Just before going to bed last night we were informed we could expect more “activity” through the night. We felt a tremor just after going to bed and did not feel the earthquake (rated a 4) this morning at 6 am. We’ve had enough of this earthquake stuff to last a life time!!
Marilyn
Well last night as soon as all of us girls put our heads on our pillows there was a tremor. Pastor Marilyn and Katie sat straight up and started praying and Dr. D popped his head in our room to make sure we felt it. After some teasing from Dr. D, I had to explain to Stacie why didn’t notice that it was a tremor. Sleeping on the floor on an air mattress, every time someone walks by my bed and or someone opens up the door the mattress shakes, so during the tremors it just felt to me like someone was walking across the room. However, the tremor made Pastor Marilyn, Stacie, and Katie feel uneasy and could not sleep. So they stayed up and made brownies. They eventually went to bed after watching tv in Spanish. We all woke up around 7am to get ready to go teach a salvation message to another school. We weren’t really sure if we were going to be able to go teach because of the earthquake and some schools were closed. We left the house around 8:15 and went to Escuela de Juan Manuel Galvez. There was only about 35 kids that were at the school about 30 of them raised their hands for salvation. It is amazing to be able to bring these children to the Lord but at the same time I am thankful I only have one more salvation message and then I am done and I can save my voice. After the school Claudia and Karen took us students to a bakery to have breakfast which was amazing. Then we went home and hung around the house and picked up the laundry that we had dropped off earlier. Then Claudia, Karen, their husbands, and a few others picked up us students to go swimming. We went to a natural pool it was so beautiful and you felt like you were in a jungle or hiking. It had about three different levels with small streams and waterfalls connecting them all together. We came home around 4:30pm and relaxed until 7:30pm. Now we just got finished eating a wonderful meal that Jessica and Claudia’s mom prepared for us and the other students are watching Hannah Montana. We are all so full.
Lindsay
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
AN EARTHQUAKE - A FALLEN TREE BLOCKS THE ROAD - WHAT ELSE?
AN EARTHQUAKE - A FALLEN TREE BLOCKS THE ROAD - WHAT ELSE?
Don’t know when this will get sent out. We have had quite an adventure. I felt a tremor when we were in Peru last time. But it was NOTHING like this. The house was literally shaking back and forth. The creaking was tremendous. We could hear stuff falling. As soon as it quit, I told the kids to get clothes on because if there were more tremors we needed to go out to the street. That is where they say the safest place is – at least in Peru. BUT, the wires that are all along each side of the street and crossing the street would certainly NOT make the street a safe place.
I started praying. Katie and Stacie were clinging to each other praying. Lindsay woke up after that and thought we were shaking her air mattress to wake her up but heard us all praying. Don’t know for sure how long it lasted – it can seem like an awfully long time. Our Interpreter said it lasted somewhere between 3-5 minutes. I have no idea – it was plenty long, I know that. There were some broken things that fell off shelves but there was a decanter above the stove about 6 ½ feet high. It fell off, the top was by the stove and the decanter was across the room standing upright. Some of the screens were jarred from their frames.
We went out on the porch and everyone was gathering in the street. We had heard a loud pop and the lights all went out. It wasn’t long before the lights around us came on but our block – both sides had no lights. No one called about us and I finally told the kids to call our driver, who is the brother in law of Alfredo and tell them we had no lights or water.
At that point, they came over. It is an odd feeling to be somewhere and no one checking on you. The water is all in a cistern so without electricity there is no way to pump it. We didn’t have a bucket, so he went back to his house to get one so we could have water in the house to flush the toilets and wash hand. Actually, I was the first one up this morning and I took a quick “bucket shower.”
They had already seen the news and said it was a 7.1 and they thought there was a tsunami on Roatan, which is a tourist Island off the coast, but we are figuring it was only the earthquake. As best we can tell, it was centered about 90 miles north of us. Our info is pretty limited as by the time we could get to the Internet place it was almost closing time so we didn’t have time to check the news.
I couldn’t go to sleep last night so had probably only been asleep 20 minutes or so when it happened. Our interpreter said he was still up as he was studying for exams and his dog kept pacing and crying before it happened. Apparently, on the news they were telling about parrots that were screeching and such. While we were sitting on the porch afterwards, we could hear the birds chirping and the roosters crowing.
We went back to bed between 2:30 and 3:00. Alfredo called at four from the States to check on us. Cody is “manning” the phone so he was awakened. Than the interpreter called before seven to say that all schools were cancelled so we didn’t have ministry today. By then, it was getting pretty warm in the house so the kids were getting up one by one so we could “sweat it out” together.
Alfredo had said this was a “safe” neighborhood. Yesterday while we were at the Mall to eat, a drug bust took place about a block and a half from here. Two people were killed and the story is they had a 100 shots in each body—I said it was a story, not sure what the truth is, except two men did die. It was all blocked off and there was a huge crowd gathered. We had to detour to get home.
We have been wanting to see Honduras. No one seems to know what to show us and have suggested places you pay to see like an animal preserve or a water park. Today our driver took us in the Mall to show us a picture of someplace he could take us. It was PERFECT. We followed a river up the mountain. It was so beautiful. Jungle like. We didn’t go clear to the top but stopped nearly at the top and hiked down to the river. It was 42 steps back up and some of them were a foot high or more – so it was a trek. I got my feet in the water but didn’t brave walking across it because my 63 year old feet are too tender. The kids walked across and waded in the water. Cody slipped and fell and our interpreter ended up wet as well. It was a delightful time and we saw some beautiful scenery. We may go back on Tuesday and go to the top. The driver’s wife is afraid of heights and didn’t really want to go any higher.
On the way back down, a huge tree had fallen across the road. Just minutes before we got there. David had some issues getting a picture he wanted and it slowed us down – thankfully, I do believe! We don’t know if the tree was weakened by the earthquake or what. But in about 25 minutes, with machetes the Hondurans had cleared a path wide enough for one vehicle. Dave got in on the action but our driver and interpreter stayed in the van. J
The past 24 hours have been quite an adventure.
I couldn’t be more proud of our LTI students. They have coped with everything and last night there was no screaming or panic. We know that was not the case in some of the Honduran homes. Also, today, when we thought we might have an extended period without electricity I heard no complaints.
Concerning ministry, Dave has preached 3 times and there has been about 20 people come forward for salvation as well as great response for prayer. Each time the student share in an orphanage or school they give a salvation appeal. Every time, there has been a response and one time they said about 200 kids raised their hands to receive Jesus.
The students were prepared for ministry for Youth and they have not had that opportunity – nor have they had any street evangelism – BUT they were prepared and had prepared well. We are thankful for the many other opportunities that they have had and that the trip has been fruitful.
We tried to get to an Internet. First, at ten this morning but they didn’t have electricity. Then we went to the Mall and they said something about the tower being down. Not sure what that was all about but we had wanted to let everyone know we were fine but it was beyond our control.
Pastor Marilyn
The kids are going to add their perspective - so read on.
Okay, so let me just say the day has started off VERY differently than expected. I was woken up by my bed shaking, Katie squeezing me and saying “Stacie!” The next thing I remember is all of us girl praying out loud, “In the name of Jesus” and me praying in tongues; it felt like it lasted forever. Then Lindsay little head pops up wondering what was going on. She had woken up in a little after the house started shaking. It was very scary but all of us responded the right way I believe. After the earthquake stopped, we all got dressed and headed outside on the porch just in case there was an after shock. We didn’t have power or water. After an hour past by we decided to head back to bed. Surprisingly, I fell asleep right away. When we all woke up and got ready for the day, the power and water had finally come back on. Praise the Lord! Ramone came to pick us up and take us to get some food and some much needed air conditioning. After our bellies were full, we went and saw the famous Laceiba tree and took some pictures. Then we had to stop at the gas station to fill up and use the el banos; we were headed to the mountains to see a different part of Honduras. The drive up the mountain was gorgeous and I could not get over the scenery and that this was part of Honduras! When we finally arrived at one of the bridges, we got out and took some beautiful pictures. We couldn’t get over the view. After the batteries on my camera and Katies as well, we headed back to the van. Ramone asked one of the locals if we could walk down to the river and take some pictures. The walk down there was VERY steep and it was a much needed workout. All of us had so much fun walking through the river and walking around barefoot. Pana, one of our interpreters was with us all day and was walking around in the river with us. I cannot wait for ya’ll to see the beautiful pictures; words cannot describe it. Oh and one of the best parts was being able to see a waterfall. After being in the river and playing around for some time, we headed back to the van all hot and sweaty. As we were driving down the mountain, we came to a hault. There was a huge tree blocking the entire dirt road. So the guys got out and started helping the people chop the tree up with their machetes. They were very fast and we finally got through. Let me just say that it turned out to be an interesting day.
