Nobody Knows Nothing

I've was sick from Sunday until yesterday with a strange and horrible virus. My coworkers all got it too. Today I finally feel normal again. The idea or smell of food no longer makes me want to vomit. But I still have no appetite.

Since my boss saw how everyone else was sick, she immediately told me to stay home until I felt better. That was nice because in the past I felt like a wimp if I stayed home, even with something contagious. This time I was able to relax at home without feeling guilty or like I should rush back to work ASAP. I missed church on Sunday and work Monday through Wednesday. I would tell you the details of this virus, but believe me, you'd rather not know.

Laura got it at the same exact time I did. She woke up vomiting Sunday morning. The doctor gave her antibiotics (as always) for a sore throat. Doctors here give antibiotics for everything. Fany and I figured out that Laura is on antibiotics every two months. I worry a lot about the way antibiotics are used here.

Yesterday I left the house for the first time in days. I went to teach the literacy class.

As I summited the top of the mountain, I saw the table being carried down the back side toward the classroom. By the time I got down the other side, Luis had the whole room set up with the table, chairs and dry erase board. He has taken his role as my assistant very seriously. I love it!

Before I got to the building a lady approached me. She handed me a copy of her ID and asked if she could be in the class. I had textbooks for one more person, but was hesitant to allow another person to join because we are a tight knit group. However, more students arrived and told me this is the lady they've hoped could join. She said she could make a weekly commitment to attend each class. So, how could I say no?

She was so excited! Luis told her the class starts at two. She asked if she had to leave. I said if she had stuff to do at home, she could leave. But if she wanted to stay, we would review what she missed in the first two weeks of class. Without hesitation she said she would love to stay.

As I reviewed with her, the rest of the class showed up. By 1:18 all of the students but one were seated around the table. (One of the students works and gets home at 2 p.m. on the dot. She throws her stuff into her house and runs straight down to the classroom.) The two hour class has turned into a three hour class for the rest of the students.

We also had another new visitor. He is the husband of Nohemi. I thought it was so cool that he would come! He completed 7th grade, so he can write his name and some other words. He was a nice addition to the class. He was supportive to his classmates, without being a know-it-all. I love that he was there to support his wife.

Everyone looked so nice. They always do. They dress in their best clothes and come freshly bathed with their hair all fixed up.

First we reviewed vowels. Some are still really struggling to hear the vowel sounds.

Then, once class officially started, we went over homework. Each page got a smiley face sticker and "Excelente" or something similar in red ink. Some people did extra pages of homework. Poor Doña Francisca is having a hard time. I am going to sit down with her on Tuesday and help, if she is at home when I go up there.

We talked about goals - what each student would like to get out of the class. The three older ladies all said they are desperate to read the bible. Reyna, the newest addition to our class, said she has a bible. She picks it up and looks at all of the words. She wonders what they mean. She wishes she could read them so she could be closer to God.

I am SOOOO glad she is able to join the class!

Luis, who is 15, shy, and struggles to learn, said that he really wants to teach others how to read. I asked who, like his neighbors? He said no, everyone! Whoever! Anyone who can't read and would like to learn. Those are the people he would like to teach. I thought that was awesome coming from a boy who normally has a hard time speaking up in class.

Luis' sister, Erika, is intelligent. She is the only student who doesn't really seem to enjoy the class. I think it's only because of her age. She is 17 years old. She'd rather sit with her head down and not pay attention. She huffs and puffs when called upon to answer. She seems bored sometimes. I want them to enjoy the class and have fun learning. She is the only one who doesn't.

I don't think there is much I can do to change that. It seems like being strict doesn't work well with her. I think I have to let her be and she will learn what she wants to. Anything she picks up will be helpful as long as she is not distracting her classmates.

Luis' other sister, Nohemi, also said she would like to teach others.

Everyone drew a picture of their goal. One day, when they achieve their goal, they will be able write in words what their goal was. But for now they have a drawing of what they would like to accomplish through this class.

It is so interesting to watch them draw! They absolutely love it. We drew for a half an hour. Finally I said we only had 10 minutes left. Then they all grabbed markers and colored in their pencil drawings. They are perfectionists. But I guess I would be too, if I were in their shoes.

Nohemi and her husband drew a school with themselves as the teachers and kids outside on a beautiful playground. What an awesome goal to have together!

Luis had a cool drawing too. It was of himself, standing in front of a chalkboard, with students sitting in front of him. GO LUIS!

The ladies drew their bibles. All of them wrote "Santiago 1:5" on their paper in one form or another. They say they can't write their names, but they each wrote the bible verse which has become our motto.

James 1:5(NIV)

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

I chose this verse after I did the initial enrollment. As I went house to house, I had to assess where to start. Over and over I heard them say, "I know nothing." The first time I heard someone say that I was shocked. I tried to tell them it wasn't true, but they couldn't hear me.

