Two Celebrations

Today, sandwiched in between all of our other activities, we took time to celebrate 2 important events. First was Gloria’s birthday (we didn’t ask which one), which we recognized at lunch with a special cake. In case you don’t know, Gloria is our excellent cook, and the reason most of us come home a few pounds heavier than we left.

Second, we invited Maynor and his soon-to-be bride Jessy to have dinner with us, where we presented them with a wedding card and gift from the HAF Board members.  Maynor has been with HAF for 4 years, and provides a wide range of services important to the success of HAF.  We wish them many happy and healthy years together.
Tommy

Following God’s Call

This morning during our devotional, we talked about God’s calling for us all and our sole responsibility being that of obedience despite not knowing the how, when, where or why.  Little did we know that when we visited the Tejeres community to check on a few other projects that God needed us to help with one that another had begun.

 

Unbeknownst to any of us, an HAF missionary on an earlier trip had committed to help a single mother, Lourdes, who had dug the hole for her septic tank.  This person financed the completion of her latrine.  She had found a man in Pinalejo who was giving her adobe blocks but she was in need of a way to get them to her house.  
So in true North American fashion, we all decided that we would make it happen. Once we had located a pickup to borrow, we picked Lourdes up, and followed her directions to the home and began transferring what became four truckloads of adobe block.  She worked long and hard along side Dane and Daniel with the rest of us pitching in late in the activity.  
With each delivery, it seemed another person came to her house to help us unload the blocks.  As has been said, many hands make for light work (although, those blocks were far from light).  She was so appreciative for the help in getting one step closer to her dream of having a latrine.  
To God be all the glory!
Roxanne

A Busy Day

 

 
This morning we visited the schools at Bandaras and Jicaro for more toothbrushing, fluoride, and deworming medication.  So today there are 60 more clean mouths and healthier bodies. 


But there were also just as many happy smiles, many games, and lots of hugs, as we made one more small step in the process of releasing these precious children from the chains of poverty that bind them.  I thank God for allowing me to be a small part of this process.


 

This afternoon, we verified that Sandra’s new house is now under construction!  Footings have been dug, and the foundation is being built.  We praise the Lord for that, as I’m sure Sandra does!

 

Later, we helped with the Friday feeding of roughly 60 children of the Tejeres community.  They were polite and thankful as always.

All in all, a busy, but very fruitful and satisfying day.
Tommy

 

R & R in Teo

Yesterday, while visiting Texoxingales (or Teo for short), I enjoyed trading kicks with an 8-year-old soccer player until I had to plead exhaustion and go back to blowing bubbles, a lot less strenuous.  Note how well the school’s ball has been used.  Next time, I’ll have to take them one, unless someone beats me to it.

Afterward, once again we were treated to the hospitality of Vilma and her family, which included some wonderful home- grown coffee!  
The delightful people here have very little, but are happy to share it.  It was good to see our Teo friends again.

Tommy

Blackboards In Teo

After an eventful morning at the Los Hornos Kinder and school we went to Teo for the afternoon. We had purchased blackboard paint in San Pedro  Sula yesterday afternoon and used one gallon of it today painting three dilapidated chalk boards. The change was impressive and will add to the learning at the school. The pictures below tell the entire story.

George

Healthy Bodies and Souls


This morning, we visited the Kindergarten and the elementary school at Los Hornos.  Our stated purpose was to provide toothbrushes, toothpaste, fluoride treatments, and anti-parasitic meds.  

We took time, though, to explain why we were doing this, especially at the kinder, where Roxanne explained how Jesus can come and live in your heart and always be your friend, even if sometimes no one else will.
Tommy

Evangelism Progress in Teo

Today, while visiting Texoxingales, I had the pleasure of sitting down and talking with two of the evangelistic leaders, Vilma and Rosa. In January, the foundation had donated Bible story books and Bibles for the churches. It was great to hear how successful these two ladies have been with developing study groups for the children and youth using the tools they have been given. They excitedly told of their lessons using the story books, which have brought the lessons to a new level of interest, especially for the children.

There are three churches in this village and the leaders are working well together sharing the books.
We also gave them crayons and construction paper to use for crafts. Upon receipt of these, Vilma told me that she had been praying for crayons and just last night, she had a dream that someone was going to bring her some. And God did just that!

When asked about future needs, they both spoke of the need for car batteries, which would be used to provide light at the three churches so they could meet at night. Not being able to make any promises, we joined hands and in our closing prayer ask God to provide them as He had the crayons believing that He will in His perfect timing.

On behalf of the foundation, I expressed our gratitude for their commitment in serving their communities and assisting us in sharing the love of Jesus.

Blessed to be here, Roxanne

Travel and Preparation

Yesterday, the first contingent of this mission team, consisting of George, Dane, Roxanne, and Tommy, arrived safely in Quimstan.  (The dentists will arrive next week.)  The trip was routine, except for the friends we made along the way.  Following George’s devotion in the ATL airport, 3 or 4 people approached us, including one asking what ‘Agape’ meant, and one asking for prayer for a friend of his,  He also said, ‘I’m not into religion yet, but maybe someday.’
Then, on the plane, one of our flight attendants, ‘Mike’, said he flies often to Honduras, and that the Lord has laid on his heart to try and get all the mission teams he meets in touch with a contact person he knows from the Honduras Outreach International, so I gave him our contact information.  The HOI contact will set up a Facebook page (or something similar) so that the mission groups can interact and benefit from each other’s experience. 
Who knows what seeds we may plant on (or even on the way to) these mission trips?
Following a sumptuous lunch in San Pedro Sula (see above), we purchased Bibles at significant cost savings over the Quimistan price, and bought some blackboard paint, which we plan to start using tomorrow.
In the evening, we made up about 200 toothbrushes/ toothpaste packages in preparation for tomorrow.
We seem to be off to a good start.
Tommy

But Before the End of the Team Leader . . .

This is the awesome team that ministered last week at Texoxingales, La Montanitas (two days), Nueva Esperanza, Santa Clara, at Martha’s Sunday School and her after-school tutoring class, at the AP class (twice), and at the Tejeres community (twice).  Back row, left to right, is Larry, Paul, Sam, Allen, and Russell.  Front row, left to right, is Pat, Dee-Dee, Becky, Kay, Francoise, and Lorraine.

This Team Leader Was For the Birds

If you are ever in Copán Ruinas, don’t miss a trip to Macaw Mountain, located a few miles north of Copán on a road that can’t possibly lead to anywhere.  It’s a thoroughly enjoyable place to visit if you like beautiful birds.  While there we encountered some very wise birds who knew how to deal with a problem.  Here we see our team leader as he was about to be carried away.