Stacie
Well this morning I woke up around 1:25 or so to Katie and Pastor Marilyn chanting and the room shaking... Of course once I was fully awake I realized that they were praying “in the name of Jesus peace be still.” When I woke up my bed was shaking and I didn’t know we were in an earthquake and I thought I had slept too late and that they were trying to wake me up to leave. When it stopped we walked out to look around and found out that we didn’t have electricity or water which that always makes things entertaining. I walked out there for a few and then I went back to bed around 1:45am. I think I woke back up around 9 something and we found out that we still had no water and electricity and that we didn’t have to go teach at the school because all the schools were closed. Then we went to the mall and traveled around Honduras. I had to chase my flip flop down the river and I had a chance to get over my fear of heights (not fun). All in all it was a fun day.
Lindsay
So it has been along day! Starting at 1:20 this morning I woke up to a shaking house! There was a earthquake going on. Dr. D and I where boom woke and up flew out of bed and were standing in the middle of the room. It lasted for a few seconds. People were going crazy outside everyone was up dogs, chickens, dogs barking it was loud. I sat outside for a little bit finally went back to bed at 2:30 although didn’t go sleep haha. Phone rang at 4:00 A.m and it was Pastor Alfredo wondering if we where doing okay. So between the everyone outside being loud and the phone ringing I couldn’t go to sleep at all. Finally got to sleep a little bit and then the phone rang again and it was Pana our interpreter wondering what we were going to do today. The schools where closed everything so we couldn’t do what we had planed. We finally had a plan to go out and get some lunch and get try to internet. We left the house about 10:30 and we went to the mall and I had some Honduran food steak Kabobs is what it was it was very good. We hung out at the mall till about 1:00. After we left there we had to stop for gas fill up the van. Then we started heading to were Romon was taking us up the mountain and near the river. It was so Gorgeous he ask this guy if we can go on in land and he let us. Me and Pana walked down and into the river took off my shoes and went in it wasn’t deep at all. We were walking and there was this deeper part and I decided to step on this rock and it was slippery haha so guess what happen I fell in it was real funny I was laughing! Well after we left and started heading back what else could possibly happen? Well I’ll tell ya a tree fell on the side of the mountain and blocked the road! Praise it didn’t happen when we where going under it. And that Dr. D was taking a lot of pictures because it happen minutes before we got there. It was interesting! There was a lot of cars wanting to go through. There was guys cutting them down with machetes they were going real fast thinking we were going to sit there hours we didn’t Thank God! Today was a very long, fun and Interesting day. And we end it with a night at PIZZA HUT!
Cody
So.....we survived this crazy earthquake!! Stacie and I were awakened by the shaking of the house and the minute we felt the house shaking we both woke up and because it was so convenient that we are sleeping in the same bed we embraced each other and because we are so spiritual unlike the men, we started praying and stayed pretty calm until it stopped! I’ve never felt anything like it in my life!! Although it was very hot in the house, because of the power outage, we decided to go back to sleep! We woke up in the morning still with no air or water but and 10:00 we got power and water!!! whooooo Being that the schools were closed and we were supposed to go and minister we ended up having a free day! Our driver Ramon(pastor Alfredo’s brother in-law) took us to the mall and then he decided to drive us up this mountain that overlooked a beautiful river and waterfall!! What a drive...it was gorgeous! We took a ton of pictures and saw a bunch of pretty scenery! Thank goodness Dr. D’s camera holds like a gazillion pictures because me and Stacie’s camera’s both died:( We got to go down and walk in the river and walk through these huge rocks!! As we were on our way driving down the mountain we approached a pretty big opstacle(a tree that blocked the road) it was only a matter of about 20 minutes that we had to wait for the men and some others chop down this tree to make way for us to go through! What an adventurous day! It really was!! Now I’m sitting at Pizza Hut(which I think has made me sick a few times, but it’s ok,I like the salad bar) writing you all this blog and everyone is waiting on me because I’m a really slow typer....Peace out to all my lovely readers!!!
Katie
Don’t know when this will get sent out. We have had quite an adventure. I felt a tremor when we were in Peru last time. But it was NOTHING like this. The house was literally shaking back and forth. The creaking was tremendous. We could hear stuff falling. As soon as it quit, I told the kids to get clothes on because if there were more tremors we needed to go out to the street. That is where they say the safest place is – at least in Peru. BUT, the wires that are all along each side of the street and crossing the street would certainly NOT make the street a safe place.
I started praying. Katie and Stacie were clinging to each other praying. Lindsay woke up after that and thought we were shaking her air mattress to wake her up but heard us all praying. Don’t know for sure how long it lasted – it can seem like an awfully long time. Our Interpreter said it lasted somewhere between 3-5 minutes. I have no idea – it was plenty long, I know that. There were some broken things that fell off shelves but there was a decanter above the stove about 6 ½ feet high. It fell off, the top was by the stove and the decanter was across the room standing upright. Some of the screens were jarred from their frames.
We went out on the porch and everyone was gathering in the street. We had heard a loud pop and the lights all went out. It wasn’t long before the lights around us came on but our block – both sides had no lights. No one called about us and I finally told the kids to call our driver, who is the brother in law of Alfredo and tell them we had no lights or water.
At that point, they came over. It is an odd feeling to be somewhere and no one checking on you. The water is all in a cistern so without electricity there is no way to pump it. We didn’t have a bucket, so he went back to his house to get one so we could have water in the house to flush the toilets and wash hand. Actually, I was the first one up this morning and I took a quick “bucket shower.”
They had already seen the news and said it was a 7.1 and they thought there was a tsunami on Roatan, which is a tourist Island off the coast, but we are figuring it was only the earthquake. As best we can tell, it was centered about 90 miles north of us. Our info is pretty limited as by the time we could get to the Internet place it was almost closing time so we didn’t have time to check the news.
I couldn’t go to sleep last night so had probably only been asleep 20 minutes or so when it happened. Our interpreter said he was still up as he was studying for exams and his dog kept pacing and crying before it happened. Apparently, on the news they were telling about parrots that were screeching and such. While we were sitting on the porch afterwards, we could hear the birds chirping and the roosters crowing.
We went back to bed between 2:30 and 3:00. Alfredo called at four from the States to check on us. Cody is “manning” the phone so he was awakened. Than the interpreter called before seven to say that all schools were cancelled so we didn’t have ministry today. By then, it was getting pretty warm in the house so the kids were getting up one by one so we could “sweat it out” together.
Alfredo had said this was a “safe” neighborhood. Yesterday while we were at the Mall to eat, a drug bust took place about a block and a half from here. Two people were killed and the story is they had a 100 shots in each body—I said it was a story, not sure what the truth is, except two men did die. It was all blocked off and there was a huge crowd gathered. We had to detour to get home.
We have been wanting to see Honduras. No one seems to know what to show us and have suggested places you pay to see like an animal preserve or a water park. Today our driver took us in the Mall to show us a picture of someplace he could take us. It was PERFECT. We followed a river up the mountain. It was so beautiful. Jungle like. We didn’t go clear to the top but stopped nearly at the top and hiked down to the river. It was 42 steps back up and some of them were a foot high or more – so it was a trek. I got my feet in the water but didn’t brave walking across it because my 63 year old feet are too tender. The kids walked across and waded in the water. Cody slipped and fell and our interpreter ended up wet as well. It was a delightful time and we saw some beautiful scenery. We may go back on Tuesday and go to the top. The driver’s wife is afraid of heights and didn’t really want to go any higher.
On the way back down, a huge tree had fallen across the road. Just minutes before we got there. David had some issues getting a picture he wanted and it slowed us down – thankfully, I do believe! We don’t know if the tree was weakened by the earthquake or what. But in about 25 minutes, with machetes the Hondurans had cleared a path wide enough for one vehicle. Dave got in on the action but our driver and interpreter stayed in the van. J
The past 24 hours have been quite an adventure.
I couldn’t be more proud of our LTI students. They have coped with everything and last night there was no screaming or panic. We know that was not the case in some of the Honduran homes. Also, today, when we thought we might have an extended period without electricity I heard no complaints.
Concerning ministry, Dave has preached 3 times and there has been about 20 people come forward for salvation as well as great response for prayer. Each time the student share in an orphanage or school they give a salvation appeal. Every time, there has been a response and one time they said about 200 kids raised their hands to receive Jesus.