We are now in the third week of class. Yesterday after finishing up our goals, we did some math. We came to zero. They understand that zero is nothing. In fact they came up with other words that all mean nothing in order to describe zero.

That moment was my big chance. They've now had three weeks of class. I wondered if maybe some of them felt differently now. So I asked, "Who in this room believes they know nothing?"

Sadly, every hand went up. So I asked again, "Nothing? You know absolutely nothing???"

They all kept their hands raised and shook their heads. Yes. they said, We know nothing.

A little two year old was standing in front of me. I put my hands on her shoulders and smoothed down her dirty hair. "And her?" I asked. "Does she know anything?"

My heart hurt as they all looked the little girl in the face and said she knows nothing.

There was a dog sprawled out on the floor in the middle of the room. "And this dog? He knows nothing?"

I think they started to get my point right then.

"This little girl. If I ask her who is her Mommy, does she know? Does she know who is her mother?"

Yes they all said.

"So does she know something?"

Yes. She knows who her mother is.

"And the dog. Does he know where to find food? Does he know who to avoid because they are mean to him?"

Oh yes! The dog knows who is mean and who is nice.

"When a baby is first born, does it know to nurse when it is hungry?"

Yes, a baby goes straight for the breast.

"So do you think that you don't know anything?"

Well, we know a few things. But not a lot.

I told them, "Listen. You know more about some things than I know. And I know about some things that you don't. But I don't ever want to hear any of you say that you know nothing. Is it true that you know nothing?"

No, they said. It is not true. We do know some things.

"Great! I said, "We all know some things. Nobody knows nothing."

Today we worked on vowels, our bible verse, recognizing and putting significance to numbers, personal goals, and writing. We also worked a lot on self esteem, which I believe is equally important in this literacy class.

The class, minus Luis who prefers to draw outside

This is Rosa
She is my age
Although we were born only days apart,
our lives are very different

Virginia's goal it to read the bible
Specifically Santiago 1:5
And there's a turkey
I didn't ask its significance

Luis working on his goals

Francisca (Mom of Luis, Erika & Nohemi)
is eager to read the bible one day

Doña Virginia

Erika

The newest student, Reyna
She said she was too happy in this photo
so we took a more serious one

Rosa's goal is to read the bible

I give thanks to God for this class. It is my favorite part of the week.

The Talk

I started writing this on Saturday:

Today was tough, but very, very good.

I haven't shared this here. I've only talked to Fany and Ana and Karla about this. I needed a Honduran opinion.

Last week Erika called me. The call was for two purposes. Her boyfriend has owed me money since January. So she was calling me to say that he couldn't pay. At the same time she was asking for more money.

I thought about it. I prayed about it. I talked to my Pastor and Pastora about it.

Pastor Paysen asked me, "Do you want to maintain this family?"

My answer came quickly. No. I do not want to maintain this family. I want to support them, but I do not want to maintain them. I cannot maintain them.

My Pastora and I talked about the difference between supporting and maintaining. Erika and her boyfriend and her (now) two kids are constantly in this same position. Erika is blessed by a boyfriend who does his best to work hard. But they still can't make ends meet.

My church offered me a bag of supplemented rice. I pulled out of the driveway to go get the rice and drop it off with Erika. But something didn't feel right. So I parked the car in front of the house and went back inside to talk to Fany.

In the end, Fany and I decided that it was not best for Erika or for me, if I went to get the rice for her family.

I know this can sound cruel. Or selfish. But there is more to the story that I have not shared here. Today I talked to Ana and she said, without knowing what Fany and I decided, "You need to stop! You need to stop!"

Last night, when I asked Karla to pray for my conversation with Erika. Karla said, "You need to put up boundaries."

Understand that my relationship with Erika was founded on the clear premise that I can not provide for material or financial needs. For the first nine months, everything was fine. But in January Erika's boyfriend asked for money. It was the first time Erika ever asked me for anything. It was for uniforms and utensils for the two kids he has with his ex. I admired the fact that he cared about providing for the two kids he has with his ex, and that he was honest with me that the money was not for Erika or her kids. So I said I would not give the money, but I could agree to a loan. We worked out detailed terms for repayment.

Then one of his kids was in the hospital, so he had her ask for another loan the next time I saw them. I knew when I gave the money I should expect to never see it again. I don't often loan money. But if I agree to a loan, I come to an understanding within myself that it could end up being a gift. And it could not get in the way of my relationship with Erika. But it did.

Because then she started asking for things. First it was school books for her brothers. I found a Honduran teacher friend who helped with those. Then it was toothbrushes. Then a birthday cake, then a fan because their bedroom was too hot, then money for an ID card so her boyfriend could find work, work for her sister, work for Erika, a phone, banana bread...

It was always something. And although I am not going hungry, money is really tight because of all the car problems I had for months. Now I need to come up with $3000 for a new(er) car.

So today we had a talk. I reminded her where we began. How our relationship started, that we both agreed this would not be based on financial or material things. I told her I would love to still be part of her life, but as we used to be - spending TIME together.

