Leaving Honduras...

Well, I made it home safe and sound. Mom, John, Randy, and Joy picked me up at the airport last night. I had delays in Atlanta, so got in about an hour or so later than expected. They took me to Olive Garden for dinner, which was very nice. It was about midnight when we got home. Shay waited up to see me and give me a hug, which I thought was also very sweet.

I have to admit that yesterday was an extremely difficult day. It is hard to put all of my feelings and emotions into words, but I am going to try.

When I walked in to see my boss this morning, he mentioned how I came back with all of my body parts in tact. That was kind of a joke before I left – to come back in one piece, etc. Glenda overheard and commented something to the affect that I am all here except for my heart. I told her she was right. My whole heart isn’t here. 

Yesterday was so hard. To say goodbye to Cindy broke my heart. She had refused to say good bye to Kristian the previous day. She didn’t want to say goodbye to me, but I hugged her anyway. As soon as I went to hug her, she threw her head down and began sobbing uncontrollably. I felt horrible, but I had to hug her. I tried to console her, but she wouldn’t even raise her head. She only continued to cry. Finally, Gracie walked in and said we needed to go. I left the room without seeing her face again. I left her crying, and felt terrible for any pain I had caused her.

Karla had begun crying the day before about me leaving. I spent the last half of my visit in her room. I spent my first night in her room with little Joshua, so we could get some rest and so Shari could too. After that night, Shari became ill, so I just spent the remainder of my time in Karla’s room. Karla came into the room on Tuesday evening, when I was packing some. She was already shedding tears. She reached into her bottom dresser drawer and rummaged around for a few moments. Then she came to me with a handful of Honduran coins. I had already showed her the ones I collected and told her that I really liked them. She also had a stash, but wanted me to have many of them. Then she gave me a beautiful egg-shaped figurine with red roses inside. She wanted me to have it. She has such a giving heart. Before that, she gave me a ring and cross necklace that glows in the dark, which I love. I haven’t taken it off. Every night when I go to bed, it reminds me that God’s light shines even in the darkest of places.

The next morning when she knew I was up, Karla came into the room with Alejandro. I gave her my American coins and a cross necklace. The necklace was actually a gift that John had given me to take to Honduras. It had some beautiful words about love and said to sleep with it under your pillow, etc. I had to give her something, so I gave that to her to her to remember me by. Before I knew it, she was crying again. I just held onto her for what seemed like several minutes. I needed to go into the house for something and I also wanted her to come inside so Gracie could translate for us, but she wouldn’t leave the room. I told her I would be back in a minute. When I got back, she was sitting in the comedor with Alejandro in her arms. Fortunately, she wasn’t crying anymore and came into the house with me.

After saying goodbye to Shari, Cindy, Lourdes (Tutti), and the construction workers I knew it was time to go back in and say goodbye to Karla. This is something I had begun to dread over the past couple of days. She knew it was time too. She was holding Alejandro with tears streaming down her face… I went to her, hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, and told her that I loved her very much. Like Cindy, she was inconsolable.

I kneeled down beside her and kept my hand on her knees. At that point, I was crying too. Gracie told her that I would be back. She told her that I would write her and that we could talk on the phone. Nothing stopped her flowing tears. Gracie finally told me that we needed to go. She said that I should keep it short; the longer I stayed to said goodbye, the more painful it would be for her.

I felt like a criminal. First I made Cindy cry and then sweet Karla. These girls have been abandoned, abused, and exploited by family members who didn’t want them. Here I was, coming to love them, yet I was leaving them too. I didn’t want them to think that I was like the others in their lives. I wanted to tell them that I would be back. I think Gracie explained that we were family and that I would definitely be back. Not being able to say it myself due to the language barrier was very difficult though.

After leaving another young girl crying, I headed outside to the truck. I hugged Lee and thanked him for everything. He said to come back any time. Any time we left the house, the dogs would jump up and down and bark as we drove past the front gate of the house. As I rode by them, I rolled the windows down to say bye, but couldn’t even speak. I knew if I opened my mouth that a flood of tears would begin. Gracie asked me if I was okay. I told her that we wouldn’t talk about it (that is what she told me the previous day when Kristian left).

The ride to the airport was a pleasant one, but I was still sad. The ride seemed a little longer than usual. We made a few stops on the way, but got to the airport right one time. After checking my bags, taking a bathroom break, and exchanging currency, we headed upstairs to eat at McDonalds. The airport in Honduras is like the ones in the U.S. used to be. You can go most of the way in with passengers and even watch the planes landing and taking off.

I know it sounds dumb, but eating lunch was hard. McDonalds was my first and last meal there. Throughout the entire meal, I knew I would have to say goodbye to Gracie and Honduras very soon. I was honestly getting sick at my stomach. I don’t think either one of us wanted to say that it was time for me to go through the security check-point, but Gracie finally did.

We stood up and threw away our trash and slowly walked the 30 feet or so to the security check-point that only I could enter.  As we embraced, she told me not to cry. She knows how I hate to cry! How do you not cry though when you’ve grown so attached to someone? Oh me… After going through security, I walked past windows that I knew Gracie would be looking at. I waved as I walked by, but immediately went to the first restroom I saw to compose myself.

After a few minutes in the restroom, I walked to my gate. I sat down. I wanted to read, but couldn’t think or concentrate on anything other than Honduras and my feelings. I thought I would listen to some music. I pulled out my IPod and turned it on. As soon as it powered on, a picture of Karla and Alejandro popped up. I forgot that I set their photo as my wallpaper. I almost lost it again! I had to turn my IPOD off and just sit there with my mind and heart racing as I waited to board the plane.

