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?

This is why I am here.

Okay, to catch you up…
This past Saturday, Randy and I traveled out to San Miguel (Mololoa) to work with the preachers. It was incredible! I finally spent a Saturday completely in the community. The three preachers (Leo, Sebastian, and Mauricio) went around and spoke with members of the community. Randy and I “stood around looking pretty.” Actually, we did a little more. We had a blast meeting people and making connections. The kids enjoyed having us there—almost as much as we enjoyed them. I can't wait to go back. This is why I am here.





I am here to help with material needs...Just look at this picture closely. Do you see the house made of several types of materials? Do you see the tens of houses that hold hundreds of people in the background on the side of the mountain? God has blessed me financially, and I can "afford" to help this community.







I am here to give happiness...Aren't these girls precious? Wouldn't you love to see them smiling instead of sad? I strive to bring joy (even if it is through them laughing at my Gringa accent) every moment I see them.









I am here to play...Yes, I love to have fun with these kids. How boring would life be if we didn't find time to play? Here is Randy showing Miguel how to be a big kid.
















I am here to be a mentor...This is Marvin. Like many young boys and girls here, they are desperately seeking the attention and love of someone. Sometimes, they find the wrong people. Marvin's example in life is his older brother of 15 who has been into drugs and recently ran away to join a gang. Marvin misses his brother and has a lot of sadness and misplaced anger. All of us living here are constantly seeking to make a positive difference in his life before he turns towards the path his brother took.









I am here to share God's Word...In this picture, Leo is speaking with Oneda about spiritual matters. Although, I am unsure of these abilities, I realize that God is strengthening me and giving me the words to share (even in Spanish) when they are needed. Please pray that I will grow closer to God as well as develop my Spanish so that I can do His work more actively.

Now I ask, Why are you where you are?

Gustavo

At the end of the afternoon, Randy asked Gustavo (Oneda’s five-year-old son) if he wanted to go home with him. Randy always asks Gustavo and his little sister; it has become a joke basically. They say yes at first, but then they change their minds when they get to the car. This day, Gustavo actually came. He was so precious!!! For whatever reason, he took to me while traveling. I stayed at the Kluge house for several hours playing with him. His favorite thing was the millions of things that Alora could make with clay.


His first driving experience seemed to go well. He didn't know what to do completely, but he got the hang of video games in a short while.








Spending time with him just reminded me of the scripture where Jesus has the little children come to Him. We should all be as innocent, precious, and loving.

Will work for Spanish lessons

I have felt the normal pace coming back some this weekend. Before I catch you up on this weekend, I need to tell you about my “Hondurism” for last weekend. [All of the Spanish translators I have worked with will especially appreciate this one.]

Last Sunday, I attended church at San Miguel (actually Mololoa) with the Kluge group, Karen, and Katie. Before church, Randy asked me to “play translator” to ask one of the ministers about some needs in the community. You know me, I LOVE to use my Spanish as much as possible. So, I jumped at this and did okay. We struggled some, but we seemed to get all the main points across to each other. After the service, Randy had me ask the two guys if they wanted rides down the mountain. On the way, he got the idea to just ask them to lunch. In the car, I noticed the “Hondurism”. Yet, I thought I was mistaken. At lunch, my suspicions were confirmed. Are you ready? Here it is…..When I speak in Spanish, I need a Spanish translator. Did you read that right? Read it again. When I speak IN SPANISH, I need a SPANISH TRANSLATOR. :) Only I could do this. Let me explain.

Earlier, I told you who all went. Among the group, I probably have the most Spanish—nothing to brag about (it’s not a lot more). But, let’s not forget that Southern accent (I love it in English…not with Spanish). I sat next to the preachers so that I could talk to them. Randy sat nearby to discuss more needs of the community. So, I was the translator for that. Well, in speaking to the two of them, I noticed one of them whispering in Spanish to the other what I had just said. And it wasn’t really any different. “Yo quiero…” “Ella quiere…” Sometimes he would swap the order of the words when I had messed them up; yet, they were basically the same words. It was humorous but a little frustrating. Finally, I couldn’t take it anymore and asked where they were from (I thought my “Honduran” dialect was too much of a difference). The one that could understand me is from Dominican Republic. The one that couldn’t (later he told me that he understands about 80%)…you guessed it…from HONDURAS!!! What’s up with that? 90% of my Spanish was learned here! I guess I just need to work on losing the Southern influence.

