Honduras 09 pics

Below are a few photos from my trip of:

Kids at the Christian school painting pictures for their sponsors.
Yefrin, baby Jack and Maybelline, Honduran directors of Little Hands Big Hearts
Vanessa and I with her 6 week old baby, Rosa
Helda's new house, her living room - A huge improvement from the mud hut she used to have. When it rained, a river ran through her living room and water dripped from her ceiling. They are now off the ground in a much cleaner and more comfortable environment.

Wednesday, August 5th

Hello everyone!
The end of last week, I was able to translate for various meetings, primarily at the Christian school (with Evelyn, the director at the school and the evangelists). On Thursday, I brought some food and clothes down to Rosa and paid her for having washed my clothes.

On Friday, Thad and I were invited to Betuel’s house, one of the BECA students in his last year of high school. We wondered what he wanted to talk to us about since he seemed very nervous. He and his mother thanked me up and down for the help that the program has afforded them. Then, he very bashfully mentioned that he has some expenses that he must pay in order to graduate. With no family income, they were unsure as to how they would cover these expenses. The amount was 850 lempiras (about $45) which wasn’t much to us, but was an overwhelming amount for a family that already has a difficult time paying the rent. Because we had heard so many positive things about Betuel, we immediately wanted to help. Thad agreed to give him the money if he would come up to the school and help with a work project. Betuel also very strongly wants to continue his education in college. He wants to be a math teacher. Cooincientally, the Christian school is always in need of a math teacher. After completing a college degree, Betuel would be certified to teach math at a primary, secondary and even college level.
Betuel is a very respectful young man. He is a leader in the church who has earned the respect of the older men. He was appointed as the youth group president. He helps to take care of his younger brothers and sisters. His mother says that he is very obedient and studious.
There are not many people like Betuel. When I asked if my positive impression of him was correct, a friend told me that he indeed is a special individual.
I would love for him to have the opportunity to go to college. He has gathered every bit of information I have asked of him. He arrives early to meetings. He is quality.
It would cost $260 per month for him to attend school. If you would like to be a part of this opportunity, please contact me via email or Facebook. I am confident he will take full advantage if given the chance.

For those of you who do not know, Vanessa has a 6 month old little girl. Her name is Rosa. Vanessa has had difficulty taking care of the baby in the impoverished conditions in which she and Maria live. Rosa was sick and in the hospital for several days while I was in Trujillo. She is a beautiful little girl that I will post pictures of shortly. The aid that is being sent for her (mom) is being used to directly help the baby instead of being given cash.

We left Trujillo on Monday and are now on the vacation portion of the trip in Roatan. It’s always strange for me to be in a tourist area after having spent time with my friends in Trujillo, especially knowing that most of them would be unable financially to make the trip. It makes me feel sick to think of the things I am able to enjoy that so many others are not. The injustice on earth just makes heaven all that much more appealing.

May you experience glimpses of heaven this week.

In Him,

Nadine

Saturday, July 25th

Today, Thad and Rachel Bartlett (from Atlanta, GA who work with the Christian school) and their two kids, Mary Kyle and John Mark; Brian and Sara Bilodeau (leaders at Little Hands Big Hearts) and their four kids, Jonathan, Rachel, Faith and Andrew; Chad and I hiked to the waterfall above Trujillo. The water level was very low since there hasn’t been much rain lately, but there haven’t been many bugs for that reason either.

It was great to see Brian, Sara and the kids and the many improvements they have made at Little Hands.

For this evening, Thad had organized a meeting for an advisory board for the Christian school for which I was asked to translate. There were representatives from each of the congregations who were invited to pray for the school, its teachers and students, to share their thoughts on things that could benefit the school, and to brainstorm ways in which the school could aid the church and the cause of Christ. Though the school has been an object of criticism (One of the reasons for which Thad wanted to call the meeting was to promote understanding.), the meeting went very well. All shared important ideas and expressed support for the school and its administrators. We were all pleased with the outcome.

It’s been a good night. It’s off to church in the morning. Don’t forget that there are millions of brothers and sisters throughout the world that are communing with you.

Sleep well.

Nadine

I arrived!

Hi everyone!
I arrived in Trujillo today around 2p.m. but not without some adventure en route! I would guess that most of you have at least heard something about Honduras on the news. It's been on CNN a lot lately. In short, the former president, Mel Zelaya, was deposed by the military (legally and democratically) about one month ago because he was trying to change the constitution to do away with term limits (for himself specifically). (I'll try to keep my own person political views to myself!) I knew going into this that there would be demonstrations and possible road blocks. I knew it would be an interesting day, when I arrived at the bus station (with my traveling partner Chad) and there were no busses to Trujillo (my final destination 6 hours away). Since there was a bus to Ceiba (the half way point), I thought we should take it because it would at least get us closer to our goal. Just outside of Ceiba, vehicles were lining the streets, indicating that they were not able to pass through to the city. People began getting off the bus and either walking or taking taxis. After confirming with a taxista that Mel's supporters were blocking the streets, we hitched a ride to the demonstration, (There was a wall of police as well. I was glad to see security was present.) then had to get out, carry our stuff around the demonstration, get in another taxi and take it to Ceiba, only to find that the bus station to Truillo was closed. After discussing options, we decided it would be best to continue to Trujillo, so we find a taxi driver that is willing to take us. Down the road, we encounter another road block, with no apparent way around, when a woman selling chicken dinner peers in the car and says in English, "Do you want me to show you the way around?" Despite the hesitancy of the taxi driver, she hops in the car and begins directing him where to go, which literally involved going over the river (multiple times) and through the woods. On his way by, a small boy shouts, "There's a steep hill up ahead!" which unnerved the taxi driver who was driving on two spare tires (I was glad he knew to put them on the back). When we arrive at the incline, we see several 4 X 4 trucks getting stuck in the loose gravel on their way up the hill. We knew our odds in that little Toyota Corrolla were not good. After helping a few trucks up the hill, others, in turn, helped us and we were able to make it back to the highway. The last road block that had been present earlier in the day at Guadalupe Carney had been taken down by the time we passed and we were able to continue into Trujillo without further delay. What will the Lord have in store for us while we are here? I'm not sure, but it has been an interesting beginning.
In Him and For Him,
Nadine