Merry Christmas from Honduras

I just got home from celebrating Christmas in Honduras. Normally I make a genuine effort to do things Honduran style. I believe that old saying "While in Honduras...". This year I learned that Christmas is a little bit different from most ordinary days. This year for Christmas I mixed both US and Honduran traditions. It was good.

I have one missionary friend (yes ONE) who, in my opinion, has really done her best to delve into Honduran culture, talk with the people and learn their customs. I am surprised by the number of people who live here, but don't spend time with Honduran people. Some never even learn the language or customs or food. That is odd to me. I don't understand why someone would move to another country and not want to learn the ways of the people there.

God blessed me when He presented me the opportunity to know a missionary who lives in and among the people of Tegucigalpa, and specifically Los Pinos. She focuses more on the Southern side of Los Pinos. The sectors where she serves are much more dangerous and difficult to maneuver than those where my loved ones live. I worked with her about two years ago. Serving together wasn't ideal for us. But we have now developed a strong friendship.

Three years ago I  spent Christmas in Honduras. A family I loved invited me to spend the holiday with them. In reality, I spent that Christmas alone. I tried my best to be positive. I was successful in portraying a positive image. Everyone in the US believed I had a great time. In reality that was a difficult Christmas for me.

This year I had no choice but to stay in Honduras. All of my money is going toward a car. There was no money for travel.

I expected to feel lonely and homesick, but my experience was actually the opposite. I was invited to spend Christmas Eve with ten different groups of people! TEN!! That is a lot when you consider that I was alone only three years ago. I am blessed.

To my own surprise I chose to spend Christmas Eve (which is the equivalent of Honduran Christmas because Hondurans celebrate on North America's Christmas Eve) with my North American friend. Usually I avoid other North Americans. She does too. But this year we got to share all of our North American traditions with the kids she adopted from Los Pinos. It was fun and everything I wanted in a Honduran Christmas.

I could have celebrated with my boss. But she was in the heart of downtown Tegucigalpa where I don't even drive during the day, never mind in the middle of the night on Christmas Eve. Things can get pretty rowdy here on Christmas Eve.

I also could have celebrated with coworkers or members of my church. I could have gone into the country with Fany. I was even invited to celebrate with the women who sells me avocados and papayas. I had a lot of options. In the end, I choose North American style.

We watched Christmas movies in Spanish and listened to Christmas music in English. We ate seafood lasagna on Christmas Eve. Then we watched from her balcony as the world exploded before us while the whole city below set of fireworks. Her two kids woke up early this morning to open presents, just like the kids in North America. I loved every minute!

Their Biological Mother called. She promised to visit in a few weeks. She won't show up. My heart broke when they prayed over Christmas dinner that their mother's trip to visit them will be "safe and healthy". Unfortunately, their mother's visits will never be healthy for them. But they have to learn that on their own.

A boy we have both known for years came to visit this afternoon. He hasn't spent the night in Los Pinos since a person was killed outside his doorstep the last time he slept there. Last night he celebrated Christmas there with his family, but he was quick to get out today. We talked about the fireworks and the loud music all night. We didn't mention the ugly stuff. I told him that December was strangely calm this year. He is sure things are about to blow up in Los Pinos. One gang is about to get kicked out by the other gang. It's going to be an ugly fight for territory. The gang being kicked out has kicked out 15 families and rooted themselves deeply inside one of the homes where my friend serves. The unexpected peace of December will be followed by a January full of violence, we expect. It is a cyclical pattern.

Now I am back at home. It was nice to celebrate Christmas in Honduras. My coworkers and friends sent sweet messages at midnight. Today I received a video chat from my family in Colorado. I felt the presence of each of the cultures I love, mixed into one. I had a wonderful Christmas. I hope you did too!

Christmas Blessings

Today was extremely special for 10 families in each of the communities we serve and for me as well. Last week my boss decided to hand out baskets of food. She told the leader of each community where we serve to select 10 families. Some of my supporters jumped in and contributed with donations for the children of my community. I had a wonderful time seeking God's will for the donations and watching God respond. He is so awesome!

