The World Is Our Classroom

A Friend's New Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 22:02:00 +0000

We love Mama Tara's Orphanage. It is a place where we feel at home and where we can feel loved and share love.     When we first visited Mama Tara's in November of 2009, the need was evident for house parents.    And yet, we absolutely did not feel God's leading to go in that direction.

Back then, I didn't understand why.

We adored the kids, we respected Mama Tara... why not us, Lord?

Today, I see a bit more clearly how God uses people's gifts in different ways. Our work here is becoming more clearly defined; discipleship has become a large part of the work.    I am able to disciple the Mama Tara girls in a weekly Bible study, at church, and as a friend who comes to visit and who loves them deeply.     But, I am not their 'Mama' or their 'House Mama.'

He did not call us to that task.   But, He did call Linda!

Linda... with a heart the size of Texas.   Linda... with a faith that truly can move mountains.

Jump on over and see her new blog... Mercy and Grace.    She has beautiful words to share. Follow her on her journey to join the crazy life that is La Moskitia.

Golf Tourney 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000

How Does a Green Girl Act?

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000

I've heard about this book for missionary kids called "I Am Green."   (Unfortunately, when I actually looked for it, all I found were environmentally friendly titles)    The premise is this...    the home culture (for us, the USA) is 'Blue' and the new culture (for us, Honduras) is 'Yellow' and Blue+Yellow = Green...

This book is aimed at kids, but I certainly feel like I'm approaching Green.    When I was true Blue, I was on-time, organized, scheduled, less-emotional, fixed up, more isolated.    When I am mellow Yellow, I am spontaneous, emotional, natural (i.e. no make-up and bleach-stained clothes), and a magnet for stares.

Lately, I'm becoming more Green.   There are days when a girl just needs to dress up and look like a girl again.   There are times when being on-time is respectful, especially in more Blue-Green places.   There are times where it is good to guard tears and anger at injustice (I can't think of any examples right now, but I'm sure there are!)

In 5 weeks, I'll be very Green.   The combo of my beloved USA Blue and my Honduran Yellow will merge into hopefully, a lovely shade of Lime.     It is my hope to take the best of both cultures and be fully present in each one - not wishing my time away on either side of the border.

Church

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 01:09:00 +0000

During 2011, we helped begin a church at one of the children's homes here... House of Hope. Our job was mainly teaching Sunday school, worshiping and providing support for the national (Honduran) Pastor.   The church is going strong and the House of Hope has lots of volunteers to keep the church moving forward.

This year, we have been praying about how to spend our Sunday mornings.    I hear missionaries often talk about how they do not 'grow' in a non-English speaking church.    Sometimes, I feel that way.   The last two Sundays, I've felt that God was absolutely speaking to me in Spanish and Miskito.

Sunday, Arlee and I went to Mama Tara's to support the new, young Pastor that has recently taken over Pastoral duties and Watchman duties.    He is a go-getter and has moved his family from a remote village to live right next door to the orphanage.

His family lives in a shack, friends. He has a beautiful wife and 3 amazing children who are happy just being together. His younger brother lives with them and now, he has taken in one of the older boys from Mama Tara's who he has known all of his life. That is 7 people in his house that is the size of a large walk-in closet.

Pastor Mainor works a temporary day-time job doing construction and then is the weekend Watchman and Pastor at Mama Tara's.   He is the closest thing to a 'real Dad' that we have seen.

Alex is working with Mainor on a gardening project at Mama Tara's.   He is a hard-working man with many ideas.

Church is held on the breezy back porch of the orphanage with 4 simple benches and one desk in front. Mama Tara sits in the very back listening. The service is 99% in Miskito, although he threw in some Spanish for us today. :)

It appears that we have found the place that we are to worship on Sunday mornings. We can attend the church, support the Pastor by helping buy hymnals and Bibles in Miskito and help however else he needs us. We will not preach, unless invited by the Pastor.

Our job is not to preach or make the church North American in nature.   Our job is to encourage, pray, tithe and yes, to grow in our own faith through the experience of worshiping with our brothers and sisters in La Moskitia.

God Speaks in Miskito

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:50:00 +0000

I wasn't expecting much from the service... a young, new Miskito Pastor preaching for 2 and a half hours in Miskito.   Despite the doubts, I picked up my bilingual Bible and decided that it would be 'good for me.' And, so I went.    Oh, but that's right, my bilingual is English/Spanish... not Miskito.

First verse out of the bag - Ecclesiastes 8:8   "No man has the authority to restrain the wind with the wind, or authority over the day of death; ..."    With my recent thinking on safety in Honduras, this was a timely reminder.   Hmmmm, perhaps I was meant to be sitting on this breezy patio on this simple wood bench on the 22nd of January in 2012?

The Pastor went on to explain in Miskito (and thankfully, a bit of Spanish) that we just do not know what today or tomorrow will hold.   He spoke of the possibility that today could be our last, so live it to the fullest in the name of Jesus.   He talked about the hope that we have in Christ.    And he finished with this verse, "The last enemy that will be abolished is death."   1 Corinthians 15:26.

