April is almost over and I am one month closer to returning to Honduras.
Last quarter, I challenged my Spanish classes to raise money for a student in Honduras and they raised two months worth. I was proud of their generosity as 6th and 7th graders.
Cultural differences never cease to amaze me. My friend, Judith Alexander, who has been a missionary in Japan for several years, wrote in her most recent update about the thousands of kids in Japan who commit suicide each year because they are so stressed about academic achievement and future job success. Meanwhile, I encounter many students everyday in my teaching job in the U.S. who could care less about their education nor do they understand the connection to their future success. Sometimes I feel like I am fighting a losing battle…
I recently returned from a spring break vacation in Gatlinburg, TN with my mom and nieces. It was a much-needed getaway. We had a lot of fun hiking in the mountains, seeing the history in Cade’s Cove and yes, visiting the tourist attractions as well.
Before spring break, I was able to attend a Seder dinner, the Jewish Passover feast. It was very interesting to learn about the historical symbolism in all the parts of the dinner, especially since we joined Messianic Jews (those that believe that Jesus is the Messiah). If you have never been to one, I highly recommend it!
Thankfully, before I left for vacation, I was able to turn in chapter 1 of my graduate thesis on urban education. It took me two months to complete chapter 1, and I have two weeks to complete chapter two. I hope to be finished writing my thesis in December of this year, Lord willing.
Please pray for Betuel, Norbertina, Jose Carlos, Zuly, Keidy, Alejandra, Delldelker, Alexi, Mirian, Cinthia, Orlin, Jose Osorio, Glendy, and Dilcia, who are the high school students receiving scholarships and for Moises and Tesla who are in college.
This summer I plan to be in Trujillo, Honduras from July 23rd – August 9th. I look forward to meeting up with my friends from the West Metro Church of Christ in Atlanta, GA and visiting Brian and Sarah Bilodeau, Yerfrin and Maybelline Rodriguez and the other workers at Little Hands and local church members. Of course, I will be checking in with the scholarshipped students as well. I hope to bring home current pictures and information in order to pass it along to you all.
Yefrin and Maybelline, the BECA coordinators in Honduras, are keeping busy as usual. In addition to facilitating the BECAs (scholarships), they are co-directing Little Hands Big Hearts and raising their new baby, Jack.
This year, there is a family of boys who attend church with me who also attend the school I teach at. Omari, a 6th grader, will greet me at school, but hasn’t been too warm because he wants to be cool for his friends. Last week, he came up to me at church and initiated a big hug and greeting, which really blessed me. Omari and his five adoptive brothers have been taken in by Mrs. Baker. It’s so encouraging to me to see kids from school at church. It’s a wonderful connection that is not often made. This is the first time in my teaching career that I have been able to worship with my students.
Last month, I went curling (yes, the Olympic sport on ice) with the youth group that I now work with at church. It was an event that I never imagined I would partake in, but it was a fun team building experience, primarily because we were all equally as bad at it!
May God grow you and yours in this Spring season.
Nadine
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Stateside work
The work not only continues in Honduras, but it continues Stateside as well.
My position at my teaching job just changed for the third time this year. I am adjusting to my middle school Spanish classes and a high school computer class. On my first day of computer class, on Tuesday of this week, a student slept through the entire class. Even when I would address him directly, he would act as though he couldn't hear me. After class, I was able to speak with him. I was a little surprised he didn't blow me off altogether and just leave. We talked about what a waste it would be if he slept through this class because he would just have to take it again later. He agreed. The next day he came in, mouth running full speed. Through his commentary, we determined that we live just a few blocks from each other in Detroit. "Well, party at your house then!" was his response. I will say that I love the connection that is made with some of my students when they find out I live in Detroit. Since that day, he has done his work and stayed awake. I am pleased because the previous teacher told me that he would be surprised if I could get him to do anything. There are several in the class with tough shells. I pray that it is only a matter of time before I get through to them.
In my Spanish classes, I am challenging my kids to give to the Honduran scholarship program. I am confident they will rise to the occasion.