Last week my coworker and I went to the mall. After praying hard about how we should bless the families, God led us straight to the best deals for the items we needed to purchase. We got sweaters, necklaces and earring for the Honduran tradition of dressing up on Christmas Eve and yummy smelling lotions for the ladies. For the boys we got sweaters (it's really here right now!) and baseball hats. Everyone got lotion, a chocolate marshmallow santa, and socks and a candy cane. They also got a hand embroidered cloth to keep their tortillas warm.

On Tuesday I went to a little town outside of Tegucigalpa. I found crosses for each of the families as well as another decoration for their homes. The second thing had everything Honduras is known for - pottery, red beans, coffee. Each one was hand painted and unique. I felt strange when I ended up with two wall decorations, but people LOVED it!!!! I think they loved that silly thing more than their food! They were proud that a donor chose something made in Honduras. That was the only gift I was kind of hesitant about, but God certainly knew what he was doing with that one!

I went to my office today at 8:40. There was a family already there, waiting outside in the rain. We all piled into my car to get out of the rain and wait for the key to arrive. I noticed the lady hasn't been in a car before. She didn't know how to open and close the car door with the door handle. She was wearing a jacket way too big for her, with a safety pin to close it in the front.

I explained to them that the gifts in my car were not gifts from me, that I was only transporting gifts from donors. I don't want people to start thinking that I am there to give them material things.

The little boy would not allow me to carry any of the bags. He carried everything upstairs when my coworker arrived with the keys. What a sweetie! I told him I admired his willingness to help. We are trying hard to encourage that sort of behavior.

When we got upstairs he helped me set out all of the crosses and the other wall ornament. I thought it would be nice to let each family choose their own since each one was a little different. They loved choosing their own style and explaining to me why they chose the gift they chose. And they couldn't believe that they could choose TWO things for their home. That was very luxurious to them, to get more than one. So I guess it wasn't a crazy idea to get two wall ornaments after all. The crosses were all different. Some had clay designs glued onto them. Some were painted with houses or flowers or butterflies in bright colors. The lady who sold them to me burned "Feliz Navidad 2016"  into the wood on the back. It was a special surprise when they noticed those words.

One girl who has extremely low self esteem became the expert advisor over which ornament they should choose for their family. She told them which was the "coolest". She wasn't pushy about it, but the families did take her advice, which I hope may help her build self esteem.

We had one family show up uninvited. Oh boy. This lady does stuff like this all of the time I'm told. We called our boss who decided to go back and get an extra bucket of food for the lady. Somehow the crosses and the other ornament multiplied. In the end everyone got a cross and a decoration, plus there were three left over - one for each of my coworkers and one for me. I honestly have no idea how that happened. Everyone in the room helped one another pick out their two ornaments per family and I really thought everyone got one of each.

We were all squished in a tiny room, drinking coffee and waiting for my boss to come with the baskets of food. Baskets of food are a tradition here. But my boss showed up with buckets with a handle and a lid! Those things were a big hit. They weighed a ton and were filled with the basic staples of a Honduran kitchen - spaghetti, tomato paste, beans, rice, lard, margarine, cubes of consume and I'm not sure what else. There was also a huge bow, but we didn't attach the bow because we thought it would be more discreet for people to walk down the street with a bucket of food. Robberies are more common in December so it is wiser not to attract attention to the gift.

Everyone posed for photos with their buckets, then they all left. The last ones to get their buckets were the families we chose for the special gifts. We had explained to the entire group that there were additional gifts. We said that we love each of them, but that this time two families would receive a little more. We told everyone that it was because of good grades and the way these families are fighting to get ahead despite the fact that the fathers of the families have recently passed away. I think my coworker did a good job of trying not to let anyone feel left out. One of the girls cried as she heard my coworker speak. She is the one with really low self esteem. Her father died suddenly of a heart attack about five months ago.

She was the first one to get a gift. At first she didn't want to open it, but when she realized that everyone in her family was getting a gift too she was suddenly eager to see what was in the package. I took a photo with her and her new sweater. She said, "Let me see how ugly the photo turned out." I assured her the photo was beautiful, and so is she.

Her sister was shocked to get a gift! The two girls had brought a huge basket of tamales to sell. They are hard workers! They really embody the principles that we want to promote. 

We bought tamales for all while we waited for my boss to arrive with the buckets of food. Their mom couldn't come because they have no security for their house. No fence, no lock and their door is not strong. Someone has to stay home and guard the house at all times. So, we didn't get to see their mom open her gift. But I know she will love it. She was the inspiration for the sweater idea because she was in a tank top in the cold the last time we saw her.