So there is my “Hondurism” for the week. How cute, huh? Just say it again…Jen needs a Spanish translator when she speaks in Spanish. I just have to smile.

My new found love

Okay, I love Bebo Norman. Can't get enough of him. I love the beat, the words, and his voice. I have been listening to his music for about two hours and want to share one of my favorites. Maybe it won't be the same reading instead of listening. But, you can try.

Cover me.
Cover up my tears.
Cover up this man
Who's covered up in fear.
I need a peace of mind.
I need a piece of you
To cover all that's gone and everything's that new.
You unveil me with your mercy.
I want to breathe you in.
You unfold me, then you hold me.

Chorus:
Cover up my heart.
Cover up my soul.
Cover up this world and everything I know.
You cover up the sky.
You cover up the sea.
Cover up the mountain and every part of me.
Every single breath I breathe, cover me.

I am still alive
And covered up in years.
Covered up in lines,
As innocence appears.
So give me peace of mind.
Give me a piece of you.
To cover all that's old with everything's that new.
You unveil me with your mercy.
I want to breathe you in.
You unfold me, then you hold me

Chorus

You unveil me with your mercy.
I want to breathe you in.
You unfold me, then you hold me.
I want to shed that skin.
You unveil me with your mercy.
You unfold me when you hold me.
You invade me,
Would you take me away?

Chorus



Imagine asking God to "cover up" everything. I love how God can do that. He can give me a piece of him as well as a peace of mind. He eases my worries and calmes my spirit. I have fears and a past I don't want to remember. Yet, He makes everything new with His mercy. And best of all, He never leaves me; He is always there to "hold me."

Am I home?

Well, I am back home...yes, home. This has come to be the place where I lay my head down at night. But is it home? What are all the cute sayings, "Home is where the heart is." "There's no place like home." "Home, sweet, home." "Home is where you hang your hat."

Yes, it is home. I have missed several things...including the crazy yet considerate driving. I am even accustomed to the long waits and unanswered questions.

However, I miss Nashville. Well, not even Nashville. I miss my family and dear friends. I miss the church that has supported and encouraged me every step of the way. I wish I could just relocate them into Teguc. But we know that isn't possible. So, what can be done?

Do I stay where I feel closest to God and moved by Him daily? Do I stay where, even through some frustrations, I feel I am following His will? Do I stay where I actually feel at home?

Or do I get selfish, and move home for the luxuries? Or for the family and friends I miss having daily interactions with?

Just writing my thoughts as they come. I wish the answers were easy. But they aren't. To anyone and everyone reading this blog, please send up a small prayer for the girl who has to decide soon which part of her heart she needs to follow.

Love you all,
Jennifer Michelle, Sissy, Jen, Jen-nifer, Payasita, Noj, and simply put Jennifer

Is fear a sin?

A few years ago, I heard someone describe sin as “something that takes you away from God.” I can relate and agree with this. Although this definition is not in the Bible (as far as I know), it seems to fit with the many examples and details we read about.

So, if you follow these guidelines, sin could be any number of things we do on a normal basis. For example, I have found that my spirit is drained when I watch very violent and graphic television. I sometimes spend too much time on the computer/Internet when I could easily be doing a Bible study or prayer time. This is also where the materialism comes into play. I was also told that you can tell a person’s heart by looking at his/her checkbook and dayplanner.

However, the motivation for this blog…fear. Does it ever take you away from doing godly things? Have you skipped out on serving people because you are afraid?

Wednesday, I drove by a homeless man and immediately was pained in my heart. He was in a busy area that usually doesn’t have beggars. He had a cardboard sign that said, “Homeless. I need help.” It was so simplistic and yet so complicated at once. How could I help? What could I do? I would have loved to sit down and chat with him for hours…or better yet, take him to a warm place to stay and get cleaned up. But, I was afraid. I was afraid of all the horrible stories I have heard. I am sure he had a knife or a gun…something that would bring bodily damage (insert sarcasm). And even if I had pulled out of the situation safely, what would my parents say if they ever found out that I put myself “in danger.”