I gave her a way out. I told her maybe, now that she has a family of her own, and her "mother in law" is a great influence in her spiritual life, Erika does not need me like she did before.

Erika seemed pleased when I recognized the family support she now has. We agreed that she will think it over and come up with ideas about how she would like to move forward. I told her I love her and want to be part of her life, but it is not healthy for either of us to continue in this way. I can't afford to maintain her family, or her parents family, or her in laws family, or her boyfriend's ex girlfriend's family.

As  we talked the words came out even better than I hoped. God gave me words I hadn't thought of saying. They were gentle, yet direct. After our conversation I had peace. Now we will see what Erika decides.

My friend Molly, who has disciple numerous teens, said that every time she had this talk the kids disappeared from her life. Molly said I need to be prepared for that. I hope and pray that Erika will be different.

At first I was feeling guilty, thinking I had done something wrong in our relationship. But in the afternoon I realized that I really hadn't set a bad example. I didn't go and buy any of the things she wanted. I didn't set a bad example by giving and giving. I gave a loan and I found someone else to give them the books. Other than that, I haven't set an example of buying things. So I was able to get past the feeling that I had set a bad example for Erika.

I spent Sunday in bed. Laura woke up vomiting and my stomach was all messed up too. We both had a bunch of odd symptoms that didn't seem to make any sense. But Fany had it a few weeks ago. She said it lasted 10 days!

I was supposed to go to a birthday party for my coworker. But my explosive burps were not very party worthy, so I stayed home. I learned that some of my coworkers and their families have been sick with these strange symptoms since last week. They sent me nice messages throughout the party. I have great coworkers. It was disappointing that I couldn't attend, but awesome that I was invited!

Today Laura is headed for the doctor. I am going to see what the doctor recommends for her. I may go to the doctor too.

Week 2 of Reading, Writing and Arithmetic

Last week I was so nervous before the literacy class! This week I was nothing but excited. What a change.

Fany snapped this as I was leaving the house yesterday
This is the "porton" or front gate for the property

As we climbed up the mountain I got even more excited! I couldn't wait to be there and to see everyone. Before we even got to the top of the mountain a lady was waiting for us. She said she was told to talk to us because her son is having a really hard time in first grade and his teacher doesn't know what to do with him. He can't sit still, he bothers other kids and he doesn't get any work done all day. She was hoping to get him psychological counseling. Doña Angelica, my coworker who accompanies me to class, said she will see what we can do.

(Doña Angelica has to go with me each week because our security guys can only drive part way up the mountain. From there we have to walk. It is a community where only people who belong there are allowed to enter. Since Doña Angelica started serving there before the gangs took control, and they like the things she does, the gangs allow her to come in. I am safe as long as I am with her.)

Our psychologists serve kids in Impacto Juvenil as well as their families. Impacto Juvenil kids have to be at least nine years old. It will be hard to help the six year old boy. As an NGO, we use our donors' money exactly as they request with complete transparency. Unfortunately, this boy wouldn't be covered because he doesn't have any older siblings in our Impacto Juvenil program. He won't be old enough for our program for three more years. I hope he can stick it out in school that long. Most don't.

Doña Angelica and I both gave the mom our best advice. I told her I respect the fact that she is trying so hard to help her son. She said, "Well, I have to!" I wish there were more parents like this lady! She is going to come Tuesday when we return for the sexual abuse prevention class. Then she can talk with the psychologists.

Me with Doña Angelica
I never realized what a giant I am!
In the US people used to say I was small.

We had one more student in the class this week - Nohemi was washing her laundry last week and couldn't come. This week she showed up with a big smile and hungry to learn. She is the most advanced of all the class. She can write her name. She is also legally married and doesn't have any kids yet. Outside of a lack of education, it seems like she's got a lot going for her so far.

Giving Nohemi her new books

Almost all of the students came a half hour early. When I got there, they were all cleaning up and changing their clothes for class. The ladies get dressed up in skirts, the girls put on makeup, and Luis puts gel in his hair.

Luis brought down the chairs and table and dry erase board. He got everything set up. He's the youngest student and the only male. He's also very timid and struggles with insecurity. This is a great experience for him - to be the man in our group. He seems to enjoy working hard for our class.

We waited for Rosa because she has to work and rushes home just for the class. Last week Rosa said she prayed and prayed she would get out in time. Usually they are a five person team, but only three showed up to work last week. Her boss told her she could leave when she was finished. She worked extra hard to do the work of five people and they finished early last week! This week she walked in right on time.

Since everyone else was there, but we needed to wait for Rosa, I pulled out a deck of UNO cards. I wasn't sure if they could identify numbers or not, so I figured this would be a gentle way to find out. Even if they didn't know the name of the number, they could match the figures on the cards.

