Thankful!!

Well, as Rob informed you, our luggage is now home and we are very thankful - it had more in it than we remembered.  But the reality was, if it had been lost forever we would still have so much here, it would hardly be missed.  Now that we are back home the reality of our “richness” starts to sink in - I pray it won’t stop.  Our first meal at the table yesterday at noon was a grateful one - from our big, strong table with four chairs, to the placemats, to the can of soup I got out of a cupboard full of food - we were reminded how rich we are.  We tucked our kids into their own beds, in their own rooms, on the third floor of our home!!  When I brushed my teeth in clean water and then drank from the tap - again I was thankful.  None of the homes we visited had water they could drink without boiling.

As we drove home from getting the luggage at the airport today Brett commented that maybe God allowed it to get lost to remind us that this trip wasn’t about us.  I don’t know entirely what his little heart and mind are thinking - but he is so right that it was nothing more than a slight inconvenience - nothing like the people in Honduras are dealing with!!  The wisdom of youth!!  Actually at the hotel each night as I washed undies and socks in the sink, I thought of all the homes we visited - washing by hand is all they’ve ever known - I definitely couldn’t complain in my nice hotel bathroom to be washing clothes!!

I am sending off tons of pics to superstore - trying to do about 50 each night.  I’m realizing that the pictures don’t do justice to the experience.  We can give you a glimpse of the external world of Honduras, but hopefully with words we can share the internal heart.  The love of the people at the projects and the heads of the churches reaching into these communities was incredible!! 

Well, thanks for joining us on the journey.

Julie

 

Luggage Woes Over

The prodigal luggage has finally chosen to return home 11 days after we last saw it. It has experienced places even unknown to American Airlines - if only it could tell stories.  All is intact and my kids can now where different clothes each day. I can now wear shorts - at least I could wear shorts if I so chose in this -10C weather. And I can power up my video camera so we can download the footage for you to see. So Yea - God is good! We look forward to sharing with all of you!

Rob

 

HOME

We made it home, though it was looking like we were going to be stranded in NY city at one point in the journey back. We were an hour late leaving Miami, but fortunately our connecting flight to HFX was also running an hour late so we so made it. Unfortunately, still no word on our luggage that has been touring the continent for the past 10 days.

We’re back and a little exhausted. As Ed mentioned, a few of us have not been feeling the greatest - thank you God for Pepto Bismal. But we’re all recovering fine.

Now the real challenge begins. What do we do with the knowledge we’ve gained? How do we help these project communities in a way that will make a difference? We have some thoughts and we would like to share those on April 12 at 6:30pm. We would also like to see more in our church sponsor children as they have many children needing sponsorship. Especially in light of the US recession, they are losing much of their support with people no longer being able to finance sponsorship. It is putting a huge financial strain on Compassion as they don’t feel they can just stop helping the children they have been working with. One project has about 15 children ready to sponsor, the same with the other, with the need for about another 50 by August.

Thank you to all who have been following this blog and praying for us. It was a very meaningful experience. I too want to thank Sherri for all the hard planning work into all this especially in light of the fact she wasn’t able to come with us. Dave, this blog concept works great. I’m surprised by all the people who have been reading this.

We’ve gained much experience in how to better go about doing a mission tour to Honduras. This was our practise run through, now we’re much wiser (even about luggage). So who wants to go next year? Max 14 people! It’s a life perspective changing experience!

Rob

 

Just the beginning

Hi all

Ed here.

We made it back, not without some drama.  We left Teguc on Saturday. At the ticket counter the agent was muttering something about our tickets had been changed. This led to some concern but she was able to get things straight.

We of course had a layover in Miami Saturday night. There was not enough time to do much of anything, so we stayed close to the hotel.  You really have a whole new way of seeing things after witnessing what we did in Teguc. And you also have an appreciation for things we take for granted - like lettuce!!!!  Many of us craved salad and milk since we had neither for an entire week.    Oh was it good - ummmmm

On top of that the hotel had these amazing machines - you put money in them and out pop candy bars, chips, cookies.  Wow. Needless to say we had to try it several times.

Sunday morning we made our way to the airport. Two hours in line ups to get to our gate. We originally were to leave Miami at 2:20pm but our flight was delayed until 3:15pm (At first)  That left us only 45 minutes to get to our New York departure gate for Halifax.  3:15 rolled around and they announced we were not leaving Miami until 3:45, therefore shrinking our connection yet again - at this point we were beginning to wonder if American Airlines was trying to get Rob’s luggage  on our flight, or even better if their luggage was going to get to Halifax before us.