Sometimes work in the city can be heart breaking.
As my grad school load has lightened, (Well, sort of. I begin thesis writing as opposed to having to attend classes.) I am now able to work with the youth group at church, which I have been wanting and needing to do for a while now. The first few weeks went well. I was welcomed very openly by the kids and leaders. I was even asked to share my testimony in a couple of weeks. Though there are kids from a variety of backrounds, everyone got along well, until last week.
Some tension had been present between some of the consistent attenders and some of the neighborhood kids who float in and out, but it exploded on Thursday. All in all, it was a great night because we, as a group, were able to serve a dozen homeless men staying in the building by hosting some game shows for them. They received some prizes but we mostly just had a good time and shared many smiles and laughs. However, lurking under it all was Satan trying to stir up trouble. Some very inappropriate things were done and said, resulting in the removal of one boy from youth group. The things that were said tapped into a very painful experience that another boy had had in his past, thus, causing tension between the two boys. It was a situation in which a lot of very deep pain was poignantly evident. On one hand, I was saddened to see the depth of that which must be overcome in order for these boys to experience love; but on the other hand, I was hopeful. The word watershed came to mind. I truly hope that the situation causes these boys to reach a new level of honesty and growth within themselves and that that would spread throughout the group. In the meantime, please be praying for reconciliation between these boys and for spiritual growth to occur that would allow the group to be reconciled to the boy who is not allowing anyone "in" right now.
My position at my teaching job just changed for the third time this year. I am adjusting to my middle school Spanish classes and a high school computer class. On my first day of computer class, on Tuesday of this week, a student slept through the entire class. Even when I would address him directly, he would act as though he couldn't hear me. After class, I was able to speak with him. I was a little surprised he didn't blow me off altogether and just leave. We talked about what a waste it would be if he slept through this class because he would just have to take it again later. He agreed. The next day he came in, mouth running full speed. Through his commentary, we determined that we live just a few blocks from each other in Detroit. "Well, party at your house then!" was his response. I will say that I love the connection that is made with some of my students when they find out I live in Detroit. Since that day, he has done his work and stayed awake. I am pleased because the previous teacher told me that he would be surprised if I could get him to do anything. There are several in the class with tough shells. I pray that it is only a matter of time before I get through to them.
In my Spanish classes, I am challenging my kids to give to the Honduran scholarship program. I am confident they will rise to the occasion.
Sometimes work in the city can be heart breaking.
As my grad school load has lightened, (Well, sort of. I begin thesis writing as opposed to having to attend classes.) I am now able to work with the youth group at church, which I have been wanting and needing to do for a while now. The first few weeks went well. I was welcomed very openly by the kids and leaders. I was even asked to share my testimony in a couple of weeks. Though there are kids from a variety of backrounds, everyone got along well, until last week.
Some tension had been present between some of the consistent attenders and some of the neighborhood kids who float in and out, but it exploded on Thursday. All in all, it was a great night because we, as a group, were able to serve a dozen homeless men staying in the building by hosting some game shows for them. They received some prizes but we mostly just had a good time and shared many smiles and laughs. However, lurking under it all was Satan trying to stir up trouble. Some very inappropriate things were done and said, resulting in the removal of one boy from youth group. The things that were said tapped into a very painful experience that another boy had had in his past, thus, causing tension between the two boys. It was a situation in which a lot of very deep pain was poignantly evident. On one hand, I was saddened to see the depth of that which must be overcome in order for these boys to experience love; but on the other hand, I was hopeful. The word watershed came to mind. I truly hope that the situation causes these boys to reach a new level of honesty and growth within themselves and that that would spread throughout the group. In the meantime, please be praying for reconciliation between these boys and for spiritual growth to occur that would allow the group to be reconciled to the boy who is not allowing anyone "in" right now.
Monday, January 26, 2009
We need your help!