After a pat down, a flight to Atlanta, long lines for customs and security, and delays in Atlanta, I made it to Huntsville. I was physically and mentally exhausted by the time I got home. I felt very reflective and emotional. My feelings are mixed. I felt sad and disappointed. I felt glad to be in my own bed and glad to see friends and family again. It was definitely nice to take a warm shower this morning. Still, I find myself reflecting… sighing heavily… sometimes reminding myself to breathe. It’s hard to describe…

It is like I’ve been in two different worlds with two completely different realities. As I flew into Huntsville, I looked 10,000 feet below at the thousands of lights on all of the homes and businesses. I thought about Honduras. Many homes don’t have electricity. The ones that do may have a one light bulb in the entire house. If their lucky, they may have a light bulb in each room. It really is two different worlds; one full of wealth, stuff, and people always wanting more. Another, full of people who do not have clothes on their backs, shoes on their feet, or food to feed their children. The complexity of these two realities that exist in the same world is sort of overwhelming. It makes me question why I am so fortunate and why they are not. It makes me wonder what else I can do to help. It deeply saddens me. It also makes me realize how blessed I am and how I’ve done nothing to deserve all of the amazing blessings I’ve received.

I will write more later… Also, I will definitely post lots of pictures after I get them downloaded. I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and that everyone has a super blessed 2011.

Vallecillo

 Kristian, one of the sweet kids of Vallecillo and Gracie

 Lee and another sweet kiddo

 Me & a very handsome young man

 Me & another handsome young man

Me, Gracie, and the mayor of Vallecillo, Eva Luc Valle

Christmas

It has been a quiet morning in Honduras. Actually, the past few days have been quiet in comparison to the days that we had events. We had a very nice Christmas yesterday. We woke up and read our letters to God. We each wrote one and put it in the tree (a tradition that Lee and Gracie have). I think it's an awesome tradition, one that I would like to do with my family one day. Each letter was so unique to that individual, yet so special. After we read our letters, we had some yummy cinnamon cake, which was a birthday cake for Jesus. We sang happy birthday to Jesus too.

Then we opened gifts. We went around the room and opened them one at a time, so we could each see what everyone received.

After we had our Christmas, we had a yummy breakfast casserole with sausage, eggs, and cheese.

After a delicious meal, children and families began to crowd around the door. We gave out approximately 167 tickets (there were several kids on each ticket). By noon, the front gate was flooded with people. 

We ended up handing out 581 gifts to the children in La Ermita. After we went through the list we had, we had lots of extras. It was a lot of fun. Today, we will be going to El Guante at 1:00 PM to give the remaining gifts. I believe we had over 500 left. After that, I suppose our Christmas mission will be complete. I must admit that being done with all of the events makes me sad. Going into all of the villages and seeing all of the people has been such an incredible experience. I can't wait to post more pictures. I've tried several times, but the internet connection drops, and I lose them.

On Christmas Eve, we had a very special evening. We all shared communion. We also went around the table and shared what was on our hearts. There were a lot of tears but also a lot of laughter. It was simply beautiful. To hear the girls talk about how their families didn't want them, but how thankful they are for their new family... Oh my goodness. It was heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time. To think of where these girls have been, but now where they can go. Karla wants to be a lawyer. Karla will be a lawyer. She wants to be the mother she never had to Alejandro. She already is. What a precious time we all shared together.

All is well, but I still don't have the words...

Gracie told me earlier today that she had several emails and facebook messages from a few concerned people. I just got on facebook and found the same thing. I have not checked my email. Anyway, all is well everybody! I am healthy again - we all are!

We didn't have any events today. Gracie and I got up early to go to Tegucigalpa to get my luggage. We had breakfast at McDonald's, cappuccino at the airport, and finally got my luggage. Fortunately, I had most of my personal items with me on my carry-on. What  I didn't have, they had here (shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, & toothbrush. Praise God, I have my luggage and everything is in there. I wasn't too worried about my stuff, but I was feeling badly about the girls (Cindy & Karla) not getting their Christmas gifts. Fortunately, I don't have to worry anymore.

I know you all expect me to say something profound about Honduras... I honestly haven't been able to put it all into words yet. The other day I was sitting in the car while Gracie was in a store. While in the car, I saw kids sorting through two huge garbage bins of trash. There were also some homeless people going through through the dumpsters. As I watched, I saw a young boy (maybe 10 years old) pull out a piece of aluminum foil. He opened it and immediately ate whatever was in it. What do you say about that? What do you say about two children (a boy and a  girl) standing on the side of the road with an empty cardboard box. Neither of them could have been older than 7 or 8. I'm thinking closer to 5 or 6. Their  job is to collect trash! Trash, people! They are sent to the streets to collect trash!

Ahhh... I am having to remind myself to breathe. The things I've seen and heard here are hard to describe. They are heart-breaking, yet they anger me at the same time. I have seen children around age 3 or 4 sitting near or walking down the streets alone. Where are their parents for goodness sakes? Parents here aren't taught to love and care for their children here like they are in the U.S. Just a few days ago, we had a mom and a girl stay at the mission. It was like they were strangers.

I've heard stories of abductions, rapes, sex-trafficking, beatings, gang initiations, and more that are unimaginable.  It makes me sick at my stomach. Karla was raped every single night for a year by her father! Her father! She became pregnant so he gave her something to try to abort the baby. She ended up at the doctor. Thankfully, it was reported, and she was rescued and later brought here. Imagine the other thousands of boys and girls who are being sexually abused, raped, abandoned, and starved...

My mind is jumping from here to there about everything I've seen and heard... The other night we had a young boy who is about a year and a half years old stay the night with us here at the mission. His name was Joshua. We were gone all day to two of the Christmas events. Gracie had like 6 calls during the day. One of them was about this little boy. He was found in the streets. His mom was raped when she was 13 and became pregnant. They had her case several months ago because she tried to give the baby away. They were both put in INHFA (a place for at-risk children and families). Somehow they got out and were back on the streets. This time, little Joshua was thrown away like trash...

