things of God, but we know that he loves us and desires redemption.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Fun in Valle de Sol
This trimester, we have been spending most Saturdays working in a poor community called Valle de Sol. There are 3 Bible Classes every Saturday. Little ones who can't read yet (about 3-6), reading kids 6-8, and kids 9-12 in the class that I have been teaching. Normally we have been having 5 or 6 in class, but yesterday there were about 12 in the class. There were only two boys, and they were very quiet. All three classes were being held in the same little one room church building. A group of ladies was having a Bible Study outside the church. We were having to compete with the little kids talking in their class and Chuck and Mary using a microphone in the middle class. I don't know if they got one thing out of class yesterday because, as most 5 and 6 grade girls do, they were all talking and barely listening to me. They told me how much they loved me and that they missed me the last two weeks that I didn't come. It was encouraging to me know that I am actually making a difference to them. Sometimes you never know how much of a difference you are making. I was telling Matt that not many people would love working with girls this age, but that is something I am so excited about. Not all of them go to church on Sunday, so for some of them what they hear in class on Saturday is all the Bible information they hear. It is also interesting to see how much these 10 and 11 year old girls love to color many of them never had the opportunity to color when they were younger.
Please pray that we will be a light to these kids the rest of the time we are here. Remember that if you comment on our blog you will be entered into the free BRITT COFFEE (delicious Costa Rican Coffee) drawing on May.
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