Friday…We tried to switch things up and try something new. Normally, we go shopping EARLY on Saturday morning. While I was in the States, Randy found out that the farmer’s market is open on Friday as well. So, Evelyn, Katrina, Josue, and I traveled down in the afternoon. Everything went well and the best part was the ability to sleep in on Saturday. I set my alarm for noon—I was ready to get as much sleep as I could. I woke up at 8am. Oh, well. I still enjoyed my day free and was able to visit with some friends here.
Sunday…I walked into the classroom to find four small chalkboards with pictures and my name written all over them. The kids had written me about 40 little notes (I love you, I miss you, Hurry back, etc.) for me to find when I got back.
I continued this idea during Sunday school class. We talked about different ways to make God happy. The two we emphasized were singing praises and encouraging people. So, we made cards to give Melissa. She has been in the States for awhile now helping her sick aunt.
Monday…back to the kitchen. Everything was normal in Mololoa. We had spaghetti—the ladies like to cook spaghetti on Mondays. Then, Katrina and I headed to the house. As I rounded the last corner in our neighborhood, the generator (or whatever that huge thing is) was hanging half-way off the pole. A tree had fallen directly onto the pole splintering it in half. When I got inside the house, Alora said the power had been off since 1:00pm.
This had to be the best night I have had in Honduras in a long time. I had so much fun that night being the big sister. I have never had sisters and (for the most part) have thoroughly enjoyed my time with Alora and Katrina. They were afraid of the dark, spooky night. Everywhere I went they were right behind me. We ordered pizza, played cards, and laughed all night long. Katrina turned in early while Alora and I played Monopoly (I won—just ask Alora about it). Then, Alora and I went outside to spend an hour and 15 minutes doing laundry (the towels and aprons from the feeding center) by hand with no running water. Alora would go scoop buckets of water out of the cistern while I used the pila (Honduran, cement scrub board) to wash.
Tuesday…first thing in the morning, I dropped my car off at the mechanic because it had been making a scraping noise Monday night. Now, I know it is the bearings in the rear tire. My poor car—the roads are so rough here that I am always taking it to the mechanic for something. All cars here are like that but mine is worse, because it is an Isuzu. What I didn’t know when I bought the car was that Isuzu is not popular here, and the parts cost an arm and a leg. I have been looking at the classifieds with the help of my friend who is a mechanic. I am hoping to be able to trade in my car (without spending any money) for a brand that is more common. So, the routine check-ups will be on a normal cost scale.
I am learning that the culture differences are never-ending with Honduras. So many things seem normal to me, and I forget that my norms are not the same as those of my new friends. Two examples…fridge supplies and bubble wrap.
Because of the power outage, we loaded up the truck with food from the freezer and fridge to eat at the kitchen. I was unloading items into the fridge at the kitchen while Evelyn looked wide-eyed at my work. Finally, she gawked at me and said, “So many types of food! Why do you have so many different kinds of food.” I glanced at the packages of lasagna, shrimp, beef, chicken strips, and vegetables and just replied, “Because we like them all.” That was the best answer I could come up with. For her and the other workers, we were unloading a buffet of extravagant food—for me, it was a normal necessity.
How many of you could spend endless hours with bubble wrap as a child? I remember LOVING the stuff, but I grew out of it. On Monday, I gave Oneyda and Evelyn their birthday presents (frames kept safe with bubble wrap). They felt that the bubble wrap was the highlight. I was somewhat amused at their “immaturity” when I realized that they never had the enjoyment of bubble wrap as a child. They said that they enjoy popping it whenever they are lucky enough to get some. It was sweet to see them take so much pleasure in something so small.
On the way home, we stopped at Baxter Institute (preacher school here in the capital) to visit some students who worked in Mololoa for a short time. Just like a college student majoring in education would go and visit schools, these students go out and work with local churches for time periods. They worked in Mololoa for about 3 months. Leo, Sebastian, and their wives proved to be great additions in the work force. They have become great friends and Christian leaders that I admire.
During our visit, they expressed that they wanted to work again in Mololoa during their vacation time (December until February). However, they have to find sponsorship, because the school does not provide for them during this time. We want them to work with us, but the church cannot provide any financial help. If any of you want to help see the church here grow and mature, I ask you to consider helping financially with these families. Their living costs are an average of $350 each month. If you would like to help in this matter, please E-mail me from the link on the left side of my blog.
And, as always, continue to pray for the community, the church, and the feeding center. I love you all!
Jen
On Christmas day, Melissa and Brandy had their hands full with 128 kids in class. They had to put tables in the open space between the classroom and church building to make room for the extra kids.
Also, we celebrated as a church family in our potluck—my first in Honduras. The kids were served first during the class time (right before they got the gifts). Then the adults dug in. God used the hundreds of people involved with Magi boxes and the Barkers to bring a little extra joy to our kids. Any of you that have been here know how little they have. The gifts were treasured by each and every one of them. If you were involved in any way, thank you for allowing God to use you to brighten these days. 
