Kids Club

paper airplane distance contest

Maryori displaying her "wind sock"

celebrating Alexsander's 21st birthday

So I finally crawled out of my bed and made it to Kids Club today.  The topic was Catechism question #8 - What is God? A: He is a spirit and does not have a body like men.  I talked about the ways we could see God through His creation.  God as wind, messages through dreams, sending Angels, etc.  So on that note we made "wind socks" and our game today was making paper airplanes and having a distance contest.  I was greatly surprised at the few kids who knew how to make paper airplanes.  Typically my game lasts about 10-15 minutes, but it took almost 30 minutes so I could make sure that every kid had an airplane to fly.  I'm also celebrating every kids birthday.  Birthdays are not celebrated much here, for that matter, so many kids don't even know their birthday.  But by talking to their parents, or siblings, or other ways, I've managed to get all my kids birthdays except Oneyda.  Anyway - we celebrated Alexsander's 21's birthday (yes, it's a bit of a challenge to make Kids Club interesting to all my age groups - from 2 years old up!).  I make 50 cupcakes so everyone can celebrate, and give a gift to each child as well.  Most kids don't get birthday gifts.  It's such a joy to be able to do this for them!

Sick / ACT

I've been sick...as in strep throat.  Confined to my bedroom the last two days - don't want to get anyone else sick.  Throat is on fire, feeling cruddy.  Started myself on antibiotics yesterday, hopefully will be improving soon?!  Now it looks like I've got a nasty cold on TOP of my strep throat.  Ah the joys.  Anyway - that's why no posts recently - will give an update soon.

Madison is off taking the ACT at a local school.  It's legit - as in we signed up at the official ACT site and everything.  Kind of cool that she can take it here!  She's excited to take it, especially knowing in all our minds this is just a "practice" ACT, and that she will have two more opportunities to take it before college comes around.  She takes the SAT in two weeks.

Under The Mango Spring 2012

Our Christian ministry center in downtown La Ceiba, Honduras being constructed by our mission team and a group of Honduran workers. This facility will contain a high school, church, medical clinic, a theological seminary, a homeless child center and a two-story dorm.

Take a look at this 3 minute and 30 second video:


If you would like to make a tax-deductible online contribution to the Armenia Bonito ministry center click HERE. All contributions are currently being matched $1 for $1.

Armenia Bonito Property Spring 2012 Update

Here is an update of the two acre ministry center we are constructing in Armenia Bonito, located in La Ceiba, Honduras. This facility will contain a high school, church, medical clinic and a multi-use building.

Watch this 3 minute & 30 second video:


If you would like to make a tax-deductible online contribution to the Armenia Bonito ministry center click HERE. All contributions are currently being matched $1 for $1.

Ministry

It's been a long time since I've made a video.  Mike typically is the video maker in our family.  But I've been mulling over our ministry and was inspired to show the faces of those whom God has brought to us to ministry to, and in turn, to be ministered to by them.  Please enjoy this 3 minute video.

Clinic, crafts and clothes

The clinic is coming...the clinic is coming! Slowly but surely there will be a permanent clinic in Armenia Bonito!  As many of you know, I've been working out of a little cement building, with only an open window by my "station" for air/light.  John and the construction workers in Armenia have been working diligently to finish up this clinic.  It will have 4 exam rooms, a pharmacy, a supply room and a waiting room.  I can't even WAIT!  Along with this, many supplies, equipment, etc. will be needed.  SO...I've created a wish list.  On Amazon...it's kinda cool...you can see it here.   You will see lots of kids things (for the waiting room) and supply stuff (keep scrolling on the list) for use in the clinic.

my current clinic

The other thing I'm responsible for is Kids Club.  I have almost 50 kids each week that come and are learning the Children's Catechism.  With that in mind I use lots and lots and lots of craft supplies.  Anything from beads, to foam animals, to stickers, you name it.  A great source for that is Oriental Trading Company.  They have tons of stuff for an amazing price.

Moses and the 10 commandments

Finally, I have a monthly prenatal class.  I typically average 4 moms per class.  I teach them breathing techniques, healthy delivery ideas, even show them videos of moms having babies.  I let them know warning signs during pregnancy, and when to go to the hospital.  After the class is done, I give gift bags to each mom.  In this gift bag are all the things they are required to have before they are given their baby in the hospital.  They must bring in baby clothes, diapers, socks, a hat, a blanket, and they even must provide their own pads after delivery.  So many moms can't afford this.  I want to make sure each mom is equipped and not have to worry about this.  My home church, Soaring Oaks Presbyterian Church hosted a baby shower.  At this event the ladies of the church purchased TONS of things for these classes.  It was SUCH a huge blessing.  However...because my classes have been such a success, I'm already quickly running out of these items.  So...if that's something you feel led to give - let me know as well.  GoodWill is a great source for these items - gently used things are perfect and inexpensive!

Yoli is one of the moms who came to my class

If any of these things speak to you - that you would like to contribute to - let me know!  I can give you more details or help you out!  Coming down with a team?!  Bring it with you!  If you aren't coming with a team, but still want to help out - let me know, and I'll get a Stateside address to you for a team that is coming down, and they can bring it with them.

Can't WAIT to show some pictures of the clinic in action!  We shall see what the Summer brings!

10-Week English Class

January to March of 2012 we taught a 10-week English class in the super-poor community of Armenia Bonito in Honduras. Sixteen students completed the course by attending nine classes and passing all their tests. Those 16 students received a great reward after the class.

Watch this 2 minute, 10 second video: