It was by faith...

For about a month, Jen, Karen, Katie, and I (and sometimes our roommates) have been meeting on Wednesday nights for a personal Bible study. We have a true fellowship with dinner and study and laughter. We have all learned a lot about our Lord and each other. Tonight, as we read Hebrews, Jen encouraged us to write our own “It was by faith” chapter of our life and how people have encouraged us in our Christian walk. Here is my faith chapter. Thank you to all of you who have helped shaped my faith.

It was by faith that my parents, while the financial means were not easily available, sought a Christian education for my childhood. Through thick and thin, they showed me love and patience.

It was by faith that the Alexander family adopted me as one of their own. When times were full of distractions, I was given the attention and love of a sister, daughter, and grandchild. There is no doubt that I would be in a different life without their influence. It was by the self-less love of Courtney that gave me the courage to seek my dreams.

It was by faith that two men, Gary and Russ, and their devoted spouses provided a constant uplifting example and leadership.

It was by faith that Terry introduced me to the love of my life. Through faith, he and his wife taught me how to love life and love those who run the race with me.

It was by faith that Mama Joy brought me under her wing. She showed me how to stay strong through the ups and downs.

It was by faith that Alan taught me the beauty inside and out. He gave me the joy of laughter when tears longed to flow.

It was by faith that two female coaches gave me the strength and discipline to fight for what I want.

It was by faith that Becky and Jayne gave me guidance and love so that I can pass it on to my students.

It was by faith that a friendship formed with another young seeker of God—Esperanza. She assured me of my talents and encouraged me to seek my hopes.

It was by faith that Wendy lovingly let me go when jealousy did try to bite.

It was by faith that a new friend, Danny, gave empathy and understanding when others judged.

It was by faith that an old friend, Sparky, endured pain and hardship for me without speaking an unkind word. He gave me support when trials awaited him.

It was by faith that a bond was formed with all of my family here (that have gone as well as those who remain): the Hines, the Kluges, Katie, Karen, and Jen. They are teaching me how to rely on God for all my needs and desires.

It is through faith that I anxiously await the plans He is unfolding daily. I wait for the places, the people, and the actions that are to come that bring me closer to Him.

The more the merrier

After Gustavo's party, Karen, Jen, Katie, and I headed off to Tony Roma's to have a birthday dinner with Dilcia and her kids (Oscar, Fabiola, Alex). It was a great spending time with all of them.


























Dilcia was surprised when the employees brought dessert and sang to her. Dilcia got to experience how it feels to be the center of attention and truly special to friends. I love being a part of that.

Catching up

Do you know what the Superbowl is good for? Catching up. Don’t get me wrong…I am watching the commercials—that is what counts, right? So, here I am at the Kluge house where we are having a Superbowl party while eating Honduran food cooked by a true Honduran—Fabiola, Jen and Karen’s friend that works for the lawyer. So far, the homemade chips and dip is to die for! (5:45 pm) I’ll keep you updated. But let’s play catch-up.

If you read the blogs from Katie, Jen, Karen, and the Kluges, you will see the stories about Gustavo’s birthday party. I highly recommend you read them; they will uplift your spirit and bring a smile to your face. It may be late, but I have my two cents to add about January 24th’s activities.

The day was FABULOUS as a whole, but my favorite of the day is Jonathan. He is an amazing young boy who has been through a lot already. Several months ago, he fell out of a tree that hangs over an embankment to a stream full of large rocks. He had a lot of injuries that put him in the hospital for some time and in a body cast that made walking basically impossible. He had only finished the last of his recovery process (removing some pins) a week before the party.

I did not know he was going to be at the party and was thrilled to see him. Watching him hobbling around was incredible! He has such a strong spirit and was determined to make it through the pain. I went back and forth visiting but always stayed near Jonathan. I was honored most when this boy, who had not participated in the piñata because of the pain he was already having, asked me to go up into the playground. I gave him my full attention and went where he went. Other boys were pulling me in different directions, but I let Jonathan lead the way.

But there is more to the story to bring a smile. Maybe this is a “you just had to be there”, but I will share it, anyway…

One problem here in Honduras is the amount of trash and pollution. For the most part, the people just don’t know the kind of distress this puts on the land. They are uneducated in these matters and have learned since childhood to litter and think nothing. Some of us here are trying to show alternative methods and teach them the importance of properly disposing of the trash. “I said all of that to say this” (that’s for you, Gary).

On the way home, Katie and I piled in eight kids to take back to Mololoa. One of them was the precious Jonathan. I handed out gum and took the time to tell them (in Spanish, of course) to throw their trash in the floor of the car instead of the street. All of the sudden I heard, “Yo no hablo español.” HA! HA! Good ‘ole Jonathan…he makes me smile.







Okay, half time and I’ll write more later. And I smell some great food coming from the kitchen where Fabiola and Melissa have been working. If any of you cares, my favorite so far is the commercial with the “crime deterrent" Sprint phone. Did ANYONE like the Burger King commercial with the dancing sandwich toppings?