How to capture in words all that transpired today? The events are easy enough; the emotions, not so much.
We started the day with a refreshing trip to the waterfall outside Quimistan. Sam stayed in town and took care of some business. The waterfalls were beautiful, and everyone enjoyed the adventure. We dropped Tracey and an interpreter off at the Compassion office to find out about sponsoring Reina Isabella, a young girl she had connected with at the dental health training earlier in the week. Disappointment. The girl's family situation is highly suspect and it is unlikely that she can be sponsored. At the least, attention was drawn to her plight.
After lunch, Martha brought in the children from San Francisco, a small community on the other side of the suspension bridge. Riccy, Arthur and Jenny's sponsor child, preached a short sermon to the children. Pride. After a short Salvation Bracelet VBS with them courtesy of Arthur and Jenny, they were allowed to pick out toys and clothes from the supplies we had left.
While this was going on, the rest of us headed to Tejeras, the highway ministry started by HAF for the squatters who live near the dump, for another eyeglass clinic. For some reason, only a handful of "customers" showed up. However, the children were in abundance, and our teens enjoyed playing with them and giving out balls, bubbles, and smiles to these, the poorest of the poor. Happiness. Pain at their situation. One young boy ran slap into a post, raising an instant goose egg on his forehead. It was evident he didn't belong to anyone there, as no one jumped up to help him. Finally, someone carried him back to his home, kicking and screaming. Soon enough, he returned for his share of fun and food. We fed them all a delicious Gloria meal and packed their "take-out" containers full with food for another meal. Then we had the children line up for a buffet of school supplies. Frustration. Language difficulties made distribution difficult, and we could only hope that all had received what they needed. One older girl, who had always been first in line for everything and made sure she got everything possible, hung back while the rest were leaving. When all were gone, she came up to me. Cynic that I am, I expected her to have her hand out, but instead, I received a warm hug and a shy smile. Love. Satisfaction.
As we were leaving, we discovered that our transportation for the next day was in question, and we had to rethink our plans. We didn't have a truck for our luggage. Panic. After dinner, we gathered together all our bags and trunks and discovered that, miraculously, it would all fit in Sam's Expedition. Relief.
Later, we gathered on the porch for our devotion. Arthur shared his story, an amazing tribute to his family's faith and strength as they escaped Communist Russia, fled to Israel, and then landed in Canada. Tears. A late night trip to the cemetery with Pablo to visit his mother's grave. Suyapa died of cancer last year. Pablo told of his hope to become a doctor so that he could help those in pain. Commitment. More tears.
Guilt that not more could be done, that we have so much. Pain and concern over what we leave. Commitment to continue and spread the word. Love, mostly love. But then again, that's what Agape is all about.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Agua y mas agua
The group started the day with a hearty breakfast of eggs, spicy sausage and the very popular flour tortillas. Cook Gloria arrived at 4 am in the dining hall to have the tortillas ready to serve hot and fresh at 7 am. Gloria and Sandra are a great duo in the kitchen.
Thirteen members of the team traveled to Texoxingales (aka, Teo), a small village in the mountains next to the Honduras/Guatemala border. The 90-minute drive to the town was beautiful though the steep drop-offs were a little scary. Approximately 120 kids attended the VBS program at the Pena elementary school in Teo. Arthur and Jenny led the salvation bracelet program and did an awesome job. The team was blessed to have their energy and charisma for sharing Jesus’ love with the children. Each child received a bracelet with 5 beads, each telling part of the salvation story.
Several of the men (Ted, Sam and Jeff) hiked up to the top of the mountain in Teo to see Guatemala. The three men watered the hillside of Guatemala - at least they thought it was Guatemala.
Also, while the team was in Teo, a Justa stove was built in the Pena school lunchroom in just a half of day.
by Jeff and Abby Ray
Thirteen members of the team traveled to Texoxingales (aka, Teo), a small village in the mountains next to the Honduras/Guatemala border. The 90-minute drive to the town was beautiful though the steep drop-offs were a little scary. Approximately 120 kids attended the VBS program at the Pena elementary school in Teo. Arthur and Jenny led the salvation bracelet program and did an awesome job. The team was blessed to have their energy and charisma for sharing Jesus’ love with the children. Each child received a bracelet with 5 beads, each telling part of the salvation story.
Several of the men (Ted, Sam and Jeff) hiked up to the top of the mountain in Teo to see Guatemala. The three men watered the hillside of Guatemala - at least they thought it was Guatemala.
Also, while the team was in Teo, a Justa stove was built in the Pena school lunchroom in just a half of day.