My favorite moment of the whole day was when the grandmother of the three boys pulled her sweater out of the bag. She was wearing a tee shirt and a long, maroon skirt. The skirt and the sweater matched perfectly and she exclaimed. "Look! It's amazing how God knows JUST what we need!" That was my prayer with every single gift I bought, whether it was something that was useful, like the sweater and socks, or something like the decorations. I prayed they would see God's love for them in the gifts.

"God know exactly what we need"

Grandma with two of her three Grandchildren

She also really loved the hand embroidered cloth to keep tortillas warm. But her favorite thing, I think was the Honduran ornament. While she waited for my boss to come, before she received the other gifts, she sat there with her ornament, touching it and gazing at it with the hugest smile. Then she would put it away in her purse. And a minute later she would pull it out again and just stare at the details of it. She was thrilled with that thing. Actually, she seemed grateful for every gift her family received. As she was leaving she thanked everyone profusely. I think she hugged me three times. I told her that we know it is really hard work to raise three grandchildren and be active in the community. I told her we really admire all she is doing. I hope she felt God's love and his presence with her this morning. I believe she did!

Grandma with her ornaments

Her grandsons were super grateful too. The oldest was at home, watching over the house. But the youngest two helped her carry everything back to their house. They live in a really dangerous part of their neighborhood. They seemed to especially like the baseball hats, which was my coworker's idea.

I don't really have any personal ties to any of the people in this community yet. I've only been serving there for about a month. But my heart was full as I saw them all, and specifically that grandmother, be blessed.

We focused on quality over quantity. We really prayed about this whole process and put it into God's hands. I believe that this is exactly what He called us to do today. This whole process has been a huge blessing to me. It was a day I will probably never forget. It made being far from my family at Christmas much more worthwhile.

This grandmother cares for her three grandchildren since their two fathers and mothers were killed

Grandpa cares for his grandchildren

Sisters

This lady thanked us for the gifts. She said thank you for thinking of her.
She said nobody else helps her family at all,
The only support she can count on is through Impacto Juvenil.

When God does the work

Things always turn out better when you let God take control. I know this and I really do my best to live it. But too often my own humanity overcomes me and I turn to logic, rather than God.

Two days ago my Mom contacted me to say that she received a donation in the mail from a friend who visited Honduras with me on my first mission trip. The person wanted to bless the children I serve.

I was concerned because this is our last week of work. I didn't know how I would have time to purchase gifts and take them to the families. But God took care of that problem yesterday when my boss decided to buy baskets of food and toys for the 10 most needy families of each community. That means we have to work during our vacation. But it also means that the families will come to pick up their gifts from my boss, so they can pick up the gift from my friend as well!

I talked to my coworker because she knows the families best. We decided to pick two single mothers, one family of 10, and a Grandmother who is raising three of her grandchildren because their parents were killed.

It totally made sense logically. We talked and talked about it. But for some reason it didn't feel right.

This morning we did home visits in the community we serve. One of the families we visited was the family of 10. I left that house with a yucky feeling in my stomach. Of course, I really want to bless a huge family at Christmas! But it just felt wrong.

I talked about it with my coworker, trying to word things carefully because I was worried I would offend her. Finally she told me to say what was on my mind. I told her I can see the necessity, but I really didn't think our gift would bless that family. In fact, I thought giving them an extra Christmas gift could actually be harmful.

My coworker and I have discussed the idea of empowering people instead of enabling them. We want to help people think of solutions to their problems, rather than expecting others to solve problems for them. We want to help people learn they are capable if they apply themselves. If you are a regular reader, you have heard all of this before.

While visiting the tiny house of ten people, the family showed repeatedly that they are not willing to apply themselves. The kids are young, but dropped out of school years ago. They are not willing to work or further their education. We have to plead with them just to come to our club (where they play and get a good meal). They complain when they mistakenly believe that others were invited to a Christmas party, but they weren't included. They have come to expect handouts, but are not willing to do anything for themselves.

I certainly don't want to punish them. If I had a ton of money, I'd love to bless them. But I don't. I have one generous gift which I must use wisely.