We are the children of Honduras. We see poverty all around us and know that the only way to break the cycle is through education. Unfortunately, we can't afford the supplies necessary to attend school. It only takes $15 a month to cover our educational expenses but that's 1/3 of our household income! The average Honduran family lives on $2 a day! When the choice is between food and notebooks, food always takes the priority. We want to learn and even hope to go to college someday. Will you help us?
the BECA program
Beca is the Spanish word for scholarship. The BECA program was begun in the 1990s by Doctor Tony Tabora and his wife, Maria Clara Torres de Tabora. The couple, both doctors, ran a medical clinic which primarily served the economically disadvantaged of Trujillo, Colón, a small town on the North Coast of Honduras, Central America. Through their experiences, they determined that one of the most effective ways to break the cycle of poverty was through education. Because of this conviction, they formed a scholarship program that aided local students in the church.
In August 2002, Dr. Tony was murdered. As a result, Maria Clara moved to San Pedro Sula to live near her parents. She attempted to run the scholarship program from afar, but in 2005 began looking for someone to take over the responsibility. Because I was living in Trujillo at the time, I was approached to manage the program. Though I am currently living in the States, I continue to coordinate the scholarship program because I see its importance in Third World Honduras.
Because there is a Christian school in Trujillo that supports elementary age children, the BECA program currently sponsors 15 young people, all high school age (7-12 grade). These students must maintain passing grades (70% or higher) in order to remain in the program. In addition, there is also a general fund that helps to send students to college and to provide aid in medical emergencies. I return to Honduras once a year to visit the BECA students, who I know personally.
Would you consider making a one-time or monthly gift?
All gifts are used to benefit the Honduran students. There are NO overhead costs! That's right! One hundred percent of what is given goes straight to the BECA program! How many organizations do you know who can make that claim?!
Recommended donation: $15
All donations can be sent to:
Rochester Church of Christ
c/o Karen Owen
250 West Avon Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Please make checks payable to the Rochester Church of Christ and write Honduras Scholarship Fund in the memo.
Blessings,
Nadine Taylor
BECA coordinator
P.S. Sometime in the future, I may make it possible to donate online. Send me a message and let me know what you think about that.
In August 2002, Dr. Tony was murdered. As a result, Maria Clara moved to San Pedro Sula to live near her parents. She attempted to run the scholarship program from afar, but in 2005 began looking for someone to take over the responsibility. Because I was living in Trujillo at the time, I was approached to manage the program. Though I am currently living in the States, I continue to coordinate the scholarship program because I see its importance in Third World Honduras.
Because there is a Christian school in Trujillo that supports elementary age children, the BECA program currently sponsors 15 young people, all high school age (7-12 grade). These students must maintain passing grades (70% or higher) in order to remain in the program. In addition, there is also a general fund that helps to send students to college and to provide aid in medical emergencies. I return to Honduras once a year to visit the BECA students, who I know personally.
Would you consider making a one-time or monthly gift?
All gifts are used to benefit the Honduran students. There are NO overhead costs! That's right! One hundred percent of what is given goes straight to the BECA program! How many organizations do you know who can make that claim?!
Recommended donation: $15
All donations can be sent to:
Rochester Church of Christ
c/o Karen Owen
250 West Avon Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Please make checks payable to the Rochester Church of Christ and write Honduras Scholarship Fund in the memo.
Blessings,
Nadine Taylor
BECA coordinator
P.S. Sometime in the future, I may make it possible to donate online. Send me a message and let me know what you think about that.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Jose Carlos Sanchez Rodriguez
Jose Carlos Sanchez Rodriguez
Jose Carlos lives near the Christian school in barrio Buenos Aires with his mother and five siblings. In fact, Jose Carlos attended the Christian school until last year. This is his first year in high school (7th grade). He is already planning to attend college.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The reason I am writing this letter is to first thank God and also to thank you all for having a great heart. Thank you for your willingness to help me. I promise to study and to press on. I wish you many blessings from God. Thanks a lot. May God bless you today and always.
Jose Carlos
Jose Carlos loves to play soccer and watch out for his younger siblings. He was in the children’s choir while I lived in Trujillo, and he was one of the few students that asked if he could have a book so he could study the songs on his own.