So, here is a classic situation of fear keeping me from doing what I know Jesus would do. How many times did fear stop Jesus or the disciples? They were arrested, beaten, and even killed for doing God’s work. Is fear a viable excuse to God to not spread His word or help His people?

Although, we shouldn’t seek out trouble, I cannot ignore what the Bible says.

Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Psalm 56:4 “When I am afraid, I put my trust in You. In God whose Word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?”

Luke 12:4-5 “I tell you my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that have nothing that they can do. But I will warn you who to fear; fear him, who after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell.”

I send this blog out to all my friends and family and beg for your input. Can you give me personal opinions, or better yet, Scripture to answer these questions?

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5...

YES!!! 10 days and counting until I arrive in Nashville! Am I excited? You bet!!!

What am I excited about? Seeing family and friends! Nothing else matters. Well, not entirely true...I can't wait for Casa's chips, cheap bookstores, Dairy Queen blizzards, the Harry Potter movie, Red Lobster biscuits, Wal-Mart having every item on the face of the earth, and Arby's lunch menu. But really, I am dreadful of the materialistic society I will be entering.

Please pray that the Lord guard my heart from the evil desires that can crowd the love. Please pray that my mind be full of wisdom and compassion. I do not want to get wrapped up in the "ease" of having everything. In Honduras, I don't suffer by any means. Yet, it is a different lifestyle that helps prevent materialism. Please pray that any culture shock I experience may bring me closer to our God above and His will.

I love you all and anticipate seeing you!

The day after Thanksgiving

November 25, 2005
What a blessing to be able to do what I truly love! Yesterday, we built a house for a family in Nueva Oriental. This is the same community I visited not long after arriving in August. Many were present: Randy, Melissa, Alora, Katrina, Dominic, Tonya, Whitney, Niki, Grammy, Nana, Chris (all from the Kluge family), Joe, Rachel (his girlfriend from Nashville), Karen, and me.


First, we tore down the existing house that was made by nailing together pallets.


This is the grandmother that lived in the house; you can see all her belongings strewn outside the house.


























Then, we went through the process of a normal TORCH building style. For the first time ever, I felt overheated (didn’t help that I had Cinnabon for breakfast). This made me stop building and rest in the area where the kids were. That ended it for me…as soon as I felt better, they had my full attention. We had fun coloring, drawing, playing Tic Tac Toe, and taking pictures with my digital.
































Here is Karen with Sara(the girl I told the story about several months ago). She is a neighbor of the lady who received the house.



















Overall, it was a great day! Thanks to Central church of Christ who supplied the materials for the build!

Love you all! Jennifer

Happy Thanksgiving!

So, what does Thanksgiving mean to you? turkey, cranberry sauce, football, pumpkin pie, family, phone calls, stuffing, cards, deviled eggs, ham, relaxing, friends, corn, sweet tea, traveling?

All of those things normally play into the holiday back home--for me, at least. This year was somewhat different. Here in Honduras things were normal as could be. Because the school where I work is based on an American schedule, we have today and tomorrow off. Yet, when Karen and I ventured into town, the daily events were taking place for everyone else. We spent the day running errands and simply having fun. We had time to just walk around the mall and browse--it felt like a normal day back home.

When we got home from the mall, Karen and I (Jen stayed at home because she wasn't feeling well) went to the Kluge's house for dinner--a big dinner (very good with all the fixings you can imagine). Seven of the Kluge family flew in from the States to celebrate the holiday with Randy, Melissa, and the girls. So, we had a large number. But here is where the challenge comes in...yeah, you knew it was coming...
How did you spend your Thanksgiving?

You have heard my story and know I did nothing noteworthy. In fact, I wish I could say I took part in what uplifted my Spirit today. Many of the Kluges went early this morning to buy food and passed it out in a community not far from here (San Miguel). How amazing! They took advantage of the gifts God has given them by blessing others in His name. I can only hope we can do the same EVERY day. "As we have opportunity, let us do good to others."

When I woke up this morning, I was psyched about shopping and buying Cinnabon. Then, later I learned about how others were spending the day. The day is about being thankful, especially for the blessing of the ability to praise our Lord. So, here is my thankful list (in no order) that I contribute to the day.