As I explained all of this to my coworker she said, "Mary Lynn, everyone is like this. All of the families expect a handout and none of them are grateful." She wasn't being mean or negative. She was being honest.

I felt discouraged. How could that be possible? I asked her to pray with me about the situation because I did not feel God's peace about our current plan. She agreed to pray.

We continued on our way. It was a rainy day. The already slippery trails were treacherous. We had one last house to visit. I almost fell and my coworker decided we should turn around. She knows someone else who fell in that same place. The only thing you can grab onto is a barbed wire fence. The other person got hurt pretty badly there. We had turned around to leave and were walking back up the mountain when a boy from our club yelled up to us. He climbed up and took us around to a different trail which led directly to the house we needed to visit. It was perfect!

That was where we encountered the family that my coworker thought doesn't exist. They are a family who never asks for help. Maybe that's why they slipped off our radar.

At the very bottom of a valley live a widow and her two daughters. The youngest daughter is in our club. Her father died of a heart attack six months ago. Since then her grades dropped significantly and, for the first time, she failed two classes. I posted about the mothers who were going crazy, trying to get their kids enrolled in "summer school" two weeks ago.

(Sidenote/Update: I keep meaning to tell you that the girl whose father said he would not pay for any more education for his daughter is currently in school. Her mother lied about the costs of the classes and tried to manipulate to get three times more money than she needed. We ended up giving a portion of the cost of enrollment, thinking it would be healthy for them to have to pay a portion too. Looking back, we wish we had given less, or nothing. We believe this family could have come up with the money on their own and been empowered when they saw that they are capable of getting through tough situations as a family, without our help. By giving them part of the money, we denied them the opportunity for self empowerment. However, at the time we believed it was the right thing to do.)

The girl whose father died has to attend summer school. We asked how her mother paid for the classes. She said she made extra tortillas and more tamales to sell. A neighbor gave her the uniform shirt, she bought the pants herself and she still owes the school $2.50 which she will pay next week.

Then she offered us tortillas she was making and cheese (a luxury I have never received in any home visit before) which her neighbor gave her. Those two tortillas and cheese were some of the most tasty food I have ever eaten because I know how valuable they were to her. Plus they were truly delicious. She apologized for not having any water to drink. I felt guilty eating her cheese, but I hope I voiced my gratitude sufficiently for her to know that I thoroughly enjoyed every bite.

The first time I ever visited this house, a few weeks ago, both daughters were headed out to make money to buy dinner. Political parties here pay people to attend their rallies. The people go, not to support the party, but because they want the money. They are very clear about that. This rally was a high paying one at $2.50. They figured they would pay $1.00 total in bus fare and still come home for $4.00 to buy food for dinner that night.

I remember my coworker telling me she really wanted to pull the money out of her own pocket and give it to them because the situation broke her heart. That was our first conversation about the fact that we can't go around handing out money because it is not healthy for the community we serve.

The point - this family is willing to do everything within their power to support themselves. They could be sitting back and waiting for a handout. They have every right to feel overwhelmed and depressed after losing the head of their household suddenly and unexpectedly. But they are not letting the situation control them. They are taking control of their own lives. I admire each of them immensely.

The girl who is in our club is going to school. She is also selling her mother's tortillas and tamales when she is not at school. She is respectful and helpful toward her mother. That is the kind of behavior that I would like to reward. This is the kind of family I feel honored to bless. They do exist!

God led me to exactly the right house and guided our conversation in exactly the right way so that we could see the depth of their need, as well as their drive to succeed on their own. As we climbed back up the mountain I said to my coworker, "I'm thinking about something."

She said, "I'm thinking about the same thing, but I'm really out of breath. Let's talk when we get to the top."

They don't know it yet, but they will be getting a special surprise on December 22nd. They will receive a basket of food, some toys, and gifts which we are picking out tomorrow on behalf of my generous friend.

This is what happens when I move out of the way and let God work. Can't wait to share photos next week!

Weekend wrap-up

I've been too busy to write! Working Monday through Saturday, with longs days on Sunday too. I haven't known what day it is for about a week and I'm wondering how long I could keep up this pace, but for now I'm still loving every minute!

We are trying to get everything done before the end of this week. We thought we would be on vacation from Friday until the middle of January. But today we got word that our boss can no longer dictate how vacation long Christmas vacation lasts. We have a human resources guy who is in charge of vacation time now. Our organization is growing in leaps and bounds.

Last year my boss and I were the only ones who went back to work after New Year's Day. My boss saw the office was empty, so she sent the rest of my coworkers home to rest for an extra week. I had the whole month of December off, since I had gone to the US, so I didn't mind the extra one on one time with my boss. It was a great opportunity for her to get to know me better.

I thought maybe it would be the same this year, but since she is no longer in charge of our hours, we will be back to work on the second of January. I was thinking it could get boring to have a month off. I don't mind it only being two weeks.

For a while now, my coworkers have been describing me as a person who laughs a lot and is happy. I never thought of myself that way, so it's been strange to hear. Yesterday we had a retreat for all of the volunteers. Looking over the photos, I realize I was smiling more than anyone else and really enjoying myself. I think it's true! I'm happy and I laugh a lot.

Here's the what I saw:

Teamwork with the leader of my new community

She's supposed to be piggy back on me. Ooops!

Singing Christmas songs with choreography

A certificate of recognition from my boss's assistant and my boss
When they presented it, they said the nicest stuff ever!

Sunday Ana and her family came to church with me. Afterward we decided to have a spontaneous trip to Valle de Angeles. It was a fun day. Samuel is already asking if we can do it again next week.

Saturday I spent the day with the families we serve in Los Pinos. Erika wasn't there, but the rest of her family was. Ana and her family were there. It is so cool that the organization where I serve is reaching out to people I've loved for so long! Even though I am not the actual person serving them, I am thrilled to see them receiving the help and support they need through our clubs, the Strong Family program, the psychologists, lawyers and vocational classes we are offering.

I was surprised how many parents remember me. I have to admit, I didn't remember all of them. They are grateful for the programs too.

Junior and Lorenzo learning about what makes them special

Samuel has taken to slicking back his hair
to be like the psychologist who serves with me

Learning effective communication in a follow up class for those who already graduated from Familias Fuertes

Familias Fuertes gives women a moment to laugh and bond

Tania and her mom

 Tania's mother (above) and Lorenzo and Erika's mother (below) have never been part of community activities before. Now they are graduates of the Strong Families Program and are about to start their second year of beauty school through Impacto Juvenil. Tania and Lorenzo are both official members of the program. Junior is allowed to tag along.

Mom with Junior and Lorenzo

Learning to express love verbally

Learning to express love physically - getting used to giving and receiving hugs
(Yes, there are fathers in our Strong Families program, too!)

Lorenzo and his Mom ♥

In Honduras many people say "Whiskey" instead of cheese.
Some parents were on their best behavior
and did not approve of Tania saying whiskey in this instance.
That didn't slow her down. Go Tania!

My boss's assistant with Ana and her family. Everyone got a "canasta" of basic supplies.

Graduates of Familias Fuertes wrapping up the year together

After the Strong Families Program the kids had an art exhibit.

A lot of parents attended but I seem to have erased the photos

EYES

Don Juan now has chickens!
But they are not laying eggs because
the rooster is a jerk, he says.

Don Juan's gardens have secret paths now!

Learning more about Villa Nueva

Today I was invited to a luncheon with all of the movers and shakers of Villa Nueva. About 50 people piled into a tiny room. It was really interesting to learn more about the area. It was also nice to see that I already know many of the people there. I am accomplishing one of my goals - to develop a deeper relationship with the people of the community.

I've written about our Strong Families or "Familias Fuertes" program and Strong Mothers, "Madres Fuertes", within Impacto Juvenil. The organization where I serve also has a program called Strong Communities ("Comunidades Fuertes").

I have never served with Comunidades Fuertes. They go into the communities and assess schools, health care systems and the area's resources. Then they give an evaluation to the community leaders with suggestions as to how the community could be better.

I learned a lot about Villa Nueva today.

Villa Nueva is made of 8 sectors. Some sectors are so big they are subdivided into two or three parts. There are more than 75,000 people in Villa Nueva. It is one of the most densely populated parts of Tegucigalpa. It was founded in 1980.

Through the years more families from rural areas have moved into Villa Nueva in hopes of finding work. The majority of people who live here work as housekeepers, masons, carpenters, gardeners, fixing shoes, making tortillas, selling small meals (like fried chicken), or washing clothes for wealthier people.