Simple, isn't it?    Do I underestimate my God so much that I have the nerve to say He cannot speak out of the mouth of a young Pastor in another language far from my own?   Do I criticize the 'lack of sophisticated theology' to the point that I am the one who misses the beauty and simplicity of the Gospel message?   May my answer today be a resounding 'NO!'

Christ abolished the fear of death with His death and resurrection on my behalf.   All I have to do today is walk forward in His joy and accomplish the work He has for me. Death was my enemy and now, Christ has abolished the hold that this enemy had over me.

One day, I will walk into the presence of my God.    Oh, what a day it will be.

Until then, the fear of tomorrow or the fear of 'how my story will end' will not bind me up and make me powerless.   I have a living Savior... I have a God on my side... I know the One who has abolished death and I'm following Him.

I have a God who speaks Miskito and preaches to a gringa in a voice gentler than the breeze.   A timeless Voice that transcends skin color, geography and language.

Safe

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 02:11:00 +0000

Recently, there has been much news about the security of Honduras.    The Peace Corp pulled out of Honduras in December to reevaluate the safety of their volunteers.   There were several specific incidents that caused concern.    In our area of La Moskitia, the Peace Corp pulled out years ago.

Additionally, there is the new information published about San Pedro Sula being the most dangerous city in the world. This is not good news, but I have not heard of one US missionary family leaving San Pedro Sula. Their work exists in San Pedro Sula.

Because of the Peace Corp pull out, a group from North Texas that was coming to to La Moskitia to build a Habitat for Humanity house, canceled their February trip.    They consulted their security firms and decided not to risk it.

Another group of college students (also from North Texas) decided to come anyway.    They built a secure, dry home for a single mom in our town and had a wonderful week.    As an aside, I have a cool connection to this group.    The campus Pastor that brought the team down was my camp counselor when I was a teenager!    Years ago, this lady had a true impact on my growing faith and here, 20+ years later, she brings a team to our remote area to serve with Habitat. I had not seen or talked to her in all of those years. The world is small.

So, back to safety.     You need to know that Peace Corp volunteers are typically placed alone in a small, remote community.   Unlike small groups and missionary families, they do not have a 'team' of folks to rely upon.     Our family evaluates our safety every day, in every situation... just like we did in the US.

We have not seen any changes to our safety in La Moskitia.   The narcotrafficking industry is alive and well. We stay out of their way and they stay out of ours.    If anything, I hope they can see how dedicated all of the US missionaries that live and visit here are to their people.

There are some basic things to remember no matter where you are... don't leave your purse open on a countertop or you can expect something to be missing.    Don't leave your camera hanging from your backpack or you can expect it to be taken.    Don't leave your backpack laying in the back of a pick-up or you can expect it to be no more.

We have never had a personal safety problem with groups visiting here.   Dr. Tom Brian has been traveling in and out of Honduras for 20 years and has never had a problem.

That being said, it is important to remember that we are really not 'safe' anywhere on the globe.   We live in an illusion of safety; but the reality is that cancer, addiction, disease, theft, murder, disaster exists in every corner of our world.

We love and appreciate your concerns for our family and your prayers on our behalf.    Please know that we feel right in the middle of God's will for our family. Even when the days feel impossible, we rest in His quiet leading.    This is the safest place to be.

Ebb & Flow

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:46:00 +0000

Two weeks ago, I stood on our dirt runway with 17 students and their families waiting...

All of the preparation, all of the prayers, all of the searching for supplies... all of the paperwork. It all culminated on that runway.

Their faces - pensive and yet, positive.

How many wanted to turn around and forget that they'd ever desired to study elsewhere?

In their minds' eyes, what pictures of their country had they painted?   Did they have any inkling of what would await them on the other side of the rainforest?

I don't know.

Yes, I was along for the ride and I loved every minute of it.   But, I don't speak Miskito.

In moments of extreme stress or excitement, one forgets his or her second language and reverts immediately to the comfort zone - one's heart language. Those words that just roll off of the tongue without effort.

And so, in that way, I was the outsider.   But, that just does not bother me anymore.

On the other side of the rainforest and the mountains, we emerged from the plane.   Serious emotions.   A page turning...

My mind was simply in organization mode... get these 17 students and their luggage, use the restroom, get in the buses and begin the forward momentum across Honduras.

One bag was missing, but coming on the next plane.   We waited.

We picked up another gringo friend, Abby, who traveled on one bus while I traveled on the other.    Thank God that Abby came. I needed to be able to speak my heart language, too. And I needed another person to bounce ideas off of as the hours moved forward.

We ate lunch at a very large restaurant.   I remembered my youth director, Glenda, who on our youth trips always had everyone's money and trip organized.   She did it for many more kids though at a time.   I have great respect for her skills!

We slept on and off and finally made it to the school.    Within 10 minutes, the boys had their clothes changed and were on the soccer field. Mind you, this was the very first time these boys had ever seen normal grass, let alone played soccer on it! It was exciting to watch.

