Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Mission Team to La Ceiba, Honduras - June 21-30, 2009

June 21-30, 2009 a team of 14 short-term missionaries worked with us here in La Ceiba, Honduras. The missionaries were from Houston Lake Presbyterian Church in Warner Robins, GA and Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church in Douglasville, GA.

Please note that the background music is an original song written and performed by the team members and recorded in my living room.

Take a look at the 3 minute and 10 second video:


Monday, June 29, 2009

Honduras Coup

Troops in the capitol city of Tegucigalpa


Let's try and set the record straight. This is taken from Mike's blog, as he can state it SO much better than I can:

Here is a short synopsis of what has really happened – The President (a leftist) was at the end of his Constitutionally mandated four year term limit. There is a regularly scheduled election this November to replace him. Months ago he said he wanted to put a non-binding question on a June 28th ballot asking the people for a constitutional revision committee. Among other things, the constitutional revision committee would allow the President to run for a second term, in violation of the Constitution. The Congress (majority leftists) unanimously passed a resolution saying that he couldn’t have the election and that it was against the law. The Supreme Court (majority leftists) ruled 5-0 that the proposed ballot measure would violate the Constitution and that the election could not be held. The Constitution says that if a sitting President attempts to lift term limits that they are to be removed from office. The military administers elections in Honduras and they refused to hold the election, so the President fired the head of the military and seized thousands of ballot boxes and intended to have his election. Now this is a key point – on June 27th the Supreme Court voted 5-0 that the President was in violation of the Constitution and ORDERED the military to arrest him. As the Constitution demands, the President was removed from power and the head of the Congress (a leftist) was put in his place. This is NOT a military coup. This IS a peaceful implementation of the democratic process.

In the midst of all this, our team is finishing up their last day here in Honduras. We are trying to get them to the airport tomorrow, but because of curfews, it's going to be a little tricky getting them to the airport. Pray for us, for the people of Honduras, and for safe travels of our team tomorrow.

"The Coup"

Peaceful protest in the capitol - Tegucigalpa


Well...between a 7.1 earthquake, and a coup, I think I'll take the coup. Strangly enough, we all got through a military coup with little or no side-effects. Here's the scoop - the president of Honduras has been trying to get the constitution changed so he could stay/be re-elected as president indefinitely - this is on the urging of Chavez, from Venezuela. Well, let's just say he TRIED. After the Supreme Court of Honduras said what he was doing was illegal, and he couldn't hold the election, he just said, "whatever". Upon the heels of that, the head of police was fired as he didn't agree with what was going on, and the heads of many other higher ups were fired as well. On top of that, the whole city was leafletted from overhead planes with flyers stating to stay at home and not be involved in the election. The president continued to ignore all of that, so the country took action. Sunday morning the President was arrested. Still in his pajamas, with guns being fired, they arrested him and flew him to Costa Rica. Interesting choice as Costa Rica has no military. Wonder if they were notified first? Anyway - for about a half day the country had no leader. The VP was on the same side as the President, so he couldn't be put into office. The Cogress read a letter "signed" by the President stating he resigned, which he adamantly denies having written. Ultimately, following their chain-of-command, the leader of Congress became the interum President until the November elections. The U.S. Embassy issued a warning for all U.S. Citizens to remain in their homes yesterday, so we all dutiously did. Although I must say, for 12 youth, and 5 adults, it was a bit of a challengs. But - we watched movies, had gringo church, played music and cards, and the coup passed by without so much as a single shot being fired in La Ceiba. So although this is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, 70% are considered in poverty, little infastructure, the country seems to have come out the other end of a coup in pretty good shape. We have plans to go out to Armenia Bonito today and continue on the work being done at the second house and the last full day of our team! It certainly has been a challenging 10 days - high heat - lots of work - river swims - trip to the Keys - political coup - all in the "normal" week of a missionary :-)

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Building A New House For Alejandro

From June 15-25 we constructed a new house for Alejandro in Armenia Bonito. The entire project cost less then $1,000. We had help from short term missionaries from three churches as well as volunteers from the community.

Take a look at this 3 minute 30 second video to see Alejandro’s new house:

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Free Sandals In Armenia Bonito - June 24th, 2009

On Wednesday we distributed new sandals to 250 women and girls in Armenia Bonito. Each person received a free pair of sandals and a Spanish evangelism tract. Some of the recipients had no shoes of their own. The sandals were a gift from a supporter in the U.S.

Take a look at this 2 minute and 20 second video:

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Happy One-Year Anniversary!

June 25th, 2009 is the one-year anniversary of our arrival in La Ceiba, Honduras as full-time Christian missionaries. Some amazing things have happened in this first year. Our prayer supporters and financial supporters are just as responsible for this past year as we are. So please join with us in celebration of our first year of service in Honduras.