For his one night here at the mission, Joshua was loved. He was held, hugged, and kissed. He got to laugh and play. He was fed. Oh, I forgot to mention that Joshua was on my watch for the evening. I was blessed to feed the little guy. He ate his entire plate of spaghetti and most of mine. He was starving. He drank juice like he hadn't had anything to drink in days. He held onto that little yellow sippy cup so tightly. He didn't want to let it go. He was a doll. I ended up moving to Karla's room that night (and have been there since). Karla is in the house right now until the baby is older and sleeping through the night. Joshua slept in the bed with me and slept soundly. Before he went to sleep and when he woke up, he would just lie there and look at me. He wouldn't take his eyes off me (which is normal for kids like this). They just stare at you with those big brown eyes that beg you to never let them go. Thankfully, I was taking a bath when officials came to get him. That would have been very hard for me.

On our way home from the airport today, we drove past the dump just outside of Tegucigalpa. There are lots of houses all alongside the dump. In these houses are families and children whose job is to go into the dump to collect trash... Can you imagine? First of all, imagine the smell... Just driving by is bad. Living there is another story. I still can't wrap my mind around it. Children live there and go into the dump daily to collect trash. That is their entire life.

I am still kind of astounded by all of the bare and dirty feet and legs. There aren't really any words to describe it. I have photos (which I don't have time to post right now). Still, I don't think they will do the reality any justice. The reality here is that people here are in extreme poverty. They are super, super poor! The homes are wooden planks that the dirt and rain can blow right through. A lot of them don't look big enough to lie down in. Entire families, oftentimes several generations live in these homes. I am trying to think of the house I live in. It isn't mine. Still, I bet you could fit at least 25 of the homes here into that house. How sad is that? In America, we always want more more more. In Honduras, people just want to be able to have a small roof over their heads and some food to feed their children.

I suppose I need to stop writing. My head is still spinning. I keep thinking about these kids up in the mountains. One night their father went out for something. The neighbors heard moaning. They went into the house to find that the young boy had been beaten with a wooden plank and left for dead. The young girl... My stomach is churning as I think about it. The young girl was raped with a wooden stick and also left for dead. Somehow the people were able to carry them both down the mountain to receive help. The girl had to have surgery to repair the severe damage done inside of her... These kids were so traumatized that they couldn't even speak. Through that tragedy, the father came back to Christ. He knew that God saved the lives of his children and he gave his life back to God. Later, the young boy was saved and the mom also came back to Christ. It's a horrible, horrible story. Nonetheless, God can use terrible tragedies to bring great victories.

Life here is hard... It's rough. It's very real. It's like things you've only heard about and only seen in pictures. I'm still wrapping my mind around it all...

I don't know when I'll post again. Maybe tomorrow. If not, don't worry! All is well!

A few quick photos

Here are just a few quick photos of some of the events!

Everyone at Jalteva got a Mitchell Grocery t-shirt & they were soooo excited!

Good day in Honduras

It's been a good day in Honduras. I slept well last night. I slept with the fan on, which helped block out some of the noise. I'm still having some stomach issues, but things seem to be under control now. Gracie has been taking great care of me with soups, jello, Gatorade's, etc.

I have thoroughly enjoyed today. I've got to spend a lot of time with Cindy and Karla, which is beyond a blessing. They are such sweet girls. Alejandro is a doll. I've got to spend lots of time holding him and loving on him.

Right now Gracie and Kristian are gone to get Shari some medicine. She thinks she has a kidney infection. As I type, Lee is working with Cindy on math and counting. Karla is feeding the baby. Shari is looking at the Spanish dictionary, and I am at Gracie's computer.

We had soup for lunch and dinner today. I just had some awesome tortilla things with refried beans and some sort of white creme in them. They were muy delicioso. Gracie told me what they are called. I can't remember though. Even if I could, I probably couldn't spell it!

I still find life in Honduras to be very raw. Today, Gracie, Kristian, and I walked around La Ermita. We went from house to house writing down names of kids for a Christmas gifts on Christmas gifts. There were some excited kids. We ended up having kids running down the streets to give us their info.

The people here are so kind. They would get up from their seats and offer them to us. We saw people of many ages. At one home there was several generations. The grandfather was 98 years old and the grandmother was 90. Lots of kids everywhere. Sometimes up to 20 people in one tiny house. Lots of kids roaming around. They crawl on their hands and feet on the ground - the same ground that the cows, pigs, horses, and chickens are walking on, pooping on, urinating on, etc. It's very unsanitary. We walked past one house with a little boy drinking dirty water with bacteria in it. I asked Gracie is it was the unsanitary water. She said yes. She said they aren't rich like us. They can't buy clean bottled water. It really bothered me. I cannot imagine...

Tomorrow we go to Orica and Guamica (spell check). I'm not sure what time we have to get up, but I'm sure it will be early. It should be another fun day though. I can't wait to see all of those little faces again. I missed seeing them Friday afternoon.

Karla just asked me about my luggage. It hasn't come. I think it's in la la la somewhere. I feel badly. There isn't anything in there that I can't live without. The only thing that is really bugging me are the Christmas gifts for the girls.

I am in a much better frame of mind today, so I want to share something with you. On my first night here, I asked Shari about flushing the toilets. She told me something that was almost poetic. "If it's only pee, let it be. If it's brown, flush it down". That is hilarious. Speaking of which, here are a few photos of the bathroom.

 The toilet. You throw the tissue in the trash can.

I have formed a very special relationship with the two bathroom stalls. I think I am going to borrow Kristian's pocket knife and carve my name or at least my initials in the wooden door. Not really, but I've considered it. I've spent so much time in there. It is really getting personal. lol.