The girls began to relax bit and laugh.   Abby and I knew that all would be well for the night, so we retired to our hotel and tried to sleep as we anticipated the interviews the next day.

Thursday was a serious blur of cold, rain, waiting, nervous teenagers, entrance exams, more rain, and 4 and a half hours of interviews.   I left the school that evening feeling such a mixture of emotions. The students had done well in the interviews, all were accepted into the 4-week trial program.    And yet, some of the things I learned haunt me... all of the students from La Moskitia failed the Spanish portion of their exam.   Most of them did not do well on the Math portion.

Miskito is their first language, but Spanish is the national language of Honduras.   Most of their teachers are Miskito.     Not one student could identify a verb in Spanish...

I share this not to humiliate these bright students. I share it to explain how far these kids really have to go to be able to truly compete for a bright future.   They have geographical barriers, financial barriers and language barriers like most of us have never imagined.

And yet, the Miskito people are survivors. They are fighters.   This same cultural strength will be applied by these students over these next few weeks. They will fight and they will survive and only God knows the outcome.

As we said our good-byes, one young man would not let me go. He was sobbing in my arms and gripping on for dear life. It was heart-wrenching. This display was completely uncharacteristic and unexpected. He is the most prepared of all of the students, so his response was a surprise. My prayers have been frequent for this one.

I miss those 17 faces around here.   I miss the knocks on my door, I miss their butchered attempts to communicate in their 3rd language, English.   I miss their excitement, their youth and their optimism.   I miss them and my family misses them.    These kids have been in and out of our house for the last few months and my kids have gotten to know them.

And yet, we are all tickled to have been able to celebrate opportunities alongside them ... to celebrate hope... to return to La Moskitia and celebrate with their families. And, today, to open our doors to 7 young women who, in just one month, will be off to interview for Leadership University to join the 3 that were sent last year.

With every ebb, there is always a flow.

Humble Mumble...

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 01:21:00 +0000

I posted a few quotes on humility earlier in the month. With those, a discussion ensued via e-mail with a friend and Discipleship Pastor at our home church. He has written a few posts about Humble Pride... the latest today .

My post was only a hair of what I am thinking over humility and pride. Clay's post goes into greater depth an addresses more of what is on my mind, too.

Passing Moments

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:12:00 +0000

My kids are growing older by the minute... just like me, I guess. Sometimes they amaze me with their humor and intelligence. Where did they get that?

Being away from them for 5days only served as a reminder of how precious every moment together really is. Certainly, this must be how our parents feel in the US with us so far away. Precious moments, precious memories.

We look forward to making a few more memories with family and friends as we visit the US this spring.

Firsts

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 21:21:00 +0000

The last few days of my life have been chock-full of firsts for me, my friend Abby, and for 17 teenagers from La Moskitia.

First time for me to organize applications for 17 students who are not my own. First time for me to see the combined emotions of fear, nervousness and excitement in the faces of young people. The first time I have ever felt rain through the roof of an airplane in-flight. And so on.

The firsts for the teenagers were much more remarkable.

The first time to board an airplane.

The first time to pack a suitcase.

The first time to say goodbye to family.

The first time to see their beautiful La Moskitia from the air.

The first time to see a real airport.

The first time to ride on a paved road in a small bus.

The first time to eat in a restaurant that has electricity and air conditioning.

The first time to see the interior of their own country.

The first time to drive up to the school that everyone has been telling them about for 12 months.

The first time to interview.

The first time to experience homesickness and hope in the same minute.

Firsts.

Do you remember the first time you saw an airport, said goodbye when you knew you wouldn't see someone for at least 10 months, the first time you interviewed for something that you wanted, but had no idea how to obtain?

For most of us, we experience huge firsts throughout our lives, not all crammed together in 48 hours. P

Memorable days. Beginnings. Hope. Firsts.

2011 in My Rearview Mirror

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:06:00 +0000

Two-thousand eleven... Dos mil once... 2011.

The year seemed to rush by in so many ways with highs, lows and many in-betweens. Here is a recap of a few of the things the year brought. Reviewing it all makes me aware of how much of the ministry news I've left out on this blog. Also, I'm clearly reminded of how dependent we are upon the Lord for every single thing.

January -

My thoughts about our first Christmas and New Year in Honduras were compiled and shared. Thankfulness abounded for the Gifts That God Brought.

I met Baby Y's Dad and was surprised by his t-shirt from the church where I was raised. The world really is tiny. God caught me off-guard that day and taught me that most of my days here are not going to be clearly sketched in black and white. The year has continued to be one where gray areas, filled with grace, reign.

Ahuas, La Moskitia

I traveled upriver to Ahuas and had a chance to see another part of La Moskitia. Waves, Crocs and Swamps were part of my first long boat ride. I enjoyed my Walk to the Outhouse in Ahuas and came back to Puerto Lempira with a deeper love for the beauty of the region.

Surprise and gratitude filled my heart as Viborly returned from her village to ask forgiveness and petition for another chance to go to a boarding school in Copan. God Redeems!

Finished January off with a great awareness of the way God equips His people to do the jobs He has prepared.

