I picked up Belinda today, so Jairo and Lourdes got to stay at home and rest. At the Breakfast Program I made my first executive decision. One of the girls has grown a lot since we handed out undergarments a year ago. I went to Don Juan and explained that I don't know how to say "bra" in Spanish, but I need some small ones. I knew we still had some left. Don Juan is amazing. He helped me pick out training bras. Then he discretely left. I decided since the girl was a twin I should give her sister a bra too. I don't want to be the cause of any mental anxiety or body image problems in the future. I let the girls choose the colors they liked.. They seemed happy.
Then I told Don Juan I needed the key for the storage room to put the stuff away. He said he already did and asked if the bras fit. I forgot the first rule of the church. We don't give anything away without making sure it fits. So I grabbed the girls had them try on the bras. I never imagined they would have no idea how to put them on! I showed them how the clasps work and how to put them on. We made sure they were comfortable. That was not an experience I imagined for myself, but it is part of serving young girls. They were really grateful.
It was a hot one today. The kitchen was packed with people so I hung out with the kids outside. The big ones played fútbol, some of the girls played fútbolito (Foosball) and the young ones ran races and played police. Playing police means you lie dead on the ground until someone comes and drags you away. Much different than how North Americans would play police.
After the Breakfast Program was all shut down, Joss, Belinda and I went to buy the small fire extinguisher and two reflective triangles that every vehicle is required by law to have. In the Walmart, I heard two women (mother and daughter I think) talking in English. But it was not only English, it was English with a Southern drawl. Such a sweet sound to my ears. They were complaining that they can't find any good mops in Honduras - exactly what I was thinking two seconds before as I passed all of the old fashioned rope mops. What I wouldn't give for a sponge mop! I stopped and talked to them for a few minutes and told them I loved their accent. They were from Louisiana. The lady gave me a big hug. She said she bought a folding mop in the US and packed it in her suitcase. I'll have to look into that.
We got stuck in some crazy traffic on the way back. I was grateful for all of those years driving in Chicago. That is one way God prepared me to live here. If I had not driven in Chicago all of those years I would be scared to death driving here. So far the worst part for me is the darn motorcycles They come out of nowhere, they drive wherever they want, weaving between cars and between lanes. Motorcycles have cut me off and even turned left in front of me from the right hand lane while I was going straight! People say motorcyclists don't care because their bikes don't cost much - but what about their lives?
The headlines of the newspapers today said that the government has confirmed there is a hit list of the most influential people in the country.
In the evening we went to CCI for a conference. I didn't realize it was for leaders and pastors until I got there and read my invitation. It was really cool, except the guy spoke too loudly for my taste. He is famous in Central America. He has written 17 books and been doing leadership training for 50 years. He is originally from Columbia.
It was cool to be in a group of Christians that big. A few of the people I was with asked if this is what it is like to go to church at K2 (my home church in Utah). I said actually it was. They had a 5 minute countdown, they had people ushering the stragglers into the last few seats. There was a big band and big screens with the words to the music. CCI is a nice church. Belinda (Lourdes' sister) and I tease Lourdes that we are going to go to CCI now that I have a car and look for boyfriends there. It drives Lourdes nuts! I do want to go to the English CCI service, just because I love to sing worship music in English. I have no desire for a boyfriend though.
It was nice to come home on my own. I could decide to stop at the store, or not. I chose NOT since it was a long day. Tomorrow I am going to the grocery store by myself. I am going to take my time and look at every single thing on the shelves. What a luxury! On Friday or Saturday I am getting a haircut. On Sunday after church Joss and Belinda would like me to drive them to the movies. I really don't want to see Ironman in Spanish or English, but I will go to be social. Everyone here is excited that I have my own car. They even call to be sure I made it home safely, which is thoughtful.
I'm exhausted and Lourdes said God told her that we need to pray for each child individually tomorrow at the Breakfast Program. I have already started my own prayers about that one. Praying in another language is not easy. Since prayer comes from the heart it is much easier in your native language. Plus they word things completely differently when they pray in Spanish. You'd think it would be the same, but it's not. I've been working on it. Lourdes knows that and the kids are really understanding. Tomorrow might be tough but I am sure the Holy Spirit will help me out.
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