Jose Carlos lives near the Christian school in barrio Buenos Aires with his mother and five siblings. In fact, Jose Carlos attended the Christian school until last year. This is his first year in high school (7th grade). He is already planning to attend college.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
The reason I am writing this letter is to first thank God and also to thank you all for having a great heart. Thank you for your willingness to help me. I promise to study and to press on. I wish you many blessings from God. Thanks a lot. May God bless you today and always.
Jose Carlos
Jose Carlos loves to play soccer and watch out for his younger siblings. He was in the children’s choir while I lived in Trujillo, and he was one of the few students that asked if he could have a book so he could study the songs on his own.
Jose Carlos is to my right in the picture. His little brother, Roberto, is in front of Omar, a neighbor.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Summer Trip '08
Keith and Vickie Stephanie, Annina, and Nadine
I hope you all are having a wonderful summer! Keith, Vickie, Stephanie and I returned from Honduras safely, just a day later than expected due to a flight cancellation in Houston.
When I arrived in Honduras on June 26th, I began working with Thad and Rachel Barlett and the West Metro group from Atlanta, GA. At the Christian School, the kids completed an art project and letter for their sponsors. On Friday and Sunday, we had a festival for the kids. I worked with a group of talented students in the upper grades to prepare a drama that was presented to the other students.
Last year, when my mom, Mary, was in Honduras, we spent time with Helda and her three sweet girls, Waleska, Yahaira and Evelyn. When we saw their house, Mom was very struck by their living situation. Helda had been saving little by little in order to make improvements to their mud-wall, leaky-roof house. When it rained, the water literally carved a path down the center of their dirt floor. We decided that if we were able to return the following year, we would help her with her house. Mom was unable to come due to her pending surgery; however, Keith Johnson worked hard on Helda's house. After three years of construction, her house is now enclosed by cement block walls, she has a new roof and a raised cement floor; all vast improvements from their former living arrangements. The girls helped haul blocks, and Helda was cooking for us any time she wasn't working. The generosity and contentment of those with the least never ceases to amaze me.
When we weren't at the work site, Keith, Vickie, Stephanie and I were visiting Little Hands kids. Little Hands is the ministry that Stephanie and I worked for during the time we living in Trujillo. We were impressed by the work that Brian and Sara Bilodeau (missionary family from New Hampshire) have been doing and also by the efforts of Alissa and Rachel (two young ladies from Washington state). Alissa has been living in Trujillo since February and has used her ingenuity to create exercises, lessons and activities to aid in the development of the Little Hands kids, including pre-school in the homes of the children. Rachel, who has been in Trujillo during the summer, has used her teaching skills to help tutor kids who have fallen behind in the Christian school.
There was a lot of activity in Trujillo during the time we were there. After the group from Atlanta left, a group from Mississippi arrived. In the past, Annina Spencer came with this group; however, this year she stayed for a month in order to immerse herself more in the language and culture. Among the group was a pediatric occupational therapist named Bobby. Bobby visited the Little Hands kids, helped diagnose their infirmities and developed exercises and tools to help stimulate development. In Trujillo, it's very hard to get accurate diagnoses and adequate resources. Bobby skills were very helpful in getting the kids things that they have long needed.
It was great to see how all the groups and efforts worked together. I feel that a lot was accomplished this summer in Trujillo. Several of us are already planning our return trip next summer. It's what keeps us going.
More info to come on the scholarshipped students.
Take care.
Nadine Taylor
P.S. My mom came through her surgery just fine. They removed 15" of her small intestine as there were 4 or 5 areas affected by Chrone's disease. She should come home early this week. I'll be heading home tomorrow to help take care of her.
April update
Update April 2008
I pray that you all have been well. Drop a line sometime to let me know how you are doing.
Lord willing, everyone will be able to read the text…here goes…
I just finished my first year of grad school! I have a short reprieve before my May-June class starts, hence the lengthy update.
