This year the BECA (scholarship) program helped 12 students attain their goals and dreams.
Betuel graduated with honors in November and is now attending the University in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras.
Deldellker graduated and is now working in Roatan, an island off the north coast of Honduras.
Alexis (Alex) graduated and is now teaching in La Ceiba.
Dilcia obtained her teaching certificate, as did Mirian.
Glendy returned to Olancho and plans to continue studying there.
Those that will continue in the program for 2010 are:
Cinthia
Norbertina
Zuly
Jose Osorio
Jose Carlos
Alejandra
Three others were removed from the program. David did not pass his classes, and Maylin decided that she no longer wanted to be a part of the program. Unfortunately, Keidy left town, people say to be with a man. The truth is not known, but she is no longer in Trujillo. The remaining spots will be filled in the coming months.
I will post more information when I have more names and pictures.
Thanks for your interest in the BECA program!
Love in Him,
Nadine Taylor
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
Help for Honduras!
I know that Haiti is the main story on the news right now. If you're helping there, great! There are many other opportunities to help in other places as well.
Betuel is an amazing person, student, son, citizen, etc. of Trujillo, Colon, Honduras. He graduated from high school with honors in November (their school year is on a different schedule). He is currently in Tegucigalpa, the country's capital, taking classes at the University there. He wants to become a teacher and return to Trujillo to teach in the Christian school there. His mother was widowed in 2007. Since then, she has been taking of care of 5 children by herself. Betuel is the family's hope. If he can get a degree, not only will he better himself and his situation, but he will help his entire family as well. A month of college for Betuel costs $350, including room and board. He will not be able to continue his education without support. I don't go to bat for very many people, but Betuel continues to impress me with his character, communication, values, etc.
If you have any questions or can help in any way, please contact me. Checks can be made and sent to:
Rochester Church of Christ
c/o Karen Owen
250 West Avon Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
Memo: Honduras scholarship fund
If you know anyone who may be willing or able to help, please feel free to pass this along.
Thanks and God Bless!
Nadine Taylor
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
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.
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
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
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
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
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
April update
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
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
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