The students were prepared for ministry for Youth and they have not had that opportunity – nor have they had any street evangelism – BUT they were prepared and had prepared well. We are thankful for the many other opportunities that they have had and that the trip has been fruitful.
We tried to get to an Internet. First, at ten this morning but they didn’t have electricity. Then we went to the Mall and they said something about the tower being down. Not sure what that was all about but we had wanted to let everyone know we were fine but it was beyond our control.
Pastor Marilyn
The kids are going to add their perspective - so read on.
Okay, so let me just say the day has started off VERY differently than expected. I was woken up by my bed shaking, Katie squeezing me and saying “Stacie!” The next thing I remember is all of us girl praying out loud, “In the name of Jesus” and me praying in tongues; it felt like it lasted forever. Then Lindsay little head pops up wondering what was going on. She had woken up in a little after the house started shaking. It was very scary but all of us responded the right way I believe. After the earthquake stopped, we all got dressed and headed outside on the porch just in case there was an after shock. We didn’t have power or water. After an hour past by we decided to head back to bed. Surprisingly, I fell asleep right away. When we all woke up and got ready for the day, the power and water had finally come back on. Praise the Lord! Ramone came to pick us up and take us to get some food and some much needed air conditioning. After our bellies were full, we went and saw the famous Laceiba tree and took some pictures. Then we had to stop at the gas station to fill up and use the el banos; we were headed to the mountains to see a different part of Honduras. The drive up the mountain was gorgeous and I could not get over the scenery and that this was part of Honduras! When we finally arrived at one of the bridges, we got out and took some beautiful pictures. We couldn’t get over the view. After the batteries on my camera and Katies as well, we headed back to the van. Ramone asked one of the locals if we could walk down to the river and take some pictures. The walk down there was VERY steep and it was a much needed workout. All of us had so much fun walking through the river and walking around barefoot. Pana, one of our interpreters was with us all day and was walking around in the river with us. I cannot wait for ya’ll to see the beautiful pictures; words cannot describe it. Oh and one of the best parts was being able to see a waterfall. After being in the river and playing around for some time, we headed back to the van all hot and sweaty. As we were driving down the mountain, we came to a hault. There was a huge tree blocking the entire dirt road. So the guys got out and started helping the people chop the tree up with their machetes. They were very fast and we finally got through. Let me just say that it turned out to be an interesting day.
Stacie
Well this morning I woke up around 1:25 or so to Katie and Pastor Marilyn chanting and the room shaking... Of course once I was fully awake I realized that they were praying “in the name of Jesus peace be still.” When I woke up my bed was shaking and I didn’t know we were in an earthquake and I thought I had slept too late and that they were trying to wake me up to leave. When it stopped we walked out to look around and found out that we didn’t have electricity or water which that always makes things entertaining. I walked out there for a few and then I went back to bed around 1:45am. I think I woke back up around 9 something and we found out that we still had no water and electricity and that we didn’t have to go teach at the school because all the schools were closed. Then we went to the mall and traveled around Honduras. I had to chase my flip flop down the river and I had a chance to get over my fear of heights (not fun). All in all it was a fun day.
Lindsay
So it has been along day! Starting at 1:20 this morning I woke up to a shaking house! There was a earthquake going on. Dr. D and I where boom woke and up flew out of bed and were standing in the middle of the room. It lasted for a few seconds. People were going crazy outside everyone was up dogs, chickens, dogs barking it was loud. I sat outside for a little bit finally went back to bed at 2:30 although didn’t go sleep haha. Phone rang at 4:00 A.m and it was Pastor Alfredo wondering if we where doing okay. So between the everyone outside being loud and the phone ringing I couldn’t go to sleep at all. Finally got to sleep a little bit and then the phone rang again and it was Pana our interpreter wondering what we were going to do today. The schools where closed everything so we couldn’t do what we had planed. We finally had a plan to go out and get some lunch and get try to internet. We left the house about 10:30 and we went to the mall and I had some Honduran food steak Kabobs is what it was it was very good. We hung out at the mall till about 1:00. After we left there we had to stop for gas fill up the van. Then we started heading to were Romon was taking us up the mountain and near the river. It was so Gorgeous he ask this guy if we can go on in land and he let us. Me and Pana walked down and into the river took off my shoes and went in it wasn’t deep at all. We were walking and there was this deeper part and I decided to step on this rock and it was slippery haha so guess what happen I fell in it was real funny I was laughing! Well after we left and started heading back what else could possibly happen? Well I’ll tell ya a tree fell on the side of the mountain and blocked the road! Praise it didn’t happen when we where going under it. And that Dr. D was taking a lot of pictures because it happen minutes before we got there. It was interesting! There was a lot of cars wanting to go through. There was guys cutting them down with machetes they were going real fast thinking we were going to sit there hours we didn’t Thank God! Today was a very long, fun and Interesting day. And we end it with a night at PIZZA HUT!
Cody
So.....we survived this crazy earthquake!! Stacie and I were awakened by the shaking of the house and the minute we felt the house shaking we both woke up and because it was so convenient that we are sleeping in the same bed we embraced each other and because we are so spiritual unlike the men, we started praying and stayed pretty calm until it stopped! I’ve never felt anything like it in my life!! Although it was very hot in the house, because of the power outage, we decided to go back to sleep! We woke up in the morning still with no air or water but and 10:00 we got power and water!!! whooooo Being that the schools were closed and we were supposed to go and minister we ended up having a free day! Our driver Ramon(pastor Alfredo’s brother in-law) took us to the mall and then he decided to drive us up this mountain that overlooked a beautiful river and waterfall!! What a drive...it was gorgeous! We took a ton of pictures and saw a bunch of pretty scenery! Thank goodness Dr. D’s camera holds like a gazillion pictures because me and Stacie’s camera’s both died:( We got to go down and walk in the river and walk through these huge rocks!! As we were on our way driving down the mountain we approached a pretty big opstacle(a tree that blocked the road) it was only a matter of about 20 minutes that we had to wait for the men and some others chop down this tree to make way for us to go through! What an adventurous day! It really was!! Now I’m sitting at Pizza Hut(which I think has made me sick a few times, but it’s ok,I like the salad bar) writing you all this blog and everyone is waiting on me because I’m a really slow typer....Peace out to all my lovely readers!!!
Katie
EARTHQUAKE REPORT – ALL ARE OKAY!
7.1 Earthquake at 1:25 AM!
We want all of you to know that we survived the earthquake without any problems. We were without electricity and water until 10:15 AM this morning.
It was a strange way to wake and find yourself standing up and listening to all the sounds and see things moving. Vases fell from the book shelves and crashed to the floor. One fell and was standing upright all the way across the room from where it was.
And then the party began on the street.
We finally went back to bed about 2:30 and could hear the people in the streets. The surrounding blocks had their electricity back on in a few minutes but ours did not return until 10:15 AM.
So you all can rest easy and read the other statements that will appear on the blog later today or early tomorrow.
OOOOOOO – the ladies want you to know that they stood and prayed, but that Cody and I just stood and waited.
WE knew we would be okay and there was no problem.
Until the next blog..........
This is Dr D reporting.
We want all of you to know that we survived the earthquake without any problems. We were without electricity and water until 10:15 AM this morning.
It was a strange way to wake and find yourself standing up and listening to all the sounds and see things moving. Vases fell from the book shelves and crashed to the floor. One fell and was standing upright all the way across the room from where it was.
And then the party began on the street.
We finally went back to bed about 2:30 and could hear the people in the streets. The surrounding blocks had their electricity back on in a few minutes but ours did not return until 10:15 AM.
So you all can rest easy and read the other statements that will appear on the blog later today or early tomorrow.
OOOOOOO – the ladies want you to know that they stood and prayed, but that Cody and I just stood and waited.
WE knew we would be okay and there was no problem.
Until the next blog..........
This is Dr D reporting.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
LTI – IMPRESSIONS AND THOUGHTS
Katie: The trip has been great so far! We have had lots of opportunities to go to schools with over 200 kids. We had the opportunity yesterday to speak at an old peoples home...we gave our testimonies and an encouraging word, they greatly appreciated us coming and sharing with them. The food has been great as well. Pastor Alfredo’s sister cooked typical food for us last night...it was very good. We even got to go to this gorgeous hotel on the beach and walked around the lobby and take pictures! The trip has been very productive and filled with a lot of laughs and fun times!