Hardships in perspective
Sometimes it’s easy to lament hardships in their various forms. I still have a hard time with the breakneck pace that comes along with living in the US. It’s way too easy for a culture of people that want everything now to not feel sorry for itself when it doesn’t get what it wants, when it has to wait, or when God doesn’t come through like a fast-food teller. Recently, I had found myself being frustrated about life’s circumstances and God’s seeming lack of concern, when I heard some guest speakers from Sudan, David Deng and Jacob Atem. Both men were able to leave Sudan when they were children and come to the States. They are currently attending college, one a business major and the other a pre-med student. They were two of the “Lost Boys” who wandered from Sudan to Ethiopia to Kenya trying to find a place to settle during the genocide. They told about how their parents and siblings had been killed when one boy was 4 and the other 9 and their homes burned to the ground, as their Christian villages were attacked by Muslims. At first they asked, “Why me, God?!” but that question turned to a “Why me?” that probed the purpose that God now had for them as a result of their circumstances. Jacob says, “I’m just a dumb boy. I never imagined I would ever go to college. No one ever told me I could do that.” He will graduate from Spring Arbor with a pre-med degree in May with the vision of completing medical school in order to return to Sudan and start a medical clinic there. It was amazing to hear the purpose and vision with which these men of God spoke. Despite the incredibly horrific circumstances that had changed their young lives, both men were able to translate that struggle into victory for the King. I left the service humbled and encouraged, and reminded that our successes are not dependent upon our circumstances but on how we react to our circumstances. Even when things seem hopeless, our God is still the God of resurrection.
Never underestimate grace
A few weeks ago, I was troubled by my students’ behavior. It seemed that I was losing ground with regard to classroom management. One student, whose behavior has been a challenge all year long, was really pushing the limits one day. In addition, I overheard her say some unrepeatable things about me. Some say to let the office deal with her, but I thought there had to be another way. The next morning, God allowed the opportunity for us to both be in the library at the same time, so I pulled her aside and spoke with her. While we were speaking, she confessed that she had been going through some trials and her eyes welled up with tears. She apologized to me, and I haven’t had a problem with her behavior since. It seems the people who exhibit the least grace toward others are the ones that need to receive it the most. May we allow Christ to use us to breathe the refreshing breath of grace into those around us.
Neighborhood Tutoring
When needed, I have been tutoring the neighborhood kids. It’s been fun. They call me Miss Nadine. The other day, I arrived home and got out of my car. Little 5-year-old Perrion yells, “Hi, Miss Nadine!” Then, he comes closer and says, “Can I give you a hug?” Without waiting for me to crouch down, he wraps his little arms around my waist, then runs away just as quickly to play. What a little sweetheart!
Little Hands Big Hearts
Good news, bad news. For those of you who know Marel Bados, the Honduran director of Little Hands, I regret to inform you that he has resigned from the directorship. I, also, ask that you pray for him and his wife, Angela, as they are having some difficulties in their marriage. However, Yefrin and Maybelline Rodriguez are the new directors. They are very excited to take over the leadership. They will be working with Brian and Sara Bilodeau from New Hampshire, who moved to Trujillo in February along with their 4 children.
2008 Scholarships
Please pray for the 15 scholarshipped middle and high school students: Alejandra, Betuel, David, Delldelker, Fredy, Jose Carlos, Linmy, Maylin, Nohemy, Mario, Nolbertina, Noris, Ruth, Waleska and Zuly. Please also keep the college students in your prayers: Yefrin, Tesla, Osladis, and Moises.
Summer trip
On June 26, I will be returning to Honduras. I will work with a group from Atlanta, GA for two weeks, then meet up with a couple from Cadillac, MI and my best friend, Stephanie. Please pray that our time is a blessing to those we will be serving.
When we return, I will post more pictures to the website.
In the meantime, please pray that my school year and grad school class ends well.
I pray that many blessings come your way.
Nadine
I pray that you all have been well. Drop a line sometime to let me know how you are doing.
