Last weekend at Tela

Day of the Soldier was celebrated Monday the 24th. Because of the four-day weekend, Gena arranged for several of us to take a trip to the coast. Gena's vehicle included Joe, Katie, Dalton, and Dylan. I rode with A.B., Alora, and Katrina. The nine of us had a blast...relaxing, tanning, bicycling, eating fish, swimming, and even body surfing in the Atlantic. Let me just say that I consumed enough salt water to float in the pool; I don't think I really got the hang of the body surfing. :) Overall, it was good to get away and enjoy another part of Honduras.

Jennifer

The more...the merrier!

Saturday, October 29th

This morning Joe picked up Katie and me at 7:45 a.m. (yes, on a Saturday!). We made a quick stop at Wendy's for breakfast--they are pretty good. Then, we made the 45-minute trek to Santa Ana. Once again, today was a day of learning during my whopping two hours of work.

"The more...the merrier!" When we arrived at the work site for the new orphanage, there were two piles of dirt/sand/rock (one medium size and the other large). Five men and one of Timateo's sons each had a wheelbarrow and a shovel to transfer the dirt to the base of the orphanage foundation. Katie and I were assigned to this task. We were all merrily working along for about 15 minutes. Then, the men went on their breakfast break. Whoa, nelly! Three workers don't move as much as eight.

This is how it is with Christians. Three workers, thirty workers, three hundred workers all for the kingdom. Think of all the people of the world. How many people claim to believe in God? It narrows down more when you ask how many are Christians. How many of those are actively working for the Lord? And, I'm not talking about elders, preachers, and missionaries. Everyone can be working to influence our world. Remember, "in this world but not of it." Do you seek to spread the Good News to those you encounter daily? Do you show the love of our Heavenly Father to your fellow man? Do you look to see Jesus? Never discount where you are--God has you there for a specific reason.

(P.S. Once the guys came back, we finished one pile of dirt and most of the other. I am sure they will finish the second pile soon as they work together.)

Missing my home church, especially (where your heart has a home).
Love you all!
Jen

Relaxing, for once

Last weekend, I went grocery shopping on a Saturday (no, it wasn’t at night, Joy). Every Saturday morning, a school bus goes into town to take those of us who choose to go. It is usually a crowd of about fifteen. “Market days” involve leaving at 6:30 a.m. to go to the stadium where a HUGE area is full of all kinds of fresh foods (fruits, vegetables, meats) for very low prices. Then, the bus swings by the grocery store before going back to the school—it usually returns at noon. Those days are long mornings; every other Saturday is a “market day.” Thank goodness this Saturday was a simple 8 a.m. departure for the grocery store, Chinese restaurant, and a bread bakery. Yes, Alan, I said Chinese...and it was really good! I think they had the best egg rolls I have ever had.

Then, I had a nice nap before heading to the Hines house for dinner and some Rummy. The day was simple and laid-back. I enjoyed the time to relax; many weekends have been full.

Sunday, Joe drove Katie and I to Los Pinos. It is so nice to see this church active in the community. The kids are so much fun to be around—today there was a piñata that entertained for a good while. Look below for some great pictures of a fun afternoon.














I will write again soon with more details of the previous weeks.
Love you all, Jen

Communication

Today, I received a “sunshine card.” :) Doesn’t that make you want to smile? I sure did! I was sitting at my desk when the library assistant brought in the mail with this bright yellow postcard. My home church has this service of mailing out postcards of encouragement that members write. It was such a blessing to be reminded of those back home who are so supportive. I love you all!

Okay, okay, okay…so, I have neglected the blogspot. I apologize to all of you wonderful people who have kept up with me. I have been good about E-mailing for the most part. I owe a few return E-mails this weekend. However, in talking with family and friends recently, I have learned that I am not getting many E-mails. I have no idea why the service isn’t working properly. If you do not receive a response from me by this Monday, then I never got your E-mail.

And speaking of communication, I am happy to report that I now have a working phone for people to call me with no charge to you. The only downside is that I am rarely home to answer it. Messages are always welcome, and they brighten my day. I promise to return the call as soon as possible. If you wish to call, send me an E-mail so that I can send the number to you.

Galatians 6:10,
Jennifer