Watch this 3 minute and 50 second video to celebrate this last year with us:

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Farwell To The Mission Team From Arizona

June 14-20, 2009 a team of missionaries from Covenant Community Church in Scottsdale, AZ worked with us here in La Ceiba, Honduras. Thank you guys for all you did here in Honduras.

Here is a 3 minute video to see the type of work this team did:

Friday, June 19, 2009

Extreme Make-over, Home Edition

Alejandro's house before construction began...



Well, our little team has been busy, busy, busy! This was the last day of our team from Covenant Community Church - finishing it out by working hard on Alejandro's house. It's about 2/3rd done, I know they were disappointed that it wasn't done by the time they left - but the most important part - the foundation and the majority of the walls were done! Everyone worked their tails off, and I KNOW that they are all sick of cement blocks and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, but feel like their time here was well spent indeed! After another hard day we took some kids to the river and cooled off in the refreshing water! Great day indeed, and we will miss this team indeed - but we are already preparing for the next team that arrives on Sunday.

Filling in cement between cinder blocks

Sifting the dirt to use for making cement


Madison working with other kids from the community

As much as the team was able to get done! A LOT of hard work!



Team Honduras, Team from Covenant Community, and the nationals that worked with us - Alejandro is proudly standing in front in the blue shirt.


Madison and I getting ready to jump into the refreshing river - yes - in our clothes - that's just "what you do" here :-)

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Teams


This is week one of our Summer Teams. We are excited to have this team from Covenant Community Church in Scottsdale, Arizona. They have come, ready to jump in where needed – and boy have they! It's been HOT, HUMID – we each are completely drenched, covered in sweat – dripping off our noses, no dry spot to dry your face on your shirt because it's soaked, covered in cement, mud, and loving every minute of it! It's amazing when everyone has a focus goal to show Christ's love with a happy open heart. After our day of shoveling and making cement – dragging rocks, and building a partial foundation – a short time to rest and eat – when it's off to teach English class – yep – smelly and dirty all the way! And yet, with an open – happy heart we went! Awesome to see such folks dedicated and committed to their time here! I'm excited to see what the rest of the week brings!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Milestones


Today is Madison's 13th birthday! There are so many milestones in life that reflect different changes, different seasons of life, and different significances. The fact that my daughter has become a teenager is awesome to me. I am saddened by the time that has flown by, and treasure every minute of the time, but rejoice in the fact that my daughter is becoming her own young woman. She is unique, precious, compassionate, creative, lovely, and a joy to be around. She is sometimes known as the "X" factor. During board games (think Settlers of Catan) she often has the craziest strategies, or gives people (okay - usually just me), free cards to help me in the game. She loves people, loves God, and loves her family! Happy birthday to my beautiful daughter!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Tour Of La Ceiba, Honduras

For almost a year we have lived in La Ceiba, Honduras. La Ceiba is a port city on the northern coast of Honduras in Central America. It is located on the southern edge of the Caribbean Sea. With a population of over 200,000 living in approximately 170 residential areas, it is the third largest city in the country and the capital of the Honduran department (state) of Atlántida. The city is named for giant ceiba trees which grew near the old dock.

Here is a 3 minute 10 second tour of La Ceiba:

Monday, June 8, 2009

"Need" v.s. "want"


So OFTEN I'm asked - "so Erin, what do you need?" Yes, I'm in a third world country - and finding those things that I'm so used to finding at Target, Wal Mart, or other awesome convenience stores, is difficult if not impossible to find in our little town of La Ceiba. So, often I am asked this question. The bottom line - there is NOTHING that I NEED! Let's face it - if you only had a 7-11, or AM/PM, I would venture to say you could find most of what you NEED. And bottom line - what does anyone NEED? God. Pure and simple. Nothing more. God has graciously allowed me a beautiful family, an incredible place to minister in, the ability to give to His people. Some people are given the opportunity to help out missionaries through prayer or financial support. God makes them part of an in-country team by providing for them through His Saints. God has given me and my family the opportunity to be supported by His Saints and do His work in Honduras. What a priviledge indeed! So, again - what do I NEED? I have what I need. But I also know that some like to give, and am often asked what we "need". I never quite know how to answer that question, and usually come up with some half-hearted response. However - what do you WANT? Well - those I have a few of - So - here is the list:

1. Kitchen Knives - all types - my $3.00 knives that I can buy in the store (the ONLY choice I have) function, but not all that great (pearing knives, chopping knives, etc).
2. Kitchen scale - let's face it - non-existent here
3. Sugar-free coffee syrup. No - there aren't even sugar-filled syrups here :-) (think sugar free carmel, vanilla, etc. )
4. healthy quick snacks - NON existent here - such as jerkey, trail mix, etc.
5. So many nick-nack things for the kitchen, I can't even start! i.e. - garlic press with cleaner, quality rubber spatulas, ANYTHING Pampered Chef (minus the chopper and the Measure Mix Pour - good friend of mine already got me these)
6. Comic books for Madison (Batman, Dark Night, X-Men - all types, Spiderman, Superman, etc.)
7. spices and flavors for cooking: horseradish, oregano, basil, rosemary, etc.
8. Seeds - for my garden - the only source I have found - the seeds are so expired they don't germinate :-( Think tomatoes, etc - anything with DIRECT sunlight
9. More expensive: quality sheets - NON-existent here - twin and King
10. Tupperware for left-overs. The ONLY ones that are here are the ones you can buy at the grocery store (i.e. Ziploc).
11. Literature - books in English - no book stores here!
12. Make-up - (can you imagine spending $20 or generic mascara?)
13. Mixing bowls - I know...I know - you would think they would have them here - but typically they use plastic bowls that have flat bottoms - not what you and I would consider mixing bowls.
14. cook books with pictures - again - they aren't here, and I know - I'm pathetic, but I do better with pictures.
15. Dog toys - chew toys - pig ears - rawhide, cow hooves, etc.
16. Workout DVD's - pilates, yoga, aerobics, etc.
17. Dried cranberries, dried fruit of any type
18. nuts
19. instant pudding mix
20. ice-creamer maker
21. Grater/zester

Anyway - you get the idea - the list can go on and on. As I said - NONE of these things are "needs", but sometimes it's a bit frustrating knowing that I can't just run down to a store to pick them up, or if I really "need" them, I can just take the time and go get them.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

And so it begins


The prep work for teams has been going on basically since we arrived in Honduras one year ago. Building bunks beds, purchasing sheets, plates, shelves, extra fans, are just a few examples of what we have done. Now that teams are actually going to be coming this summer (we did have 2 teams last year), but this year we are hosting 9 teams. We have started prepping food - making casseroles to freeze, already made the 6-hour round trip to San Pedro Sula to buy a lot of meats, but now comes the cooking and meal planning. It takes a lot to put all these things into effect, but I know that the work done now will help make things easier later.

Friday, June 5, 2009

Clinic

I think changing your blog layout is like changing the set-up of your room. Just needs to be done once in awhile - makes for different "scenery", and adds a refreshing look. So...that's the only reason - not because of any deep need for a change, "just because".

Yesterday we had our weekly mobile clinic. We saw about 45 people. This week there were many sick kids. The flu has hit (no - NOT swine flu), but because of that many people came to seek some sort of relief. I'm also following up on a young girl I saw a month ago who had all indications of tuberculosis. I'm still not convinced she doesn't have it, but she was much better after a lot of the treatment I gave her. She had been to the doctors office where she had a sputum culture done and was "negative", but I don't hold much weight to their testing. I will continue to monitor her and see how she progresses or doesn't.

Not sure why I look so serious in this picture, this little guy was actually pretty healthy.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

The new do

Well...the heat has finally gotten to me. I've gone "back to my old ways" and chopped the hair! Makes things easier and a HECK of a lot cooler! Now, keep in mind - my hair won't look like this tomorrow because being naturally curly, the humidity will take over, and the hard work done by the hair stylist in the challenge to straighten my hair will fail. So - here is the "new" / "old" me (catch all that grey hair!!!!).


Monday, June 1, 2009

MK (Missionary Kid)


Missionary Kid (MK), or Third Culture Kid (TCK), is the "designator" that has been given to kids on the mission field. We have been trying to get Madison on a trip back to the States to go to camp. Unfortunately, it just didn't work out - so instead, I drove her to her best friends house. However, as opposed to your best friend in the States, who is maybe a mile or two away - in the mission field, things are just a bit different. Often times your closest MK friend can be far away. In her case, her best friend is over an hour + away. So - we drove up this morning - by way of a dirt road, 4 bridges, following the river the whole way until we finally arrived. Madison's friend's dad is a physician, and holds clinic in their compound 3 days a week. They currently have a medical brigade working with them. So, after a tour of their compound, I was getting ready to head on my way back to the city when I was asked if I could drop off some people at the hospital in La Ceiba. I immediately said yes, and with 3 pregnant mommies (one getting ready to deliver, one with a possible fetal demise, and the other an incomplete miscarriage), one toddler who promptly threw up his orange soda in my truck, and 3 ladies and 2 men in the back of my pick up, I headed back down the mountain - an hour + later I arrived at the hospital, dropped them all off, and made my way home. A very productive day indeed.

Madison will be at her friends house until Saturday, where her family will bring her back home. So - it's not the States, not camp, but not a bad alternative :-) She is having a blast (we've already heard from her), and is THRILLED to be spending a good quality week with her friend.