No more "Asi es"

Saturday we had a conference at my church about The Bible and Human Rights. It was interesting to see that even way back then people were fighting for human rights.

The Bible and Human Rights

God is just and loves Justice

My group's presentation at the end

Another group's presentation

Juan Jacobo organized and presented the conference

Participants with Juan Jacobo and his wife
This photo is funny because we were all on the right side and I said that a few of us needed to move to the left - you can see what happened

Sunday was another good day of healing. God showed me that He wants me to seek him with all of my heart and how it will feel like to so. Anything less is not enough.

Monday was our weekly devotional at the office. Everyone was pulling into the parking lot at the same time. A car hit my car as it parked behind me. It startled me. A man from my office was helping the lady park. I got out and said. "She is hitting me." He said, "It wasn't hard." It was hard enough to jerk the whole car with the emergency brake on.

I didn't want to make a big deal about it since these people are my co-workers. I don't know them. They could be head honchos for all I know. But I did check the back of my car. There are so many bumps and scratches from other people who have the same attitude, that I couldn't tell if they had left a new one or not. My car door is also full of scratches and chips from people in parking lots opening their car doors into it. It's frustrating to be a car owner who tries to take good care of your car in Honduras.

The time of devotion was great. About 70 people were there. My friend sang an old Honduran Christian song that she called "ranchero" style for us. I think "ranchero" is Honduran kind of the equivalent of US folk music. Not something they would sing in a church, but all about loving God.

A pastor from a church in one of the areas we serve spoke to us about human rights. He used a lot of the same scripture we talked about on Saturday at the conference at church.

After the devotional we had a monthly monitoring report where they keep track of how we are doing with current goals and set new goals. The man who founded the association was there. He made some interesting suggestions. He reminded us of the goals of the program when it was first founded 18 years ago. We were asked to keep those in mind as we move forward.

We closed with our favorite moment of the month. Many things popped into my head. Watching the kids let go of their balloons after the campaign against early pregnancy was my first thought. Everyone else talked for a long time. (In the US we are encouraged to get right to the point when we speak in public. Here people tend to be more 'flowery' in their public speaking.) I felt comfortable making my favorite moment a theme that I saw throughout the month rather than one specific moment

My heart was pounding as my turn came closer and closer. I prayed that God would give me the words I needed in Spanish and guide me in the content of what I spoke as well. He didn't let me down.

I shared with the group that I am accustomed to hearing people say, "That's how it is in Honduras." ("Asi es.") The people I serve with are different. They never say, "Asi es." They won't settle for that.

I talked about how hard everyone worked to make the campaign effective and fun for the kids. They put in their best efforts for every moment from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. every single day. Although we were physically and mentally exhausted, nobody slowed down or took a break until we finished. It was inspiring.

I also talked about the wise counsel my co-worker gave to the mothers and grandmothers in Villa Nueva. She is young and single, but that doesn't keep her from sharing wisdom about parenting with ladies who clearly respect her and enjoy her visits to their home.

Lastly I talked about our Monday meetings where people share problems they face in the field. Some people don't feel safe doing home visits or the kids are getting into trouble - things like that. I, myself, have fallen into the habit of thinking, "Asi es" when it comes to those things. Thank God my co-workers and the people in charge don't think this way! They are quick to come up with a solution and take action. I like working with people of action! I told them it is an honor to work with them.

Everyone clapped when I was done!

What I said was better than I ever hoped. The words God gave me were positive and encouraging. They clapped to applaud each other for good work. I am happy God used me to encourage them.

Yesterday was the English speaking bible study. We are studying Daniel right now as we pass chronologically through the bible. I love meeting with those ladies! I learn a lot there every week. Sometimes I contemplate staying in bed because it is early in the morning and traffic is horrible. In the end I end up going and I never regret it.

I was supposed to have a doctor's appointment for my wrist yesterday, but the doctor wasn't in the office so they called me to reschedule. I can't get in until next week.

Tomorrow I am going to a retreat for missionaries who live in Honduras. Some friends offered me a ride, but will not know many people there. It will be fun to meet the other missionaries who come from all over the country. They have interesting speakers lined up too.

I love the opportunity to get away. Since it is dangerous to travel I don't get the opportunity to leave the city very often. I'm really looking forward to this weekend.