Lord willing, everyone will be able to read the text…here goes…
I just finished my first year of grad school! I have a short reprieve before my May-June class starts, hence the lengthy update.
Hardships in perspective
Sometimes it’s easy to lament hardships in their various forms. I still have a hard time with the breakneck pace that comes along with living in the US. It’s way too easy for a culture of people that want everything now to not feel sorry for itself when it doesn’t get what it wants, when it has to wait, or when God doesn’t come through like a fast-food teller. Recently, I had found myself being frustrated about life’s circumstances and God’s seeming lack of concern, when I heard some guest speakers from Sudan, David Deng and Jacob Atem. Both men were able to leave Sudan when they were children and come to the States. They are currently attending college, one a business major and the other a pre-med student. They were two of the “Lost Boys” who wandered from Sudan to Ethiopia to Kenya trying to find a place to settle during the genocide. They told about how their parents and siblings had been killed when one boy was 4 and the other 9 and their homes burned to the ground, as their Christian villages were attacked by Muslims. At first they asked, “Why me, God?!” but that question turned to a “Why me?” that probed the purpose that God now had for them as a result of their circumstances. Jacob says, “I’m just a dumb boy. I never imagined I would ever go to college. No one ever told me I could do that.” He will graduate from Spring Arbor with a pre-med degree in May with the vision of completing medical school in order to return to Sudan and start a medical clinic there. It was amazing to hear the purpose and vision with which these men of God spoke. Despite the incredibly horrific circumstances that had changed their young lives, both men were able to translate that struggle into victory for the King. I left the service humbled and encouraged, and reminded that our successes are not dependent upon our circumstances but on how we react to our circumstances. Even when things seem hopeless, our God is still the God of resurrection.
Never underestimate grace
A few weeks ago, I was troubled by my students’ behavior. It seemed that I was losing ground with regard to classroom management. One student, whose behavior has been a challenge all year long, was really pushing the limits one day. In addition, I overheard her say some unrepeatable things about me. Some say to let the office deal with her, but I thought there had to be another way. The next morning, God allowed the opportunity for us to both be in the library at the same time, so I pulled her aside and spoke with her. While we were speaking, she confessed that she had been going through some trials and her eyes welled up with tears. She apologized to me, and I haven’t had a problem with her behavior since. It seems the people who exhibit the least grace toward others are the ones that need to receive it the most. May we allow Christ to use us to breathe the refreshing breath of grace into those around us.
Neighborhood Tutoring
When needed, I have been tutoring the neighborhood kids. It’s been fun. They call me Miss Nadine. The other day, I arrived home and got out of my car. Little 5-year-old Perrion yells, “Hi, Miss Nadine!” Then, he comes closer and says, “Can I give you a hug?” Without waiting for me to crouch down, he wraps his little arms around my waist, then runs away just as quickly to play. What a little sweetheart!
Little Hands Big Hearts
Good news, bad news. For those of you who know Marel Bados, the Honduran director of Little Hands, I regret to inform you that he has resigned from the directorship. I, also, ask that you pray for him and his wife, Angela, as they are having some difficulties in their marriage. However, Yefrin and Maybelline Rodriguez are the new directors. They are very excited to take over the leadership. They will be working with Brian and Sara Bilodeau from New Hampshire, who moved to Trujillo in February along with their 4 children.
2008 Scholarships
Please pray for the 15 scholarshipped middle and high school students: Alejandra, Betuel, David, Delldelker, Fredy, Jose Carlos, Linmy, Maylin, Nohemy, Mario, Nolbertina, Noris, Ruth, Waleska and Zuly. Please also keep the college students in your prayers: Yefrin, Tesla, Osladis, and Moises.
Summer trip
On June 26, I will be returning to Honduras. I will work with a group from Atlanta, GA for two weeks, then meet up with a couple from Cadillac, MI and my best friend, Stephanie. Please pray that our time is a blessing to those we will be serving.
When we return, I will post more pictures to the website.
In the meantime, please pray that my school year and grad school class ends well.
I pray that many blessings come your way.
Nadine
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