Some people in Honduras are very against playing cards for religious reasons. But everyone I know plays cards. This was a first for this group. Everyone played, but I could feel them struggling with the idea. Doña Angelica reassured them that the cards are a learning tool, to identify numbers and colors. Nohemi said she wanted to get her own UNO cards. Doña Angelica told her they are sold in a special store for teacher's supplies. Throughout the whole game, Doña Angelica kept saying they were for learning and they were not a bad thing. I was glad to have Doña Angelica there to smooth things over.

To my left is Nohemi, Erika, Rosa, Luis, Francisca, two kids who hang around quietly and Dona Virginia - They gave me permission to share photos and stories about them.

Once Rosa arrived we got to work. They remembered everything from last week!!!!!! I was amazed! Doña Francisca, who is the mom of the three teens, and probably the lowest functioning except Luis, was the first to "read" the words we learned last week.

Francisca was the first one I invited to the class when we walked around enrolling people. She is the one who prayed and prayed for this opportunity for her kids. But she said she is not capable of retaining information due to a head injury. I encouraged her to come. She said she would not come, but she would make sure that her kids attended. That's why I was so happy and surprised when Francisca showed up last week.

There was actually a longer story behind her attendance, which Francisca didn't share with us until yesterday.

I told Francisca that I am happy to see how well she remembered things from last week, and I am so glad she decided to join the class. Then Doña Virginia shared something. She said that Francisca arrived at her door before the first day of class. She said Francisca was very sad. It was clear she wanted to be part of the class, but she was saying that she doesn't know anything and can't learn. Doña Virginia, who seems to be the leader of the community and someone they all seek for counsel, told Francisca she should try. But at the end of the conversation Francisca left still feeling sad and incapable of learning.

Francisca spoke up. She said when it came time for the class last week, she watched each of us arrive. She said we were all dressed up, with our hair combed nicely. (Note to self: I need to dress up for class!) She sank down to the ground next to her pila and cried.

Francisca said she sat on the ground feeling dirty and ugly and dumb. She said she cried and cried. And then she started to pray. Suddenly, through prayer, she said God lifted her up, took her inside where she dressed and fixed her hair, and propelled her feet until she was standing in the classroom.

It was Francisca who came in after we prayed last week and said, "Wait! I need to say a prayer too. I need to thank God for this class." At that moment, I thought she was only there to pray. But when she sat down and studied, I was so happy!

She said she had to fight to come this week too. A voice in her mind was telling her that she is not capable of doing the things we will do. But she is really doing well! I think I will spend Tuesdays with Francisca and Luis if I see them falling behind. I will already be up there for the sex abuse prevention class, so getting there will not be a problem. I do not want either of them to believe they can't be successful in this class.

PRAISE GOD for lifting Francisca off the ground and carrying her to class last week! She is a precious, precious woman and a great example for her kids.

Part way through the class they started to get restless and someone joked that they needed a snack. I had lollipops, thinking I would give them away as prizes. It's not really a snack, but at least it was something to keep them motivated. So I handed out lollipops.

Erika ripped right into hers, as I expected them all too. Then I saw her put it back in it's wrapper and I realized what was going on. Doña Virginia declared, "This is a classroom. We are in class. We do not eat in class." So nobody touched their lollipops. Now I know not to bring any food! I need to pay close attention to the rules of Doña Virginia. If not, I could end up losing the respect of the class.

Nohemi got right to work on her first day

Doña Virginia has beautiful writing
(so far we are drawing lines, but her's look great!)

A horse and two burros blocked the path on the way home

Doña Angelica was already waiting when I got to the spot where I was supposed to meet her. I told her I was late because a horse and two burros were blocking the path. I was afraid they'd kick me if I walked past. Nohemi assured me they don't kick in Honduras. Doña Angelica laughed and said I always have some crazy story to tell her every time she leaves me alone. (I'm not sure what she's referring to exactly, but she is probably right.)

There is a lot going on within the Honduran government right now. We are disappointed with the direction the president is taking. More corruption has come to light and it is not being handled effectively by the president. A few other things have happened as well, so security at work has gotten even tighter.

Yesterday I noticed that the person who usually just opens the door for us, now walks with us and watches us from the moment we arrive until we are safely inside our destination. When we dropped off Doña Angelica he strained to watch her get to her house, which is a ways off the road. That is new. He also circles around the car if we have to wait for people, looking around in all directions. And the drivers don't just take the most direct route any more. Our routes always vary. I admire the way our security does these things subtly, without mentioning the change or making it too obvious. They try to keep our lives as normal as possible.

Everyone at work is concerned about my car. They know it's been in the shop since the first week of February and they think it's time I change mechanics. I was thinking the same thing but I got the car back last night and the mechanic didn't charge me a penny after working on it all week. He even called in two other people to help him figure out why it pulls to the right. Nobody has a clue.

The only thing they can think of is a really expensive fix, and it still may not work. So my mechanic said I just need to get used to having it pull to the right until I can sell it. They even double checked the calibration of the machine that does the alignment. Nothing is wrong with the machine. So the car is aligned right. Something inside is wrong.