Cody: Well it being my first time on a missions trip and being out of the Country and it has been a good experience so far. I have had the opportunity to speak at an old peoples home which was very interesting. We did our Dramas at the church and they seemed to really like it and I wasn’t nervous at all. The food has been really good! I have to say we have been really blessed with the food on this trip compared to others I have heard. Pastor Alfredo’s sister cooked typical food for us last night! It was really good. The trip has been lots of work and tiring but really good. The country in some places is really pretty all the mountains and everything. This trip has been a very productive trip and lots of fun and ministry. And I have enjoyed it so far.
Lindsay: This trip and the team are doing amazing. Compared to Peru, even though we really didn’t find out want they had planned fo us to do until we got here, I think this team is more prepared and organized. The people here are very encouraging and welcoming of what we have to share with them. And I am proud to be apart of such a fun and hard working group of students. This team is in my opinion much better than the group I went with last year. I look forward to everything else that is planned for us here in Honduras.
Stacie: Wow; it seems to be my word of the year. This trip has been amazing and I’m so glad that I got the opportunity to come to Honduras. The culture here is very different and I love having the opportunity to be adventurous and try new foods. We’ve been pretty busy the past couple of days and enjoying every waking moment. The kids are very responsive and I can tell we’re planting seeds. There’s always one kid out of the hundreds that comes up to me and melts my heart. It’s definitely different waking up and seeing mountains all around us. It’s been nice and sunny and we’ve been blessed with the air conditioning working in Pastor Alfredo’s house. Speaking of him, I know that I miss him being around with us; especially his laugh. I cannot wait to share all of my pictures with everyone. Now I’m getting a brain fart and cannot think of anything else to write for now. We’re getting ready to go find some food. Adios!
Cody: Well it being my first time on a missions trip and being out of the Country and it has been a good experience so far. I have had the opportunity to speak at an old peoples home which was very interesting. We did our Dramas at the church and they seemed to really like it and I wasn’t nervous at all. The food has been really good! I have to say we have been really blessed with the food on this trip compared to others I have heard. Pastor Alfredo’s sister cooked typical food for us last night! It was really good. The trip has been lots of work and tiring but really good. The country in some places is really pretty all the mountains and everything. This trip has been a very productive trip and lots of fun and ministry. And I have enjoyed it so far.
Lindsay: This trip and the team are doing amazing. Compared to Peru, even though we really didn’t find out want they had planned fo us to do until we got here, I think this team is more prepared and organized. The people here are very encouraging and welcoming of what we have to share with them. And I am proud to be apart of such a fun and hard working group of students. This team is in my opinion much better than the group I went with last year. I look forward to everything else that is planned for us here in Honduras.
Stacie: Wow; it seems to be my word of the year. This trip has been amazing and I’m so glad that I got the opportunity to come to Honduras. The culture here is very different and I love having the opportunity to be adventurous and try new foods. We’ve been pretty busy the past couple of days and enjoying every waking moment. The kids are very responsive and I can tell we’re planting seeds. There’s always one kid out of the hundreds that comes up to me and melts my heart. It’s definitely different waking up and seeing mountains all around us. It’s been nice and sunny and we’ve been blessed with the air conditioning working in Pastor Alfredo’s house. Speaking of him, I know that I miss him being around with us; especially his laugh. I cannot wait to share all of my pictures with everyone. Now I’m getting a brain fart and cannot think of anything else to write for now. We’re getting ready to go find some food. Adios!
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
ANOTHER HOT DAY HERE IN HONDURAS
The students have been on their own for every ministry occasion except when we were at The Door of Heaven. Everything is going great and their willingness to cooperate, has been excellent. They sure want to eat “typical food” and “seem” to be willing to try anything – well almost. Anyway food has not been a problem even with the pickiest of them – and that varies from day to day.
We finally got AC in the living-kitchen area. It keeps the “water-falls” from cascading down but you still get the “mist” that keeps you alert to the temperature. However, all things can be dealt with on the mission field. But you still miss the AC of your own home.
Because I am not going with the LTI students I have been able to work on the latest CLU course - The Development, Study and Scope of the Bible. It is a basic course that gives the students a sample of the major areas they will face if they have a major in Bible, such as: Authority, Writing and Transmission of the Bible, Canon of Scripture, Old Testament Intro, Between the Testaments, New Testament Intro, Geography of the Bible, Archaeology, Prophecy and Hermeneutics.
I have to complete this in English first and then begin the switch into Spanish. I hope to video tape this course while in Peru during the last part of June and into July. So the “unscheduled free time” has been a blessing.
Today the students enjoyed being in an “Old Folks’ Home” (not mine, cause I ain’t old). When I say “enjoyed” I am speaking truthfully and they were even given an invitation to return. This afternoon they are in a village of Caribbean descendants. And tonight we go to the home of our driver, Ramon and Marina for supper. She is fixing us a “real typical” meal. We are all looking forward to it.
So until you read more, we remain the same – happy and blessed.
Thanks for your prayers,
Dr D & Marilyn, Cody, Lindsay, Stacie, and Katie
We finally got AC in the living-kitchen area. It keeps the “water-falls” from cascading down but you still get the “mist” that keeps you alert to the temperature. However, all things can be dealt with on the mission field. But you still miss the AC of your own home.
Because I am not going with the LTI students I have been able to work on the latest CLU course - The Development, Study and Scope of the Bible. It is a basic course that gives the students a sample of the major areas they will face if they have a major in Bible, such as: Authority, Writing and Transmission of the Bible, Canon of Scripture, Old Testament Intro, Between the Testaments, New Testament Intro, Geography of the Bible, Archaeology, Prophecy and Hermeneutics.
I have to complete this in English first and then begin the switch into Spanish. I hope to video tape this course while in Peru during the last part of June and into July. So the “unscheduled free time” has been a blessing.
Today the students enjoyed being in an “Old Folks’ Home” (not mine, cause I ain’t old). When I say “enjoyed” I am speaking truthfully and they were even given an invitation to return. This afternoon they are in a village of Caribbean descendants. And tonight we go to the home of our driver, Ramon and Marina for supper. She is fixing us a “real typical” meal. We are all looking forward to it.
So until you read more, we remain the same – happy and blessed.
Thanks for your prayers,
Dr D & Marilyn, Cody, Lindsay, Stacie, and Katie
Monday, May 25, 2009
INSIGHTS AND INFORMATION by Marilyn:
This has been an interesting and eventful trip. The weather has not been what we expected. It is HOT and we expected that but the forecast projected rain everyday and we have not had rain. Thankfully, the van we ride in is air conditioned and our bedrooms have air – otherwise it could be miserable.
We are staying in Pastor Alfredo’s boyhood home. It was built about 70 years ago - the house is on the second floor and we are sharing one bathroom – like those of us who are older did when we were growing up but is a new concept to young people. It doesn’t pose any problems but the shower is another story. The water is heated as it comes through the spout and if you run the water too long it throws the breaker. Needless to say, that does present a challenge or two.
On our way to Church we pass fields of pineapples that belong to Dole. We have seen factories where American shirts are made.
There are mountains all around but we have only had a few glimpses of them because it is so hazy they are hidden. Hopefully before we leave we will get to see them in all their beauty.
We had planned to eat out once everyday. We have about exhausted the “good” restaurants. The kids are very adventurous and really want to eat typical food. There seems to be only one place that they really recommend and it is not air conditioned so we are going there tonight at seven. The young man is interpreting for the kids said his mom will cook for us and we are going to enlist her help so we can have real Honduran food.
We didn’t know what kind of ministry would actually be taking place but we have a full schedule for this week. Mostly schools and orphanages - the exception is an old folks home tomorrow morning. That is a first for LTI ministry! I would have loved for them to have ministry to Youth but it isn’t to be this time. The kids did a drama Saturday night and last night a drama to “The Healer” and Katie danced. It was very beautiful.
It has been delightful to be in the local Church here. The Pastor and his staff have a real passion that is visible. The people are more responsive than I have seen. They are passionate in worship (both men and women), during the delivery of the Word as well as when altar appeals are given. I have been refreshed in my spirit just being here. The marathon service that was held on Saturday night (from 6:00 until 2:00) everyone came and stayed except those of us from the States with the exception Pastor Alfredo and Cody. Besides having three sermons, it was interspersed with dramas and dance. The dance teams consisted of young (5 years old) to adults. They did everything with excellence.
The worship team uses taped music. This is a large Church, 2,000, but they had problems with band members and wouldn’t compromise anointing for a good sound. It doesn’t hinder anyone’s ability to be involved in worship and they have learned to have a good flow – it truly isn’t noticeable.
They have the Church divided into 6 groups. Every week, one day a week, one of the groups is fasting and praying. Each groups has ushers, drama teams, etc. So every group takes a week to serve. That means doing everything, cleaning and setting up the Church and all the ministry things. It is a well “oil machine.” Everyone, obviously knows their job and accomplishes it.
I had told the kids to expect different sights, sounds and smells. We always get all three. The noise around the house is constant. Dog barking from the house behind, roosters crowing, people walking on the sidewalks and traffic.
The kids have been great and adjusted to the inconveniences with NO complaining. That is a good thing!! AND, the old folks haven’t done bad either.
Thanks for all your prayers.
We are staying in Pastor Alfredo’s boyhood home. It was built about 70 years ago - the house is on the second floor and we are sharing one bathroom – like those of us who are older did when we were growing up but is a new concept to young people. It doesn’t pose any problems but the shower is another story. The water is heated as it comes through the spout and if you run the water too long it throws the breaker. Needless to say, that does present a challenge or two.
On our way to Church we pass fields of pineapples that belong to Dole. We have seen factories where American shirts are made.
There are mountains all around but we have only had a few glimpses of them because it is so hazy they are hidden. Hopefully before we leave we will get to see them in all their beauty.
We had planned to eat out once everyday. We have about exhausted the “good” restaurants. The kids are very adventurous and really want to eat typical food. There seems to be only one place that they really recommend and it is not air conditioned so we are going there tonight at seven. The young man is interpreting for the kids said his mom will cook for us and we are going to enlist her help so we can have real Honduran food.
We didn’t know what kind of ministry would actually be taking place but we have a full schedule for this week. Mostly schools and orphanages - the exception is an old folks home tomorrow morning. That is a first for LTI ministry! I would have loved for them to have ministry to Youth but it isn’t to be this time. The kids did a drama Saturday night and last night a drama to “The Healer” and Katie danced. It was very beautiful.
It has been delightful to be in the local Church here. The Pastor and his staff have a real passion that is visible. The people are more responsive than I have seen. They are passionate in worship (both men and women), during the delivery of the Word as well as when altar appeals are given. I have been refreshed in my spirit just being here. The marathon service that was held on Saturday night (from 6:00 until 2:00) everyone came and stayed except those of us from the States with the exception Pastor Alfredo and Cody. Besides having three sermons, it was interspersed with dramas and dance. The dance teams consisted of young (5 years old) to adults. They did everything with excellence.
The worship team uses taped music. This is a large Church, 2,000, but they had problems with band members and wouldn’t compromise anointing for a good sound. It doesn’t hinder anyone’s ability to be involved in worship and they have learned to have a good flow – it truly isn’t noticeable.
They have the Church divided into 6 groups. Every week, one day a week, one of the groups is fasting and praying. Each groups has ushers, drama teams, etc. So every group takes a week to serve. That means doing everything, cleaning and setting up the Church and all the ministry things. It is a well “oil machine.” Everyone, obviously knows their job and accomplishes it.
I had told the kids to expect different sights, sounds and smells. We always get all three. The noise around the house is constant. Dog barking from the house behind, roosters crowing, people walking on the sidewalks and traffic.
The kids have been great and adjusted to the inconveniences with NO complaining. That is a good thing!! AND, the old folks haven’t done bad either.
Thanks for all your prayers.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
SIX HOURS OF CHURCH AND WE LEFT EARLY!
Saturday was an easy day. The LTI Students were free to relax and visit the Fiesta in the center of the city, which is about a 10 minute walk from where we are living. It is the 3rd largest Carnival in the World. It is filled with all kinds of activities. Horses arrive from many Central and South American Countries. Motorcycles, Military Fly-Overs and all kinds of revelry. Don’t worry their trip yesterday was to see the parade.
The temperature is about 90 degrees here in the house and water cascades from your body like a water falls. The nights are not bad because the temperature does drop and then the AC in our bedrooms is able to give us a comfortable rest – if you can handle the sound of the AC. Monday they will buy an adapter so we can run the AC I the living room - kitchen area. That will be nice.
Our evening was filled with an alternative for the people of The Door of Heaven congregation pastored by Milton and Myra Valle. It all began at 6:00 PM and was scheduled to be finished at 2:00 AM. We made it until 12:00 and then were taken home.
There were three sermons scheduled - 20 minutes each. I was to lead with the first. Pastor Alfredo was to be second and then Pastor Valle was to wrap it up. But I was the only one who was on schedule. The altar service after I preached was almost twice as long as my message. My time was preceded by the LTI students and others with drama, dance, and testimonies.
Pastor Alfredo got up to preach and the anointing of the Lord descended and he led the people in a prayer challenge for about 40 minutes. The was preceded by more dramas, dance, worship, special singing. Another break at which time we took leave and left Pastor Alfredo there to preach in place of the pastor during the last 2 hour session. He and Cody arrived back to hit the sack about 3;00 AM.
The activities began about 9:00 as some of us arose from slumber to prepare for the day. We are going to mall to eat, visit the internet store and return to leave for the Church service at 4:30 PM.
Thanks for your prayers.
Dr D, Marilyn, Pastor Alfredo, Cody, Katie, Lindsay, and Stacie
The temperature is about 90 degrees here in the house and water cascades from your body like a water falls. The nights are not bad because the temperature does drop and then the AC in our bedrooms is able to give us a comfortable rest – if you can handle the sound of the AC. Monday they will buy an adapter so we can run the AC I the living room - kitchen area. That will be nice.
Our evening was filled with an alternative for the people of The Door of Heaven congregation pastored by Milton and Myra Valle. It all began at 6:00 PM and was scheduled to be finished at 2:00 AM. We made it until 12:00 and then were taken home.
There were three sermons scheduled - 20 minutes each. I was to lead with the first. Pastor Alfredo was to be second and then Pastor Valle was to wrap it up. But I was the only one who was on schedule. The altar service after I preached was almost twice as long as my message. My time was preceded by the LTI students and others with drama, dance, and testimonies.
Pastor Alfredo got up to preach and the anointing of the Lord descended and he led the people in a prayer challenge for about 40 minutes. The was preceded by more dramas, dance, worship, special singing. Another break at which time we took leave and left Pastor Alfredo there to preach in place of the pastor during the last 2 hour session. He and Cody arrived back to hit the sack about 3;00 AM.
The activities began about 9:00 as some of us arose from slumber to prepare for the day. We are going to mall to eat, visit the internet store and return to leave for the Church service at 4:30 PM.
Thanks for your prayers.
Dr D, Marilyn, Pastor Alfredo, Cody, Katie, Lindsay, and Stacie
Friday, May 22, 2009
From Stacie And The Gang
BLOG FROM STACIE AND THE GANG
We started the day off by waking up fairy early, 6:45am, getting everything ready for our trip to the elementary school of handicapped children. Lindsay did the teaching for the day on salvation and what it means to be washed by the blood of Jesus. The kids were very excited to have our company and we had around 20 kids accept Jesus into their hearts. As we were leaving, they all gave us flowers and started to play with us. Katie and I even got a wet kiss on the cheek from one of the little boys. As we left, we arrived back at home fairly early and caught up on our Journaling and Bible reading. Then we all started to get hungry so Pastor Alfredo recommended this beautiful place on the Caribbean. The ride there was beautiful and we finally got to see more greenery and mountains. We went by a few rivers and saw a lot of animals and people shack homes on the sides of the streets. As we arrived at the restaurant, we were the only ones there. As we got upstairs, the view was gorgeous and the breeze was phenomenal! We could see Roatan in the distance. There was also this little boy who was catching crabs on the beach. Cody, Pastor Alfredo and Dr. D ordered Pescado Rojo, which is an entire fried fish on a plate. I ordered Conch and it was amazing! The rest of them got grilled shrimp. We were all full and started to head downstairs. There were hammocks downstairs and we all rested a little bit. Then we got back into the van and headed to a typical market to buy souvenirs. There were a lot of different things to buy there and we wished we could get a lot of things. On our way home, we bought some watermelon on the side of the road; we were all excited to get it. When we all got home, we relaxed a little bit and the decided to play one of my favorite games, Apples to Apples. We played for nearly 3 straight hours and ate popcorn and made crazy home videos. We were all having a blast and after everyone getting fed up with me winning we decided to stop. We were getting really hot so we went across the street to meet up with Pastor Alfredo, who seemed to know everyone around this town. We talked with some of the locals who knew English and they tested our Espanol. After almost an hour over there, we decided to hit the hay and get some sleep.