February:

The highlight of February was a visit from the Abshire family. And the collision of emotions as they left was the stuff of this post, When the Plane Flies Off.

The post about Lessons from Mama Tara reminded me of how much time I spent those first few months just getting to know Mama Tara. Hours and hours of sittin' and listenin' lead to friendship, a bit of trust and the chance to be called her 'hija' (daughter).

Looking back, the same feeling holds... I Still Don't Need A Washing Machine.

March:

My baby, Aaron, turned 4!

A great Team from Texas spent Spring Break with us.

Our family welcomed Di into our dinners and lives.

We fully explored the concept of MKs - Missionary Kids, concluding that MKs are just like every other K we know.

A rare moment of clarity of thought emerged on how my Hungering for God is, in practice, a circular thing.

My cutie, Aaron, when he was almost 2

April:

We started our fantastic visit to the US which started with a trip to San Pedro Sula for our VISA residency paperwork ... Before, Take-Off, Receiving ...

We celebrated Easter with our church family

May:

In the midst of our return to Honduras, I was finally able to express my deep affection for My US of A.

We arrived home to find our house had been broken into and we lost many important 'things'... the verse from James about 'Considering all things Joy' became my song.

Di's Garden was a delightful surprise.

June:

Celebrated 3 kids' and 1 husband's b-day. June is always a fun and cake-filled month for us.

We had Holly & Jenna visit for 2 weeks! What a treat for the entire family.

We got our first dog, Lily.

God reminded me that He loves and cares for Every Single One...

Descending Vultures provided ingredients for a post.

July:

TIME flew by, but I had plenty of TIME to write 21 blog posts.

The question was answered "What Exactly Do Missionaries Do?"

My linguistic skills moved forward by baby steps with Words and Oh, For a Thousand tongues to Sing.

My Sunday School class covered the Lord's Prayer and I gained some great insight into how they view their Padre Celestial.

Our family was on the Receiving End of a beautiful dinner.

August:

I began to help a friend in another country with adoption paperwork for a child from here and my first visit to the judge was a Judicial Symphony.

The non-baker that I am had an impromptu Baking Class for teenagers.

We had the opportunity to witness one of God's Miracles.

My mind tried to wrap around how we Carry the Burdens of Others.

Celebrating one year in Honduras, I shared what life might look like If We Had to Return to the US Tomorrow.

September:

Fruit distribution for Street Kids!

September 11 Boat Trip to Cocota

My eyes were opened to the desperation of one mom in Orphans or Not? and More Thoughts Along the Same Lines.

Something Continued to Disturb Me.... education in Honduras.

October:

We made a trip to Copan for a conference and to visit Viborly at Arbol de Vida

4 members of the Mama Tara US Board visited and truly became like family to us. During their visit, I had an opportunity to share God's Word in a way I had never done before. God is HUGE

I got to attend a missionary women's conference in Tegus and was BLOWN AWAY by my experience.

My friend, Romy, experienced a horrible day and, as always, God was faithful to teach me large lessons in the midst.

Viborly

November:

I road a roller-coaster with Di as she made some really poor choices and more and then, gratefully, watched her come back around.

Expectations vs. Reality detailed how our expectations on coming to Honduras have played out in real time. Oh, and there was Reality - Part 2.

We had some special Dinner Guests

Our Thanksgiving was filled with the love of our friends from Texas. This group was incredibly flexible, hard-working, prayer warriors with a heart for every person God brought our way.

Di and her Grandmother

December:

9 girls, 1 young mom and me began a journey through True Love Waits in Spanish. We have covered a lot of ground in 4 weeks, see Part 1 & Part 2. Seeds have been planted, Scripture memorized. Only God knows the end of the story.

A group from North Carolina came to serve at Mama Tara's. They brought TOM shoes, painted Scripture and beautiful paintings on walls, repaired screen doors, sang, danced and loved on kids. There were 3 young children in the group which was a delight for my family.

Happy Birthday Jesus! Feliz Navidad.

Thank you, Lord, for another opportunity to LOVE and SERVE YOU and the MANY that YOU LOVE right here in Honduras.

Thoughts on What I'm Learning

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 01:07:00 +0000

I read a wonderful article from Christianity Today last night entitled Lessons From an Usher by Carolyn Arends. The article speaks to lessons the author learned about humility from a committed usher at her church. The story itself is beautiful, but what spoke to me most was this take on humility (emphasis mine):

"Richard Foster defines humility not as a 'less-than' type of self-abasement, but as an ability to "live as close to the truth as possible: the truth about ourselves, the truth about others, the truth about the world in which we live." When we are humble, we are un-fussily realistic about our strengths and weaknesses - about what we are capable of, and what we are not. We are also clear on the fast that we are not God, and that we cannot heal or transform ourselves on our own. Thus, when growth or change happens, it is only in humility that we can identify God's provision for us.

When we are proud, we don't have an accurate picture of of the way things really are, and we end up believing we are engineering our own progress. And then we wonder why we don't see God moving in our lives. This phenomenon might be another layer of what the apostle Paul meant when he told us we would best know God's strength in our own weaknesses."