The shower. You fill the bucket and have at it!

Photos from Honduras

How often do you see a donkey on your front porch?

 Cindy & Santos

 A couple of kids at one of the Christmas events

 Me & Karla at Jalteva boys home

 Cindy & I at Jalteva boys home

 Lee & Kristian in the back of the truck

 A little boy at one of the events

 Dirty little feet

Gracie's 78 year old abuela. She was so happy to see Gracie.

 Gracie and the mayor

 Lee, me, and one of the sweet kids

 Me after giving out some gifts

 Look at those eyes

Me handing out shirts @ Jalteva

 I couldn't get this poor little guy to smile

 Adorable

Kids waiting outside for Christmas gifts

A typical Honduran street

Christmas out of control!

Wow, where to begin! In the front of my mind is that I am not feeling well. I became ill at our first event yesterday. I felt fine when we left the house. I quickly became feeling weak though. I thought maybe it was just the heat. Then the nausea began. I didn't make it out the door before the vomiting began. Right after that the diarrhea began. I didn't quite make it to the bathroom in time. Thank God, there was toilet paper and that I was wearing a maxi pad. I was told to wear one every day for places that don't have toilet paper, etc. I ended up throwing those undies away. It was bad. I know people don't want to hear that, but it is part of the journey, so.....

After that event, Gracie and the others brought me home. I went straight to bed. Gracie, Shari, Kristian, Lee, and Cindy went back out for the second event. Fortunately, Santos, was around. Santos helps out on M-F around the mission. She brought me chamomile tea, some sprite, a big bottle full of hot water to put on my stomach, etc. She was trying everything to get me well. Unfortunately, the vomiting and diarrhea persisted throughout the day. Last night, the diarrhea turned red, which concerned me (to say the least). I wanted to walk up to the house to tell Gracie, but simply didn't have the strength. I made it to a chair outside and waited... Thankfully, Karla came by and I asked her to get Gracie. Gracie then took me to the doctor. I had 2 amazing doctors and Gracie that stayed with me the entire time. I was so weak that I felt like I could barely walk, move, or keep my eyes open. After getting and iv and meds, I started feeling better.

I find myself being sad. I don't like feeling weak or being a bother to anyone. Gracie didn't get to eat her dinner until 10:45 PM last night, due to having to take me to the doctor. She told me not to worry about it, but I still feel bad. I feel bad because I came here to help too. I came here to help, and instead I was laid up in the bed. On a brighter note, last night was the first night I really slept. I find that it is very noisy in Honduras. Peoples lives here are outside. There is constant loud music, animals barking, loud trucks going up and down the roads honking, etc. The animals here are insane! Roosters have no idea that they are only supposed to crow (I can't think of the right word) in the mornings. The make their noise all night long! And animals are everywhere! They aren't fenced in. Cows, oxen, donkeys, horses, chickens, and roosters are alongside the road everywhere we go. Half of the time, they are right in the middle of the road! I wish you all could see it here. It truly is a different world. I have already taken over a thousand pictures. I will have to post them here and there when I get back.

I am currently sitting at Gracie's desk and going through pictures. I honestly don't know how to choose which ones to post. The eyes of these children are amazing. Some of their faces are so sad and solemn, yet some light up and are full of smiles. I see how people live here. There are no words for how difficult it must be though. You use the bathroom in outhouses, you bathe in a bucket of water with bacteria in it, children work in the fields, many roam without parents and without shoes... Some children who were on the list to receive gifts weren't there because they were out working in the fields. It's sad. It's unimaginable. Yet it is so very real. I've been seeing it, but I still don't feel like I have a full understanding of it. It hasn't all sunk in yet. The dirty little feet and faces... It does something to you. At home, if you gave a child a pair of $1.00 flip flops for Christmas, how would they react? They would react in anger with no appreciation whatsoever. Here, the children go running to show their moms and friends. They are excited to receive these simple gifts. They are excited to have some attention. Most parents here aren't like we are in the US. They aren't taught to spend quality time with their children, to love on their babies, etc. We had a fourteen year old girl and her mother stay at the mission the other night. You wouldn't have even known that they knew each other. It was like two strangers sitting side by side. I'm not saying, every home is like that, but the majority probably are. Thus, part of the problem here in Honduras. These people need love and education. It is like hearing the word of God. How are they going to know unless we tell them? And who is going to tell them and help them if we don't?

What else? I am trying to cover everything, but I'm still feeling weak and shaky. My mind isn't moving as quickly as normal. Oh, I had an email asking me about luggage. No, I have not received my luggage. No bath robe, flip flops, toiletries, etc. The remainder of the items in the bags were for Christmas here and were lots of baby clothes for Karla and little Alejandro. The mother of a fellow missionary is flying in today. We gave the missionary, Amanda, my luggage information. We are hoping that they are able to get it today when they go to Tegucigalpa.

Like I mentioned, I am feeling kind of down right now. Nonetheless, the Christmas events have been amazing. The first event on Wednesday was in Vallecillo. We traveled about two and a half hours to get there. We had to drive through three mountain ranges to get there. We went with a list of 100 children. We ended up giving out 243 gifts. God is good! It was a long day, but a good day. I met the mayor there. What a kind lady! She and all of the people there were such a blessing! When we got home, a judge was here. She was very sweet. Her name was Isis. She gave me and the girls a french manicure.

Thursday was another early morning. Isis stayed in the room with Shari and I. Each of the dorm rooms with 2 bunk bed. We awoke at 5AM. All except for Gracie, she is always up before anyone else. I don't know how she does it! After dropping Isis off, we headed to Marale. It was another beautiful village, with some amazing people. It's kind of funny. You go into these events with a list of approximately one hundred of the poorest kids. Word quickly spreads though, and it feels almost as if a riot is about to break out. For that reason, we decided to name this blog "Christmas out of Control".