Because VN is so large, the people who live there are not always aware of the resources they have within their community. It is the largest colonia in Tegucigalpa and listed as the largest colonia in all of Central America!

It has a market on Fridays and Saturdays where people from all over the country come to buy and sell. (The market is only a mile from my house, but the area is dangerous so I've never been although I drive by it all of the time.)

They did a survey asking the people to identify what they believe is the biggest problem Villa Nueva faces. 28 percent  of the people within the community report that the sale and use of drugs is the worst problem they face. 21% say domestic violence is the worst problem. 17% say robbery is worst. !5% identified extortion, 11% said gangs and 8% identified the disintegration of families as the worst problem within their communities. I was surprised the people don't see gangs as a bigger problem. But they would know better than I.

There were teachers, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and the local people. All said even if they don't live within Villa Nueva, they are invested in bettering the community since they are already spending a lot of time there.

Some of the people from the health clinic were not happy with the evaluation. They have a lot of areas where they need to improve. One thing I found interesting was that if you divide the number of bathrooms in public schools by the number of kids the have to serve, between 80-170 kids have to share one bathroom in the schools in VN. No wonder the bathrooms are always gross!

We watched a short movie about Christ's birth and sang some fun Christmas carols I had never heard before. One was about the fish drinking, drinking, drinking because Jesus was born. I didn't understand the significance of that one, but it had a catchy rhythm.

Then we received a calendar (with one photo that I took!) and a coffee mug full of candy. We were served a huge pork dinner and a tres leches cupcakes for dessert.

Afterward some coworkers and I slipped away to try on dresses that one of them is making and selling to earn extra money. They were so pretty! I don't have any event where I will need to wear a dress. Still, it was fun to have some relaxed time with the girls, playing dress up. We didn't have a mirror so we took photos of each other to see how we looked.

On the way home I was telling my boss's assistant how much I enjoy my new role over the past couple of weeks. I've always loved what I do, but I feel so happy right now. In fact, I think this is the happiest I've ever been in my five years of serving in Honduras. Sure, I wish I could go home for Christmas and I wish I could afford a newer car, but I really love being in Villa Nueva. She was happy to hear that. She said that everyone likes to work with me because it is clear that I like what I do and it's always fun to work with someone who enjoys their work.

She said she was telling my boss that I came to them "undercover". She said, "You were quiet. You never called attention to yourself or made a lot of "noise"." The truth is, when I first started working with them my self esteem had taken a beating. I was really intimidated by them! They do such great things and work so hard, I didn't know if I could keep up with them. But as I've healed and regained my confidence, we are able to see that my gifts match well with the needs of Impacto Juvenil.

She said, "Mary Lynn, in the little time you've been here, you have done more than any volunteer has ever done before. You have affected more lives in this little time than any other volunteer."

I was silent. Those were some powerful words!  I thought about the fact that all of my coworkers started as volunteers. Many spent a 5-10 years as volunteers and they did a lot of great work. Is it possible that I have affected more lives?

At the very least, I know I am appreciated. Praise God for leading me to serve at Impacto Juvenil and now specifically within Villa Nueva. There's nowhere else I'd rather be.

We have a retreat next Monday specifically for the volunteers. I asked if I should bring my camera to take photos, since they are always wanting photos of big events. My boss's assistant laughed and said, "No Mary Lynn. This retreat is for you! It's for you to relax and enjoy. If you would like to take photos for yourself, you can."

Good, good stuff

Some days God blesses us in such a way that it's overwhelming and takes a while to process. That is how I feel today. I am amazed at His love for me and the way He cares for every detail of my life.

This morning I realized it was my nephew Jack's birthday. I've been thinking about it for over a month, but yesterday and today I wasn't thinking about the date so it kind of snuck up on me at the last minute.

I woke up early to the sound of Fany filling her pila. A pila is a tall cement tub for storing water outside. It is where you get water for washing clothes. Those who don't have running water inside use it for all of their water needs, like washing dishes. Many people use buckets of water from the pila if they have flushing toilets with no connection to a water source. Just dump a bucket of water into the toilet and it flushes itself.

I love to take a shower with the water "de la calle" (from the street). The shower pressure is really strong. It only comes every third night. We are lucky to have two tanks which store water for the days between. Still, sometimes we run out.