Years ago, something I read about pride, in Beth Moore's Praying God's Word, stuck with me:

"We are wise to remember that Christ never resisted the repentant sinner. He resisted the religious proud and Pharisaic. Remember, pride wears many masks... Pride is not the opposite of low self-esteem. Pride is the opposite of humility. We can have a serious pride problem that masquerades as low self-esteem. Pride is self-absorption whether we're absorbed with how miserable we are or how wonderful we are."

These two things come together to speak to the kind of person I want Christ to make of me... a truly humble individual.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel!!

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 14:50:00 +0000

Hats

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:12:00 +0000

There are hats that I've always anticipated wearing into my old age... the wife hat, the Mommy hat, the daughter hat, the sister hat, the friend hat.

There are hats that I've worn for seasons and gladly discarded... the teenage hat, the liberal feminist hat, the law school student hat, the infertility hat.

There are hats that I've worn for seasons and remember with such fondness... the student studying abroad hat, the new Christian hat, the book store owner hat, the foster mommy hat, the produce lady hat and more.

There are current hats that I never dreamed I'd wear... the homeschooling mom hat, the living-without-air conditioning hat, the wrinkly middle-aged hat,   the missionary hat.

There is, however, one hat that I am currently donning that doesn't fit and sometimes I want to hide it in the branches of the Christmas tree and leave it there for next year. :) ... the fundraising hat.

It is a necessary hat to wear and it is the way that missions has been done for centuries.    And yet, my pride wants to forego this side of our job for the much-more-palatable and fun job of loving children.

The fundraising hat seems to be a necessary adornment as long as I want to also wear the Missionary-Mama-in-Honduras hat.

I could keep this hat-o-rama going on for much longer, but I'll spare you anymore hat tricks and leave it with that.

Dinner Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 01:11:00 +0000

Remember the post about dinner guests? Here are a couple of pics from the second invitation which went to 3 boys who are always outside our house. We've fed them on and off for months, but this night is the first one that they spent hanging out with us at the table and playing Legos and crafts afterward.

Ken, Darnell and Josento (I thought he was telling me his name was 'lo siento' which means I'm sorry... so, he has a nickname that makes him and his friends giggle incessantly).

One cool thing about this night... Alex made a shrimp pasta dish with canned asparagus that I had brought from La Ceiba. They were able to see a man cooking, cleaning up dishes and helping run a family. This is a unique example and one that I pray sticks with them in some small way.

Pure - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 02:46:00 +0000

Thank you, friends, for your encouragement about the last post on the purity Bible Study.   There is now a large group of people praying for these girls.   I assure you, they are touched by this.   I have shared about you, my praying friends, and their smiles when I mention you are simply priceless.

This week started off an awful lot like last. It was 11:00 a.m. and I was, once again, disappointed.   There are moments on the mission field when my own self-doubt creeps in and those awful messages enter my brain... 'what are you doing here?' 'what makes you think you can teach girls about purity after your life?'    'there are so many people who are so much better equipped to teach young people'... And so on.

And then, I hear a knock at my door.   Smiling, laughing young ladies looking to me.    I'm the one God has given them for this morning.   And in spite of myself, I have to dig deeper and give them what they need ... some simple encouragement that points to The Encourager from a simple heart that loves them.

I need to explain something to you.    Language.    All of these girls are Miskito and their heart language is Miskito.    Spanish is their second language, just like mine.    We meet in the middle for our study - coming at these topics with the challenge of translation; mine from English and theirs from Miskito. It does add another dimension.

My favorite memory from yesterday was 8 young girls sitting around my table with their Bibles open reading God’s Word and underlining verses. They had their eyes glued to me as I shared a bit about my life that I haven't had the opportunity to share here yet. We talked a lot about 'examples' and that Jesus is their example, not me.

The girls stayed after Bible study for a movie called Magdalena – by the same company who did the Jesus film. It struck me that they had never seen something as graphic as the crucifixion. There were tears streaming down faces as Christ was beaten and placed on the cross. How quickly I forget! And they rejoiced as Christ rose again... I could understand bits and pieces of their excited Miskito conversation as 'Dawan' (God) came to life.

Later, 2 of the girls, Yosebeth and Mercy, worked on the Rosetta Stone English in our little computer lab. Neither had ever seen a mouse before and I had to literally put my hand on theirs to show them how to use it. A surreal moment.

For those of you who are praying over these young ladies, I thought I would give you a snapshot in words of each of them:

First, there is Yosebeth. She talks the most in the group which is nothing short of God's work in her. I remember the first time I met Yosebeth in November of 2009. Shy, painfully so. Today, she has blossomed. Through the love of her sponsors, Liz and Charlie, she has dreams. She is the reason we started this study. I just know that the Holy Spirit is working in her life.

OK.. then there is Soraya. Soraya is the daughter of a mute woman, Kia. They live at an orphanage with Soraya’s younger brother. Soraya is 14 and just lovely. Soraya has been abused by a very trusted person. She will be going to Copan in January to study at a Christian boarding school. Currently, Soraya’s mom is in the hospital with appendicitis. There is no surgeon in Puerto Lempira right now, so she is just hanging on until a surgeon comes next week. We are very worried about Kia, even though she is one tough lady.

Next, Mercy. Mercy is also 14 and will be going to Copan to boarding school. She is a strong young woman who has always been hesitant to talk to me about anything other than the weather. In the last month, she has opened up a great deal. Yesterday, she was very interested in hearing about Paul, the first missionary and God-inspired writer of so many of the verses we are learning in our study. She had answers to every one of my questions.

Next, Sayda. She is 13 and recently lost her mother and grandmother in a fire accident. She is new to the orphanage and is getting made fun of by some of the boys. This is going to stop, but pray for her heart, it is obviously broken in bits. Sayda has a beautiful smile and is very, very interested in God’s Word. She is not quick to give a hug, but I believe that God has special plans for Sayda. This one is precious to me.

When I have more time, I’ll sit down and write about the other ones. Each has her own story.

To my prayer warrior friends in Texas, you keep my eyes focused forward on this task. I thank you.

Continuation

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 01:45:00 +0000

Yesterday's post on purity of heart is applicable right there in your world, in every city of the US. Third-world countries are not the only places where promiscuity has its consequences. It is our world, riddled with sin.

This blog talks much about Honduras, but most of the lessons I'm learning here apply world-wide. Most of the things that are so magnified to me here are happening right around your US city, too.

Perhaps, the difference lies in the fact that all sin is easier to hide in the US? ... so many things to hide behind.

Pure

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 01:14:00 +0000

8 young Miskito ladies, 1 young Miskito mom, 1 middle-aged gringa missionary talking about what the Bible says about the birds and the bees...

As in many third-world countries, problems related to promiscuity abound... teenage pregnancy, single mothers of many children, fathers abandoning their families, prostitution to feed hungry bellies and so on.

Here, there are cultural norms that expect young ladies to become involved early with young men. These same cultural norms expect young men to leave their families and become involved with whatever other young lady they wish, leaving a family behind.

Several of our friends have sponsored young girls around our town through Reach Out Honduras or through the Mama Tara organization.     They want these young ladies to have a different dream...   a dream to use their gifts for God's glory, whether it be through motherhood with a committed spouse or through education to further their dreams.

One of my dear friend's, Liz, sponsors one such young lady. They dream for their sweet Yosebeth. Big dreams.

Liz and I had a conversation earlier this year about starting a Bible study like the True Love Waits program, but in Spanish.    She worked to find the curriculum and sent it down with our Thanksgiving Team.    Immediately, I loved it.

It is a 5 week class with a leader's guide - all in Spanish.

Last Friday was our first class.   Liz organized a prayer team of ladies to pray each Friday for these girls.   The things we will be learning are so unique... this may be the first time anyone has ever said to them that 'they can choose to wait until they are married.'

I invited 10 girls, knowing that 4 would be away at a youth conference and would start the following week.    So, I readied myself for 6.   My morning quiet time was spent studying for this - I didn't want to inadvertently say something stupid in Spanish that would ruin the class.

I was expecting the group at 9:30 a.m.   9:30 came and went... so did 10:30.    Things are never on-time here, but around 11:30, I really felt like they weren't coming. I drove around and bought some fruit and felt sorry for myself.

Around 12:00, a young man visiting Mama Tara's came over and I needed to drive him back out to Mama Tara's. As I pulled up to the orphanage, there were 8 girls dressed in their finest clothes with their Bibles... waiting.    It seems that Mama Tara had been working on her grocery list for almost 3 hours and the girls had to wait to start walking until she was finished. They were ready to go.

I loaded our little utility vehicle with more weight than I should have and happily carried the girls to my apartment.

The discussion was lively among the older girls. The younger girls were timid and giggled a bunch.

The most telling portion of the morning for me... I asked each girl to write down what they thought made the 'perfect marriage.'     Almost every girl wrote... no hitting, no screaming bad words and no fighting.    Hmmmm...

We covered a lot of ground last week and will move quickly this week as we learn what God says about having a pure heart.

They finished the morning by making beautiful pictures for their bedrooms that say, in Spanish, "To be pure means to offer all of myself to God." and then adding Psalm 24:3-4.

Pure hearts... oh, I'm praying for their pure hearts to be receptive to a few new concepts.   And, who knows where these new concepts may land one day.

One sweet young lady at a time.

This December

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:22:00 +0000

It is December.    Honestly, I've dreaded this month for 11 months.

After the high of the Thanksgiving team that helped us from Texas, anything following appears to be a let-down of great magnitude.

Last December, I experienced a weird homesickness that came completely out-of-the-blue.    Being the typically prepared person that I am, I found all of it unsettling and undesired.

Last year at this time, we had only been in our apartment for a few weeks, we only had a few Christmas presents that my mom had sent from the US, I didn't know to prepare ahead for a Christmas dinner by buying food in La Ceiba. I just felt unprepared.

This year, we ordered our Christmas presents for our kids in September, shipped them in October and have them all ready; a few special things for each of our kids.

Our friends from the US sent us advent calendars, candy, dried fruit, books and Christmas cards.

My mom sent her presents in August. She is way more on top of things than me.

I printed off an Advent devotional to turn our hearts toward the Reason for the season.

We've made plans to be in the US for Christmas 2012.

Have I done enough planning to ward off homesickness for December 2011?

Only the next 29 days will tell for sure, but 'things and plans' probably won't do it.

My secret weapon and sure-fire pattern for a peaceful December 2011 is this...

Instead of focusing on what I don't have this year, I'm committed to turning my heart toward what I DO have. December is going to be a month of thankfulness for all of the ways I am full, even when I may 'feel' empty.

Come, Lord Jesus.   Come and show me how You have filled this heart and this life with good things, tangible blessings and new traditions.    Remind me of Your birth, Your gift, Your peace.

Answered

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 00:59:00 +0000

If you've followed my journey through the year with Di, I've got good news for you. She has changed her mind. She wants to return to her original plan to attend boarding school.

Last week, her grandmother came in from her remote village to see Di graduate from 9th grade. One problem, graduation cost a tremendous amount of money which no one had. So, the grandmother got an earful from me instead. Lucky woman.

Miskito women are stoic and rarely smile... they believe that if you smile in a photo, the camera may just steal your soul

It started out innocent enough... she speaks no Spanish, I speak little-to-no Miskito. Together, we were a pair of smiles.   Smiling was the only way we had to communicate with one another without a translator.

She arrived to meet me with an 'Oh! Canada' bandana. I wish I had been able to give her one with the stars & stripes, or at the very least, a Honduran one.

She drove with me in my little Rhino.   She held on for dear life as I navigated potholes and splattering red mud. The sun was directly in my eyes as I ran over a traffic cone in front of the police station.   I never saw the cone.   She had no idea what to do with me.   I'm certain she thought I had been drinking.

We arrived at the translator's house and began a long, difficult discussion about Di's safety.   Overall, I wanted to make sure that she knew that my first priority is and will be Di's well being... above and beyond education, her very life is important and the situation Di was heading into was a potentially dangerous one.   The grandmother nodded, but said very little.    We ended the conversation without a resolution.

A few days later, our Thanksgiving group was here and I saw Di and her grandmother at one of the orphanages.   The grandmother stared at me, watching carefully how I interacted with the Miskito people who worked there, watching how I acted with my friends, watching what I did with the kids.   It was a bit unnerving.

yes, I look like a tourist... and yes, I like to smile

She left Puerto Lempira without much fanfare.   A few days later, I found out that she had a stern talking to with Di. Stern.    And because of her honest words, Di changed her mind.     The same things that I had said to Di over and over were now taken to heart because they were spoken from the lips of one who has known Di since birth.

So, Di wants to go.   I am happy that Di is safe and has chosen to make choices that will keep her from being exploited.     In some ways, I'm skeptical. In other ways, hopeful. Most of all, just grateful.      Oh, and ready to put my boxing gloves on for the next girl in limbo. The fight, physical, emotional and spiritual is worth it.   Di is worth it.

And in a month or so, we just may be together on a plane headed to her future.

Vulnerable

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 22:00:00 +0000

This post is perhaps best directed at those that are headed into the mission field or into work in another country less economically advantaged than the US.   Or to those who just like to hear me rattle around about how my heart has been turned inside out... you will enjoy this post, too.

There is something that happens to a person when they do not have a garage to close, or a large Suburban Mama vehicle to drive or a wonderful pantry to turn to to feed hungry tummies ... one becomes vulnerable.

I lived the majority of my years in a house that I could run into and close the doors on the reality of anyone but myself. For most of my adult life, I drove an SUV that I thought would 'protect' me from most accidents. I could get in my SUV and drive away from the difficulties of others.   I could roll up the windows when I drove past a homeless panhandler and lock my car doors in unsavory areas.    Arriving home in my SUV, I could use my automatic garage door opener to close the door of the garage before anyone could come in and harm me or ask something from me that I wasn't prepared to answer or give.

For the bulk of my life, I had a secure checking and savings account.   There were dollars and cents that I could use to surround myself with things to comfort and pacify.

Stepping away from these things leaves a person vulnerable.

Open.

Out there.

Friends, this is not a bad thing.   In my vulnerability, I can see.   Really see.

My Jesus was interested in the individual person. Not the crowd, but the single person. The solitary soul.

He did not have even a place to lay his head at times. He certainly didn't have an SUV, a garage or a checking account.    He walked among and with people. He met them right there in the middle of the street.

Without my house, my SUV, my husband's secure job, my garage door,   I can see the individual.   Walking down the street, or driving in my open golf cart, I do see the individual.

Often, seeing the individual is painful.   Often, seeing the individual means that I must act. Often, seeing the individual requires something of my heart.

This is not a judgment on houses, cars or garage door openers. It is simply an observation of what has occurred in one really odd gringa and what will absolutely happen to you if you walk these streets with me.