At Marale we handed out 270 gifts. Following Marale, we went to Porvenir. I got to meet both mayors. Everyone is very kind. We gave out 2tr gifts in Porvernir. It was another crazy event. They gave us some yummy rice and coca cola. I have been pleasantly surprised. All of the food has been superb. The only thing I really haven't liked has been some carbonated banana drink. It was just not good at all. Gracie doesn't like it either. Gracie had four emergency calls during the events. The fourteen year old girl I mentioned earlier was on of the calls. Busy Busy Busy.

After those two events we came back home for just a few minutes. We then headed to Jalteva boys home. It is a home for juvenile male offenders. We gave gifts to the 30 boys there. They each got a gift bag with a hat (which Randy sent). I was also to hand each boy a t-shirt donated from Mitchell Grocery. We had so many extra shirts that they announced everyone at the Christmas party would get a t-shirt. You should have seen them. They were hooping and hollering like they won the lottery. It was so much fun to give everyone a shirt. I got lots of hugs from everyone. The boys were so appreciative. Several asked if they could have their picture made with me. One even told me I was sexy. Boys will be boys. Speaking of that, Karla, Cindy, and the baby got to come to this event. It was the first thing we've all gotten to do together. It was fun to be out with everybody. Both Cindy and Karla are very beautiful. It was a little nerve-racking to watch the boys. One in particular really bugged me. He kept looking at Cindy and I just wanted to jump across the table at him. For that reason, I was assigned to Cindy for the evening. Everything went well though. We had a nice meal, gave gifts to the boys, handed shirts to everyone else, and then the adults (Gracie and Lee) did a secret santa with the other adults. After that, it was time for us to get home and get in the bed. Before we left, the other adults started playing music and dancing. It was pretty cool to get to watch them. I think some of them had a little  too much egg nog!

I already wrote about yesterday. I'm a little scattered right now, so things are out of order. Nonetheless, all is well in Honduras. Karla and the baby have been a little sick. Stuffy noses, sore throats, etc. Cindy has a sore throat now too. Gracie also began getting stuffy yesterday. Shari hasn't been eating. I guess the only two healthy ones are Lee and Kristian. They are also the two craziest! When I have more time, I will have a blog dedicated to them. They are awesome elves. Muy loco though. I am going to stop writing and try to find a few pics to post. I hope everyone has an amazing weekend. Love to you all!

P.S. Gracie came in a few minutes ago. I had to give a stool sample. Bless her heart for putting up with me. First she has to carry me to the doctor and sit and wait while I am practically passed out on the gurney. Then this morning I give her my wonderful liquid stool sample to take to the doc. Thankfully, everything came out clean.  I am hoping to be completely well by tomorrow. We've got lots more to do; more events, a motorcycle ride, Christmas, etc. Pray that we all get well so we can fully enjoy all that we are doing.

Hands and feet

I honestly don't have any words for this day. It's like talking about Jesus - no words suffice. Honduras is beautiful and exotic, yet raw and simple.

Today began at 5AM. My roommate (Shari) actually got confused and woke up at 3AM. Her clock got messed up. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep. I prayed that God would keep me refreshed today though, and He has.

We travelled to Vallecillo today. We traveled over three mountain ranges (not mountains, but ranges). We in Marshall & Dekalb counties complain about Dekalb County roads. We have no idea! These roads are insane! Rocks, mud, water, etc. We even drove through rivers. It took two and a half hours to get there and back. It was our only event today. We have two scheduled for tomorrow though.

The Event... What can I say? I still don't have words that are adequate. The mayor and people of Vallecillo were so welcoming. The kids were amazing and beautiful. We had a list with one hundred names to give gifts to. Once word spread, kids began pouring in. We ended up giving out 243 gifts today. We took pictures of each child. It was amazing.

I had two "moments" today. I don't know what else to call them. The first was when I was down on my knees to greet an adorable little guy. I handed him his gift and he literally fell into my arms. He needed to be held. He didn't just hug me though. He wouldn't let go. He squeezed me so tightly. I continued to hold him. It took everything I had not to start bawling. Lee told me that it was okay and to just let go. What an amazing blessing that moment was. It will be forever etched into my heart, mind, and spirit.

The other moment was again on my knees. I was on my knees during a lot of the event. I wanted to be at eye level with these children. To look at them and say Feliz Navidad and Te Amo (Merry Christmas and I love you) was such a blessing. It wasn't about me. Not at all. It was all about these children and the love that Christ has for them.

After we went through the list, we just let the kids come in. This time I was on my knees to match their feet with appropriate sized flip flops. When seeing and touching their dirty feet, legs, and hands, I thought about Jesus. I thought about being at His feet. I have been praying that He would use me. I wanted to be His hands and feet. Today, I felt confirmation that I'm on the right road.

I will try to post some pictures later. There really isn't a lot of time. I have also taken almost 400 in the day and a half that I've been here. I don't know how I will ever choose! Mas tardes!

I have arrived!

Today began at 2AM. My cold flight left on time. Atlanta was cold. So cold in fact that the hoses for putting water on the plane (for bathrooms) was frozen. My flight from Atlanta left late. I was extremely warm on that flight. I arrived late to Honduras only to find that Delta misplaced my bags. Nonetheless, it's been a good day.

Honduras looks different from anywhere I've ever seen or been. The trees, mountains, and colors are beautiful. Life here seems to be so much more simple than at home. Not everyone has cars, so a lot of people walk, ride horses, donkeys, etc. The houses are insanely different from what so many of us are used to in the U.S.

