Many of our missionaries will have met Maynor, one of our local supporters who works with all of the in-country HAF programs.  From medical to education to evangelism and construction, Maynor has been a blessing to our mission.

Last year Maynor and his wife, Jessie, were blessed with a baby girl.  Many of us wanted to help and donations were made to specifically help Maynor build a new home for his family.  This Christmas they were able to move in to their new home. 

Join us on a trip this year – not only to see this home and meet the new baby, but to experience first hand the sharing of God’s Love through the programs sponsored by HAF’s volunteers and donors.

Sunday

 

 

 

 
 

 

  

Part of our remaining team (Dan and Bonnie) returned with a new battery, a multi-meter and prayers that we could sort through the electrical issues preventing the use of the solar panel system at the Los Panales school.  The battery fit fine and we began troubleshooting the light circuits. The compact fluorescent lights, which were supplied with the solar panel back in 2008, turned out to be the culprits.  No, they were not just burnt out….they were actually shorted out and tripping the ‘breaker’ in the DC to AC inverter.  But once we replaced them and re-wired a couple of switches, we had lights in both classrooms and in the kitchen.

The fun began when the leader of the community asked if we could try the TV.  The solar power system provided the power and a scrap piece of co-axial wire along with a broken antenna got us going. Add a stick to hang the antenna from the school roof and we were amazed by good reception on at least 4 channels. But our amazement was quickly over shadowed by a small sister and brother, around 3 years old, that had never seen TV.  Behaviors around the world are surprisingly consistent: small child + TV + ‘cartoon network’ = a frozen stare.  We were blessed that the cartoon was both educational and wholesome.  After three trips involving sharing the love of Christ, water balloons, a Hygiene clinic, and a repaired solar power system; we left Los Panales better than we had found it.

The smiles were all the payment needed.

Buenos Noches!

Because of the rain earlier in the week, we did not get to visit Texoxingales until today. The rain made the roads more treacherous than normal, but our driver, Luis, got us there without any problem. We started the morning by painting the inside of the new classroom salmon pink. During a break for fresh air, the student president presented us with a plaque recognizing our support for the education of the children in Texoxingales. Some of the kids had also spent time coloring pages and writing notes to thank us for all that we had done at their school! It was a very touching presentation. We were then treated to lunch cooked by Juan Jose’s wife, Vilma.

In the afternoon, the team split up to administer an eyeglass clinic and play with the children. We had several activities going with the children – soccer, bubbles, balloons, jump rope, frisbee… We pulled out all the stops! At the end we even got out the water balloons! About 25 adults came through the eyeglass clinic. Most adults seemed to need reading glasses. There were many smiles after the fittings!

This evening we attended church in Quimistan. The music was loud and joyful! The lay leader preached on several passages. Through Bill’s translation, we understood that the message was about God building us up through the Holy Spirit. Also, fidelity and obedience are important factors in living a Christian life.

Tomorrow,  five of the team members depart for Atlanta. We pray for safe travel, that our time here has made an impact, and that we keep these memories dear to us in the days ahead.

Adios!

Hola!

This morning we set out to Rosa’s house to continue work that the team from North Carolina had started. With the help of Fidel, we were able to pour the supports for the roof over the septic tank. We also helped unload new construction supplies and transport a pile of course dirt closer to the construction site. Our driver, Luis, helped us the whole time we were at Rosa’s.  He toted two bags of concrete that weighed in at close to 180 lbs! We were blessed to have help. We also played with Rosa’s children as well as several neighborhood kids. We gave each child balloons and replaced the popped  ones. Then, we took Rosa’s children on a ride in the wheelbarrow. They giggled they entire time they rode – so sweet!

After we finished our construction work, we headed up to Juana’s house in La Montanita. She graciously gave us fresh coffee and pineapple pastries! We got to see her justa stove, tilapia beds, and coffee still being roasted on a mat.  We were also able to bring a baby scale and splints. One woman had a 3 month old baby, Briana, that we were able to weigh! Juana also showed us some of the embroidery she and the women have been working on recently. After working so hard, her hospitality felt like paradise!

In the late afternoon, we all went our separate ways to  spend time with AP children. Bill went with Tommy to interpret for his visit with one of the children he sponsors. On their shopping trip, Bill was suddenly stopped by an 18 year old boy. Years ago, this boy had been injured very badly. Bill had carried him to get medical help. The boy remembered that so vividly that he was able to recognize Bill on the spot. He even came and spent time with the team this evening! Bill’s experience shows us all what an impact we can make doing even the smallest acts in God’s name.

Hasta Luego!

Hola!

After a night of preparation, we headed to Luz de Valle (Light of the Valley) school for VBS.  The theme this year was centered on Jesus being the Good Shepherd. During the opening presentation, Marlini lead the kids through the story. The participation was best when they got to Baa like sheep! Lenis was also a huge help in the music station. She was able to sing and lead songs beautifully while her helpers attempted to sing in Spanish and entertain the kids. While we were playing afterwards, the kids were proud of the sheep they had made  during Arts and Crafts. VBS was a great success. We all feel that seeds were planted for the message that transcends all others!

In the afternoon, we took a hygiene clinic to the school in Jicaro. The teacher has 23 students, and we were able to work with all of them and at least one older brother! Again, the de-worming chewable tablets seem to be working well. In two sessions, only one child has attempted to spit it out. We played a rather enthusiastic game of soccer with some of the kids, as well as jumping rope.  One girl jumped 35 times in a row! Jose went with us to Jicaro; he helped with translating and was one of the best soccer players!

Hasta Luego!

Buenos Noches!

We started the day digging a trench to drain a field and clearing weeds at Tranquilidad. We were also able to start a project to build a gutter for catching rain water. After only one injury requiring stitches, (Dane is now OK) Martha did make an interesting observation that the Traquilidad land has now been purified by sacrificial blood.

In the afternoon, we brought toothbrushes, de-worming pills, and flouride treatment to the schoolhouse at Las Panales. Dan worked on the solar panel, and he was able to get some of the lightbulbs working. Most importantly, we got a radio to work so that everyone could listen to the Honduras – USA soccer game! This was the first time that the de-worming pills were given. The kids seemed to like the chewable, orange-flavored tablets. They went down easily and with smiles! After the kids went to four stations (washing hands, medication, tooth brushing, flouride), we got to play. The balloons were popular as always, but the bubbles were particularly fascinating. We taught all of the kids how to blow bubbles with entertaining results!

Now we are preparing for VBS tomorrow while we watch the soccer game!

Hasta luego!