The grace given by our Lord; more than enough food; a wise mentor; blankets in cold weather; sewer systems; sidewalks; car insurance; flushing toilet paper; faithful friends; electricity; paved roads; an honest brother; stick-shift vehicles; a loving family; the Lord's guidance; socks and tennis shoes; a supportive church family; Lingo phones; ovens; the Bible.

Remember that I LOVE YOU ALL! I miss you even though I am thankful for this opportunity God has given me and the flexibility that you all have allowed in letting me leave to follow his will.
Jennifer Michelle

Prayer

[Two blogs in one day!!! What in the world is going on with Jen? School was cancelled today because it is too cold.]

Every morning before school we have a fifteen-minute devotional with the faculty. Even though it makes the day start that much earlier (and I’m not a morning person), it is wonderful to praise our God as our first act and as a group. It truly puts the day into perspective. We have a basic routine to follow. Mondays are “prayer request” days; everyone shares anything on their hearts that they wish for us to pray about. The Spiritual Life Coordinator types them up that night so that we have a hand-out the next day. On each Tuesday we break into small groups (usually 3 to 5 people) to lift up the requests mentioned the day before.

Yesterday, after my group finished, I looked up and took a moment to let what I was seeing and hearing soak in. All of my peers were bowed down, eyes closed, and whispering the desires and hopes of people they barely knew. I am moved by the fact that so many people are bringing these requests before God. And that they would continue to pray throughout the weeks to come.

How often do you take prayer for granted? It is so vital to our daily walks with our Lord. I have found that prayer is the link that cannot be left out of a solid relationship with God. There is a direct connection between how close you feel to our Heavenly Father and how often and how sincerely you pray. I once read a statement that hit home, especially when discussing prayer: If you don’t feel close to God, guess who moved?

Here's something for your soul to feast upon...

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this if God's will for you in Christ Jesus." ~1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words that cannot express." ~Romans 8:26

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." ~James 5:16

...As I have learned from many people, don't just take the verses alone but take time to study the passages from which they come.

Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank you for this way to speak directly with you. Thank you for listening when so many others don’t. Thank you for your grace and understanding. Please show me grace when I stray and bring me back to your loving Presence. Open my eyes and ears to your answers, whether they come from music, the Bible, or Christian friends. Show me your counsel and comfort that only the Holy Spirit can relay.
In the precious name of your Son,
Amen

Pictures Below

Can you believe I am actually on my blog?!? I have finally updated the Tela trip and put more pictures. Enjoy them!
Love you all,
Jen

Enjoying a Day Off

Three months today! Can you believe it? It seems like yesterday that I flew out of Nashville. For my anniversary, I received great gifts—no school, time with good friends, a visit to Santa Ana, and ringside wrestling seats.

Yesterday was windy, chilly, and foggy. Towards the end of the day, it was announced that Thursday would be a “Cold Day.” Here in Honduras it doesn’t snow. However, in the mountains it can get fairly cold (especially in the mornings). The school has no central heating system. So, when it gets to a certain temperature, school will be delayed or even cancelled. Today was originally on the schedule as a half-day, so the administration cancelled the entire day.

I spent the morning with Jen Wright, Karen Vaughan, and Christina (lady that works with the Mi Esperanza project). It was a blessing to have the arrival of Jen and Karen on Saturday. The two of them have made the incredible leap to come to Honduras. They have committed to working at the new orphanage in Santa Ana, which is being built right now. Can you imagine making such a decision? They have decided to commit to caring for and loving twenty children. I cannot even fathom such a depth of faith! Please, please, please keep these remarkable women and the children in your prayers. God is going to do amazing things. I cannot wait until December when we will see the beginning of an incredible time.

Around 1:30, Jen, Karen, and I picked up Katie and Dalton to drive out to Santa Ana. The work is unbelievable. Each week seems to be making tremendous progress. We worked with sand to make cement, picked up trash, and removed excess concrete from around the sidewalks.

The four of us girls picked up pizza on the way back to the Hines’ house. Tim picked up Campero’s chicken; we feasted tonight. After dinner, it is always good to have some good entertainment…Katie and Dylan had a discussion on who was stronger. Well, only a proper wrestling match would settle this. It depends on who you ask, but I say that Katie was the champion. :)

Love you all!
Jennifer

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

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.