Last night Karen called me saying that a neighbor was looking for someone to tudor her son in English. He goes to a bilingual school and is really struggling in English. I said I could do it one afternoon a week. Yessica (pronounced Jessica) brought her son Francisco over this afternoon.
Fran, as he is called, is a shy 7 year old first grader. I think the other 20 kids here were very intimidating to him. I went through the baby edition of GO DOGS GO with him trying to help him read the words and identify the objects in the book. I drew several objects in his notebook with the word written out. and asked him to learn these objects.
Jackson really wanted to participate in the English class. I kept telling him I could teach him English later. He kept telling Fran that it was easy. Poor Fran would get through a page (there is only one sentance per page) and by the next page not remember the same words he had just learned.
After the class, Brayan, Antonio, and Jackson all asked me if I would teach them to read in English. I don't know how long this enthusiasm will last, but I appreciated it. I told them I was available at anytime and would love to teach them English.
I hope that Fran can catch on to learning a little bit of English, and I hope that the boys here can learn to read in English. If you have any ideas for teaching Fran (7 years) or the boys here (9-13 years) let me know.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Monday, September 19, 2011
Nana and Grandad
While we were in Baton Rpuge, we spent the month with Matt's parents. Cheryl was not used to having anyone in her house as Ronnie had been out of the country for 2 years. It was a big change for all of us. As much change as Haley went through during the month we spent in Baton Rouge, she was always the happiest when we were at Nana's house.
Haley and Nana have always had a very special relationship, and now Haley has a special relationship with her Grandad too. When we lived in the States, Haley saw Cheryl 3-4 times a week. A couple months before we left, we had to take some classes It was very hard on Cheryl to watch her one and only grandchild leave for another country. I imagine it was even harder to have Haley back with her for a while only to have her leave again.
We didn't know if Haley would remember Nana's house or not, but she seemed to. She loved playing with Nana every night when she got home from work and with Grandad when she woke up in the morning. She loves them both so much.
Not only did Nana spoil Haley with an entire suitcase full of new clothes, she spoiled us with new clothes and lots of time eating out. We really enjoyed our time with Ronnie and Cheryl and look forward to the time that they come to Honduras to see us.
Haley and Nana have always had a very special relationship, and now Haley has a special relationship with her Grandad too. When we lived in the States, Haley saw Cheryl 3-4 times a week. A couple months before we left, we had to take some classes It was very hard on Cheryl to watch her one and only grandchild leave for another country. I imagine it was even harder to have Haley back with her for a while only to have her leave again.
We didn't know if Haley would remember Nana's house or not, but she seemed to. She loved playing with Nana every night when she got home from work and with Grandad when she woke up in the morning. She loves them both so much.
Not only did Nana spoil Haley with an entire suitcase full of new clothes, she spoiled us with new clothes and lots of time eating out. We really enjoyed our time with Ronnie and Cheryl and look forward to the time that they come to Honduras to see us.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Eddie and Karen
Eddie White is the preacher of our church in Baton Rouge. His son Jonathan and Matt were great friends in high school. But the Whites continue to mean a lot to our family.
When we moved to Baton Rouge, Karen reached out to me in a big way and made me feel welcome at South. Since we moved to Baton Rouge 3 years ago and now that we are on the mission field they have always been a huge encouragement to us. Eddie and Karen were missionaries in the Czhek Republic for 10 years, and they have been there to talk to us about many of our goals as well as our fears.
Tuesday night before we left, Eddie sent me a message asking when we were going to be at the airport. I didn't respond to it until after 10 and knowing that Eddie goes to bed early, I didn't think we would see him, but he got to the airport before we did. He knew how special that day was for us, and he wanted to be a part of it with us. While we were checking our bags, he took Haley to a store and ended up buying Haley a little monkey to go along with her big monkey. Haley first named it BABY, but she has since decided to name it after the person that gave it to her, Eddie.
As I have said before, we are grateful for the people God has put into our lives all over the world.