ANOTHER BLOG FROM STACIE AND THE GANG
Today we got the privilidge of sleeping in and having pancake batter ready for us to make. Since Katie and I really like to put chocolate chips in our pancakes, she came up with a great idea. We had bought Oreo’s at the grocery store the other day, so she crushed them in a bag and added them to our pancakes. They were amazingly good and definitely satisfied our sweet tooth. After breakfast, we got ready for our day and I sat out on the porch and got ready for my lesson. While Lindsay and Katie helped me make my slime for the kids; it went with my lesson. As we finished up Pastor Alfredo’s sister Maria was here, waiting to head out the door. On our way, we picked up Bibi and her brother Pana along with another Bi-lingual girl names Jessica. They came with us to the orphanage to translate for us, while Pastor Alfredo went to the dentist. There were about 20 kids there and their ages ranged from 22 and under. We had so much fun with them and did our stomps, cup game, balloon memory verse and then the lesson. They enjoyed all the treats and prizes we had for them. We also played a little bit of kickball, volleyball and a water balloon game that went along with following directions. The kids were so friendly and we loved on them the entire time. The owner let us take pictures with the kids, as we were told earlier we were not allowed to; they let us. Cody was getting along quite well with this boy named Marvin, we decided to call him Converse, since he was wearing bright red ones. They ended up climbing a tree with a sour fruit called, Little Apples. We filled an entire bag to take home with us and before we left we gave all of the kids the stuffed animals. But right before we were ready to leave, Jessica, one of our translators, told us there were 2 kids inside the orphanage that were sick. We all went to go visit the two, one had chicken pocks and the other couldn’t walk properly. We found out that she was about my age, 22. She was so excited to see us and thanked us for coming to visit, but also seeing her. We said our goodbye’s to the children, and I had a hard time saying goodbye. We dropped off one of our translators and then went to find Dr. D, Miss Marilyn, and Pastor Alfredo. Our other translators came with, Bibi and Pana to our La Casa to get our laptops and go out for some dinner. Now as I type, we’re sitting at Pizza Hut getting wireless so we can update our Blogs to our friend and family. Thank you for all your prayers, and support. Thank you so much for all of the donations as well. They’ve definitely come in handy. Now I’m getting bugged by Bibi to stop typing and eat some pizza with her. So goodbye for now. Much Love
Stacie, Katie, Lindsay, Cody, Pastor Alfredo, Dr.D and Miss Marilyn
We started the day off by waking up fairy early, 6:45am, getting everything ready for our trip to the elementary school of handicapped children. Lindsay did the teaching for the day on salvation and what it means to be washed by the blood of Jesus. The kids were very excited to have our company and we had around 20 kids accept Jesus into their hearts. As we were leaving, they all gave us flowers and started to play with us. Katie and I even got a wet kiss on the cheek from one of the little boys. As we left, we arrived back at home fairly early and caught up on our Journaling and Bible reading. Then we all started to get hungry so Pastor Alfredo recommended this beautiful place on the Caribbean. The ride there was beautiful and we finally got to see more greenery and mountains. We went by a few rivers and saw a lot of animals and people shack homes on the sides of the streets. As we arrived at the restaurant, we were the only ones there. As we got upstairs, the view was gorgeous and the breeze was phenomenal! We could see Roatan in the distance. There was also this little boy who was catching crabs on the beach. Cody, Pastor Alfredo and Dr. D ordered Pescado Rojo, which is an entire fried fish on a plate. I ordered Conch and it was amazing! The rest of them got grilled shrimp. We were all full and started to head downstairs. There were hammocks downstairs and we all rested a little bit. Then we got back into the van and headed to a typical market to buy souvenirs. There were a lot of different things to buy there and we wished we could get a lot of things. On our way home, we bought some watermelon on the side of the road; we were all excited to get it. When we all got home, we relaxed a little bit and the decided to play one of my favorite games, Apples to Apples. We played for nearly 3 straight hours and ate popcorn and made crazy home videos. We were all having a blast and after everyone getting fed up with me winning we decided to stop. We were getting really hot so we went across the street to meet up with Pastor Alfredo, who seemed to know everyone around this town. We talked with some of the locals who knew English and they tested our Espanol. After almost an hour over there, we decided to hit the hay and get some sleep.
ANOTHER BLOG FROM STACIE AND THE GANG
Today we got the privilidge of sleeping in and having pancake batter ready for us to make. Since Katie and I really like to put chocolate chips in our pancakes, she came up with a great idea. We had bought Oreo’s at the grocery store the other day, so she crushed them in a bag and added them to our pancakes. They were amazingly good and definitely satisfied our sweet tooth. After breakfast, we got ready for our day and I sat out on the porch and got ready for my lesson. While Lindsay and Katie helped me make my slime for the kids; it went with my lesson. As we finished up Pastor Alfredo’s sister Maria was here, waiting to head out the door. On our way, we picked up Bibi and her brother Pana along with another Bi-lingual girl names Jessica. They came with us to the orphanage to translate for us, while Pastor Alfredo went to the dentist. There were about 20 kids there and their ages ranged from 22 and under. We had so much fun with them and did our stomps, cup game, balloon memory verse and then the lesson. They enjoyed all the treats and prizes we had for them. We also played a little bit of kickball, volleyball and a water balloon game that went along with following directions. The kids were so friendly and we loved on them the entire time. The owner let us take pictures with the kids, as we were told earlier we were not allowed to; they let us. Cody was getting along quite well with this boy named Marvin, we decided to call him Converse, since he was wearing bright red ones. They ended up climbing a tree with a sour fruit called, Little Apples. We filled an entire bag to take home with us and before we left we gave all of the kids the stuffed animals. But right before we were ready to leave, Jessica, one of our translators, told us there were 2 kids inside the orphanage that were sick. We all went to go visit the two, one had chicken pocks and the other couldn’t walk properly. We found out that she was about my age, 22. She was so excited to see us and thanked us for coming to visit, but also seeing her. We said our goodbye’s to the children, and I had a hard time saying goodbye. We dropped off one of our translators and then went to find Dr. D, Miss Marilyn, and Pastor Alfredo. Our other translators came with, Bibi and Pana to our La Casa to get our laptops and go out for some dinner. Now as I type, we’re sitting at Pizza Hut getting wireless so we can update our Blogs to our friend and family. Thank you for all your prayers, and support. Thank you so much for all of the donations as well. They’ve definitely come in handy. Now I’m getting bugged by Bibi to stop typing and eat some pizza with her. So goodbye for now. Much Love
Stacie, Katie, Lindsay, Cody, Pastor Alfredo, Dr.D and Miss Marilyn
Thursday, May 21, 2009
OUR FIRST DAY!
It all began with a short night – at least for some of us – well at least those in the “guys’ room.” But the “gals” were up relatively quick – 2 hours later.
It was time to get accumulated to our home by re-arranging the bags of supplies we brought with us. I did the best I could do by staying out of the way, writing the blog for our journey, and watching the display of energy that exuded from the LTI students.
Pastor Alfredo had already buzzed around the corner of the block and returned with some Honduran delicacies to hold of starvation for the guys. For me the seemed the same as the deep fried meat inside dough that we had the night previous, but this time with chicken. The gals and maybe Cody tackled the traditional North American delicacy of pancakes. And with those calories at work we began our day.
All things were ready and so we waited for the hosts from The Harvest Church to arrive and share with us the activities of the coming two weeks. Arrive they did, not on time according to my schedule but according to theirs and since this is their country and we are only guests, we had no problem and just took it easy. They shared with us the schedule through Monday and dropped the request from Pastor Milton Valle that I preach the evening service while the LTI team ministered to the children.
We then loaded our bodies into the work van – a panel van without any seats except for a driver and rider. So we quickly through in two 36 inch benches from the porch of a friend across the street and also utilizing the spare tire we headed to the mall with a short stop to meet our “banker.” He was waiting on us in his black auto and a quick exchange of dollars for Lempiras and we were on our way.
I like the feel of the “wad” of Lempiras I received. The exchange rate is 18.80 Lempiras for one US dollar. That made our lunch cost almost 1,800 Lempiras. When you are not accustomed to the rate of exchange and see a salad listed as 190 – you almost decide not to eat. However we quickly rectified our mental image and indulged in a meal from Appleby’s. Then it was a quick walk around the mall to the grocery store to stock upon some staples so we could survive by eating one meal a day at “home.”
I had a STRONG URGE to leave the group before eating and head back up stairs at the mall. I had seen a “POPEYE’S” and the juices were turning. But using my normal discipline and was able to thwart the urge and maintaining my normal cool composure remained with the team. I will tell you though, they sure were giving me the hassle – this time reminding me that Popeye’s was upstairs and I was not. (Anyway it went something like that.)
