Three lessons in one day

Actually, I could say that I learned multiple lessons today. However, three stick out in my mind.

Today, I was blessed to work with a small group in Nueva Oriental to build a house--Joe, Katie, Dalton, Dylan, Kyle (a fellow teacher at Pinares), Will and his son (Hondurans who work with TORCH). Even though we didn't finish, it was a good day. I look forward to returning to such a fabulous community.

Half-way through the work, a little girl somehow cut her leg. It was a very small wound that barely bled. Nevertheless, she was shaken up and needed attention. Thank goodness we had brought a first-aid kit. Too bad it was located in the truck at the top of the mountain. [For those of you who have not been to Honduras, don't take me lightly. When I say "mountain", I mean MOUNTAIN!] So, when you are hiking up and down a significant incline, you have time to think. This is what I came up with on my travels.

Number one: "Barbwire can be good and bad." Has your washer or dryer ever broken? Seriously, I am not changing the subject...Yesterday, the washer broke. I was not frustrated, because I knew fixing it wouldn't take that much time. Throughout the path I took on the mountain, there was barbed wire fencing. Protection and boundaries were the original intentions. But today, the fences were covered in drying laundry. Often we are so consumed with the conviences of life that we forget they are actually luxuries. Millions of people throughout the world will not depend upon two machines to take care of their clothing.

Number two: "Small is not good." Don't get me wrong, this is a generalization. There are times when small is good--but it wasn't good today. Do you know what to call a solitude pebble? Priceless. Do you know what you call a thousand pebbles together? An injury waiting to happen. Downhill...uphill...it doesn't matter! I think I fell five times (going both ways). I searched for solid footing as much as possible, but found few areas. Ready for the analogy? Our "Christian" sins (white lies, gossip, jealousy...take your pick) seem small, insignificant, and unimportant. Yet, when you let them get clumped together, they will bring you down--FAST. And, I am not saying "maybe"--it is just a matter of time. Don't start half-way down the mountain and get cocky--you are going to fall when that clump finds you. Put your trust and faith in our Solid Rock.

Number three: "Follow your experienced leader." Not just the guy walking in front of you, but someone who truly knows the path. I have seven years of "following the rules" in Honduras. I have never been so stringent to follow the rules in my life as much as I have those two-week periods in Honduras. I know them like the back of my hand. Ask any TORCH member--the number one rule is to STAY IN GROUPS! "Always at least four people--one of which must be a male." Well, when only six Gringos are present to build a house, you don't have much room for subtraction. So, I decided that my conditioned reaction to grab even one other person was going to have to be put aside. I had formed a bond with a twelve-year-old girl named Sara. I felt comfortable and safe with her, so I asked her to lead me back to the truck. Two females--one a child and one an American. This community has been very receptive to our presence; it is not like I was hiking through gang country with a $500 bill posted to my forehead. However, I can admit that the first five minutes made me uneasy. Then, I realized, "Why are you worried? This girl is leading you, and God is protecting you both." I then focused on staying close to my guide and trying to learn from the way she climbed with ease. I was amazed by the fact that she knows this mountain so well that she didn't need to look down. It was comforting to be able to trust someone and simply follow what you know is right. It is like this with God. There are so many distractions and difficulties (the fears, the incline, the pebbles). Yet, if we focus on Him and stay close, we will make it to the the destination. No one said it would be easy. But He will be there to hold your hand when you are unsure. He will be there to help you up when you do fall. Stay close to our Guide and learn from Him.

Well, that is all for tonight. Scroll down to see some pictures of today. We had a lot of fun and made some new friends.

Love you all,
Jennifer Michelle

From the beginning

Okay, I said I would write about previous events that kept me busy. So, here we go...

I arrived in the lovely country August 3rd and was immediately overwhelmed by the solitude of it all. As I traveled alone, I realized how much I had depended upon my fellow Americans and the group leaders. Everything came into focus as to what was happening. I was not in the U.S. and wouldn't be for some time. This was not a two-week trek; I was in it for the long haul.

This is when I panicked. Yes, panicked. For everyone around me, I was leaving. Until I was in the Tegucigalpa airport (one of five Gringos), it had not hit me what was occuring. I had committed to this incredible, life-changing experience. I had left my family and friends. I had put all my faith in God and was following Him blindly. So, of course, Satan goes after those he does not control. And he came hard for a good, solid four hours.

Looking back, I can see the hand of God clearly guiding me in that first day here. When I agreed to move down here, I was informed that August 3rd was the last day to arrive. I was bummed, because I wanted to spend more time with my family and friends. I thought it was ridiculous that I had to be in Honduras 15 days before school started. Yet, God was placing everything perfectly for me.

I could not have survived my first day here without the presence of Esperanza Massana, Katie Palmer, Anibal Tamacus, and Rodolfo Herrera. [I love you guys!] They had all stayed to tag onto the end of Marc Tyndall's trip. That first night here, they drove down to the school and picked me up for just some simple fellowship time and a devotional. How amazing! God knew how difficult that first night would have been without some good, Christian friends to support me. I now know that my early arrival was necessary to give me comfort in the transition time. I was blessed to spend several more days with them. First, Katie left...then Esperanza...then Rodo...and finally A.B. However, the memories and the laughs have continued to bring ease to my spirit.

At La Cumbre, we all had our special moments--especially when A.B. and Esperanza spoke and sang in French.


The guys drove us to the mall. While they played in the arcade, Esperanza assited me on my first grocery shopping experience as someone living in Honduras--in other words, more than Coke and chips.

And yes, that is me wearing FLIP-FLOPS! No socks, no closed-toes shoes! Oh my goodness! [Terry, don't have a heart attack.]

Can you smell the freedom? I have worn flip-flops as much as possible while down here.



In short, two things to remember...God is leading and knows exactly the timing for everything (even if you disagree at the moment). And, surround yourself with strong Christian friends who will encourage your Spiritual growth along these curvy, mountainous, and sometimes dangerous roads.