We actually did not board the Miami flight until closer to 4pm and that meant our connection was going to be difficult if not impossible to make.  But we were not the only ones who needed to catch that connection.

We landed in  NewYork, 2 minutes before our connection - With Rob leading the charge we managed to trample a couple of passengers getting off the plane (ok, ok we really did not trample anyone, that was simply a statement for effect) But we did run through the building to get, of course, to the other end of the terminal (always the way). Upon getting to the gate (now more than 15 minutes late) we were told the flight we were to connect with still had not gotten in - phewwwww.

We were all very relieved to be able to get on our flight - although Lindsey was hoping to see the Statue of Liberty.

We arrived in Halifax, tired - no exhausted is perhaps a better word, around 11:45pm. It took another 40 minutes to get out of the airport.

We made it home before Rob’s luggage !!!! Which now only goes to show we did not need to pack as much as we did.  But in all seriousness we are also very disappointed the luggage never caught up to us as there were gifts of encouragement in it for some of the children we were visiting.

In my last blog I thanked a couple of folks for their hard work in planning this trip. I want to close this one off by thanking the team who was able to go. It was an honor to be a part of this effort and I look forward to the next opportunity. I was also so glad to be able to get to know Rob, Julie, Brett, Lindsey and Auntie Bev so much better. I cannot remember the words to an Arabic saying, but it tells how true friendships are determined in the journeys you take. I have enjoyed this journey - a lot. It was all the more better to enjoy it with such friends.

Folks reading this Blog - please remember one very very very important thing about this trip - it is not the end, it is JUST THE BEGINNING.

 

March 14th is winding down

Hey Folks  Ed here,

We had an amazing meal this evening at El Patio - a place that had been recommended by several folks and I see why.  A couple of folks in the team are still under the weather but they are in good spirits and are hanging in. Bev has a cold, as does Emily and both show moments of energy and then not so much so.  Lindsey has been beating off some stomach bug, but is still enjoying the pool.  I think for most it is a matter of tiredness and not so much sickness. Rob has had the stomach bug as well.  Brett has been eating us out of house and home (glad Rob has that bill to pay !!!!)

 It is indeed an interesting feeling to think this part of our journey is coming to an end. I think we all recognize however this is only a part of the journey and that there is more to come. God is not done with us as individuals nor as a church.  We need to pray fervently that He will show us clear vision and mission. Down here they work very hard to distinguish the two. The vision is one thing the mission is of course how we get the vision accomplished (man I hope I got that right !!!).

We have made many connections, but I want to extend a special thanks to Cherri for putting sooooooo much work into getting this project on the road; Cliff for his silent support (I really look forward to playing futbol here in the future with you); Dave for his leadership and in particular setting up this blog; and Shelly for her international travel insights and her ongoing encouragement. 

 I also want to thank all of you who have visited the blog and sent messages of encouragement. We hope you enjoyed the messages we sent - we certainly enjoyed reading your comments each day. 

It is an understatement to say that we have experienced a lot - but it is equally important to point out we have soooo much more to gain in experiences here. 

I really do not know what to think of some of the things that have been going through my head - the highs and the lows. I will be praying over all of them and will eagerly await God’s leading on each and everyone. We can get wrapped up in the excitement and sometimes can lose sight of the vision and the mission. What doors he will open, what windows he will close?  I do not know, but I am excited to find out.

I will leave you with one of my thoughts - it is a financial goal - I will not tell you what it is. I will tell you however that it involves corporate assistance. You think the Canadian Tire idea was a good one….I do not know yet how such an idea will will come about nor how we might see it flourish, but I did want to leave you with that positive thought.

We leave early tomorrow morning for the airport. Our blogging will likely be halted for a couple of days as the hotel we are in in Miami may have internet but I did not see a computer for use.  

Personally I will be back in Halifax only for a day and then it is back to Newfoundland (weather permitting).  I will not have a chance to catch up with the Lifebridge family for a couple of weeks.  I will keep checking the blog and may add additional thoughts as the days roll on. There is so much not yet said/shared.

Until later - as I have said in several of my other entries

Dios le Bendiga (God Bless)

Ed

 

Final Thoughts

Christina here with some final thoughts.

It is Friday and sadly, we leave tomorrow.  To think that just a year ago Honduras seemed a lifetime and half a world away.  We have all been chuckling as we catch ourselves saying things like the next time we come as though we make this trip all the time. 

We have experienced the mountains and valleys here both literally and figuratively.  We have laughed and cried.  We have witnessed the richest rich and the poorest poor.  This has truly been a journey of contrasts, but one thing is for sure, the ministry opportunities and endless and I look forward to coming back to continue the journey.  The question is who of you will be there to share it with me.