Christmas Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:15:00 +0000

“And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

Celebrate Jesus this Christmas with a gift that makes a difference to others in the ‘Land of the Forgotten People’, La Moskitia, Honduras. Partner with Reach Out Honduras this Christmas to provide both spiritual nourishment, education opportunities and physical provision.

Consider a gift for friends/family… we will send you a printable certificate and/or a card directly to your recipient to notify of the gift. Select the ‘Add a Dedication’ box as you make your donation and enter the recipient’s name and address.

When you click on the picture below, it will take you to the Christmas Projects page where you can read more about each option. If you have trouble seeing the picture, visit this link.

Buy, Buy, Buy

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:01:00 +0000

Today is Black Friday. I'm sure many of you are out and about looking for Christmas presents. If you are ordering through Amazon today, please click through this link.

Any items bought after clicking through the link below will provide a small percentage donation to our family. You have to come back and click-through each time you log on to your computer in order for it to recognize our code.

Thank you and Merry Christmas!

Wise Words from Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:28:00 +0000

These last few posts about risk have invited wonderful, encouraging words in my inbox that I want to share with you...

"A mother's heart gets stomped on sometimes - but our love never changes. Just imagine how God's heart hurts over and over and over as his children go their own stubborn ways - rather than in the directions that he would prefer for them. BUT HIS LOVE NEVER WAVERS! He is always there waiting for our return - but traveling with us over the road we have taken on our own." from my mom :)

"The only goal gets refined to: "That I may know HIM." That is our goal, and our goal for Di and all our other children. (At times we have to pray)... "whatever it takes, Lord." May the Lord comfort you as you wait....." from B.

"...what I have discovered in my own life is that it took coming to the end of myself for me to see my desperate need of God. And He alone knows how to bring us to that place. For me, my self-sufficiency had to come to a dead end so I could finally see there was NO HOPE for me apart from Christ's work on my behalf. When I look to the future and having teenage children, I hope I can rest in God's ability to save apart from the part He has called me to play." from G.

"Your thoughts have really helped me, and the Lord showed me some things this morning... He made me realize that we are doing exactly like He did, when He came to the earth. He came, knowing what would improve the lives of the people, and knowing what they needed, but they were unwilling to accept what He offered. They rejected Him, some, even after following Him for awhile. It was like the Lord asked me, "Do you not think that I felt the same way when they rejected me? When I offered them the hope of eternal life, and they refused it, just wanting some miracle to be done, that would feed them for a day?" Wow, that really hit me! Can you imagine, the Bread of Life sitting there, and the people didn't want Him, they just wanted food for the moment! Of course, I would think that He felt just as I do, that this was a waste of time....but He didn't, and aren't we so glad! He kept on giving, no matter what their attitudes were, no matter what they said or did, and even gave His life, knowing that millions would reject His free gift, not caring the price that He paid. That in itself, inspires me to go on giving, to go on loving, and risking it all, not quitting when they reject what we have to give, and when they take advantage. from a missionary friend, R.

In a way, each of these responses is similar in nature ... it is only when we come to the complete end of ourselves that we can see how IMMENSE and COMPLETE is the love of God through Christ.

One of these ladies reminded me of something I wrote, interestingly enough about Di, a few months ago. Salvation and success are not mine to give... I can share how Christ saved me, my sins no less grave than the ones she experiences, I can point toward a better way, the Way, I can extend my love and forgiveness based on what I've received from God, and I can pray that God will bring her to the 'end of herself.' And, I can open my front door and welcome the next child that needs to see my Jesus. Whatever it takes, Lord...

More Thoughts on Risk

noreply@blogger.com (Laura) — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 01:10:00 +0000

Disappointment. Lost Opportunities.   I've been rummaging through my emotions these last few days as the reality that my 'picture-perfect dream' for Di is simply not going to happen.    During my search, I've discovered much.

First, just because I cannot control the outcome does not mean that I stop giving.   Is my giving solely dependent upon specific results?   If missions, and church for that matter, are only 'successful' when 'our' certain results are achieved, I believe we have all missed the mark.

My desired result for Di is a strong faith and school. Perhaps, God's desired result for her is simply the first, a strong faith. How does one obtain strong faith? It is not a gift some other human being can offer. Strong faith can only come through fire-testing.   Just because the year didn't have my desired end (pretty package of me taking her to Copan and setting her on the road to the next stage in her life), doesn't mean that this year was not valuable... for me and for her.

Who defines a valuable end? a worthwhile effort?

God is the God of the tiny, the broken, the unsuccessful in the world's eyes... He is the One who cares even about the results that do not meet our North American definition of 'results.'   He cares about Di's eternity.

Our job here is to take risks on children who deserve a chance. What that means is that some risks will produce a reward that we view as a reward... other risks will produce fruit that might look different, but still be a reward... and some risks which may appear to have produced an opposite outcome today, perhaps tomorrow will produce a reward that we don't even recognize.

In ways, this post is disjointed. I suppose my rummaging continues...

Love gives absolutely; without expectation of a certain result. If love is conditioned upon an outcome, it is not love, it is compulsion.