When we moved to Baton Rouge, Karen reached out to me in a big way and made me feel welcome at South. Since we moved to Baton Rouge 3 years ago and now that we are on the mission field they have always been a huge encouragement to us. Eddie and Karen were missionaries in the Czhek Republic for 10 years, and they have been there to talk to us about many of our goals as well as our fears.
Tuesday night before we left, Eddie sent me a message asking when we were going to be at the airport. I didn't respond to it until after 10 and knowing that Eddie goes to bed early, I didn't think we would see him, but he got to the airport before we did. He knew how special that day was for us, and he wanted to be a part of it with us. While we were checking our bags, he took Haley to a store and ended up buying Haley a little monkey to go along with her big monkey. Haley first named it BABY, but she has since decided to name it after the person that gave it to her, Eddie.
As I have said before, we are grateful for the people God has put into our lives all over the world.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Marta
Marta is a friend of mine that lives very close to the children's home property. I met Denis and Marta and their boys Denis, Jr. and Cristian many years ago in a neighborhood called Union y Fuerza. Shortly after they became Christians, they also wanted to get marry and make their union right in the eyes of God. When the gangs in Union y Fuerza were so bad, they were able to mov out here to Santa Ana.
Denis works out here. He is a jack of all trades. He has the chickens plummp and the flowers blooming. Everything he touches flourishes.
Marta, his wife left him a few years ago, and none of us ever saw her again. Last year when I came to Honduras with the BR group, she was back. When she heard I was here, she came over shortly after to give me a bird candlestick holder/vase thing. It was really unique.
Today, I realized that Skillet had wandered off. I hoped that he had just gone to Denis' house (which he did, thankfully.) Marta was there and excited to see me. She told me she was going to come over tonight to see my family. I told her I worked till 8 but she came over about 6. Matt was making dinner and Haley was there. As soon as she realized I was in town, she went to get us gifts. I got earrings, Haley got hair barretts, Matt got about 10 hugs.
I love Marta's giving spirit, and wish that I was always as eagar to give of my stuff as she is.
Denis works out here. He is a jack of all trades. He has the chickens plummp and the flowers blooming. Everything he touches flourishes.
Marta, his wife left him a few years ago, and none of us ever saw her again. Last year when I came to Honduras with the BR group, she was back. When she heard I was here, she came over shortly after to give me a bird candlestick holder/vase thing. It was really unique.
Today, I realized that Skillet had wandered off. I hoped that he had just gone to Denis' house (which he did, thankfully.) Marta was there and excited to see me. She told me she was going to come over tonight to see my family. I told her I worked till 8 but she came over about 6. Matt was making dinner and Haley was there. As soon as she realized I was in town, she went to get us gifts. I got earrings, Haley got hair barretts, Matt got about 10 hugs.
I love Marta's giving spirit, and wish that I was always as eagar to give of my stuff as she is.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Potty-training
Yesterday morning, our first full day here, Haley woke up and really wanted to put on her big girl panties. I had planned on waiting a week or two until we got settled, but this was really important to Haley. So I put on her panties with Dora and let her wear them. She did not have one accident yesterday. Today, however, she had 3 accidents.
Everytime she goes into the bathroom she talks about how she is a big girl and wears panties. She is so proud of herself for not being in diapers. We are proud of her too. What kind of child decides on their own to potty train. We thought potty training would make her adjustment harder, but it is making it easier.
Good luck Haley in this new stage of life.
Everytime she goes into the bathroom she talks about how she is a big girl and wears panties. She is so proud of herself for not being in diapers. We are proud of her too. What kind of child decides on their own to potty train. We thought potty training would make her adjustment harder, but it is making it easier.
Good luck Haley in this new stage of life.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
HOME
Five years ago, Matt and I began planning to one day move to Honduras, and today we finally are here. Of all of the places we have lived in the last 5 years, this one really feels like we are at home. We began our day early when we got up at 3:45 so that we would be ready to leave the house at 4:30. We left the house with 6 pieces of checked luggage 2 back packs, a carry-on for Haley, an extra carry-on for Matt, and of course Mojo the monkey under my arm.