I've reaally enjoyed the day with Gracie and Kristian. Once we arrived at the mission, Lee and Cindy came out to greet us. Cindy is so precious. Karla was inside holding the baby. Shari was sitting inside at the table. Dinner was being prepared. Gracie and I didn't eat dinner because we had a late lunch at Mcdonalds. Anyway, it's time to  get in bed. We have to get up at 5AM. We have a two and a half our drive into the mountains for our first christmas event tomorrow. Mas tardes!

Busy Day

It is almost 9:30 PM. I just got in bed. It has been a nice day. A busy day, but a good one. We had our Christmas meal at work today. It was good to have that before leaving. It is funny that I sort of had last meals before going out of the country. I had one with Randy, Joy, Andy, Shay, & Jake on Friday night. I had lunch with mom and John Sunday after church. Today, was a meal with my sweet co-workers.

I got lots of hugs and encouragement today. I also got a donation of over 1,000 toothbrushes and 1,000 tubes of toothpaste for Honduras. Thanks, Jessica! On a different note, I only made a few people cry today. The best one was Shay! She is having some serious withdrawal issues, and it just cracks me up. : ) Everyone has been so sweet though. I am very appreciative.

Now I just wait... I have my alarm set for 2AM. Randy, Joy, and I need to leave the house at 3. We will then go pick up mom in Albertville. The goal is to be at the airport by 4:30 AM. You are supposed to be there 2 hours ahead of time for international flights. Bless their hearts. I can't believe the three of them are getting up so early to go to the airport with me. I think they are crazier than I am!

Speaking of crazy, I got to speak to Gracie, Shari, and Kristian on the phone this evening. I look forward to meeting everyone tomorrow! I don't know what the next two weeks holds, but I am anxious to see whatever it is that God wants me to see. I know He has big plans.

I am going to try to go to bed now. For those of you who don't already know, my cell phone will not work in Honduras. I will not be able to receive any calls or texts. I will be periodically checking facebook, the blog, and my email. Feel free to comment on any of that stuff, just not the phone. As a side note, please don't panic if I don't post something every day. We will be extremely busy. I will get online every chance I get though. Please pray for that I have a safe trip. Also, please pray that I don't get sick! I've had a lot of stomach issues this year, the gallbladder surgery, etc. I want to stay healthy, so I can do as much as possible while I'm there.

Did I mention that I can't wait to see what God has in store? I am sooooo excited! I hope everyone has a blessed week! The next time you read a post, it will be from Honduras!

How on earth did I get to this place?

The other day I was thinking about how on earth I got to this place. How did I manage these outrageous plans to go to a third-world country? I always get myself into the weirdest situations! I certainly know that it wasn’t my idea to go to Honduras. I realize that it may not make a lot of sense, but this really wasn’t my decision.

As I pondered everything that has led me to this point, I thought back to my Emmaus Walk in 2007. That’s really when all of this started.  A lot of things were out of place in my life. I simply wasn’t where God needed me to be. I earnestly sought His will. I got back in church. I’ve prayed for so many things: for God to bring me a Godly husband, for Him to show me what career He could use me in, for him to lead me where He would have me to go, and for me to do whatever He would have me to do, no matter what it was/is. Those are just the basics and only a few of my continual prayers.

God definitely heard my prayers. It took years for things to line up (mainly for him to straighten me out), but the time has come. He is sending me to a foreign land, and I couldn’t be more thankful. I am humbled that God would use me to be His hands and feet. I have such a peaceful feeling about this trip. I know a lot of you are worried about my safety. I am fully trusting in Christ. I just found an awesome verse. I don’t think it could be more perfect for this occasion. 2 Samuel 22:3 says, “The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence” (KJV). IF something were to happen to me, I know that it would be God’s will and that He could use it for good. No matter what, I am prepared and thankful for this amazing opportunity. I sincerely believe that He will shield me, keep me safe, and that I will return a changed person though.

I have been unbelievably humbled and blessed by so many people. I would list names, but I would feel terrible if I forgot someone. My co-workers have been amazing. So many donated gifts made donations. My friends in Athens have been just as supportive. My church family has been amazing. Just yesterday, the youth group gave me a donation. They did a live nativity a couple of weeks ago. They received money for their time and hard work. Instead of keeping the money for things for them, they decided to put it toward this trip to Honduras. I was in shock when I saw and heard them say it. Later on, when I was alone, I was humbled to the point of tears.

For so many people to give so much to help me and the people of Honduras is an amazing blessing. For so many people, even people who don’t know me, to help and pray for me is indescribable. I can feel your love. I can feel your prayers. They are giving me peace and strength that I’ve never felt. My normal anxieties are practically non-existent. Thank you all so much for your support. You are all giving me more than I could ever repay. Your thoughts, prayers, and gifts… your outpouring of love… of God’s love… I don’t know how to say it. His love is amazing, unconditional, and perfect. His love shining through so many of you… I don’t have a word for it. It makes my heart smile. It brings joy to my soul. Thank you all for letting God use you. You have blessed me more than you could possibly imagine! I cannot wait to get to Honduras and let you see the pictures of faces that you are touching there too! May God bless you all!

2 more days

In two days, I will be leaving for La Ermita, Honduras. I will be flying out of Huntsville on Delta flight 2853 at 6:30 AM. I will change flights in Atlanta. I should be in Atlanta around 8:50AM. My next flight, Delta flight 551, is scheduled to leave Atlanta at 10:14 AM. If everything is on time, I will land in Tegucigalpa, Honduras at 1:10PM. They do not observe Daylight Savings Time, so they are currently on the same schedule as those of us in the Central Time Zone. 