Six PM came to quickly for me. I had a battle with my printer and after wasting much of my sermon paper and creating frustration I laid my 50 year old body down for a quick siesta. (Well that’s the age that I have been assigned by several of our hosts, so I might as well accept it. There is no way I would tell them that is not the truth. Don’t worry I told them!)
I was informed that they have about 3,500 people in attendance. And the Church had been renting a large gym type building just a few blocks from our home here but were forced to leave because they owner wanted to do some renovations. So they had to expedite their work and plan schedule and last week moved to their new location. It is a building on their property about 15-20 minutes from the edge of La Ceiba. It is large! Probably the best way to describe it is to tell you that it is the size of 4 of our facility in Ft. Myers. At this time that is my best guess. They have been building it on a cash basis for some time. The only closed in wall is directly behind the platform – a section of about 40 feet.
The sound system is still hung from the ceiling on “straps and pulleys.” The platform was being bolted together right up until 5 minutes before the worship leader took the stage to lead us in a time of prayer and intercession. All the chairs are plastic.
I watched as 14 buses began to arrive and unload the congregation. That is how they get the people from the city to the service. Of course many drive but the majority have no transportation. Further descriptions will have to wait because only pictures will give you the complete scene.
By the time I was introduced and everyone departed from the platform I had less than 30 minutes to share the Word – through my interpreter, who was doing this for her first time (I found that out after the service.) But she did an excellent job and both of us would have had an easier time if they had been able to complete the sound system and get it balanced. However the service ended with 9 coming forward to receive Christ and a ministry time of 20-30 minutes with the 200 plus who gathered around the altar.
The report from the LTI students could be seen easily from their faces. They arrived to meet us in the auditorium with smiles and words of excitement about their time. Their interpreters were two youth. One was 12 and the other 18. A brother and sister who attend a bi-lingual school.
We completed the evening with a time of fellowship with Pastor Milton and Mayra Valle at one of the special restaurants – The Ponderosa. It is an open air restaurant under metal roofed cabanas. The food was great and we headed back home to collapse for the night.
Continue to check the blog and I’ll give my fingers some rest by assigning an LTI student to begin to share some of their experiences with you on the next edition.
God bless,
Dr D, Marilyn, Pastor Alfredo, Cody, Stacie, Katie, Lindsay
It was time to get accumulated to our home by re-arranging the bags of supplies we brought with us. I did the best I could do by staying out of the way, writing the blog for our journey, and watching the display of energy that exuded from the LTI students.
Pastor Alfredo had already buzzed around the corner of the block and returned with some Honduran delicacies to hold of starvation for the guys. For me the seemed the same as the deep fried meat inside dough that we had the night previous, but this time with chicken. The gals and maybe Cody tackled the traditional North American delicacy of pancakes. And with those calories at work we began our day.
All things were ready and so we waited for the hosts from The Harvest Church to arrive and share with us the activities of the coming two weeks. Arrive they did, not on time according to my schedule but according to theirs and since this is their country and we are only guests, we had no problem and just took it easy. They shared with us the schedule through Monday and dropped the request from Pastor Milton Valle that I preach the evening service while the LTI team ministered to the children.
We then loaded our bodies into the work van – a panel van without any seats except for a driver and rider. So we quickly through in two 36 inch benches from the porch of a friend across the street and also utilizing the spare tire we headed to the mall with a short stop to meet our “banker.” He was waiting on us in his black auto and a quick exchange of dollars for Lempiras and we were on our way.
I like the feel of the “wad” of Lempiras I received. The exchange rate is 18.80 Lempiras for one US dollar. That made our lunch cost almost 1,800 Lempiras. When you are not accustomed to the rate of exchange and see a salad listed as 190 – you almost decide not to eat. However we quickly rectified our mental image and indulged in a meal from Appleby’s. Then it was a quick walk around the mall to the grocery store to stock upon some staples so we could survive by eating one meal a day at “home.”
I had a STRONG URGE to leave the group before eating and head back up stairs at the mall. I had seen a “POPEYE’S” and the juices were turning. But using my normal discipline and was able to thwart the urge and maintaining my normal cool composure remained with the team. I will tell you though, they sure were giving me the hassle – this time reminding me that Popeye’s was upstairs and I was not. (Anyway it went something like that.)
Six PM came to quickly for me. I had a battle with my printer and after wasting much of my sermon paper and creating frustration I laid my 50 year old body down for a quick siesta. (Well that’s the age that I have been assigned by several of our hosts, so I might as well accept it. There is no way I would tell them that is not the truth. Don’t worry I told them!)
I was informed that they have about 3,500 people in attendance. And the Church had been renting a large gym type building just a few blocks from our home here but were forced to leave because they owner wanted to do some renovations. So they had to expedite their work and plan schedule and last week moved to their new location. It is a building on their property about 15-20 minutes from the edge of La Ceiba. It is large! Probably the best way to describe it is to tell you that it is the size of 4 of our facility in Ft. Myers. At this time that is my best guess. They have been building it on a cash basis for some time. The only closed in wall is directly behind the platform – a section of about 40 feet.
The sound system is still hung from the ceiling on “straps and pulleys.” The platform was being bolted together right up until 5 minutes before the worship leader took the stage to lead us in a time of prayer and intercession. All the chairs are plastic.
I watched as 14 buses began to arrive and unload the congregation. That is how they get the people from the city to the service. Of course many drive but the majority have no transportation. Further descriptions will have to wait because only pictures will give you the complete scene.
By the time I was introduced and everyone departed from the platform I had less than 30 minutes to share the Word – through my interpreter, who was doing this for her first time (I found that out after the service.) But she did an excellent job and both of us would have had an easier time if they had been able to complete the sound system and get it balanced. However the service ended with 9 coming forward to receive Christ and a ministry time of 20-30 minutes with the 200 plus who gathered around the altar.
The report from the LTI students could be seen easily from their faces. They arrived to meet us in the auditorium with smiles and words of excitement about their time. Their interpreters were two youth. One was 12 and the other 18. A brother and sister who attend a bi-lingual school.
We completed the evening with a time of fellowship with Pastor Milton and Mayra Valle at one of the special restaurants – The Ponderosa. It is an open air restaurant under metal roofed cabanas. The food was great and we headed back home to collapse for the night.
Continue to check the blog and I’ll give my fingers some rest by assigning an LTI student to begin to share some of their experiences with you on the next edition.
God bless,
Dr D, Marilyn, Pastor Alfredo, Cody, Stacie, Katie, Lindsay
NO PROBLEMS ONLY HASSLE FROM TEAM MEMBERS
We made it safe and sound! No problems at all! Well, forgive me for not being total honest! There was one problem! HASSLE! HASSLE! HASSLE! HASSLE! HASSLE! HASSLE!
Yup! That is what it was! And from the team! Led by MY WIFE! Can you believe that? It almost broke my heart!
It all started when we thought we were being taken to Miami with the van that belongs to Iglesia Vida. Because of the type of van, we (that is my Wife and I) decided that we should depart Life Church at 8:00 A.M. We agreed and the team was notified. But their van developed a problem on Sunday so we had to switch plans and take Pastor’s van with a trailer. But since we knew that we would be somewhat slower than two mini vans, there was no problem.
And there wasn’t! Until we reached the airport, unloaded, had our luggage – all fourteen pieces taken into the Taca counter and placed up in front. Then when they looked and saw no service team in place and only one man in line and self-determined that the line would not open for a long time the HASSLE, HASSLE, HASSLE, began in earnest! (Whoever he or she is.)
My wife, grabbed her umbrella, Katie her camera and using that umbrella as a microphone they started interviewing me – loudly – for everyone to hear – about the fact that we were EARLY! And questioned me as to why I had brought them to Miami to wait “an hour” to check in. Can you imagine!
But my wisdom prevailed! When we arrived there were not any cars lined at the curb so our vehicle with the trailer could pull up to it with ease. Because there were not any other unloading we got special attention and in less than 10 minutes we were standing waiting for the line to start. AND when the line did open we were up in front at a couple of minutes after 11:00 AM and in less than six minutes we were being served. Now I call that intelligent planning. Don’t you? And by 11:30 we were walking away with special attention having been given us by the sweet lady from Columbia. AND we were then free to go eat without any rush.
Excitement began when we arrived in San Pedro Sula a few minutes ahead of time. I reached up to get my carry-on luggage and saw that it was missing. In it’s place was a similar piece but smaller. I quickly spoke to the stewardess and having notified her I began to run up the loading ramp and out into the hall and saw my luggage being pulled by a lady who sat across the isle from me. We had spoken briefly, in English, as we were waiting to depart the plane. I ran to her and told her she had my luggage. With a red face she raced back to the airplane to retrieve hers. She had only a few minutes to board her departing plane which was going to the same destination we were. That was close!