For dinner the whole group went to Gojita’s Restaurant. We were invited to swim before the meal, but few had come prepared. After a meal of fried chicken and french fries, the teen girls stuck their feet into the pool, and that’s how it all began…. Arthur couldn’t resist the temptation, and tipped all the girls into the cool water. He even threw Beth into the pool (a very risky move). So the water fight began. Beth took a bucket of water into the restaurant, and made it out the front door before dumping it over his head. Then everyone went back to the pool and listened to music and had a great time.
by Jeff and Abby Ray
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Rise and Shine and Sweat
Our day started out at the crack of dawn as we headed back to Santa Clara at precisely 7am. Since the students at White Dove Bilingual School were not in class yesterday afternoon, we distributed the tote bags full of school supplies and shared encouraging words with the children. The students were able to talk to us in English and even sang a few songs for us. After too short of a visit, we said goodbye and headed back to Quimistan. On the way back, some of the team members stopped to cross the suspended bridge that crosses the river. A few years ago, some of us had to cross the same bridge and had to jump over the boardless areas. Luckily the bridge was fixed this time and our team was able to see one of the most beautiful spots in all of Honduras.
Next we went to the elementary school to make sure the children were brushing their teeth correctly after their snack. It was a little chaotic, but everyone was doing a great job. It was nice seeing all of our new friends one more time.
Straight from the school, we packed our lunch and went to La Montanita. Our purpose there was to visit the group of ladies who sew the tortilla cloths. We picked up the cloths from a previous order and ordered more to sell at home. All of the profits will go back to the women. It was neat to hear the ladies talk about their work. Also, their children gathered around so some of us played with bubbles.
The sun was high in the sky as we got back in the cars and traveled to Banderas. Once we arrived at the school, we set up for the eye clinic. Over the few hours, we distributed about 50 reading glasses to the people in the community. Since it was light work, the rest of the team participated and watched a rather intense game of Monkey in the Middle and soccer.
Finally, we arrived back at Sister Martha's. It was a long, hot day, but we were able to share the love and hope of Jesus with people all around the Quimistan Valley. To refresh ourselves, some of us took motortaxis to Shirley's and treated ourselves to ice cream.
Cecelia and Barb
Sorry for the lack of pictures tonight! The internet connection is being very slow and refuses to do what we're asking. More tomorrow!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Of Mice and Men, A New Love Story: Queen Isabella
On Saturday, we witnessed an amazing love story as Jenny and Arthur were reunited with their sponsor child, Riccy. Today, we experienced the birth of another love story, one that is just beginning.
Our day started with more dental health training in F. Bogram school in Quimistan. The six of us who were sick yesterday were much better and able to participate fully. We finished the training with a total of 814 children seen. Tomorrow we'll go back to watch as the children brush their teeth after their snacks.
While we were there, Tracey developed a relationship to one of the girls, an eight-year-old named Reina Isabella (Queen Isabella for you non-Spanish-speakers). Reina was very shy and withdrawn. Her clothes were ill-fitting and torn. The other children made fun of her. Reina attached herself to Tracey and stayed by her side silently throughout the morning. When it came time to go, Tracey was asking about how best to sponsor her. She and a couple others walked Reina down the street to the SuperMercado to buy her a new uniform. Reina ate lunch with us, and proudly showed off her new shoes, one with buckles that worked and actually fit. Tomorrow, Reina will go to school proudly wearing her new clothes. Of course, this was not in our plans for the day, but it was all part of His. And who knows, Tracey may just have adopted a child. For sure, she has fallen in love.
The second half of the day was spent at Santa Clara. Although no one said so, it was evident that all had fallen under the spell of the village and the remarkable transformation one couple has made to the whole town. In the space of two years, they have built 3 homes, a school of 18 children for preschool-first grade, with plans for expanding each day, and a trash collection system that has the town looking so much better. Oh, I forgot, justa stoves and water purification systems, with more plans in the works.
We'll go back tomorrow to give the children the tote bags and school supplies in person. As I said, we all have fallen in love with Santa Clara, but Cecelia in particular. It will be hard for her to leave tomorrow.
Love. Not planned for by us, but given freely by Him, our Lord and Rey.
Blessings,
Beth
Our day started with more dental health training in F. Bogram school in Quimistan. The six of us who were sick yesterday were much better and able to participate fully. We finished the training with a total of 814 children seen. Tomorrow we'll go back to watch as the children brush their teeth after their snacks.