He and one of his buddies are keeping their eyes out for another car for me. He assured me the new tires will not be ruined by this, which was my biggest concern.

I dread buying a different car. This car has been so good to me for three years. I pray I'll be able to find one as good as this. It does seem like it's time. The final diagnosis that his friend gave was that my car is "too well maintained". They said most people wouldn't be so concerned about their car pulling to the right. Most people would be happy to have a car as "pretty" on the outside, with no bangs or scrapes. The mechanic explained to his friend that I am not like most Hondurans.

Please join me in prayer for Honduras, the government, the corruption, that we can effectively get rid of the corruption and avoid to martial law. Also please pray for my class. Each of the students is struggling with low self esteem. They say each week it's tough for them to show up. I pray they are able to come to class each week because they want to and that they come joyfully, not with anxiety.

I pray it will be something they look forward to as much as I do! Climbing that mountain and teaching those people is absolutely the highlight of my week.

Celebrating Father's Day at the Impacto Juvenil Club

Wednesday we celebrated Father's Day at the Impacto Juvenil Club where I serve with my coworker Sandra. As we were setting up for the party she looked at me and said, "I really like working with you." That felt so great! I like working with her too.

The party was a complete success. We laughed hard, we shed a few tears over beautiful words the kids shared with their parents. Then we ate and played soccer.

Less than half of the kids had family there. But the people who did come made a real effort. One father got the day off work to come! Other kids brought grandmothers or aunts. We welcomed every adult who is a support system to the kids we serve. 

Balloons were a big hit!

She looks just like her Dad.
They have a beautiful relationship

Father and son

There were about 40 people present

We played games

 

Sitting on balloons to pop them

We laughed hard

Cesar gave thanks for his Aunt
who raised him since his mother was killed in a massacre

This is Cesar's Aunt.
Tears poured down her face as he spoke.

Heartfelt words for Dad

Thanking Moms too,
for those whose father is not around

 

This Mom is a hair stylist.
Today she started a beauty school for our kids!

There was cake (with green frosting)

And what party would be complete without soccer?
Only this time the ball was a balloon

A great time was had by all

Photos

The view from the building where we gave the second class in prevention of sexual abuse today.

This is Doña Maria Virginia.
She is walking back from a stream which is hidden far behind the mountains.
That is where they wash clothes.
I showed her the photos of herself in the class last week.
She was so excited to see herself in photos!
She is looking forward to learning more about reading and writing on Thursday.

Part of the path of Doña Maria

Some of the kids from our group, heading off to their afternoon classes at school.
I'm not allowed to show their faces. Believe me they are so cute!

A Special Surprise!

It's Monday again. I like that I now have a regular schedule for each week. Last week I got a little behind in preparing for the classes and had a small panic attack before the reading/writing/math class.

Fany came over while I was in the midst of panicking and didn't seem to understand that I was really stressed out. I was running around like a maniac and she was asking me to look at her grey hairs... That almost pushed me over the edge!

Lesson learned! This week I have set aside specific hours of the day as prep time for my classes in order to avoid another panic attack. The good news is that I was actually OVER prepared last week when I felt unprepared, so that class won't need much prep time this week. It's the conduct disorder class, the club in Nueva Suyapa (where we are celebrating Father's Day!) and the sex abuse class which will need the most time this week.

My car has been in the shop more than it's been with me since the first week in February. It's back in today for an indefinite amount of time because the mechanic has to take it all apart. It's pulling to the right but the alignment is fine and it has brand new tires. He said this could be a tricky one to fix because he has no idea why it's still pulling to the right.

I told him it seems like my car likes him more than it likes me, because it sure does want to spend a lot of time with him. I asked if I should be thinking about getting another car. I am spending a lot of money and we keep discovering more problems. He said now is the time to sell this one, while it still has some value.

Last week when I went to get my car out of the shop my mechanic asked if I had a half hour to spare. I really didn't, but he said he had something he wanted me to look at. We went to an auto lot to look at used cars. There was nothing there that day, but I need to start this process again. Yuck!

Apparently these people have car lots all over Honduras, so they are going to keep an eye out for a car for me. The owner said that he would like to buy my car if I choose to sell it to him. My mechanic says he'll buy it too, depending on the price. I think I can get more money from a North American Missionary. We'll see. At least I have options, which is good.

I have to come up with $2-3000 to invest in the new car. I've been praying about it for a while. Last week I felt really stressed out about it. But this week I have peace. There is no rush and I am in good hands. God blessed me with a great mechanic who knows a lot about cars and has good connections.

It feels like a big step, and a scary one. But necessary. As a single woman in Honduras, I can't have a car that is not reliable. It is just not safe. God has kept me safe so far, but I have to do my part to and not set myself up for problems.

Speaking of seeing God's hand over me, a really cool thing happened at church yesterday. In the morning I meant to put money for the offering into my purse. As I was driving to church I realized I forgot the money. The first week of every month I also donate money to the church on behalf of a friend who supports us from the US. I felt bad for forgetting my tithe, as well as the money on behalf of the other person. My church operates on a tight budget and every penny matters.

After I got to church I decided to go through my bag and see if I had any money tucked away. I was pretty sure I had only 120 Lempiras ($6) because I have purposely been traveling with very little cash as I am entering dangerous neighborhoods so frequently these days. But I figured it wouldn't hurt to check and see.

I looked through each pocket of my backpack, and twice in the hidden zipper because sometimes in the past I have put money there. But there was nothing.

Then I searched my purse. Suddenly I noticed a zipper in my purse. I didn't remember seeing it before and don't remember using it at all. Before I opened the zipper I prayed, "God, I really need this 1,500 Lempiras for my church today." Then I opened the zipper and guess what was inside!?!!! Pennies, one quarter, some nickles from the US, but not one dollar. AND 1,500 Lempiras!!!!! Exactly! I couldn't believe it!

I've been thinking and thinking about how that money got there and I still have no idea. Obviously I used that zipper when I was in the US because of the loose change that was in there. But I don't think I've used it since I got back to Honduras, or I would have taken out the US coins.

Normally, for safety, I travel with 500 Lempiras or less. I can't imagine having put 1,500 Lemps in my bag without consciously thinking about it. It was the strangest thing! There was exactly the amount I needed for the offering, not one Lempira more and not one Lempira less.

It's so cool how God finds little ways to surprise us and to brighten our day. I had a headache yesterday morning and wasn't feeling very good. But after that nice surprise, I couldn't help but be happy. God looks after every detail for us. He will be looking over the details of my car as well. All I have to do is continue to pray for guidance.

My hope is to buy a CRV, or something similar, that's about 5 years newer than the one I own. A 2010 or 2011 would be great. I'd like something with 50-60,000 miles on it. Last year I only put 5,800 miles on my car. This year will be even less. Work is close to home and frequently I ride with security so the miles don't add up as fast.

I will post some cute photos from church yesterday, then it's time to prepare for my classes.

Oh, and if you didn't get my email last week with the newsletter, let me know. I would love to add you to the list!

My favorite photo of the day
Shoes way too big, and a little beaten up
but so white and clean!

The shoes belong to this cute face

Meet Tony. He gives the best hugs!

Hermano Ricardo praying for Pastora Ruth
before the message

Praising God

CUTENESS!
The big kids recite a verse they learned after church.
The little ones want to be like the big girls

The Treasures of the Mines

Yesterday was the first day of the class for literacy. We decided the class will be called "The Treasures of the Mines" since the place where they live is called "the mines" or "Las Minitas" and they are treasures!

First we had to carry everything up the mountain, then down the other side. We left the chalkboard at the office because we were already loaded down. I was carrying a backpack full of books that weighed over 30 pounds. The chalkboard can wait for next week.

Luis looking back down the mountain
There are a few steps here, funded by my organization,
built by Luis and his community

This is Luis. He is my only male student. He was the first to step up and say that he wanted to participate in the class, which is strange because he is very timid and shy. He seems so excited! We called to ask one of the men to come down and help us carry a table up the mountain. Although we asked for someone else, we were not surprised when Luis showed up. I followed him up the mountain with a backpack full of books. Finally he suggested I walk ahead because I kept asking him to slow down. With a table on his back, he couldn't see that he was leaving me behind!

The view Luis saw as he looked back at the city

Luis going down the back side of the mountain
Here you can see the 2 tubes that pipe water
to the back of the mountain once/month.
When the water from the city comes, they move these tubes from house to house,
filling every container they own with water to last for the month to come.

My coworker, Doña Angelica (60 yrs old), and Doña Maria (58)
carrying the chairs and dry erase board down the mountain

I can't get enough of the view from outside our classroom

Doña Angelica is my coworker. She got me all settled in. Then she took off to do home visits. When she first told me that was her plan, I felt a little nervous. I didn't want her to leave me alone. Especially since the people who trained me said that I should have an assistant. But Doña Angelica said the people would loosen up and get more comfortable if she left. She was right. For some reason they were much more relaxed when it was just me with them.

First we prayed. Let me tell you I had no problem finding someone to pray in this group! First one lady prayed. Then another lady, who is the mother of three of my students, said she really needed to pray. She said she has been praying to God for the opportunity for her kids to learn to read and write and she needs to thank Him. She said the most beautiful prayer!

Then she sat down and started to participate in the class! At the end she decided to officially join. She struggles most, but I will make an extra effort to encourage her. I hope she sticks with it. Her name is Doña Francisca. She said she doesn't know how old she is.

We started the class by talking about education and why it is important. I told them the class was initially intended to be for single women. But when Luis said he wanted to join and I saw in his eyes how excited he was, we decided to enroll the people who really want to learn. I told the ladies that one day Luis will be the head of his family. He will need to know this stuff! They all readily agreed.