When we got to the airport, we saw Eddie White. He had met us at the airport at 5AM just to tell us he loved us and to pray with us. I thought that was very special. There are very few people I would see off at the airport at 5AM when I didn't have to be there. Since Jonathan his son gave Mojo to Haley when she was born, Eddie decided to buy Haley another monkey in the airport. I think she has decided to name it Eddie.
After our sweet happy two year old screamed for most of both flights, we were more than ready to be here. I saw friends Carlos, Patricia, and Josue at the airport. They all work there in some way or another. They greeted our family, but quickly asked where my dad was. I assured them he would be back soon.
We got about half-way between the airport and Santa Ana when it began to rain. That is not unusual because it is rainy season. Unfortunately all of our luggage was back there getting soaked. When we got to casa, all of the older kids that don't have to take a nap were there waiting on us. It was great to hug them and be reminded of how much I love them.
This afternoon, we have been trying to unpack and get settled into my parent's house and into some simblance of a routine. In the midst of unpacking there have been at least 5 times the power has gone out for a few minutes. But that is life here. One thing I know is that tonight I am in the place God has called me to be. I am home.
When we got to the airport, we saw Eddie White. He had met us at the airport at 5AM just to tell us he loved us and to pray with us. I thought that was very special. There are very few people I would see off at the airport at 5AM when I didn't have to be there. Since Jonathan his son gave Mojo to Haley when she was born, Eddie decided to buy Haley another monkey in the airport. I think she has decided to name it Eddie.
After our sweet happy two year old screamed for most of both flights, we were more than ready to be here. I saw friends Carlos, Patricia, and Josue at the airport. They all work there in some way or another. They greeted our family, but quickly asked where my dad was. I assured them he would be back soon.
We got about half-way between the airport and Santa Ana when it began to rain. That is not unusual because it is rainy season. Unfortunately all of our luggage was back there getting soaked. When we got to casa, all of the older kids that don't have to take a nap were there waiting on us. It was great to hug them and be reminded of how much I love them.
This afternoon, we have been trying to unpack and get settled into my parent's house and into some simblance of a routine. In the midst of unpacking there have been at least 5 times the power has gone out for a few minutes. But that is life here. One thing I know is that tonight I am in the place God has called me to be. I am home.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Kin and Donna Ellis
Six years ago I met Kin and Donna Ellis. They came to Honduras with their youth group from Atlanta. I worked with them some, but never thought they would ever be a part of my life the way they are. I remember the next year though being touched by the words Donna said as she led her group in prayer over Casa de Esperanza after a day of working there. Her words were gentle and filled with passion for God to work in big ways there.
Two years after I initially met Kin and Donna, I saw them again in Honduras. Matt and I were married at that point, and we had the great opportunity to spend a couple days with them in Hospital Escuela and at the Special Needs Orphanage. Kin made all of the kids laugh everywhere we went with his magic tricks. I saw them love the children of Honduras in only a way that Jesus could love them. Every child they spoke with smiled, and I know saw Jesus in them.
At the end of the summer, Matt and I had an overnight layover in Atlanta, so we asked to stay at the Ellis home. Kin picked us up and bought us a steak. The next morning when Kin dropped us off at the MARTA station, we hugged and said that we were sure our paths would cross again someday in Honduras.
Two years later, we were living in Baton Rouge when our church hired Kin and Donna to work here with our church. Since the day they moved here they have become a very special part of our lives. We have served the homeless together and eaten many beignets together. They have been here to counsel us and advise us as we prepare to do what God has put before us. We have played a lot of Wii together and eaten many meals. There truly are no words to say how much we love and appreciate Kin and Donna. We thank God for them every day.
Two years after I initially met Kin and Donna, I saw them again in Honduras. Matt and I were married at that point, and we had the great opportunity to spend a couple days with them in Hospital Escuela and at the Special Needs Orphanage. Kin made all of the kids laugh everywhere we went with his magic tricks. I saw them love the children of Honduras in only a way that Jesus could love them. Every child they spoke with smiled, and I know saw Jesus in them.