While we were there, Tracey developed a relationship to one of the girls, an eight-year-old named Reina Isabella (Queen Isabella for you non-Spanish-speakers). Reina was very shy and withdrawn. Her clothes were ill-fitting and torn. The other children made fun of her. Reina attached herself to Tracey and stayed by her side silently throughout the morning. When it came time to go, Tracey was asking about how best to sponsor her. She and a couple others walked Reina down the street to the SuperMercado to buy her a new uniform. Reina ate lunch with us, and proudly showed off her new shoes, one with buckles that worked and actually fit. Tomorrow, Reina will go to school proudly wearing her new clothes. Of course, this was not in our plans for the day, but it was all part of His. And who knows, Tracey may just have adopted a child. For sure, she has fallen in love.
The second half of the day was spent at Santa Clara. Although no one said so, it was evident that all had fallen under the spell of the village and the remarkable transformation one couple has made to the whole town. In the space of two years, they have built 3 homes, a school of 18 children for preschool-first grade, with plans for expanding each day, and a trash collection system that has the town looking so much better. Oh, I forgot, justa stoves and water purification systems, with more plans in the works.
Love. Not planned for by us, but given freely by Him, our Lord and Rey.
Blessings,
Beth
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
In sickness or in health the mission must go on…..
Some of us have had the best day. Others have had a very rough day. 6 people in our group have gotten sick from an unknown source. However, the rest of us continued on in today’s projects.
We started today at Francis Bogram Elementary school where we taught more than 300 students how to brush their teeth. We gave each of them a toothbrush and toothpaste that were donated by churches, individuals and dentists from Canada and the US. God’s angels are everywhere! We also gave each of them a deworming and fluoride treatment. Our favorite parts were watching their faces as they tasted the banana deworming treatment and jumping back as they spit the fluoride at our feet! The kids were most excited about the stickers that they earned for “swooshing” fluoride for 30 whole seconds!!
After lunch, we set out for the Agape compound to play with the Compassion International children. When we got there, the children were still in their classes so Jeff Ray, Abby Ray, Cecelia Newman, and Daniel-the interpreter climbed to the top of the water tower. From there, it felt like we could see all of Honduras. The mountains surrounding us felt like God’s arms embracing all of His beautiful children. As we climbed much slower down the tower, the children came out to play. We had SO MUCH FUN with them!!! Over a few hours, we played everything from kickball to futbol to having a massive water fight. We even managed to throw in a few manicures. Everyone left with smiling faces, happy hearts, and very pretty, sparkly nails.
The fun continued as we came back to Sister Martha’s. Our team members enjoyed a delicious meal together and had a lot of downtime. Some picked on each other (Arthur), some played basketball with the locals, and some just hung out. As the night comes to a close, our hearts are about to burst with our strengthened love for the Lord, each other, Honduras, and Pepto Bismol.
Please pray for those still suffering from sickness tonight and for the continued health of those of us who are not sick. Gracias….
by Cecelia, Abby Ray, Tracey and Jenny
We started today at Francis Bogram Elementary school where we taught more than 300 students how to brush their teeth. We gave each of them a toothbrush and toothpaste that were donated by churches, individuals and dentists from Canada and the US. God’s angels are everywhere! We also gave each of them a deworming and fluoride treatment. Our favorite parts were watching their faces as they tasted the banana deworming treatment and jumping back as they spit the fluoride at our feet! The kids were most excited about the stickers that they earned for “swooshing” fluoride for 30 whole seconds!!
After lunch, we set out for the Agape compound to play with the Compassion International children. When we got there, the children were still in their classes so Jeff Ray, Abby Ray, Cecelia Newman, and Daniel-the interpreter climbed to the top of the water tower. From there, it felt like we could see all of Honduras. The mountains surrounding us felt like God’s arms embracing all of His beautiful children. As we climbed much slower down the tower, the children came out to play. We had SO MUCH FUN with them!!! Over a few hours, we played everything from kickball to futbol to having a massive water fight. We even managed to throw in a few manicures. Everyone left with smiling faces, happy hearts, and very pretty, sparkly nails.
The fun continued as we came back to Sister Martha’s. Our team members enjoyed a delicious meal together and had a lot of downtime. Some picked on each other (Arthur), some played basketball with the locals, and some just hung out. As the night comes to a close, our hearts are about to burst with our strengthened love for the Lord, each other, Honduras, and Pepto Bismol.
Please pray for those still suffering from sickness tonight and for the continued health of those of us who are not sick. Gracias….
by Cecelia, Abby Ray, Tracey and Jenny
Monday, April 5, 2010
Easter Sunday in Honduras
Easter in Honduras is much different than in America, obviously. Most of their celebrations occur the week before, during Semana Santa. Easter is geared towards the adults, with few customs involving children. Today we introduced a new concept to the children which, judging from the reaction, may become an instant tradition.