It seems to be a perfect group. Doña Francisca's oldest daughter didn't come. They said she was washing clothes. Sounds like a crazy reason to miss class for you and I. But these people only get water piped in once each month. Yesterday was the day. So she had to wash while she had water coming in. Otherwise she would have to wash clothes using the water that she needs to store for the month to come.

Normally Fany and I get water from the city every 3 days. Right now it is very dry so it only comes every 2 weeks. We do the same thing as the ladies in the mountains. We drop everything and wash our clothes. Tuesday I was almost late for work because the water came at 5 a.m. and we had to do laundry. We filled the washing machines, the pilas and watered all of the plants while the water was still coming from the city. That way everything that needed water in that moment was covered and our cistern was filled for future needs.

Water day is a beautiful day in these communities. Everything is so colorful with laundry hanging everywhere!

In the morning while I was getting ready to leave, suddenly I became really nervous. I felt completely unprepared. Everything seemed wrong. I was a mess! So I sent an email out to my prayer team.

All of the way to the office and in the ride to Villa Nueva with security I kept getting messages. As Luis and I walked up the mountain he asked why my phone kept making sounds. I told him it was people praying for us. As the ladies prayed to start the class it alerted me again that I had a message. After we finished praying I told the group that I was nervous this morning (I figured they were all nervous too) and I had asked for prayer from my friends. Throughout the class more emails came.

As we did an activity where the class was drawing, I had the opportunity to read the emails to them. They were so encouraged and honored to think that people from another country were praying for them in that very moment! They felt really special. Thank you prayer team! Your prayers helped us in more ways than you ever expected!

We did an activity about what things can stand in the way of our learning. Everyone drew pictures of things that can distract them. One lady said she really likes to care for her garden, one lady said she is busy making tortillas to sell, I drew a picture of the water coming and the laundry that needs to be washed, one drew housework, Luis drew a construction project that he is working on at home.

Meet my class!
Doña Maria Virginia is 58, Maria Rosa is 45 like me, Luis is 15, his Mom Francisca (who doesn't know her age) and his sister Erika is 17. Missing is sister Nohemy (18), who was washing clothes, Olga who everyone was very silent about, and Victoria who got a job!

Our Classroom - Look! We already have a mascot!

Francisca is excited.
The opportunity she has prayed for is here!
She and her children can learn to read and write.

Luis is really shy. 
He had trouble learning in the past
but he did a great job today!

Erika got sleepy at the end.
Probably from all of the housework she does.

Doña Maria is a pillar of the community.
She sells tortillas for a living.
These are her tortillas.

Maria Rosa is a quick learner.
Her goal is to be able to read the bible.
Her job could stand in the way of attending the class.
She sweeps the streets for a living.

They had so much fun coloring in their drawings! I am going to have them draw more often. It was relaxing and enjoyable to them. Remember, most of these people never really had a childhood. They didn't go to school and began working just to survive at an early age.

After we finished the drawings we put them on the floor as landmines and had each person walk through the "field of mines" blindfolded. Then we talked more about what could keep them from being successful in class. Francisca insisted that nothing can keep any of them from success because this is God's plan. But it is good to be aware of possible obstacles in any case.

After the game we settled in for some serious studying. This program is based on phonetics, which is perfect for Spanish. The class has already learned to "read" the words 'education', 'eye' and 'one' (in Spanish). When my coworker, Doña Angelica, came back at the end of the class, she was happily surprised to see all of the progress they have made.

At the end of class we have to leave the space empty. There is no door or windows, so things could get stolen. Everyone helped pack up. Then they all gave me huge, loving hugs. They prayed blessings over me and thanked me for coming. I thanked each of them just as much. They blessed me in a way they will probably never understand.

I never take selfies, but here is one.
I wanted to remember this moment!

When it came time to meet security, Doña Angelica and I headed back down the mountain. Although I was carrying 30 pounds of books, I floated. The joy God gave me this day filled my heart to overflowing. I am so grateful for this opportunity!

I wish the class could be more than one day per week. I worry that once/week is not enough to keep them motivated and keep the information fresh in their mind.

I think this day is one I will remember for the rest of my life.

Fourth Anniversary of Serving in Honduras - Look at me now!

Just finished celebrating my 4th year of living in Honduras. Although the past year was difficult, it was totally worth every bit of struggle to arrive where I am now.

My coworkers celebrated with me. Here we are:

Abel, Jorge, me, Sandra (who runs the club with me), and Keyrin

Our friend Yesica wasn't able to come because her daughter is sick. Abel and Keyrin brought chicken wings. I cut up a bunch of fruit and we covered it in Nutella. We hung out in the garden. It's nice to have new friends who can go out and do things with me. We are planning a trip to Roatan in August!

Tomorrow I am skipping the weekly meeting and going with the psychologists to Las Minitas in Villa Nueva. We are starting a new group there for the prevention of sexual abuse. It's going to be so cool! It teaches prevention of sex abuse through song, art and games. A coworker is going to lead this group while Yesica and I observe. We believe we will be able to identify children who have been sexually abused by the way they respond to the activities. Then we can step in and begin treatment as needed.

Thursday is my first day to teach the reading, writing and math class (also in Las Minitas).

Wednesday morning is the class for kids with conduct disorder/Aspergers in the private Christian school.

Wednesday afternoon I go to the club for kids in Nueva Suyapa with Sandra. This week the club is focusing on self esteem - how we handle criticism and how our words affect others, both positively or negatively.

A year ago I never imagined I would be doing all of these cool things! I really love the way I am serving now. Not only am I able to bless others, I feel fulfilled and blessed as well.

Project with Karla

Every night I stay awake late and get up early, waiting for the water to come. It used to come every Sunday and Wednesday. Last week it came Monday and Thursday and then it never came back. Just now I had to turn off the pumps because they were pumping air. I'm guessing from the sound it's not good for them.

Hopefully tonight will be the end of my wait. I'll stay up tonight and wash everything I can wash, water all of the plants and trees, and mop the floor. This time of year we never know when or if we'll have water.

Yesterday I picked up Karla and we spent the day together. It was really nice! First we cooked lunch together. Then we sat and ate. We talked and talked about all kinds of things. She likes to talk about her Mom. We looked at photos I have of her Mom. She seems happy, not sad. She was carrying around a couple of heavy burdens, but she said God told her to share them with me. I think she felt better afterward.

I learned that she is getting paid to work with me!!!!! I'm so happy for her! I never knew. In fact, neither did she until they gave her the money! She is really happy. This money will pay her sister's college tuition each month, plus she will have a little extra to set aside.

We also talked about safety. Things seem to be getting worse everywhere. She said that the corner where I drop off and pick up Ana is now a dangerous spot. Even the most protected houses with tall, thick walls are getting broken into. She said nobody is safe in Los Pinos. But she feels God protecting her.

(Later last night, around 7:30, there was a big shoot out behind my house. I used to hear a lot of gunfire back there, but not so much lately. Before it was always at 10 p.m. or later. Last night I was messaging with my friend on Facebook. She said my area was on the news because the gangs from El Hato, the little community next door where Fany and I buy groceries, are overflowing into Villa Nueva. My little colonia sits in between El Hato and Villa Nueva. My house is on the edge of my colonia, which means the other side of the wall behind my house is El Hato. That's why I can hear the gunshots so close by.

My colonia has armed guards at every gate. It is well known in the general public that you can't get into my colonia if you don't live here. I noticed today my neighbors electrified the barbed wire fence on top of their wall. I could hear it buzzing. That was new. Anyway, I am being extra careful. I shopped in El Hato yesterday morning, but talked to a woman who works with the gangs last night and was advised not to go back there until things have calmed down. I am thankful for my tall, thick brick wall topped in barbed wire. It keeps all of the craziness out.)

Okay, so back to Karla - After talking for a few hours, we got to work on her English project. She had to interview an English speaking person and video tape it for her teacher. We've been working on it over the phone for a while, but it still needed some fine tuning.

In the end, it turned out great! We pretended that she was sitting in the park, reading a book, and she was interviewing people who walked by. So I walked by and she called me over to sit down. Jetty even had a role. She tried to send me a copy of the video, but it didn't all copy for some reason and it's too big to download.

Here's a funny outtake from while we were practicing. She was supposed to stop me as I walked around the corner, but she was too busy pretending to read and she let me walk right by. We think it's hilarious. It may not be as funny to you. At least it will give you an idea of what we were doing.

I sent Karla home with a bunch of clothes I never wear and some food left over from the party on Tuesday.

My coworkers want to celebrate my four year anniversary with me! It is this Monday, and since we don't have to work they suggested last night that we should get together. I wanted to celebrate, but I am very low on money due to all of my car issues. If I invited most of my friends (outside of work friends) I would have to pay for them and their family. So I thought a party was not within my budget this year. I was content with the celebration for Abel and Keyrin on Tuesday. It will be an extra bonus if we can get together again Monday.

Today I have to get in some bible study. Then I am going over to Molly's house. Molly cares for two Honduran kids. Since I used to work with her last year, they got used to having me around. When we shared a room at a retreat last month I realized they actually missed me. I thought about the fact that I shouldn't just disappear from their lives now that I have another job. They have had enough people disappear - like their mother and father and siblings. The least I can do is show up and let them know they are important to me.

We are having lunch and then playing some games. Anderson is sick with a cold, so we can't go to the park as we'd planned. But that is fine. I may even get lucky and be able to wash a load of clothes there. We'll see...

My Pastor invited me to go to an island down South with him on Friday. It is supposed to be beautiful, but I feel very unsettled about the idea. I've been praying about it, asking God why I feel so ill at ease. I don't get opportunities like this often, so I really want to go. But unless things change I think I shouldn't. I'll keep praying about it.