The agenda looks like this:

Dec 12 - Gracie & Lee's nephew, Kristian, arrives in Tegucigalpa

Dec 14 - I arrive in Tegucigalpa

Dec 15 - Event in Vallecillo at 8 AM

Dec 16 - Event in Marale at 8 AM

Event in Porvenir 2 PM

Dinner at boys home in Jalteva Cedros 5PM

Dec 17 - Event in San Ignacio at 9 PM

   Event in Cedros at 2 PM

Dec 18 - No events scheduled - spend time with the girls at the mission

Dec 19 - Take a motorcycle ride in Talanga

Dec 20 - Event in Orica at 8 AM

   Event in Guaimaca at 2PM

Dec 21 - Event in San Juan de Flores at 9 AM

   Event in Villa de San Francisco at 1PM

Dec 22 - Event in Talanga at 9 AM

   Radio program at 12 PM

Dec 23 - Make tamales at the house

Dec 24 - Celebrate the Honduran Christmas

Dec 25 - Celebrate the U.S. Christmas. Distribute gifts to children in La Ermita

Dec 26 - No events scheduled. Stay at the mission & get some rest!

Dec 27 - Go to the Valley of Angels

Dec 28 - Go to Tegucigalpa to see the city, buy groceries, and take Kristian to the airport

Dec 29 - Leave Honduras from Tegucigalpa on Delta flight 552 to Atlanta at 1:45 PM. I will arrive in Atlanta at 6:15 PM. The plane is scheduled to depart Atlanta at 8:10PM and arrive in Huntsville at 7:59 PM (the times are a little strange due to the different time zones).

The picture below is a map that Gracie emailed me. You can find the name of each location we will be traveling to for the Christmas events.

I want to, but...

Over the past few weeks I've had people come up to me and talk about this trip to Honduras. Several people mentioned how they would love to go on a mission trip like the one God is preparing me for. Every time I heard that, it was followed by the word "but". I want to go, BUT I'm not healthy enough. I want to go, BUT I'm too old. I want to do this or that, BUT!

Over the summer and early fall when I felt God speaking to me about foreign missions, I kept saying BUT. But, I am in school. But, I work full time. But, I don't have the money. But, I don't know anybody. But, where on earth would I go? But, why me? The list goes on and on. I didn't understand a lot of things. The first was that I didn't understand how God could use me. Even if He could, how would I get to some foreign country. Let me just tell you something, that I am learning. If God calls you to do something, you can do it. If you are called to go anywhere in the world, God can and will provide a way. He is doing it for me and He can do it for you.

If you are still wondering if God can use you, keep reading. Shari Gaston is a dear lady who lives in Ohio. Eleven years ago, Shari went for her first motorcycle ride. She was the passenger. A truck pulled out in front of their motorcycle. Shari was flown into the air at 95 miles per hour. Shari lost so much blood that she suffered a stroke. She was paralyzed on the left side of her body. The accident and stroke caused her to also be partially blind in both of her eyes. The reason Shari lost so much blood is because her right leg was gone.

Now, at the age of 65, and with a prosthetic leg, Shari is in La Ermita, Honduras for her second mission trip. She hasn't let anything stand in the way of what God has called her to do, and neither should you. Below are some photos of Shari. I have spoken to her on facebook several times. We have spoken on the phone only twice. The very first time, we spoke over 3 hours! lol, let me rephrase that! She told me about her incredible life, and I listened. That night, Shari inspired me with her stories and strength. I hope somehow this small bit of info about her and seeing her photos will now inspire you.

Remember, YOU can do ALL things through Christ (Philippians 4:13). He makes the impossible possible!

Mt. Zion

I can’t believe it! After a long day of work, I came home and took my last final. Gracie, you will be glad to know that I did exactly what you told me to do! After doing a small assignment on Friday, I will be done for the semester. I do love school, but I will enjoy the break. Especially since I will be leaving for Honduras in 5 days! It seems somewhat surreal. Just a few months ago, I thought this time would never get here. Now, I am rushing around trying to get things ready!

I couldn’t go to bed without saying again how thankful I am for all of you who are praying for me and who are helping me in any way on this journey to Honduras. After an amazing day Wednesday, I came home at 2:30 AM and discovered an envelope with my name on it. I was so exhausted that I didn’t open it. I took it to work with me to work today. When I had a spare moment, I opened the envelope to find another generous donation. I know I mentioned Friendship UMC yesterday, but let me take a moment to mention Mt. Zion Baptist Church today.

I began going to Mt. Zion in 2001, at the age of 16. In December, at the age of 17, I was saved and baptized in that beautiful church. When I left for my first year of college, my church family was extremely supportive. They literally provided me with just about everything I had in my small apartment. I can still remember who gave me silverware, cups, towels, a microwave, a vacuum, a sofa, a recliner, etc. I still remember who helped me move the stuff. It meant so very much to me and is etched in my heart and mind.

For a few years there, I was out of church. After I worked through some things and was ready to go back, I was welcomed with open arms. Not only was I welcomed into the church family again, I was welcomed into the home and lives of a couple that I go to church with. They were willing to help me in a time of need. Bless their hearts; they are still stuck with me! ; )

Some of the very same people who helped me get off to college that first year are now helping me on the road to Honduras. I was so nervous the day I spoke to Mt. Zion about the call God had placed on my heart. Asking for help is definitely something I have never liked doing. Still, I couldn’t talk about what was on my heart without crying. I remember typing something up beforehand, but I didn’t use it. God gave me the words.

After I spoke to Mt. Zion, I was overwhelmed with an outpouring of love and support. By the end of that day, I had enough money to get my first rounds of immunizations. The following Sunday, there was a Sunday school room full of gifts to mail to Honduras. Still, I am receiving donations, kind words, and encouragement. I can honestly say that I would not be going on this trip without the financial support of individuals and families at Mt. Zion. I don’t know what I would have done without you all! I am grateful that you let God speak to your hearts and are willing to help! Each one of you are near and dear to my heart!