I was bathed and ready for church two hours early, so I sat back down in my bed to prepare because I had to "dirigir" (open the service with a short message and time of prayer) at church today. That was when I noticed the date. My nephew's birthday!

I waited until 8 a.m. mountain time and called with a free video call. Video calls are the best! Before we were even connected I could see my two nephews smiling at me.

I sang Happy Birthday to Jack. We goofed around on the phone for a while. It's nice to be able to laugh and be silly without worrying about the phone bill. I sang to Jack in Spanish too. Jack and Joe are starting Spanish classes. Jack thought it was really cool that in the Honduran version of Happy Birthday we say that we want a piece of birthday cake and Coca Cola too. His mother would not have been pleased to hear Jack say, "I want Coca Cola!" at 8 a.m. I don't think those kids drink Coke at any hour. Honduras is much different than the US with its Coca Cola habits.

Before the phone call I was feeling a little homesick. But after hearing Jack talk about how excited he is to spend his birthday with friends I felt better. He got up super close to the camera when I told him I was going to send him kisses. I am appreciating these younger years before he gets too old to be happy about a phone call from his Aunt.

After the phone call I realized how much my experience with Jack spoke to the message I was about to share at church. It was about family and loving one another. I don't have my biological family here, but I certainly have a great church family.

When it came my time to share at church I got all choked up and couldn't talk. Finally, when I was able to speak, I talked about my first "mission". After I was baptized I moved to Colorado for six months to take care of Jack for the first six months of his life.

I talked about family and unity and love. I thanked my church for all of the love they show me and for the way they accept me as part of their family while my biological family is so far. Almost every adult was crying. After the service they told me that my words were simple, but they felt so much love from me - God's love - the kind that really touches one's heart.

It was a super special time. I think it's the first time I have ever been used by God to bring such emotion from a large group of people. Pastora Ruth said she has been waiting for the church to long for this sense of unity. She said if we are not a family, we are not a church. She has been wanting to bring this emotion out of the congregation and is glad God used me for the people to see the necessity of loving one another as a family. I'm glad too!

One of the leaders in my church said that without me, the church would not be all it is today. He said I came and immediately fit in perfectly, just like a ring. He said that my personality and my respect for the leadership complement and complete the church. It's nice to know he feels that way. I know that I would not be the person I am now without my church and the people there.

Afterward I had arranged to go pick up a bike with training wheels for Laura. I posted on a missionary group in Facebook and a woman answered saying she had one that had been ridden hard but if I wasn't looking for a special gift it would be fine. I said if it works, it will be fine.

Turned out it's perfect! I was expecting something beat up and ugly. It's pink with brand new mountain bike tires, a little basket, and an old fashioned bell! I am dying to give it to Laura, but she doesn't have space to ride it here. We are going to wait and give it to her when she goes to her Grandparents' house. There she can ride down the middle of the road.

Her Dad said she is not strong enough (at five years old) to pedal a bike. I assured him that she is. Although her gross and fine motor skills are not what they should be. Her mother still opens twist off caps for her and she just recently got the arm strength to boost herself into my car. This bike is going to be great for her developmentally and emotionally too, if her parents are able to give her a little bit of independence eventually.

When I got home from church I was dying to show Fany and Santos the bike, but they were hosting a Christmas party with some members of my old church. In the past I might have felt uncomfortable and hid out or not come home while they were here. But I don't feel that way anymore and I shouldn't have felt like that before. I saw that as another big step.

So, today was a good day. My nephew knew I was thinking of him with love on his birthday, God used me to promote unity, love and a sense of family within the church, and I was given the perfect bike for Laura. On top of all of that, my Pastor said he will have room in his luggage for an Instant Pot when he comes back from the US after Christmas! Good, good stuff!

At church today

Yesterday on the last day of our club for 2016:

Chinese fried rice, a Honduran staple for any celebration

I really like this mom.
She sells tortillas while her oldest daughter
is left at home with the baby

The kids on their last day of the club, writing about the problems they face

According to my coworker, the girl on the right normally never likes North Americans.
Thankfully, she has been nothing but sweet to me since the first time we met.

\I am really impressed with this young man.
I think he will grow up to be a leader, once he learns not to punch people

Musical chairs is big here

It came down to this brother and sister. The brother won.