At the end of the summer, Matt and I had an overnight layover in Atlanta, so we asked to stay at the Ellis home. Kin picked us up and bought us a steak. The next morning when Kin dropped us off at the MARTA station, we hugged and said that we were sure our paths would cross again someday in Honduras.
Two years later, we were living in Baton Rouge when our church hired Kin and Donna to work here with our church. Since the day they moved here they have become a very special part of our lives. We have served the homeless together and eaten many beignets together. They have been here to counsel us and advise us as we prepare to do what God has put before us. We have played a lot of Wii together and eaten many meals. There truly are no words to say how much we love and appreciate Kin and Donna. We thank God for them every day.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Tonya and Trevor
Four years ago our mentor, Marvin, asked Matt and I to participate in an outreach ministry in Searcy where a Bible study group met in a coffeehouse for a time of worship. This group was run by ministry students with the goal of reaching people who were not interested in stepping foot in a church building. There we met Tonya and Trevor. At the time they were engaged. Tonya swore to herself that we would never be friends because all of the students in the advanced ministry program became friends with her and left. She could not bear to form another close relationship, only to lose it.
BUT GOD HAD OTHER PLANS...
God kept putting us in each other's paths where we had only one option, to become friends. By the time we moved away from Searcy, they were so close to us that we strongly considered looking for jobs in Little Rock just to be closer to them. Generally, when people move away, the friendship remains, but is never as strong as when together, but God has drawn us even closer although we are many miles away.
We have spent many hours over the last year on skype, and now Tonya and Trevor have Taven, their sweet little boy. We have had the opportunity to see each other over the last two weekends. I am so grateful that God really wanted us to be friends. A relationship like the one we have with Tonya and Trevor is very unique and doesn't come around very often, and I am so glad they are in our life.
BUT GOD HAD OTHER PLANS...
God kept putting us in each other's paths where we had only one option, to become friends. By the time we moved away from Searcy, they were so close to us that we strongly considered looking for jobs in Little Rock just to be closer to them. Generally, when people move away, the friendship remains, but is never as strong as when together, but God has drawn us even closer although we are many miles away.
We have spent many hours over the last year on skype, and now Tonya and Trevor have Taven, their sweet little boy. We have had the opportunity to see each other over the last two weekends. I am so grateful that God really wanted us to be friends. A relationship like the one we have with Tonya and Trevor is very unique and doesn't come around very often, and I am so glad they are in our life.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Many Emotions
I'm sitting here 11:00 at night with so many thoughts going through my head. I can't believe the time is finally here for us to go to Honduras. We started working on this journey 5 years ago before we were even married. After many obstacles and changes of plans, God is finally allowing us to go and live our dream. But the excitement is grouped with a nervouseness of being in a new place (although it is not new to us, we have never lived there for more than a couple months), a sadness of saying good bye once again to family and friends, stress of trying to get everything crammed into 6 suitcases while only using 300 lbs along with the laundry list of last minute things we need to do before we arrive at the airport on Wednesday morning at 5:00.
Along with all of these things, I am thinking of my sweet girl as she once again has to move houses and change routines. This trip has been hard on that sweet girl. Just now, after being here a month, has she adjusted to being here. At least she will be getting to spend a lot of time with kids who love her.
I am excited to work with Karen, yet a little aprehensive in not knowing exactly what my role is. I am pumped to work with the kids, but worried of how Haley will adjust to my attention being devided.
If you can't tell by these words, my thoughts are everywhere right now. One thing I know for sure though, is that God is great and he is going to use us.
Along with all of these things, I am thinking of my sweet girl as she once again has to move houses and change routines. This trip has been hard on that sweet girl. Just now, after being here a month, has she adjusted to being here. At least she will be getting to spend a lot of time with kids who love her.
I am excited to work with Karen, yet a little aprehensive in not knowing exactly what my role is. I am pumped to work with the kids, but worried of how Haley will adjust to my attention being devided.
If you can't tell by these words, my thoughts are everywhere right now. One thing I know for sure though, is that God is great and he is going to use us.
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