Our own teenagers started the day with an American custom: the Easter basket. Each of the five girls got a bag of Easter treats, which they enjoyed immensely (as did the adults, who did a little mooching themselves).
After breakfast, we headed over to Martha's Sunday School, where 186 students listened as Martha read the story of Easter using the Resurrection Egg kit, with our team members pantomiming the story as she went. After the story, we played games and colored with the children, until a brief rain shower sent us all back under the shelter.
In the afternoon, we headed over to the kinder to visit with about 50 Agape Promises children. Again, we acted out the story while one of the teachers read it to the children. Then we had the older children hide plastic eggs for the younger ones, followed by an Easter egg hunt for the Honduran teens. Any doubts we may have had about whether the Honduran teens would like to hunt for Easter eggs was quickly dispelled by their eager antics to find the eggs! We focused on the egg as a symbol of new life, and I dare say they got it! Both groups, both morning and afternoon, really enjoyed the story of Easter as told with the Resurrection eggs, and it is likely that next Easter quite a few may again clamor for an Easter egg hunt!
A quick change of clothes and we were back at church, La Cosecha this time. As far as we could tell, no mention of Easter was made, the sermon being about the plagues of Egypt. Back home, we had a late dinner and then worked another two hours sorting toothbrushes, toothpaste, and school supplies for tomorrow's activities. Whewww...a long day, but old relationships renewed, new ones forged, and the concept of new life reinforced.
Blessings,
Beth
Our own teenagers started the day with an American custom: the Easter basket. Each of the five girls got a bag of Easter treats, which they enjoyed immensely (as did the adults, who did a little mooching themselves).
After breakfast, we headed over to Martha's Sunday School, where 186 students listened as Martha read the story of Easter using the Resurrection Egg kit, with our team members pantomiming the story as she went. After the story, we played games and colored with the children, until a brief rain shower sent us all back under the shelter.
In the afternoon, we headed over to the kinder to visit with about 50 Agape Promises children. Again, we acted out the story while one of the teachers read it to the children. Then we had the older children hide plastic eggs for the younger ones, followed by an Easter egg hunt for the Honduran teens. Any doubts we may have had about whether the Honduran teens would like to hunt for Easter eggs was quickly dispelled by their eager antics to find the eggs! We focused on the egg as a symbol of new life, and I dare say they got it! Both groups, both morning and afternoon, really enjoyed the story of Easter as told with the Resurrection eggs, and it is likely that next Easter quite a few may again clamor for an Easter egg hunt!
A quick change of clothes and we were back at church, La Cosecha this time. As far as we could tell, no mention of Easter was made, the sermon being about the plagues of Egypt. Back home, we had a late dinner and then worked another two hours sorting toothbrushes, toothpaste, and school supplies for tomorrow's activities. Whewww...a long day, but old relationships renewed, new ones forged, and the concept of new life reinforced.
Blessings,
Beth
Saturday, April 3, 2010
8 year sponsors meet Riccy today!
What an incredible day! The most moving event occurred at the very end of a long day. But first things first…we had a very smooth day of travel and are so thankful for that. After settling in to this beautiful compound, we set out to explore the community in which we will be working this coming week. First, we visited the hospital which just opened last June. What a wonderful place they have built! There are facilities for x-rays, labor and delivery, pediatrics, dentistry, OB-GYN, an on-site laboratory and emergency medicine. A much needed blessing for this community.
Next, we visited many of the houses that have been built by Agape teams over the past 8-10 years. It was a pleasure getting to visit with these families. As a first-time team member, this was quite an eye opening experience. It is amazing how little these people have and how happy they are despite it. God is great!
Next, we visited many of the houses that have been built by Agape teams over the past 8-10 years. It was a pleasure getting to visit with these families. As a first-time team member, this was quite an eye opening experience. It is amazing how little these people have and how happy they are despite it. God is great!
So finally, the most amazing thing happened at dusk as we were ending our journey for the evening. A couple traveling with us from Canada visited here 8 years ago. During their visit, they met a family here which they fell in love with. Upon returning home, they decided to sponsor one of the children, Riccy, who was 2 years old at the time. This sponsorship has continued for 8 years. To their surprise, Maynor and Pablo had taken steps to find the family and as we rode down their road, Jenny and Arthur immediately recognized Riccy, their sponsor child. They both jumped out of the car and we all witnessed a tearful reunion. Wow, what a moment!
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