 

The day at Project 268

Christina again,

Don’t know if I can do this justice, but I feel I need to at least share some impressions.  It was three days ago, but I have needed some time to digest and make sense of all that we have experienced. 

The highlight has to be meeting Josselin (our sponsor child) and Jennifer (the Tonen’s sponsor child).  It just so happens that they are best friends.  One of the many God incidents I have witnessed.  It took longer for Josselin to warm up to me, but little Jennifer quickly came around and wanted me to play with her.  One of her favorite things was the Magnetix.  She wasn’t so much interested in building as in collecting the shiny metal balls.  When I wasn’t looking she would gather a handful and slip them into my hand.  I would looked surprised and then count them for her.  It worked well as long as there were less than ten, as I can only comfortably count that high.  (Goal # 3 leanrn Spanish.)  She continued to gather them and then we put them into the container and used the long  magnetic sticks to go fishing.  We had so much fun.

Jennifer is this little tiny thing with a smile that ranges from an impish little grin to  a great big dimpled, heart melting smile that makes those beautiful dark eyes sparkle.  Emily was wonderful with both Jennifer and Josselin.  She spent the entire day with Jennifer holding one hand and Josselin holding the other.  Even at lunch, when the two girls were seated back to back at different tables, Emily stood in between with a hand on each shoulder, because they didn’t want to be away from her.  It was so awesome to see.

More on Josselin when I get home.  Still trying to see through the tears at merely writing her name.

 

Beans For Breakfast Is The Way To Go!

Christina here with a lighthearted observation,

This is for all you world travellers out there who suffer from irregularity.  Honduras should be your destination of choice.  Beans for breakfast, beans for lunch and beans for supper.  Need I say more!!!

 

Last Sunday’s service

Good morning folks,

I realized (very early this AM) that I neglected to send a note regarding the Sunday service we attended last week.  I thought I would start my day off right with a message to us all and a reminder to me as to what we saw and heard that morning.

The service we attended was for project 235 The Line of Abraham.  It was a great privilege to attend the service and to actually attend a service in a project we are seeking to work with.  Abraham had originally intended for us to attend a service elsewhere in the city, but at the last minute plans changed (aka God was at work).  Around here you have to be flexible in your schedules and plans.

When we arrived the first service of the day had just ended and people were leaving . Many came up to welcome us, shake our hands, stroke Emily’s hair and cheek, and to wish us well.

We sat in the front two rows in the sanctuary (right in front of the speakers!!!)  They have a sound system that Cliff, Jonathan, Ralph, and Matt would love to get their hands on.  The speaker system was huge as was the overall sound.  We had to wait approximately a 1/2 for the service to commence, but when it did WOW.

They opened with greetings and the first song was Open the Eyes of My Heart.  What an awesome experience to be able to sing it in both Spanish and English at the same time (of course we took on the English lyrics while the remainder of the congregation sang in Spanish)  The musica was incredible and the energy in the room was large.  Sheldon we will have to see what we can do to get people to jump up and down, clap, etc

Shortly after the service started, as I noted in a previous blog, the power went out. That certainly did not stop the worship team (a drummer, a keyboardist, four back up singers, a bass guitar player and an acoustic guitar player - he lead the worship). They simply moved off the stage, into the congregation and had the congregation move to the front so as all could hear.

We then prayed for a lady who was sick and in hospital.

The sermon was taken from Psalm 133:1 Speaking on Fellowship.  That was extra special for us of course because of our international fellowship that day. The speaker was not the pastor, but rather a lay person of the congregation. He was great. Very dynamic, and dramatic in his delivery. Abraham translated for those who could hear him on the end of the rows while Bev wrote out some notes for those of us on the far end of the aisle.  I am going to get a few more minutes for computer time and share with you all the notes she took (unedited, as if you were there listening to the Spanish, struggling to hear key words and at the same time reading the notes that were a great support).

“We need a church with life. That is we are here today. Acts 2: - the early church continues in love, fellowship, breaking of bread, etc. They shared love, fellowship. This makes a healthy church.

“When they built the Tower of Babel confused the languages. We all speak the same language but if we don’t understand each other we are in the same situation.

“Now I have many friends and they are sitting here. This is biblical Malachi 3:15 Oh what happened to me! 3:16 The lord listened to those who feared Him Maybe we suffer in these days but the day will come when we will see the difference between the righteous and the evil.

“When a church grows it means it is doing things right. When this church started these were only a few people. They all had children in the school.