Friendship

The word friendship has been on my mind since Monday. I have never been a social butterfly. I haven’t been one to make details about my life be known or let myself get close to many people. Thus, I guess you could say that I’ve never had a lot of friends; usually just a select few at a time. The older I get, the more I realize how important friendship truly is.

The past few months I have been opening up a little more… Okay, A LOT more! I find myself being unexplainably drawn to certain people, like never before. I don’t have any explanation for it. I am not normally one to go up and talk to someone and certainly not one to ask anything of anyone, if I can help it. My, how God has been humbling me and teaching me. I find myself stepping out of my comfort zone almost daily.

Friendship has been shown to me, especially today, by students and faculty at Athens. God has been using people to bless me. Today, one of my classmates gave me a donation for Honduras inside of a Christmas card. I was so surprised! Another one gave me a crimson hounds tooth boggin to keep my head warm while in Honduras. I had already received donations for gifts from two students. They didn’t have to help. You didn’t have to help. Yet, God is using people to bless and encourage me.

I can’t help but think what a great day Monday was. Tuesday was a different story altogether! I had a horrible headache and work… well… yeah. Anyway, today, I was on cloud nine all day... I had great news via email from Gracie first thing this morning. An unexpected donation had been made to the mission, which will help finish up a building that is currently under construction. Yay!

Once I got to school, I prayerfully took my final child psych exam. After the exam, I had a lovely lunch with an incredible, more importantly, Godly, woman. What a blessing! We talked about school, family, missions, etc.  I was telling her how I felt like God wanted me to come to Athens. I had never even been to Athens. I sure didn’t know that they had a university. Somehow, I ended up registered for classes there though! Since being there, friendship has slowly been developing a new meaning for me.

Thankfully, friendship isn’t just an amazing bond between people; it is also a church in Athens that I am becoming increasingly fond of. I have been visiting Friendship UMC on Wednesday evenings, when I can. I guess I’ve maybe been half a dozen times. It is way different than what I’m used to, but so uplifting. This evening they had a mission’s service. I was able to hear the stories of people who had been to the Sudan and Kuwait. Earlier in the day, I got to hear some about Rwanda and Russia. Hearing about the people in these places does something to me. It brings sadness to part of me, yet joy and purpose to another part of me. That God can use ANYBODY to go ANYWHERE to help spread His word is AMAZING!

Back to Friendship! Don’t ask me when, but at some point in time, the executive pastor was informed that I was going to Honduras. After the two missionaries had spoken, he mentioned some great things about Friendship. People that may not normally go to church on Sundays come to Friendship on Wednesdays because it is a relaxed family environment. He also mentioned how other people, who may not live around there, may be students, etc. come. I knew something was coming at this point! He then mentioned a young lady in the congregation and pointed at her. This is normally when I would melt with embarrassment into a puddle in the floor. Thankfully, I didn’t! That would have been a mess! He asked me when I was leaving and how long I was staying. Then he asked me to come up and kneel at the alter, so he and the church could pray for me and commission me.

There are no words to describe what exactly I felt. As this attention was drawn to me, I wasn’t nervous, as I normally would have been. I quickly realized why I wasn’t that nervous. None of this is about me. I know I am the one going to Honduras, the one blogging, etc. Still, this whole mission thing really has nothing to do with me. This is about Christ and His will for my life. I can’t describe how humbled and blessed I felt as I kneeled at the alter of a church that I’ve only been to a handful of times. That these amazing people would care enough to want to pray for me, of all people, was exceedingly humbling. 

During my long drive back from Athens, I couldn’t quite put my feelings into sentences. I was talking to God, but I could barely come up with coherent sentences. I know He must be amused by me sometimes! Simply put, I am thankful. I was so blessed by Friendship (the church and people) today. I was trying to think of something I had done to deserve such love from the Father and from these people. Would you like to know what I discovered? I discovered that I haven’t done one thing worthy of all of the amazing gifts (physical and not) that I received today. Not one! It is all God. He is at work. I can feel it. I have been feeling it a lot lately, but especially since Monday. I don’t pretend to know what’s to come. All I know is that He is my Father. “He is mine and I am His forever. He is leading me along life’s way…”

The Bible says, “Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel” ~ Proverbs 27:9. Each of you reading this has a different place and purpose in my life. Some of you have been around for years; others have only been around for months. Some of you have helped me for this trip financially, as sponsors. Others have donated clothes, toys, and other miscellaneous items for the children of Honduras. Many have provided prayers and words of advice and encouragement. No matter what your role is in my life, know that I am thankful for you. Please know that I pray God blessings pour upon you and your families. Lastly, know that you are loved and that I am thankful for your friendship and your presence in my life.

Unexpected Blessings

Let me begin by apologizing for not posting anything for several days. I honestly don’t know how many people are even reading this. I only know of a handful. Nonetheless, I am sorry for my tardiness. I have been writing research papers for school, studying for finals, etc. If anyone wants to read that fun stuff, I’ll be glad to pass my papers along!

I hope everyone had a beautiful Monday. It was definitely cold outside (in the twenties and thirties), but it was a bright, sunny day. Yesterday was a day of unexpected blessings for me. I could feel God laying the groundwork for things to come. I stood in a conversation at school listening, yet standing in awe of how God is working in my life. His love and the way He takes care of me are absolutely unfathomable. Not just how He takes care of me but how he puts others in my life to help encourage, strengthen, and help me. God is so faithful! His love is truly amazing.

Speaking of amazing, the kiddos at the mission in Honduras are doing great! Here are a few new photos:

Talk about blessings! Karla & Alejandro are both beautiful blessings!

 Below are a couple photos of Cindy. She also lives at the mission.

Cindy was so excited about Alejandro. She wanted to make something for him, so she sewed a few things for him. Look how happy she is! She did a wonderful job!