Because there were so many of us and the connection she had was too short for us, and because I was not familiar with the procedures and distance we would have had to walk, I had chosen to wait for the later flight. So now we had a five hour and thirty minute layover.
The terminal was nice, small and VERY COLD! Pastor Alfredo McDonald from Iglesia Vida who accompanied us and is to stay one week here helping us called his father-in-law who lives in San Pedro Sula. He asked him if he would come and take us into town, “if” we could find a way to exit through immigration with ease. He made a couple of calls and in one hour we were being processed.
The process: First we had to fill out forms in front of people who were wearing masks – current health information. Then they had to find someone to handle our papers in immigration. Shortly with the help of Pastor Alfredo and two helpful officials, we were whisked through the process and found ourselves outside to wait five minutes for our transportation.
Knowing we had to be back and in the process of clearing security, we set the time of 7:45 PM to be back. A quick ten minute ride placed us on the property of a mega-church - La Cosecha “The Harvest”. Alfredo’s father-in-law is in charge of their media department – radio and TV stations. We were given a tour of their prayer chapel; the Church building with its 15,000 chairs neatly in place, a three level platform area, the main platform, the worship team above that, and an area for 100 intercessors on the third level – all visible. And they are still in the process of finishing the construction which will add 10,000 seats. They currently have four services on Sunday when all the other campuses join together. Several of those campuses have an attendance of 1,000.
The tour did not end there for we saw their school, their college, their bank, their store for selling fruit, their cafeteria, their facility for training ladies, their technical training center for men, their huge soccer field, their children’s church facility where over 3,000 children gather, their orphanage where children who are abandoned on the streets are housed, their “hotel” for ministering guests to their country — well words cannot tell you all that we saw inside and outside this mega-church.
We then sat down at a Honduran fast food restaurant to eat Beleades, a typical Honduran food. It is a large tortilla with, beans, meat, cheese and anything else you want to have added. Tasty? Yes! And after all that we returned to the airport and were one hour ahead of boarding time.
The rest of the story: Re-entry was no problem. We had even been given favor as they waived the airport tax. The flight to La Ceiba is only 25 minutes and we made it in 20 minutes. Another favor then manifested itself. We originally were to have passed through customs and immigration here in La Ceiba. But because we had gone through the process, all except our 14 pieces of luggage, we only had to sign our names and pass through.
Sky Caps gathered our belongings – all 14 pieces of luggage and all our carry-ons, ran them through the scanner and we marched out the door to two pick-up trucks where our luggage was placed and quickly we began the journey to our home for the next two weeks.
Pastor Alfredo, Cody and I were taken to get some water, necessary paper, and something to eat. Now where do you find those things at 11:00 PM? Sure you know! At the sidewalk café! We did and we did! We purchased “pastelitos”, and “tajadas de guineo with con carne” deep fried green Chiquita banana, sliced like french-fires, which were then covered with fresh sliced cabbage, with some bar-b-qued beef and coated with a sauce. Again the question: Tasty? VERY! VERY!
Well, we finally settled down and I turned off my light at 12:00 PM (that’s 2:00 AM Ft. Myers’ time).
So our journey of the first day ended with all asleep! ????????????????
Yup! That is what it was! And from the team! Led by MY WIFE! Can you believe that? It almost broke my heart!
It all started when we thought we were being taken to Miami with the van that belongs to Iglesia Vida. Because of the type of van, we (that is my Wife and I) decided that we should depart Life Church at 8:00 A.M. We agreed and the team was notified. But their van developed a problem on Sunday so we had to switch plans and take Pastor’s van with a trailer. But since we knew that we would be somewhat slower than two mini vans, there was no problem.
And there wasn’t! Until we reached the airport, unloaded, had our luggage – all fourteen pieces taken into the Taca counter and placed up in front. Then when they looked and saw no service team in place and only one man in line and self-determined that the line would not open for a long time the HASSLE, HASSLE, HASSLE, began in earnest! (Whoever he or she is.)
My wife, grabbed her umbrella, Katie her camera and using that umbrella as a microphone they started interviewing me – loudly – for everyone to hear – about the fact that we were EARLY! And questioned me as to why I had brought them to Miami to wait “an hour” to check in. Can you imagine!
But my wisdom prevailed! When we arrived there were not any cars lined at the curb so our vehicle with the trailer could pull up to it with ease. Because there were not any other unloading we got special attention and in less than 10 minutes we were standing waiting for the line to start. AND when the line did open we were up in front at a couple of minutes after 11:00 AM and in less than six minutes we were being served. Now I call that intelligent planning. Don’t you? And by 11:30 we were walking away with special attention having been given us by the sweet lady from Columbia. AND we were then free to go eat without any rush.
Excitement began when we arrived in San Pedro Sula a few minutes ahead of time. I reached up to get my carry-on luggage and saw that it was missing. In it’s place was a similar piece but smaller. I quickly spoke to the stewardess and having notified her I began to run up the loading ramp and out into the hall and saw my luggage being pulled by a lady who sat across the isle from me. We had spoken briefly, in English, as we were waiting to depart the plane. I ran to her and told her she had my luggage. With a red face she raced back to the airplane to retrieve hers. She had only a few minutes to board her departing plane which was going to the same destination we were. That was close!
Because there were so many of us and the connection she had was too short for us, and because I was not familiar with the procedures and distance we would have had to walk, I had chosen to wait for the later flight. So now we had a five hour and thirty minute layover.
The terminal was nice, small and VERY COLD! Pastor Alfredo McDonald from Iglesia Vida who accompanied us and is to stay one week here helping us called his father-in-law who lives in San Pedro Sula. He asked him if he would come and take us into town, “if” we could find a way to exit through immigration with ease. He made a couple of calls and in one hour we were being processed.
The process: First we had to fill out forms in front of people who were wearing masks – current health information. Then they had to find someone to handle our papers in immigration. Shortly with the help of Pastor Alfredo and two helpful officials, we were whisked through the process and found ourselves outside to wait five minutes for our transportation.
Knowing we had to be back and in the process of clearing security, we set the time of 7:45 PM to be back. A quick ten minute ride placed us on the property of a mega-church - La Cosecha “The Harvest”. Alfredo’s father-in-law is in charge of their media department – radio and TV stations. We were given a tour of their prayer chapel; the Church building with its 15,000 chairs neatly in place, a three level platform area, the main platform, the worship team above that, and an area for 100 intercessors on the third level – all visible. And they are still in the process of finishing the construction which will add 10,000 seats. They currently have four services on Sunday when all the other campuses join together. Several of those campuses have an attendance of 1,000.
The tour did not end there for we saw their school, their college, their bank, their store for selling fruit, their cafeteria, their facility for training ladies, their technical training center for men, their huge soccer field, their children’s church facility where over 3,000 children gather, their orphanage where children who are abandoned on the streets are housed, their “hotel” for ministering guests to their country — well words cannot tell you all that we saw inside and outside this mega-church.
We then sat down at a Honduran fast food restaurant to eat Beleades, a typical Honduran food. It is a large tortilla with, beans, meat, cheese and anything else you want to have added. Tasty? Yes! And after all that we returned to the airport and were one hour ahead of boarding time.
The rest of the story: Re-entry was no problem. We had even been given favor as they waived the airport tax. The flight to La Ceiba is only 25 minutes and we made it in 20 minutes. Another favor then manifested itself. We originally were to have passed through customs and immigration here in La Ceiba. But because we had gone through the process, all except our 14 pieces of luggage, we only had to sign our names and pass through.
Sky Caps gathered our belongings – all 14 pieces of luggage and all our carry-ons, ran them through the scanner and we marched out the door to two pick-up trucks where our luggage was placed and quickly we began the journey to our home for the next two weeks.
Pastor Alfredo, Cody and I were taken to get some water, necessary paper, and something to eat. Now where do you find those things at 11:00 PM? Sure you know! At the sidewalk café! We did and we did! We purchased “pastelitos”, and “tajadas de guineo with con carne” deep fried green Chiquita banana, sliced like french-fires, which were then covered with fresh sliced cabbage, with some bar-b-qued beef and coated with a sauce. Again the question: Tasty? VERY! VERY!
Well, we finally settled down and I turned off my light at 12:00 PM (that’s 2:00 AM Ft. Myers’ time).
So our journey of the first day ended with all asleep! ????????????????
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