“To become a Christian they thought he would have to leave his friends and amusements. He did not want to do it. The Holy Spirit had work in my life. I had to reach bottom to recognize God and accept Him.

“What we do for the Lord is not in vain. That is important. The story of the paralytic taken by his friends and they had to lower him through the roof to get to Jesus. They had confidence in Jesus that he could heal him. Jesus forgave this sins and healed him How do you think his friends felt to see him walking out healed.

“My friend was always inviting me to church. It was a long time before I went. Now we are very close friends. Look around at your friends. Do you see a difference between those in the church and those out.

“Friendship starts from inside out recognize what the Lord has done and continues to do for us. Do you know your children? You can tell by just a look what is happening to them. That is what God is like. We can act differently to what we feel but God knows. 1 Peter 1:22 ‘Love one another deeply with a pure heart -

“If a friend wakes you up at 3am and asks you to come over, it is not easy, but it shows real love. Love comes from the heart. It cannot be forced. God does that in our lives.

1 John 3:16 - because He first loved us we must give our lives for our friends. John the Baptist said he must become small and Jesus must become great. John gave us the example to follow.

“A pastor can become overloaded with the work. He needs others to support and aid him in the work. The Lord has put us where we are so we can bring toe gospel to those around us - one on one. It is hard work. You will be mocked. You build confidence in others that you can be trusted and then they will come to you and you can talk to them of God. Your church will see that your church is a good place to be.

“For a married person your best friend should be your spouse. For a single it should be your parents. In your church you need to have a communion with your friends there. Someone you can go to in time of trouble Prov 17:17

“We have to show ourselves as friends. a friend extends the hand to others. There are people who need us. That is why Jesus taught of love. He was our example. The bible talks of many friends, Mark and Barnabus, David and Jonathan, Jesus and His disciples.

“If you have a difference with someone in the church, don’t leave the church. Fix the problem. Many have left by the back door, no one knows what happened.

“We have to use our circumstances to reach out to others. We must make a difference. Our face says a lot about us. When Jesus is inside us our face becomes beautiful. Have you looked in a mirror? You are beautiful because the Lord is in you. It sends a message.

“In your house there should be a difference and your friends will see it. Many are looking for a word from us - I Love You. We forget about gifts given to us but we remember when someone is there for me.

“We want a healthy church to help others. It must  come from inside us so through the Holy Spirit we can help others. We are all commissioned to do this job - to make a difference - to be a church full of love.

Well folks that was the message. After the message there was a call for those who needed prayer. Many people went forward and the speaker,a long with the pastor prayed over those in need. 

 It was a service embedded in my heart forever.

 

It IS a small world afterall !!!

Disney has it right.  It’s a small world after-all. 

I had to go all the way to Honduras to meet an old friend - a Newfoundlander. He and his wife are here on a long term mission.  They have been in Honduras off and on now since 1998 and continuously for the last five years.  His name is Derm Westcott.  I had not seen nor heard how he was doing now for almost 20 years, but when Abraham had told us, over lunch yesterday that a good friend of his was selling coffee to raise money for street ministries and was curious and very pleasantly surprised to hear it was Derm.

Today Christina, Emily and I had a chance to hang with Derm and see some of the things he is up to.  Not as much as I would have liked because Emily’s cold is dragging her down and we had to cut our visit short. 

Derm showed us a downtown mission that is lead by the First Methodist Church. The help missions groups come into the city (they have approximately 40 groups per year that they host, which is quite a lot).  He then took us to the outskirts of town to show us a new missions facility - there is a gentleman there who have placed his whole life to supporting the street kids mission and the facility they are build is to help accommodate missions groups - at a very low rate. The facility is beautiful an very reasonably priced.  Derm has a wealth of knowledge and has offered to assist us at any point in our church journeys here.  We then heading to a Faramcia to get some decongestant for Emily. Grabbed lunch and headed back to the hotel so that Emily could get some rest.  Derm had suggested that I might get a chance to go into the inner city with him if he could make contact with a specific gentleman (I am bad with names!!!!!) It would be exciting, but also dangerous. Derm himself will not go into the area in question without this guy as the lead. Apparently there is a lot of gang activity and corruption.

Having Derm take us through town again made us realize how crazy it is to get around this place.  Guess my international drivers permit will not see the light of day - and I am ok with that, at least for this trip

Regarding the coffee that Derm sells - Norm and Silvia, if you read this… gear up the church coffee pot as I have a pound of coffee for us to try as a church. 100% of the profits from the sales go to the street missions.

Dios le bendiga

Ed